REMINDER: Chase Multi-Day Event To Help Struggling BK Homeowners

Chase Sets Up Five-Day Event in Brooklyn to Help Struggling Homeowners
Advisors will work face-to-face to help keep families in their homes

WHAT: Chase loan advisors will set up shop at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott for five days to help struggling homeowners find the best solution.

Homeowners with Chase mortgages can receive the following services:
-Initial counseling to apply for a mortgage modification
-Counseling for those who are current on their mortgage but are struggling
-Short-sale assistance for those who cannot afford their home or don't want to stay in it
-Document signing and drop-off for modifications
-Collection of outstanding documents for those on trial modifications
-On-site execution of final modification agreements for customers who have completed their modification application

WHO: Chase loan counselors will assist borrowers with a Chase, EMC or WaMu mortgage.

WHEN: Thursday, March 31- Monday, April 4; 8AM to 8PM

WHERE: The Brooklyn Bridge Marriott, Salon E-1, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn
(Free parking at the Adams Street Garage next to the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge; bring parking ticket to event)

HOW FAST: No appointments are necessary. Chase expects to sit down with most borrowers within 15 minutes of their arrival.

The event supplements Chase Homeownership Centers that help New York families every week, including locations at:

4 Chase Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, 718-242-2500 (open Monday-Saturday)

NYCC Progressive Caucus Starts Blog!

Did you know that the New York City Council's Progressive Caucus had a blog? The blog features important releases by the caucus- including responses to the NYS budget proposal, and Walmart's expansion into NYC- as well a link to the caucus' Twitter.

Council Member James is a proud member of the Council's Progressive Caucus, which seeks to create a more just and equal New York City, combat all forms of discrimination, and advancing public policies that offer genuine opportunity to all New Yorkers, especially those who have been left out of our society’s prosperity.

CM James Suggests Early Retirement Incentive for City Employees

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** March 30, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES SUGGESTS MAYOR BLOOMBERG RECONSIDER AN EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE (ERI) FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES TO LOWER COSTS

(Brooklyn, NY) According to research and expert advice, I agree that a buyout or early retirement incentive is a tried and proven method to get salaried workers to voluntarily step aside, saving jobs of younger workers who can least afford to be out of work.

Simply put, it's the least painful way to reduce the work force. If Mayor Bloomberg is so adamantly opposed (at present, when he previously endorsed such a plan in 2002) to an early retirement incentive, let him release a detailed financial analysis as to why it is not viable option to be explored with the public and the unions. NYC employee's financial and emotional lives hang in the balance and all options should be aired openly and honestly to find the most effective way of dealing with the fiscal problems of today.

In a buyout, the rate of “back filling” or rehiring is the most crucial determinant for success or failure. At present, if a City worker leaves or retires the position or line is lost, there is no rehire, hence a shrinking workforce. Combined with hiring freezes controlled by the Mayor - who has strict governance over the city’s workforce and therefore payroll expenses - he could employ an early retirement incentive to maximize payroll savings, ASAP.

Unemployment insurance for up to 99 weeks for laid off workers, loss of city and state tax revenue, loss of health insurance for many families, possible foreclosures etc., as well as the emotional upheaval that ripples outward is a huge avoidable cost. This type of information (overall social cost) is rarely addressed when quantifying the overall success or failure of an early retirement incentive. For example, simple math - layoff teachers verses an early retirement incentive for all agencies: if you lay off 4,600 workers (teachers) and pay each unemployment insurance of $400 per week for 99 weeks that’s 400 x 4,600 = 1.84million x 99 weeks = a potential $182 million dollars. This does not include driving current and potential teachers from the profession, and the 4,600 former professional middle class New Yorkers who would join the expanding pool of the 9% unemployed.

In summary, an early retirement incentive would continue to reduce the City work force with immediate cost savings (rather than pension relief that would take decades to materialize and that the NYS Legislature appears reluctant to overturn), and have a lesser impact on career civil servants. It forces NYC agencies to do more with less, while negatively impacting society to a lesser degree, as opposed to sending thousands of workers into a very poor job market.

I ask the Bloomberg Administration to address this viable alternative and statistically explain the resistance to such a course of action. There appears no opposition from the workers, the unions, the City Council, the NYS Legislature - only the Mayor stands opposed.

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NYC Mayor's Cup Basketball All-Star Games; 4/3; City College

You are invited to attend the NYC Mayor's Cup Basketball All-Star Games this Sunday, April 3, 2011 at City College.

This fantastic sporting event will showcase the City's best male and female high school basketball players from the Public School Athletic League (PSAL). You can check to see if students from your local schools are competing by checking the Boys and Girls team rosters.

Please find the details of the event below:
What: NYC Mayors Cup 2011– PSAL Basketball All Star Games

When: Sunday, April 3- 1PM (girls); 3PM (boys)
Where: City College of New York, Nat Holman Gymnasium
160 Convent Avenue (at 136th Street)
New York, NY
Admission: Free, limited tickets at the door

If you have any questions, please visit nycmayorscup.com.

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

The New York City Department of Finance wants you to know that you can now contest Parking and Environmental Control Board tickets on-line!

U.S. Representative Ed Towns invites you to join him at the JP Morgan Chase Homeowner Assistance Program from March 31st- April 4th. Representative Towns will be present at the third session between the hours of 12noon- 2PM on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Brooklyn Marriott.

Reverend Michael Bacchus and the Full Gospel Assembly Church invite you to a health event where you may obtain FREE mammogram and blood pressure screenings.

WHEN: Saturday, April 2, 2011
9AM- 3PM
WHERE: Full Gospel Assembly Church
131 Sullivan Place
Brooklyn, NY 11225

CM James Responds To Deputy Mayor Goldsmith Daily News Op-ed; Outsourcing IT Jobs

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

March 25, 2011

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

Council Member Letitia James Releases Statement In Response To Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith's Daily News Op-ed On Outsourcing IT Jobs

Commends Efforts to Increase Positions for City Workers, Cites Additional Need for Oversight

New York, NY— “On Thursday, March 24, 2011, the New York Daily News covered an op-ed by New York City Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith concerning the outsourcing of IT positions to private contractors.

Deputy Mayor Goldsmith asserted that the issue at hand was not the outsourcing itself, but rather that the administration needed to place more attention towards employing City workers to perform IT duties. It seems plain to me that if City workers could be trained to perform these IT duties for less money, then much of this outsourcing constitutes unnecessary and wasteful spending.

That said, training City workers to perform contracted IT duties, and strengthening oversight of contractors, are excellent steps to addressing the ballooning costs of City contracting positions well within the scope of municipal workers. I commend the administration for taking positive steps in centralizing the City’s data server, as well as using public workers to manage the City’s wireless network and Business Express tool.

In fact, the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP) project, and the $286M contract that was originally proposed to New York City Comptroller John Liu, is a fair example of where the administration needs to increase oversight. The ECTP project seeked to upgrade the City’s 9-1-1 system by establishing two unified 9-1-1 emergency call center systems.

As was the issue with the Citytime contract, the cost of the ECTP project mushroomed from an initial $380M to $666M without significant changes. In fact, six years after the ECTP contract was originally awarded, the Brooklyn 9-1-1 Center was still not fully operational and one year behind schedule. For these reasons, Comptroller Liu’s rejected renewal of the contract for $286M, citing such issues as lack of transparency over time and expense billing arrangement, multiple layers of subcontractors, and significant cost overruns. On March 15, 2011, Comptroller Liu registered a $95M fixed-price contract for the project, with an agreement of increased communication with his office on ongoing budget matters.

If the administration is truly committed to addressing the oversight and management of private contractors, then there must be a mechanism in place to examine these contracts before they reach the Comptroller’s desk.

Again, I commend the administration on taking initial steps to address the fiscal and transparency issues associated with private contractors, and I hope that the outsourcing of positions other than IT will be addressed. I also hope that these administrative changes will include the recommendations of the Council’s Committee on Contracts as well as unions. I look forward to working together to address these issues.”

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CM James Joins WFAC Faith Leaders In Denouncing Domestic Violence; 3/28; 11AM; BK Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2011
Contact: Reverend Cheryl Anthony
718-930-3120

wfac@judahinternational.com

‘The Women of Faith Advocating Change’ Takes Action to Denounce the Escalating Incidences of Domestic Violence

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK —The Women of Faith Advocating Change in conjunction with Judah International Christian Center, Church of God of East Flatbush, the Historic Rugged Cross Baptist Church, Agape Tabernacle International Fellowship, Women Organizing, Mobilizing and Building (WOMB), Council Member Letitia James, Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, TOP Development Corporation (Domestic Violence Prevention Program), the 77th Clergy Precinct Council, the 73rd Clergy Precinct Council and other prominent leaders and organizations are taking action against the rising incidences of Domestic Violence.

On Monday, March 28, 2011 at 11:00 am, The Women of Faith Advocating Change will hold a Press Conference denouncing the escalating incidences of Domestic Violence in our city and to lend support and prayers for Deputy Inspector Juanita Holmes, Commander of the 81st Police Precinct, here, in Brooklyn, New York. Female faith leaders, community leaders, elected officials and police colleagues will gather to send a strong message that Domestic Violence is a rising issue throughout our city and the nation, however, its impact on urban communities is devastating.

The Reverend Dr. Cheryl Anthony, Pastor of Judah International Christian Center and President of Women of Faith Advocating Change was quoted as saying “Domestic Violence in our homes, houses of worship, schools and community at large will not be tolerated or ignored. We are grieved that our sister and community colleague has suffered immensely (physically, emotionally and spiritually) because of a recent vicious domestic attack. We are in prayer for everyone involved.”

WHEN: Monday, March 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: The Steps of Brooklyn Supreme Court

CM James Supports Video Report Exposing Vendor Exploitation of Women of Color

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

March 21, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES SUPPORTS VIDEO REPORT BY BLACK AND BROWN NEWS (BBN)- ‘NEW YORK CITY NEWSSTAND VENDORS: EXPLOITING SOME, PROTECTING OTHERS

(Brooklyn, NY) As a member of the New York City Council, and an advocate for the well-being and progress of women and girls, I stand alongside Black and Brown News in requesting the enforcement of laws to protect this segment of New York City from the exploitation of Newsstand Vendors. I am currently drafting legislation to increase penalties for offending vendors. Please watch the video for more information about this issue, as well as read the law included below.

(Original Video Report) New York City Newsstand Vendors: Exploiting Some, Protecting Others (see link below). Through the course of travels around the city by BBN, they report noticing a disturbing pattern of disparity in how New York City newsstand vendors take liberties in their display cases with the image of Black and Latino women, who model for covers of sexually provocative magazines. BNN found shopkeepers (of all backgrounds) who exploited the images of Black and Latino women, while going to great lengths to protect the image of White women on similar magazine covers. New York City newsstands are licensed by city government and they are bound to state law. According to New York Penal Code Penal Law Sections:

--245.10 Public display of offensive sexual material is defined as showing of the female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a full opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple.

-- 245.11 And a person is guilty of public display of offensive sexual material when he with knowledge of its character and content he displays or permits to be displayed in or on any window, showcase, newsstand, display rack, wall, door, billboard, display board, viewing screen, moving picture screen, marquee or similar place, in such manner that the display is easily visible from or in any: public street, sidewalk or thoroughfare; transportation facility; or any place accessible to members of the public without fee or other limit or condition of admission such as a minimum age requirement.

Please view these links:
-- Video on You tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHnVVc-x_gw
-- New York City Newsstand Vendors: Exploiting Some, Protecting Others
http://blackandbrownnews.com/digital/2014262536_story.php

I thank you in advance for joining this important cause and sharing the message with others. We must do everything we can to protect women and girls from exploitation, specifically as we lift up all women during this March in honor of Women’s History month 2011.

-Letitia James, Member of City Council
35th District, Brooklyn


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CM James and Elected Officials Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings

STATE AND CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS HELD RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTERS CLOSING– FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH AT 11AM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urged the community, all seniors and advocates to mobilize against severe threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to cut funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery said: “Our Seniors built this country and this city with their work and dedication, and we will not balance the budget on their backs. The Legislature has identified funding for these programs, and these programs will be saved!”

“The reduction in state funding for ‘mandated’ services and the consequent diversion of financing used for ‘discretionary’ services will drastically weaken a necessary support system for our seniors that has been in place for more than twenty years,” said State Senator Eric Adams. “After decades of hard work providing for their families, senior citizens deserve fundamental services and protections so that they can continue to lead healthy and active lives. The dire economic condition of the State of New York requires severe budgetary constraints, but it is imperative that our senior citizens do not bear the brunt of this fiscal retrenchment.”

“Long before I was old enough to use one, I was the president of a senior center from 1973 to 1978,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “So, I know firsthand the central role they play in seniors’ lives. Cutting $25.2 million of funding would force 105 centers to close in New York City, 31 in Brooklyn alone. With our economy and aging population, not only is this the wrong time to cut funding we should be increasing funding for senior centers. For seniors, the ‘social network’ isn’t about Facebook or Twitter—it’s about the people they meet and socialize and interact with at the neighborhood senior center.”

“I believe there are only two reasons that any of us are here, God and our seniors, and we’ll be judged by how we treat them. The State wants to close two out of the three centers in my district. How can one center serve all of my seniors? What about the millionaire’s tax extension or the "421A" tax abatement program? Yankee’s player, Alex Rodriguez, practically gets a free ride while our senior centers are decimated,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

Igal Jellinek, Executive Director, Council of Senior Centers and Services, CSCS, said: “On behalf of thousand older New Yorkers, we are proud that Brooklyn’s elected leaders are standing with them to protect senior centers. However, the fight is not over until it is over. Senior centers are still in danger of closing by April 1. Older New Yorkers, elected leaders, service providers, and advocates must continue to place pressure on the governor and tell him to stand up for seniors by standing with Brooklynites. Our elected leaders must make senior center funding mandatory so that older New Yorkers and their senior centers are not faced with this devastating cut every year.”

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of society and I’m going to fight this with every fiber of my being,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines will not close on my watch. New York City senior centers are a vital source of community life.”

WHO: Council Member Letitia James
NYS Senator Eric Adams

U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke
NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery
NYS Assembly Member Annette Robinson

NYS Assembly Member Karim Camara

NYS Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries
Council Member Jumaane Williams
Council Member Lew Fidler

Council Member Mathieu Eugene

WHAT: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City

WHERE: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan

WHEN: Friday, March 18
11:00 AM

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ATTENTION: Crown Heights Parking Meter Installation

The Office of Council Member Letitia James has recently learned that in accordance with the New York City administrative code, an upcoming installation of parking meters will affect the 35th Council District.

Beginning May 2011, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC-DOT) will install single-space parking meters on both the east and west sides of Troy Avenue from Empire Boulevard to Crown Street, The meter rate will be $.25 per 20 minutes.

The NYC-DOT expects that inconvenience to motorists will be minimal; however, should you have any further questions, you are encouraged to contact the Brooklyn Borough Commissioner’s office at (718) 222-7259.