Friday, March 30, 2012

ATTENTION: CM James To Speak at "Lunch With Legislators" by Women's City Club NYC; 4/23; 12:30PM


On April 23, 2012, Council Member Letitia James will participate in “Lunch with Legislators”, hosted by the Women’s City Club of New York.

The Council Member will be speaking on her accomplishments and future goals; and following her presentation, she will answer questions concerning health, education, and social welfare issues. The event is free: however, seating is limited.

Reserve your seat today!

WHEN: April 23, 2012
12:30PM

WHERE: Women’s City Club of New York
307 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1403
New York, NY 10001

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

ATTENTION: CM James Hosts Non-Violence Community March & Rally; 4/1


Council Member Letitia James
Rev. Dr. Mark V. C. Taylor, Church of the Open Door
Ed Brown, Ingersoll Houses TA President
Isabella Lee, Whitman houses TA President
Mary Andrews, Farragut Houses TA President


Non-Violence March and Rally
Ingersoll / Whitman / Farragut Houses
Please Put Down the Weapons: Let’s Stop the Violence
Palm Sunday April 1st 2012 at 3:00 PM


• Start in Whitman on Carlton Avenue
• Walking through the development
• Crossing at No. Portland Avenue & Auburn Place
• Into Ingersoll walking across the bridge to
• Fleet Walk crossing over Park Avenue into
• Farragut on to York Street continuing to Bridge Street
• Ending at The Church of the Open Door
• Resources, remarks, refreshments

For more information, please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

ATTENTION: Bed-Stuy Youth Task Force Presents Youth Resource Fair; 3/28; MS35


Bedford Stuyvesant’s Youth Education Safety Task Force presents a Youth Resource Fair. The fair will provide an opportunity to connect young people (up to the age of 24) with resources and opportunities in the Bedford Stuyvesant and surrounding community. The fair will include information on summer programs and youth employment, GED training, college access, arts and recreation, and health.

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2012
4PM- 7PM

WHERE: SCO/ Family Dynamics Beacon Center at MS 35
272 Mac Donough Street
Brooklyn, NY

For more information, contact SCO/ Family Dynamics at 718.453.7004.

Monday, March 26, 2012

PACC Presents Neighborhood Stabilization Assistance Program; TONIGHT (3/36); 6PM; Brown Memorial Baptist Church

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is hosting a Neighborhood Stabilization Assistance Program Information Night.

Learn more about NSP2- a new program to purchase bank-owned properties, short sales and more!

Attend this event to obtain info on:
* How you can obtain up to $80,000* available towards forgivable loans;
* The application process (including deadlines) and;
* Qualification requirements and timeline explained in detail.


Monday, March 26, 2012, 6-9pm
Brown Memorial Baptist Church
484 Washington Avenue (between Fulton Street and Gates Avenue)


To RSVP or for more info call 718-783-3549 x10.

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO WEAR HOODIES WEDNESDAY, CALL FOR JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN


**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 26, 2012

CONTACT: Joe Taranto, Council Member Viverito’s Office
(917) 535-5531, jtaranto@council.nyc.gov
Aja Worthy-Davis, Council Member James’ Office
(212) 788-7081, aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO WEAR HOODIES WEDNESDAY, CALL FOR JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN

(New York, NY) – This Wednesday, March 28th, New York City Council Members will wear hoodies at an action on the steps of City Hall at 12:30 PM to call for justice for Trayvon Martin. After a brief press conference, participating Council Members and their staff will attend the Council’s Stated meeting in their hoodies. They will also bring Skittles and iced tea, which Trayvon carried as he was shot and killed because he looked “like he [was] up to no good." This action is being coordinated by Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito and Letitia James, and several Council Members have already confirmed their participation (list in formation).

"The senseless murder of Trayvon Martin is an unspeakable tragedy and his family deserves justice," said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. "Incidents like these only serve as a reminder of how much further we as a society have to go until all people are treated equally. As the 911 calls from that tragic night demonstrate, Trayvon was targeted strictly based on his appearance. The fact that George Zimmerman has not been brought up on any charges only reinforces the cynicism in communities of color about our law enforcement and criminal justice systems. I send my deepest condolences to Trayvon's family and remain hopeful that, with the growing pressure being felt throughout the nation, his killer will be brought to justice. This Wednesday, we will send the message that the City Council will not stand silent against such flagrant injustices, no matter where they occur."

"The sad reality of the Trayvon Martin tragedy is one that plagues urban communities throughout America," said Council Member Letitia James. "People of color, particularly young men of color, are faced with bouts of racism each day. As I zip up my hoodie, sip my iced tea, and snack on some Skittles, I extend my heart to the Martin family and demand justice for Trayvon."

The hoodie has emerged as a symbol to remember Trayvon’s story and the failure of the Sanford Police Department to bring his killer to justice. Last week, Trayvon's parents joined a Million Hoodie March in Union Square and on Friday, nearly 300 Congressional staffers held a "Hoodies on the Hill" protest. Yesterday, congregants in churches across New York City wore hoodies to call for an end to discrimination.

"Wearing a hoodie should not be a death sentence," said Council Member Debi Rose. "Today, we are standing in solidarity with all of the Trayvons, cut down in their prime solely because of how they look and what they wear. The choice of clothing that one chooses to wear should not relegate them to unwarranted search, negative profiling, or the most tragic of outcomes, death. All people of good conscience and a sense of justice must stand to ensure that this type of vigilante justice is stopped now.

“As a parent of two teenage children I am concerned about their safety and this tragic incident underscores my and many other parents fears in the African-American community. It is important we come together as a community, city, and nation, in order to understand why and how this took place so we can stop these calamities from occurring in the future," said Council Member Leroy Comrie. "The attempt to hide behind the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law in this situation is transparent and the profiling that took place in this matter is disturbing. Listening to the chilling 9-1-1 account as Trayvon called for help, compelled me to work with my local Community Council to organize a march and rally this Saturday at 10:00am in Southeast Queens to not only protest, but also to educate our youth about their rights. My hearts and prayers go out to Trayvon Martin and his family in this difficult time and I hope justice will prevail.”

Earlier today, Speaker Christine Quinn announced that she would be introducing a resolution with Council Members Mark-Viverito, James and other colleagues “that will condemn this killing, the weaknesses in its investigation and the lack of an arrest. Our resolution will also call for an examination of stand your ground laws nationwide, including their impact on increasing the flow of illegal guns to New York City.”

"Trayvon Martin has tragically become something far more than a boy who senselessly lost his life. His death has become a cry for us to do more to confront ongoing racism in this country,” said Council Member Brad Lander. “I hope that the local police will make an arrest today, and that the Justice Department will investigate whether this was a hate crime. But more than that: I hope we will all see the need to confront the enduring racial bias that too often persists, so deeply rooted in our personal reactions, our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our policing practices, and our public policies. Let's work to honor Trayvon's memory by doing more to advance Dr. King's dream, toward which we still have so far to go."

"Wearing a hoodie shouldn't be a capital offense" said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "Trayvon's death struck a chord in New York City because we've seen far too many young Black and Latino men killed unjustly. Council Members James and Mark-Viverito have brought the Council together to stand up against this injustice, and I'll be wearing a hoodie with them to show that Trayvon's death will not be forgotten."

"Trayvon's life was cut short at the promising age of 17. Thanks to runaway gun laws, his loved ones will be unable to see him reach his full potential as a scholar or an athlete. His loss reminds us all of the dangers of intolerance, while the inadequate handling of his death by the Sanford City Police Department highlights the need to reform radical gun policies," said Council Member Robert Jackson.

"In the face of this terrible tragedy, we must coalesce and demand justice for the unwarranted death of Trayvon Martin," said Council Member Daniel Dromm. "I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Trayvon's family and call upon local law enforcement to fully and fairly investigate the case because such blatant injustices are not acceptable in our society."

"In this country, we need to have a clear and quick response to profiling and biased murders, whether committed by civilians or police officers,” said Council Member Rosie Mendez. “We demand justice for Trayvon Martin as well as for all New Yorkers who have been subject to profiling."

"The Trayvon Martin incident was a horrible tragedy that never should have happened -- and certainly not in this country," said Council Member Dan Garodnick. "The investigation needs to be swift and comprehensive, and must conclude in a way that ensures that justice is served."

"This madness must stop! We demand justice, before we are forced into desperate means to protect ourselves,” said Council Member Charles Barron. “The Department of Justice should immediately arrest George Zimmerman and begin the prosecution of this case."

“There is no experience worse for a parent than losing a child. For the parents of young Trayvon Martin though, the situation is made more unbearable due to Stand your Ground, outrageous legislation passed by the politicians in Florida. George Zimmerman, the murderer, might remain free because he claims that he felt threatened even though Mr. Martin was unarmed and returning from the store. Without this law, Trayvon might be alive or, at the very least, we could rest assured that justice would prevail. I look forward to standing with my colleagues in the City Council in my hoodie to remember Trayvon Martin and demand justice for his family,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer.

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES REMEMBERS ARTIST AND VISIONARY AARON INGRAM

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 22, 2012

Contact: Amyre Loomis (646) 201-8183

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES REMEMBERS ARTIST AND VISIONARY AARON INGRAM

(Brooklyn, NY)— Aaron Ingram, the beloved ActNow Foundation founder & Executive Director, passed away on Monday, March 19th, after a prolonged battle with cancer. We will remember the theater and film programs that he brought to Brooklyn audiences, and his innumerable contributions to the national and international artistic communities.

The funeral service celebrating the life of Aaron Ingram will take place this Friday, March 23rd, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 279 Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. The viewing begins at 10am and the celebration begins at 11am. For more information please contact ActNow’s Curtis John at (347) 275-0563, or curtis@actnowproduction.org. Aaron’s family has created the following link as well: http://www.facebook.com/events/206561192783357/ .

Aaron Ingram founded ActNow Foundation nearly a decade ago to support artists of color, and showcase black film and theater. ActNow started humbly by showing short films at local bars, and has since grown to producing the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s “New Voices in Black Cinema” screening series. Aaron said that his passion to promote black films stems from his upbringing in a racially and culturally mixed neighborhood in the Bronx, where he learned you didn’t have to be black to identify with black characters. Aaron’s strength and sensitivity created a home for the black arts community, and his inspiration continues to keep ActNow moving forward.

We remember Aaron for his big heart, love of the arts, his achievements as an actor, director, visionary, and as founder of a leading Black theater and film institution. Through ActNow Foundation, his legacy lives on with the continuation of great programs like New Voices in Black Cinema, New Voices in Theater, and the program that started ActNow, the ANF Short Film Collective. Aaron Ingram will truly be missed. His support of the African-American creative process is legendary. A gentleman with a wonderful spirit, he kept on fighting the fight for artists of color, and today his vision is already a part of the future. Aaron made a difference in the lives of many people. We thank him for sharing his gifts, and nurturing the Brooklyn renaissance in film and theatre. We will miss Aaron dearly, but will continue his dream.

The Funeral Service for Aaron Ingram will take place:
Friday March 23rd at Emmanuel Baptist Church
279 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (at Lafayette Avenue & St. James Place)
Viewing at 10am - Celebration Begins at 11am


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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

PACC Hosts Free Tree Giveaway; 4/14


The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) and the Magnolia Tree Earth Center are hosting a community Tree Giveaway at Magnolia Plaza on Saturday, April 14, 2012. 100 FREE trees will be given away to the public!

WHEN: Saturday, April 14th, 2012
11:00AM -3:00PM

WHERE: PACC's Affordable Housing Building- Magnolia Plaza
686 Lafayette Avenue (between Marcy and Tompkins)

Residents are encouraged to reserve a Crape Myrtle, Magnolia or a Pear Tree in advance at www.nyrp.org/brooklyntrees.

Trees will be available to individuals, families and community groups for planting on private property only and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until supplies run out. Simple tree planting and care instructions come with your free tree. It is recommended that you bring a folding shopping cart to transport your tree.

For questions, contact Mike Mitchell at 212-333-2552.

ATTENTION: CM James and Community Groups Host Transportation Workshop; 3/31; 10AM; YWCA

It’s time to get serious about a transportation plan for the 21st century!

Please join New York City Council Member Letitia James, The Boerum Hill Association, The Park Slope Civic Council, The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council, and The Tri-State Transportation Campaign for the BK Gateway Transportation Workshop.

The neighborhoods of Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Red Hook, Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights face significant transportation challenges- existing traffic and parking congestion, demands on transit service and dangerous roads for cyclists and pedestrians already pose hurdles for residents, businesses and the environment. The opening of the Barclays Center at Atlantic Yards will further compound these challenges. The BK Gateway Transportation Workshop will lay the groundwork for developing community driven solutions to the transportation issues facing the area.

• Discuss transportation issues affecting your neighborhood
• Share ideas with transportation experts
• Learn about strategies to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety, reduce congestion, and improve transit
• Help develop a plan for the future of transportation and transit in our community

Residents, business owners, and community organizations are welcome!

When: Saturday March 31, 2012
10:00AM- 1:00PM
Where: YWCA (First Floor Community Room)
30 Third Avenue (at Atlantic Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11217

RSVP: Due to limited space, participants must register by e mail to bsherman@council.nyc.gov.

Co-sponsored by: Council Member Stephen Levin, Council Member Brad Lander, Community Board 2, and Transportation Alternatives.

Friday, March 16, 2012

A Message from CM James: LGBT Legislative Updates


I would like to make you aware of my recent work on behalf of New York City’s LGBTQ community—

City Council Resolution Calling on the Medical Professionals to Treat and Provide Appropriate Healthcare to Transgender Persons

I have recently introduced a resolution into the New York City Council calling on medical and health professional to treat, and provide appropriate healthcare, to transgender individuals. This resolution follows a statement recently released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

While the LGBTQ community as a whole experiences greater disparities in relation to access to health insurance and healthcare, there is a specific need for transgender individuals to have access to health plans and services for transgender-related care, as well as for healthcare professionals to receive appropriate training on how to treat transgender patients. ACOG noted a concern for the gynecological health of transgender men, who may still require female (breast and cervical) cancer screenings as well as other forms of care. According the the National LGBT Cancer Network, “Trans men are less likely to get regular medical/gynecological care than heterosexual women or lesbians.” Some trans men have noted feeling healthcare professionals are not aware of available treatment options for transgender persons, not sensitive to their individual preferred pronouns, and/or presumptive concerning their sexual activities. All of these real or perceived issues may prevent transgender individuals from seeking appropriate healthcare.

Furthermore, there is a need to ensure medical and health care providers do not engage in gender identity discrimination, and where necessary refer patients to healthcare professionals that are best able to treat them. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) has issued clinical guidelines for medical professionals when providing care to LGBT persons. The resolution I introduced into the New York City Council recently, Resolution 1244-2012, urges that medical and health professionals adhere to similar guidelines to provide appropriate healthcare to transgender persons.

Resolution 1244 : http://tiny.cc/bm47aw

City Council Resolution Calling on the NYC Health Department to Repeal Requirement that Transgender Persons Undergo Surgery to alter gender marker of Birth Certificates

As you well know, in New York City many transgender individuals are unable to change the ‘gender marker’ listed on their birth certificate due to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (‘Health Department’, under the New York City Office of Vital Records) rules that are inappropriate, presumptive, intrusive, and unclear in their intentions. The Health Department’s requirements are also out-of-step with the requirements of the federal government (as outlined in the Department of State’s gender marker passport updates), which seek to make it simpler for transgender individuals to update their passport.

[On June 9, 2010, the United States Department of State updated their passport policy. A passport applicant must only provide certification from an attending medical physician stating that the applicant has undergone appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition, for the passport to reflect the desired gender. It is also possible to obtain a limited-validity passport if the physician’s statement shows the applicant is in the process of gender transition. No additional medical records will be required. Sexual reassignment surgery is no longer a prerequisite for passport issuance.]

The Health Department currently requires individuals to undergo genital surgery (also commonly referred to as “bottom surgery”) before changing the gender or sex-identifier on their birth certificates. The agency is unspecific about the nature of the genital reassignment surgery, as there are multiple types of bottom surgery available for both male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) transgender persons. This ambiguity creates confusion for those seeking to update their birth certificate to their identified gender, as these kinds of surgeries can be very costly. Furthermore, it is difficult to find information about the process on the department’s website.

Many transgender individuals can't afford bottom surgery for financial reasons; a high number of these individuals may be receiving hormone therapy through their medical care provider to address masculinization or feminization of physical features. Finally, not all transgender individuals— even those identifying in their current gender in all areas of life, as well as those on hormone therapy— are interested in genital reassignment surgery. It is highly inappropriate for the Health Department to make decisions that imply generalizations about transgender individuals and their personal, medical choices.

As one moves from locality or state, a person may be required to present their birth certificate to prove identity; this becomes an issue when the gender marker or sex-identifier on the birth certificate is different from that on the state identification. New York State has a specific process for amending the gender or sex-identifier on a state ID or driver’s license, but individuals moving from New York State to another state may encounter difficulty if their birth certificate is also required to receive a state ID there. Additionally, many employers require access to an individual’s birth certificate to apply for health insurance, and transgender individuals may not want their employer to know about their biological sex or medical/surgical history.

Numerous transgender-rights advocacy agencies, as well as the National Association of Social Workers, have encouraged City and State agencies to abandon surgical requirements for changing identity documents. For instance, in 2009 the state of Illinois agreed to develop new standards for how much surgery is required before a person is eligible to switch the gender or sex-identifier on a birth certificate. City and State agencies are recognizing that any regulations in regards to updating gender identification on documents must be based on the standards set by the physicians actually treating these individuals. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is the major health association that sets the standards for medical treatment of transgender individuals. WPATH has stated “No person should have to undergo surgery or accept sterilization as a condition of identity recognition. Genital reconstruction is not required for social gender recognition, and such surgery should not be a prerequisite for document or record changes.”

In 2006, the Health Department considered dropping their requirement for gender reassignment surgery before switching a birth certificate's gender or sex-identifier, but did not do so citing identity fraud concerns.

The resolution I introduced into the New York City Council last year, Res. 1099-2011, urges the Health Department to abandon these confusing and intrusive requirements.

Resolution 1099 : http://tiny.cc/yc47aw

It is imperative that we treat LGBTQ persons with dignity and respect in all areas of society. We need to ensure that our laws and public agencies do not isolate anyone from fair access to basic rights like housing, healthcare, and employment. I consider myself a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, and I will continue to work on the issues that affect the gay community in New York City.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

CM James Commends SAIC’s Return of $500M In Funds to the City of New York

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 14, 2012

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

Council Member Letitia James Commends SAIC’s Return of $500M In Funds to the City of New York
Calls on the Administration to Use Funds To Restore Critical Budget Cuts

New York, NY— As we know, the charges against Citytime were outrageous— on December 15, 2010 four Citytime consultants were charged with embezzling $80 million 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. By the time federal investigators and the NYC Department of Investigation began looking into the program’s payroll fraud and abuse, the list of crimes became more unbelievable. By February 2011, three upper-level Citytime officials employed by project contractor, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) were dismissed from their positions.

And it soon became clear why such steps were taken— two officials soon plead guilty to criminal charges, and SAIC found one senior projects manager erroneously billed overtime hours. In fact, TechnoDyne, one of the largest subcontractors of Citytime, saw its executives flee the country after receiving federal indictments for their crimes. All this brought the number of people allegedly involved in Citytime corruption since last December to a whopping eleven, with federal prosecutors seizing more than $38 million in stolen funds from over 100 bank accounts hidden in international shell companies.

It is no wonder Mayor Bloomberg— on the eve of the expiration of the SAIC contract— rightfully saw fit to demand a $600 million refund from SAIC on behalf of the City of New York! In fact, today SAIC announced it would return $500.4 million in restitution and penalties in relation to Citytime. The settlement also requires that the United States District Attorney’s Office appoint an independent monitor for three years to review SAIC policies and practices.

“I congratulate the US Attorney and the administration for reclaiming these public funds on behalf of the City of New York,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The four years I have spent bringing attention to the mismanagement and unjustifiable costs of Citytime— and the work that has been done by Comptroller John Liu— has been integral to bringing these matters to light. I once called Citytime a ‘thief’s buffet’. Well today, we see that justice has been served. I furthermore hope the administration considers putting these public funds towards restoring the $53 million in cuts made to early childhood education last fiscal year, and the $60 million made in after-school programs.”

Council Member James has been a long-term opponent of the Citytime project, from her tenure of Chair of the Contracts Committee where she held two hearings on the project in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The Citytime disaster was recently described by United States Attorney Preet Bharara as ‘one of the largest and most brazen frauds ever committed against the City.’

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NYC Council To Vote TODAY on CM James’ Legislation To Require City Agencies To Report Cost Overruns On Large Private Contracts

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 13, 2012

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

New York City Council To Vote on Council Member Letitia James’ Legislation To Require City Agencies To Report Cost Overruns On Large Private Contracts
Bill Is In Response To Administration’s Previous Lack Of Oversight, Ongoing Review Of Contracts

New York, NY— Last fall, Council Member Letitia James introduced legislation that would require City agencies to report to the New York City Council cost overruns on large contracts. The current legislation, Int. 707A-2011, would address construction and service contracts for capital projects with a minimum expenditure of $10 million. The bill would require additional oversight when such projects exceed the original cost by twenty percent or more.

Specifically, the Mayor would be required to notify the Council at two points in time— first, the Council would be notified of the initial request for a cost increase; and additionally, once the project extension or modification has taken place, the Council would be notified of any additional contract extensions or modifications that result in a 10% cost increase above the revised contract value.

During Council Member James’ tenure as Chair of the Contracts Committee, the committee held hearings on the outsourcing of public services to the private sector; as well as two oversight hearings on the Office of Payroll Administration’s City Time contract, which she criticized at the time as costly and poorly-managed. Since 2010, she has requested that the Council’s Contracts Committee investigate the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP) project and what was at the time a $286M contract request from the City of New York; the administrative layoffs of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs’ and the contracting out of their collection duties; the rising costs of the NYCAPS program; and more recently a $1.95M NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation contract with Navigat, a private consulting company.

“In the last five years, contract costs have increased at nearly twice the rate of overall budget spending, reaching over ten billion in spent public funds,” said Council Member Letitia James. “The vast majority of these expenditures go towards personnel and professional service contracts, and there has been considerable evidence that some of these contracts are poorly-managed and lack needed oversight. I hope this legislation strengthens the Council’s commitment to contracts review, and the overall goal of cutting costs and identifying savings.”

On October 31, 2011, the Contracts and Technology Committees discussed Int. 707 in a hearing entitled, “Managing NYC Government IT Contracts”. Additionally, in the last year Council Member Letitia James’ has introduced legislation that would create a New York City Chief Procurement Officer who would publish and submit to the Mayor, City Council, and City Comptroller an annual report detailing information on City contracts. She has also introduced legislation that would establish a task force on best practices in City procurement and disposal.

The New York City Council will vote on Int. 707A-2011 at the Stated Meeting on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, following a Contracts Committee vote earlier in the day.

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

CM James Comments On NYPD’S Move To Designate Policing Of Barclay's Arena To 78th Precinct

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 6, 2012

Contact: Barbara Sherman (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYPD’S MOVE TO DESIGNATE POLICING OF BARCLAY’S ARENA TO 78TH PRECINCT
CITES NEED FOR COMMUNITY INCLUSION, CRITICIZES LACK OF TRANSPARENCY

(Brooklyn, NY)— “Media outlets have recently reported that the NYPD plans to designate policing of the Barclay’s Arena to the 78th Precinct in Brooklyn (which primarily covers Park Slope) when it opens in September 2012. The arena is located in Prospect Heights, which is covered by the 77th Precinct (with the boundaries for the 88th Precinct ending across the street).

Such a move has been justified by citing the 78th Precinct’s close proximity to the upcoming arena. This move would also greatly increase overtime for the precinct’s officers. However, police precinct boundaries are required to be coterminous with local district boundaries, subject to the New York City Charter process outlined in Section 2704(b). The NYPD unilaterally making decisions regarding the alignment of police precinct boundaries might then call into question other local governmental agencies that are similarly subject to coterminality requirements. These decisions have public policy and planning consequences, and should be further discussed with local elected officials and community stakeholders.

It is my position that the NYPD should place new officers in a police annex dedicated to the Barclay’s Arena site. The 77th, 78th, and 88th precincts should be working collaboratively to consult in these matters. Additionally, the cost of these new police officers— and all over time costs— should be underwritten by the developer. There is no reason to cherry-pick from one precinct over another, and no reason to take vital resources from any precinct. The most important factor is ensuring that the officers in these local precincts remain dedicated to community policing.”

--
Earlier this year, Council Member James questioned Jane Marshall— a Forest City Ratner executive— on Barclay’s security issues including overtime costs for arena events, traffic agents, and the overall security plan for the arena. She has also requested a copy of the security plan from NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. There has been no response.

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Monday, March 5, 2012

ATTENTION: DOT and Elected Officials Sponsor NYC Bike Share Planning Workshop; Medgar Evers College; 3/6

Council Member Letitia James join Brooklyn Community Boards 8 and 9, the NYC Department of Transportation, and Council Member Al Vann at a Community Planning Workshop on the NYC Bike Share program--

WHEN: March 6, 2012
6:00PM- 7:00PM

WHERE: Medgar Evers College (President's Conference Center, B1008)
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/bikeshare or contact 718.222.7250. March 6th, 6:00PM- 7:00PM.

Friday, March 2, 2012

CM James Talks About NYPD's Stop & Frisk Policy And Impact on Minority Communities

Council Member Letitia James talks about NYPD's stop and frisk policy to the Transport Workers Union on February 29, 2012.



Courtesy of Capital NY here.

CM James Discussing NYPD's Stop & Frisk Policy On NY1

Council Member Letitia James and Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr. debate NYPD's stop and frisk policy on NY1's Inside City Hall on March 1, 2012.