Moving Pictures: Welcomes Regular Visitors

On Friday, February 26^th, 2010 “Damages” returns to shoot interior scenes at 350 Clinton Avenue and Lafayette Avenue.


APPROXIMATE TIME: 1pm – 12am


On Friday February 26th, 2010 “Boardwalk Empire” returns to shoot interior scenes at 14 Adelphi Street between Park Avenue and Flushing Avenue.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 11am – 3am

CM James, North Flatbush BID Remember Women Struck By Vehicle in BK; Call for Traffic Calming

**For Immediate Release**
February 24, 2010

Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, and Sharon Davidson at (718) 783-1685

Council Member Letitia James, North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District, DOT, and the community continue to pray for two young women struck by a vehicle in Brooklyn last weekend

Community stakeholders gather at DOT offices to consider adding more funding for traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures to the North Flatbush Avenue BID's Capital Project Streetscape Design

On Sunday morning, Erinn Phelan, an employee of the mayor’s office was declared brain-dead after she and Alma Guerrero were struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, according to the police. A car traveling north on Flatbush Avenue struck the women near the intersection of Prospect Place in Prospect Heights, around 4:30 am, authorities said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found both women lying in the street.

“This accident is a terrible tragedy for the families of Erinn Phelan, and Alma Guerrero, as well as the community. It is my hope that once again, important lessons will be learned from this incident. I offer the families of these young women any assistance needed, as they are all in my thoughts and prayers,” said Council Member James.

Coincidentally, this accident happened on the eve of a previously scheduled meeting that was held Tuesday with DOT and community stakeholders, including the North Flatbush Avenue BID; Prospect Heights Development Corporation; Park Slope Civic Association; Borough President Marty Markowitz; Council Member Letitia James and Council Member Stephen Levin. The group looked at traffic calming initiatives such as street furniture, synchronization of lights, islands and other calming methods. A meeting is also planned with commanders of the 77th and 78th Police Precincts to discuss enforcement.

“For the past several years, the North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District has been working with DOT to address pedestrian safety issues, and create traffic calming designs for Flatbush Avenue,” said Sharon Davidson, Executive Director of the North Flatbush Avenue BID.

Recently, a study by the Park Slope Neighborhood Council in coordination with the BID and DOT, resulted in the installation of painted channelization markings and enhanced crosswalk markings – specifically at the Carlton Avenue triangle to reduce speeding traffic from Flatbush Avenue onto Carlton Avenue, and to increase pedestrian safety.

“Also, since 1986, the North Avenue Flatbush BID has had good relationships with the 78th and 77th Precincts, and we will continue to address these traffic issues. The DOT and NYPD collaborations will continue to focus on pedestrian safety. The BID has expectations for more changes and improvements in the near future,” said Sharon Davidson.

Council Member James said: “I look forward to working with the administration to promote greater safety on City streets when driving, because these accidents occur far too often. Also, residents walking should always be cautious when crossing speedways such as Flatbush Avenue, which may get worse because of the proposed Atlantic Yards Project near this accident site and growth of Brooklyn. Lastly, I and the City Council will continue to stand beside these victims and family members during their time of need.”

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ATTENTION: We Are All Brooklyn Offers 2010 Grant for Youth Projects

We Are All Brooklyn Fellowship (WAAB) is an organizations that works to promote and facilitate understanding, cooperation and mutual appreciation and respect among Brooklyn 's richly diverse communities.

WAAB's grant-making committee, Leading by Giving, is seeking deserving candidates for a 2010 grant. The purpose of the grant is to provide support to youth-led projects that focus on strengthening diversity and community involvement in Brooklyn.

Please visit www.waab.org or contact them at 212-983-4800 x136 for more information. The RFP and 2010 Grant Application can be accessed at that link.

Pre-Kindergarten Admissions 2010-2011

What is Universal Pre‐Kindergarten?
Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs provide high-quality instruction to prepare your child for elementary school. Free UPK programs are available in many public schools and community-based organizations (CBOs) across the city.

Who is eligible for free UPK?
Children born between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006, who will turn four years old between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, and who reside in New York City are eligible to participate in UPK programs.

Where can I get a Pre‐Kindergarten Directory with a list of all public school and CBO UPK programs?
Pre-Kindergarten Directories will be available March 1 at:
• Borough Enrollment Offices
• Online: www.nyc.gov/schools/PreK

Pre-Kindergarten Directories will be available by March 8 at:
• Elementary Schools with Pre-Kindergarten Programs
• Community School District Offices
• Family Engagement and Advocacy Offices

How do I apply?
Parents may choose to apply to public school and CBO UPK programs:
• Parents may fill out a paper application for public schools which will be distributed as part of the Pre-Kindergarten Directory OR they may apply online at www.nyc.gov/schools/Prek
• CBO applications may be obtained directly from the CBO listed in the Pre-Kindergarten Directory and handed in to each CBO

When is the Pre‐Kindergarten application period?
• Public School programs: The application will be available beginning Monday, March 1 and must be submitted by Friday, April 9. Parents may apply online or submit a paper application by mail.
• CBO programs: Parents should contact CBO programs directly for more information.

Families are invited to attend one of the information sessions to get details about Pre-Kindergarten admissions for the 2010-2011 school year. Representatives from the Office of Student Enrollment and the Office of Early Childhood Education will be available at the sessions to answer your questions. Translations and Interpretation services will be available.

All information sessions will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

3/4/10 - Manhattan
Brandeis High School
145 West 84 Street

3/8/10 - Brooklyn
Brooklyn Technical High School
29 Fort. Greene Place

For more information, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/schools/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK

CLSJ Conducts Parent Workshops EVERY THURSDAY!

The Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College/CUNY (CLSJ) is conducting a series of workshops for parents in Central Brooklyn. The workshops, which started in January, are designed to teach parents how to advocate for their children’s education. Entitled Parent Advocates Coming Together (or P.A.C.T), the workshops are held weekly - EVERY THURSDAY - at the headquarters for CLSJ (located at 1534 Bedford Avenue, 2nd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11216). The workshops are free and open to all parents. Light refreshments will be served and workshop materials will be provided, also at no cost.

For additional information about P.A.C.T, please contact Oseye Mchawi at omchawi@mec.cuny.edu or call 718-804-8893.

Esmeralda Simmons, Esq., Executive Director of CLSJ says that these workshops are designed to get parents to not only think about how to best advocate for their children but will allow them to engage in interactive role playing and mock demonstrations. “The PACT workshops will truly be interactive. For example parents will have the opportunity to role play scenarios based on actual life situations that one may come across in dealing with the Department of Education. This, we hope, will offer a deeper level of understanding about how to powerfully advocate for their children.”

Some of the planned workshop topics, which will be led by some of the most respected educational leaders and advocates in New York City, include:

* Planning Your Child’s Education: Pre-K thru 12th Grade
* Parents’ Rights and Responsibilities
* Achievement Standards
* The Department of Education Disciplinary Code: What Is It and How Does It Relate to My Child?
* Navigating Public Education for Immigrant Students, and much more

P.A.C.T is funded by the New York Council of Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus and New York State Assembly Members Annette Robinson and Inez Barron.

ATTENTION: CB3 Holds Sexual Predators Presentation; Bed-Stuy; 2/25

Community Board 3
Civic & Public Safety Committee

Presents a...
Sexual Predators Presentation

February 25, 2010
6PM

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration
1368 Fulton Street
(between Brooklyn Avenue and New York Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Presentation by:
*Kings County District Attorney's Office Sex Crimes Unit
*NYPD Sex Offenders Monitoring Unit
*Safe Horizon
-For more information, contact- Dr. Kim Best (Chair, Civic & Public Safety Committee, CB3) 718-622-6601

ATTENTION: Family Literacy Night; PS 270; 4/4

Family Literacy Night! With P.S. 270 & CPCS

Parent Workshop On...

*How to make family reading time fun.
*Reading aloud with your children
*Choosing the right books
*Simple reading games
*Reading tips & tools
*Encouraging reading at home

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Where: School Auditorium
(Light refreshments will be served)

To RSVP please call Marilyn Rivera Program Coordinator at Everybody Wins! at 212.965.2296

It's That Time Again- Take the NYC School Survey TODAY!

The NYC School Survey helps school leaders understand what key members of the school community say about the learning environment at each school. The information captured by the survey is designed to support a dialogue among all members of the school community about how to make the school a better place to learn.

Every year, all teachers, all parents, and students in grades 6 - 12 take the NYC School Survey. In 2009, the survey ranked among the largest surveys of any kind ever conducted nationally: 849,664 surveys out of a possible 1,451,750 were submitted.

The survey results provide insight into a school’s learning environment and a measure of diversification that goes beyond test scores on the Progress Report. The survey questions assess the community’s opinions on academic expectations, communication, engagement, and safety and respect. School leaders can use survey results to better understand their own school’s strengths and areas for targeted improvement.

Survey results are reported publicly through Survey Reports, a written document that summarizes survey results by question and category, and Survey Quest, an online tool that provides easy-to-read graphs that compare the school’s responses to the city’s responses.

A school’s NYC School Survey results count for 10% of the Progress Report. To learn more about how the NYC School Survey is scored for general education schools, click here.

Parents or guardians, for more information or to request a survey contact 311.

Survey Coordinators, for more information contact surveys@schools.nyc.gov.

ATTENTION: PRATT STATION POST OFFICE CLOSING TEMPORARILY

Effective Monday, February 22, 2010, the carriers for Pratt Station Post Office located at 524 Myrtle Avenue, have relocated to the Metro Station Post Office at 47 Debevoise Street (11206) until further notice.

Pratt Station Post Office needs to undergo emergency building repairs. There is a building structural problem and it needs immediate attention. Depending on the actual depth and severity of the problem, Pratt Station could be closed from 6 to 8 weeks, if not longer. However, the retail windows may be kept open for a week or longer until Saturday, February 27, 2010. In addition, there will be Mobile Units in front of Pratt Station to accommodate the community.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience during this transition. We will keep you posted as changes occur.

Moving Pictures: With These Ropes Tied Tight, Can We Do No Wrong

On Friday, February 26, 2010, the television show “RESCUE ME SEASON 9” returns to film interior scenes at 121 Saint Mark’s Avenue between Carlton and Flatbush Avenues.

Approximate Time: 10am – 12am

ATTENTION: 2 Scholarship Applications Available!

Scholarship Information:
Organization- The American Association of Blacks in Energy
Purpose- The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a professional organization of African Americans in the energy industry. Through its Scholarship Program, AABE seeks to help increase the number of African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans (underrepresented minorities) in energy related fields. By doing so, we help our nation address a critical need and a challenge to our future economic vitality in the world market.
Requirements- Have at minimum, an overall “B” academic average and a “B” average in mathematics and science courses (3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale); Be a graduating high school senior who has applied to one or more accredited colleges/universities; Plan to major in business, engineering, technology, mathematics or physical science fields; Demonstrate financial need.
Deadline- Application MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN March 19, 2010.

Scholarship Information:
Organization- Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Purpose- The scholarship is on behalf of the New York Urban League, and rewards individuals who have shown excellent character and proven leadership ability, with a demonstrated commitment to community service and extra-curricular activities.
Requirements- A cumulative average of at least 80, or a cumulative GED of 250; Two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s character, participation in school, community and extra-curricular activities.
Deadline- All entries must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2010.

If you are interested in either scholarship, please email aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov or call (212) 788-7081 for the application or more information.

ATTENTION: Channel 7 Hosts Brooklyn Town Hall!

Channel 7 (WABC-TV) is coming to Brooklyn!

Channel 7 is holding a town hall meeting/community forum on Wednesday, March 10th at 7pm at The Brooklyn Museum in the Cantor Auditorium.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for 35th district organizations, residents, and the larger Brooklyn community to meet with Channel 7 staff and the Eyewitness News anchors Sade Baderinwa and Bill Ritter. This town hall is open to the community.

For those interested in attending:

1). Organizations/Groups and individuals are welcome, and all should pre-register;

2). Contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 for more information or to register. We will register you with Channel 7, but they need a head-count.

We look forward to seeing you there!

PACC Holds Homeowner/Homebuyer Night; 2/24; 4PM; Crown Heights

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) presents their...

Homeowner/Homebuyer Night!

featuring workshops on: affordable homes, financial preparedness, foreclosure prevention, tax exemption, loans, reverse mortgages, etc.

WHERE: First Baptist Church of Crown Heights
450 Eastern Parkway
(southwest corner of Rogers)
Brooklyn, NY 11225

WHEN: February 24, 2010
4PM-9PM

*This is a free event; refreshments will be served.*
For more information, contact (718) 783-3549

NYCC FY 2011 Budget Request Information

The New York City budget cycle for Fiscal Year 2011 has begun and we want to let the public know about the process for requesting City Council member items this year.

As you undoubtedly know, the City's budget situation is not good, so unfortunately we will not be able to provide funding to all of the great programs that we would like. Please rest assure, our office will fight very hard for critical services and programs needed within our district. When applying for funding, PLEASE READ THE BELOW INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

Operating/Expense Grants
Organizations seeking operating/expense funding (usually in the $3,500 - $10,000 range, sometimes larger) must submit an application form by Wednesday, March 3rd at 5pm (NOTE: the City Council website lists a different due-date for citywide initiatives- but 3/3 is the deadline for member items from our office).

In order to apply and receive member item funding, an "Organization Qualification Form" is required by the New York City Council. The form and instructions are available at: http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2011.shtml

This form and the accompanying materials can ONLY be:
•Completed hard copy mailed to Attn: Simone Hawkins, Office of Councilmember Letitia James, 250 Broadway, New York, NY, 10007; OR
•Filled out electronically and emailed to Simone Hawkins at shawkins@council.nyc.gov

Please note: If you are seeking more than $10,000 and DID NOT RECEIVE FUNDING IN FY 2010, there is an additional form- the pre-qualification form- to fill out, which the City has not yet made available. If you fall into this category, please email Simone Hawkins at shawkins@council.nyc.gov to inquire about this form.

Capital Grants
If you are interested in seeking a capital grant (amounts above $35,000, for construction, equipment, or other items that last more than five years), DO NOT fill out the forms above. The applicant group must submit an application form by Monday, March 22nd (NOTE: the City Council website lists a different due-date for Non-City Capital requests- but 3/22 is the deadline for capital grants from our office).The capital funding application is online, at http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2010_funding_application.shtml

This form and the accompanying materials can ONLY be:
•Completed and submitted online at the NYC.gov website

In addition, if you are applying to another Council Member, please check with their office for when the forms are due.

*************************
We look forward to receiving your application.

ATTENTION: Brooklyn NAACP General Membership Meeting

Please attend the Brooklyn Chapter of the NAACP's General Membership Meeting--

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at

Restoration Plaza
1368 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Join us for the first meeting of 2010! Refreshments will be served. For more information please contact the Brooklyn-NAACP at (718) 243-2040.

Met's Icon 'Mr. Met' Visits LIU! 2/27; 3:30PM

MR. MET SPEAKS!

Saturday, February 27, 2010
3:30 pm (free admission, doors open at 3pm)
Long Island University
One University Place, Brooklyn
(corner of DeKalb & Flatbush)
Cyber Cafe- inside main LIU gate

Come meet the beloved icon of the New York Mets baseball team!
Mr. Met does not actually speak, but will sign autographs, pose for pictures, shake hands, and bring good news about the upcoming season.

Accompanied by William Corbett, poet, critic and longtime baseball fan, and...
Dana Brand, author of The Last Days of Shea.

All residents are welcome to attend for FREE.
For more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact Michael Randazzo at rockets.rollerskates@gmail.com or at 917-605-5624.

Sponsored by Long Island University, Council Member Letitia James and
Brooklyn Sporting Goods.

For information about other community events in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill,
and Fort Greene, or about LIU Summer Camp 2010 contact Jorge.Rosales@liu.edu.

ATTENTION: CMs James, Lander, Levin and CBs Hold Public Info Meeting on Street Closings at AY

Council Members Letitia James, Brad Lander, & Stephen Levin
with Community Boards 2 and 8
present a
Public Information Meeting
on the
STREET CLOSINGS at ATLANTIC YARDS

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
6:00-8:00 PM
Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church
85 South Oxford Street

Brooklyn, NY, 11217

Representatives will be present from NYC Department of Transportation and Forest City Ratner Companies to brief interested residents of planned permanent street closings in the project area.

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

The next Fort Greene Association meeting, scheduled for Monday, February 22nd at 7:30PM will include forum of sorts on cost of living increases in the Fort Greene area.

Pratt Area Community Council and NYCHA reps will be on-hand to answer questions. All FG residents are welcome.

Monday, February 22, 2010
7:30PM (refreshments will be out at 7PM)
Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church
85 South Oxford Street
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
______________________________________

Join the 57th Assembly District Democratic Organization, District Leader Olanike Alabi and the Clinton Hill AARP- Chapter 2197--

In a community forum on Fire Safety presented by the Fire Department of New York. Joint carbon monoxide and smoke detectors will be distributed at the event. Please note that the second half of the meeting will be a community conversation on the race for New York State Governor and United States Senator.

Thursday, February 25, 2010
Teen Challenge Center
444 Clinton Avenue
(between Gates Avenue & Greene Avenue)
6:00pm
______________________________________

The Civic & Public Safety Committee of Brooklyn Community Board #3 will host a community presentation in conjunction with Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes on Sexual Predators.

Thursday, February 25, 2010
6:00pm
Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration
1368 Fulton Street
(between Brooklyn Avenue & New York Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11216

For more information you may call Ms. Saadia Adossa at 718.250.3370.

______________________________________

TONIGHT: End the Cradle to Prison Pipeline with a candlelight vigil at the

Brooklyn House of Detention
February 17, 2010
6:00pm- 8:00pm
275 Atlantic Avenue

Please bring a photo of a loved one that is in prison and a white candle. For more information you may reach out to Rev. Sylvia Kinard, Esq. at sylvknrd@aol.com.

ATTENTION: Schools Eligible for Discounted Student Tickets to Broadway Play "FELA"!

FELA! Broadway's most original new musical, celebrates the life of Nigerian artist, activist and Afro-beat legend Fela Kuti.

Co-conceived, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones.

There are a limited number of $25 student tickets available for middle school and high school educators, as well as youth organizations. This production is highly recommended for young people studying music, theater, dance, visual arts, history, politics and social justice.

NOTE: FELA! is a celebration that offers amazing opportunities for both art specific and interdisciplinary study but graphically depicts issues of human rights and personal struggle.

All performances are at 2 p.m. at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, 230 West 49th Street. The performance runs about 2 ½ hours including intermission.

Tickets for this subsidized program are limited and can be requested only for the following performances:
• Wednesday, February 24
• Wednesday, March 3
• Wednesday, March 10
• Wednesday, March 17
• Wednesday, March 24
• Wednesday, April 14
• Wednesday, April 21
• Wednesday, April 28
• Wednesday, May 5
• Wednesday, May 12

To request $25 student tickets, you must complete an order form which our office will email to you. Please email teamtish@gmail.com for this form. The form must be returned to Marcia Pendelton of Walk Tall Girl Productions (WTGP inc.) either by e-mail to wtgintern@aol.com or fax to 646.253.1258.

Tickets are best seats available and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. You must request a minimum of 10 tickets per school. Marcia will reply to let you know availability and correspond to confirm dates, ticket numbers and payment arrangements.

CM Lander Presents Interactive Webmap of Stalled Developments!

Please see the following message from 39th District Council Member Brad Lander:

I'm pleased to share with you a new web tool that we have launched for the 39th district: www.stalleddevelopment.com.

Many of you have talked to me about stalled development sites on your blocks - half-built structures, abandoned foundations, or vacant lots surrounded by plywood fencing. Too often, we've seen fences falling down onto sidewalks and loose construction debris blow in the wind. Many blocks have been turned into "moonscapes."

We need to take action to confront the problem - to make sure the sites are safe and secure, and to work together on longer-term solutions. Some sites are appropriate to become mixed-income or affordable housing. Some have violated our zoning rules and must be corrected. Some could provide pocket-parks or community gardens.

We thought the way to start was to get our community on the same (web)page about just what is going on at these stalled development sites. So we got right to work creating a new, interactive tool.

Stalled Development is interactive map of vacant, stalled or abandoned development sites in Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Borough Park, and Kensington. It allows you to both view pictures and information about the sites, and to leave comments on each one.

The survey of sites was conducted by volunteers: I want to give special thanks to Rick Luftglass, who led the effort, and to Neal Kronley. I'd also like to thank Michael Freedman-Schnapp, my policy director, who put the site together. We also used tips from dozens of district residents, as well as Department of Buildings records from 311 complaints, to create this list.

We are currently working to develop legislation and policy initiatives that would keep these sites safe, address the hazards and nuisances they pose to neighbors, and put them on a path to productive uses that are a benefit to community residents. You can more read about our plan for these sites here.

The new website got great press coverage this week, in the New York Times, the New York Post, Courier-Life, Brownstoner, the Real Deal, Curbed, and the Brooklyn Paper.

I hope you will use the site to keep us updated on the sites in your neighborhood.

Councilmember Brad Lander
39th Council District

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events/Notices

Take the Census Employment Test

LOCATION: Community Board #8
ADDRESS: 1291 St. Marks Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
DATES: February 16th- 18th

Candidates must be 18 years or older with (2) valid pieces of identification. Available positions include census takers, census clerks, crew leaders/assistants and recruiting assistants.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, you may call 718.467.5620. Positions start at $18.75 an hour.
_________________________

To help lower energy costs and reduce energy consumption, New York State will provide consumers with rebates for purchasing Energy Star-rated refrigerators, clothes, washers, freezers and dishwashers during President's Week 2010 (Feb. 12th- 21st).

To learn more about program guidelines or to obtain rebate forms and instructions, please visit http://www.nyapplianceswapout.com/ or call 1.877.NY.SMART.

_________________________

Energized citizens in Fort Greene and standing up to corporate polluters!

The Fort Greene Association's new and improved "No Ads signs" have arrived. To get your signs, contact your local Greene Fort Greene & Clinton Hill block chief by visiting the http://www.greenfgch.org/ or contacting Green FG&CH chair Jed Marcus at (718) 643-6555 or info@greenefgch.org.

ATTENTION: 2/11 Suspension of Alternate Side Parking

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) today announced the suspension of Alternate Side Parking (ASP) regulations Citywide for Thursday, February 11th to facilitate snow removal. However, parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.

For the most updated information, please call 311.

NYC Public Schools Scheduled to OPEN TOMORROW - February 11th

After inclement weather conditions, all New York City public schools are closed today, February 10, 2010. All after-school activities and PSAL events are also cancelled. While travel conditions to school in the morning may be difficult, New York City public schools will open and operate on a normal schedule Thursday, February 11, 2010. After school programs also will operate on a normal schedule.

You can always contact 311 for up to date information.

Moving Pictures: High-Rollers Anonymous

On Wednesday, February 10, 2010, and Thursday, February 11, 2010, the television show “Boardwalk Empire” returns to shoot interior scenes at 285 Willoughby Avenue at Taaffe Place.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 7am- 7pm

________________________

On Friday, February 12th, 2010, “Boardwalk Empire” also shoots interior scenes again at 285 Willoughby Avenue at Taaffe Place.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 9am– 3am

ATTENTION: 2010 Lien Sale Information

Snow storms bring about lien sale season again, let's dive right in:

A lien sale is when the City sells debt to a private collector (known as a lien holder) who assumes the right to collect the debt, charge an additional 5% surcharge and 18% interest, and move to foreclosure if owner remains in arrears. In a lien, the lienholder assumes the debt, not property.

Property Tax Debt:
You are at risk if you own— a 1-3 unit residence, a condo/co-op, a small business with 1-2 residences, or a vacant land zoned for residential use.
[-any of the above categories with 3 years back taxes are at risk]
You are at risk if you own— a 4+ units
[-the above category with 1 year back taxes are at risk]

Property tax liens will not be sold on 1-3 family homes with the Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE), Disabled Homeowner Exemption (DHE), or the Real Property Circuit Breaker Personal Income Tax Credit (PIT); military personnel may also request an exemption.

Water/Sewer Liens:
You are at risk if you own— single-family and multi-family residences, as well as commercial properties, that have acquired water/sewer debt $1,000 or more for 1+ years.

Water/sewer liens will not be sold on 1-3 family homes with the Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE), Disabled Homeowner Exemption (DHE), or the Real Property Circuit Breaker Personal Income Tax Credit (PIT); military personnel may also request an exemption.

NYC Finance is making an effort to allow those who would be excluded from liens (SCHE, DHE) to resolve their debt through outreach sessions, data match of at-risk persons/mailings, and automated phone calls.

Stats on At-Risk Properties:
-Total Parcels CityWide- 24, 963 (Brooklyn- 11,017)
-In 2009- 4,792
-Total Liens CityWide- 53,184 (Brooklyn- 21,990)

Important Dates:
February 2- 90-Day Mailing & Publication
March 3- 60-Day Mailing
April 2- 30-Day Mailing
April 22- 10-Day Publication
May 7- Lasy Day to Pay
May 10- 2010 Lien Sale

Important Contacts:
Finance Tax Lien Ombudsperson- (212) 504-4039
Senior Citizen’s Tax Lien Ombudsperson- (212) 504-4037
Business & Community Outreach- (212) 232-1776
*Lien sale customers with any complaints or concerns should contact the Ombuds Unit at (718) 595-6628 or ombuds@dep.nyc.gov.

Brooklyn Outreach Session:
-April 8- Brooklyn- Finance Business Center
210 Joralemon Street, 1st Floor

Payment Options:
-All property and water/sewer payments must be received before May 7th (any payments sent after April 28th must be sent using an official bank check or money order sent to “NYC Department of Finance”).
-(Water)- Checks and money orders (with acct #) to “NYC Water Board, P.O. Box 410, Church Street Station, NY, NY, 10008”
Brooklyn Borough Office- 250 Livingston Street, 8th Floor
(between Hoyt and Bond Streets)
-Others who are at risk may pay through installment agreements; those eligible must make 5-20% initial down payment on delinquent balance (plus installment payments). Must see Finance Department for eligibility.
-May also pay online or in person at any Business Center.
-DEP has developed a Safety Net Referral Program, managed through the Ombuds Unit. Seniors, low-income customers, and those affected by the national mortgage and foreclosure crisis will be will be referred to other agencies in collaboration with this program.

Please give us a call at (212) 788-7081 if you have any further questions.

teamtish

CMs Join Legal Aid Society In Call for Immediate Solution For Cancelled Section 8 Vouchers

For Planning for February 9, 2010

Contacts: Anna Deknatel, (646) 200-5311, Amyre Loomis, (718) 260-9191

SIX WEEKS LATER, STILL NO HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR 2,600 NYC’ERS WITH CANCELLED SECTION 8 VOUCHERS

Electeds, Advocates & Impacted Families to Demand NYCHA & City Find Housing for Low-Income & Formerly Homeless Families

Six weeks after New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) abruptly rescinded Section 8 vouchers for 2,600 New Yorkers, elected officials, local legal agencies, and housing advocates will join together to call on NYCHA to provide solutions for the impacted low income and formerly homeless families.

In December, NYCHA announced they would issue no new Section 8 vouchers this year, including for emergency applicants. The announcement left nearly 3,000 families and individuals without alternate housing— and, in many cases, facing homelessness.

Never in the 35 year history of the Section 8 voucher program has there been a mass termination of Section 8 vouchers.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as the Section 8 voucher program, is the largest rental subsidy program in the country. The program, created by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by local housing authorities.


WHEN: Rally at Noon
Oversight Hearing on the recent loss of Section 8 vouchers at 10am
Tuesday, February 9th

WHERE: Steps of City Hall

WHO: Council Member Rosie Mendez, chair of Committee on Public Housing

Council Member Annabel Palma, chair of Committee on General Welfare
Council Members including Margaret Chin, Danny Dromm, Letitia James, Brad Lander, Stephen Levin, Ydanis Rodriguez, James Van Bramer

Legal & Housing Advocates: Legal Aid Society, Legal Services-NYC, Coalition for the Homeless

Impacted Low Income & Formerly Homeless New York City Families Denied Section 8 Vouchers

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Moving Pictures: Would Ya Just Watch The Hair

On Monday, February 8, 2010 thru Friday, February 12, 2010, the feature film “BLACK SWAN” is dancing back into our mist to film interior scenes at Turner Towers (135 Eastern Parkway between Washington Avenue & Underhill Avenue).

Approximate Times:
Monday 7am – 11pm
Tuesday 8am – 12am
Wednesday 9am – 1am
Thursday 11am – 3am
Friday 12pm – 4am

Trees NY and Prospect Heights Urban Forestry Initiative Hold Puppet Show To Teach Kids About Trees

You are invited to a puppet show designed to teach children about the importance of trees. Children should be forewarned that puppet Mrs. Crabapple does not like trees and will try to persuade children to do the same. Will Prospect Heights youngsters be able to convince Mrs. Crabapple that trees are awesome? Bring your youngster and find out for yourself!

February 28, 2010
12:30PM- 2:00PM
Soda Bar
629 Vanderbilt Avenue @ St. Marks Avenue
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Cookies and milk will be served. Trees NY and PHUFI are sponsoring.

Trees New York is a non-profit organization founded as a volunteer response to the City's devastating cutbacks in tree-related community services. TreesNY has worked to plant, preserve, and protect New York City's neighborhood trees through education, active citizen participation, and advocacy.
The Prospect Heights Urban Forestry Initiative (PHUFI) will ensure that Prospect Heights Street Trees receive the care and attention needed to survive. PHUFI is working to involve the entire neighborhood in the maintenance and upkeep of our street trees.

Trees New York (NY)
www.treesny.org
(212) 227-1887

Prospect Heights Urban Forestry Initiative
PHCForest@gmail.com

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

"Promoting Good Health in a Challenging Economy"

The Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center's Community Advisory Board cordially invites you to attend a legislative breakfast.

Friday, February 5, 2010
10am- 12noon
Woodhull Medical Center- Auditorium
760 Broadway, 3rd level
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11206

_________________________________
African-American HIV Awareness and Health Fair

February 6, 2010

11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus

Health Sciences Building Lobby
DeKalb Avenue at Flatbush Avenue Extention
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Obtain free HIV testing, access various health education materials, and undergo screenings for health defects (including asthma).

_________________________________

From the Fulton Alliance Businesses (aka "FAB" BID) comes a cool list of promotional specials from participating businesses. (via ClintonHillBlog)

ATTENTION: CM James Extends Invitation to LIU Community Day Sports Event

Council Member Letitia James cordially invites you to join her at the-

Long Island University Community Day
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Game time- 1:00 pm
(free admission, doors open at Noon)

L.I.U. Wellness Center
161 Ashland Place, Brooklyn
(between Willoughby and DeKalb)

Join members of the Bedford Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, and Fort Greene neighborhoods for an afternoon of exciting basketball and fun. Cheer on the Long Island University Blackbirds Women’s basketball team as they tip off against the St. Francis Terriers of Brooklyn Heights.
See the nationally recognized PS 307 Diamonds cheerleading squad. Meet with the L.I.U. players after the game.

Parents, students, teachers, administrators, and supporters from all of our neighborhood schools are welcome to attend for FREE.

Event sponsored by Long Island University and Council Member Letitia James. For information about other community-based events in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, and Fort Greene, please contact Michael Randazzo at 917-605-5624, or email rockets.rollerskates@gmail.com.

Moving Pictures: Still Look Pretty When They're Putting The Damage On

On Thursday, February 4, 2010, the television show “DAMAGES” returns to film exterior scenes at Clinton Avenue @ Lafayette Avenue.

Approximate Time: 4pm– 8pm