CM James Statement On Proposal to Co-locate Community Roots Charter in PS 287

The NYT-Local has reported that the proposal to co-locate with PS 287 was approved.
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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 17, 2012

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES’ STATEMENT REGARDING DOE PROPOSAL TO CO-LOCATE COMMUNITY ROOTS CHARTER SCHOOL IN P.S. 287 BUILDING

(Brooklyn, NY)- “In December 2010, Community Roots Charter School (CRCS) was approved for a grade expansion, which will now serve middle school grade levels (grades 6-8). Shortly after, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) proposed to expand CRCS in its existing location in 13K067, which houses a community school, P.S. 67-Charles A. Dorsey and P.S. 369, a District 75 school. After much community push back, the DOE concluded that 13K067 does not offer the capacity to accommodate the expansion of CRCS. In December 2011, the DOE proposed to co-locate Community Roots’ middle school grades in the 13K287 building beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.

13K287 presently houses P.S. 287-Bailey K. Ashford, an existing community school serving kindergarten through fifth grade, and Khalil Gibran International Academy, an existing DOE school serving students in seventh and eighth grade. Khalil Gibran will be re-sited to Community School District 15 next Fall. With the potential available space due to the exodus of Khalil Gibran and the additional underutilized space in P.S. 287, the DOE has found sufficient space within the building to house Community Roots without impeding on the success and growth of P.S. 287 and CRCS. At capacity in 2014 with P.S. 287 and Community Roots Middle School co-located, the building utilization rate will be between 54-71%.

Much like the previous proposal, this plan is causing community unrest and conflict. It is no surprise to anyone that I do not waiver when I’m faced with a bureaucratic challenge or an issue that is undoubtedly wrong, However, I believe that there is sufficient room in the P.S. 287 facility for both schools to fit comfortably and continue to grow for the betterment of District 13 youth.

I stand with all the schools in my Council District and the families who fight for increased educational options for their children. I stand on the side of fairness and transparency. For that I urge parental and community involvement in the DOE significant changes in school utilization process. We need to stand together to grow high-achieving schools in our district like CRCS and P.S. 287. We are the answer to ensure the growth and sustainment of a progressive working environment for our children.”

Council Member Letitia James
35th CD, Brooklyn

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NYCC Committee on Public Safety and Sanitation Hold Hearings on Snow Plans and Emergency Protocols; 11/30; 250 Broadway

Dear Neighbor,

Next Wednesday, November 30th, the City Council's Committees on Public Safety and Sanitation and Solid Waste Management will be holding a joint oversight hearing on the borough-based snow plans and citywide winter emergency protocols issued by the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), respectively.

Copies of the DSNY borough-based snow plans are available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/dsny/html/snow_plans_mapping/snowplans.shtml, and the OEM Snow Preparedness and Response Report is available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/downloads/pdf/2011snowreport.pdf.

I know snow removal and other snow-related issues are on many people's mind, especially as we edge closer to winter, and anyone who wishes to is more than welcome to attend this hearing.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the 14th Floor Committee Room at 250 Broadway in Lower Manhattan.

If you would like to testify, please be sure to register with the sergeant-of-arms on the 14th Floor. Due to increased building security procedures, please bring identification and allot some extra time for entry through the building lobby.

You can also email your written remarks to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov.

If you have any questions about Wednesday's hearing, please feel free to contact my office at (212) 788-7081.

Thanks and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Chair, Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Committee
NYC Council

CM James Statement On Arrest of NYPD Officer Michael Daragjati for Violation of Civil Rights

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 17, 2011

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

Council Member Letitia James Statement On Arrest of NYPD Officer Michael Daragjati for Violation of Civil Rights

Officer Accused of Arresting Black Citizen Under False Charges and Using Offensive Racial Language


“While we all know that the majority of New York City police officers are excellent public servants who exercise their authority in appropriate situations and with probable cause, this officer underscores the need for NYPD reform on stop-and-frisk. Had this officer not allegedly bragged about this arrest, what evidence of false reporting and misconduct would exist? It has been proven time and time again that stop-and-frisk is an unbalanced practice that has disproportionately affected minority and immigrant communities. I urge Commissioner Raymond Kelly to end this practice, weed out bad officers who fabricate arrests, and work to build a climate of trust with minority communities.”



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CM James Comments on City Jail Plan; Capital Cuts

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 15, 2011

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

Despite Cut in Capital Spending, Mayor Bloomberg Plans to Build New Jail: Council Member James Dumbfounded

At this time, because of difficult fiscal times Mayor Bloomberg is proposing a 20 percent reduction in planned City capital spending, which translates to less money for building new schools, new construction of affordable housing, and upgrading public parks around the City.

I still ask why Mayor Bloomberg will not make big banks and millionaires pay their fair share to prevent the worst proposed cuts in this year’s budget? It is well known that real alternatives to these destructive cuts are possible! New Yorkers will continue to hold the Bloomberg Administration accountable, and we now demand that big banks and millionaires pay their fair share! We are all fighting for a City that works for everyone.

And, I along with other New Yorkers are surprised to learn this week that the Bloomberg Administration is still planning to commit more than $620 million in 2011 through 2015 for construction of a new jail on Rikers Island, renovation of jails in Brooklyn and Queens, and the closing of other facilities. Ironically, the system will have less capacity than currently when the changes are complete. The question remains: in the long run who really benefits from this jail construction and the millions of dollars spent – wealthy developers, or NYC constituents?

An alternative to cutting capital spending does exist! This funding is crucial - because it would benefit those who need it the most - the residents of New York City. I will say it again: it is simply time to eliminate unaffordable subsidies for the wealthy. Let’s stop cutting funding for financial institutions, and support the statewide Millionaires Tax. These are fair and just options.

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For more details, please read the article posted by Nashla Salas at:

http://ibo.nyc.ny.us/cgi-park/?p=357

Council Member James Comments on Proposed Cuts to Citywide Cultural Institution Groups

"The City is currently facing a $35.4M cut to Citywide Cultural Institution Groups (CIGs), which constitutes a 50% reduction in operating support, a loss of nearly 1,000 jobs, and cuts in services to school children.

CIGs are 33 cultural institutions located on City-owned property, which receive significant public capital and operating support to help meet basic security, maintenance, administration and energy costs. In return for this support, these institutions- which include zoos, museums, and historical societies throughout the five boroughs- operate as publicly-owned facilities whose mandate is to provide cultural services accessible to all New Yorker.

More than 9,000 CIG employees live and work in New York City. In 2010, CIGs contracted with more than 12,000 NYC vendors and contributed more than $500M to the local economy. CIGs like the American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the New York City Ballet, the Bronx Zoo, and New York City Center are vital cultural attractions that bring millions of dollars in tourist spending to New York City.

I am committed to advocating for the restoration of funds to all CIGs, which provide an important cultural service to the citizens and visitors of New York City."

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

CM James On Protecting Our Seniors

Dear New Yorker:

As you well know, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s FY 2011-2012 budget would allocate a cut of over $25M in Federal Title XX funding to senior centers. Title XX is funding administered by the Social Security Act of the United States Department of Health and Human Services: Administration for Children and Families, and the Office of Community Services.

This dramatic cut in statewide funding would close 105 of 256 senior centers throughout New York City; two within the 35th District that I represent. An estimated 7,000 to 10,000 older New Yorkers would lose their local senior center. It is a fact that senior centers keep older adults healthy, engaged, and active as they progress into their golden years. Many seniors also rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship.

This proposed loss of $25.2M in the Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior center budget equates to an estimated 1/3 of overall funding for senior centers. This is a completely unacceptable proposal, and I stand strong with my colleagues in the New York City Council, as well as on the state level, in opposing a budget cut that would put thousands of seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

I ask you to join me by contacting Governor Cuomo by phone at (518) 474-8390, or by mail at:
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Sincerely,

Letitia James

Member of the City Council

Council Member James Comments on Removal of Offensive Billboard Targeting Abortion in Black Community

**For Immediate Release**
February 24, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Statement by Council Member Letitia James About Anti-Abortion Billboard in SoHo Coming Down: We Won

(Brooklyn, NY)- The Office of Council Member Letitia James received confirmation today from Women of Color Network (NYU) and LAMAR Outdoor Advertising that a billboard (located on Corner of Watts and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan) paid for by Life Always targeting abortion in the black community, will be removed. Mr. Peter Costanza, Vice President and General Manager of LAMAR, agreed to take down the billboard featuring an African-American young girl with an offensive tag-line stating “The most dangerous place for African Americans is in the womb.” Community activists, women’s rights advocates, civil rights leaders, elected officials, people of color and others agreed that the content underlying this billboard was racial profiling, and demeaning to African-American women and communities. The enormous outcry against this billboard reflects the true purpose of this politically motivated campaign as being an attack on pro-choice, as well as Planned Parenthood located nearby.

“I truly believe that our collective quick action, phone calls and letters to the company are directly responsible for their decision to pull the ad. However, we must remain vigilant. Life Always is committed to spreading the campaign throughout country and there are continued threats to access to the full range of reproductive health services for low-income women and communities,” said C. Nicole Mason, Executive Director, Women of Color Policy Network, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at NYU. “This billboard is only one of the many attacks on reproductive freedom and services for low-income women across the country. Both the House and Presidential budgets propose to eliminate critical funding to programs that provide services to women and families.”

Council Member James said: “This victory is a sweet one for all involved, especially as Black History Month 2011 ends. The billboard coming down is symbolic for the power of the human spirit, the power of social media and angry women, as well as reinforces the notion that nothing is more dangerous than a made up mind. An innocent face got caught in the middle of the controversy; yet the young girl’s expression speaks of only strength, life, and love, not race or gender based politics. I support woman having the right to make personal choices in regards to what’s best for their body, and I will continue to respect many different points of view. Congratulations to everyone for swift action, and I would like to share the following sentiment sent to me via e-mail by a friend that accurately sums up the positive ending to such a negative beginning: Great Work! Score one for the good guys / gals / men / women / brethren / sistren in the ongoing battle with the barbarians! Simply put, the community put up a good fight and we won.”

Update: Offensive Billboard Targeting Abortion in Black Community Removed

A Message from Council Member Letitia James--

"Earlier this afternoon, my office received confirmation from Women of Color Network (NYU) and Lamar Outdoor Advertising that the offensive billboard by Life Always targeting abortion in the black community would be removed today, Thursday, February 24, 2011. I consider the outrage voiced by myself, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Planned Parenthood, and numerous advocacy agencies and New Yorkers to have been successful in sending the clear message that Black women and children will not be misrepresented in political efforts to attack reproductive rights."

CM James On Appointment of Kenneth Adams As ESDC President/CEO

Statement by Council Member Letitia James on New Appointment of Kenneth Adams as ESDC President and CEO

“I want to congratulate Kenneth Adams on his new appointment as President and CEO of the Empire State Development Corporation. This pick to lead a restructured ESDC is a great match. As former president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Director of the MetroTech Business Improvement District in downtown Brooklyn, Ken recognizes that small businesses serve as an economic engine in Brooklyn.

The community looks forward to partnering with an innovative leader to resolve outstanding issues in and around the Atlantic Yards footprint. I’m confident that Ken will address the high rate of unemployment in Central Brooklyn, the lack of procurement for minority and women owned businesses in the state of New York, as well as the impact of the recession on all small businesses.

Congratulations as well to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for this superb choice; Ken is one of Brooklyn’s own!”

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CM James Comments On Replacement/ Co-Location of Traditional Public Schools With Charter Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 24, 2011

Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

Statement from Council Member Letitia James regarding the Perpetual Replacement and Co-location of Traditional Public Schools with Charter Schools

“The recently leaked document from the Department of Education is causing reasonable uproar from parents and schools throughout New York City. The DOE’s outline to replace twenty-six schools this year - with mainly charter schools - proves that no neighborhood is safe from the unilateral decision making of Mayor Bloomberg and now, Chancellor Cathie Black.

The 26 schools recommended for closure due to poor performance has received little to no support from the DOE for restructuring or developmental purposes. P.S. 9 – Teunis G. Bergen/M.S. 571 and P.S. 316 – Elijah Stroud/M.S. 353 – Elijah Stroud Middle School – all in my district – are being threatened with a co-location of charter schools, in addition, to a proposed phase-out of M.S. 571. Also, P.S. 11 – Purvis J. Behan seems to be targeted by the DOE as a possible place for co-location due to their outdated underutilized space report. Although these decisions are subject to public hearings and a vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, these students and their families are losing confidence in the NYC public education system.

I propose that the DOE allow restructuring of the M.S. 571 administration as it is necessary to maintain middle school options in school district 13. P.S. 316 has grown tremendously over these years under the great leadership of Principal Elif Gure-Perez and M.S. 353 is now a part of the Middle School Choice process of which will attract at least 100 additional students for the 2011-2012 school year. Both schools maintain levels of proficiency and received an “A” grade on their DOE 2009-2010 progress reports. Allow these schools to blossom in a time when they are both exceeding expectations and gaining community support.

The charter revision and expansion for Community Roots Charter School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, for example, is one well deserved. However, the placement of the school in a separate building with another traditional school will only invite further public scrutiny. It is undoubtedly irresponsible for the DOE to take it upon themselves to create such documents without the input of the adjoining communities.

Once a phase-out is fully implemented, the DOE will cease to allocate funds to the closing school and repurpose all remaining funds to the incoming school. The Fair Student Funding (FSF) covers basic instructional expenses and may be used to hire staff, purchase supplies and materials, or implement instructional programs. As a result of the phase-out, the total number of students enrolled at the closing school will naturally decline each year resulting in fewer teachers and supplies to meet the needs of the remaining student population. The DOE needs to understand that many of these existing schools are community staples. It is without argument that many need support to maintain desirable proficiency and retention rates. Nevertheless, replacing them and reallocating resources to new charter schools is NOT the solution.”

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NYCC Sanitation Hearing Discussed at Good Day NY; CMs Crowley and Williams Interviewed

Following CM James' appearance on Good Day NY to discuss the New York City Council's hearing on the December 26, 2010 snow blizzard, which took place yesterday at the Council's temporary hearing hall, CMs Crowley and Williams again joined Good Day NY to discuss what happened.

Council Member James regarding some of the comments made: "It is important to remember that there is a federal investigation happening at this time, and that it is not the duty (or within the jurisdiction) of the New York City Council to perform any criminal investigation of events. Nor would it helpful to feed into unsubstantiated claims."

"Instead, the goal of the Council hearing- laid out by myself before the hearing began- was to look into whether the Department of Sanitation failed in meeting its goals for snow management, and if so how the department and administration can ensure those mistakes are not repeated. It is imperative that in order to address those issues, comments and testimony be as focused as possible. In light of the administration's surprising admissions yesterday, and recent attempts to strengthen service, I feel as if yesterday's hearing was successful."

Blizzard City Council Hearing: MyFoxNY.com

Video borrowed from MyFOX 5.

CM James Comments On Federal Indictment of Citytime Contractors; $80M "Scam"

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 15, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

FEDERAL PROSECUTORS CHARGE SIX IN $80 MILLION CITYTIME FRAUD
Statement by Council Member Letitia James

“I applaud the federal prosecutors for this indictment, but it should not have taken this amount of time to expose. The $80Million in funds stolen from the City of New York could have been used to fund day care centers, firehouses, municipal workers, senior centers, and the list goes on. Every penny should be accounted for and this travesty lies at the feet of the Administration who failed to uncover this massive fraud, when I first sounded the alarm two years ago. The fact that this complex scam was able to take place under the radar of the administration is proof of just how out-of-control the greed of some consultants has become. It is time to stop using public funds to continue these poorly managed, poorly supervised private enterprises. The City must stop outsourced jobs without having the resources or inclination to manage the contractors. Until that happens, the MTA should cancel its $10 million contract with CityTime today.”

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CM James Comments on Recent Burglaries. Public Safety Town Hall Meeting 11/14 TONIGHT; 7PM; CH

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES REGARDING RECENT BURGLARIES IN THE COMMUNITY

“It has come to light that burglaries have taken place in the Clinton Hill area recently, and I would like to make the community aware of an incident that occurred last night, so that residents can take precautions during these desperate times, and with the holiday season underway.

The most recent robbery happened at Choice Market on Lafayette Avenue near Grand Avenue around 10:00 pm (closing time) on Tuesday, December 7. Three masked Black males entered the store, displayed two firearms and told the store manager to lay face down on the floor of the restaurant. One robber then removed money from the cash register. The gunmen degraded the employees both physically and verbally and ran with the day’s profits. The incident appears to have been well planned by the perpetrators.

Fortunately, Choice employees were not hurt during the incident, but my office will help to provide any assistance needed, be it psychological or otherwise. I have asked the 88th Precinct to increase patrols in and around Lafayette and Grand Avenues, and will be meeting with businesses to discuss other safety measures. We are also asking if anyone has information that may lead to the arrest of these suspects to please contact the 88th Police Precinct. Tips can be left anonymously at – (718) 636-6511, or 298 Classon Avenue, between Classon and Dekalb Avenues.

I would also like to remind constituents of the Town Hall Meeting my office is hosting on Public Safety taking place next Tuesday evening, December 14 at 7pm, in the community room of the Cadman Congregational Church, located at 350 Clinton Avenue (enter at 210 Lafayette Avenue). The Commanding Officer of the 88th Police Precinct, Deputy Inspector Anthony Tasso, along with Crime Prevention Officers will be on hand to offer safety tips and answer all questions.”
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Council Member Letitia James (35th District, BK), NYPD’s 88th Precinct, & The Public Safety Task Force Present a Town Hall Meeting:
PUBLIC SAFETY & the HOLIDAYS
Featuring:
• CompStat “reality-check” – the numbers in perspective
• What you need to know to be safer at home & on the streets
• How not to be a “target”
Plus: the Presentation of Special Recognition to the 88th Precinct
December 14 at 7:00 pm
Cadman Congregational Church, 350 Clinton Avenue (enter at 210 Lafayette Avenue)

Regarding MTA Transit Fare Increases

Council Member Letitia James was incredibly disappointed to learn that the MTA decided to approve the transit fare increases. The following is the testimony the Council Member presented at the MTA Public Hearing on September 21, 2010.

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"I want to register my strong objection to any increase of the MTA ridership fare and toll modifications proposed for implementation on January 1, 2011.

Under the proposed MTA plan, the cost of an unlimited monthly Metrocard would increase nearly 17%, from $89 to $104. Riders would have the option of opting for a less expensive $99 card with a maximum number of trips limited to 90. The MTA has presented this proposal as progressive, noting the difference in income between riders who purchase the pay-per-ride Metrocards and the unlimited weekly cards, and those who purchase the 30-day pass. I would say that the board has a faulty understanding of wealth when they consider an individual making $63,000 annually in New York City comfortably able to afford a 17% fare hike. The monthly unlimited card has always been the most affordable option on a day-to-day basis; those who use public transportation daily and choose day-to-day or weekly Metrocards are clearly purchasing their cards with the money in their pocket. I agree that the MTA should keep the needs of New York’s working-class citizens primary in their consideration, but a truly progressive increase would not harshly punish the majority of middle-class New Yorkers.

I’ve heard the excuse of the MTA— the state funding is lacking. All New York State and City agencies have felt the crunch. But the reality is that the MTA’s financial picture is what it is because of the bloated and wasteful spending of the agency itself. This is the same agency that sells-off land underpriced to wealthy developers while laying off their municipal workers. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli reported earlier this year that MTA overtime costs soared 26% between 2005 and 2009, nearly $3M more than anticipated this year alone. MTA overall spending has grown at an average annual rate of 7% during the past five years, more than twice the rate of inflation. The MTA’s outstanding debt totals about $27.5B, 54% higher than it was five years ago. The MTA Real Estate Taxes are coming in short by $105M. The MTA Payroll Mobility Tax will be over $200M short of projected returns by the end of the year. These muddled numbers and others leave you with an $800 million deficit— a deficit that seems to steadily increase. And recently, Moody’s reduced the rating on the MTA’s transportation revenue bonds to A3, the fourth-lowest investment grade.

While you ask the ridership to accept a fare hike, what is being done to improve the MTA’s financial plan? What structural changes are being made to ensure future financial stability? Is there going to be an increase of services in the future, or can we continue to see the drastic service cuts that have taken place in the last 24 months? Are you building upon technical upgrades? It is important that the MTA communicate with the City at large what they plan to do to improve service, instead of lazily pointing to finger at funding issues.

Until I see a concerted effort to change the structure of the MTA, I will stand with the taxpayers and ridership in opposing these fare increases."