ATTENTION: NYC RGB Rent Increases

At its meeting on May 3, 2011, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) adopted and proposed a range of renewal lease guidelines that will greatly impact many of New Yorkers.

The preliminary rent hike, approved on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 by the RGB is slated to be voted on next month. The board proposed changes to both one-year and two-year lease agreements. Increases for one-year leases will potentially fall between 3 and 5.75 percent, while two-year leases would go up between 6 and 9 percent.

Council Member James recently joined her colleagues on a trip to Albany to lobby State officials to strengthen and extend rent laws legislatively. The alternative would effectively allow low and middle-income New Yorkers to continue to flee this City and State due to progressively ballooning rental costs.

The RGB has scheduled two upcoming public hearings during which the public will be able to testify and weigh in on the adopted and proposed renewal lease guidelines. Details on the Brooklyn-based hearing is below—

Thursday, June 16, 2011
4:30PM
Kiltgord Auditorium
285 Jay Street in Downtown Brooklyn

Council Member James encourages you to attend and share your thoughts on a proposed rent hike.

CM James Addresses SAIC Dismissal of Citytime Manager for Corruption

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
May 26, 2011

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

Council Member Letitia James Addresses SAIC Dismissal of CityTime Manager for Corruption
Cites History of Problems with Citytime Contract; Calls for A Cancellation of Existing SAIC Contracts Pending Further Review

(New York, NY)— On May 25, 2011, New York City Comptroller John Liu released important information related to the Citytime payroll project, which was the focus of a federal indictment in December 2010 due to the $80M in City funds embezzled by project contractors.

The Comptroller’s office received communication written to the Executive Director of the Financial Information Services Agency (FISA) by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), contractor of Citytime. FISA maintains various financial information systems for the City, such as its centralized accounting and budgeting system, payroll system, pension system, and personnel system. The communication stated SAIC’s notice of dismissal of Gerard Denault, the senior projects manager of Citytime.

The SAIC found that Mr. Denault violated company policies in relation to timekeeping practices within the project. For instance, he routinely billed hours to Citytime that he did not work.

“With the dismissal of Mr. Denault, we come to see that the greed that led to the 2010 Citytime fraud was not just the work of a handful of contractors, but the unfortunate result of a system that is poorly-managed and ill-supervised,” said Council Member James. “This project is a thief’s buffet. How much more evidence must we uncover before we put Citytime to rest, and take a long look at the way we handle private contracts throughout this City?”

Council Member James has been a longtime opponent of the Citytime project, spanning her tenure as Chair of the Council’s Contracts Committee, where she held two hearings on the project in 2008 and 2009. In 2010, she applauded Comptroller Liu on standing firm on his commitment to enact oversight to Citytime— giving SAIC a June 2011 deadline to complete long-delayed work, and ceasing further development of the project. Following the $80M embezzlement of City funds by Citytime contractors, Council Member James joined many of her colleagues in calling for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to cancel their existing contracts with SAIC until further review of Citytime’s timekeeping practices, management errors resulting in erroneous overtime payments, and exuberant project funding requests.

In light of Mr. Denault’s dismissal, SAIC has committed to refund $2,470,522, the amount he billed to the City. Furthermore, Comptroller Liu has called on the Department of Investigation to conduct a comprehensive review of other possible violations by SAIC.

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CM James Testimony to DC37 On HHC Action Regarding Brooklyn Central Laundry

NYC Council Member Letitia James
Official Testimony to DC37 on 05/26/2011

“I thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony regarding the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) Finance Committee Action on Contract with Consortium Sodexo, Unitex, and Nextra (“Sodexo”) to Operate Brooklyn Central Laundry.

I was dismayed to learn that the HHC’s Finance Committee voted on May 10, 2011 to recommend to the Board of Directors to vote to award a contract to Sodexo, a global food and facilities management corporation. This contract would result in the elimination of over 180 union-represented positions at the Brooklyn Central Laundry and in linen units in HHC facilities.

Today, I join many other elected officials, as well as District Council 37 (DC37), in urging the HHC Board of Directors to postpone this vote, and take the time to review DC37’s counter proposal.

My understanding is that Sodexo, based in France, has engaged in unfair labor practices in the past. In fact, the U.S. Marine Corps cancelled part of their catering contract with Sodexo in February 2011[1]. The contract— originally worth $150M per year over an eight year period, totaling $1.2B— was cut after negative publicity from the U.S. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in regards to union bashing and poor working conditions.

The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), which provides audits and financial advice regarding Defense Department contracts, generated over 80 audit reports for Sodexo's contracts, but the Marine Corps redacted virtually all useful information— including very basic information such as how much they paid to Sodexo each quarter to perform the contract.

It is questionable that the HHC would be so eager to contract with Sodexo considering a spotty record on contractual matters and workers-rights. Furthermore, it is my understanding that Sodexo plans to move many of these existing positions to Rochester, which would mean a loss of jobs for City employees.

For these reasons, I urge further review and consultation regarding this contracts, specifically in relation to the economic impact in Central Brooklyn due any potential loss of jobs."

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

CM James Outraged NYPD Officers Acquitted of Rape

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
MAY 26, 2011

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

THE VICTIM IS A VICTIM AGAIN: COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES IS OUTRAGED THAT TWO NYPD OFFICERS ARE ACQUITTED OF RAPING DRUNKEN WOMAN HELPED INSIDE APARTMENT BY OFFICERS WHILE ON PATROL; IT’S A BETRAYAL OF PUBLIC TRUST
The jury convicted both officers of official misconduct for entering the woman’s apartment, but found them not guilty of other charges including falsifying business records and burglary

“I am outraged that this victim is a victim again, and that a woman’s credibility is in question again. How could this happen? Two police officers are called to help a drunken woman get out of a taxi, and then the young woman is awakened by being raped in her apartment by one of the officers?

This victim behaved responsibly in many ways - while out celebrating her impending promotion she took a taxi home, and also accepted help from law enforcement into her apartment. The public trusts the NYPD, and believes they will always protect them. But, on this night a perverse abuse of power and police misconduct ensued. It is unconscionable that these two police officers, who had been called to help a defenseless woman, had instead left her violated and in her own vomit, as she tragically testified.

The victim’s testimony is compelling: according to newspaper reports, the woman heard police radios and Velcro before being penetrated as she lay face down unable to resist. Also, the officers were captured on surveillance cameras re-entering the woman’s East Village building three times, and have no explanation for it. (None of the additional visits to the apartment were reported to superiors.) The officers both admitted to violating their duties on that night, including Officer Moreno’s testimony that he held the drunken woman in her bed while she only wore a bra, which is a clear violation of his duties.

Also, in a recorded conversation with the woman, Officer Moreno told the woman that he had worn a condom. What more proof of rape is required I ask? A sober police officer having sexual relations with someone fading in and out of consciousness is clearly sexual predatory behavior. It’s reported that Officers Franklin Mata and Kenneth Moreno look stunned after hearing the verdict, and for good reason. The officers acknowledged a number of missteps including Moreno making a fake 911 call – obviously as an attempt to cover tracks.

Besides the rape acquittal, the officers were acquitted of falsifying business records and burglary, including three counts of second-degree burglary for taking the victim’s keys and returning to her apartment. Only the misdemeanor charges of official misconduct garnered a conviction. I ask, were these officers given a ‘pass’ because they work for the NYPD? Women and victim’s rights advocates across the City are coming together now to ensure justice prevails, for this victim and for all who have experienced sexual abuse and rape. Also, in light of the misconduct conviction, termination of these NYPD officers is necessary.”

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Council Member James Comments on Proposed Cuts to BPL, NYPL

"As you likely already know, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) faces a $25.2M reduction in City funding that would result in the closure of libraries, and a drastic reduction in hours of service across the borough. Similarly, the New York Public Library (NYPL) faces a $39.8M reduction— which puts at-risk an estimated 12 NYPL locations, would limit service to 4-days-per-week, eliminate 687 positions, and reduce by 14,200 various career-counseling classes.

Public libraries provide a vital community resource that offer many New Yorkers the only career and research services they readily have access to. As the City Council faces harsh budget cuts this fiscal year, it is imperative that we as a body advocate for the restoration of funds to our public libraries. The New York City Council has a record of support for public institutions, and I will continue to do my part to back the continued support of the Brooklyn Public Library and the New York Public Library."

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

CM James, Elected Officials Travel to Albany To Lobby Legislators on Strengthening, Extending Rent Laws

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
MAY 23, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Council Member James and Colleagues Travel to Albany Tuesday to Lobby Legislators on Strengthening and Extending Rent Laws: Tent Cities Also Setting Up Across New York to Show What NYC Will Be Like Without Stronger Rent Laws
Tenants Calling on Governor Cuomo and State Legislature to Take Action

(Brooklyn, NY) – “I stand with renters, housing advocates and colleagues in a unified front to protect rent stabilization laws; they must be preserved this year and each year…for the future of every resident in New York State,” said Council Member James as she and others prepare to visit Albany, as well as support tent cities planned for this week and next.

With the deadline to strengthen rent laws just three weeks away, tenants and advocates from across New York City are organizing a series of tent cities across New York to show what the City will be like if laws are not renewed and strengthened.

The tent cities are meant to clearly show what will happen if the Governor and Legislature fail to renew and strengthen these laws by repealing of vacancy destabilization. Tenants will be demonstrating how New York City could become “Cuomoville,” if the Governor does not make the strengthening of the rent laws a clear priority. Some 2.5 million tenants in New York City and the surrounding suburbs depend on these laws to prevent unfair rent increases and unlawful evictions. If laws are not renewed and strengthened, many tenants will be put out on the streets.

Tent City Schedule
Tuesday May 24, Brooklyn
Where: The plaza at Brooklyn Borough Hall (2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall A, C, F, N, R to Jay St. – MetroTech)
When: Press conference at noon, vigil from 7 to 9 PM, and Tent City campout all night
For more info: jon_furlong@prattarea.org

Thursday May 26, Queens
Where: St. Mary Help of Christians Church, 70-31 48th Ave. (at 72nd St.), Woodside (E, F, M, R to Jackson)
When: Press conference 11 AM, 6-8 PM cultural events, Tent City vigil 8 PM
For more info: ericka.s@anhd.org

Tuesday May 31, Manhattan
Where: Holy Apostle Church, W. 28th St. & 9th Ave, Chelsea (1 to 28th St at 7th Ave.), (A, C, E to 34th St. at 8th Ave.)
When: Tent City gathering at 10 AM Tuesday, campout all night
For more info: kayla@rcn.com

Wednesday June 1, City Hall
Where: Gather at Broadway and E. 10th St., march to City Hall
When: March starts at 8pm, Tent City gathering to begin at 9 PM
For more info: www.blessednightout.org

Thursday June 2, Washington Heights
Where: Ft. Washington Collegiate Church, 181st St at Ft. Wash. Avenue (A to 181st Street)
When: Tent City gathering begins at 10 AM
For more info: andresmares@mirabalcenter.org

For additional information please call: Mary Tek, Rent Regulation Organizer, Tenants & Neighbors, (212) 608-4320 x 316.

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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