CM James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South; BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JUNE 18, 2013

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

Council Member Letitia James Secures Additional Affordable Housing for BAM South Project
BPL Pacific Branch Spared from Sale, Demolition

(New York, NY)— On June 17, 2013, Council Member Letitia James voted to approve the development of BAM South, the planned 32-story tower next to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) being developed by Two Trees Management Company. The project was approved by a New York City Council.

In addition to the BAM South site, the City holds two additional sites in the Cultural District. The three development sites are expected to include approximately 900 apartments. Upon completion, 30% of two residential buildings will consist of affordable housing— an increase from the traditional 80/20 housing structure. BAM South, which represents a $135 million investment, will consist of a 32-story building containing approximately 300 residential units.

When completed, BAM South will also include a new public library, an extension of BAM’s cinema, and multiple performance spaces for cultural organizations. Additionally, the project will create a 16,000 square-foot publicly accessible plaza along Lafayette Avenue, and 22,800 square feet of ground floor retail and commercial space.

In a separate agreement with the administration, the Brooklyn Public Library’s Pacific Street branch was spared from sale to a private developer. The administration has committed to working with elected officials and community stakeholders to formulate a plan for service through an open process. A potential future change regarding the status of the library would require City Council approval. Additionally, Two Trees committed to including union workers in their construction bidding process

“I am pleased to again offer my support to BAM South, a project which will offer significant affordable housing to the Fort Greene community," said Council Member Letitia James. "I have always supported Two Trees’ vision for the project, and I believe it was important to ensure the project included significant community benefits such as increased affordable housing, maintaining the Pacific Street library, a commitment that cultural organizations utilizing the space will reflect the diversity of this community, and assurance that future utilization of the open space includes the input of all stakeholders.”

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ATTENTION: 66 Rockwell Affordable Housing

Applications are available for 63 affordable rental apartments at 66 Rockwell Place. The income eligibility ranges from $20,640 to $42,950/ annually.

If you are qualified, and would like to request an application, mail a self-addressed envelope to:
66 Rockwell Place c/o CMP Consultants, Inc.
PO Box 1180
Valley Stream, NY 11582

The application may be additionally accessed at http://www.cmpconsultants.com/HousingApplications_XHJP.html. Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only (no priority, certified, registered, and express or overnight mail will be accepted) to a post office box number that will be listed with the application. All applications must be postmarked by May 21, 2013.

CM James Questions AY Modular Development At City Council Oversight Hearing

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

Council Member Letitia James Questions AY Modular Development At City Council Oversight Hearing 

(New York, NY)— On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at a New York City Council Housing Committee Oversight Hearing, Council Member Letitia James joined her colleagues, union-aligned contractors, and others in discussing modular building development. Modular or pre-fabricated construction refers to a building method in which building portions are constructed off-site (often in a factory). SHoP Architects have designed modular residential towers that should allow Atlantic Yards developer Forest City Ratner (FCR) to save considerable costs.

Council Member Letitia James, representing Brooklyn’s 35th Council District which houses Barclay’s Arena and the developing Atlantic Yards site, asserted that modular development has the risk of producing low-quality construction. For a comprehensive construction such as Atlantic Yards—where the 32-story modular residential tower currently in development will stand as the nation’s largest modular development—this constitutes an experiment that may not stand the test of time.

Recent media reports have stated that the steel panels that line Barclays Arena “have occasionally dripped rusty orange blossoms onto the sidewalk,” noting that “iron workers have replaced hundreds of bolts that anchor the panels to the building’s structure. Engineers determined that weaker ones were originally installed, raising concerns about the structure’s integrity.”

Representatives of the city’s Department of Buildings and FCR testified at the hearing that there were considerable benefits to high-rise modular construction, while union representatives argued that prefabricated (off-site) construction could permit the developer to work without the supervision of licensed plumbers, electricians, and other experts.

“I am deeply concerned that we are compromising safety for the bottom line,” said Council Member Letitia James.

-- Epoch Times: Prefab High Rises: Future of Construction or Imminent Failure? (http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/united-states/prefab-high-rises-future-of-construction-or-imminent-failure-338875.html)
Atlantic Yards Report: At Council hearing, Department of Buildings slammed for allowing Forest City to build modular without licensed trades; did developer get city to bend rules? (http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2013/01/at-council-hearing-department-of.html)

ATTENTION: Putnam Court Affordable Housing Application

Putnam Court is an affordable housing development being built in Clinton Hill by Dunn Development (the developer of the Navy Green projects). There are 24 studio apartments with a rent of $613, for those making an annual income between $22,068 and $29,050. The application is available here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/114787981/Putnam-Court-Application-Final. An additional 34 apartments will house those in need of supportive housing. The application must be postmarked by January 15, 2013.

More information on the project is available here: http://www.dunndev.com/L3/putnam.html

ATTENTION: NYCHA/ Section 8 Emergency Transfer

IF YOU HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY HURRICANCE SANDY AND YOU CANNOT RETURN TO YOUR SECTION 8 SUBSIDIZED APARTMENT, you may request and submit an emergency transfer form from NYCHA.

Please note, you may need to provide documentation to confirm your displacement and NYCHA will review each request on a case by case basis. Please note that not all situations may be deemed an emergency.

To obtain a Transfer Request form: Call the NYCHA Call Center at 718-707-7771 or Visit any of NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center location for Brooklyn/Staten Island at 787 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, 2nd floor.

ATTENTION: HDC Public Hearing on AY Housing; 7/18

The New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) will be holding a TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) public hearing to provide information regarding the process of securing financing for a housing tower at Atlantic Yards.

The hearing will take place at the office of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on July 18, 2012 in Conference Room 4A/B at 110 William Street, 4th Floor, at 1:00 p.m.

Interested members of the public are invited to attend, and individuals will have an opportunity to make brief statements. For more information, please contact (866) 923-5315.

This tower is projected to contain 363 rental apartments, of which 50% of these units will be affordable to low-, moderate-, and middle-income households.

ATTENTION: DFS Foreclosure Prevention in Bed-Stuy; 7.14; Bed-Stuy

Gov. Cuomo recently announced that the Department of Financial Services (DFS), partnered with the Neighborhood Housing Services of Bedford-Stuyvesant, will provide help to homeowners struggling to keep their homes.

Foreclosure prevention specialists will be on hand in the DFS Mobile Command Center, at Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza Saturday (tomorrow) from 10AM- 4PM. The program is part of the Community Health & Resource Day, and sponsored by local elected officials. Following this Saturday, the Mobile Command Center will be located at 380 Herkimer Street.

For more information, please contact the Neighborhood Housing Services of Bed-Stuy at (718) 919-2100.

ATTENTION: Housing Advocates Rally for BK Housing Court Fairness; 6/14

Brooklyn Tenants United-- a coalition that includes Make The Road NY, Pratt Area Community Council, and Fifth Avenue Committee-- plan to MARCH and RALLY for tenants rights at Brooklyn Housing Court!

Please see this 2011 Make The Road report on conditions at Brooklyn Housing Court: http://www.scribd.com/doc/76062986/Home-Court-Advantage-Housing-Court-Report.

WHEN: June 14, 2012
4:00PM

WHERE: In front of Brooklyn Housing Court (141 Livingston Street)

ATTENTION: Town Hall Meeting on Tenants' Rights and Housing Affordability; 5/23; 6PM; Lafayette Presbyterian

(click picture to expand flyer)

For more information, please contact Juanita Edwards at Pratt Area Community Council at (718) 522-2613 ext. 024.

CM James Calls on State Legislature To Re-Authorize Tax Abatement For Co-op/ Condo Owners; Sponsors Tax Information Session in Fort Greene, BK

**For Immediate Release**
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Calls on State Legislature To Re-Authorize Tax Abatement For Co-op/ Condo Owners; Sponsors Tax Information Session in Fort Greene, Brooklyn 

(New York, NY)— As Brooklyn apartment-owners begin to grow alongside their Brownstoner counterparts, it becomes imperative that co-op and condo owners educate themselves on the property tax associated with their purchase. Every year, the NYC Department of Finance releases preliminary figures for the coming fiscal year's property-tax assessments. And almost every year, property-owners object to the department’s assessment, and in a standard process called tax certiorari, eventually receive a refund.

However, the concern over high property tax rates is especially worrying for co-op and condo owners who in 2011 saw increases in market value of up to one-hundred fifty percent. In fact, market values for co-ops, condos, and rental apartment buildings (Class 2) rose $6.8 billion (or 3.6%) to a total of $196.3 billion Citywide, according to the property assessment roll for FY2013. The Department of Finance is not allowed to use sales prices to value co-ops and condos, and instead must be value these properties as if they were rental buildings. The fact that co-ops and condos are taxed not as private residences, but effectively as commercial properties that bring in rental income, presents serious concerns to owners.

The tax break authorized for co-op and condo owners in New York City will soon be expiring. If the State Legislature doesn’t reauthorize the tax abatement, roughly 365,000 New York City co-op and condo owners could see their property tax bills jump.

Council Member Letitia James will be hosting a 35^th District Co-op and Condo Tax Information Session. The session will provide insight into co-op and condo real-estate taxation process, and NYC Department of Finance representatives will be available to answer questions—

WHEN: Thursday, May 24, 2012

6:00pm

WHERE: 210 Clinton Avenue (Community Room)

Clinton Hill Co-ops

Brooklyn, NY 11205

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ATTENTION: Crown Heights Community Mediation Center Hosts FREE Mobile Clinic for Housing Legal Assistance; 5/16

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.

ATTENTION: PACC Hosts Community Meeting to Discuss Navy Greene; 2/9; 6PM

The Pratt Area Community Council is hosting a Navy Greene Community Meeting to discuss the development and future plans for the site.

WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2012
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: 45 Clermont Avenue (Community Room)
(between Park Place and Flushing Avenue)
Fort Greene/ Wallabout, Brooklyn

Please confirm your attendance at rsvp@prattarea.org. You may call PACC at (718) 522-2613 for further information.

ATTENTION: LDCCH Hosts Home Buyer Workshop; 1/25; 7PM

The Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights (LDCCH)- in collaboration with Project Brooklyn Homeowners- will host a Free Interactive Home Buyer Workshop on January 25th, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 25th 2012
7:00PM to 9:00PM
WHERE: First Baptist Church of Crown Heights
450 Eastern Parkway, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11225

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU????
• Learn How to buy a home
• Learn what to look for in a home and the right questions to ask
• Learn how to qualify for a mortgage. We make sure all attendee’s fully understand the mortgage process from start to finish
• Learn what to do if they have credit challenges and the steps to repair their credit
• ON THE SPOT MORTGAGE PRE-QUALIFICATION
• FREE CREDIT REPORT AND CREDIT CONSULTATION
• Opportunity to preview homes from our inventory of 130 HOMES throughout the Brooklyn and Queens areas and speak to our team of Realtors that will be present at the work shop

To register, email Evantz Saint-Gerard at Evantz@yahoo.com or Yinery Martinez at LDCCH752@aol.com, or call 718-467-8800.

ATTENTION: HEAP Program

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally-funded program intended for low-income households. The program may assist with household's energy bills- which includes electricity, gas, and oil bills. Even if heat and utilities are included in a renter's payments, HEAP may be able to assist. Grants vary depending on household income and type of heating.

There are two HEAP components--
-Regular component opened on November 16, 2011
-Emergency component opened on January 3, 2012

HEAP's regular component benefits households who pay heat, utilities, and cooking gas; have utilities and heat included in the rent; and reside in public housing.

HEAP's emergency component benefits households when heat service is disconnected or scheduled for disconnection; when the household is without heating fuel or has low fuel; and when heating equipment is inoperable.
- One emergency grant, primary fuel grant, and/or heat related emergency grant is available per vendor during the HEAP season
- One boiler repair/replacement is available

A person is eligible for HEAP benefits if they are a US citizen or qualified alien and meet income eligibility guidelines; receive temporary assistance (safety-net or family assistance); receive food stamps; receive supplemental security income (SSI); and/or live in subsidized housing [Mitchell-Lama apartments, Public Housing (NYCHA), and apartments financed with Section 8 Certificates and Vouchers].
- Income eligibility depends on household size in relation to total household income

Those seeking to apply for HEAP must provide proof of residence, identity, utility costs, and income. The HEAP Brooklyn Field office is located at 1 Metrotech Center (Lobby). Customers should call (800) 692-0557 for more information.

CM James Scores A+ On Urban Justice Center- Human Rights Report Card

Council Member Letitia James has scored as A+ on the 2011 Urban Justice Center- Human Rights Report Card. The report card examines Council Members' compliance with universal human rights standards- especially in regards to employment, housing, health, food, education and other economic and social rights.

Council Member Letitia James is a supporter of the Council's living wage legislation, and has spoken against Walmart coming to New York City. She was recently part of the leadership that removed a racist anti-abortion billboard in SOHO; and joined with women's advocacy organizations to hold a press conference in support of a fair trial for Nafissatou Diallo, the Guinean housekeeper who accused former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault.

Council Member James sponsored a law that addressed the Department of Corrections reporting to the Council violent incidents involving adolescents in 2009. She has been a strong advocate for restoring childcare vouchers, and fought to avoid the closure of childcare centers Citywide. She sponsored a 35th District Food Conference last term, and continues to work towards increasing green jobs throughout the City.

Council Member James is the sponsor of legislation that would address inequality in City housing, and paid family leave. She can be seen in the Atlantic Yards documentary Battle for Brooklyn, and was a contributer to the documentary The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till, following her introduction of a City Council resolution to reopen Till's murder case.

Council Member James has scored consistently high scores on the report card (see 2008, 2009, and 2010).

Those interested in reading the report may do so here.

Weeksville Heritage Center Fall 2011 Harvest Festival

The Weeksville Heritage Center presents
the Fall 2011 Harvest Festival - the final day of Weeksville's Farmers Market.

The mission of Weeksville Heritage Center is to document, preserve and interpret the history of free African American communities in Weeksville, Brooklyn and beyond and to create and inspire innovative, contemporary uses of African American history through education, the arts, and civic engagement.

OCTOBER 29TH / FROM 11AM-4PM
(Free Admission)

WEEKSVILLE HERITAGE CENTER
1698 Bergen, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Directions are available on website at http://www.weeksvillesociety.org/

~ Children’s Cooking Classes
~ Canning & Seed Saving Workshops
~ Iron Chef Competition
~ Food Vendors & Farmers Market
~ Youth Art Exhibition
~ Tours of the historic Weeksville houses
~ DJ

This event is funded by the National Grid Foundation, Valentine Perry Snyder, and Con Edison. For additional information, please contact 718-756-5250 or info@weeksvillesociety.org

ATTENTION: 40 Vanderbilt Housing Application Available

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is now accepting applications for 38 affordable units in the newly constructed building located at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue (Wallabout Section- Fort Greene, Brooklyn). The building participates in a government-assisted affordable housing program supervised by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

For interested and qualified applicants, please visit here to access the application. The application deadline is November 2, 2011. One application per household; applications will be received through a lottery process. You may find further guidelines here.

The 38 available affordable units are studios for one individual. Eligible income range is from $21,774- $28,650, and the rent is a maximum of $664.

Please contact PACC at 718-522-2613 with any further questions.

ATTENTION: Bed-Stuy Affordable Housing Unit Application Available

Madison/Putnam Sponsor LLC is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for 47 affordable housing rental apartments that are currently under construction, located at 924 & 926 Madison Street and 1007, 1013, 1023, 1052 & 1054 Putnam Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.

These buildings are being constructed through the Low Income Rental Program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

The application may he found here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/61065947/Madison-Putnam-Application#. Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only (no priority, certified, express or overnight mail will be accepted) to a post office box number that is listed on the application. All applications must be postmarked by September 23, 2011. Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081/ (718) 260-9191 or teamtish@gmail.com with any further questions.

ATTENTION: Navy Greene Applications Available

The application for the Navy Green Apartments- which are located at 45 Clermont Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn- has been made available. The 100 affordable rental apartments now under construction are being developed through the Low Income Rental Program (LIRP) of the City of New York’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), The Low Income Affordable Marketplace Program (LAMP) of the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (SLIHC) of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

For interested and qualified applicants, please visit here to complete the application. Applicants will be required to meet income guidelines, and will be selected by lottery. Eligible applicants currently residing in Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 will receive preference for 50% of the units. Applicants residing in New York City will receive a general preference over Non-City residents. Limit one application per household.

Please be sure to include a self-addressed envelope with your request for an application.

Completed applications must be returned by regular mail ONLY to--

Navy Green R3

PO Box 373002

New York, NY 10037

Applications must be postmarked by September 6, 2011.