**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 14, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191
COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES AND THE COMMUNITY HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT FORT GREENE’S F + S TIRES - OWNED BY HAITIAN FAMILY, SATURDAY, APRIL 16 AT 2PM, ON FULTON STREET & SOUTH PORTLAND AVE. - IN FRONT OF HABANA OUTPOST
The family business was closed down by the City after 26 years of service
Backstory: The Joseph brothers came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for over 26 years. Two weeks ago, they were informed that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn could not legally house their business - F + S Tire Shop. While tires were changed on the South Oxford corner (for nearly three decades), the brownstone neighborhood has improved around F + S. Crime has been pushed out, and the downtown Brooklyn location is once again prime real estate.
Numerous fines were imposed upon F + S Tire Shop (more than $24,000 for building violations such as garbage in basement, improper support beams, no sprinkler system), and a DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that hundreds of thousands dollars were needed to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.
“The Joseph brothers feel they are fighting against the City, and I intend to let them know they can work with government. Many residents and businesses have contacted my office to express support of F + S Tire Shop, as well as gratitude for the owner’s hard work and generosity throughout the years,” said Council Member Letitia James. Also, I’ve heard rumors of harassing telephone calls made to the brothers, which is not acceptable on my watch. This community will do everything it can to help the Joseph Brothers maintain their American dream.”
A Department of Buildings hearing for violations is scheduled for May 16. The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC), the Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB), and the office of Council Member Letitia James are assisting the Joseph brothers.
WHO: F + S Tire Company Owners - the Joseph brothers, Council Member Letitia James, community leaders, fellow shop owners, advocates, neighbors and friends
WHAT: Press Conference to support F + S Tire Shop and the American dream
WHEN: Saturday, April 16 at 2pm
WHERE: Corner of Fulton Street and South Portland Avenue– in front of Habana Outpost restaurant
Please see the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savefgtireshop/
###
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
CM James Comments on Equal Pay Day
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 12, 2011
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
April 12, 2011 is Equal Pay Day
“Today, many families rely on women's earnings, and the gender wage gap is a still a serious threat to all within this country. Statistics show that nearly 4 in 10 mothers are primary breadwinners for their families, and almost two thirds are primary or co-breadwinners.
Also, married mothers earn only 69 cents for every dollar compared to their male counterparts, and single mothers earn 58 cents for every dollar earned by married men with children. And the wage gap is most severe for women of color. In one year, the average black woman earns approximately $12,000 less, than the average white man does. For Latina women, the figure is $17,837 less.
The fight for pay equity is a battle taking 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. In October of last year, I wrote a letter to Senator Tom Harkin (Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions), as well as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Rose DeLauro, and President Barack Obama, requesting that the legislation be passed. Unfortunately, it became clear in November 2010 that the Senate would fail in moving forward with the bill. However, President Barack Obama said in March 2011 that he will continue to fight for the goals in the Paycheck Fairness Act.
New York State is currently in the process of reviewing similar legislation— 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. Yesterday, this bill passed the State Assembly, and is currently in the New York State Senate.
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 the link below to learn more. Lastly, please share with someone special that today, April 12, is Equal Pay Day.”
- Council Member Letitia James, 35th Council District, Brooklyn.
http://abetterbalance.org/web/images/stories/Documents/ForFamilies/ABB_Fact_Sheet_-_Equal_Pay.pdf
April 12, 2011
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
April 12, 2011 is Equal Pay Day
“Today, many families rely on women's earnings, and the gender wage gap is a still a serious threat to all within this country. Statistics show that nearly 4 in 10 mothers are primary breadwinners for their families, and almost two thirds are primary or co-breadwinners.
Also, married mothers earn only 69 cents for every dollar compared to their male counterparts, and single mothers earn 58 cents for every dollar earned by married men with children. And the wage gap is most severe for women of color. In one year, the average black woman earns approximately $12,000 less, than the average white man does. For Latina women, the figure is $17,837 less.
The fight for pay equity is a battle taking 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. In October of last year, I wrote a letter to Senator Tom Harkin (Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions), as well as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Rose DeLauro, and President Barack Obama, requesting that the legislation be passed. Unfortunately, it became clear in November 2010 that the Senate would fail in moving forward with the bill. However, President Barack Obama said in March 2011 that he will continue to fight for the goals in the Paycheck Fairness Act.
New York State is currently in the process of reviewing similar legislation— 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. Yesterday, this bill passed the State Assembly, and is currently in the New York State Senate.
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 the link below to learn more. Lastly, please share with someone special that today, April 12, is Equal Pay Day.”
- Council Member Letitia James, 35th Council District, Brooklyn.
http://abetterbalance.org/web/images/stories/Documents/ForFamilies/ABB_Fact_Sheet_-_Equal_Pay.pdf
ATTENTION: CM James Joins Community Leaders and Advocates To Develop Recommendations For FG Supermarket; TODAY (4/14); FG
In 2007, the billionaire developer John Catsimatidis (CEO of the Red Apple Group) acquired land on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, to make way for luxury condos and new retail space.After five years of delay and unmet requests to confer with the local community on development, the developer recently announced that a new Red Apple Supermarket is slated to open later this summer on the corner of Myrtle and Ashland. The need for a nearby supermarket along that strip of Myrtle Avenue has been difficult for residents, specifically those in Ingersoll and Whitman houses (NYCHA). At this time, the developer has agreed to participate in an open public forum on the new supermarket today (April 14, 2011).
Local residents will be able to hear directly from representatives from the Red Apple Group, and to collectively draft community recommendations for the new supermarket, such as affordability, food selection/quality, senior citizen issues, and local hiring/job quality.
You may read FUREE's Food Fight Report (2009) for more information about the neighborhood's fight for accessible and healthy food.
When: Thursday, April 14, 2011
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Ingersoll Community Center
Where: Ingersoll Community Center
177 Myrtle Avenue c/o Prince Street
Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
This event is co-sponsored by FUREE, Council Member Letitia James (35th CD), NYS Assembly District Leader Lincoln Restler (50th AD), and the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project.
This event is co-sponsored by FUREE, Council Member Letitia James (35th CD), NYS Assembly District Leader Lincoln Restler (50th AD), and the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project.
Monday, April 11, 2011
CM James Creates Online Petition In Support of FG Tire Shop
F + S Tires is the Fulton Street business that has been closed by the Department of Buildings due to violations and an issue with the certificate of occupancy.
The owners received more than $24,000 in fines for building violations, such as for improper support beams, lacking a sprinkler system and garbage in the basement. The certificate of occupancy for the building is another major issue. A DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) and the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) are assisting F + S Tires, and a Department of Buildings hearing for the violations is scheduled May 16. Please join Council Member James and advocacy agencies in supporting F + S Tires, who perform a vital service to the Fort Greene community, by signing this petition.
[Link here]
Please see the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savefgtireshop/
CM James Joins BK Community Service in Opposition To Closure of Duffield Children's Center; 4/12; 5PM; City Hall
Duffield Children's Center is at risk of closing due to the City's proposed budget to cut as many as 16,000 subsidized child care slots.
The April 12, 2011 rally will be an opportunity to influence Mayor Bloomberg before he releases his budget at the end of April, so please join Brooklyn Community Services and other advocates at City Hall to advocate for Duffield Children's Center.
When: Tuesday, April 12th
5:00PM
Where: City Hall Steps
Who: Brooklyn Community Services
Council Member Letitia James
Read more here: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/City-to-Announce-116276129.html
Friday, April 8, 2011
CM James Opposes DOE Revised Proposal to Co-Locate BEC in PS9
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 8, 2011
Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Opposes the NYC Department of Education’s Revised Proposal to Co-locate BEC in P.S. 9
“While New York City settles to the idea of a new schools chancellor, the Department of Education (DOE) continues on its wrath of mass co-locations. In December of 2010, the DOE released the Educational Impact Statement (EIS) proposing the phase-out of M.S. 571 - The Bergen Upper School and a re-siting and co-location of Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School (BEC) in the 13K009 building in Prospect Heights. However, on March 31, 2011 New York Education Commissioner David Steiner annulled the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) February vote to place Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School inside the PS 9 building.
The Commissioner’s decision sides with seven parents who filed a lawsuit charging many oversights in the DOE’s proposal, including that it had not provided required details about the effect of the co-location on the use of common spaces. Although the Commissioner approved the parents’ petition, the decision still allows for the DOE to re-propose the co-location of BEC in the P.S. 9 building as long as they release a new plan that includes the missing information.
Without any delay, the DOE has released a revised EIS and revised BUP requesting for the co-location of BEC in the 13K009 building. This revised notice, which will be subject to a new vote by the PEP, provides information about a new unscheduled joint public hearing. The PEP is scheduled to vote on this Proposal May 18th, which will still allow for the re-siting/co-location this Fall.
P.S. 9 has achieved magnificent things and should be given an opportunity to expand. It is evident that the DOE will continue to advance their agenda and resultantly impede the possible growth and expansion of P.S. 9. As mentioned previously, I believe all co-locations and school closures should be suspended until a complete assessment of this impact on the school system has been made considering the absence of a fully appointed Chancellor. I will continue to stand with the families of P.S. 9 in opposition to this proposal.”
###
April 8, 2011
Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Opposes the NYC Department of Education’s Revised Proposal to Co-locate BEC in P.S. 9
“While New York City settles to the idea of a new schools chancellor, the Department of Education (DOE) continues on its wrath of mass co-locations. In December of 2010, the DOE released the Educational Impact Statement (EIS) proposing the phase-out of M.S. 571 - The Bergen Upper School and a re-siting and co-location of Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School (BEC) in the 13K009 building in Prospect Heights. However, on March 31, 2011 New York Education Commissioner David Steiner annulled the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) February vote to place Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School inside the PS 9 building.
The Commissioner’s decision sides with seven parents who filed a lawsuit charging many oversights in the DOE’s proposal, including that it had not provided required details about the effect of the co-location on the use of common spaces. Although the Commissioner approved the parents’ petition, the decision still allows for the DOE to re-propose the co-location of BEC in the P.S. 9 building as long as they release a new plan that includes the missing information.
Without any delay, the DOE has released a revised EIS and revised BUP requesting for the co-location of BEC in the 13K009 building. This revised notice, which will be subject to a new vote by the PEP, provides information about a new unscheduled joint public hearing. The PEP is scheduled to vote on this Proposal May 18th, which will still allow for the re-siting/co-location this Fall.
P.S. 9 has achieved magnificent things and should be given an opportunity to expand. It is evident that the DOE will continue to advance their agenda and resultantly impede the possible growth and expansion of P.S. 9. As mentioned previously, I believe all co-locations and school closures should be suspended until a complete assessment of this impact on the school system has been made considering the absence of a fully appointed Chancellor. I will continue to stand with the families of P.S. 9 in opposition to this proposal.”
###
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Clarifying A Few Points
Yesterday our office sent out a press release in regards to a local Fort Greene tire shop that is faced with having to shut down business due to over $20,000 worth of building violations.By late afternoon, a Brownstoner post elicited various responses (including one in which we were Kanye'd).
We appreciate the lively discussion, but we'd like to raise a few points for those interested:
1). It is standard for a Council Member to write support letters to City agencies (and offer other types of support; in this case, assist in addressing violations) for struggling local businesses. (CM James has done this before, in fact, for a great little Clinton Hill pet store.)
2). Lending support to a long-time small business does not mean that a politician is anti-new-business. We happen to like coffee shops and specialty food shops throughout the District. We're passionately pro-snacking.
3). Since the subject was brought up in the comments, Council Member James is a strong advocate for Community Roots Charter School, and we have a great relationship with that school. She's all for their expansion and continued development- but not at the cost of removing resources from another school.
4). Aside from following this blog, you can always contact our staff at teamtish@gmail.com or (718) 260-9191/ (212) 788-7081 for accurate information about Council Member James activities in the community or positions.
Thanks,
teamtish
CM James Comments On Departure of Cathie Black as NYC DOE Chancellor
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 7, 2011
Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On Departure of Cathleen Black as NYC Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor
“As coverage develops surrounding the sudden exit of Cathie Black, it demonstrates the Mayor’s senseless appointment of Ms. Black as schools chancellor. According to reports, the decision comes just a day after Santiago Taveras, Deputy Chancellor for Community Engagement, quit the department to join the private sector. This is a total exit four high-level deputies since Black’s short tenure.
Cathleen Black has no educational experience in relation to the nation’s largest public school system, which demonstrates that she was ill-suited for this position. It is my opinion that as a result of the changing faces at the DOE, all co-locations and school closures should be suspended until a full assessment of the impact of these shifts on the school system has been made. Additionally, the DOE Preliminary Budget Hearing scheduled for tomorrow in front of the NYC Council should be postponed, particularly in light of the proposed budget cuts.
The city has been plagued with incompetent administrators, which weighed heaviest on the children of this city. I am confident that Deputy Mayor Dennis M. Walcott will work closely with all elected officials and communities to adequately assist our schools as Ms. Black’s replacement.
The Blizzard of 2011, CityTime, the Atlantic Yards project, and now this; many would consider this the third term curse.”
###
April 7, 2011
Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On Departure of Cathleen Black as NYC Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor
“As coverage develops surrounding the sudden exit of Cathie Black, it demonstrates the Mayor’s senseless appointment of Ms. Black as schools chancellor. According to reports, the decision comes just a day after Santiago Taveras, Deputy Chancellor for Community Engagement, quit the department to join the private sector. This is a total exit four high-level deputies since Black’s short tenure.
Cathleen Black has no educational experience in relation to the nation’s largest public school system, which demonstrates that she was ill-suited for this position. It is my opinion that as a result of the changing faces at the DOE, all co-locations and school closures should be suspended until a full assessment of the impact of these shifts on the school system has been made. Additionally, the DOE Preliminary Budget Hearing scheduled for tomorrow in front of the NYC Council should be postponed, particularly in light of the proposed budget cuts.
The city has been plagued with incompetent administrators, which weighed heaviest on the children of this city. I am confident that Deputy Mayor Dennis M. Walcott will work closely with all elected officials and communities to adequately assist our schools as Ms. Black’s replacement.
The Blizzard of 2011, CityTime, the Atlantic Yards project, and now this; many would consider this the third term curse.”
###
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
CM James Support FG Tire Shop; Wants To Work With DOB To Address Violations
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 6, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
Council Member James Supports Fort Greene Tire Shop Owned by Haitian Family
The small business is shut down after 26 years
F + S Tires, an old Fulton Street business has been closed by the Department of Buildings. The Joseph brothers, who came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for 26 years were told that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn cannot legally house their business. While changing tires on their South Oxford corner, the downtown Brooklyn neighborhood has changed around them.
The brothers received more than $24,000 in fines for building violations, such as for improper support beams, lacking a sprinkler system and garbage in the basement. The certificate of occupancy for the building is another major issue. A DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.
“These Haitian immigrants have outlasted the dark days of drug dealers and crime in this neighborhood. They arrived before the recent renaissance, which began during the 90s, and they continued to thrive. Now, F + S Tire is struggling for survival amid specialty food shops, real estate offices and boutiques. The shop is located in the heart of prime real estate, and property is in high demand,” said Council Member James. “These brothers feel they are fighting against the City, and I intend to let them know they can work with government. I appreciate the will and desire it took for this family to achieve their American dream, and I will help the Joseph Brothers maintain their dream, however possible. If anyone wants more information, please contact staff at my office.”
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) and the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) are assisting F + S Tires, and a hearing for violations will be held on May 16.
###
April 6, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
Council Member James Supports Fort Greene Tire Shop Owned by Haitian Family
The small business is shut down after 26 years
F + S Tires, an old Fulton Street business has been closed by the Department of Buildings. The Joseph brothers, who came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for 26 years were told that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn cannot legally house their business. While changing tires on their South Oxford corner, the downtown Brooklyn neighborhood has changed around them.
The brothers received more than $24,000 in fines for building violations, such as for improper support beams, lacking a sprinkler system and garbage in the basement. The certificate of occupancy for the building is another major issue. A DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.
“These Haitian immigrants have outlasted the dark days of drug dealers and crime in this neighborhood. They arrived before the recent renaissance, which began during the 90s, and they continued to thrive. Now, F + S Tire is struggling for survival amid specialty food shops, real estate offices and boutiques. The shop is located in the heart of prime real estate, and property is in high demand,” said Council Member James. “These brothers feel they are fighting against the City, and I intend to let them know they can work with government. I appreciate the will and desire it took for this family to achieve their American dream, and I will help the Joseph Brothers maintain their dream, however possible. If anyone wants more information, please contact staff at my office.”
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) and the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) are assisting F + S Tires, and a hearing for violations will be held on May 16.
###
Friday, April 1, 2011
ATTENTION: No Co-Location BK East Collegiate Charter School In PH Building
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 1, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
CONGRATULATIONS TO PS 9 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY ON THEIR VICTORY
NY State Education Commissioner David Steiner overturned the decision by the DOE to co-locate Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School in the Prospect Heights Building
This week, Commissioner of Education David Steiner annulled the Feb. 3 vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, which oversees New York City public schools, to co-locate a charter school in PS 9’s building at 80 Underhill Avenue. His response stated that the City’s plan for sharing the space was unfair.
“I am grateful for this decision, and I know that if the DOE had listened to parents, the community and elected officials regarding the building sharing of PS 9, the Bloomberg Administration would not have had to suffer this defeat. Proposed actions such as this one explain why the Mayor’s poll numbers remain low, despite his efforts to promote himself. This is the second time within a year the State Education Commissioner vetoed co-locating a City charter school,” said Council Member James.
Seven parents filed an appeal of the decision on March 7. The appeal was made under a new law that took effect last year authorizing an expedited process for co-location appeals in particular. The law set out strict rules for co-locations, including one that requires thorough details about their impact that Steiner concluded the City violated at PS 9.
Commissioner Steiner wrote: “I am unable to conclude that DOE’s failure to comply with the statute’s requirements in this respect was harmless error.”
“The fact that State continues to scrutinize the City’s adherence to the charter school law passed last year instills faith in government - the community’s voices were heard, and our children’s education does matter. Closing schools is bad public policy and excluding opinions of parents and teachers is also bad decision making. I am ecstatic, as are advocates of PS 9 that we prevailed,” said Council Member James.
Besides rescinding the decision, the commissioner also prohibited the DOE from moving forward with any phase of the co-location of Brooklyn East into 80 Underhill until it offers a more reasonable division of building resources.
###
April 1, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
CONGRATULATIONS TO PS 9 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY ON THEIR VICTORY
NY State Education Commissioner David Steiner overturned the decision by the DOE to co-locate Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School in the Prospect Heights Building
This week, Commissioner of Education David Steiner annulled the Feb. 3 vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, which oversees New York City public schools, to co-locate a charter school in PS 9’s building at 80 Underhill Avenue. His response stated that the City’s plan for sharing the space was unfair.
“I am grateful for this decision, and I know that if the DOE had listened to parents, the community and elected officials regarding the building sharing of PS 9, the Bloomberg Administration would not have had to suffer this defeat. Proposed actions such as this one explain why the Mayor’s poll numbers remain low, despite his efforts to promote himself. This is the second time within a year the State Education Commissioner vetoed co-locating a City charter school,” said Council Member James.
Seven parents filed an appeal of the decision on March 7. The appeal was made under a new law that took effect last year authorizing an expedited process for co-location appeals in particular. The law set out strict rules for co-locations, including one that requires thorough details about their impact that Steiner concluded the City violated at PS 9.
Commissioner Steiner wrote: “I am unable to conclude that DOE’s failure to comply with the statute’s requirements in this respect was harmless error.”
“The fact that State continues to scrutinize the City’s adherence to the charter school law passed last year instills faith in government - the community’s voices were heard, and our children’s education does matter. Closing schools is bad public policy and excluding opinions of parents and teachers is also bad decision making. I am ecstatic, as are advocates of PS 9 that we prevailed,” said Council Member James.
Besides rescinding the decision, the commissioner also prohibited the DOE from moving forward with any phase of the co-location of Brooklyn East into 80 Underhill until it offers a more reasonable division of building resources.
###
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