Friday, June 14, 2013

at

Rufus King Park,

153^rd Street and Jamaica Avenue, Queens

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is FREE.

JAMAICA, NY- New York City Council Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie (D-Queens), in partnership with the New York City Parks & Recreation Department, will co-host “Dancing Under The Stars”, a night dedicated to Salsa music heritage, on Friday, June 1st at Rufus King Park, located at 153^rd Street and Jamaica Avenue, Queens from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is FREE. There will be salsa instructors present to teach basic dance lessons while deejays play the sounds of great Salsa legends like Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colon and Tito Puente.

“I am excited to be partnering with the New York City Parks Department to provide this cultural showcase,” stated Council Member Comrie. “Salsa dance and music is a widely popular art form with historic roots in the Caribbean, Africa and South America. It is my hope that this event will provide the community with an opportunity to experience and learn about salsa, as well as give local families a cost-free night out in one of our community’s great parks.”

NYC Council Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie (center, back row), in partnership with the New York City Parks & Recreation Department, will co-host “Dancing Under The Stars”, a night dedicated to Salsa music heritage, on Saturday, June 1st at Rufus King Park, , Queens from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Here, Council Member Comrie is joined with instructors from the Lorenz Latin Dance Studios at last year’s event.

Salsa is a syncretic dance genre from Cuba, as the meeting point of European and African popular culture. It later spread to Puerto Rico and the rest of the Caribbean islands. Salsa music is essentially Cuban with deep Afro-Cuban beats though it also has styles mixed with pop, jazz, rock, and R&B. Salsa is the primary music played at Latin dance clubs. The name “salsa” is the Spanish word for sauce, connoting, in American Spanish, a spicy flavor.
For more information about this event, call Council Member Comrie’s office at (718) 776-3700.

After many victims of Super Storm Sandy received their Notice of Property Valuation of property tax assessments, in some cases three times the amount their property is actually worth following damages from the storm, Council Member Leroy Comrie and several other Council Members sent a letter to Glenn Newman, President of the New York City Tax Commission, and David M. Frankel, Commissioner for the Department of Finance, to extend the filing period for property tax reevaluations for communities affected by Sandy.

The original deadline for reassessments for residential properties was March 15^th, just three and half months after the Sandy hit. But many property owners did not have time to file their revaluation applications, as many of them had to be relocated and lost important documents.

In a letter sent to Council Member Leroy Comrie informing him of the decision, Glenn Newman wrote properties affected by Super Storm Sandy will be mailed a Revised Notice of Property Valuation. The owners will now have 20 days from when the letter is received to file their dispute with the Commission.

Below is a statement from Council Member Leroy Comrie on this decision:

“The extension giving victims of Super Storm Sandy the opportunity to have their properties reassessed lifts a major burden off the families that were greatly impacted by this tragedy.

Anyone who visited or saw the news clips of the Rockaway’s, Staten Island, or Coney Island after the storm, understands why this extension is necessary. It was impossible to adequately assess these areas and there was no reason why the city could not have given an extension for these properties in the first place.

Those who believed their property assessments were inflated, were frustrated and disappointed that the city did not take the proper steps to make sure this did not become another problem they would have to deal with.

At a hearing where the Department of Finance testified on these assessments, myself and other members were disappointed to not receive an answer as to whether an extension would be possible. We sent a letter explaining our frustrations to the Commissioner of the Department of Finance David M. Frankel, and the President of the Tax Commission Glenn Newman, explaining why this extension was needed.

Sandy was one of the biggest and most expensive natural disasters this city, and region, has ever had to face. Giving residents the time they need to get their lives back together is the least we can do.

This extension not only gives families that are still coping with Sandy’s after affects an opportunity to receive a fair property assessment, but it will also give the city a more accurate account of the property taxes they can expect for the next fiscal year.

I would like to thank all my colleagues who signed on to the letter, and also thank President Newman and Commissioner Frankel for extending the deadline.”

Facebook: www.facebook.com/leroycomrieTwitter: @LeroyComrie

The New York City Council passed legislation sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie, which will create a liaison between city agencies and business entities across the city.

Council Member Leroy Comrie

“As we look to ensure that New York’s economy continues to grow, the relationship the city has with its entrepreneurs will be increasingly important. The new liaisons to local chambers of commerce and other industry groups, will help keep the lines of communication open, enabling city agencies to become more responsive to their questions and concerns” said Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie. “This package of legislation will help enhance the relationship between the city and small businesses, while simultaneously easing fines and streamlining the regulatory process. I would like to thank Speaker Christine C. Quinn and my colleagues in the Council for sponsoring and supporting these bills.”

The bill mandates the Chief Business Officer in the Office of the Mayor assign an employee in the Department of Buildings, Department of Consumer Affairs, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection, to serve as a liaison to Chambers of Commerce and other business groups in each borough.

From left to right: Hon. Karen Koslowitz, Hon. Andy King,

Hon. Diana Reyna, Hon. Leroy Comrie, Hon. Gale Brewer,

Hon. Christine Quinn and Hon. Robert Jackson

The liaisons will meet regularly with these entities, as well as members of the community, to address concerns, answer questions, and keep entrepreneurs across the city up to date on regulations, helping to ensure they do not receive an unnecessary fine.

By creating this new line of communication, city agencies will also have a way to better understand the needs of the business community, so they do not create a regulation that accidently hampers a business’s ability to operate.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/leroycomrie
Twitter: @LeroyComrie

This post tells you what to do if you are stopped, questioned, arrested, or injured in your encounter with the police, and how to file a complaint.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE STOPPED BY THE POLICE

• Stay calm and in control of your words, body language and emotions.
• Don’t get into an argument with the police.
• Never bad-mouth a police officer.
• Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.
• Keep your hands where the police can see them.
• Don’t run.
• Don’t touch any police officer.
• Don’t resist even if you believe you are innocent.
• If you complain at the scene, or tell the police they’re wrong, do so in a non-confrontational way that will not intensify the scene.
• Do not make any statements regarding the incident.
• If you are arrested, ask for a lawyer immediately.
• Remember officers’ badge numbers, patrol car numbers and physical descriptions.
• Write down everything you remember ASAP.
• Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
• If you are injured, take photos of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you get medical attention first. Ask for copies of your medical treatment files.

IF YOU HAVE A POLICE ENCOUNTER, YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF.

1. What you say to the police is always important. Everything you say can be used against you.
2. You have the right not to speak. To exercise this right, you should tell the police, “I would like to remain silent.”
3. You never have to consent to a search of yourself, your belongings, your car or your house. If you do consent to a search, it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a search warrant, ask to see it. If they don’t, say “I do not consent to this search.” Police cannot arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search. This may not stop the search from happening, but it will protect your rights if you have to go to court.
4. Do not interfere with or obstruct the police—you can be arrested for it.

IF YOU ARE STOPPED, QUESTIONED AND/OR FRISKED:

1. Police may stop and briefly detain you only if there is reasonable suspicion that you committed, are committing or are about to commit a crime.
2. You should ask if you are under arrest or free to leave.
3. In New York, you are not required to carry ID, and you don’t have to show ID to a police officer. If you are issued a summons or arrested, however, and you refuse to produce ID or tell officers who you are, the police may detain you until you can be positively identified.
4. If police reasonably suspect you pose a danger to them or others, they may pat down your outer clothing. This is called a frisk. Don’t physically resist, but say, “I do not consent to this search.”
5. If an officer asks you to empty your pockets—even if the officer says you won’t get in trouble—don’t do it. Say, “I do not consent to this search.” If the officer reaches into your pockets or your bag, this is called a search.
6. Don’t bad-mouth a police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.

IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR:

1. Upon request, show the police your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. In certain cases, your car can be searched without a warrant. To protect yourself later, you should state that you do not consent to a search.
2. If you’re suspected of drunk driving (DWI), you will be asked to take a breath-alcohol and coordination test. If you fail the tests, or if you refuse to take them, you will be arrested, your driver’s license may be suspended and your car may be taken away.
3. If you are arrested, your car will be subject to a search.

IF POLICE COME TO YOUR HOME:

1. The police can enter your home without your permission if they have a warrant or if it is an emergency. If the police say they have a warrant, ask to see it. Check to make sure the warrant has the correct address.
2. If you are arrested in your home or office, the police can search you and the area immediately surrounding you or where evidence of criminal activity is in plain view.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED OR TAKEN TO A POLICE STATION:

1. You have the right to remain silent and the right to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Don’t tell the police anything except your name and address. Don’t give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.
2. If you have a lawyer, ask to see your lawyer immediately. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you have the right to a free one once your case goes to court. You can ask the police how to contact a lawyer. Don’t say anything to police without speaking to a lawyer first.
3. Within a reasonable time after your arrest or booking, you should ask the police to contact a family member or friend. If you are permitted to make a phone call, anything you say at the precinct may be recorded or listened to. Never talk about the facts of your case over the telephone.
4. Do not make any decisions in your case or sign any statements until you have talked with a lawyer.

To File A Police Misconduct Complaint:

Contact the Civilian Complaint Review Board by calling 311 or by visiting www.nyc.gov/html/ccrb.

Information Provided by the New York Civil Liberties Union

You can Download a Palm Card of this information for printing by clicking HERE

Applications are due May 31st. T.A. is proud to have fought to bring this new safety solution to New York City, and we’re here to help any community group interested in applying.

What is a Slow Zone?

Neighborhood Slow Zones reduce the speed limit on residential streets from 30 mph to 20 mph. Slow Zones grant local families peace of mind because they know drivers in their communities will stick to safer speeds.

Communities that apply for a Slow Zone can get safety improvements that reduce traffic crashes, cut-through traffic and traffic noise, making residential streets safer for biking and walking.

Who can apply?

Community boards, civic associations, BIDs, elected officials or other community institutions such as schools or churches can apply.

What can qualify as a Slow Zone?

• Pick a primarily residential area about 5 blocks by 5 blocks in size
• Avoid including wide streets, industrial sites and major commercial areas within the Slow Zone
• Pick an area with strong boundaries (e.g. Slow Zone borders can be major streets, highways, large parks or elevated train tracks)

How do I apply?

Download the application, and follow NYCDOT’s application instructions.

Applications must demonstrate local support for the Neighborhood Slow Zone. Applications that include letters of support from key community stakeholders will be prioritized.

Are you interested, but don’t know where to begin? Need help drumming up local support?

Transportation Alternatives is here to help! E-mail safety@transalt.org, or call us at 212-629-8080.

of the Education Town Hall Meeting by clicking HERE

Thursday March 21st 6:00 – 9:00 pm

As capacity is limited, it is mandatory for participants to RSVP to http://ourvillagegives.eventbrite.com.

FEMA registration deadline extended for Hurricane Sandy survivors in N.Y. 

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the State of New York, has approved a 30-day extension for survivors to register for federal disaster assistance.

As one of the most densely populated areas in the country, New York presents FEMA with many unique challenges. The agency – along with state and federal partners and voluntary organizations – is extending the registration period for an additional 30 days in order to best serve Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York.

The new registration deadline in New York is March 29, 2013, which is also the deadline to complete and return low-interest SBA disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The extension allows survivors in the 13 New York counties designated for federal individual assistance more time to register with FEMA. The designated counties are: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

People living in these counties who sustained losses due to Hurricane Sandy should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. Applying by the deadline may help survivors avoid a funding shortfall if they later find that they are underinsured or have additional damages.

Survivors who register may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses, including rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

By returning the SBA disaster loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property. Businesses and private nonprofits may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

How to register with FEMA

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Survivors can also register by calling the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The line is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice.

Anyone with questions regarding the FEMA registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs is encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center or contact FEMA.

To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

SBA disaster loan application

A simple and fast way to complete the disaster loan application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and

SBA business recovery centers and Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. To locate the nearest center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

A new initiative paid for with private funds from the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, the Robin Hood Foundation and the American Red Cross and developed in partnership with the city. The Program will directly help approximately 2,000 households in affected areas deal with mold left behind by water damage from Hurricane Sandy. Neighborhood Revitalization NYC will coordinate mold treatment work. The treatment work will be conducted by environmental consultants, contractors and not-for-profit organizations, staffed by volunteers.

How do I apply for the program?

Eligible homeowners referred by NRNYC’s partner network can register by calling 1-855-740-MOLD (6653). This call center will operate Monday – Friday from 8am to 8pm.

In addition, 311, New York City’s main source of government information and non-emergency services, will have information and can connect homeowners with the hotline.

How does a person qualify for the program?

There are two qualifying factors: the condition of the property (extent of water damage) and household income. Priority will be given to households with income up to 120% of the area median income (AMI); however, households up to 175% may qualify. Special consideration will be made to elderly homeowners under 120% AMI.

Is there a cost for the program?

This program will be free for qualified participants.

What is the process once a homeowner applies?

After a homeowner applies, NRNYC will review the application and notify the homeowner whether they qualify for the program.  Homeowners who qualify will be scheduled for an environmental assessment of their property.  If the environmental specialist determines that the mold treatment needs meet the criteria of the program, mold treatment will be scheduled. In addition, an environmental specialist will conduct a final assessment of the property.

Can residents who are not homeowners get mold treatment assistance?

Buildings with 1 to 4 units can qualify. The applicant must be the owner of the property to qualify for this program. The homeowner must complete and sign an access agreement to receive services. Renters can call 311 if they are having difficulties getting their landlord to address mold issues in their house or apartment.

What other mold treatment resources are available to homeowners?

Homeowners who want to learn more about mold and how to remove it themselves can register for free mold treatment training and obtain a free mold supply kit. The trainings are supported by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and led by CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey (UMDNJ) School of Public Health, in coordination with the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Trainings will take place in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. Homeowners can learn more about this program at www.nyc.gov.