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

[Taranto, Joseph]

May 2010

 

Inside this Newsletter:

*	Keep Up With Our Work Online
*	Recent News and Events
*	Opportunities 
*	Updates on Legislation 
*	Upcoming Events
*	Getting Involved
*	District Office Information

 

Keep Up With Our Work Online

 

Subscribe to Our Blog: http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com

Become a Fan on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/mmvfb

Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/NewsFromMelissa

 

Encourage your friends and neighbors to subscribe to our listserv by completing our new online form: http://tinyurl.com/mmvsubcribe

                                                                                    

 

Recent News and Events

 

Progressive Caucus Pushes Need for New Revenue Sources to Avoid Cuts 

 

Mayor Bloomberg has presented his executive budget <http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/mayors-budget-would-eliminate-teaching-jobs-fire-companies-and-senior-centers/?scp=2&sq=budget&st=cse> , which includes a long list of cuts, including a reduction of 11,000 City workers (through both layoffs and attrition), including more than 6,000 teachers.  It also proposes closing dozens of senior centers, including four in District 8, as well as 16 day care centers.  The Progressive Caucus, which Melissa co-chairs, is <http://newsfrommelissa.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/progressivecaucus_budgetstatemen.pdf>  calling for new sources of revenue, including asking the wealthiest New Yorkers and Wall Street to contribute their fair share.  In the coming weeks, the Caucus will release a more specific vision for revenue options that the City and State should implement in order to avoid cuts that are primarily affecting our City's most vulnerable populations, taking into account the Caucus' online budget survey.

 

To listen to Melissa discussing the budget on WNYC's Brian Lehrer Show <http://beta.wnyc.org/shows/bl/> , visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-c6.  You can also watch an interview with Melissa on the same topic on 'Pura Politica' by visiting http://wp.me/pJ9TG-cx. 

 

Bloomberg Administration Proposes Four Senior Center Closures in District 8

 

District 8 has among the highest concentration of proposed senior center closures in the city.  Under the Executive Budget, the administration has proposed closing the following senior centers: Benjamin Flores, Cathedral Towers, Washington Lexington and Theater Arts.  Melissa visited the four senior centers this week in order to better inform our office's efforts to fight these harmful cuts.

 

'True Life Presents: Wise Latinas' Now Available for Viewing Online

 

In case you didn't get a chance to catch Elsie Encarnacion, Laura Benitez and Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito in the MTV special "True Life Presents: Wise Latinas," it is now available online <http://www.ricanmedia.com/videos/152/true-life-presents-wise-latina>  in its entirety!  Visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-ch for a link to the video. 

 

Construction Begins on East Harlem Media, Entertainment and Cultural Center

 

Construction has officially begun on the East Harlem Media, Entertainment and Cultural Center, at the southeast corner of Third Avenue and 125th Street.  This project will create 1,500 permanent jobs, 4,000 construction jobs, 600 affordable housing units, dedicated community space, a public plaza, new retail and office space and a hotel.  This $700 million project will be built over a multi-phase process and is slated to be completed in 2016.  During the first phase, 49 rental apartments will be built for a range of incomes not to exceed 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

 

Update on W. 107th Street Transitional Shelter

 

We have received good news from Community Board 7 regarding the W. 107th Street shelter.  Seth Diamond, the new commissioner of the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), has pledged to honor former Commissioner Hess' commitments to our office, the Community Board and W. 107th Street residents.  CB7 is currently working with DHS to establish the community advisory board that will help address community concerns related to the transitional shelter.  Please send names of residents who would be interested in participating to Penny Ryan at pryan at cb7.org.  

 

The social service provider, Help USA has been providing additional services, including security, as promised by DHS.  The Department will also provide a hotline in case any concerns emerge, and has installed cameras in and outside of the building.  DHS has also renewed its pledge to be out of the building by the end of November.

 

Finally, many community residents expressed the desire to explore how that building could be converted back to permanent affordable housing.  Commissioner Diamond has pledged to bring together city agencies to explore how that can be done.  Melissa looks forward to working with the Commissioner on that initiative.  

 

Friends of Brook Park Featured in Salon.com Piece on Urban Farming

 

Friends of Brook Park, a South Bronx-based organization, has been featured along with other groups from around the country on the popular blog Salon.com for their work on urban farming.  Working with young people from neighboring schools, including a local International High School, Friends of Brook Park helps combat the lack of access to healthy food in the neighborhood by growing fresh produce and providing it to local food banks.  They also have a larger vision of utilizing the many abandoned lots in the neighborhood to establish more of these gardens and urban farms.  Click here to view the article: http://bit.ly/cxQCYZ.  For more information on Friends of Brook Park, visit their website: http://www.friendsofbrookpark.org/ 

 

NYC Electeds Release Joint Statement of Solidarity with Students in Puerto Rico

 

Melissa led a group of Puerto Rican and Latino elected officials in releasing a joint statement to show solidarity with the students of the University of Puerto Rico who are currently engaged in a strike following proposals to cut the university's budget <http://www.democracynow.org/2010/5/17/student_strike_at_university_of_puerto> .  In the statement, the elected officials call on the government to engage in transparent and good faith negotiations with the students and faculty.  The statement also calls on the police to stop using forceful and repressive tactics in response to this strike, which has spread to all 11 campuses of the university.  Please visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-de to read the statement.

 

Parks Department Axes Central Park Tennis Bubble Proposal

Responding to vigorous community opposition, the Parks Department decided to drop its controversial plan to put up tennis bubbles in Central Park during winter months. Parks recently axed a similar plan on the East Side <http://awalkintheparknyc.blogspot.com/2010/04/parks-department-cancels-controversial.html> .  Days earlier, the Council's Parks & Recreation Committee, chaired by Melissa, held an oversight hearing on concessions. At the hearing, Council Members, advocates, Community Board representatives and members of the public criticized the Parks Department for its lack of transparency in awarding concessions and for not involving the surrounding community in a meaningful way, using the Central Park bubbles as a prime example.  The plan would have allowed for a concessionaire to inflate 35 foot bubbles over the Central Park tennis courts during colder months. The bubbles were to be inflated by diesel generators, which raised environmental concerns. Meanwhile, the concessionaire proposed charing up to $100 per hour, leaving the courts far out of reach for so many New Yorkers.  Congratulations to the community members who fought to put an end to this proposal!

 

Melissa Sends Letter to A.G. Candidate Regarding Position on Rockefeller Drug Laws

 

In response to reports that Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice <http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/DA/index.html> , who is currently running for NYS Attorney General, had opposed certain provisions of the Rockefeller Drug Law reforms passed last year, Melissa sent her a letter <http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/05/councilwoman-steamed-over-rice.html> calling on her to explain her position.

The Rockefeller Drug Laws <http://www.nyclu.org/issues/racial-justice/rockefeller-drug-law-reform>  and their emphasis on incarceration had long been known to disproportionately impact black and Latino New Yorkers.  Last year, the State Legislature passed several reforms <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/nyregion/26rockefeller.html>  to these laws, including eliminating mandatory minimum sentences and giving judges more discretion to choose treatment programs as alternatives to incarceration.  The letter can be viewed here: http://wp.me/pJ9TG-dj. 

 

The Fight Continues for Immigration Reform

 

The recent passage of anti-immigrant legislation in Arizona has reignited the long struggle for immigration reform. This law will encourage racial profiling and discrimination against immigrants and all people of color in a way that we have not seen in generations. Melissa has stood in support of a citywide boycott on Arizona in response to this new law.  The governor of Arizona also recently passed a law to limit the teaching of Ethnic Studies course in the state.

 

To read Melissa's statement on the Arizona immigration law, visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-bq.   You can also watch Melissa addressing the crowd at the May Day rally in Foley Square, by visiting http://wp.me/pJ9TG-bL. 

 

Council Members Respond to the Sentencing of the Murder of Jorge Steven

Last week, the man accused of murdering Jorge Steven López Mercado in a hate crime plead guilty to the brutal act <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/12/AR2010051203730.html> , which included the decapitation, dismemberment and burning of Jorge Steven's body, all because he was gay.  A judge sentenced the man to 99 years in prison.  City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Melissa and Council Members Mendez, Dromm and Van Bramer, all of whom went to Puerto Rico in January in response to this hate crime <http://dnainfo.com/20100115/manhattan/e-harlem-councilwoman-melissa-markviverito-leads-trip-puerto-rico-meet-slay-gay-teens-family> , issued a joint statement yesterday on the guilty plea and sentencing.  To read the statement, visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-d2.  

 

 

Opportunities

 

Apply Now for the Summer Youth Employment Program!

 

Each summer, thousands of New York City young people, ages 14 to 24,  get a job opportunity through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) <http://www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/jobs/summer_youth_employment.shtml> .  The application is now available.  We strongly encourage District 8 youth to apply, and we hope you will share this information with your family, friends and neighbors.  For links to application materials and more information, please visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-d7.  The application is due on May 21st.

 

SYEP is a City program that places young people in summer jobs in a variety of sectors, including government, nonprofits, summer camps, cultural institutions, small businesses, law firms and others.   Participants are chosen by lottery.  In this seven week program, young people have the opportunity to gain skills and work experience, while also making some money.

 

Info on Governor Paterson's Deportation Pardon Program

 

Governor Paterson recently announced his plans to create a panel to evaluate the cases of legal permanent residents facing deportation due to criminal convictions, many of which tend to be minor or non-violent offenses.  After reviewing these cases, the Governor will be able to determine if he wishes to issue pardons for certain individuals.  If you are interested in learning more about this program, please send an email to jtaranto at council.nyc.gov or call 212-788-6960.  We will pass along your contact info to a community based organization who will reach out to you as more information becomes available.


Updates on Legislation

 

Council Passes Melissa's Playground and Athletic Field Safety Legislation

 

Last week, the City Council passed legislation <http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=655175&GUID=876F771A-7DE2-4E1C-9D81-655C31ACB6CC&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0123>  introduced by Melissa that would create an advisory committee to examine any new surface materials put into our parks.  Artificial turf is known to retain high levels of heat which can cause severe burns, and in some cases, has been found to contain toxic substances.  At Thomas Jefferson Field <http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters/M047>  in East Harlem, tests revealed a high presence of lead on the fields <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/nyregion/09fields.html> , posing a serious danger to local residents who are seeking out opportunities for recreation.  Going forward, whenever the Parks Department introduces new surface materials in our athletic fields and playgrounds, an advisory committee will evaluate those materials for health, safety and environmental risks, and provide the Department with a recommendation.  The bill is expected to be signed into law in the coming weeks.

 

Council Adopts Melissa's Resolution Supporting Immigration Reform

 

Just days before the May 1st mobilization for immigrant rights, the City Council adopted a resolution introduced by Melissa in support of the passage of immigration reform in 2010 and denouncing Arizona's new law. The resolution also stressed the importance of including LGBT families and addressing serious concerns of civil liberties and due process violations.  

 

City Council Holds Hearing on Prevailing Wage Legislation 

 

The City Council held a hearing last week on Melissa's prevailing wage bill.  Intro 18 <http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=648823&GUID=1C04704A-7CC3-4728-BD33-0D3B95DE5E6F&Options=ID|Text|&Search=0018> , introduced by Melissa in February, would require a prevailing wage for building service workers in buildings that have received significant subsidies from the City or where the City rents space.  While the administration has expressed opposition to the legislation, we are hopeful that we can continue to move it forward.  The bill currently has 34 sponsors.  32BJ, the union that represents building service workers in New York City, has launched a website with information on this legislation: www.NotOnOurDime.org <http://www.notonourdime.org/> .

 

For a complete list of Melissa's legislation, visit http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/legislation.  

 

 

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

 

Union Settlement's 18th Annual Ethnic Festival

When: Saturday, May 22nd, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Where: 237 East 104th Street            

For more information: Contact Ivelis N. Eatman at 212-828-6051

 

Free Tours of Harlem River Park

When: Saturday, May 22nd, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Where: 142nd Street & 5th Avenue Ramp Over Harlem River Drive          

For more information: Contact Ivelis N. Eatman at 212-828-6051

Learn the latest about the state of the Harlem River and air quality in the neighborhood from Frederick Douglass Academy students.

 

Manhattan Valley Family Day

When: Sunday, May 23rd, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where: Amsterdam Avenue, between W. 106th and W. 110th Streets.

Sponsored by the Columbus Amsterdam BID

Free activities: art, music, dance, bike lessons, area info, textile computer recycling and more.

 

Ecuadorian Festival in Manhattan Valley

When: Sunday, May 23rd, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Where: W. 107th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues

Ecuadorian music, food and folkloric dance.  For more information call 212-496-8981.

 

March Against Violence in El Barrio/East Harlem

When: Tuesday, May 27th, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Meet outside Jefferson Recreation Center (1st Ave and 114th Street)

Bring signs that illustrate a personal connection to violence you have experienced.  Sponsored by Senator José E. Serrano, Council Member Viverito and many other elected officials and community based organizations.  For more information, click here <http://www.nysenate.gov/event/2010/may/27/march-against-violence> .

 

FREE Citizenship Application Assistance Event (Sponsored by Melissa's Office)

When: Saturday, June 5th, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where: 237 E. 104th Street (between Second and Third Avenues)

Co-Sponsored by Hunter College and CUNY Citizenship Now.  Please bring your green card, passports and home addresses for the past five years, as well as marital history, children's information and employment history (if applicable).  For more information, contact our district office at 212-828-9800.

 

Fiesta en El Barrio (Sponsored by Los Pleneros de la 21)

When: Saturday, June 5th, 2:00 p.m.

Where: 1573 Madison Avenue (@ 106th Street)

Performances by NYC's newest generation of Bomberos and Pleneros ($5 Admission).

For more information, call 212-427-5221.

 

Museum Mile Festival

When: Tuesday, June 8th, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: 5th Avenue between 105th Street and 82nd Street

Free access to museums, live music, entertainment and art in the street.  For more information, visit www.museummilefestival.org.

 

To have a local event featured in our Upcoming Events section, please send an email to newsfrommelissa at gmail.com with the information.

 

 

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 youth are currently working on a video project to compete in the New York Civil Liberties Union "Freedom of Expression: What is the Change You Believe In?" contest.  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. To inquire about the next meeting 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 10:00am to 6:00pm, as well as Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm.  No appointment is necessary.  

 

Upcoming West Side Office Hours

 

May 24th and June 7th from 2pm to 4pm

991 Amsterdam Ave (btwn. W 108th and W 109th Streets)

 

Upcoming South Bronx Office Hours

 

June 2nd and June 16th from 2pm to 4pm

283 Saint Ann's Avenue

 

To unsubscribe from our listserv, please send an email to newsfrommelissa at gmail.com with 'Unsubscribe' in the subject line. 

 

 

 

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