Wednesday, September 30, 2009

NYC Tenants Rally To Protest Unfair Rent Hikes; 10/1; City Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Jon Furlong with PACC- (718) 522-2613 x25
Amyre Loomis with NYCC- (718) 260-9191

Tenants rally at City Hall to protest unfair rent hikes

Bloomberg’s sham rent board slams tenants once again

On Thursday, October 1, tenants from all over New York City will gather at City Hall at 1:00 pm to protest the rent increases that go into effect that day that will impact over one million rent stabilized households.

Numerous elected officials will attend, including Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, City Comptroller William Thompson, and City Council Member Letitia James. In addition, several of the pro-tenant candidates who won in the September 15 Democratic primary will be present.

Despite high unemployment, and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Bloomberg’s rent board is still rewarding landlords with huge, unnecessary rent increases. This is the case, even though data from the City Department of Finance shows that owners of rent-stabilized properties have seen their net operating incomes go up to an average of 38 percent, meaning they spend 62 cents of every dollar of income on operating and maintaining their buildings, leaving 38 cents for debt service and profit.

The rent increases were voted in June by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board, whose nine members are appointed by the Mayor, and the board is stacked with a majority opposed to rent regulation. Despite promises by Mayor Bloomberg that the rent increases would be “a lot lower this year because costs have gone down,” the board voted to increase rents by 3 and 6 percent for one-year and two-year lease renewals.

For the second year, the board also voted to maintain the “poor tax,” a minimum $30 or $60 increase for tenants who have lived in their apartments for six or more years. Thus, a tenant paying $600 per month will be hit with effective rent increases of 5 percent for a one-year renewal or 10 percent for two years.

The October 1 rally is sponsored by the Real Rent Reform Campaign (R³), a coalition working to strengthen rent and eviction protection laws in New York City and suburban counties. The R³ Campaign has proposed legislation to restructure the rent board process.



What: Tenants rally to protest unfair rent increases

When: Thursday, October 1, 2009, 1:00 pm

Where: Steps of City Hall, lower Manhattan





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ATTENTION: City Gov Employees Eligible for Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program


Mayor’s Graduate Scholarship Program

The Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program (MGSP) provides outstanding City government employees with the opportunity to continue their education in graduate study--

To qualify for the MGSP, you must:

-Be a full-time City government employee
-Be actively employed by the City of New York at the time of application and while pursuing your degree.
-Have completed an undergraduate degree by the Fall 2010 semester.

The deadline for submitting the MGSP application(s) to your Agency personnel office is Monday, November 23, 2009.

For general requirements check the MGSP Scholarship Offering Guide for details
Personnel Office locations are available at the MGSP website or by contacting the MGSP: http://www.nyc.gov/mgsp. Or call the MGSP office at (212) 669-4163.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

-Employees must return the completed application(s) with the following items attached:

3 essays- application specifies essay subjects
A copy of college diploma, transcript or acceptance letter to the graduate/law school.

Applicants must all submit:

-The completed first page of the college/university admissions application, or if already attending the school, attach the proof of enrollment.

-Attach a copy of the “letter of intent”.

The application form may be found here.

Moving Pictures: And Now For Something Completely Different


On Friday October 2, a short film is schedule to film interior and exterior scenes at the Salvation Army at 22 Quincy Street between Downing Street and Classon Avenue.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 1pm—8pm

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

ATTENTION: Greater Brooklyn Coalition Sponsors Info Session on H1N1 Flu.

The Greater Brooklyn Health Coalition is sponsoring an informational event on seasonal and H1N1 influenza on behalf of the Brooklyn District Public Health Office of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC-DOHMH).--

Influenza Education & Training Event for Community Residents

WHEN: October 6th
6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

WHAT: Learn the latest about seasonal influenza and H1N1 ‘Swine Flu’.

*Learn what the City is doing and what you can do to prevent the spread of influenza.
*Learn how you can spread the word about influenza.

The NYC-DOH District Public Health Office, The U.S. Department of Health & Human Service's Office of Minority Health, and The Borough of Brooklyn Ecumenical Advisory Group [(BBEAG) a consortium of faith-based institutions convened by the NYC-DOHMH] invites community leaders and residents to attend an Influenza Education & Training Event:

WHERE: Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza
Community Room—Lower Level
1368 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Our previous posts on H1N1 can be found here.
~

To Reserve your seat, contact:
Evelyn Ortiz— eortiz@health.nyc.gov

Moving Pictures: Heavily Damaged


On Friday October 2, 2009 the television show “Damages” is scheduled to film interior scenes at 275 Park Avenue at Washington Avenue.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 12PM-12AM

Any Excuse To Post This Picture: BBP Marty Markowitz Presents Program On Personal Budgeting!


MANAGING YOUR MONEY WISELY

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz presents a FREE four week program on ‘Managing your money wisely’. This program is in collaboration with the New York Urban League--

WHEN:
Wednesdays on October 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
6:00PM -8:30PM

SCHEDULE:
5:30pm– Refreshments served

WHERE:
Brooklyn Borough Hall
The Court Room
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

TO REGISTER:
Email: dcolemant@nyul.org
Tel: (212) 926-8000 ext. 147

Monday, September 28, 2009

CM James, American-Italian Cancer Fdtn bring Mobile Mammography Van to FG; 10/13.

Because early detection saves lives, Council Member Letitia James has joined with The American-Italian Cancer Foundation to bring a Mobile Mammography vehicle to Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Look for the Mobile Mammography Van at:

The office of Council Member Letitia James
67 Hanson Place, Brooklyn


on
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

FOR THOSE INTERESTED, AN APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY. Please make an appointment between the hours of 12noon and 6pm by calling 1-800-453-8378 EXT 1.

FYI...

-These services are provided ESPECIALLY for women aged 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months, as well as women who do not have regular access to mammography services. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or other health insurance, you must bring your card with you on the day of your appointment.

-For women without health insurance, services will be paid for by the Screening Partnerships of the New York State Cancer Services Program (NYS-CSP) or through generous contributions by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation's donors. For women with health insurance, the insurance will be billed for services. However, women will not be charged a co-pay and will not receive a bill.

-Mammograms are performed by a certified, licensed mammography technologist in conjunction with the Multi-Diagnostic Services (MDS).

Saturday, September 26, 2009

CM James, Students, Residents Say: 'Intolerance Unwelcome in BK'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2009

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James, students and residents say: intolerant views of Westboro not welcome in Brooklyn

(Brooklyn, NY) On September 24, 2009, five members of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), based in Topeka, Kansas picketed behind Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

WBC is headed by Fred Phelps and is known for picketing at public events and funerals, often those peripherally related to the LGBTQ community, or organizations and bodies they feel are sympathetic to LGBTQ-related issues. This has included, in the past, the funerals of fallen soldiers. WBC is not affiliated with any known Baptist sects, and in addition to being condemned by countless organizations, Mr. Phelps and his daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper have been banned from entering the United Kingdom due to their hateful rhetoric in frequent appearances in British media.

The US-based Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center have identified WBC as a hate group. A small group of WBC members picketed at Brooklyn Technical at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue and S. Elliott Place, and met with protesting residents and Brooklyn Technical students. The WBC picketers held signs that read “G-d Hates You” and “G-d is Your Enemy.” Many protesting students were seen wearing stickers that read “Love Don’t Hate.”

“Fort Greene is a community known for its diversity, and the divisive and outrageous rhetoric of the Westboro Baptist Church could not be more unwelcome. Wherever they go throughout Brooklyn, they will be met by residents ready to reject their message of hate. Homophobia will not be tolerated.” said Council Member James. “Sadly, these church members are getting exactly what they seek, more attention; yet and still, we must continue to protest their extreme religious views and antics.”

The Westboro Baptist Church, who has also displayed hate towards the Jewish community, has placed their picketing schedule on their website- www.g-dhatesfags.com. The church plans to picket synagogues Beth Elohim in Park Slope, and Union Temple in Prospect Heights for Yom Kippur. Fortunately, many Brooklyn residents stand opposed to the fanatical, narrow-minded opinions of this church.

###

The NYT-Local's coverage.
The BK Paper's coverage.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

ATTENTION: Shem Walker Community Meeting

POLICE USE OF DEADLY FORCE MUST END!

Shem Walker was shot and killed on July 11, 2009 in front of his house at Lafayette Avenue near Classon Avenue by an NYPD undercover cop.

A Community Meeting will be held in Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7pm. The program will include Shavone Walker (Shem Walker’s daughter) and One Hundred Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care.

Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church is located at-
85 South Oxford Street
Brooklyn, NY, 11217

For more information email: fortgreenepeace@gmail.com.

Meet the Breeds Event Celebrates Pet-Ownership!


MEET THE BREEDS

Join the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (hee) on October 17th and 18th 2009 from 10am-5pm for a fun, family-orientated media event celebrating responsible pet-ownership. The event will take place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City!

The Jacob Javits Convention Center is located at-
655 W 34th St
New York, NY 10001-1114
(212) 216-2000
Get more information here.

The event will feature over 160 dog breeds and 41 cat breeds with expert breeders from all national breed clubs. There will be demonstration rings with live presentations,and an exciting best booth in show competition. The event will also promote responsible pet-ownership to the public, working in unison with hundreds of Clubs from the Tri-State area.

Moving Pictures: Rescued You

On Tuesday September 29, 2009 the television show “Rescue Me” is scheduled to film exterior scenes at 4 Downing Street at Quincy Street. They will be rigging for these scenes on Thursday September 24, Friday September 25, and Monday September 28 and de-rigging on Wednesday September 30.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 6am-8pm

Since we're coming into the fall when these shoots will be happening periodically, we want you to know that you can call (212) 788-7081 if you have any questions about filming in the area.

BLACK BK RENAISSANCE BLACK CULTURE/BLACK PERFORMANCE 1960-2010


BLACK BROOKLYN RENAISSANCE BLACK CULTURE/BLACK PERFORMANCE 1960-2010

When: Wednesday, October 14th 2009
Time: 6PM-8PM
Where: 334 Grand Avenue
Brooklyn, NY. 11238

There will be a private reception at Corridor Gallery. Wine and hors d’oeurves will be served. There guests will be introduced this landmark project. Black Brooklyn Renaissance celebrates the contribution of Black artists in Brooklyn over five decades. You can learn more about them here.

RSVP by October 5th to Tricia Mire at 718-625-0080 or tmire@brooklynatyscouncil.org.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

CM James, PACC Announce $400,000 in City Capital Funds for Fulton Street

Pratt Area Community Council announced on Monday (9/14/09) that City Council Member Letitia James (35th CD, Brooklyn) is providing $400,000 in city capital funds for the Central Fulton Street Business Improvement District.

The funds will be used for physical improvements and amenities such as benches, banners, garbage cans, bike racks and landscaping along the 23 blocks within the Central Fulton Street Business Improvement District (BID). PACC will administer the pass through grant funded through the NYC Department of Transportation. In addition, at the Council Member’s suggestion, PACC has secured funds for mini-grants of up to $500 for 20 merchants to offset the costs associated with belonging to the BID.

The BID will be known as the FAB Alliance, acknowledging its roots in the Fulton Area Business (FAB) Association. Activities and services such as contracted maintenance provided six days per week, graffiti removal, security and improved signage will begin in October.

"We are really hoping that by making these physical improvements, we can boost the impact of the BID activities and bring a recognizable and significant change to Fulton Street," said Deb Howard, Executive Director of PACC. "Fulton Street has a wonderful array of unique businesses and local entrepreneurs and we will be working hard to create a shopping environment that residents and merchants can be proud of," she added.

"My interest is, and has always been, the strengthening of the community I represent, and I thoroughly believe that the BID will bring more storefronts, more employment opportunities, increased security, and a more attractive strip to Fulton Street. I can see only an upside to the beautification of our neighborhood, and I look forward to my office continuing its work with the FAB Alliance this fall,” said Council Member Letitia James.

Look for the launch of the new FAB Alliance website, which will feature an "I am FAB" business every month. The website will also have information for merchants wishing to apply for the $500 grants. Coming soon: a launch party/press event and community block party on October 24th.

About PACC: Now celebrating its 45th anniversary year, PACC is one of NYC’s leading community development corporations with a focus on Central Brooklyn. PACC’s goals are to preserve and develop safe and affordable housing; to support a vibrant local commerce; to sustain and develop an economic, racial, and cultural diversity; and to foster an ethic that all members of the community bear personal responsibility to contribute to the greater good. For more information, visit http://www.prattarea.org or the FAB Alliance website http://faballiance.org/.

ATTENTION: New Speed Bump On Washington Avenue!


NEW SPEED BUMP ON WASHINGTON AVENUE

The New York City Department of Transportation has conducted an investigation to determine the feasibility and the need for installing a speed bump on Washington Avenue between Gates and Greene Avenues. They have concluded that it is a good candidate for the installation of a speed bump and the location has now been added to the list of pending installations for Brooklyn which will scheduled shortly.

We will have more information when it's available. Please contact (718) 260-9191 for more information.

Monday, September 21, 2009

3rd Annual Crown Heights North House Tour!!!

You're invited to the 3rd Annual Crown Heights North House Tour (sponsored by the Crown Heights North Association, Inc. (CHNA))

Date: October 3rd, 2009
Starting Location: St. Gregory's R.C. Church, 919 St. John's Place and Brooklyn Avenue
Opening Ceremony: 10:00am- 12:00pm
Self-Guided Tours: 12:00noon- 5:00pm

Other activities:
Information tables and representatives from City agencies and community non-profit organizations (10:30am- 12:30pm)
Raffle Prizes: Spa Gift Basket; Dinner for Two; Wine Gift basket; Decorative Throw Pillows; Grand Marnier Cake; Red Velvet Cupcakes

For more information, please visit CHNA's website, or Craigslist, apparently.

North Flatbush Avenue BID Celebrates Burrito Bar's 4th Anniversary!

The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) would like to invite you to Burrito Bar and Kitchen as they get ready to celebrate....

4th Year Anniversity Fiesta!!!

When: Thursday, September 24, 2009
Time: 5:00 pm to closing
Where: Burrito Bar and Kitchen
308 Flatbush Avenue, corner of Flatbush and Prospect Place

A Complimentary buffet will be served from 5pm to 7pm.

Come on over celebrate with the North Flatbush Avenue BID and Burrito Bar!!!

Friday, September 18, 2009

ATTENTION: NYC Penalty Relief Program

The NYC Penalty Relief Program, a joint program between the administration and the New York City Council that was established through Local Law 47-2009, will begin on September 21st.

The Penalty Relief Program will allow businesses and homeowners who have outstanding default judgments against them from the Environmental Control Board (ECB) to pay only the base violation fine amount, with the City waiving the default judgment, late fees, and all other penalties and interest. The program will be open for three months, from September 21st through December 21st, 2009

Basic Info:

· This is a three-month program that is authorized by Mayor Bloomberg and City Council that allows businesses to resolve ECB violations by paying a base fine without having to pay any other penalties.

· If the violation regards a correctable condition, then this condition must be met before being eligible to enter the program.

For more information, please see the Department of Finance website, or call 311.

Become a Notary Public!


BECOME A NOTARY PUBLIC

One-day training– NYS Notary Association approved.

Enroll yourself, or one (or more) of your employees for a one-day (6 hour) training. Be a more valued employee by learning to protect your employer from costly litigation, and Protect Your Job!

Includes latest NYS regulations manual, breakfast, practice testing, study guide, test scheduling, & certificate.

Continental breakfast/Check-in: 7:30/8:00AM. Class 8AM to 2PM.

Weekday sessions to choose from below:

FISHKILL/I-84
Holiday Inn
542 Rt. 9/I-84
Fishkill, NY


Fri Nov 6th
Fri Jan 15th
Fri Mar 12th
Fri May 21st


QUEENS/LGA
Courtyard by Marriot
90-10 Grand Central Parkway E.
Elmhurst, Queens


Fri Oct 16th
Fri Feb 5th
Fri Apr 9th
Fri Jun 11th


NEW YORK CITY
Holiday Inn
440 West 57th St.
New York, NY


Fri Sep 25th
Fri Oct 23rd
Fri Nov 20th
Fri Dec 11th


WESTCHESTER
Crown Plaza
66 Hale Ave.
White Plains, NY


Fri Oct 2nd
Fri Dec 4th
Fri Feb 19th
Fri Apr 16th


LONG ISLAND/LIE
Holiday Inn
215 Sunnyside Blvd
Plainview, LI


Fri Nov 13th
Fri Jan 29th
Fri Mar 19th
Fri May 14th



Call Toll-Free (877) 484-4673 to register.
You may pay by faxing credit card or mail check/money order payable to:
Soren Legal
P.O Box 586
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590


Information on prior Notary Public training sessions here.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Moving Pictures: White Collar Crimes And Permanent Fictional Neighbors

On Tuesday September 22, 2009 the television show “White Collar” is scheduled to film interior and exterior scenes at the Brooklyn Museum at 200 Eastern Parkway between Underhill and Washington Avenues.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 6:30am-10pm

Also on the moving pictures front, the new HBO comedy "Bored to Death" (which was filming in the FG/CH area back in early June), is apparently also set in Fort Greene (take that Miranda and Steve!) More info over at the NYT blog The Local; "Bored To Death" looks pretty cool, although we're probably not objective when it comes to Jason Schwartzman.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

CM James Ranks #2 on Urban Justice Center- Human Rights Report Card

Some of us are feeling incredibly good today, and frankly learning that Council Member James scored 2nd on the Urban Justice Center's 2009 Human Rights Report Card might've just pushed us into the Smug Zone.

Following 2008's #1 ranking, Council Member Letitia James is thrilled that her hard work on behalf of equal civil and human rights for all New Yorkers has once again been recognized!

The Urban Justice Center’s Human Rights Project (HRP) is one of eight projects of the Urban Justice Center, an anti-poverty non profit organization that serves New York City's most vulnerable residents through a combination of direct legal service, systemic advocacy, community education, and political organizing. HRP is a project that works to apply globally accepted human rights standards to domestic social policy. According to their website, "HRP has been at the forefront of the U.S. human rights “movement” for the past several years, demonstrating new models of applying human rights in the U.S., and in particular in New York City, to effectively advocate for the City’s most vulnerable across a range of issues."

You can view the Urban Justice Center's 2009 Human Rights Report Card (and learn more about the methodology used) here.

teamtish

Monday, September 14, 2009

Prospect Heights Historic District Designated Landmark Status!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


September 14, 2009

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191


Congratulations to the Community from Council Member Letitia James on Landmark Designation of the Prospect Heights Historic District

It’s official. The Prospect Heights Historic District was formally designated last Thursday, when the City Council’s Committee on Land Use voted unanimously to support the largest landmark designation in New York City in almost 20 years. The Council is expected to confirm the vote of the committee on September 17.

“Advocates in this community have worked hard towards achieving their goal. Preservation of Prospect Heights, an architecturally diverse and human-scaled neighborhood is much deserved, and needed now more than ever due to development pressures. This area has already experienced the demolition of historic buildings and out-of-scale construction. I am glad that we can look forward to maintaining the character of our illustrious past and protecting the fabric of this historic neighborhood,” said Council Member James.

With nearly 850 buildings, Prospect Heights is one of the city’s most superb brownstone districts, comprised of beautiful late 19th and early 20th-century residential buildings (for more detailed information, please read the Landmarks Preservation Commissions 488 page designation report). It ranks as the fifth largest historic district in the City overall. The designation initiative was lead by Council Member Letitia James, the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council (PHNDC), and the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS).

“Prospect Heights is among Brooklyn’s most distinguished, cohesive neighborhoods because of its architectural integrity and diversity, scale, tree-lined streets and residential character,” said LPC Chairman Tierney. “These features lend the neighborhood its unique sense of place, making it a natural for historic district status.”

Said PHNDC Chair Danae Oratowski, “We are grateful for the efforts of our Council Member Letitia James and her colleagues in the City Council in acting quickly to preserve our historic neighborhood.”

Council Member James, Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission Robert B. Tierney, historian Francis Morrone, and Gib Veconi of the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council are recorded on a video (http://mas.org/council-hearing-on-prospect-heights-tomorrow/), which was created by the MAS showing their work with PHNDC. After some basic training in surveying from MAS preservationists, an army of more than twenty volunteers from Prospect Heights took to the streets and surveyed and photographed roughly one thousand buildings.

“The result (of the survey) was not just the designation; the act of engaging residents in the process brought the community together and provided a new sense of neighborhood identity,” said MAS.



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Friday, September 11, 2009

CM James Reinforces Pres. Obama's Message to Students

Statement by Council Member Letitia James to Reinforce the call for New York City Schools to hold a Special Assembly for President Obama’s Education Address

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2009

“That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them,” said President Barack Obama.

This week, over 1 million children returned to New York City schools. We have faith and trust that our daughters, sons, nieces, and nephews will receive the best education available.

Let’s support President Obama as he leads our country on the path back to good health by sharing the President’s Education Address with students, particularly those youth in Central Brooklyn. Encouraging our children to do their homework and pay attention at school, as well as to have long term educational goals provides the right direction needed for students in this country.

President Obama said: “So today, I want to ask you, what your contribution is going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make?”

The President’s words to the country’s youth are inspirational and motivational. I agree that encouraging students to learn, and also to respect adults are good messages. This is the advice I, and many others have heard from adult family members and friends while growing up.

The President simply challenged students to do their best, to stay focused and take pride in their education. His speech was a rich civics lesson. President Obama is a parent that cares; his positive message speaks to doing the right thing, and doing your absolute best regardless of one’s circumstances and background.

“So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it,” said President Obama.

Children are part of President Obama’s constituency – this week’s speech to students was a “state of the union” (for kids) to strive to be fully contributing members of a great country. A strong country requires strong people. President Obama knows that all eyes are on him and that today’s youth are connected and paying close attention. He delivered clear expectations for all school age children no matter the ethnicity.

This speech is a reality check for students in the United States to listen closely to their parents and schools. It is obvious that President Obama’s goal is to remind young people that they too can achieve greatness. The majority of the country voted for change last November… Now, President Obama is showing us the reasons why we elected him.

President Obama said: “Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.”

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191


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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

If You Were Wondering Where Your Money Was

Check out NYCStat Stimulus Tracker to track the City's use of federal stimulus/recovery funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA); and Council Member David Yassky's ItsYourMoney.com (which simplifies the information the Council provides here).

More Parking Suspension

Alternate Side Parking Regulations Suspended In Parts Of Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights (South of Joralemon Street), Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and Clinton Hill Starting September 8th For Six To Eight Weeks As DOT Posts New, Reduced Street-Cleaning Regulations.

New regulations will take effect in Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Fulton Ferry, and Brooklyn Heights (Joralemon Street and North) starting September 14th.
Suspension is the final of three phases for neighborhoods in Community District 2.

The suspension will last in Brooklyn's Community District 2 for approximately six to eight weeks as the Department of Transportation (DOT) installs some 2,000 signs with new, reduced regulations. This is the third and final phase of the project to change signs throughout the district. (You can read about the previous phases here and here)

The second phase of the sign-replacement project is now complete, with signs in Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Fulton Ferry and Brooklyn Heights north of Joralemon Street having been replaced since July 13th. The newly posted regulations will be enforceable on Monday, September 14, giving residents two weeks to adjust to the new rules.

In the upcoming phase of the sign-replacement project, some daytime residential street cleaning parking restrictions are being reduced from twice a week to just once a week to ease parking for local residents. In other cases, only the time of day of the street-cleaning regulation will change. The new rules were established by the Department of Sanitation at the request of Community Board 2.

Street Cleaning Regulations (all parking signs marked with a broom symbol) will be suspended within the following borders from September 8th until further notice:

North: Joralemon Street (not included) from Furman Street to Boerum Place;
Fulton Street (included) from Boerum Place to Classon Avenue.

East: Classon Avenue (included) from Fulton Street to Atlantic Avenue.

South: Atlantic Avenue (not included) from Furman Street to Court Street;
Court Street (not included) from Atlantic Avenue to Wyckoff Street;
Wyckoff Street/St. Mark’s Place (included) from Court Street to 4th Avenue;
4th Avenue (not included) from St. Mark's Place to Pacific Street;
4th Avenue (included) from Atlantic Avenue to Pacific Street;
Atlantic Avenue (included) from 4th Avenue to Classon Avenue.

West: Furman Street (included) from Atlantic Avenue to Joralemon Street.

As the attached map indicates, Street Cleaning Regulations will be in effect on Joralemon Street; on Atlantic Avenue west of Court Street; on Court Street from Atlantic Avenue to Wyckoff Street; and on 4th Avenue from St. Mark's Place to Pacific Street.

The changes do not affect 8AM to 6PM parking rules or meter regulations, or any other parking rules that are not street cleaning regulations. DOT will give advance notification before enforcement resumes, and the public is encouraged to check the DOT's Web site or call 311.

Upcoming Events

You are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Garden Party Fundraiser for the Center for Law & Social Justice at Medgar Evers College.

Sunday, September 13, 2009
3pm- 7pm
Japanese Garden
931-933 Bedford Avenue (between Dekalb & Willoughby)
Brooklyn, NY, 11205

For more information and tickets call (718)270-6297, or email jgibbs@mec.cuny.edu.

Friends of South Oxford Park present a free Jazzmobile Concert!

South Oxford Street (between Fulton Street & Atlantic Avenue)

Saturday, September 12, 2009
2:30pm- 4:30pm

Come out and enjoy a free concert of America's classical music known as JAZZ, with support from the office of Council Member Letitia James and local restaurant Night of the Cookers.

ATTENTION: Housing Asset Renewal Program (HARP)


New York City's Housing Asset Renewal Program (HARP), a program that was recently supported by the New York City Council, regards the financing of affordable housing throughout New York City.

The HARP program is a $20M pilot program that works to turn unfinished houses into affordable housing for working and middle class New Yorkers. HARP will be part of the administration's "New Housing Marketplace Plan to build and preserve 165,000 units of affordable housing, and part of the City’s Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan to create jobs for New Yorkers, implement a vision for long-term economic growth and build affordable, attractive neighborhoods." The program works with developers and building-owners who have such housing on-hand, in an effort to develop affordable-housing proposals.

HARP has set a three-part criteria for which projects that will get priority:

Buildings that-
a). Will stabilize a community
b). Need the lowest amount of financial assistance
c). Offer largest discount– below market rates

The City will not own the units, but rather provide financing and work with the owners to get the lowest prices.

For rental proposals, projects are required to make at least 50% of their units affordable for at least 30 years. Preference is given to developers who can offer a larger discount. Additional "preference will be given to proposals that require a HARP subsidy of less than $75,000 per affordable dwelling unit." In addition, the proposal must reflect rents that are affordable to households with incomes at (or below) 130% of HUD's income limit ($99,800 for a family of four, or $69,900 for an individual).

If the proposal is to develop the housing for home ownership, the maximum income limit for per unit must be less than (or equal to) 165% of HUD's income limit (which is $126,700 for a family of four, or $88,700 for an individual).

All affordable housing developments will go through HDP’s lottery process and will be on website once complete.

You can additionally find more information on the HARP Program here and here.

Gametime: Massive Over-Development or Science Fiction World?

Some awesome Council Member compared the new Atlantic Yards design proposal to "the ship on Battlestar Galactica."

We were inspired.

Which of these is the new AY design proposal?

1.

2.

3.

4.

FYI- Unfortunately, there are no winners in this game. There is no "window-dressing" that can improve upon a faulty plan, a plan that goes against the interests of the community. Our community needs affordable housing, our community needs employment opportunities that build upon marketable skills. Our community does not an arena.

1. AY arena proposal
2. BSG
3. Starfleet Academy (maybe the Enterprise in the background?)
4. Serenity (Firefly class) in front of Alliance planet Ariel


*Image one borrowed from Atlantic Yards Report post here.*

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES FREE FLU SHOTS AND H1N1 VACCINE TO STUDENTS


As the school year sets in motion, a major concern of many students and parents is the infectious H1N1 influenza better known as, “swine flu”.

H1N1 influenza is a respiratory (lung) infection. It causes a fever, cough, and/or a sore throat that can last a week or more. Those at higher risk are people aged six months to eighteen, seniors, pregnant women, and people with asthma, diabetes or other conditions affecting the heart, lungs, blood, liver or kidneys.

As a way to keep schools open and prevent the contraction or spread of the seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza, Mayor Bloomberg, City Officials, and the NYC Department of Health will be offering free vaccinations to all elementary school students. The vaccine for seasonal influenza is now being distributed and federal health officials predict that the separate vaccine to protect against the novel H1N1 virus will be available by mid-to-late October at NYC Department of Health Immunization clinics, some community health centers, and at designated Health and Hospitals Corporation flu centers. The NYC Department of Health is also developing alternate and convenient vaccination sites around the city. Those not at risk is discouraged to get vaccination.

Some ways to protect yourself and others against the H1N1 influenza is to make sure to cover your cough with the inside of your elbow, wash your hands often, don’t get too close to people who are sick, and if you feel sick (fever of 100 degrees or higher plus a cough or sore throat) stay home or seek medical treatment.

For up-to-date information about seasonal flu, H1N1, and where to get a free or low-cost flu vaccine, you can visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm, or the NYC Department of Health's website here.

You can read more about what the NYC Department of Education is doing to keep H1N1 out of schools here.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Fruits and Vegetables are FREE for Food Stamp Users!


Save money this summer on fresh fruits and vegetables at your neighborhood farmers market!

For every $5 you spend using EBT (Food Stamps) at participating farmers markets, you will receive $2 Health Buck to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Ahorre dinero este verano comprando frutas y vegetables frescos en los mercados de su barrio!

Con cada compra de $5 con EBT (cupones de alimentos) en mercados participantes, se ofrecerá a $2 cupón de Health Buck para comprar frutas y vegetables.


Visit www.nyc.gov/healthbucks for the list of all participating farmers markets in your area.

The 2009 Farmers Market Season is July 1 to November 15, 2009.
For updated market information call 1-800-522-5006.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

CM James Joins CLEXY Block Assn for "A Night Our Against Crime" Vigil in Honor of Pratt Attack Victim

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2009

Council Member Letitia James Joins CLEXY Block Association for “A Night Out Against Crime- Candlelight Vigil” in honor of student Eddy Sanchez, still recovering from an attack last month- this Thursday, Sept. 3rd, 7:30 pm- at Lexington and Grand Avenues

Please come to this gathering to stand against the heinous, senseless acts of crime that are occurring in our community. Architecture student Eddy Sanchez was beaten unconscious by five teenagers at the vigil location. The community is invited to come together for comfort, support and a moment of silence.

What: A peaceful night for neighbors to gather and honor Eddy Sanchez, as well as to hold a candlelight vigil to support victims of violence - hosted by CLEXY Block Association (Classon, Lexington and Quincy – email/JohnCeriello@yahoo.com)

When: September 3, 2009

Where: Lexington and Grand Avenues in Brooklyn

Time: 7:30 pm -8:15 pm

Call (718) 260-9191 if you would like more information.



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You can read out prior posting of Mr. Eddy's attack here.

And you can read the New York Times- Local's close coverage here.