Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Former State Senate Leader Malcolm Smith And Former Queens GOP Leader Vincent Tabone Sentenced In White Plains Federal Court RE - 2013 New York City Mayor’s Race



  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that former New York State Senate leader MALCOLM SMITH was sentenced today to seven years in prison for bribing New York City Republican Party leaders, including Queens County Republican Party Vice Chairman VINCENT TABONE, as part of a scheme to allow SMITH, a Democrat, to run as a Republican candidate for New York City Mayor in 2013 and for his role in obtaining New York State funding for a real estate project in Spring Valley, New York, in exchange for cash bribes paid on his behalf to the New York City Republican Party officials.  TABONE was sentenced to 42 months in prison for receiving bribes and witness tampering.  Both were convicted after a three-and-a-half week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas, who imposed today’s sentences.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Bribes and kickbacks should never play a role in the selection of candidates for public office.  By attempting to buy and sell a spot on New York City’s Mayoral ballot, Malcolm Smith and Vincent Tabone corrupted one of the most fundamental tenets of the democratic process, that candidates cannot bribe their way onto a ballot.  Today’s sentences make clear that the cost of violating the public trust in this way will be measured in years in a federal prison.”
According to the Complaint and the Indictment filed in federal court and the evidence presented at trial:
The Bribery and Extortion Schemes
SMITH was first elected to the New York State Senate in November 2000, and represented a district within Queens, New York.  He was chairman of the Independent Democratic Conference of the State Senate and, among other positions, has served as the State Senate’s minority leader, majority leader, and acting lieutenant governor.  From about November 2012, through April 2, 2013, SMITH agreed with former New York City councilman Daniel Halloran, who was convicted in a separate trial, and an undercover FBI agent posing as a wealthy real estate developer (the “UC”), and a cooperating witness (“CW”) to bribe New York City Republican Party county leaders, including TABONE, in exchange for their authorization for SMITH to appear as a Republican candidate for New York City Mayor in 2013, even though SMITH is a registered Democrat.
SMITH participated in two overlapping criminal schemes that involved the payment of bribes to obtain official action.  First, SMITH, a registered Democrat, authorized the payment of $110,000 in cash bribes to be paid to leaders of the New York City Republican Party, including TABONE, so that they would allow SMITH to run for mayor on the Republican Party’s ballot line.  Second, SMITH agreed to use his influence to help steer at least $500,000 in New York State transportation funding to a real estate project the UC and CW had proposed to develop in Spring Valley, New York, in exchange for the UC and CW paying bribes on SMITH’s behalf to the New York City Republican Party Chairs.
In furtherance of the scheme, SMITH authorized the UC and the CW to meet TABONE, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Queens County Republican Party, Joseph Savino, the Chairman of the Bronx County Republican Party, and other party leaders.  During a meeting with the UC, TABONE accepted a $25,000 cash bribe in a dimly lit SUV parked in front of a Manhattan restaurant and agreed to accept another $25,000 after his committee authorized SMITH to compete in the Republican primary. Savino similarly accepted a $15,000 cash bribe and agreed to accept another $15,000 after he voted to authorize SMITH to compete for the Republican ballot line.  In return for his efforts in negotiating the bribes, Daniel Halloran accepted $15,500 as a down payment on a “broker’s” fee of at least $75,000 and expected to be appointed First Deputy Mayor if Smith was elected mayor.
Witness Tampering
Shortly before the start of a previously scheduled trial, the Government sought permission from the Court to take the deposition of Philip Ragusa, the former Chairman of the Queens County Republican Party. Ragusa, who was gravely ill at the time, was expected to testify favorably to the Government.  Over TABONE’s objections, the Court ordered the deposition to take place.  TABONE unexpectedly appeared at Ragusa’s home an hour before the scheduled start of the deposition and attempted to pressure Ragusa not to testify against him.
*            *           *
SMITH, 58, of Queens, was also sentenced to two years of supervised release.  TABONE, 48, of Queens, was sentenced to one year supervised release and ordered to forfeit $25,000.  SMITH was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on September 21, 2015.  TABONE was ordered to surrender October 1, 2015.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Public Corruption Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas B. Bloom, Justin Anderson and Perry Carbone are in charge of the prosecution.


1135 Pelham Parkway North UPDATE


  SENATOR KLEIN PROTECTS BRONX TENANTS FROM SLUMLORD GOLDFARB PROPERTIES

DOB, City & State agencies heed Klein’s call to take action against Bronx landlord who deprived rent-stabilized tenants of gas for 29 days

Stop work orders issued on Goldfarb owned property for endangering the health and safety of Bronx tenants
After State Senator Jeff Klein called for an immediate investigation of Bronx slumlord Phillip Goldfarb for the flagrant harassment and unlawful eviction of tenants in The Bronx, representatives from the New York City Department of Buildings today issued two stop work orders on 1135 Pelham Parkway North. The New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and New York State Attorney General’s office also visited the property to meet with residents and inspect the building.

In total, two stop work orders were issued. The DOB issued the first stop work order for plumbing work being conducted throughout the entire building that left tenants without gas service for 29 days. The second was issued on an individual apartment where haphazard construction has been taking place for months.

Senator Klein said, “No tenant should be the target of illegal discrimination or systematic harassment by dishonest, scamming landlords while trying to make a home for themselves and their families. The stop work orders issued today by the DOB on this property send a message to slumlords across the five boroughs that they will be held accountable and that this kind of misconduct will not be tolerated. I commend the joint efforts of New York’s city and state agencies to protect the health and safety of Bronx tenants and I look forward to working together to to combat tenant harassment in New York now and into the future.”

With ongoing construction at 1135 Pelham Parkway North, tenants in the building have been forced to use hot plates to cook their meals. Goldfarb Properties has made no concessions or provided any accommodations to residents who have been without heat or gas during this period.

For more than a year, residents at Goldfarb Properties in The Bronx have been victims of persistent threats by management, dragged to court under false filings, received non-rent regulated lease renewals and had their rents both unfairly and substantially increased. Mr. Goldfarb has repeatedly endangered the health and welfare of tenants – cutting off all elevator access for elderly and disabled residents, removing security systems and forbidding tenants from using buildings’ parking garages.  

“We are very grateful to Senator Klein for the great strides he has made against these very terrible and troublesome landlords. Thank you to Attorney General Schneiderman, the DOB and HPD for their swift action and involvement in protecting tenants in The Bronx. Let today’s occurrences put all landlords on notice that tenants have rights and we will exercise those rights to keep from living in less than equal conditions, free from landlord harassment and from lack of building-wide services like gas, hot water, or easy access for our handicap-able tenants. We will not stand for this treatment,” said Andrew Goebel, Tenant Leader at 1135 Pelham Parkway North.

In 2009, Senator Klein passed landmark legislation that provided New York State with the toughest tenant protection laws in the nation. Penalties for landlords found in violation of DHCR rules and regulations increased from $250 to $1,000 for the first offense, and $1,000 to $2,000 for the second offense. Fines were also strengthened for landlords found guilty of any form of tenant harassment – regardless of whether their actions were intended to drive tenants from their homes – from $1,000 to $2,000 for the first offense, and $5,000 to $10,000 for subsequent offenses.


The Bronx Chamber of Commerce holds the largest Business Exposition in the Bronx



   The Bronx Chamber of Commerce held its largest Business Exposition at The Mall at Bay Plaza on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro called this Business Expo the largest in the BCC's history. Mr. Caro said that the BCC is bringing Bronx Business's to the people of the Bronx. Also on hand were several health providers who provided varies free health screenings to the attendees of the Business Expo. 
   On hand were State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson who applauded the work of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and welcomed everyone to her district in which Bay Plaza lies. Assemblyman Michael Blake was also on hand telling of the grueling experience of the past state legislative session, but that he is not afraid to work longer and harder if there is results. He also hailed the 2,000 jobs that were created in the area for Bronx residents. The rest of the story is in the photos of the BCC Business Expo below.






















Above - Left and Right are photos from above the BCC Business Expo in the Bay Plaza Mall.



Above- A view from the second floor of the Bay Plaza Mall of one section of the BCC Business Expo.
Below - On the Business Expo floor Milea Auto Sales on the left, and NECB on the right. Behind are more Bronx Businesses, and you can see where the BCC booth in the background. 






Above Left - Capital Bank was on hand at the BCC Business Expo. Capital Bank has several branches throughout the Bronx. 
Right -  The Bronx Driving School located on Castle Hill Avenue was also on hand to offer some safe driving tips. 



Above - Nursing students from Mercy College were doing health Screening in conjunction with Montefiore Hospital.
Below BCC President Lenny Caro poses with some of the many BCC business members.





Above - BCC President Lenny Caro is joined by most of the venders for the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the new mall at Bay Plaza.
Below - Bcc President Caro cuts the ribbon.




BCC Chairman Joe Kelleher is speaking, as State Senator Ruth  Hassel-Thompson is on the left, Bcc President Lenny caro in the middle, with Assemblyman Michael Blake next, and BCC Executive Director Michelle Dolgow-Cristofaro on the right.   







Rent Guidelines Board Freezes One Year Leases - Response by Elected Officials



BP DIAZ PRAISES RENT FREEZE

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is praising this evening’s vote of the Rent Guidelines Board, which voted to freeze rents for rent stabilized tenants with one-year leases and to approve a two percent increase for tenants with two-year leases.

“Tonight’s vote of the Rent Guidelines Board is historic, and will provide meaningful relief for over one million tenants in this City. For too long, the people have seen their rents, and their cost of living, continue to rise while their paychecks did not follow suit. This rent freeze is a tremendous step in the right direction for the people of this city,” said Borough President Diaz.

Borough President Diaz added that his office was willing to help landlords keep their own costs down as well, and invited interested property owners to reach out to his office for information on the “The Bronx Clean Energy and Housing Initiative.”

The program, which is being spearheaded by Borough President Diaz, endeavors to partner government funding with private dollars to provide green retrofits to older residential buildings in The Bronx.

“Tonight’s vote is only a piece in the puzzle of affordable. Through programs like ‘The Bronx Clean Energy and Housing Initiative,’ we can green our existing housing stock, keep energy costs low for property owners while simultaneously keeping rents affordable for tenants,” said Borough President Diaz. “My office is ready to work with Bronx property owners on the critical issue of affordability, and I encourage all interested parties to reach out to my office to discuss this innovative program.”

Borough President Diaz’s testimony earlier this month before the Rent Guidelines Board can be found at http://on.nyc.gov/1LEHuGO.


Council Member Andrew Cohen applauds the decision made last night by the Rent Guidelines Board, which voted to freeze the rent for tenants living in rent stabilized apartments with one-year leases and approved a two percent increase for tenants with two-year leases.

“The decision made last night by the Rent Guidelines Board was a historic moment and will help millions of New Yorkers to continue to live in their homes. Tenants living throughout the City have worried for too long that the cost of living would exceed their budget. This rent freeze has provided a sense of relief to these residents and will prove to be the right step forward for people living in the City on fixed incomes,” said Council Member Cohen.

State Senator Adriano Espaillat -   "While I believe a rent role back is appropriate, the Rent Guidelines Board's historic decision to freeze rents will help keep New York affordable for over two million tenants," said State Senator Adriano Espaillat , the Ranking Member of the Senate's Housing Committee. Making sure working and middle class New Yorkers have a home in this city is paramount to its future. Tenants are being asked to pay an ever increasing percentage of their income towards rent, while landlords have increased their profits due to relatively flat operating costs."


Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee, -   "Today is a win for the tenants of New York. As Chair of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee, I am thrilled that the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) has for the first time in its history voted to freeze rent for 1.2 million rent stabilized tenants. Tonight's vote sends a clear message that the City of New York is determined to provide relief for its residents, unlike Governor Cuomo and Albany who recently enacted detrimental rent laws that could eliminate approximately 90,000 affordable housing units due to deregulation over the next four years-- units that do not just provide an affordable price point for tenants, but offer protections against arbitrary evictions as well. Separately, due to Albany's inability to close unresolved loopholes with preferential rent, approximately 27% of tenants could see their rent go up by thousands of dollars, regardless of tonight's RGB decision and without advance notice. 

"Even though Governor Cuomo completely and thoroughly let New York City tenants down, we've found solace tonight from one of the most unlikely of places: the RGB. Throughout the RGB's history, the Board has always asked what the annual increase should be, not whether an increase was needed at all. This year was different, so for that I thank them. As we move forward, I will continue to work with advocates and elected officials to solve our affordable housing crisis so that New York City can become a place for all to thrive."

Assemblyman Victor Pichardo - “For the first time in its 46-year history, the Rent Guidelines Board voted in favor of a rent freeze for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments with one-year leases. This historic move will help provide meaningful relief to the more than 1.2 million tenants whose leases expire this year. Combined with the extension and enhancement of rent regulations that I helped fight for, this freeze is another step in strengthening tenants’ rights and helping renters stay in their homes while keeping more of their hard-earned money

“I believe that every New Yorker deserves to have the economic security to take care of themselves and their family. Unfortunately, too many of my Bronx neighbors struggle to make ends meet because their incomes have not kept pace with rising housing costs, and that’s unacceptable. As a steadfast tenant advocate, I will continue fighting to not only make housing more affordable, but to raise the minimum wage so that families have the opportunity to better their lives and no longer have to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table.”

SENATOR KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN SEPÚLVEDA, COUNCIL MEMBER PALMA & BRONX RESIDENTS RALLY AGAINST PROPOSED ‘HOT SHEET MOTEL’



  Klein, Sepúlveda, Palma & Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association call on NYC Department of Buildings to issue stop work order on planned Bronx motel in violation of state & federal law

Klein pushes for passage of legislation requiring community review before construction of any new hotel/motel in The Bronx
                                  
NEW YORK, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Council Member Annabel Palma, the Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association (CNBA), and nearly 50 community leaders and residents, today rallied in front of the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) to call on the oversight agency to issue a stop work order on a proposed 62-room ‘hot sheet motel’ at 2338 Bruckner Blvd in The Bronx. The renewed call comes on the heels of the DOB’s recent approval of plans for the proposed project without the submission of any new designs or renderings by the developer.

For more than a year, Senator Klein and the Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association have been working to address the construction of this motel in an area where there are no local businesses or restaurants that call for overnight accommodations, thus serving as a potential breeding ground for illicit or criminal activity.

“Seedy motels offering day rates in an area with no need for local accommodations has the potential to draw illegal activity that could hurt an otherwise strong community. The DOB has green-lit a project without proper review of the violations it presents, and continues to ignore the voice of the Castle Hill community. I stand together with local residents when I say that this type of establishment has no place in our neighborhood. Moving forward, any planned hotel or motel in The Bronx should to be subject to community review as a matter of law,” said Senator Klein.

"I stand with the residents of Castle Hill and my colleagues in government to support developments that are safe, well-planned and respect the rights and concerns of the residents they may affect. The motel currently under construction on Bruckner Boulevard does none of that.  Motels in these areas attract the wrong kinds of people who will have a detrimental impact on the Castle Hill community and the borough of The Bronx. I support the efforts of the CNBA and hope that we can further work with DOB to come to a resolution on this matter,” said Assemblyman Sepúlveda.

“It has been over a year of organizing and lobbying against the development of the ‘Days Inn Motel’ on the Bruckner, and my colleagues Senator Klein, Assemblyman Sepúlveda, and I still have serious concerns about the hotel coming to our community. Building a hotel in a questionable location without the appropriate infrastructure and population density to accommodate it, will only attract undesirable and illegal activity. Today, we stand together to demand that the Department of Buildings properly respond to the issues raised by the residents of Castle Hill. With no equivocations, our communities and residents deserve better,” said Council Member Palma.

In 2014, the DOB first issued a stop work order on the construction of the “Days Inn Motel” after plans submitted by the developer were called into question and found to be in violation of the zoning resolution, code and Multiple Dwelling Law.

In January 2015, the stop work order was lifted by the DOB without any substantial evidence that the project had come into compliance and met the applicable requirements. The lack of oversight and blatant negligence exhibited by the DOB in recent months is counterintuitive to the agency's role in ensuring compliant, responsible development in New York City.

“It is incredible that the DOB Commissioner fails to heed the united voice of our community, or even that of our elected officials including State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Council Member Annabel Palma as well as William Rivera, the District Manager of CB9,” stated Fernando Penate, Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association Board Chair.
“The CNBA is protesting Commissioner Chandler’s lack of respect for the Castle Hill community, if not The Bronx. Commissioner Chandler has ignored our many requests for a response to our objections and concerns, which have been submitted to him many times.  He needs to stop his disrespect and reply to us ASAP as we are the voting constituents of his boss, the Mayor,” stated Nancy Rodriguez, Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association board member.

At the rally, Senator Klein also called for the passage of legislation he authored and introduced earlier this year that mandates a community review process before a motel or hotel can be constructed in The Bronx. The legislation would require that project sponsors notify the New York City Planning Commission and the local community board of any proposed hotel/motel in Bronx County, and mandate that no more than 45 to 90 days after the notice is filed, the Planning Commission hold a public forum to garner feedback from the community. After due consideration of local residents’ concerns, the New York City Planning Commission would then issue a determination approving or denying authorization of the project.

With construction on the motel well underway, Senator Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Council Member Palma and the Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association are calling for an immediate stop work order to be issued by the DOB until a full audit of the “Days Inn Motel” is completed.



Wave Hill opens its 2015 to 2016 Concert Season September 20



   Wave Hill Announces its 2015‒2016 Concert Season 

Ten Sunday Performances in Historic Armor Hall, September 2015‒April 2016 

Wave Hill kicks off its 2015‒2016 concert season in late September with the first of ten extraordinary performances in Armor Hall. This season’s adventurous mix of musical styles and performers is selected by Wave Hill Performing Arts Curator Amy Roberts Frawley, and offers a spicy mix of traditional and innovative sounds—from string quartets and a brass quintet to a baroque ensemble and a swingtime big band. Originally built to house the remarkable collection of arms and armor of former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean, Armor Hall’s soaring windows afford views of the stunning garden landscape, while the gracious intimacy of the space offers superb acoustics. Come early to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens or lunch in The Café before the concert begins at 2PM.

September 20: Tanya Bannister, Intimate Piano Concertos 

“...a revelation to hear Chopin’s lines rendered with such filigree clarity...”

The New York Times

This concert is a rare opportunity for Wave Hill audiences to enjoy chamber ensemble arrangements of piano concertos by Chopin and Mozart. Lauded by The Washington Post for playing “with intelligence, poetry and proportion,” pianist Tanya Bannister is joined by a complement of gifted string players. As a bonus, the pianist offers Chopin’s gorgeous Ballade No. 4. 

October 25: Bohemian Trio 

“This chamber-like trio specializes in music of traditional Latin American origin, though its methods are cosmopolitan.”

The New York Times

The adventurous, romantic and inspiring artists of the Bohemian Trio (saxophone & chekeré, cello, piano), return to Armor Hall with their signature fiery assortment of traditional and new jazz works, infused with Afro-Cuban rhythms and flair. Back by popular demand.

November 22: Canal Street String Band 

“This is timeless music. These guys sound like they are having a great time.”

The Buffalo News

Don’t miss this! Be part of Harvest Weekend festivities and join the Canal Street String Band for rollicking fun, three-part harmonies and fancy string work that capture the American spirit as explored in folk music and blues—on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bones, spoons, dobro and more. Concerts at 1:30 & 3PM in the Mark Twain Room.

December 6: Swingtime Big Band 

“Musicians who make the sounds of the pre-rock era rock.”

The New York Times

Welcome the holidays with the 20-piece Swingtime Big Band under the direction of Steven Shaiman. Enjoy the unmistakable sound that defined our nation’s popular music from the 1930s to the ‘50s, that unique combination of -2- reeds, brass and rhythm section, in selections from the American Song Book, Sinatra favorites—in honor of his 100th birthday—and seasonal tunes.

January 10: Hermès String Quartet

“...world-class quartet playing...will likely take their place among the top quartets of our time.”

The Washington Post

Founded in 2008 at the Lyon Conservatory, the Hermès String Quartet is a luminous young Paris-based ensemble and winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. The Quartet offers an all-French program of quartets by Ravel and Fauré to showcase its “intense and colorful playing” (The New York Times).

January 31: Michael Brown, piano

“...one of the leading figures in the renaissance of performer-composers...”

The New York Times

The honors bestowed upon this brilliant young artist keep mounting—the latest is a 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant. Join Michael Brown in Armor Hall for another distinctive program of classics paired with his own works, introduced by his insightful commentaries. 

February 21: Rebel Baroque Ensemble

“Rebel enchanted a rapt audience...with virtuoso élan on their instruments...”

The Times Union

Rebel presents an elegant and energized program of works for harpsichord and strings by Bach, Vivaldi and Telemann. Described as “sophisticated and beguiling” by The New York Times, the ensemble originated in the Netherlands and now tours nationally and internationally from its home base in New York. It is well known for its longtime residencies at Trinity Church and with National Public Radio.

March 6: Sweet Plantain

“...not your mother’s string quartet...” wickershamsconscience.com

Sweet Plantain is four immensely talented, classically trained musicians who fuse their skill, diverse backgrounds and eclectic musical interests to bridge the gap between genres and generations. Their sound is unique, the styles spanning classical, Cuban, Venezuelan joropo, hip-hop and rap. The ensemble has toured throughout the US, Europe, Russia and the Caribbean, with local appearances at Carnegie Hall and Birdland.

March 20: Daria Rabotkina, piano

“...talent, poise, technical power and stage presence...”Winnipeg Free Press

Daria Rabotkina’s ascending career has already led to solo appearances with the San Francisco and New World Symphonies with Michael Tilson Thomas, and a North American tour with the Kirov Orchestra and Maestro Valery Gergiev. She is “a pianist full of fire and warmth” (The Plain-Dealer), attributes that will be on display at Wave Hill when she offers works of Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff. The artist is a winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition.

April 3: Boston Brass Quintet

“...powerful style and grace...lightning flashes of brilliance...”

All About Jazz

The stellar Boston Brass Quintet offers a virtuosic showcase for brass with works by Bach, de Falla, Bernstein and Ellington. Performing together for more than a quarter century, the group has been featured on “The Early Show” on CBS and National Public Radio’s “Performance Today,” and performed in 49 states and 30 countries world-wide.

RECAP--

September 20, 2015 Tanya Bannister, piano concertos

October 25, 2015 Bohemian Trio (saxophone & chekeré, cello, piano)

November 22, 2015 Canal Street String Band

December 6, 2015 Swingtime Big Band

January 10, 2016 Hermès String Quartet

January 31, 2016 Michael Brown, piano

February 21, 2016 Rebel Baroque Ensemble

March 6, 2016 Sweet Plantain

March 20, 2016 Daria Rabotkina, piano

April 3, 2016 Boston Brass Quintet

Performances start at 2PM, and last approximately one hour. 

Programs subject to change. 


WHERE: Armor Hall, Wave Hill House

West 249th Street and Independence Avenue

Bronx, NY 10471

TICKETS: SINGLE TICKETS: 

 $28 general admission, $15 child (ages 8‒18)

Wave Hill Member: $22 adult, $12 child

CREATE YOUR OWN SERIES!

Pick any 4 performances and receive a 15% discount.

ON-SALE DATES: 

 Member pre-sale: Wednesday, August 12

 General public: Wednesday, August 26

Purchase tickets online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. A $2 surcharge will be added to registrations made by telephone. Ticket prices include admission to the grounds. 

The Performing Arts at Wave Hill are supported by the Cathy and Stephen Weinroth Commissioning Fund for the Arts. The buildings and grounds of Wave Hill are owned by the City of New York. Wave Hill’s operations are supported with public funds through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Grant Program administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State
Legislature.



SENATOR KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ & COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN HOST SCRIE/DRIE & EPIC TOWN HALL




Senator Jeff Klein, joined by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Council Member Andrew Cohen, held a Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) and Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) town hall at Riverdale Neighborhood House on Monday.

“Helping to make life more affordable for Bronx seniors and individuals with disabilities ensures that all New Yorkers are able to lead long, healthy, happy lives. That’s why I led the fight in Albany to raise the income cap to $50,000 for SCRIE/DRIE, and up to $100,000 for the EPIC program. With these important increases, nearly 50,000 additional New Yorkers are eligible to receive discounts and can get the coverage they need. I’m proud to host this SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC town hall and I look forward to many more productive, informative sessions coming up next month where we can spread the word to Bronxites about these vital programs,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

At the town hall, seniors and individuals with disabilities were able to check their eligibility and sign up for the SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC programs. Both the New York City Department of Health and the New York City Department of Finance were on-hand to answer questions, provide information and enroll participants in the programs on-the-spot.

“My office has helped countless people fill out SCRIE forms over the years to help them receive a rent freeze. Despite that, there are still many people who are eligible for SCRIE/DRIE but who have not applied. Last year we raised the maximum allowable income available for the SCRIE/DRIE program causing many additional people to qualify. Given skyrocketing rents, I strongly urge any senior who thinks that they are eligible for a rent freeze to contact my office and we will help you apply,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

“As of November 2014, the Department of Finance (DOF) reported approximately 94,000 eligible seniors and persons with disabilities were not yet enrolled to receive New York City rent freeze programs. These programs are a lifeline for our most vulnerable population. I want to ensure that those who are eligible understand the enrollment process and are getting the help they need. I will continue to coordinate with my colleagues in government and the DOF to host these workshops to make sure anyone who has questions about the process is able to receive an immediate answer,” said Council Member Cohen.  

In 2014, Senator Klein raised the SCRIE/DRIE income cap to $50,000 to help seniors make ends meet. That same year, Senator Klein expanded eligibility for older adults under EPIC by raising the income threshold to $75,000 for individuals, and $100,000 for married couples. Together, these programs offer substantial discounts that can help keep life affordable for seniors living out their golden years in The Bronx.

For more information on upcoming SCRIE/DRIE and EPIC town halls in your neighborhood, please contact Senator Klein’s office at 1-800-718-2039.


Experts on Scrie/Drie and EPIC were on hand to answer any questions, and help fill out the forms for Scrie/Drie or Epic.