Senator Jeff Klein calls on AMTRAK and NYC DOT to replace hazardous fence outside Bronx school that’s been damaged since Hurricane Sandy

Fence outside The Bronx Charter School for the Arts has been endangering the safety of students for four-and-a-half years

Senator Jeff Klein on Tuesday stood outside the Bronx Charter School of the Arts with Principal Brenda Daniels, faculty members, parents and students to call on AMTRAK and the city’s DOT to finally take action and replace a rusty, jagged fence next to the Longfellow Avenue school that’s jeopardized the safety of students since it was damaged during Hurricane Sandy.

“In this day and age, and in this city, it is unacceptable for such a simple repair to be put off for this length of time,” said Senator Klein. “While these two agencies pass the buck over who owns what, our children are being subjected to this unnecessary safety hazard. Today I urge the city’s DOT and AMTRAK to come to an agreement and take action.”

“We are grateful for the fact that Senator Klein is making the safety of children a priority. We look forward to a quick resolution, as the safety of our students is paramount,” said Principal Brenda Daniels.

Senator Klein in February 2017 organized a meeting at the site between his office and representatives from AMTRAK and the city DOT to determine who owns the downed fence, and therefore who’s responsible to replace it. At the meeting, AMTRAK officials claimed the fence, and the wall it’s attached to, was transferred to the city in the 1950s. However the city has no record of that alleged property transfer. Neither agency has taken ownership of the fence since it was damaged.

The fence is attached to a concrete wall that separates the dead end block where the school is located from the adjacent AMTRAK train tracks. Nearly half of the metal fence is toppled over into the street. The wall even has artwork devoted to the Bronx Charter School of the Arts.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON THE UNITED STATES SENATE HEALTH CARE VOTE

“We have come to the moment of truth. Republicans are voting to take health care from millions of Americans. The only thing that can stop them is millions of Americans standing up and raising their voices. Let Congress know they cannot send us back to a time when families were forced to choose between going to the doctor and feeding their kids – not today, not tomorrow, not ever.”

-Engel On President Trump Banning Transgender Service Members in the Military

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel released the following statement:

“Today the President has taken steps to weaken the strongest military force in the world by banning transgender individuals from any form of military service. This decision is disgraceful, discriminatory, and severely insulting to all current and future transgender service members who want nothing more than to serve the country they love. The language the President used in announcing his decision, stating our military ‘cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail’ is brazenly ignorant of how the military operates and the contributions transgender service members are already making. The United States of America faces grave threats from evil forces every day. We need every person who is willing and capable to help face those threats.

“Every day we struggle to make our society better, but this decision by the President to exclude certain patriots from service does the exact opposite. Discrimination doesn't make America great. This decision cannot stand and we must do everything within our power to fight it.”

REP. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT ON PLAN TO FIX NEW YORK’S SUBWAY AND TRANSIT SYSTEM

  Today, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement and written testimony as part of today’s MTA hearing to address New York’s subway and transit crisis.

“The subway system is the lifeblood of our city’s economy, providing transportation for millions of New Yorkers who are wholly reliant on subways for their daily commutes to work and ability to traverse the city we all know and love. I commend MTA Chairman Joe Lhota in his efforts leading the MTA as it is much-needed as we work to improve a subway system that is in crisis,” said Rep. Espaillat. “With track derailments and fires, poor elevator service, and frequent delays negatively affecting the lives of my constituents, I look forward to working with MTA Chairman Lhota to ensure straphangers in Harlem, East Harlem, upper Manhattan, the Northwest Bronx, and throughout the City of New York have a subway system they can rely upon and be proud of today and in the future.”

This past Saturday, Rep. Espaillat hosted a community forum to hear from transportation experts and commuters on how to improve a subway system that is not working for working-class New Yorkers. In a letter prior to today’s MTA hearing, Rep. Espaillat presented MTA Chairman Lhota recommendations on how to best resolve the subway crisis and shared constituents’ responses in a letter on how the subway crisis directly impacts commuters.

Major Property Tax Relief on the Way for Senior & Disabled Homeowners thanks to the IDC

Cuomo signs into law SCHE/DHE program expansion set to help thousands more live affordably in New York

Members of the Independent Democratic Conference celebrated Governor Cuomo’s signing of Senator Diane Savino’s legislation to expand the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE).

This year, the IDC fought to increase the income eligibility for the SCHE and DHE programs which provide major property tax exemptions to residents living on fixed incomes. Seniors could potentially save upwards of $1,000 a year through the exemption.

Senator Savino’s legislation, which received support from Mayor Bill de Blasio, raises the income cap for SCHE/DHE to $50,000 for a full 50% property tax exemption and to $58,400 for a partial exemption, which will provide much-needed relief to New York City homeowners. The eligibility levels have not been raised since 2006. The current income limit for a full 50% reduction is just $29,000.

Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh carried the legislation through the Assembly.

“Our seniors and disabled New Yorkers, who live on fixed incomes, deserve to reside in their communities without the fear of losing their homes. Many of our senior citizens choose to age in place in the neighborhoods where they’ve raised their families, worked and enjoyed throughout their lives. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important legislation into law. I look forward to helping my constituents sign up for this savings,” said Senator Savino.

“Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years without worrying that they can no longer afford their homes, the places where they raised their children and hold cherished memories. It is important that for seniors and disabled homeowners living on tight budgets we create an affordable New York by bringing real property tax relief by raising the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE to 2017 levels. I’m proud that the IDC has been the driving force behind this policy and I thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing the importance of this initiative,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“Giving property tax breaks to more seniors and people with disabilities who own their homes is an important step forward in our continuing efforts to ensure that our communities are affordable. This law will help thousands of New Yorkers to remain in their homes and their neighborhoods,” said Assemblymember Kavanagh. “I thank Senator Savino, Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Heastie, Governor Cuomo, our colleagues in government in both parties, and all the advocates, seniors, and people with disabilities who supported this critical legislation.”

The law will take effect soon after the New York City Council passes legislation to enable the raised income levels, which is supported by Mayor de Blasio and was included in his Executive Budget.

At that point, a 120-day window will open up for people to apply for the program for this year.  Those with applications already on file that were rejected this year will be re-processed for eligibility.  If a qualifying resident already paid taxes, the city’s Department of Finance would issue a credit.

On average a homeowner who qualifies for the program under the expanded income threshold could save up to $1,750 a year.

This proposal would also increase the cap for partial exemptions to $58,400, with property tax exemptions provided to qualified senior and disabled homeowners on a sliding scale.

SCHE/DHE at $50,000 (Proposed)
Income Range	Abatement
$57,500 - $58,400	5%
$56,600 - $57,499	10.0%
$55,700 - $56,599	15.0%
$54,800 - $55,699	20.0%
$53,900 - $54,799	25.0%
$53,000 - $53,899	30.0%
$52,000 - $52,999	35.0%
$50,100 - $51,999	40.0%
$50,001 - $50,999	45.0%
$0 - $50,000	50.0%

Members of the IDC said the new law would create affordability for residents living on fixed incomes.

“With living costs always going up, unfortunately more and more New Yorkers are having a difficult time keeping their homes, especially Senior Citizens and New Yorkers with disabilities. They fought hard to buy and keep their homes, so I am glad the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE will soon increase, which will help some of our most vulnerable homeowners. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for signing this vital and important piece of legislation into law,” said Senator Jose Peralta.

“Keeping up with the ever rising cost of living in the city can be difficult enough for the average New Yorker. This is especially difficult for the senior and disabled homeowners of our boroughs. Expanding the SCHE/DHE program will go a long way in helping New Yorkers on a fixed income continue to live close to their families in the city that they helped build. I applaud my IDC colleagues for never quitting when it comes to fighting for the most vulnerable of New Yorkers,” said Senator Tony Avella.

“HDFC co-ops are a crucial part of the 31st Senate District's affordable housing stock, and the expansion of this program to help seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities stay in their homes is a welcome step towards preserving affordability in the area. Seniors and people with disabilities often have limited mobility and depend on community support, so making it easier for them to stay in those communities will increase their quality of life as well as improving the life of the community at large,” said Senator Marisol Alcántara.

“Property taxes represent an affordability challenge particularly important to New York City seniors and those living with disabilities. This law takes a step forward in meeting that challenge. Recognizing the unique circumstances these households face and accommodating their needs means keeping our communities whole. I am proud to be a part of meaningful action to make our communities more affordable and to work in partnership to keep more money in the pockets of these New Yorkers. Thanks to Senator Savino, Senator Klein, Governor Cuomo, and all my colleagues in government for their leadership on this issue. Now on the ground, in our communities, we need to ensure seniors and those living with disabilities take full advantage of this exemption,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

The IDC’s push to increase eligibility received praise from numerous advocacy groups.

MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS-TO-LIFE FOR EAST HARLEM SHOOTING THAT STRUCK MTA BUS AT RUSH HOUR

  Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the sentencing of DERRICK WHITE, 35, to 18 years-to-life in state prison for firing multiple gunshots on an East Harlem street corner, injuring a 31-year-old victim and striking the side of an MTA bus. On June 8, 2016, a New York Supreme Court jury found the defendant guilty of two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and one count each of Assault in the Second Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree.

“As prosecutors sworn to protect the most densely populated streets in America, we continue to hold gun offenders fully accountable,” said District Attorney Vance. “Derrick White endangered the lives of countless New Yorkers as he opened fire in the direction of a city bus at the height of rush hour. It is a miracle that nobody died or sustained serious injuries. On city streets and sidewalks, gunfire does not discriminate between intended targets and random bystanders. Thanks to my Office’s prosecutors, this defendant will serve a lengthy prison sentence for these remarkably reckless acts of gun violence.”

As proven at trial, at approximately 5:10 p.m. on April 20, 2015, WHITE was standing on the east side of Madison Avenue between East 103rd and East 104th Streets when he fired at least three gun shots at the victim — one of which struck the victim’s foot. Two other bullets hit an MTA bus traveling northbound on Madison Avenue, striking a panel on the bus’s exterior and a window on the passenger side. The bullets did not strike the passengers or driver of the bus. The defendant immediately fled to a residential building on East 104th Street.

NYPD responded to a 911 call and identified WHITE, a violent predicate felon, as a suspect after reviewing video surveillance footage. The defendant was apprehended two days later on April 22, 2015.

Assistant District Attorneys Michele Bayer, Deputy Chief of Trial Bureau 60, and Justin Tatham handled the prosecution of the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Charles Whitt, Chief of Trial Bureau 60, and Executive Assistant District Attorneys David O’Keefe, Deputy Chief of the Trial Division, and John Irwin, Chief of the Trial Division. Assistant District Attorneys William Mahoney, Counsel to the Conviction Integrity Unit, and Yuval Simchi-Levi also assisted with the prosecution of the case.

District Attorney Vance also thanked Investigator John D’Alessio of the Manhattan DA Squad and the following members of the NYPD for their assistance with the investigation: Detective Leonardo Moscoso of the 20th Precinct Detective Squad; Detectives Facelis Turner and William Dunn of the 23rd Precinct Detective Squad; and Officers Matthew Vantress and Jonathan Perez of the 23rd Precinct.

Defendant Information:

DERRICK WHITE, D.O.B. 04/18/1982

Bronx, NY

Convicted:

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C felony, 2 counts

• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony 1 count

• Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a class D felony, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 18 years-to-life in prison

DAVID BARIL SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ASSAULTING POLICE OFFICER AND STRANGERS WITH HAMMER

Defendant Attacked Three Victims Over Three Days Before Assaulting Police Officer

  Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced the sentencing of DAVID BARIL, 32, to 22 years in state prison for using a hammer to attack an NYPD officer and three other victims during a three-day series of assaults. On May 22, 2017, the defendant pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to Attempted Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer and Assault in the Second Degree.

 

“For two full days in 2015, New Yorkers were gripped with fear as a hammer-wielding man was on the loose in Manhattan,” said District Attorney Vance. “David Baril randomly attacked three strangers in three separate, public locations in the span of a few hours on a single day. Two days later, the heroic actions of two police officers brought his spree to an end, but not before the defendant turned his hammer on one of the officers. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to thank those officers for their bravery, as well as the prosecutors in my office for bringing this defendant to justice.”  

 

As admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, at approximately 1:45 p.m. on May 11, 2015, BARIL approached a group of people on the street near West 35th Street and 6th Avenue and struck a 20-year-old man in the back of the head with a hammer. The defendant immediately headed south on 6th Avenue, and several hours later, used the same hammer to attack another person in Union Square Park, hitting a 28-year-old woman on the side of the head. No more than five minutes later, he attacked a third victim on West 17th Street, approaching a 33-year-old woman from behind and using the hammer to strike the back of her head. BARIL was identified as a suspect using surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and other means. 

 

Two days later, at approximately 10:00 a.m. on May 13, 2015, Police Officers Lauren O’Rourke and Geraldo Casaigne recognized BARIL on the corner of West 37th Street and 8th Avenue, and approached him. The defendant then removed a hammer from his pocket and repeatedly struck Officer O’Rourke’s head and body before Officer Casaigne drew his gun, fired multiple shots at BARIL, and struck him four times—including once in the back. The defendant dropped the hammer, which was later recovered at the scene.

 

Assistant District Attorneys Courtney Groves, Lisa Franchini, and David Drucker handled the prosecution of the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Lisa DelPizzo, Chief of Trial Bureau 30, Assistant District Attorney Warren Murray, Chief of Trial Bureau 50, Assistant District Attorney Eugene Porcaro, Senior Supervising Attorney of the Trial Division, and Executive Assistant District Attorney John Irwin, Chief of the Trial Division.

 

 

Defendant Information:

 

DAVID BARIL, D.O.B. 7/27/1984

Bronx, NY

 

Convicted:

• Attempted Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer, a class C felony, 1 count
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, 3 counts

 

Sentenced:

• 22 years in state prison
• 5 years’ post-release supervision