Selasa, 17 Januari 2012
CM James Comments On Collapse of Illegal Billboard In Williamsburg
January 14, 2011
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James Comments On Collapse of Illegal Billboard In Williamsburg
Illegal Billboard Fell Onto BQE; Highlights Need For Greater Regulation
(New York, NY)— On Friday, January 13, 2012, an illegal billboard advertising the New York Lottery fell onto the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) due to high winds. The collapsed billboard blocked the BQE after falling on a guardrail. It also struck a nearby car wash and body shop, severed a gas line, and damaged a vehicle. Fortunately no one was injured, and traffic resumed about an hour after the incident.
The billboard was mounted atop 421 Meeker Avenue, and fell around 2:20PM, with the billboard's metal supporting partially falling on the building itself. Gas at the building was shut off, and the FDNY confirmed a partial gas leak. The New York City Department of Buildings zoning rules prohibit billboard placement within 200 feet of highways, however many City highways are lined with illegal billboards.
"It is time the Buildings Department cracked down on illegal billboards," said Council Member Letitia James. "It is fortunate that no one was hurt in this incident, but it is time the City enforced this rule and held sign companies responsible. As long as advertisers make more in illegal billboard placement than they pay in fines, this will continue to pose a danger. I call upon the Department to inspect City billboards for legality and safety."
In 2009, a Federal District Court in Manhattan found that “the City’s enforcement of its zoning regulations has been inconsistent and less than vigorous...The billboard industry has taken advantage of this lax enforcement and has consistently ignored the regulations on billboard sign location.”
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Jumat, 05 Agustus 2011
CM James’ Statement Regarding Resignation of Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith
August 4, 2011
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
Council Member Letitia James’ Statement Regarding Resignation of Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith
(New York, NY)— After serving fourteen months with the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Operations Stephen Goldsmith today publicly announced his resignation from this position.
In this position, Deputy Mayor Goldsmith was integral to the development of “NYC Simplicity”, a comprehensive online system created to make City services more focused, innovative, and efficient. He was also involved with the updates to PlaNYC, the mayor’s comprehensive sustainability plan; as well as increased efficiency to the Department of Building’s construction approval process.
Deputy Mayor Goldsmith oversaw operational management during the Snow Blizzard of 2010, during which the administration failed to adequately respond to unplowed streets and overflowing garbage in many communities. At the time Council Member Letitia James, chair of the Council’s Sanitation Committee, joined many of her colleagues in chastising the administration for its poor response to the blizzard, as well as being out-of-touch with the conditions in outer boroughs. In April 2011, the City Council passed a legislative package with the intent of increasing intergovernmental communications and transparency during snow emergencies. Deputy Mayor Goldsmith was also heavily involved in the City’s contracting agreement, which has seen a number of high-profile errors related to poor management and insufficient oversight— the most visible being the CityTime disaster.
“I have always believed Deputy Mayor Goldsmith to be both hard-working and responsive,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I do not believe one man is responsible for the administration’s numerous blunders, and I sincerely hope he is not being punished for poor polling numbers. I look forward to working with Commissioner Holloway in his new capacity.”
Mayor Bloomberg has appointed Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Caswell F. Holloway to the Deputy Mayor for Operations position.
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Senin, 06 Juni 2011
CM James Celebrates Re-Opening of F + S FG Tire Shop
June 6, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (646) 201-8183, (718) 260-9191
COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES AND COMMUNITY HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TO CELEBRATE RE-OPENING OF FORT GREENE’S F + S TIRE THIS TUESDAY, JUNE 7 AT 9:30 A.M., ON CORNER OF FULTON & SOUTH OXFORD STREETS
The family business was closed down by the City after 26 years of service and is now re-opening - Certificate of Occupancy violation dismissed May 16th at a Department of Buildings hearing
The Joseph brothers came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for over 26 years. Earlier this Spring, they were informed that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn could not legally house their business - F + S Tire Shop. A DOB inspector had informed the Joseph brothers that hundreds of thousands dollars were needed to obtain a new certificate of occupancy, but it has since been discovered under new laws the shop is zoned to be a tire shop.
“I am pleased to see the re-opening of F + S Tire Shop on Fulton Avenue. 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 James. “I appreciate the Joseph brothers’ perseverance and commitment to their small business. On behalf of 35th Council District, I would like to wish the Joseph brothers continued success. Further, I want to thank those individuals in the community who supported 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 the re-opening of F + S Tire Shop
WHEN: Tuesday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: 777 Fulton Street – corner of South Oxford Street – in front of F + S Tire Shop
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Jumat, 15 April 2011
CM James Holds Press Conference In Support of F + S Tire Shop; 4/16; 2PM
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/
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Senin, 11 April 2011
CM James Creates Online Petition In Support of FG Tire Shop
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/
Kamis, 02 September 2010
ATTENTION: Hurricane Earl
Hurricane Earl, which carries steady winds of 135mph and quickly jumped from a Category 1 to a Category 4 hurricane, is set to touch ground in the NYC area on Friday. You have been warned. Although the New York Times blog Cityroom states that the storm won't get "any closer to New York City than 200 miles east-southeast of Far Rockaway". So that's good. Still, they note some DOB tips for staying safe.You can track the progress of the hurricane here: http://www.weather.com/newscenter/hurricanecentral/2010/earl.html