Speaker Christine C. Quinn
Reports to Community Board 4
December 5, 2012
Dear Friends:
The following is a brief summary of my office's recent activities. For more information, please contact Michaela Miller in my District Office by e-mailing mmiller@council.nyc.gov or by calling (212) 564-7757, extension 10 4 .
I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday and a great New Years!
In this Issue:
Advocacy for Homebound and Medically Frail Individuals Affected by Hurricane Sandy
Rent Abatement for Residents at Elliott-Chelsea and Fulton Houses
City Council Proposes Detailed Reforms to Improve City's Voting System and the Board of Elections
Continuing Relief Efforts in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
Help for Businesses Displaced by Hurricane Sandy
Council Votes to Fund Emergency Repairs at Storm Damaged Public Schools and Hospitals
Preservation of the Historic Hopper-Gibbons House
Bowery Residents Committee Update
Council Cracks Down on Deceptive Pedicab Practices
Improving Access for Visually Impaired Taxi Riders
Financial Disclosure Bill
Tax Fixing Resolutions
City Council Clinic Protection Project
Tree Survey
Volunteer in Hudson River Park
Carols and Cocoa at the High Line's Annual Holiday Concert
Advocacy for Homebound and Medically Frail Individuals Affected by Hurricane Sandy
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy there are some New Yorkers who may continue to be isolated and lacking proper care because problems in their buildings have made it difficult to leave. The City has made important efforts to reach out to those individuals. In particular, for several weeks, the City has been organizing teams of volunteers from several non-profit organizations to knock on doors and assist people with obtaining necessary supplies. City agencies have also been working with contracted providers to monitor the needs of impaired adults and high-risk clients, and that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in particular has been coordinating with HHS, FEMA, and the National Guard to canvass apartments in high-rise buildings in certain areas. It's our understanding as well that the National Guard is now doing outreach to all locations without heat and hot water and that various community groups have independently coordinated volunteers to provide similar assistance.
Despite these efforts, it remains unclear whether all homebound and medically frail individuals in areas impacted by Sandy have been contact ed by the City through door-to-door outreach, including those identified as homebound by the Human Resources Administration, the Department for the Aging, the New York City Housing Authority, and other city agencies.
This is why yesterday; I along with some of my colleagues sent a letter (attached) to Deputy Mayor Gibbs requesting weekly updates detailing the following:
- The percentage and number of residents living in Sandy-impacted housing units who have received door-to-door outreach providing food, water, and blankets;
- The percentage and number of residents who have received in-person health assessments by city agencies, as well as the percentage and number assessed by providers in contract with the City;
- The number of individuals who have been identified as homebound and/or medically frail through in-person assessments; and
- Information regarding the type of services provided to homebound and/or medically frail individuals, including whether there is an ongoing need for services, the agency responsible for delivering such aid, and whether the relevant city agencies are amending contracts to provide compensation for any additional services rendered beyond the scope of the providers' existing contractual obligations.
We must continue to ensure that we are connecting with any of our most vulnerable residents who may still be in need of assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Rent Abatement for Residents at Elliott-Chelsea and Fulton Houses
It has been a month since Hurricane Sandy made landfall and yet the recovery process for New Yorkers is continuing. For that reason, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some important information regarding the Hurricane Sandy Rent Abatement program being offered by NYCHA for residents that reside in both the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses. Since your buildings were severely impacted by the storm and were without essential services like electricity, elevators, heat or hot water, you are entitled to a rent abatement.
Services were restored at different times throughout the City, and as a result NYCHA was not able to calculate all rent abatements in time for the December billing cycle. Consequently, a credit for rent will appear on your January 2013 statement. NYCHA will prorate the rent abatement based on the number of days your building was without essential services.
Even if you relocated to a City organized emergency shelter or temporarily relocated elsewhere you are still eligible for the rent abatement. You are not required to submit any documentation to prove you were in a storm-impacted building.
For more information on the Hurricane Sand y Rent Abatement program please visit : http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/html/residents/faqs-for-rent-abatement.shtml .
As always, if you have any questions please contact Michaela Miller in my District Office at (212) 564-7757, extension 104 or by email at MMiller@council.nyc.gov .
Blueprint for New York City's Planning and Preparation in the Era of Climate Change
On November 13, I presented a series of proposals for better preparing New York City for the consequences of global climate change, including large-scale storms and flooding. My proposals ranged in scope from immediate to longer-term. I announced plans to strengthen New York City's buildings, energy and sewer systems, mass transit and gasoline distribution. These proposals, presented in a speech delivered before the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) included a plan to harden the city's defenses against global warming and storm surges.
We stand in a unique moment that carries with it a unique opportunity. The future of our planet, the world our grandchildren inherit, depends on what we do in the months and years ahead. At this moment the need for action cannot be ignored – the cost of this enterprise cannot be dismissed as too great.
In my speech, I detailed several proposals, including:
- An agreement with the Bloomberg Administration to accelerate the completion of two studies to analyze risks facing NYC and best protections. Both studies will be completed by April 2013
- An announcement that Senator Charles Schumer will lead the effort to obtain an Army Corps of Engineers study that will conclusively analyze whether or not to build storm surge barriers or other protective structures to guard against flooding
- Better preparing Con Edison and other utilities to handle future storms and emergencies, including burying power lines in vulnerable neighborhoods
- Major changes to our region's gasoline distribution network
- Accelerating investment in NYC's sewer system and related infrastructure
- Seeking safeguards against flooding of the city's transportation system
- Convening Emergency Meetings of NYC's Building Resiliency Task Force to evaluate potential building code changes
I also announced that we secured an agreement between AT&T and T-Mobile to provide access on their networks to customers of both companies in emergencies. This means that even when networks go down, customers can place calls just like they normally would, and their calls will be carried by whichever network is most operational in their area. This agreement will help ensure that New Yorkers in distress can get emergency help or reach loved ones.
I also announced that at the Council's request, the City has agreed to accelerate two studies that will assess the city's flood risks and determine the best ways to protect communities from future flooding. Additionally, I announced that Senator Schumer will lead the effort in Congress to initiate the process for obtaining an Army Corps of Engineers study to determine what structures the city can and should build to guard against flooding.
I demanded that Con Edison and all local utility companies take a series of actions to prevent outages such as those experienced following Hurricane Sandy. Specifically, I called for new protocols for when utilities cut power to vulnerable substations and for all utility companies to take immediate steps to protect at risk infrastructure, including erecting structures around flood prone power plants and substations to protect them from storm surges.
I also proposed that the City require utility wires in vulnerable neighborhoods to be buried underground and better protected. However, the cost of this project should not be passed on to customers. New Yorkers cannot be asked to pay more just to receive consistent and uninterrupted service.
In addition to protecting the city's landscape and infrastructure against future natural disasters, I spoke about problems that must be addressed in services provided following an emergency. Long after Hurricane Sandy hit, accessing gasoline continued to be a major problem. The storm caused major systemic breakdowns at almost every phase of the gasoline supply chain.
In response, I released a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy calling for a formal investigation of breakdowns in the gasoline distribution system. Additionally, I called for critical systems at refineries and storage facilities to be storm-proofed. I called on multi-national oil companies to secure backup generators and deploy them to gas stations in an emergency.
I also called for an analysis of the City's building code in to consider stricter requirements for flood-proofing.
All of these proposals combined could cost more than $20 billion. Citing precedent, including Hurricane Katrina and the rebuilding and storm proofing of New Orleans, I called on the federal government to cover the bulk of these costs.
There is no task too great for the people of the City of New York. They are ready to act. We in government must be ready to lead.
City Council Proposes Detailed Reforms to Improve City's Voting S ystem and the Board of Elections
At a hearing held on December 5 by the Council's Committee on Governmental Operations, my colleagues and I examined serious problems that occurred with recent voting and examined numerous Board of Elections failures. The State Board of Elections, the Campaign Finance Board's Voter Advisory Assistance Commission and numerous state elected officials, good government groups and advocates participated in today's hearing.
In order to make necessary improvements to the existing voting system, both short and long term changes must be implemented. It is critical that the New York City Board of Elections take responsibility for systemic problems and fix them immediately. Poorly trained poll workers and chaotic polling place procedures have been recurring issues, election after election. Implementing the reforms we are announcing today is a step towards bringing about the change voters expect and deserve.
In order to increase convenience for voters and decrease waiting times on Election Day, I proposed that early voting be allowed at polling locations prior to Election Day. I also called for allowing expanded, easier access to absentee ballots where voters would not be required to provide an excuse. Currently, in order to receive an absentee ballot, a voter must be out of the county or have a physical inability to go to their polling place on Election Day. This change will is a way to improve and ease the voting process.
We also called on the Board of Elections to take immediate action and implement these reforms:
- End usage of voter cards
- Implement electronic poll books and ED listings
- Improve poll worker training
- Allow poll workers to split shifts
- Improve poll worker accountability
- Empower poll workers to remove minor jams from ballot scanners
- Communicate with poll workers
- Utilize larger polling places
- Clarify language access
- Recruit and hire an experienced Executive Director for the Board
- Improve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Today's hearing represents another step in the Council's efforts to work with the Board of Elections to develop an electoral process that all New Yorkers can be proud of.
Continuing Relief Efforts in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
Last month, we faced the most severe weather crisis in New York City's history. While a lot of us were forced to evacuate or lost power, today is a new day, and there are plenty of steps we can take to get our city back on its feet.
Even if you are waiting for a settlement from your insurance company you should still register with the Federal Emer gency Management Agency ( FEMA). FEMA d isaster assistance may cover damages that your insurance company doesn't. That is why individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy are urged register today.
Please k eep in mind that you will need to file your insurance claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Failure to file a claim may affect a policyholder's eligibility for disaster assistance.
After filing a claim, if any of the following situations occur, FEMA may be able to provide some assistance:
Your insurance settlement is delayed.
- "Delayed" means a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you filed the claim.
- If a decision on your insurance settlement has been delayed, you will need to mail or fax a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstance. Mail or fax your letter to:
FEMA IHP
National Processing Service Center
PO Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
Fax: 1-800-827-8112
- You should include documentation from the insurance company proving that you filed the claim.
- If you filed your claim over the telephone, you should include the claim number, date when you applied, and the estimated time of how long it will take to receive your settlement.
- If you receive FEMA assistance and you later find that your insurance will cover what your FEMA assistance was for, then you must return that money to FEMA because it is considered a duplicate benefit.
You have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) provided by your insurance company.
- If you have received the maximum settlement from your insurance for Additional Living Expenses and still need help with your disaster-related temporary housing need, mail or fax a letter to FEMA at the above address indicating why you continue to have a temporary housing need.
- You will also need to provide documentation to prove use of ALE from insurance, and a permanent housing plan.
You have up to 12 months from the date of registration with FEMA to submit insurance information for review.
For more information on New York's disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085 , http://twitter.com/FEMASandy , www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog
Additionally, t he U.S. Small Business Administration has set up loan programs to help residents that have suffered property damage or loss of cash flow in the declared disaster areas. After residents and businesses are registered with FEMA, they may apply for a disaster loan. Residents can apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela , or in person at any Disaster Recov ery Center. To find the nearest location, please call (800) 659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or (404) 331-0333, or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov . The deadline to file for a loan from the SBA is December 31, 2012. By filing for a loan you are not committed to accepting it .
Additionally , FEMA will be available for assistance for any and all members of the community starting today at the Fulton Tenant Association Office located at 419A W est 17 Street , and will be open for the next four days through Sunday December 9 from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
If you'd like to volunteer, please visit www.nyc.gov/service . Additionally, if you or nearby businesses could benefit from volunteer assistance, please email sandyrelief@council.nyc.gov and report your needs. We will do our best to put you in touch with people and groups who can help.
As always, please feel free to contact my office if you are in need of assistance or help navigating the multiple City and State agencies in dealing with this disaster. You can call my District Office at (212) 564-7757.
Help for Businesses Displaced by Hurricane Sandy
If your company has been displaced and you are seeking space, please contact the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) by filling out the form on the SBS website or by calling 311 . Please note that, in addition to identifying private host companies, b usinesses temporarily displaced should contact the Real Estate Board of New York or visit their website at www.rebny.com for a list of office spaces available to displaced tenants.
NYCEDC has approximately 40,000 square feet of warehouse space at the Brooklyn Army Terminal available as short-term "swing" office space for up to 30 days, free of charge. Please contact NYC Business Solutions C enters or call 311 . You can also v isit www.nycedc.com/donations or www.nyc.gov/sbs for further assistance in identifying temporary space .
The New York SBS has emergency bu siness loans available. Please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/contact/manager.shtml .
The U.S. Small Business Administration has set up loan programs to help small businesses and
most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered property damage or loss of
cash flow in the declared disaster areas. After businesses are registered with FEMA, they
may apply for a disaster loan. To find the nearest location, please call (800) 659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-
877-8339) or (404) 331-0333, or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov . The deadline to file for an SBA loan is December 31, 2012. By filing for a loan you are not committed to accepting it.
The New York Business Development Corporation is providing disaster loans to businesses suffering storm or flood damage. Please visit www.nybdc.com for more information.
Mid to large size businesses that need to rebuild as a result of damage from the storm can request an emergency sales tax letter from NYC IDA allowing businesses to avoid payment of NYC and NYS sales tax on materials purchased for rebuilding. This is meant for projects costing $500,000 or more. Please email Shin Mitsugi at smitsugi@nycedc.com .
| $5.5 Million Matching Grant Program |
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| On November 24, Mayor Bloomberg announced a new program that will make available $5.5 million in matching grants for New York City businesses most impacted by Hurricane Sandy. This grant program – which is being funded with $5 million from the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, as well $500,000 from the Partnership for New York City – will be administered by the New York Business Development Corporation and was developed in collaboration with the City's Economic Development Corporation and Department of Small Business Services. The matching grants are designed to provide additional financial assistance for local businesses already seeking low-interest loans through the City's existing Emergency Loan Fund. Also announced was that in addition to the $10 million Emergency Loan Fund launched by the City and Goldman Sachs immediately following the storm, an additional $5 million has been committed to the loan fund by a consortium of New York financial institutions through the New York Bankers Association, bringing the total amount of loans, grants, and other financial assistance available to businesses most affected to more than $45 million. Loans are interest free for the first six months and 1% interest for up to 24 months. For more information or to apply, businesses can call 311 or go to www.nyc.gov/nycbusiness . Council Votes to Fund Emergenc y Repairs at Storm Damaged Public Schools and Hospitals On November 13, m y colleagues at the Council and I voted on a Capital Budget Modification to allocate funds needed for Hurricane Sandy-related emergency repair work, allowing for expedited repairs of public school and hospital facilities severely affected by the storm.
The plan calls for an appropriation of $200 million for the Department of Education (DOE) and $300 million for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) to repair extensive damage to school and hospital buildings. The repair needs include structural restorations, new boilers, new electrical systems, roofs repairs, flood remediation and more.
Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage throughout the city and the emergency funding the Council approved yesterday is a demonstration that we're taking this seriously. This funding will help to repair facilities that are urgently needed so that patients have a place to be cared for, and so our students will have places to learn. I want to thank the Mayor, Comptroller and my Council colleagues for working together to swiftly approve this vital funding.
The funding will be an addition to capital funds in the current year (Fiscal Year 2013) Capital Commitment Plan. Preservation of the Historic Hopper-Gibbons House On November 20, I along with Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, Senator Tom Duane, and Borough President Scott Stringer, returned to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) to present final testimony in opposition to the applications by the owner of 339 West 29 Street. This building is the historic Hopper-Gibbons House which is part of the Lamartine Place Historic District. The owner is appealing the determination of the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) which would require obtaining approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) prior to the issuance of any building permits and for a variance to the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law (MDL). As you may know, on September 25, we submitted testimony before the BSA at their first hearing on this matter. Since then, neither the applicant's request nor the rationale has substan tially changed . O ur objections remain and we continued to voice our belief that BSA should not grant the applicant a variance or any other relief. A final decision will likely be made by the BSA on January 15, 2013. LPC recognized the historic nature of thirteen row houses on the north side of this block, one of which is 339 West 29 Street, which in the 19 Century was called the Lamartine Place, and has since retained its name. Building number 339, is tied to critical moments in United States history. Previously owned by two prominent Quaker abolitionists, Abigail Hopper Gibbons and James Sloan Gibbons, building number 339 had served as a meeting place for influential people in the movement and as a documented stop on the Underground Railroad, where they helped runaway slaves fleeing to Canada. Furthermore, the homes survived attacks in September 1862, while the owners were celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation. Later in 1863 the homes survived the Civil War Draft Riots. Please see the attached testimony for further information. Penn South Honorary Shareholders Award On Saturday December 1, I was privileged to be awarded the Honorary Shareholders Award from Penn South at their shareholders dinner. This was certainly a wonderful honor to receive an award, albeit honorary since I'm not a shareholder, which the likes of Dave Smith and Walter Mankoff have shared in. Penn South stands for something important in our city. It's more than just a place to live – it's a real home for the middle-class New Yorkers to grow and prosper and realize the American Dream. I'm proud to represent Penn South, a trailblazer and a beacon of light for those looking to build better lives for themselves and their families and live the American Dream right in the heart of Chelsea. Coffeehouse Senior Center Community Opening I was thrilled to be able to join ProjectFind, Senator Duane, and Senator Elect Brad Hoylman, in welcoming the community to the new Coffeehouse Senior Center. That was truly a welcomed day for our neighborhood and one that was years in the making. The coffeehouse senior center has always been a valued part of the neighborhood and my Council District. Its services cannot be understated and its significance to the community and residents remains strong. Without the helping hands of everyone who attended the community opening we would not have been able to celebrate the new wonderful space that was truly fitting for such a great organization. I want to thank the Port Authority and my colleagues in government for all coming together to give the seniors that use this wonderful senior center a warm and welcoming place to come to visit day in and day out-- this was truly a special collaboration. Bowery Residents Committee Update I wanted to take this opportunity to update you regarding the status of the case of Chelsea Business & Property Owners' Association v. City of New York , in which the Chelsea Flatiron Coalition (CFC) petitioned the court last year to stop the Bowery Residents' Committee (BRC) from opening a 296-bed shelter at 127 West 25 Street. As you are already aware, the New York City Council intervened in the case in support of CFC and filed a brief on August 12, 2011 to defend Local Law 57 of 1998, which limits the size of homeless shelters for adults to two hundred persons. On September 4, 2012, CFC and the City Council appealed Judge Madden's October 14, 2011 decision and asked the appellate court to hold that the Camp LaGuardia exception does not apply to the BRC facility on West 25 Street. Most recently, on November 19 the City Council filed a reply brief to the response filed by the City. We anticipate that oral arguments, the next step in this case, will be scheduled for either January or February. My office has and will continue to be a leading advocate on this issue and I will continue to work with the community and ensure that the laws of this City are upheld and followed by those in charge. I encourage you to participate in your community and attend the monthly Community Council meetings of either the 10 th or 13 th Precincts. My staff has and will continue to attend these meetings where residents and business owners can discuss public safety concerns and quality of life issues. Furthermore, there are monthly Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings held at BRC's facility, at 5:30PM on the first Tuesday of every month. These meetings are a place for residents and business owners, representatives of local elected officials, representatives of the local police precincts, the DHS, and other community stakeholders to discuss concerns and address any questions. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday January 8. If you would like to find out information regarding the CAC meetings please call Ajani Garcia at BRC at 212-803-5706. If you would like more information on this issue please contact Michaela Miller in my District Office at (212) 564-7757, extension 104 or by email at MMiller@council.nyc.gov . Greenwich Village and Chelsea School Rezoning At the Community Education Council of District 2 (CECD2) meeting held on October 9, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) presented a new school zoning proposal for Greenwich Village and Chelsea. You can read about the proposal by visiting http://bit.ly/Wd2fxU . A zoning proposal map is available by visiting http://bit.ly/WcliZt . As a result of parent and stakeholder feedback the DOE presented a revised zoning proposal to the CECD2. If approved, the new zones would be in effect for the 2014-2015 school year. The proposal will impact the following school zones in Greenwich Village and Chelsea: PS 3, PS 41, PS 11, PS 130, New School (Foundling) Parents with children who attend New York City public schools and particularly those with children who will soon be attending are strongly encouraged to participate in the upcoming meetings. This is an opportunity to gather information about the proposal, to share your thoughts, and to raise any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend any of these meetings, you can send your comments to CECD2 by emailing d2zoning@gmail.com or by calling (212) 356-3915. Please note that currently enrolled students are not impacted by the zoning process and will remain at their current school. In addition, younger siblings of those students will be grandfathered into their older sibling's school as long as their older sibling is still attending the school at the time of the younger sibling's enrollment. For further information on CECD2, please visit: http://ww w .cecd2.net/ . If you have any questions please feel free to contact Julia Fredenburg in my district office at (212) 564-7757, extension 102 or by email at jfredenburg@council.nyc.gov . Council Cracks Down on Deceptive Pedicab Practices Currently, P edicab drivers calculate rates in any manner they choose, including per block, per avenue and by arbitrary made-up zones. Drivers are also permitted to impose surcharges, such as added fees for multiple passengers. Customers are often unaware of these fees before they begin their trip, leading to much confusion and frustration when charged exorbitant amounts for relatively minimal travel. On Tuesday November 27, my colleagues and I passed legislation that addresses these unreliable practices in three ways. First, this bill w ill obligate all P edicab drivers to base their rates on a ride's duration. The number of minutes will be calcul ated by a timer affixed to the P edicab i n full view of passengers. It will also eliminate any added fees unrelated to the duration of the ride, such as charges for additional passengers. Finally, drivers will be required to post conspicuous signs indicating these details, and must give passengers a Pedicab Information Card. The Department of Consumer Affairs will be charged with creating the Pedicab Information Card containing information such as the driver's license number, business contact information, instructions on where to direct c omplaints and rules related to P edicab rates. The Card would also serve as a customer receipt. We are protecting consumers by giving deceptive P edicab practices the red light . Our legislation will bring incre ased legitimacy to the P edicab industry and will ensure customers know what they're paying to go on a ride – w ithout being taken for a ride.
Improving Access for Visually Impaired Taxi Riders The Council also passed legislation that will require all taxicabs to be accessible to the more than 362,000 New Yorkers who have vision difficulties as of May 1, 2013. Specifically, this bill ensure s that payment technology includes an audio component so that the visually impaired can hear the fare amount announced, as well as any changes to the rate code or any tolls that accrued. The equipment also audibly instructs passengers on how to pay. Under the legislation, taxicabs must also have information on how to contact the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) in the passenger compartment area in Braille and large print. Financial Disclosure Bill Also on Tuesday November 27, th e Council voted to require members of uncompensated policymaking boards and commissions – such as the TLC and the Landmarks Preservation Commission – to file financial-disclosure reports. Passing this bill brings the City into full compliance with the State's requirement that all policymaking officials, and members, officers and certain employees of public authorities file financial disclosure forms. The Council worked with the Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) and the Mayor's Office to ensure that this legislation does not diminish the filing requirements for elected officials or other filers. Under this law, new filers will fill out a different form than that completed by elected officials and compensated officers and employees. This new, shorter form asks for sufficient disclosure information about potential conflicts of interest while not being so burdensome as to discourage uncompensated public service. Newly covered filers must provide data about outside employment and businesses, as well as investments and gifts, to identify conflicts of interest they may have with their agency. The Council acted on this matter in order for the new requirement to take effect for this year's filing period, which COIB has designated to begin at the end of November. | |
Tax Fixing Resolutions
On June 29, Governor Cuomo signed the 1.5% Cap Bill i nto law. T he City Council was required to amend tax fixing resolutions passed when the Fiscal Year budget was adopted to reflect t his new 1.5% Class share cap.
On November 13, t he Council and I voted to help minimize the volatility of property tax rates. The property tax system requires the recalculation for the four different classes of properties every year as set by State law. Nearly every year, the Council asks the State to modify this calculation to help keep rates from changing as much as they would otherwise, thus slowing down increases.
With out this action by the Council , the average homeowner would have paid about $150 more in property taxes this year.
City Council Clinic Protection Project
Over the past year, offensive rhetoric and disturbing protest outside reproductive health clinics have become increasingly divisive and intrusive. As a result, women in need of reproductive health services are often faced with hostile and intimidating situations when they seek care. In response, my colleagues at the Council and I, along with advocates from Planned Parenthood, the New York Civil Liberties Union, NARAL Pro-Choice, the National Organization for Women and Choices Women's Medical Center, will organize volunteers to become trained as clinic escorts through a new initiative, the City Council Clinic Protection Project (CPP). These escorts will be deployed to sites citywide to accompany clients and staff into clinics while shielding them from demonstrators. The announcement on October 19 came on the eve of an anti-choice action against Choices Women's Medical Center in Jamaica, Queens.
Building on our clinic access laws, we have taken action to ensure that reproductive health centers are welcoming and safe places for women. Protestors have a right to speak their minds, but their exercise of the First Amendment should never intimidate anyone from accessing medical care. Dangerous rhetoric and actions against a woman's right to choose will not be tolerated in our city, and every woman deserves the right to make health care decisions for herself without fear. We will continue to protect this basic right in the face of any adversity.
For more information, please visit the City Council's website at www.council.nyc.gov .
New Affordable Housing Development in Chelsea Accepting Applications
I am thrilled to announce another great affordable housing development in Chelsea, located at 260 West 26 Street, which is currently accepting applications. The building is being financed through the New York City Housing Corporation's (HDC) 80/20 Program and applications are now being accepted for 41 affordable housing rental apartments that are now under construction with an expected occupancy date of April 2013. Building amenities include Intercom system, On-Site Super, and a Laundry Room.
Current and eligible residents of Manhattan Community Board 4 will receive preference for 50% of the units. Additionally, applicants who can document displacement by Hurricane Sandy and/or its related storms will receive preference for 25% of the units.
Applications are currently being accepted and must be postmarked no later than January 30, 2013.
For more information, including information regarding the eligibility guidelines, instructions on how you may apply, and to download an application, please visit: www.26StreetAffordable.com .
Tree Survey
The Department of Parks and Recreation will begin the spring tree planting season in March 2013, conditions permitting.
To plan for the upcoming planting season , my office is collecting information on empty tree pits in the neighborhood. If you know of a tree pit that is missing a tree , please call 311 and then report it to my District Office. Together, we can ensure that our neighborhood is as green as it should be!
If you know of a missing tree, ple ase contact my Community Board 4 liaison, Michaela Miller , at mmiller@council.nyc.gov .
New Affordable Housing Development in Chelsea Accepting Applications I am thrilled to announce another great affordable housing development in Chelsea, located at 260 West 26 Street, which is currently accepting applications. The building is being financed through the New York City Housing Corporation's (HDC) 80/20 Program and applications are now being accepted for 41 affordable housing rental apartments that are now under construction with an expected occupancy date of April 2013. Building amenities include Intercom system, On-Site Super, and a Laundry Room.
Current and eligible residents of Manhattan Community Board 4 will receive preference for 50% of the units. Additionally, applicants who can document displacement by Hurricane Sandy and/or its related storms will receive preference for 25% of the units.
Applications are currently being accepted and must be postmarked no later than January 30, 2013.
For more information, including information regarding the eligibility guidelines, instructions on how you may apply, and to download an application, please visit www.26StreetAffordable.com .
Volunteer in Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Plants were uprooted, paving stones were ripped up, and soil was dredged from the lawns and flowerbeds, and the park can use your help!
To lend a hand, call (917) 661-8751, or email volunteer@htpy.ny.gov .
Carols and Cocoa at the High Line's Annual Holiday Concert
Join Friends of the High Line this Saturday, December 8 at 2:00PM on the High Line at West 17 Street in the 10 Avenue Square for the annual holiday concert, featuring performances by the New York City Gay Men's Chorus and the New York City Housing Authority Youth Chorus, with hot chocolate for purchase from Friedman's Lunch and Chelsea Catering NYC.
The concert is free of charge , and no RSVP is required but if you'd like to show your support, please consider donating a toy toward the High Line Toy Drive. They will be collecting gifts and donations at the concert.
For more information about the concert:
http://www.thehighline.org/events/all/2012/12/high-line-holiday-concert
More info about how to donate to the Toy Drive, online or in person:
http://www.thehighline.org/events/all/2012/12/high-line-holiday-toy-drive
Toddler Story Time at the Columbus Library
Every Tuesday at 11:00AM at the Columbus Library, located at 742 10 Avenue (between West 50 and West 51 Streets) , children and pre-schoolers ages 3-5 years old and their parents/caregivers can enjoy interactive stories and action songs, and spend time with other toddlers in the neighborhood. Registration is not required, but the program is first come, first served.
Join a NYC Parks Recreation Center Near You!
Joining and utilizing New York City Department of Park recreation centers is a cost effective way for all New Yorkers to have fun and keep fit.
Since 1910, NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. Recreation centers offer facilities such as indoor pools, cardio and strength fitness room, basketball courts, dance studios, art studios, game rooms, and libraries. All of the recreation centers offer a range of programs for people of all ages.
Adult Membership : $150 per year for access to all 33 Recreation Centers and all 12 indoor pools or $100 per year for access to 21 Recreation Centers without indoor pools.
Youth Membership: FREE access to all 33 Recreation Centers and all 12 indoor pools for ages 17 and under.
Senior Membership : $25 per year for access to all 33 Recreation Centers and all 12 indoor pools for ages 62 and over.
For more information, please visit http://nyc.gov/parks or call 311.
NYPD Pro-Basketball League
The Police Athletic League in conjunction with the NYPD's Community Affairs Bureau continues its tradition of providing quality sports and recreation programming for the youth of New York City. The P.A.L. organizes and facilitates leagues, tournaments and special events for over 17,000 youth annually. P.A.L.'s sports and recreation programs offer children opportunities to learn discipline, leadership, teamwork, the importance of learning the rules, as well as sportsmanship and patience.
If you know a child that will benefit from this program contact the P.A.L. or the Community Affairs Bure au's Youth Services Section (718) 834-8855.
NYPD Cadet Corps
The NYPD Cadet Corps is a unique opportunity to experience the rewards of a police career and test your ability and commitment to improve the quality of life for the people of New York City.
The Cadet Corps provides qualified college men and women with a chance to experience the challenges and personal rewards of a career in the NYPD. It also offers you significant financial benefits. It can provide up to $64,000 in total compensation through full-time summer and part time school year employment for Cadets who complete the Police Cadet Program.
For more information, please visit: http://www.nypdcadets.com .
