[BwayDems] E-News - Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito - March 2010

[Taranto, Joseph]

March 2010

 

Inside this Newsletter:

*	Subscribe to the News from Melissa Blog
*	Recent News and Events
*	Opportunities 
*	Updates on Legislation & Budget
*	Upcoming Events
*	Getting Involved
*	District Office Information

 

Subscribe to the News from Melissa Blog

 

As you may know, I have launched a blog, which can be accessed at 
www.newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com
<http://www.newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/> .  Please feel free to
subscribe to this blog, in order to receive articles by e-mail as they
are posted.  You can subscribe by entering your e-mail address in the
designated space in the upper right hand corner, and clicking "Sign Me
Up!"  You can also follow us on Twitter
<http://www.twitter.com/newsfrommelissa>  and become a fan on Facebook
by <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Mark-Viverito/120319690990>  
clicking here
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Mark-Viverito/120319690990> .

 

If you know anyone else who would like to subscribe to our monthly
electronic newsletter, please ask them to send their email and
affiliation (e.g. block association member, District 8 resident, etc.)
to newsfrommelissa at gmail.com.  

 

 

Recent News and Events

 

12 Council Members Form New Progressive Caucus 

 

Melissa has joined 11 of her colleagues in announcing the formation of
the New York City Council's Progressive Caucus.  Melissa will serve as
Co-Chair of the Caucus, along with Council Member Brad Lander of
Brooklyn. The Progressive Caucus was created to be an entity that will
push for a more just and equal city that offers genuine opportunity to
all New Yorkers. The Caucus plans to tackle a number of issues including
pushing for the passage of paid sick leave legislation
<http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/10/02/2009-10-02_paid_sick_lea
ve_fever_catches_on_in_council.html> , addressing the Section 8 voucher
crisis
<http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/nyregion/18vouchers.html?_r=1&scp=1&s
q=section%208&st=cse> and the creation of quality, living wage jobs.  
Click here to see an article
<http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/nyregion/24council.html?src=me&ref=ny
region> on the Caucus from The New York Times.  Melissa and Brad Lander
also published an op-ed piece on The Nation's website yesterday
<http://www.thenation.com/search/> explaining the rationale behind the
formation of the Caucus. The article was cross-posted on Huffington Post
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melissa-markviverito/why-we-are-launching
-the_b_511943.html> .

 

 

March 21st Mobilization to D.C. for Immigration Reform

 

On March 21st, over 200,000 rallied in Washington D.C. for the passage
of comprehensive immigration reform.  Melissa helped organize two buses
of local community members from East Harlem to take the trip down to
D.C. for this historic mobilization.  For a re-cap of the trip,
including some photos, please click here
<http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/east-harlem-residents-j
oin-over-200000-people-at-yesterdays-rally-and-march-in-d-c/> .

 

New Birth Certificates Required for All Puerto Rican Citizens

 

Many Puerto Rican-Born New Yorkers were surprised to learn that they
were now being required to apply for a new birth certificate.  For
instructions on how to re-apply, available in both English and Spanish,
please visit our blog
<http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/attention-puerto-rican-
born-u-s-residents-how-to-request-a-new-copy-of-your-birth-certificate/>
.

 

Melissa and many other community leaders have spoken out against the
Puerto Rican government's handling of this new mandate, arguing that
they should have done more extensive announcements targeted at Puerto
Rican communities outside of the island.  Click here
<http://www.wpix.com/videobeta/193a58b7-cf2a-4ae3-845f-f01bd503ee9c/News
/Puerto-Ricans-Have-to-Get-New-Birth-Certificates>  for a Channel 11
piece on this topic which features Melissa.

 

Proposed West 107th Street Transitional Housing Shelter

 

Melissa has helped to arrive at an agreement on a Department of Homeless
Services proposal to operate a transitional housing shelter at 237 West
107th Street in a former SRO building for at least nine years.  Due to
the landlord's history in that building and with the community, Melissa
opposed the plan.  

 

For the next nine months, the building, which had been planned to house
over 130 people, will provide space for no more than 80 women, after
which DHS has pledged not to enter into a more long-term agreement with
the building's owner.  During the time being, the organization Help USA
will continue to provide services for the women residing in the
building.  DHS has also agreed to hold a meeting with community
representatives and to set up a community advisory board to better
address many of the local residents' concerns.  

 

A community meeting on this topic with DHS Commissioner Robert Hess will
be held on Thursday, April 8 from 7:00-8:00PM at Ascension Church (221
West 107th Street).



Alberto Arroyo, "Mayor of Central Park," Passed Away This Weekend

 

On Saturday, we received the sad news that Alberto Arroyo,  a prominent
jogger who was known by many as the "Mayor of Central Park" passed away
at age 94.  Mr. Arroyo spent decades jogging around the Central Park
Reservoir, serving as a source of inspiration for so many New Yorkers
whose lives he touched.  

 

Earlier this month, Melissa participated in a ceremony honoring Mr.
Arroyo and announcing that the Central Park Reservoir will soon feature
a bronze plaque that will immortalize his contributions to our City for
generations to come.  Mr. Arroyo's devoted friends will be organizing
another event in the near future to commemorate his life and to
officially unveil the plaque at the Reservoir.

 

Our sincerest condolences go out to Mr. Arroyo's friends and family.

 

Melissa Speaks Out on Police Handling of Domestic Violence

 

Following the controversy surrounding Governor Paterson, Melissa quickly
released two statements focused on the significant implications of this
case on victims of domestic violence.  Here are links to read the
statements: the first following the allegations
<http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/statement-from-melissa-
on-allegations-against-paterson-administration/>  and the second
following the Governor's announcement that he would not seek re-election
<http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/statement-from-melissa-
on-announcement-that-governor-paterson-will-not-seek-re-election/> .
She also joined a press conference
<http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/melissa-joins-elected-o
fficials-in-calling-for-hearings-on-police-handling-of-domestic-violence
-cases/>  with the Public Advocate and other Council Members, calling
for hearings on how the police deal with domestic violence claims.

                                             

10 Council Members Send Letter to Mayor about the City's Collaboration
with ICE at Rikers Island

 

Joined by nine of her colleagues, Melissa sent a letter to Mayor
Bloomberg calling for an end to the collaboration between NYC's
Department of Corrections and U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE)
at Rikers Island.

 

In the letter, which you can read by clicking here
<http://www.scribd.com/doc/27933288/Letter-ICEatRikers> , the Council
Members detail a number of serious concerns with the practices of ICE
agents at Rikers and the devastating impacts this relationship has had
on thousands of New York City's families, not to mention its cost to
taxpayers.

 

City Council Continues to Press DOE on School Closings

 

Earlier this month, the City Council held a hearing on the recent
closing of 19 public schools, two of which are in Melissa's district.  
Click here
<http://www.ny1.com/1-all-boroughs-news-content/114572/doe-taken-to-task
-by-city-council-over-vote-to-close-schools>  for a NY1 piece on the
hearing that features a clip of Melissa's comments.  As you may
remember, the Department's Panel for Educational Policy recently
approved the closing of these schools after eight hours of testimony,
nearly all of which was against this plan.

 

 

Opportunities

 

NYS Youth Leadership Awards: Scholarships for Immigrant Young People

The New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) is currently
accepting applications for its scholarship program.  The NYSYLC will be
awarding 10 scholarships at $500 apiece and two scholarship/fellowship
opportunities of $1,500 each.  These awards are intended for youth who
are committed to being active in the immigrant rights movement in the
coming years. Priority will be given towards students with limited or no
means to obtain financial aid for higher education.  The deadline for
application materials is April 19th.  For more information and to apply,
click here <http://www.nysylc.org/how-we-work/nysylc-scholarships/> .

 

The Legal Bound Program: 2010 Summer Internship Program

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office invites Manhattan high school
juniors and seniors to apply for its internship program.  To apply, send
a resume and essay explaining your interest in law to the address below
no later than Friday, April 16, 2010.  You will be contacted for an
interview, and will need to bring two reference letters (one from your
school).  For more information, call 212-335-9082.

 

            Applications should be mailed to:

            Community Affairs Unit

            New York County District Attorney's Office

            Attention: Ms. Carol Ragsdale

            One Hogan Place, Room 824

            New York, NY 10013

 

Junior Ranger Day Camp

The Parks Department and Urban Park Rangers are offering a Junior Ranger
Day Camp program this summer, where children will have the opportunity
to stay active and explore nature right here in the City.   The program
runs from June 29th through August 20th at Inwood Hill Park (Manhattan),
Crotona Park (Bronx), Marine Park (Brooklyn) and Blue Heron Park (Staten
Island. The cost is $65 per week, including lunch.  Half price
scholarships are available.  ACS Child Care Vouchers are also accepted.
Call 311 or visit the following website for an application and further
details: www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers. 


Updates on Legislation & Budget

 

The following is a list of the legislation that I have introduced this
month:

 

*         Int 86
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=652689&GUID=1
F3959F3-5F33-48E8-89B3-2E925666348D&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0086> :
Replacing horse drawn carriages with alternative fuel powered classic
cars.

*	Int 87
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=652534&GUID=3
BE274CF-D56F-4DC8-B334-3C4D7EDD9AE9&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0087> :
Requiring principal owners of multiple dwellings to provide their names
and contact information to HPD.
*	Int 88
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=652550&GUID=4
E30E31F-DBD4-4027-816A-E314E2FC6CAF&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0088> :
Requiring the New York City Police Department to make certain domestic
violence statistics available through its website.

*         Int 89
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=652531&GUID=6
1B67461-00C9-4FA2-BC54-C7AAEA90D993&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0089> :
Regulating the removal of trees from private property.

*	Int 122
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=655236&GUID=8
4A5DFF4-28F7-40B6-8C2B-4C060E9C8A59&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0122> :
Establishing a pilot commercial waste audit program, which will help
different businesses in our City to establish industry standards and
best practices for waste management, recycling and the use of
environmentally-friendly materials.
*	Int 123
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=655175&GUID=8
76F771A-7DE2-4E1C-9D81-655C31ACB6CC&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0123> :
Requiring a review process, including consideration for safety, health
and environmental concerns, for any new surface materials to be used on
playgrounds and fields in our City.
*	Res 56
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=652685&GUID=8
D8D002D-CB4E-44E2-853F-CC6BF2258940&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0056> :
Resolution calling on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to
insert a question on the driver's license application that inquires
about veteran status, in an effort to obtain an accurate count of
veterans in the State.
*	Res 119
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=655165&GUID=8
004025F-FA1E-4FC5-9F06-311E48292BE4&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0119> :
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to create a tax
incentive program for green businesses.
*	Res 120
<http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=655166&GUID=9
DB60888-DF0C-4E1B-B040-B9FF0770053C&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0120> :
Resolution calling upon the State to pass legislation that would provide
tax incentives for food-service businesses that use
environmentally-friendly alternatives to disposable food ware made from
styrofoam and other non-recyclable or non-biodegradable materials.

 

For a complete list of Melissa's legislation from this term, please 
click here <http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/legislation/> . 

 

Discretionary Funding Applications

 

The application period for discretionary expense funding is now closed.


 

Capital funding applications are still being accepted.  For more
information, please visit http://tinyurl.com/mmvfy11.  Please contact
Joe Taranto at 212-788-6960 or jtaranto at council.nyc.gov if you have any
questions on the capital funding process.  The deadline for capital
project applications on non-City property is April 7th, and the deadline
for City capital projects is April 23rd.

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

District 8 Youth Council
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Where: District Office

For more information: Contact Elsie Encarnacion at 212-828-9800

 

Anti-Displacement Task Force

For more information: Contact Elsie Encarnacion at 212-828-9800

 

Public Meeting with DHS Commissioner Robert Hess to Discuss Temporary
Transitional Shelter on W. 107th Street

When: Thursday, April 8, 7:00-8:00PM          

Where: Ascension Church, 221 West 107th Street

For more information: Contact our Legislative Office or Manhattan
Community Board 7

 

Help out with our Community Census Reminder efforts!

When: April 10th, 2010 from 12pm- 2pm or 2pm -4pm

Where: Contact Elsie Encarnacion at 212-828-9800 to find a location
close to you

It is critical that our communities are counted in the 2010 Census.
Join our office in serving as a volunteer as we remind the community to
complete and submit their Census forms.  For more information: See
attached flyer or contact our District Office.

 

 

Getting Involved

 

District 8 Youth Council

 

The Youth Council provides a wonderful opportunity for the community's
youth (ages 13 and up) to take part in local politics in their
surrounding community. Young people become involved with local entities
that handle youth related issues such as; the Youth & Education
Committee meetings of Community Board 11 so as they can see the
importance of local politics both to the Community and to themselves.
The District 8 Youth Council meets on Tuesdays and Thursday from 5pm -
6pm weekly. For more information contact Elsie Encarnacion at
212-828-9800.

 

Anti-Displacement Task Force

 

The Task Force is a body comprised of Community Based Organization
(CBOs), tenants, activists, advocates and elected officials who
collectively work, as a community, to confront ruthless landlords,
investors, and developers that are attempting to displace members of our
community. Their work brings visibility to the housing crisis through
community forums, marches, rallies and other initiatives. I am right
behind their efforts to empower tenants and community members by
providing information and a local support network. The Task Force meets
on the first Monday of each month. To inquire about the location of the
meetings call Elsie Encarnacion at 212-828-9800.

 

Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force

 

Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force is a group of concerned citizens
who have united to help the Elmendorf Reformed Church (ERC) to restore
and memorialize its historically and culturally significant colonial
African Burial ground at 1st Avenue, between 126th and 127th Streets.
ERC was established in 1660. In 1665, the First Church of Harlem, also
known as the Dutch Reformed Church of Harlem (ERC), erected a church
building at the corner of First Avenue and 127th Street, and a quarter
acre of land connected with the church was set aside and became known as
the "Negro Burying Ground" (hereafter called the African Burial Ground).
To learn more, or join and help, please contact: Deborah Gibson at 

(212) 534-5856 or dig1214 at aim.com.

 

 

District Office Information

 

105 East 116th Street

New York NY, 10029

 


Office Hours


 

Monday                      9am to 7pm

Tuesday                     9am to 6pm

Wednesday                9am to 7pm

Thursday                   9am to 6pm

Friday                                    9am to 6pm

Saturday                  10am to 1pm

 

Note that Constituent Walk-In Days fall on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm.  No appointment is necessary.  Stay tuned
for details on West Side office hours.

 

 

 

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