Forest City Ratner (FCR) Companies and Council Member Letitia James are again providing free rodent-proof waste receptacles to 35th District residents.
The heavy-duty, plastic cans with lids are approved by the City's Department of Health.
The receptacles can be picked up at the District Office of Council Member James, 67 Hanson Place, between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Bring identification and proof of address when picking up, and call (718) 260-9191 to confirm availability.
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Ratner. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Ratner. Tampilkan semua postingan
Kamis, 22 Desember 2011
Selasa, 22 November 2011
ATTENTION: Additional Screenings of Battle for Brooklyn; Documentary In Oscar Running
If you have not yet seen the much. talked. about. Battle for Brooklyn, now is your time to do so. The documentary, co-directed by Suki Hawley and Michael Galinsky and produced by David Beilinson, chronicles the seven-year long fight between the Prospect Heights community and one of the largest real estate developers in the country. It features Council Member Letitia James as well as activist Daniel Goldstein and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn.
Upcoming Screenings:
Maysles Center, 343 Lenox Avenue (between 127 & 128 Streets), New York, NY
Dec 1, 7:30pm: Q&A with filmmakers
Dec 6, 7:30pm: Q&A with Mindy Fullilove and local community
Dec 9, 7:30pm: Q&A with Dan Goldstien
Brooklyn Heights, 70 Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY
Nov 23, 6:00pm
Nov 30, 6:00pm
Indie Screen, Williamsburg, 285 Kent Avenue at S. 2 Street, Brooklyn, NY
Nov 27, 5:00pm
The Academy recently announced that Battle for Brooklyn is one of 15 films listed for an Oscar in the Documentary Feature category. The five final nominees will be announced in January 2012.
Upcoming Screenings:
Maysles Center, 343 Lenox Avenue (between 127 & 128 Streets), New York, NY
Dec 1, 7:30pm: Q&A with filmmakers
Dec 6, 7:30pm: Q&A with Mindy Fullilove and local community
Dec 9, 7:30pm: Q&A with Dan Goldstien
Brooklyn Heights, 70 Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY
Nov 23, 6:00pm
Nov 30, 6:00pm
Indie Screen, Williamsburg, 285 Kent Avenue at S. 2 Street, Brooklyn, NY
Nov 27, 5:00pm
The Academy recently announced that Battle for Brooklyn is one of 15 films listed for an Oscar in the Documentary Feature category. The five final nominees will be announced in January 2012.
Selasa, 15 November 2011
CM James, Elected Officials, and Advocates Hold Press Conference In Response to Deceptive AY Training Program; 11/15
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
NOVEMBER 14, 2011
Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, and Molly Thomas-Jensen at (718) 237-5527
COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES, STATE SENATOR VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY, SOUTH BROOKLYN LEGAL SERVICES, CLERGY AND COMMUNITY TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF BROOKLYN RESIDENTS PERSUADED INTO PARTICIPATING IN DECEPTIVE ATLANTIC YARDS TRAINING PROGRAM
PRESS CONFERENCE THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 3:30PM AT 67 HANSON PLACE AND SOUTH ELLIOTT PLACE - IN FRONT OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES
Federal lawsuit to be filed against Forest City Ratner Companies LLC, and others for damages based on unpaid wages and false promises
(Brooklyn, NY)- A group of Brooklyn residents who participated in a job-training program negotiated as part of the Atlantic Yards project plan to file a federal lawsuit against the Atlantic Yards Development Company LLC, Brooklyn Arena LLC, Brooklyn United for Innovative Local Development, Forest City Ratner Companies LLC, Bruce Ratner and others.
The suit seeks the recovery of unpaid wages as well as damages based on false promises. The plaintiffs are represented by South Brooklyn Legal Services (a program of Legal Services NYC) and Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP.
WHO: Elected Officials, Clergy, Lawyers, and Plaintiffs
WHAT: Press Conference to Announce Lawsuit against Atlantic Yards Development Company LLC and others
WHEN: Tuesday, November 15 at 3:30pm
WHERE: 67 Hanson Place and South Elliott Place in front of the District Office of NYC Council Member Letitia James
###
NOVEMBER 14, 2011
Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, and Molly Thomas-Jensen at (718) 237-5527
COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES, STATE SENATOR VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY, SOUTH BROOKLYN LEGAL SERVICES, CLERGY AND COMMUNITY TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF BROOKLYN RESIDENTS PERSUADED INTO PARTICIPATING IN DECEPTIVE ATLANTIC YARDS TRAINING PROGRAM
PRESS CONFERENCE THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 3:30PM AT 67 HANSON PLACE AND SOUTH ELLIOTT PLACE - IN FRONT OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES
Federal lawsuit to be filed against Forest City Ratner Companies LLC, and others for damages based on unpaid wages and false promises
(Brooklyn, NY)- A group of Brooklyn residents who participated in a job-training program negotiated as part of the Atlantic Yards project plan to file a federal lawsuit against the Atlantic Yards Development Company LLC, Brooklyn Arena LLC, Brooklyn United for Innovative Local Development, Forest City Ratner Companies LLC, Bruce Ratner and others.
The suit seeks the recovery of unpaid wages as well as damages based on false promises. The plaintiffs are represented by South Brooklyn Legal Services (a program of Legal Services NYC) and Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP.
WHO: Elected Officials, Clergy, Lawyers, and Plaintiffs
WHAT: Press Conference to Announce Lawsuit against Atlantic Yards Development Company LLC and others
WHEN: Tuesday, November 15 at 3:30pm
WHERE: 67 Hanson Place and South Elliott Place in front of the District Office of NYC Council Member Letitia James
###
Jumat, 16 September 2011
CM James Comments on ESDC & FCR Appeal Of Court Decision On Ordering Additional Environmental Review Of AY Project
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
September 15, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND FOREST CITY RATNER COMPANIES’ APPEAL OF COURT DECISION ORDERING ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF ATLANTIC YARDS PROJECT
(Brooklyn, NY)— “The drawn out Atlantic Yards project in Prospect Heights has anguished local affordable housing advocates, and become a hardship to businesses, residents, pedestrians and drivers. Residents in the area remember when community voices first rose together against the corporate will of Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards. This project from its inception has posed a series of threats to the community.
As time moves forward, the mounting distance of Ratner’s promises becomes more apparent with this project. Ratner is not delivering on the 2,250 affordable housing units he promised, and Ratner has not fulfilled his promise of 17,000 jobs for the community. Simply put, ESDC and FCRC have not delivered much to the community, and continue to do an injustice to central and downtown Brooklyn residents by disregarding their voices. Will any of the affordable housing and jobs expectations - promises that Ratner originally proposed ever come to pass?
Now, advocates for affordable housing around the Atlantic Yards site will just have to wait; this appears to be the message sent by the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) at this time. Surprisingly, they will fight a court decision made last July that ordered additional environmental review of the Atlantic Yards project (a ruling that came after two years of litigation, which protested ESDC's plans to increase the length of the projection construction from 10 years to 25 years).
In filing the appeal, the ESDC will now have no obligation to obey the court order voiding New York State Supreme Court Judge Marcy Friedman’s direction to slow down/stop construction until the state agency conducts a new phase of environmental review of the project, including a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS); as well as a determination on whether to approve the MGPP for Phase II of the project, which constitutes the bulk of the project.
This potentially means that FCRC is able to continue building the arena until the appeals court hears the case - which could take a year or longer. Again, the community’s wishes are simply not considered by the ESDC and FCRC, who see no problem to burden the community with 25 years of construction. FCRC and ESDC are showing once again their commitment to using corporate power to block the community.
An environmental review of the project provides checks and balances, and is a process to protect community. It is obvious that the ESDC and FCRC do not want to spend time and money on a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement because they know other issues might come up that would need to be negotiated. Fighting the court decision ordering additional environmental review of the Atlantic Yards project is yet another stalling tactic by FCRC and ESDC that undermines the protection of the community provided by the New York State Supreme Court. Also, the community continues to wait for Governor Cuomo to follow through on his promises to reform State government, and make the Atlantic Yards project a benefit for Brooklyn.”
###
September 15, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND FOREST CITY RATNER COMPANIES’ APPEAL OF COURT DECISION ORDERING ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF ATLANTIC YARDS PROJECT
(Brooklyn, NY)— “The drawn out Atlantic Yards project in Prospect Heights has anguished local affordable housing advocates, and become a hardship to businesses, residents, pedestrians and drivers. Residents in the area remember when community voices first rose together against the corporate will of Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards. This project from its inception has posed a series of threats to the community.
As time moves forward, the mounting distance of Ratner’s promises becomes more apparent with this project. Ratner is not delivering on the 2,250 affordable housing units he promised, and Ratner has not fulfilled his promise of 17,000 jobs for the community. Simply put, ESDC and FCRC have not delivered much to the community, and continue to do an injustice to central and downtown Brooklyn residents by disregarding their voices. Will any of the affordable housing and jobs expectations - promises that Ratner originally proposed ever come to pass?
Now, advocates for affordable housing around the Atlantic Yards site will just have to wait; this appears to be the message sent by the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) at this time. Surprisingly, they will fight a court decision made last July that ordered additional environmental review of the Atlantic Yards project (a ruling that came after two years of litigation, which protested ESDC's plans to increase the length of the projection construction from 10 years to 25 years).
In filing the appeal, the ESDC will now have no obligation to obey the court order voiding New York State Supreme Court Judge Marcy Friedman’s direction to slow down/stop construction until the state agency conducts a new phase of environmental review of the project, including a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS); as well as a determination on whether to approve the MGPP for Phase II of the project, which constitutes the bulk of the project.
This potentially means that FCRC is able to continue building the arena until the appeals court hears the case - which could take a year or longer. Again, the community’s wishes are simply not considered by the ESDC and FCRC, who see no problem to burden the community with 25 years of construction. FCRC and ESDC are showing once again their commitment to using corporate power to block the community.
An environmental review of the project provides checks and balances, and is a process to protect community. It is obvious that the ESDC and FCRC do not want to spend time and money on a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement because they know other issues might come up that would need to be negotiated. Fighting the court decision ordering additional environmental review of the Atlantic Yards project is yet another stalling tactic by FCRC and ESDC that undermines the protection of the community provided by the New York State Supreme Court. Also, the community continues to wait for Governor Cuomo to follow through on his promises to reform State government, and make the Atlantic Yards project a benefit for Brooklyn.”
###
Kamis, 11 Agustus 2011
ATTENTION: FCR Companies Provide FREE Waste Receptacles
FCR Companies Provide FREE Garbage Receptacles
Forest City Ratner (FCR) Companies will provide free waste receptacles to tenants, superintendents, and building owners near the Atlantic Yards project in an effort to address the Prospect Heights rodent infestation.
Health Department-approved lidded, heavy-duty trash cans are being offered by FCR to help keep rodents away from buildings.
**To be eligible, your building must be located: south of Atlantic Avenue from 4th Avneue to Vanderbilt Avenue; Vanderbilt Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Bergen Street; Bergen Street from Vanderbilt Avenue to 4th Avenue; 4th Avenue (East side only) from Bergen Street to Atlantic Avenue.
How to get your free garbage can:
1. Make sure your building is located within the boundaries and has 12 units or fewer;
2. At pick-up, provide photo ID and proof of address by showing a utility bill with your unit number dated within the last three months;
3. Visit the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office located in the trailer on Carlton Avenue (between Pacific and Dean Streets).
Cans will be available during the following hours:
Monday, August 15th- 10am-4pm
Tuesday, August 16th- 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm
Wednesday, August 17th- 10am-4pm
Thursday, August 18th- 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm
Friday, August 19th- 10am-1pm
For more information on how to prevent rodents, please attend an educational forum hosted by Empire State Development and New York City Departments of Health and Sanitation at the Pacific Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library on--
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from 6pm-8pm.
For more information, please contact the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office at 1-866-923-5315 or communityliaison@atlanticyards.com.
Forest City Ratner (FCR) Companies will provide free waste receptacles to tenants, superintendents, and building owners near the Atlantic Yards project in an effort to address the Prospect Heights rodent infestation.
Health Department-approved lidded, heavy-duty trash cans are being offered by FCR to help keep rodents away from buildings.
**To be eligible, your building must be located: south of Atlantic Avenue from 4th Avneue to Vanderbilt Avenue; Vanderbilt Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Bergen Street; Bergen Street from Vanderbilt Avenue to 4th Avenue; 4th Avenue (East side only) from Bergen Street to Atlantic Avenue.
How to get your free garbage can:
1. Make sure your building is located within the boundaries and has 12 units or fewer;
2. At pick-up, provide photo ID and proof of address by showing a utility bill with your unit number dated within the last three months;
3. Visit the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office located in the trailer on Carlton Avenue (between Pacific and Dean Streets).
Cans will be available during the following hours:
Monday, August 15th- 10am-4pm
Tuesday, August 16th- 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm
Wednesday, August 17th- 10am-4pm
Thursday, August 18th- 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm
Friday, August 19th- 10am-1pm
For more information on how to prevent rodents, please attend an educational forum hosted by Empire State Development and New York City Departments of Health and Sanitation at the Pacific Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library on--
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from 6pm-8pm.
For more information, please contact the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office at 1-866-923-5315 or communityliaison@atlanticyards.com.
Selasa, 10 Mei 2011
Metrotech Board Votes on Management Agreement with DBP; Bookkeeping Issues Outlined in Comptroller Audit Report
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
May 9, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
MetroTech Board Votes on Management Agreement with DBP - Despite City’s Uncovering of Bookkeeping Issues in recent Audit Report on Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s Financial and Operating Practices
(Brooklyn, NY) - The text below is from an audit of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) that was posted today by the Office of the New York City Comptroller. This report is issued on the heels of Forest City Ratner having received the 51% Board support (last Friday) required to call a special session of the MetroTech Board, which is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The special session will consider adoption of the MetroTech BID budget for Fiscal Year 2012, as well as the MTBID entering into a management agreement with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Inc.
“Ironically, the NYC Comptroller’s audit of DBP reveals that the Partnership has poor bookkeeping (including timekeeping and tracking of private contributions) and some procurement issues, which leads one to ask why would the MetroTech Board vote to give DBP more responsibility, if the organization already has problems (outlined below) managing the Court-Livingston and Fulton Mall BIDs? It is my hope that MetroTech Board members are fully aware of the NYC Comptroller’s audit findings before their meeting,” said Council Member James.
Audit Report: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2011/05-09-11_FN11-068A.shtm
Audit Findings and Conclusions:
Our review found that DBP lacks adequate controls to substantiate its payments to salaried employees. Specifically, our audit noted that DBP did not properly administer its employees’ work hours and leave records. Additionally, DBP does not have proper procedures and records to support the private contributions it receives. Without adequate procedures for the solicitation and collection of these funds, DBP cannot accurately determine its total amount of contributions. This ultimately affects the City’s ability to determine the appropriate amount of contract funds it awards to DBP. DBP also did not always comply with the procurement and reporting requirements of its City contract.
Based on our findings, we recommend that DBP:
§ Ensure the timekeeping system reflects employees’ work hours and time and attendance records to ensure effective tracking of employees’ absences.
§ Develop and maintain a list of private contributors and establish procedures to properly support and account for revenue from private contributions.
§ Adhere to the procurement requirements outlined in Section 6.02 of the contract.
§ Submit timely programmatic and financial reports to the Deputy Mayor’s Office in accordance with its contract with the City.
###
May 9, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
MetroTech Board Votes on Management Agreement with DBP - Despite City’s Uncovering of Bookkeeping Issues in recent Audit Report on Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s Financial and Operating Practices
(Brooklyn, NY) - The text below is from an audit of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) that was posted today by the Office of the New York City Comptroller. This report is issued on the heels of Forest City Ratner having received the 51% Board support (last Friday) required to call a special session of the MetroTech Board, which is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The special session will consider adoption of the MetroTech BID budget for Fiscal Year 2012, as well as the MTBID entering into a management agreement with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Inc.
“Ironically, the NYC Comptroller’s audit of DBP reveals that the Partnership has poor bookkeeping (including timekeeping and tracking of private contributions) and some procurement issues, which leads one to ask why would the MetroTech Board vote to give DBP more responsibility, if the organization already has problems (outlined below) managing the Court-Livingston and Fulton Mall BIDs? It is my hope that MetroTech Board members are fully aware of the NYC Comptroller’s audit findings before their meeting,” said Council Member James.
Audit Report: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2011/05-09-11_FN11-068A.shtm
Audit Findings and Conclusions:
Our review found that DBP lacks adequate controls to substantiate its payments to salaried employees. Specifically, our audit noted that DBP did not properly administer its employees’ work hours and leave records. Additionally, DBP does not have proper procedures and records to support the private contributions it receives. Without adequate procedures for the solicitation and collection of these funds, DBP cannot accurately determine its total amount of contributions. This ultimately affects the City’s ability to determine the appropriate amount of contract funds it awards to DBP. DBP also did not always comply with the procurement and reporting requirements of its City contract.
Based on our findings, we recommend that DBP:
§ Ensure the timekeeping system reflects employees’ work hours and time and attendance records to ensure effective tracking of employees’ absences.
§ Develop and maintain a list of private contributors and establish procedures to properly support and account for revenue from private contributions.
§ Adhere to the procurement requirements outlined in Section 6.02 of the contract.
§ Submit timely programmatic and financial reports to the Deputy Mayor’s Office in accordance with its contract with the City.
###
Selasa, 09 November 2010
CM James Congratulates DDDB and Community on Ruling Against Atlantic Yards Development
**For Immediate Release**
November 9, 2010
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
Victory At Last!
Congratulations to DDDB and Community on Ruling Against Atlantic Yards Development
State Supreme Court Justice Marcy S. Friedman issued a ruling today granting the motion by Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn (DDDB), and other petitioners. The judge sided with DDDB and associated neighborhood groups stating that the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) did not properly consider the full 25-year schedule of the Atlantic Yards development project. The judge sent the case back to ESDC requiring a detailed, reasoned basis for its findings and support.
Justice Friedman criticized ESDC for the lack of transparency in its approval of Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards project, highlighting that the environmental review process is meant to be an open process involving the public, as well as other interested agencies.
“The Court properly found that ESDC misrepresented the facts of the contracts and there were no requirements that FCRC complete the project,” said DDDB lead counsel Jeffrey S. Baker of the Albany, New York law firm of Young, Sommer, Ward, Ritzenberg, Baker & Moore, LLC. “ESDC’s lack of transparency was not just with respect to its own deliberations, but extended to trying to hide material facts from the Court. We are very pleased that Justice Friedman did not tolerate that behavior.”
Council Member Letitia James said: “It’s time that Forest City Ratner Corporation sit down with the community and incorporate aspects of the UNITY plan into his project, which focuses on affordable housing and buildings that compliment the community. Unfortunately, the taking of homes and businesses by eminent domain in absence of proper findings has already happened. I hold my ground and continue my objection to this entire development, the process, the land grabbing, and the waste of public funds. In light of Justice Friedman’s ruling, it’s critical that Governor Elect Andrew Cuomo examine the overall plan for the Atlantic Yards project, and meet with the community. Lastly, congratulations to DDDB, Prospect Height Neighborhood Development Council, and the community for their perseverance and victory.”
November 9, 2010
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
Victory At Last!
Congratulations to DDDB and Community on Ruling Against Atlantic Yards Development
State Supreme Court Justice Marcy S. Friedman issued a ruling today granting the motion by Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn (DDDB), and other petitioners. The judge sided with DDDB and associated neighborhood groups stating that the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) did not properly consider the full 25-year schedule of the Atlantic Yards development project. The judge sent the case back to ESDC requiring a detailed, reasoned basis for its findings and support.
Justice Friedman criticized ESDC for the lack of transparency in its approval of Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards project, highlighting that the environmental review process is meant to be an open process involving the public, as well as other interested agencies.
“The Court properly found that ESDC misrepresented the facts of the contracts and there were no requirements that FCRC complete the project,” said DDDB lead counsel Jeffrey S. Baker of the Albany, New York law firm of Young, Sommer, Ward, Ritzenberg, Baker & Moore, LLC. “ESDC’s lack of transparency was not just with respect to its own deliberations, but extended to trying to hide material facts from the Court. We are very pleased that Justice Friedman did not tolerate that behavior.”
Council Member Letitia James said: “It’s time that Forest City Ratner Corporation sit down with the community and incorporate aspects of the UNITY plan into his project, which focuses on affordable housing and buildings that compliment the community. Unfortunately, the taking of homes and businesses by eminent domain in absence of proper findings has already happened. I hold my ground and continue my objection to this entire development, the process, the land grabbing, and the waste of public funds. In light of Justice Friedman’s ruling, it’s critical that Governor Elect Andrew Cuomo examine the overall plan for the Atlantic Yards project, and meet with the community. Lastly, congratulations to DDDB, Prospect Height Neighborhood Development Council, and the community for their perseverance and victory.”
Senin, 08 November 2010
CM James Questions FCR At AY District Service Cabinet Meeting
On November 4, 2010, Council Member James co-sponsored a meeting (with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz) of the Atlantic Yards District Service Cabinet to discuss the development as well as ongoing traffic concerns.
Below is Council Member James' questioning FCR on their affordable housing promise, community involvement, and involvement of small/local businesses at Barclay's Center. She also addresses FCR's proposal to limit access to its developments, and ongoing parking concerns.
Read more info here.
*Video borrowed from the Atlantic Yards Report.
Below is Council Member James' questioning FCR on their affordable housing promise, community involvement, and involvement of small/local businesses at Barclay's Center. She also addresses FCR's proposal to limit access to its developments, and ongoing parking concerns.
Read more info here.
*Video borrowed from the Atlantic Yards Report.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)