ATTENTION: STAR Tax Exemption

The Basic School Tax Relief (STAR) registration program is administered by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and provides homeowners with partial exemptions from school property taxes. If you earn less than $500,000 and own and live in your home, you are probably eligible for the STAR exemption.

New York State legislation requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years. Homeowners may register: http://tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star13/default.htm.

Homeowners receiving Enhanced STAR do not have to register for this program.

ATTENTION: CM James Hosts Property Owners Forum; 1/30; Crown Heights

On Wednesday, January 30th, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development will join Council Member Letitia James in hosting a Homeowners Forum. This is an opportunity for residential property owners to get information on issues such as property tax exemptions, foreclosure prevention, NYC Department of Building, lead/pest control, low-interest home repair loans, NYC Sanitation, and water/sewer issues.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 30, 2013
6:30PM- 8:00PM

WHERE: Public School 161 (Auditorium)
330 Crown Street
Brooklyn, NY

ATTENTION: NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Pumping Heating Oil From Home Basements

Homeowners,

If you have a home heating oil (HHO) tank and it has leaked into your basement and/or has been damaged by the storm please contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at (718) 482-7376. The Department can come and pump the oil out of your basement or damaged tank. There will be no charge for this service.

When you call, please know the location and size of HHO tank, status of tank (full, partially full, empty), estimated amount of oil released into basement, approximate depth of oil/water in your basement, and accessibility of basement.

Please Note: At this time, the Department is NOT pumping flood waters from basements, only HHO. Homeowners whose boilers may have leaked in their basements. If left uncleaned for long periods of time, this may produce a public health risk.

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: Making Home Affordable Program Hosts Mortgage Assistance Event; 6/25; BK Marriott

The Obama Administration's Making Home Affordable Program, HOPE NOW and several local, non-profit partners and government agencies are hosting this event that will afford homeowners the unique opportunity to meet directly with their mortgage servicer and/or a HUD-approved housing counselor to find alternatives to foreclosure.

Several local, HUD-approved non-profit counseling organizations will be on-site as well to advise homeowners, including:

- American Debt Resources
- Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, Inc.
- Bridge Street Development
- Brooklyn Housing and Family Services
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors
- Legal Services NYC
- Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation
- Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc.
- NID-HCA Greater New Jersey

WHEN: Monday, June 25, 2012
10AM- 8PM


WHERE: NY Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

For more information, contact 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

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: Elected Officials Join Finance Dept. and NYC Tax Commission to Host Outreach Session on Property Taxes; 2/27; BK Boro Hall

Council Member Letitia James and Council Member Brad Lander, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Council Members Vincent Gentile, Sara M. González, Steve Levin, Al Vann, and Jumaane D. Williams- along with The NYC Department of Finance (Finance Department) and the NYC Tax Commission- are hosting a Joint Outreach Session on Property Taxes. The Finance Department recently announced the publication of the tentative property assessment roll for FY2013. The annual sets taxable property values for all City properties.

Many homeowners have seen a change in how their property has been valued, and are encouraged to attend the outreach session to learn more.

WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2012
6PM- 8PM

WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall (Courtroom)
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY

Please call the Office of Council Member Lander at (212) 788-6969 for more 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: Chase Bank Presents Homebuying Seminar

On February 8, 2011, Chase Bank will be hosting a free homebuying seminar. Topics to be discussed include--

-Preparing for bomeownership
-Affordable mortgage programs
-Questions and answers with mortgage specialists

WHEN: February 8, 2012
6:30PM- 8:00PM

WHERE: Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza
1380 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Seating is limited. Please RSVP at (718) 230-1284 by February 2.

ATTENTION: Federal Disaster Aid Available in BK (NYC)

Some Brooklyn organizations are eligible to receive disaster aid related to Hurricane Irene damages.

Government and some nonprofits. Some nonprofits in Brooklyn (as well as Bronx, Nassau, New York, Queens, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester) counties can receive partial reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene.
The federal assistance is for the reimbursement (up to 75%) of covered and documented expenses. You don't have to wait to begin your repairs, just keep a careful record of your outlays.

If you think that you, your business or your organization are eligible, begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362).

Updated Information from NYT's Cityroom here.

Update: Property Damage and Tree Removal (Hurricane Irene)

Damage
Individuals whose property has incurred damage due to Hurricane Irene are encouraged to report any damage to 311 ASAP, or report damage online.

The City investigates reports of damage to homes or building structures caused by severe weather. This includes:

• Unstable sidewalk sheds or scaffolds
• Debris falling from a building
• Defective or cracking interior and exterior walls

Please report damage here:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/nycsevereweather/damage_form.shtml

Tree Removal
The City removes street trees and large branches that have fallen to the ground in front of houses, in parks, and in other public spaces. The City also removes trees or branches that are blocking sidewalks or streets, as well as branches that are cracked or hanging, and about to fall. Removal may be delayed during a storm if the branches are not blocking streets or sidewalks.

The City is not responsible for:
• Any non-City tree that falls on private property
• Any small non-City tree branch that falls on private property
• Any tree that is on private property

Property owners must consult with a private landscape contractor to arrange for the removal of non-City trees or tree branches. Property owners are responsible for knowing whether a tree is on their property or on the City's property. Trees can appear to be growing on your property but actually be on City property. Reference your title survey to verify property lines before removing a tree or conducting any tree work on or around trees in your front yard.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is not accepting requests for removal of standing dead trees until Tuesday, August 30. You may request forestry service action here: http://gis.nyc.gov/parks/forms/

Otherwise, you are encouraged to contact 311 with any reports, or with further questions.

CM James Announces Pilot Co-op/Condo Council, Urges Finance Department To Cap Property Taxes

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 2, 2011

Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES ANNOUNCES PILOT CO-OP AND CONDO COUNCIL FOR 35TH COUNCIL DISTRICT AND URGES THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE TO CAP PROPERTY TAXES IN BROOKLYN
It has long been acknowledged that housing cooperatives and condominiums pay more than their fair share of property taxes

(Brooklyn, NY) Serious concern about the New York City Department of Finance's assessments of real property values for cooperative and condominium properties exists. Some residents have seen increases in market value of up to one-hundred fifty percent, and the resulting real property tax increases could be extremely damaging to affordable housing in many neighborhoods.

Council Member James said: “I ask that co-op and condo owners in the 35th Council District who may be experiencing increases in property taxes and other issues related to their residences, call my office. The pilot Co-op and Condo Council that I am forming has three purposes: 1. to get condo taxes capped at an affordable rate in Brooklyn, 2. to create discounted purchasing opportunities, 3. to develop green initiatives, and 4. to share information.”

Property tax rates for co-op and condos were capped at 10% (only in the borough of Queens) for the 2011 year, and co-ops/condos in Brooklyn and Citywide should also be capped. It is still unclear what the cap will be for 2012. The City Council is currently working with a panel/commission to examine the issue.

Tamara Clements, a resident of co-ops located at 149 and 153 Clinton Avenue said: “My neighbors and I want to understand how things work in the tax and real estate areas. We will support any efforts to research and speak out against built-in and structural unfairness in government, specifically as it relates to property taxes.”

The general consensus is that because co-op ownership (and condo ownership to a smaller degree) is the most accessible way for working-class people to become property owners, it is unfair that this group should shoulder a larger tax burden than traditional homeowners (whose property is more valuable overall). The goal of this pilot initiative is to cap property tax rates for these owners at a maximum of 8%, as suggested by the City Council.

“I’m certain a joint effort by co-op and condo owners to force the capping of escalating real estate taxes is very possible in Brooklyn through the formation, and work of this pilot Co-op and Condo Council,” said Council Member James.

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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)

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

ATTENTION: BK Chamber of Commerce, Con Edison Present "Real Green! Meet the Experts on Energy." 4/1; BK Boro Hall; 8:30AM

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Con Edison, will present "Real Green! Meet the Experts on Energy" at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Thursday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event is designed to encourage business owners and homeowners interested in "green-proofing" their businesses and residences, but who are stymied by concerns about cost or are searching for ideas about how to get started. The process for obtaining funding for green projects will be demystified and attendees will be able to explore ideas about eco-friendly construction illustrated by case studies that offer a road map approach to sustainability.

The selected case studies represent some of Brooklyn's newest and most exciting development projects- commercial projects will be the focus in the morning and will include a LEED-certified clothing store, Bird, and Brooklyn's newest recreation destination, Brooklyn Bowl. Residential projects will be covered in the afternoon and will feature projects such as The Silhouette and Greenbelt. In addition, attendees can take advantage of a full day of table presentations and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority).

Presenting sponsor, Con Edison, will offer free energy surveys for which attendees can sign up on-site at the event. This exciting "one-stop" fair will get attendees on their way to the most cost effective and achievable means to implement their wish list of green projects.

Real Green! is free and open to the public; advance registration is required.

Attendees may RSVP online at www.ibrooklyn.com; if you are interested in scheduling an appointment with a NYSERDA project manager, please send an email to Lori Raphael at lraphael@brooklynchamber.com or call (718) 875-1000 ext 140. Light refreshments will be served.

PACC Hosts Financial Education Workshops Session; 3/10; PACC

Pratt Area Community Council Hosts:

HSBC's Financial Education Workshops Sessions begin

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
6:30pm - 8:30pm
PACC's Community Room
226 Lefferts Place
(at the corner of Franklin Avenue)
Brooklyn, New York, 11216

Highlights Include: Managing your money * Budgeting & Banking * Credit History & Using Credit Wisely * Basics of Borrowing & Preventing I.D. Theft * Homeownership & Managing your mortgage * Free Individual Credit Counseling

This is a free event- refreshments will be served.
For More Info: 718-783-3549 Ext. 15

PACC Holds Homeowner/Homebuyer Night; 2/24; 4PM; Crown Heights

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) presents their...

Homeowner/Homebuyer Night!

featuring workshops on: affordable homes, financial preparedness, foreclosure prevention, tax exemption, loans, reverse mortgages, etc.

WHERE: First Baptist Church of Crown Heights
450 Eastern Parkway
(southwest corner of Rogers)
Brooklyn, NY 11225

WHEN: February 24, 2010
4PM-9PM

*This is a free event; refreshments will be served.*
For more information, contact (718) 783-3549

ATTENTION: PACC Holds Homeownership Conference; Bed-Stuy; 11/10

Pratt Area Community Council's HOMEOWNER /HOMEBUYER NIGHT PART II

Welcoming all of Brooklyn’s Homeowners, homebuyers, seniors and teens.

Where: Concord Baptist Church of Christ
833 Gardner C. Taylor Boulevard (formerly Marcy Avenue) (between Putnam Avenue and Madison Street)
Brooklyn, NY, 11216

When: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 – 6:00pm to 9:00pm

This event will be a great opportunity to obtain information on a variety of things from affordable homes to financial management for teens!

Plus there will be experts from local financial institutions and government programs will be on hand to answer all your questions!

This is a FREE event – Refreshments will be provided

For more information: 718-783-3549 ext: 15 or 11 http://www.prattarea.org/
pacc@prattarea.org

Governor Paterson Statement On Extension of Fed. Unemployment Insurance

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON ON EXTENSION OF FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

President Obama signed a federal extension of Unemployment Insurance, ensuring that nearly 55,000 New Yorkers who had previously exhausted their benefits will be entitled to an additional 20 weeks.

Unemployment Insurance was created as a safety net for workers who found themselves out of work through no fault of their own. In an economic climate where there is only one job for every six unemployed New Yorkers, Unemployment Insurance has taken on a different meaning. It has quickly changed from a safety net to a lifeline.

As I travel the State and speak with unemployed New Yorkers, I am encouraged to hear that they do not want to collect unemployment benefits forever. They want to work, and there is nothing they want more than the financial independence a good job has to offer.

I encourage the unemployed in New York to visit one of our 81 One-Stop Centers across the State as often as possible. Let our experts help you find a job. From the Department of Labor’s On-the-Job Training program to new opportunities targeting the clean energy sector, there are dozens of government programs that unemployed New Yorkers may not be aware of and they should take advantage of them.

In addition, workers should also visit the Green Careers NY website at http://www.greencareersny.com/. The site is a green jobs portal, providing a way to search all New York based green jobs training programs and jobs at one website.

As I work with the Legislature to tackle the budget deficit in the coming days, my focus remains on ensuring the fiscal strength of the State – and that we have the resources to take care of the most vulnerable among us for months and years to come.

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ATTENTION: NYC Penalty Relief Program

The NYC Penalty Relief Program, a joint program between the administration and the New York City Council that was established through Local Law 47-2009, will begin on September 21st.

The Penalty Relief Program will allow businesses and homeowners who have outstanding default judgments against them from the Environmental Control Board (ECB) to pay only the base violation fine amount, with the City waiving the default judgment, late fees, and all other penalties and interest. The program will be open for three months, from September 21st through December 21st, 2009

Basic Info:

· This is a three-month program that is authorized by Mayor Bloomberg and City Council that allows businesses to resolve ECB violations by paying a base fine without having to pay any other penalties.

· If the violation regards a correctable condition, then this condition must be met before being eligible to enter the program.

For more information, please see the Department of Finance website, or call 311.