Monday, December 20, 2010

ATTENTION: Suspect Wanted for Sexual Assault In Crown Heights

This is an NYPD sketch of a suspect wanted for a rape that occurred on December 12, 2010 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The suspect has been described to police as a black/African-American male between the ages of 25-30, around six feet, with a medium build and a dark complexion.

Anyone with information about this crime should call the 71st Precinct at
(718) 230-4416. Additionally, you may always report information to the NYPD anonymously at Crimestoppers.

Friday, December 17, 2010


Community Works Presents:

The Gift of Kwanzaa
Monday • DECEMBER 20 • 10:15AM & 12:15PM

Community Works is proudly to present The Gift of Kwanzaa this performance is to celebrate the origin, values, principles, symbols, rituals and the ancient family of Dr. Maulana Karengs gift to the world – KWANZAA.

Tickets: $7.00 - Contact Community Works at performances@communityworksnyc.org or call (212) 459-1854
Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts
One University Plaza, Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY, 11201


CMs James, Mark-Viverito, Williams, and Dromm Hold Press Conference To Condemn $80M Embezzlement of NYC Funds; 12/17 TODAY; 3PM; City Hall

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 17, 2010

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

Council Members Letitia James, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Jumaane Williams, and Daniel Dromm Hold Press Conference To Condemn $80M Embezzlement of City Funds By Citytime Contractors
Call On Administration To Cease Outsourcing Municipal Jobs Without Proper Oversight of Contractors; Urges MTA To Reconsider $120M SAIC Contract

New York, NY— On Wednesday, December 15, 2010 four Citytime consultants were charged with embezzling $80Million from the City of New York through steering public funds to consulting firms who funneled the money to shell companies controlled by the consultants and their families. Ironically, Citytime is a timekeeping system used by some City agencies to monitor payroll fraud and abuse. Currently, Science Applications International Corp (SAIC) is the main contractor for the Citytime timekeeping system.

Council Member Letitia James has been a long-time critic of the Citytime project, which has been rife with accusations of administration and management errors that have seen consultants such as the accused paid exuberant prices. In opposition to the operational mismanagement— as well as the ballooned cost of the project ($68 million projected at its onset to more than $738 million)— Council Member James joined Local 375-DC 37 the Civil Service Technical Guild at a press conference in September 2010 to call on a freeze to any further rolling-out of the project, and a full assessment to be performed on the project. Following the press conference, New York City Comptroller John Liu announced that an agreement had been reached with the administration to give SAIC a June 2011 deadline to complete original work on the project before receiving minimal funding for maintenance and support services.

Following yesterday’s events, Comptroller John Liu called for an emergency session of the Payroll Administration Board of Directors and further urged the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to take care in selecting a SAIC as the final contractor for its new radio communications system.

“I applaud the federal prosecutors for this indictment, but it should not have taken this amount of time to expose,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The fact that this complex scam was able to take place under the radar of the administration is proof of just how out-of-control the greed of some consultants has become. It is time to stop using public funds to continue these poorly managed, poorly supervised private enterprises. The City must stop outsourcing jobs without having the resources or inclination to manage the contractors.”

“This scandal highlights the dangers of the Bloomberg administration’s over-reliance on private contracts,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “The extent and duration of this embezzlement calls into question the administration’s commitment to truly scrutinize the private contractors and consultants that are getting rich off of taxpayer dollars. In the wake of this news, it is time that we examine these large contracts even more closely, instead of sitting back and waiting on the federal government to find other instances of corruption.”

"I am outraged that the money that was supposed to be going to consultants working with the CityTime project has been mishandled. It is ironic that a program dedicated to eliminate waste and fraud is the same program costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The Mayor has been fiscally irresponsible with these contracts from the beginning. The answer isn't in cutting city funding or programming, the answer lies in proper management of funds," said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

“CityTime is a waste of time,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm. From the very start since the Mayor first tried to implement it, CityTime has been a disaster with cost spiraling to almost $1 billion. Now we find out that, in fact, CityTime is rife with fraud. We need to get rid of CityTime and redirect the money towards saving jobs.”

WHEN: Friday, December 17, 2010
3:00PM
WHERE: steps of City Hall



###

CM James Dances At Stars of NY Dance For A Cause!

"Even though I lost Stars of NY Dance for a Cause, it was great to participate and dance to fundraise for youth in the community!"- Council Member Letitia James.



*Video borrowed from Bed-Stuy Patch.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

REMINDER: CM James, NYS Senator Adams, and CM Williams Present Holiday Musical Celebration; 12/16 TODAY; 1PM; BK Center for Performing Arts

This is a reminder to attend "A Rockin' Holiday Musical Celebration" featuring Soul Music & Christmas Tunes sponsored by Council Member James, NYS Senator Adams, and CM Williams.

WHEN: Thursday, December 16, 2010
1PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre
2900 Campus Road, Hillel Place

Call the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191 for more information.

**This is a free event; no ticket necessary**

Gates Millennium Scholars Scholarship - Deadline 1/10/11

The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) provide personal and professional development through their leadership programs along with academic support throughout recipient's college career. Through the 2011 Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) scholarship, GMS will select 1,000 talented students to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at ANY college or university of their choice WITHIN THE US.

To start your application, simply click on GMS Application. Please take the time to read ALL of the eligibility criteria and instructions before beginning your application. The deadline to apply, is either online by Monday, January 10, 2011 11:59 p.m. EST or by mail postmarked on or before Monday, January 10, 2011. If you are awarded the GMS scholarship, it will also assist you if you choose to pursue a masters or doctoral.

Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they:
  • Are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American
  • Are a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States
  • Will be entering college/ university as a freshman for the 1st time
  • Are Pell Eligible (typically if youth is eligible for EOP/ HEOP/SEEK/CD àthey are PELL eligible)
  • Have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 (this is an 85 avg.) on an unweighted 4.0 scale or have earned a GED
A complete application means you have done the following:
  • Educator’s evaluation of the student’s academic record (Nominator Form) i.e. teacher or counselor
  • Evaluation of the student’s community service and leadership activities (Recommender Form) i.e. teacher, counselor, employer, mentor (NOT A FAMILY MEMBER)
  • Completed application

CM James Comments On Federal Indictment of Citytime Contractors; $80M "Scam"

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 15, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

FEDERAL PROSECUTORS CHARGE SIX IN $80 MILLION CITYTIME FRAUD
Statement by Council Member Letitia James

“I applaud the federal prosecutors for this indictment, but it should not have taken this amount of time to expose. The $80Million in funds stolen from the City of New York could have been used to fund day care centers, firehouses, municipal workers, senior centers, and the list goes on. Every penny should be accounted for and this travesty lies at the feet of the Administration who failed to uncover this massive fraud, when I first sounded the alarm two years ago. The fact that this complex scam was able to take place under the radar of the administration is proof of just how out-of-control the greed of some consultants has become. It is time to stop using public funds to continue these poorly managed, poorly supervised private enterprises. The City must stop outsourced jobs without having the resources or inclination to manage the contractors. Until that happens, the MTA should cancel its $10 million contract with CityTime today.”

###

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

ATTENTION: MS 571 Hosts Forum To Discuss DOE Proposed Phase-Out; 12/15 TODAY; 6PM; PH

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 15, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

FORUM TO DISCUSS NYC DOE PROPOSED PHASE-OUT OF MS 571K IN PROSPECT HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN

The M.S. 571 School Community will gather Wednesday, December 15th at 6pm in the auditorium of the school to discuss a Fact Sheet and letter distributed by the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and the District 13 Superintendent stating that Middle School 571 is unable to turnaround.

Local Representatives, teachers, parents, and students have a differing opinion. M.S. 571 School Community members question the accuracy of the DOE Fact Sheet, as well as are disappointed that they were not notified of this trouble more in advance.

“A comprehensive reform model was not offered by the DOE, which disappoints all who support this important educational institution for the Prospect Heights neighborhood. This is simply unacceptable,” said Council Member James.

Everyone is welcome to attend this forum. Please come to learn more about the DOE’s plans, as well as help discuss how M.S. 571 plans to move forward in opposition to the proposal.

------

What: Forum to Discuss Planned Proposed Phase-Out of MS 571 by the DOE

Who: M.S. 571 School Community, Council Member Letitia James, Parents, and Advocates

Where: M.S. 571 - 80 Underhill Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 - (718) 935-3978

When: 6pm

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

CM James Comments on Recent Burglaries. Public Safety Town Hall Meeting 11/14 TONIGHT; 7PM; CH

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES REGARDING RECENT BURGLARIES IN THE COMMUNITY

“It has come to light that burglaries have taken place in the Clinton Hill area recently, and I would like to make the community aware of an incident that occurred last night, so that residents can take precautions during these desperate times, and with the holiday season underway.

The most recent robbery happened at Choice Market on Lafayette Avenue near Grand Avenue around 10:00 pm (closing time) on Tuesday, December 7. Three masked Black males entered the store, displayed two firearms and told the store manager to lay face down on the floor of the restaurant. One robber then removed money from the cash register. The gunmen degraded the employees both physically and verbally and ran with the day’s profits. The incident appears to have been well planned by the perpetrators.

Fortunately, Choice employees were not hurt during the incident, but my office will help to provide any assistance needed, be it psychological or otherwise. I have asked the 88th Precinct to increase patrols in and around Lafayette and Grand Avenues, and will be meeting with businesses to discuss other safety measures. We are also asking if anyone has information that may lead to the arrest of these suspects to please contact the 88th Police Precinct. Tips can be left anonymously at – (718) 636-6511, or 298 Classon Avenue, between Classon and Dekalb Avenues.

I would also like to remind constituents of the Town Hall Meeting my office is hosting on Public Safety taking place next Tuesday evening, December 14 at 7pm, in the community room of the Cadman Congregational Church, located at 350 Clinton Avenue (enter at 210 Lafayette Avenue). The Commanding Officer of the 88th Police Precinct, Deputy Inspector Anthony Tasso, along with Crime Prevention Officers will be on hand to offer safety tips and answer all questions.”
-----

Council Member Letitia James (35th District, BK), NYPD’s 88th Precinct, & The Public Safety Task Force Present a Town Hall Meeting:
PUBLIC SAFETY & the HOLIDAYS
Featuring:
• CompStat “reality-check” – the numbers in perspective
• What you need to know to be safer at home & on the streets
• How not to be a “target”
Plus: the Presentation of Special Recognition to the 88th Precinct
December 14 at 7:00 pm
Cadman Congregational Church, 350 Clinton Avenue (enter at 210 Lafayette Avenue)

REMINDER: CM James Hosts Annual Holiday Party/ Toy Drive; FG; 12/15 TOMORROW

This is a reminder to attend Council Member James' Holiday Party/Toy Drive, and to bring an unwrapped toy for a local child.

Date: Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Time: 6:00 PM– 10:00 PM
Place: The Alchemist Lounge
31 Rockwell Place
(btwn. Fulton Street & DeKalb Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Monday, December 13, 2010

FGA and BMS Accepting Donations for Fort Greene’s Auburn Family Shelter


The Fort Greene Association (FGA) and the Brooklyn Music School (BMS) are asking you to donate your sealed, unused toiletry items for the families of Fort Greene’s Auburn Family Shelter. FGA and BMS are looking for tooth paste, mouth wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, perfume/cologne, lotion, baby products, hair and skin care products, etc. Any items you can donate are greatly appreciated. Their goal is to have enough items to distribute to 125 families of Fort Greene’s Auburn Family Shelter.

Please drop off your donations:

Monday, December 13th – Thursday, December 16th
1 PM – 8 PM
The Brooklyn Music School
126 Saint Felix Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217

If your store or corporation is interested in making a donation please contact Lillian Jean-Baptiste of the Fort Greene Association at Lillian@historicfortgreene.org to coordinate the receipt of your donation.

The Fort Greene Association and Brooklyn Music School thanks you for your time and consideration to give during the holiday season.

Friday, December 10, 2010

LIU Dance Department Winter Concert


L.I.U. Dance Department presents:

Dance Department Winter Concert - Friday • DECEMBER 10 • 7:30PM & Saturday • DECEMBER 11 • 2PM & 8PM

The Brooklyn campus dance majors perform an exciting program of modern dance including a master work choreographed by Donald Byrd and restaged by Stephanie Guilland-Brown, guest artists Brian Brooks and Bradley Shelver as well as new choreographic works by dance faculty members Alenka Cizmesija and Mary Ann Wall.

Tickets: $15, $10- students and seniors with ID

Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts

One University Plaza, Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY, 11201
(718) 488-1624

CM James Talks Residential Parking Permits at AY Traffic Forum

Council Member James discussed her support of residential parking permits at the recent Atlantic Yards Traffic Forum in Prospect Heights:



Read more info here.

*Video borrowed from the Atlantic Yards Report.

CM James Extends Congratulations To Emily Lloyd On Accepting Prospect Park Alliance Position

Council Member Letitia James is pleased to extend her congratulations Emily Lloyd who has accepted the positions of President of Prospect Park Alliance and Administrator of Prospect Park.

Ms. Lloyd has previously worked as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Commissioner of the Department of Sanitation, and the Executive Vice President at Columbia University.

Ms. Lloyd's years of public service make her an oustanding choice for this position, following the departure of much-loved Tupper Thomas.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

NYC SCA Business Development Programs

Through the Department of Education's multi-billion dollar Five-Year Capital Plan FY2010-2014, the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) is committed to providing contracting opportunities to minority-owned, woman-owned and local business enterprises (MWLBE).

The SCA offers several business development programs that promote the growth, education and success of diverse SCA-certified and qualified MWLBE firms. Key components of the support provided by the SCA through their initiatives include:

- Training
- Programs tailored to individual firms' needs
- Partnering & networking opportunities
- Union transition information & support
- Mentoring
- Subcontracting opportunities
- Access to bonding & capital

All Capacity and Capital Improvements projects are subject to a minimum 20% MWLBE participation goal. The SCA also incorporates MWLBE participation as a selection criterion in most consultant Request for Proposals (RFPs).

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete an online application at https://dobusiness.nycsca.org. To learn more about the programs, please visit www.nycsca.org or call the Business Development Hotline at 718-472-8899 or the Contractor Qualification Hotline at 718-472-8777.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

ATTENTION: CM Vann Hosts Water Bill Help Night; 12/8; 6PM: Boys and Girls HS

Council Member Al Vann is sponsoring a Water Bill Help Night

Join Council Member Vann, Coalition for the Improvement of Bed-Stuy (CIBS) and the NYC-DEP to get help with your NYC water bill.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 8, 2010
6PM- 8:30PM
WHERE: Boys and Girls High School
1700 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11213
(btwn Schenectady Avenue and Utica Avenue)


At the event you can:
· Discuss your water bill one on one with a DEP Customer Service Representative.
· Learn about other payment options.
· Learn about the Water Debt Assistance Program:
-Customers who meet the eligibility criteria can defer their unpaid water and sewer bill until the property is sold.
· Sign up for the direct debit program:
-Customers who enroll in the direct debit program will receive a 2% discount on their bill.
· Learn about Automated Meter Reading (AMR).

If you require additional information, please contact DEP at 718-595-7000 or visit DEP's website at nyc.gov/dep.

Monday, December 6, 2010

ATTENTION: Atlantic Yards Traffic Forum in PH; 12/8; PS9; 7:30PM

Join Council Member Letitia James, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, and the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council at their Atlantic Yards traffic forum at PS9 in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 8, 2010
7:30- 9:00PM
WHERE: PS9, 80 Underhill Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238

The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council presents a forum on traffic and transit issues raised by Atlantic Yards construction and the planned opening of the Barclays Center in 2012.

* What impacts are already being felt?
* What is coming from the arena and future construction?
* What does the recent court decision mean to the community?
* What can we do now?

Thursday, December 2, 2010

FGA Hosts Holiday Potluck Party!; 12/3; FG; 7:30PM

Please join the Fort Greene Association for their holiday season party at-

138 South Oxford Street
on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 7:30PM.

It's a potluck, so bring your favorite dish to share! Call 718.744.4910 for more info.

UPDATE: The Stars of NY Dance Re-Scheduled, Additional Stars Dancing!


The Stars of New York Dance event has been re-scheduled-- with Public Advocate Bill Deblasio joining as event host and special guest dancer, and the Rev. Al Sharpton joining as special guest dancer, the event is sure to be amazing!

Tickets are available here.

IFNY Monologue Slam at Kumble LIU- 12/04

The Top Entertainment Group, Inc in association with Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts, Independent Film New York, and The Malik Yoba National Theater present:



IFNY Monologue Slam - Saturday • DECEMBER 4 • 7:30PM

On the heels of the last three successful IFNY Monologue Slams at Kumble, another group of talented actors will compete against each other for prizes and the IFNY championship title through a series of challenges and boot camp-like exercises in front of industry judges and a cheering audience, hosted once again by Malik Yoba.
----------

Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts
One University Plaza, Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 488-1624

ATTENTION: CM James, NYS Senator Adams, and CM Williams Present Holiday Musical Celebration; 12/16; 1PM; BK Center for Performing Arts

New York City Council Member Letitia James joins New York State Senator Eric Adams and Council Member Jumaane Williams in presenting-

"A Rockin' Holiday Musical Celebration"
featuring Soul Music & Christmas Tunes
performed by
The Anita Wells Ensemble

WHEN: Thursday, December 16, 2010
1PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre
2900 Campus Road, Hillel Place

Call the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191 for more information.

**This is a free event; no ticket necessary**

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

CM James Introduces the "Family Leave for Private Employees Act" into City Council!

At yesterday's Stated Council meeting, Council Member Letitia James was pleased to re-introduce Int. 432-2010 into the City Council- the 'Family Leave for Private Employees Act' that would provide paid family leave to private employees. The legislation would establish that a private employer must provide paid family leave to an employee who is eligible to take unpaid leave pursuant to the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to care for persons covered by the federal law (note that recent amendments expanded this category). Any such employee would be entitled to a total of twelve weeks of paid family leave within an annual period.

By providing employees with some portion of their regular salaries in those times of personal emergencies, this bill would allow such individuals to attend to the health needs of their families and loved ones without the fear of financial hardship due to lost pay.

Please call the Office of Council Member James at (212) 788-7081 for more detailed information on the bill. We will be posting further on this legislation.

For more information on this issue in general, please see the Working Families page here.

ATTENTION: NYCHA Hosts Town Hall On Capital Funds/Projects; 12/2; PS 67

Tonight, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is hosting a town hall on December 2, 2010 at 6PM with NYCHA Chairman John Rhea to update residents of Atlantic Terminal, Farragut, Ingersol & Whitman on capital funds and stimulus-funded projects.

The town hall will be hosted at-
PS 67 (Charles A. Dorsey)
51 St. Edwards Street
(btwn. Myrtle Avenue and Park Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11205

Please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James (718) 260-9191 for more information.

CM James Hosts Annual Holiday Party/ Toy Drive; FG; 12/15

Council Member Letitia James invites you to a 35th District Holiday Party!

Please bring a new unwrapped Toy for local children.


Date: Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Time: 6:00 PM– 10:00 PM
Place: The Alchemist Lounge
31 Rockwell Place
(btwn. Fulton Street & DeKalb Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11217

WORLD AIDS Day 2010: BPL; TODAY (12/1)

WORLD AIDS Day 2010
This day is to mark Awareness, Education & Remembrance

On Wednesday, December 1st 2010 [12:30pm- 8.00pm] at the Brooklyn Central Library, Dweck Center Auditorium & Lobby, the Brooklyn Public Library and CAMBA will commemorate World AIDS Day.

Activities include:
-Awareness Cafe (Information and Resources)- from 1:30pm-3:45pm
-Afterschool Workshops & Presentations- from 4pm-5:30pm
-"An Evening of Awareness, Rememberance, and Inspiration"- from 5:30pm-8pm
-HIV Testing (free and confidential, same-day results)- ALL DAY