ATTENTION: PACC Hosts Community Meeting to Discuss Navy Greene; 2/9; 6PM

The Pratt Area Community Council is hosting a Navy Greene Community Meeting to discuss the development and future plans for the site.

WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2012
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: 45 Clermont Avenue (Community Room)
(between Park Place and Flushing Avenue)
Fort Greene/ Wallabout, Brooklyn

Please confirm your attendance at rsvp@prattarea.org. You may call PACC at (718) 522-2613 for further information.

ATTENTION: LDCCH Hosts Home Buyer Workshop; 1/25; 7PM

The Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights (LDCCH)- in collaboration with Project Brooklyn Homeowners- will host a Free Interactive Home Buyer Workshop on January 25th, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 25th 2012
7:00PM to 9:00PM
WHERE: First Baptist Church of Crown Heights
450 Eastern Parkway, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11225

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU????
• Learn How to buy a home
• Learn what to look for in a home and the right questions to ask
• Learn how to qualify for a mortgage. We make sure all attendee’s fully understand the mortgage process from start to finish
• Learn what to do if they have credit challenges and the steps to repair their credit
• ON THE SPOT MORTGAGE PRE-QUALIFICATION
• FREE CREDIT REPORT AND CREDIT CONSULTATION
• Opportunity to preview homes from our inventory of 130 HOMES throughout the Brooklyn and Queens areas and speak to our team of Realtors that will be present at the work shop

To register, email Evantz Saint-Gerard at Evantz@yahoo.com or Yinery Martinez at LDCCH752@aol.com, or call 718-467-8800.

ATTENTION: Chase Bank Presents Homebuying Seminar

On February 8, 2011, Chase Bank will be hosting a free homebuying seminar. Topics to be discussed include--

-Preparing for bomeownership
-Affordable mortgage programs
-Questions and answers with mortgage specialists

WHEN: February 8, 2012
6:30PM- 8:00PM

WHERE: Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza
1380 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Seating is limited. Please RSVP at (718) 230-1284 by February 2.

ATTENTION: 40 Vanderbilt Housing Application Available

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is now accepting applications for 38 affordable units in the newly constructed building located at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue (Wallabout Section- Fort Greene, Brooklyn). The building participates in a government-assisted affordable housing program supervised by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

For interested and qualified applicants, please visit here to access the application. The application deadline is November 2, 2011. One application per household; applications will be received through a lottery process. You may find further guidelines here.

The 38 available affordable units are studios for one individual. Eligible income range is from $21,774- $28,650, and the rent is a maximum of $664.

Please contact PACC at 718-522-2613 with any further questions.

ATTENTION: Bed-Stuy Affordable Housing Unit Application Available

Madison/Putnam Sponsor LLC is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for 47 affordable housing rental apartments that are currently under construction, located at 924 & 926 Madison Street and 1007, 1013, 1023, 1052 & 1054 Putnam Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.

These buildings are being constructed through the Low Income Rental Program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

The application may he found here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/61065947/Madison-Putnam-Application#. Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only (no priority, certified, express or overnight mail will be accepted) to a post office box number that is listed on the application. All applications must be postmarked by September 23, 2011. Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081/ (718) 260-9191 or teamtish@gmail.com with any further questions.

ATTENTION: Navy Greene Applications Available

The application for the Navy Green Apartments- which are located at 45 Clermont Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn- has been made available. The 100 affordable rental apartments now under construction are being developed through the Low Income Rental Program (LIRP) of the City of New York’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), The Low Income Affordable Marketplace Program (LAMP) of the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (SLIHC) of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

For interested and qualified applicants, please visit here to complete the application. Applicants will be required to meet income guidelines, and will be selected by lottery. Eligible applicants currently residing in Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 will receive preference for 50% of the units. Applicants residing in New York City will receive a general preference over Non-City residents. Limit one application per household.

Please be sure to include a self-addressed envelope with your request for an application.

Completed applications must be returned by regular mail ONLY to--

Navy Green R3

PO Box 373002

New York, NY 10037

Applications must be postmarked by September 6, 2011.

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.

ATTENTION: Met Council Accepting Applications for Senior Affordable Housing

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is pleased to announce that they are accepting applications for the waiting list of senior affordable housing rental apartments in a building located in the Lincoln Square section of Manhattan.

These studio apartments are for one person households only. The age eligibility requirement is 62 years of age at the time of completing the application. Rent range is below $900 a month, and there is an income limit.

Monthly rent includes heat, hot water and gas for cooking. Seniors will be required to meet income guidelines and additional selection criteria to qualify. Income limits are subject to change based on the area median income. One application per household.

Applications may be downloaded from: http://www.metcouncil.org/, or requested by mail from-
Council Management/West 61st Street Residence
80 Maiden Lane, 21st floor
New York, NY 10038

Please include a self-addressed envelope. There is no application fee.

Job Opportunity- NY Fdtn for Senior Citizens Positions Available

New York Foundation for Senior Citizens has the following positions available at their soon-to-open, new 77-unit Housing & Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized senior citizen apartment building at 31-21 Surf Avenue and 31st Street in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

· Social Service Worker (BA/BSW degree required)

· Building Manager

· Superintendent (Bilingual English/Russian and English/Chinese preferred; position is for live-in placement)

The qualifications for the superintendent position are five years experience as superintendent of an apartment building, knowledge of gas fired boiler maintenance (ability to read gauges, check temperature, to oil dynamos and circulating pumps and to check burner’s eye), as well as sprinkler systems, air conditioning, plumbing, elevators (basic knowledge of wear and tear of ropes and brake pads) general building and apartment repairs. Applicant must possess valid Fire Department Certificate of Fitness.

All interested applicants (for all positions) are advised to send their resumes to:

Fax: 212-410-4462

Email: nancy_wan@yahoo.com

ATTENTION: NYC and NYS Announce Public Housing Restorations

Recently, New York City and State announced a major plan to restore Section 8 vouchers for more than 6,000 families across the five boroughs.

Last December, the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) was forced to withdraw its offer of Section 8 vouchers for roughly 2,500 approved families as a result of a major shortfall in its Section 8 budget. Vouchers for an additional 4,000 families were also at risk of being terminated. Upon learning of this problem, the NYC Council held two hearings, entered into discussions with NYCHA and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), and has now committed to providing $7 million so that these low-income New Yorkers won't end up on the street.

The full plan includes: using $23 million in HPD Section 8 reserves; transferring 750 vouchers from the NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR) to HPD; using federal HOME program funding to fund additional vouchers; and allocating Council capital funding to replace the shifted HOME funds. This plan will restore or save all 6,500 vouchers. Because of the steps that we're collectively taking today, thousands of New Yorkers will soon receive the vouchers they need to remain safe and sheltered.

And in another major victory for NYC tenants, last week the NYS Supreme Court's Appellate Division upheld Justice Emily Jane Goodman's decision earlier this year striking down the Rent Guidelines Board's (RGB) 2008 supplemental increase. In June 2008, the RGB approved rent increases of 4.5 and 8.5 percent for 1-and 2-year renewal increases respectively. The board also approved a $45 to $85 supplemental increase on tenants who've lived in their apartment for 6 years or more and pay less than $1,000 in rent. As a result, these tenants were forced to pay a higher increase than what's legally allowed under current RGB guidelines. The NYC Council has long denounced this supplemental increase as a "poor tax" on working and middle-class New Yorkers, and were proud to work with the Legal Aid Society and Legal Services of New York to help take this unjust burden off of tenants.

The Council joins tenants and advocates across the five boroughs in applauding the Appellate Division for recognizing that the RGB had exceeded its authority under city and state housing laws when it attempted to unfairly penalize tenants for living in their homes too long.

You can read more here and here.

Brooklyn Residents and Elected Leaders Protest Prokhorov As Owner of Nets; 6/24; MSG; 12Noon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: June 23, 2010

Rev. Clinton Miller (718) 638-6121, (646) 290-0490

BUSLOADS OF RESIDENTS TO JOIN CLERGY AND ELECTED LEADERS TO PROTEST NBA’S DECISION TO ACCEPT MIKHAIL PROKHOROV AS MAJORITY OWNER OF THE NETS

Group cites a failure of NBA Commissioner David Stern to thoroughly investigate Prokhorov, his ownership in a questionable investment bank and disappointment in Stern and his failure to respect global human rights

NEW YORK, New York– On Thursday, June 24 at noon, busloads of Brooklyn residents will travel across the Brooklyn Bridge to Madison Square Garden with area clergy members, lead by Pastor Clinton M. Miller of Brown Memorial Baptist Church, and elected officials to protest the NBA’s decision to accept Mikhail Prokhorov as the majority owner of the Nets basketball franchise.

In a tersely worded letter signed and delivered to NBA Commissioner David Stern, more than 300 residents, community organizations and congregations have called on Commissioner Stern to open a thorough investigation of Prokhorov and Renaissance Capital, an investment bank of which he is part owner. It is alleged that Renaissance Capital violated U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe.

According to the letter, “…it is only fitting that the league should respect global human rights. Anything less would be morally wrong and could potentially ensnare the NBA, its member clubs, and personnel in complex international human rights violations…”

The Nets were purchased by Forest City Ratner Companies in 2004 as part of a package development deal called Atlantic Yards. Finally passing many hurdles – including community opposition – the controversial development has begun. The Nets are expected to play in Brooklyn by the 2012 season.

WHO: Rev. Clinton M. Miller, Pastor, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; elected officials; Brooklyn residents

WHAT: Protest and rally

WHEN: Thursday, June 24 at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden W. 33rd St. and 7th Avenue, Manhattan

ATTENTION: Common Ground Senior Housing Affordable Apartments Available!

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED AFFORDABLE SENIOR APARTMENTS FOR RENT
STUDIOS & ONE BEDROOM ELEVATOR BUILDING

Beginning September 1st, 2010, The Domenech (aka Common Ground Senior Housing), a 71 unit building including 11 units that are handicapped accessible, located at 1501 St. Marks Avenue in Brooklyn will available for rent to persons 62 years of age or over.

Upon completion, The Domenech will offer 24-hour security, on site laundry, green roof terrace, spacious court-yard, resident activity space, and other amenities. Qualifications will be based on HUD Section 202 PRAC Federal Guidelines.

Tenants pay approximately 30% of qualified income
- Income Eligibility Guide
* 1 Person Household with an income of no more than $26,900 per year
* 2 Person Household with an income of no more than $30,700 per year

Applications may be requested by calling (212) 624-1471. The application can be downloaded here, or by submitting a written request to:
Common Ground Community Housing Operations
The Domenech
505 8th Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10018

Completed applications must be returned to the PO Box listed on the application and must be received by June 28, 2010.

Demystifying Affordable Housing

The South Brooklyn Accountable Development Initiative (a project of Fifth Avenue Committee) presents a bi-lingual workshop to broaden understanding about "affordable housing".

The workshop seeks to answer the following questions, among others, about affordable housing;

• How do city and federal governments define "affordable"?


• What is the difference between "affordable housing" and "subsidized housing"?


• What is New York City's "Area Median Income", why is it important and how does it compare to income levels where we live and work?


• What type of housing do non-profit developers like FAC develop and how does our "affordable housing" compare with that of a private developer?

Workshops will be held on:
Wednesday May 19th, 6PM- 9PM and Thursday May 20th, 6PM- 9PM

621 DeGraw Street (between 3rd & 4th Avenues).

The workshop is free but you must RSVP! Please call 718-237-2017 ext 114 or email mklein@fifthave.org.

The workshops will be conducted in English and Spanish.

CM James and BK Elected Officials Express Concern Over NBA's Continued Business Association With Mikhail Prokhorov

May 11, 2010

Mr. David J. Stern
Commissioner
National Basketball Association
645 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10022

Dear Mr. Stern:

This letter is being sent to express concerns about the National Basketball Association's pending agreement with Mikhail Prokhorov, who seeks to buy the New Jersey Nets basketball team. In a recent interview, you anticipated that Mr. Prokhorov could be sitting among the NBA's team owners during the draft lottery on May 18, despite the possibility that he may have violated United States sanctions against Zimbabwe that have been in place since 2003.

Brooklyn elected officials are disappointed that you are so eager to close the deal with Mr. Prokhorov, as your statement implies, rather than vet the details of a prospective team owner's dealings in a nation run by Robert Mugabe's oppressive dictatorship.

The Nets basketball team is an integral part of the Atlantic Yards redevelopment project - a project that was sold to the public as one that would provide many benefits to New Yorkers, including the creation of thousands of affordable housing units. As elected representatives of the community, we have a significant responsibility to ensure that the public is served through the most honorable means possible.

Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey has asked you to keep your stated commitment to perform due diligence of Mr. Prokhorov and he has called upon the Treasury Department to investigate whether sanctions have been violated. The signers of this letter share Congressman Pascrell's belief that the NBA should hold a higher standard for its business partners than simply avoiding doing business with convicts.

Rep. Pascrell wrote to you explaining that as a 50 percent owner of Renaissance Capital, Mr. Prokhorov is directly connected to the firm's reported sponsorship in June 2009 of an economic forum in Harare, Zimbabwe. Renaissance Capital offered foreign investors special access to government officials, including those on the United States' sanctions list, and is also reportedly a shareholder in CBZ Holdings, one of the largest banks in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe is the bank's largest shareholder.

The congressman also made you aware of his findings that Renaissance may have long-standing working relationships with major Russian fraud scheme, based on documents filed last year in the Southern District of New York. The court filings detail Renaissance's connection to a complex tax rebate fraud in Russia through which it is believed at least $106.9 million in taxes paid from a Renaissance-managed investment fund was later embezzled from the Russian treasury through the payment of fraudulent tax refunds.

The public benefits of Atlantic Yards will be hollow if they are achieved with the help of profits gained through fraudulent schemes or a regime that holds no regard for human rights.

We ask that you postpone the NBA owners' vote to ratify Mikhail Prokhorov as owner of the New Jersey Nets until his business background is thoroughly understood.

Sincerely,

Letitia James
Member of City Council, 35th CD

Brad Lander
Member of City Council, 34th CD

Joan L. Millman
Member of State Assembly, 52nd AD

James F. Brennan
Member of State Assembly, 44th AD

Velmanette Montgomery
Member of State Senate, 18th SD

CM James and Peace Advocates Call On Military Cuts To Fund Citywide Budget Deficit, Human Needs

On April 15, 2010, Council Member Letitia James joined peace and hunger advocates from Brooklyn for Peace, Westside Campaign Against Hunger, and the Hunger Action Network of New York State to call for military cuts to fund the Citywide budget deficit and human needs.

Council Member Letitia James joined advocacy groups on the steps of City Hall on Thursday, April 15, 2010 to announce the upcoming introduction of a Council resolution urging the United State Congress to cut the military budget to help solve the City budget deficit and other urgent human needs such as affordable housing (including Section 8 vouchers), child nutrition programs, job training and development, and education program.

Joining Council Member James at the news conference were Mark Dunlea of the Hunger Action Network of NYS; Doreen Wohl of the Westside Campaign Against Hunger, Christy Robb of Hour Children, and Brooklyn Peace Coalition.

New York City is presently facing a $4.9 billion budget deficit. To resolve the deficit, the Mayor has proposed draconian cuts to essential city services and jobs. The Council resolution will urge the state's Congressional delegation to see cuts in the record military budget proposed by President Obama to provide funding to state and local governments to deal with the massive budget deficits throughout the country.

The resolution also asks that military spending be transferred to support job creation, affordable housing, anti-hunger programs, environmental protection, education and other essential human needs. For instance, anti-hunger groups and Senator Gillibrand are seeking an additional $4 billion annually in funding as part of the reauthorization of the various federal child nutrition programs (e.g., school and summer meals, WIC). The Senate Agriculture Committee, however, is proposing only a $450 million increase.

The City recently announced that in addition to rescinding 2,600 Section 8 housing vouchers it had promised low-income cuts, the lack of federal funds may require it to cut off 10,000 existing families receiving federal section 8 housing assistance. Advocacy groups note that New York taxpayers have paid $81.4 billion just for Iraq and Afghanistan war spending since 2001. According to the National Priorities Project, taxpayers in New York will pay $63.2 billion for Total Defense Spending in FY2010.

For more information on this issue, please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.