[BwayDems] E-News - Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito - January 2011

[Taranto, Joseph]

January 2011

 

Inside this Newsletter:

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

 

Keep Up With Our Work Online

 

Subscribe to Our Blog: http://mmviverito.com <http://mmviverito.com/>
*NEW Address*

Become a Fan on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/mmvfb
<https://webmail.council.nyc.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://tinyur
l.com/mmvfb> 

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

Watch the Latest on Our Video Channel: http://mmv.vodspot.tv
<https://webmail.council.nyc.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mmv.vo
dspot.tv/>  

Visit our Parks Committee Blog: http://parksnyc.wordpress.com
<http://parksnyc.wordpress.com/>  

 

Encourage your friends and neighbors to subscribe to our listserv by
completing our new online form: http://tinyurl.com/mmvsubcribe
<https://webmail.council.nyc.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://tinyur
l.com/mmvsubcribe> 

 

 

Melissa and her staff wish each and every one of you a happy and
prosperous 2011!  We hope you had a wonderful Three Kings Day
celebration!!

 

Recent News and Events

 

La Marqueta Kitchen Incubator Officially Launched!

 

Last week, Melissa joined Speaker Christine Quinn and others in
celebrating the opening of the long-awaited commercial kitchen
incubator.  Hot Bread Kitchen <http://www.hotbreadkitchen.org/> 's HBK
Incubates  <http://hotbreadkitchen.org/hbk-incubator> program will rent
out space in the brand new commercial kitchen at La Marqueta to culinary
entrepreneurs while also providing paid training in commercial baking
and English as a second language courses to immigrant women.  La
Marqueta has also welcomed a number of new vendors, selling everything
from coffee and treats to fresh, locally-grown produce.  Already, Hot
Bread Kitchen has agreed to incubate 7 small businesses, with a second
round of applications is currently being accepted.  Subsidized rates are
available for low-income food entrepreneurs.  Staff at the kitchen will
provide entrepreneurs with a number of services and training
opportunities to help grow their businesses.  We hope that local
culinary entrepreneurs and other interested residents will seek to take
advantage of the opportunities available through the HBK Incubates
Program.  Visit http://hotbreadkitchen.org/hbk-incubator for more
information on membership and rental rates, and call 212-369-3331 to
learn more.  

 

For photos, video, media coverage and links to additional information on
the space, please visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-vh.  Please stop by the newly
renovated La Marqueta to check out the commercial kitchen and all of the
new vendors!

 

Melissa Stands with Tenants and Elected Leaders to Call for
Strengthening of Rent Stabilization Laws

 

Melissa joined a candlelight vigil held at City Hall yesterday evening
to call on Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature to extend and
strengthen the rent stabilization laws that help tenants across the city
to remain in their homes. These protections are set to expire this
coming June. While it is expected that they will be renewed, there is a
concern that significant givebacks will be given to landlords in the new
version of these laws. Melissa will continue to stand in support of
tenant advocates as the campaign for real rent reform continues.

 

Major Mid-Year Budget Cuts Avoided in Deal Negotiated by the City
Council

 

The City Council has negotiated a deal
<http://council.nyc.gov/html/releases/01_06_10_budget.shtml>  with the
Bloomberg administration to avoid mid-year budget cuts to core services,
from case management for seniors to shelter beds for homeless youth, as
well as to defer increases in recreation center fees and parking meter
rates.  This deal only applies to the current fiscal year, which ends in
June.  The City still faces a $2.4 billion deficit for the next Fiscal
Year
<http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/searchlight/20110107/203/3447>
and the  Bloomberg administration is already proposing over a billion
dollars in cuts for Fiscal Year 2012 (which begins in July).  Melissa
strongly maintains her position that the only way to fully address these
recurring budget deficits is to ask the wealthiest New Yorkers to put in
their fair share through progressive taxation
<http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/progressive-caucus-call
s-for-new-york-surcharge-on-bush-era-tax-breaks-for-the-wealthy-to-resto
re-services-address-deficits-revitalize-economy/> .  For more
information on the programs saved, please visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-vN.  

 

Council Holds Hearing on Response to Blizzard

 

The New York City Council held a hearing yesterday on the Bloomberg
administration's response to the blizzard.  The hearing began at 11:00
this morning and at the time of the publication of this blog post (seven
half hours later), it still has not ended.  We were live tweeting
throughout the morning.  You can read our Twitter feed
<http://twitter.com/mmviverito>  for the minute-by-minute updates (
www.twitter.com/mmviverito).  Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith and the
Commissioners of the Department of Sanitation, the Office of Emergency
Management and the Fire Department, who testified and answered Council
Member's questions, offered apologies and admitted openly that the
response to the storm was unacceptable.  They also shared some of the
information regarding conversations happening behind the scenes in the
days leading up to and following the storm. Testimony and responses to
the questions exposed a serious lack of coordination and communication
between our city's agencies, which severely limited their ability to
respond effectively to the storm and deploy all the necessary resources.
Due to the length of today's hearing, public sessions have been
scheduled for each borough.  We urge our constituents to attend these
hearings just outside of our district in Manhattan and the Bronx:

 

*	Manhattan: Thursday, January 20th, 6:00 pm
	Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building
	163 W. 125th Street
*	The Bronx: Monday, January 24th, 6:00 pm
	Hostos Community College, Savoy Building D
	120 E. 149th Street (btwn Walton and Gerard Avenues)

 

For more information on the hearing, please visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-w3.


 

Progressive Caucus Calls for New York Surcharge on Bush-era Tax Breaks
for the Wealthy to Restore Services, Address Deficits, Revitalize
Economy

 

On the heels of the extension of the Bush-era tax cuts, members of the
New York City Council Progressive Caucus have issued a plan for an
income tax surcharge on households earning over $250,000.  The surcharge
would be set at the same amount as the additional income tax break the
wealthiest households will receive under the tax cut plan.  The Caucus
plan would generate $8.1 billion, and use this revenue to restore vital
services now proposed for deep cuts, stimulate the New York economy, and
address severe deficits facing New York City and State.  The extension
of the Bush-era tax breaks for the top 2% of American households comes
as New York City and State (like other cities and state around the
country) are facing dire cuts and gaping deficits.  The Progressive
Caucus proposal would narrow these gaps, prevent harmful cuts, and help
revitalize New York's economy.  For more information on the proposal,
please visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-ug.  The New York Times recently
published an editorial in support of a proposal along these lines (
http://nyti.ms/ewYNSE) and a CBS 60 Minutes poll found that 61 percent
of respondents would prefer increasing taxes on the rich over cutting
defense spending, cutting Medicare or cutting Social Security (
http://bit.ly/heTRAa).

 

City Council to Hold Hearing on the Impact that the Potential Opening of
Wal-Mart Stores in New York City

 

Tomorrow, the City Council is scheduled to hold hearing entitled "When
Wal-Mart Comes to Town."  Prior to the hearing, Council Members will
join New Yorkers for a rally on the steps of City Hall to keep Wal-Mart
out of the City.  Wal-Mart is infamous for its poor pay and benefits for
its employees, resistance to organizing and employment discrimination,
not to mention its impact on local small businesses.  Melissa has been a
vocal opponent of Wal-Mart and feels strongly that it is the wrong kind
of business to bring into New York City.  Currently, it is rumored that
El Barrio/East Harlem is being looked at as a potential location for
Wal-Mart.  Please join us at the rally on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. (Steps
of City Hall), followed by the hearing at 1:00 p.m. at the Emigrant
Savings Bank (49-51 Chambers Street).  Check www.council.nyc.gov
<http://www.council.nyc.gov/>  for any updates regarding changes to the
hearing due to the weather.

 

Melissa Denounces the CityTime Embezzlement and the Lax Oversight
Policies of the Bloomberg Administration

 

Melissa has joined with several City Council colleagues in denouncing
the embezzlement of $80 million in taxpayer dollars by consultants on
the private contract CityTime, which was intended to prevent fraud in
the city payroll system. This contract has long been problematic,
ballooning to over $700 million from its original projected cost of $80
million. Melissa and her colleagues have called for a halt to the
rampant outsourcing of jobs and engaging in private contracts, until all
large contracts can be scrutinized for additional instances of fraud.

 

Comptroller John Liu Launches the M/WBE Database

 

Melissa joined Comptroller John Liu last month as he launched a brand
new database to track City spending on Minority and Women-Owned Business
Enterprises (M/WBEs).  City contracts present an enormous growth
opportunity for M/WBEs.  While people of color make up a majority of New
York City, the Comptroller's analysis found that just over 2% of prime
contracting dollars are going to M/WBEs.  On the brand new website, 
www.mwbereportcardnyc.com <http://www.mwbereportcardnyc.com/> , members
of the public can learn how each City agency fares when it comes to
M/WBE contracting.  There are also resources available on the website
regarding how to become a certified M/WBE.  Currently, New York City law
requires each agency to set a goal for M/WBE contracting and take
reasonable steps to meet that goal, but for legal reasons, the City
Council has been unable to require that a specific percentage of
contracting dollars be allocated to M/WBEs.  Melissa and other members
of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus are currently exploring next steps
to pressure the administration to improve these numbers.

 

A Message on Fiscal Year 2012 Discretionary Funding

 

Some local organizations have begun to make inquiries regarding the
process for Fiscal Year 2012 discretionary funding.  The application
forms and due dates are still being formulated at this time.  Please
look out for an e-mail in the coming weeks regarding the process for
this year.

 

Updates on Legislation

 

City Council Adopts Landmark Student Safety Act

 

After years of debate, amendments and negotiations, the Student Safety
Act has finally passed the City Council.  The Student Safety Act
requires reporting on disciplinary actions taken against NYC public
school students, by safety agents and the police.  This legislation was
first introduced in 2008 by Council Members Robert Jackson and Melissa
Mark-Viverito in response to increasing allegations of misconduct by
some school safety agents, and the effects that excessive discipline was
having on young people.  For example, middle school students have been
arrested for scribbling on their desks, and a five-year-old was
handcuffed and sent by police to a psychiatric ward after misbehaving in
school.  For more information on the legislation, please visit 
http://wp.me/pJ9TG-u9.

 

Opportunities

 

Free Mentorship Program for Immigrant Youth -- Apply Today!

 

The NYSYLC's Mentoring Program for Immigrant Youth will help high school
juniors and seniors navigate through the college application process and
transition successfully into college. Through peer mentoring and
workshops, the NYSYLC will guide immigrant youth in reaching their
college aspirations by providing resources and linking high school
students with peer mentors who have successfully enrolled in college and
will act as guides through this challenging process.  For details and to
apply for the program, please visit www.bit.ly/ylcmentoring.  The
application is due Sunday, January 16th.  

 

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

 

Family Fridays at Dana Discovery Center
When: Fridays, January 14th, 21st and 28th, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Central Park at 110 St. & Lenox Ave.

Crafts, beading, painting, puppet-making and more.  For more
information, call 212-860-1370.



Metropolitan Hospital Center's Winter Blood Drive

When: Tuesday, January 11th, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Where: 1901 First Avenue, Main Building, Room BB29

For more information, contact Betsy Mendez-White at 212-423-6128.

 

Rally to Keep Job-Killing Wal Mart Out of New York City!

When: Wednesday, January 12th at 11:00 a.m.

Where: On the steps of City Hall

For more information, contact Stephanie Yazgi at 347-387-3549.

 

Free Rodent Management Training (Sponsored by the NYC Department of
Health)

When: Wednesday, January 19th, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Peter J. Sharp Residence, 223 E. 117th Street (between 2nd and
3rd Avenues)

Learn to reduce rats and mice on your property.  For more information,
visit www.nyc.gov/rats.  

 

Manhattan Local City Council Hearing Regarding Administration's Response
to Blizzard

When: Thursday, January 20th, 6:00 p.m.                            

Where: Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 W. 125th Street

 

Citizenship Assistance with CUNY Citizenship Now! (Sponsored by
Melissa's Office)

When: Saturday, January 22, 2011, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Where: Union Settlement Association, 237 East 104th Street (between 2nd
and 3rd Avenues)

FREE citizenship application assistance will by offered by experienced
lawyers and immigration professionals who will help evaluate your
citizenship application.  To be eligible to apply you must reside in the
US as a permanent resident for five years (three years if living with
and married to the same US citizen), you must live in the US for half of
that period, and be at least 18 years old.  Please bring the following
with you to the event: green card and all passports, home addresses for
the past five years, children's information (date of birth, A#,
addresses), employment history, and marital/criminal history.
Applicants pay a $680 filing fee to USCIS; fee waiver assistance is
available for eligible applicants.  

 

Winter Days, Warm Nights (Sponsored by Booker T. Washington/Beacon 54)

When: Wednesday, January 22nd,11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: 103 W. 107th Street

Distribution of free coats; information on community resources. For info
212-866-5579 or 646-539-5941. 

 

Bronx Local City Council Hearing Regarding Administration's Response to
Blizzard

When: Monday, January 24th, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Hostos Community College, Savoy Building D, 120 E. 149th Street

 

To have a local event featured in our Upcoming Events section, please
send an email to newsfrommelissa at gmail.com with the information.  Event
info sent to other addresses may not be published in the newsletter.

 

This is only a selection of local events.  Additional events in our
district can be found at 
http://www.eastharlempreservation.org/docs/events.htm (El Barrio/East
Harlem) and http://www.columbusamsterdambid.org/events (the West Side).

 

Also, please see the following Community Boards' calendars for
information on board and committee meetings dealing with local issues:

 

*	Community Board 11 <http://www.cb11m.org/event>  (El Barrio/East
Harlem)
*	Community Board 7
<http://www.nyc.gov/html/mancb7/html/calendar/calendar_monthly.shtml>
(Upper West Side)
*	Community Board 1
<http://www.bronxmall.com/commboards/monthcalendar1.html>  (Bronx)

 

 

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.

 

The Youth Violence Task Force

 

Unfortunately, we are experiencing a rise in violence in the El
Barrio/East Harlem community, particularly among our youth.  Melissa has
created the East Harlem/ El Barrio Youth Violence Task Force in response
to the increase in violence among youth. The task force has been meeting
for over a month and we hope you all will join in and be a part of this
movement going forward. Only through working together will this issue be
at the forefront of our community's priorities. Below is some
information on our task force.  If you are interested in being on our
listserv, please send an e-mail to eencarnacion at council.nyc.gov and you
will be added immediately.  To read more about the Task Force visit 
http://wp.me/pJ9TG-qb.

 

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: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

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

 

January 17th and 31st from 2pm to 4pm

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

 

Upcoming South Bronx Office Hours

 

January14th and 27th from 2pm to 4pm

283 Saint Ann's Avenue

 

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THESE OFFICE HOURS!

 

 

To unsubscribe from our listserv, please send an email to 
newsfrommelissa at gmail.com with 'Unsubscribe' in the subject line.  You
will be promptly removed from our list.


 


 

 

 

 

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