Friday, April 27, 2012

Job Opportunity- NYC Bike Share Jobs


The NYC Bike Share program currently has a number of job opportunities available through their vendor Alta.

Please see the following link for more information: http://www.altabicycleshare.com/careers/

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Friday, April 20, 2012

ATTENTION: SUNY BEOC College Fair


The SUNY Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center is hosting their annual College Fair for students and the residents of Brooklyn. The event is free and open to the public—
WHEN: Monday, April 23, 2012
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

WHERE: 111 Livingston Street
(entrance on Boerum Place)
Brooklyn, NY 11201

The following colleges and universities will be represented:
Adelphi-University College
Berkeley College
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
Bronx Community College
CUNY Central-Welcome Center
Empire State College
Hostos Community College
Kingsborough Community College
Long Island University
Medgar Evers College
Mercy College
New York City College of Technology
New York State Higher Education Services Corp
Queens College
York College

Please see the attached flyer, and feel free to contact 718-802-3338 if you have any questions.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

CM James Comments On Equal Pay Day

FIFTY YEARS AFTER THE EQUAL PAY ACT BECAME LAW, AMERICAN WOMEN ON AVERAGE EARN ONLY 77 CENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR EARNED BY THEIR MALE PEERS

“Even though the Equal Pay Act— a law that guarantees women the same pay as men when performing the same job— was passed almost fifty years ago, America women working full-time still earn only 77 cents for every dollar that men make. Last year I noted that today many families rely on women's earnings, yet the gender wage gap is remains a serious threat to gender equality and pay equity.

Statistics have shown that in New York, the median pay for a woman working full time is $41,570 per year, while the median yearly pay for a man is $50,228. This means that women are paid 83 cents for every dollar paid to men, amounting to a yearly gap of $8,658 between the genders. New York women of color experience greater wage disparities— in one year, the average Black woman earns approximately $12,197 less than all men. For New York’s Latinas, the figure is $18,685 (a number lower than the national average).

The fight for pay equity continues to take place on the federal, state, and city levels. In 2010, I introduced a resolution into the City Council calling upon Congress to pass and the President to sign into law the Paycheck Fairness Act. Today, I ask you sign U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's petition urging Congress to act on the Paycheck Fairness Act (http://tinyurl.com/3vdhm56). President Barack Obama pledged in 2011 to continue to fight for the goals of the legislation. Organizations like A Better Balance continue to promote wage transparency and fair pay in contracting at the state level. I encourage New Yorkers to contact Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office to tell him to support equal pay policies and legislation for all New Yorkers.

The New York State Legislature is currently in the process of reviewing legislation similar to that on the federal level— the New York State Fair Pay Act. The bill would make it an unlawful for an employer to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, and/or national origin through paying different wages to employees. I am working to create legislation on the Citywide level that addresses the issue of pay equity. My efforts began with the help of New York Women’s Agenda in 2009. Although much authority to legislate wage issues lies with the State, I am confident that the New York City Council could pass legislation that eliminates wage-based discrimination, and secures pay equity for women throughout the City.

On this Equal Pay Day working women should know that their government supports them and fights for them against wage-based discrimination. Go to this link to learn more. Lastly, please share with someone special that today— April 17, 2012— is Equal Pay Day.”

 --Council Member Letitia James

ATTENTION: PFP Capacity Funds Grants Available for Community Groups In City Parks

Partnership For Park’s (PFP) Capacity Fund makes grants to community groups working in parks across the five boroughs of New York City. The Capacity Fund supports projects that expand a community group’s ability to care for their park and to use their park to care for the community.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the following Capacity Fund consultation workshops: Thursday, May 3 at 6:00 p.m. at 49 Chambers Street, Room 1027, Manhattan
Monday, May 7 at 4:00 p.m. at 49 Chambers Street, Room 1027, Manhattan
Friday, May 4, via conference call at 1:00 p.m.


Registration is required.
Please visit PFP's website to find an application, guidelines, and examples of past projects.

For more information or to register for a Capacity Fund consultation, contact (212) 676-1929 or channaly.philipp@parks.nyc.gov.


Applications must be received (not postmarked) by 6PM on June 1, 2012.

Monday, April 16, 2012

ATTENTION: NFBID Hosts Earth Day Children's Event; 4/22

The North Flatbush BID is hosting a Children's Earth Day event, free and open to the public!

NFBID will close 6th Avenue and St. Marks Avenues for a Brooklyn Boulders Rock Climbing wall, hula-hooping, games, planting, and arts and crafts for youth throughout the Prospect Heights and Crown Heights community!

WHEN: SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012 12PM- 4PM

WHERE: 6TH AVENUE TRIANGLE AT ST. MARKS PLACE AND FLATBUSH AVENUE!

Please contact NFBID at 718-783-1685 for more information.

ATTENTION: CM James, SBS and FAB Alliance BID Host FAB Fridays 2012 Concerts

FAB Alliance is hosting FREE CONCERTS FOR KIDS beginning this FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012, 10AM-11AM- with live performances for children outdoors at the new Putnam Triangle Plaza, crossing Fulton Street and Grand Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. There's a free concert for kids each month, April-September. (Schedule below)

On April 20th, there will be games, and free arts and crafts activities for kids from 3PM-6PM. Live music will be available that day from 5PM-8PM at the Putnam Triangle Plaza, the Garage at Fulton Street and Vanderbilt Avenue, and Fowler Square.

FAB FRIDAYS 2012 is a program of the FAB Alliance, with support from the Department of Small Business Services/ AvenueNYC and Council Member Letitia James.

2012 SCHEDULE CONCERTS FOR KIDS @PUTNAM TRIANGLE PLAZA 10-11am

Friday, April 20
JON SAMSON
Kids Music Performance by Jon Samson

Friday, May 11
BOBALOO
Stories and Songs with Bob (Bobaloo) Basey

Friday, June 8
MISS NINA
Stories, Songs, and Her Pink Guitar

Friday, July 13
ACOPLADITOS
Music for Cool Kids en espaƱol

Friday, August 10
VERED
Warm, upbeat and soothing songs for you and your little one

Friday, September 14
RODERICK JACKSON and Palms Down percussion Ensemble

You can get more information about the FAB Alliance and its programs at faballiance.org.

Friday, April 13, 2012

CM James Comments On Appellate Courts Findings Regarding Atlantic Yards Project, Phase II

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 12, 2012

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

Council Member Letitia James Comments On Appellate Courts Findings Regarding Atlantic Yards Project, Phase II

(New York, NY)— On April 12, 2012, a New York State Appellate Court found— in a unanimous decision— that the state must conduct a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) regarding the second phase of the 2009 Atlantic Yards plan, as well as re-approve the second phase of the project. The case, Matter of Develop Don't Destroy (Brooklyn), Inc. vs. Empire State Dev. Corp., was led by Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn and Brooklyn Speaks. Today's finding upheld a lower court's decision to require the Empire State Development Corp. (ESDC) to conduct an SEIS.

The goal of an SEIS is to examine new or additional environmental impacts related to development, furthering the findings in the initial Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Through re-evaluating Phase II of the Atlantic Yards project, significant impacts will likely be found. The court’s findings state that the ESDC failed to consider changes in the project schedule, which would almost certainly place development beyond the 10-year construction estimate. Furthermore, the court found that developer Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) “failed to show that [they] had the financial ability to complete the project in 10 years.”

“It seems clear to me that if the facts regarding the impact of the development had been accurately presented two years ago, the resulting decision would’ve halted construction,” said Council Member Letitia James. “We can be almost certain at this point that the jobs and affordable housing originally promised will not come to fruition anytime soon, and instead Prospect Heights and surrounding residents will have to live with vacant lots and construction for years to come.”

The ESDC waited nine months to take action after the findings of the lower court, during which time issues related to impacts of the surface parking lot (planned for Block 1129) could have been addressed in an SEIS. FCRC has yet to release a plan for the lot.

###

Thursday, April 12, 2012

CM James Testifies at Barclay's Liquor Licensing Hearing

On April 10, 2012, Council Member Letitia James testified at a joint public hearing between Brooklyn Community Boards 2 & 6 to discuss Barclays Center's Liquor License Application. She maintained that until further information is shared concerning transportation, public safety, small business stabilization, NYPD oversight, and security plans, it would be premature to support the licensing. Clip accessed via Brownstoner's coverage. Please see NYT-Local's coverage here.

CM James Commends NYS Attorney General On Analyzing NYPD’s Stop-and-Frisk Policy

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 11, 2012

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

Council Member Letitia James Commends NYS Attorney General On Analyzing NYPD’s Stop-and-Frisk Policy

(New York, NY)— On April 11, 2012, multiple media sources reported that a “working group” has been formed inside New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office, with the purpose of reviewing the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) stop-and-frisk policy. Reportedly, the working group was formed to analyze data— including ethnic and racial breakdowns of those searched— to determine whether a more comprehensive analysis of the policy is necessary.

The previous comprehensive report completed on stop-and-frisk was done in 1999 by former Attorney General (AG) Eliot Spitzer. Council Member Letitia James— then the Assistant AG overseeing the Brooklyn Regional Office and one of the attorneys working in the AG’s Civil Rights Bureau— worked on that report, which concluded that at the time African American New Yorkers constituted 50% of NYPD stops, Latinos constituted 33% of stops, and White residents constituted 13% of stops.

In 2011, the statistics show that 87% of the NYPD’s almost 700,000 stop-and-frisks involved Black and Latino persons; only 12% of those stops resulted in arrests, and less than 1% of those stops resulted in an arrest for weapon possession or an otherwise violent crime. Council Member Letitia James has joined many of her colleagues in criticizing the stop-and-frisk policy as one that forges distrust between the department and minority communities. 

“I commend Attorney General Schneiderman for looking into the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk policy,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Unfortunately, in the face of widespread criticism and evidence that stop-and-frisk violates the constitutional rights of an overwhelming number of innocent individuals with minimal results, the administration continues to champion this approach. I hope that AG Schneiderman takes action if his investigations mirror the current evidence and data available.”

Council Member James has further urged Mayor Bloomberg to appoint an independent commission to investigate corruption within the NYPD, and relocate the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau to the NYC Department of Investigations.

###

CM James Comments On Charges Against George Zimmerman

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 11, 2012

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

Council Member Letitia James Comments On Charges Against George Zimmerman

 (New York, NY)— On April 11, 2012, Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey announced the state’s intention to charge George Zimmerman for murder in the second degree, in relation to the shooting death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman recently surrendered to the Florida State Department of Law Enforcement. Previously, elected officials and social justice advocates nationwide criticized the fact that Mr. Zimmerman remained outside of police custody, with no criminal charges laid against him despite overwhelming evidence.

The tragic murder of Trayvon Martin has struck a chord with many Americans. On March 28, 2012, Council Members Letitia James and Melissa Mark Viverito held a press conference on the steps of City Hall calling for justice for Trayvon, and harsh criticism of ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws nationwide. That same day, the City Council put forth a resolution condemning the senseless shooting of Trayvon, and the inadequate investigation that followed. There have also been a number of similar demonstrations in New York City churches and public parks in the past month.

“What happened to Trayvon was a senseless tragedy,” said Council Member Letitia James. “However, it has begun a national conversation around gun control, racism, and the many faces of violence. The overt and covert ways in which we as a society label young Black men as ‘threatening’ must stop. It is important to recognize that reckless vigilantism is a threat to the safety of us all, and we must adopt a no-tolerance approach. I again extend my condolences to Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton over the loss of their son, and I commend the Florida state special prosecutors on their handling of the case.”

 The wearing of a hooded sweatshirt (in reference to the clothing Trayvon was wearing when he died) has become a symbol of anti-violence and social justice; and a call for the end of the demonization of young men of color.

###

Thursday, April 5, 2012

ATTENTION: UPK Deadline Extended to April 10, 2012

The Department of Education's Pre-K application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, April 10, 2012.

Parents can apply to public school pre-k programs online or in person.

Online: If parents would like to apply online, they must submit their application by 11:59 pm on April 10.
In Person: Parents can visit their local enrollment office to fill out a paper application or work with a counselor to complete the online application. The deadline to apply in person at an enrollment office is April 10 at 3:00 pm.

Community-based organization (CBO) pre-kindergarten programs have no specific application deadline. If parents would like to apply to CBO programs, deliver the CBO application directly to each CBO site to which you would like to apply.

For more information about pre-kindergarten admissions—and to see a list of public school and CBO pre-kindergarten programs—visit www.nyc.gov/schools/prek.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

ATTENTION: TWO Lien Sale Outreach Sessions In Brooklyn

It's lien sale season again! (You can read more about what a lien sale is here). There are two upcoming lien sale outreach sessions taking place at Brooklyn's Borough Hall:

April 4, 2012-
Join Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, the New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation, and representatives from New York City Department of Finance, Department of Environmental Protection, and Housing Preservation and Development for a Lien Outreach Session to assist Brooklyn residents in saving their homes from Tax Liens.

WHEN: Wednesday, APRIL 4, 2012
4PM- 7PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall
210 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, N.Y.

April 26, 2012-
(same details as above)

WHEN: Thursday, April 26, 2012
5PM- 7PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall
210 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, N.Y.

ATTENTION: Scholarship Opportunities

Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation:
The qualified applicants must be a high school senior or college student; and/or between the ages of 18-25, and pursuing studies at a vocational or trade school. All applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, be a US Citizen and complete the online application no later than the published deadline date (which is May 15, 2012).

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation is unique in that it offers scholarships to single mothers, children who attend alternative schools, students who have earned a GED, and students who have previously been incarcerated, etc. but desire a higher educational opportunity. These groups are generally not the recipients of college scholarships.

The application is available here: http://www.shawncartersf.com/apply/

Nordstrom Scholarship Program
Nordstrom is awarding $10,000 scholarships to 80 outstanding high school students. The Nordstrom Scholarship Program recognizes students across the country for their exceptional scholastic achievement and community involvement.

Those eligible must be high school juniors who plan on applying for financial aid and live and attend school in one of the participating 30 states where Nordstrom currently has a full-line store; have at least a 2.7 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) throughout high school; volunteer in community services or extracurricular activities; and plan on attending an accredited four-year college or university during the four years over which the scholarship is distributed. The scholarship is paid out in equal installments of $2,500.

The application deadline is May 1, 2012, and those interested may apply here: http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-cares-scholarship

Hispanic Scholarship Foundation/ Macys
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund and Macy's have partnered to provide financial resources to assist outstanding Latino undergraduate students. This scholarship is open to Latino students who are US citizens attending selected universities (see link below). The award amount is $2,500 and will be disbursed in Fall 2012.

Eligible students have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and are enrolled for the 2012-2013 academic year at one of the program's select universities.

The application deadline is May 15, 2012. More information, and the application, is available here: http://www.hsf.net/macys.aspx