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Newsletters 2007
July
Betsy Gotbaum This Week
July 30, 2007
Real People, Real Problems, Real Results
An exasperated Queens man recently contacted my office about an unresolved electrical problem that, he said, had cost him $2,700. He told us that Con Ed had worked on the outside wiring to his home but never finished the job, even though he had paid in full. He also said that he had had to hire a certified electrician. The man believed that one contributing factor was his limited command of English, which made it difficult for him to articulate his needs. On his behalf, my staff contacted Con Ed and explained the problem. The man later called us to say that, finally, Con Ed had completed the job to his satisfaction, thanks to our intervention.
Tougher Tinted Windows Law Would Help Police
To better protect police, I'm asking that tests of auto-glass transparency be included in annual motor vehicle safety and emissions inspections. Joined by City Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr., I'm also calling for stiffer fines for too-dark auto glass. Approaching a car with blacked-out windows may have deadly consequences for police, especially at night, as evidenced earlier this month by the shooting of two young officers, one of whom died. Councilman Vallone and I also called for adding window-tint standards for rear windows in all vehicles, along with similar new transparency specifications for the rear driver-side window and rear passenger windows in certain motor vehicles. Right now, nothing prevents criminals from hiding weapons or illegal behavior behind excessively tinted windows. We're also asking for steeper fines for overly dark auto glass, including a $250 surcharge that would go to a fund for training and equipping police officers.
Immediate Grants, Loans Needed to Support Businesses Hurt by Midtown Explosion
Last week I toured the "Frozen Zone" created by the rupture of an 83-year-old, asbestos-covered steam pipe. The tour, which I took with State Sen. Liz Krueger, gave me a first-hand look at the need for immediate grants and low- or no-interest loans to the small Midtown businesses that were forced to close, some of them indefinitely, due to asbestos exposure. Some may not have enough insurance to cover damages and lost profits. The application process for interest-free loans from the city Department of Small Business Services should be simple and quick. For my comments on this matte, click here.
Betsy Gotbaum This Week
July 23, 2007
Real People, Real Stories, Real Results
A desperate, down-on-her-luck Queens woman contacted my office as her last hope. Forced from her home, she had placed her keepsakes and other belongings in storage, but she had been unable to pay the storage fees since April. Her bill was in arrears by $1,278, and her property was scheduled to be auctioned within a week. She had been to the appropriate city Human Resources Administration (HRA) office several times for help but had had no luck. My staff immediately contacted HRA, which paid the storage fees within two days.
Help Needed for Small Businesses in "Frozen Zone"
The small businesses shut down by last week's steam pipe explosion need help. Those small business locked in the “Frozen Zone,” between 40th and 43rd Streets between Third and Park Avenues, lost millions of dollars in revenue last week, and many do not have enough insurance to pay for repairs and recoup lost profits. After last year’s blackout in Queens, the city Department of Small Business Services (SBS) offered zero-percent loans of up to $10,000 to affected businesses. Last week I called on the City to do the same for those affected by steam pipe explosion, and SBS agreed and is offering similar help now, giving interest-free loans as large as $10,000 to many storefront businesses around Grand Central Terminal. I think we can all agree that small businesses should not be punished for the rupture of an 83-year-old steam pipe. If you or someone you know is having trouble accessing these loans, please contact my office.
This explosion also is a prime example of the need for emergency preparedness. Disasters come in many forms, and New Yorkers should take steps now to minimize the disruption of their day-to-day lives. For preparedness tips, click here and here.
Condolences to Family of Russel Timoshenko
I join all New Yorkers in offering my heartfelt sympathy to the family of Russel Timoshenko, the young New York City police officer shot and killed in the line of duty. His death is a stark reminder of the unique danger, and violence, that New York's finest may face on any given workday.
MTA Must Fix Subway Drainage Defects
Last week's heavy rains once again led to system-wide disruptions in New York City subway service, inconveniencing tens of thousands of New Yorkers. The rain-related delays provided troubling proof that the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has yet to fix the drainage defects that cause tunnel flooding. Long-suffering subway riders have become inured to weather-related delays, and that shouldn't be. Further, if tunnels readily flood during routine storms of limited duration, what should we expect in a hurricane? I called on the MTA in 2004, and I call on it again today, to take all necessary steps to prevent rain-related subway delays. Subway riders have been patient long enough.
35th Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council Picnic
It was such fun last week to attend the 35th edition of the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council Picnic, which, in part, honors those who have contributed so much to the city's growth and prosperity. Thousands attended, and seniors danced the day away. Let's hear it for New York seniors!
Betsy Gotbaum This Week
July 16, 2007
Real People, Real Problems, Real Results
A disabled, homebound Brooklyn senior recently called us for help with her apartment, which was in chronic disrepair. Every time it rained, she said, her walls and ceilings sustained multiple leaks, which in turn generated mold, mildew, terrible odors and even sewage backups, all of which combined to literally make her sick. And this had been going on since 1997. When the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) did respond to her complaints, she said, its workers patched and painted damaged walls and ceilings, but the repairs were cosmetic rather than permanent. After her calls to 311 went nowhere, she called my office. We intervened with the NYCHA, which offered the woman a new apartment in a building designed for seniors.
Plan Ahead for Emergencies
Because July and August are prime months for hurricanes and blackouts, I’m calling on all New Yorkers to take a few simple steps to help them get through these or other emergencies. For one thing, everyone should pack an emergency kit, or “Go Bag,” that contains such things as copies of important documents, prescription drugs, flashlights, spare batteries and First Aid supplies. I’m also partnering with the American Red Cross in Greater New York for a five-borough tour to spread the word about the need for emergency preparedness.
Support for Suit Against Corporate Slumlord
I strongly back the racketeering lawsuit that BRUSH, or Buyers and Renters United to Save Harlem, and nine Harlem residents filed last week against the Pinnacle Group, a corporate slumlord that manages numerous Harlem apartment buildings. The plaintiffs allege fraudulently inflated rents, failure to make repairs and harassment of rent-regulated tenants. All this, the complaint says, is part of a coordinated strategy to boost profits and drive middle- and low-income tenants from their apartments. I'm proud that my office played a prominent role in bringing together the plaintiffs and their law firm, Jenner & Block, which is representing them without charge.
Betsy Gotbaum This Week
July 10, 2007
Real People, Real Problems, Real Results #1
Last week an elderly disabled grandmother reached out to my office because she was having trouble getting a response from the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) regarding child support that was due to her. She had not received a payment since 1998 and was struggling to keep up with her bills. The OCSE had been telling her for months that they were collecting her money, and she was beginning to wonder if she would ever see it. My office contacted the OCSE, and they called us today to tell us that they are sending her a check.
Real People, Real Problems, Real Results #2
Recently, a parent of a special needs student contacted my office about a school transfer for her daughter. Despite the fact that her daughter had been constantly teased and made fun of at school, the school district had denied her a transfer on the basis that there was no room. The mother then called our office and we in turn contacted the school district and successfully ensured her daughter’s transfer.
Emergency Preparedness Tour Kick-Off
Yesterday, I am announced my summer emergency preparedness tour. In partnership with the American Red Cross, I plan on attending a series of citywide community events to encourage New Yorkers to take simple steps toward emergency preparedness. Look for the full list of dates and events at www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov.
Betsy Gotbaum This Week
July 2, 2007
Real People, Real Problems, Real Results
Last week, a Bronx woman contacted my office asking for help getting an emergency transfer from her New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) apartment. Her daughter had been sexually assaulted by the girl's stepfather, who was about to come up for release from prison. The woman wanted to move as soon as possible so her daughter would be safe. NYCHA denied her request, and so she turned to us to help her navigate the red tape. My office contacted NYCHA, which in turn offered her an emergency transfer under domestic violence status. She is now in the process of moving into a new apartment where her daughter can feel safe.
It's Time for Bronx Pollution to Go
Last Monday I took a trip out to the Soundview section of the Bronx to visit the contaminated Loral site. For two years, we’ve fought to ban the diesel trucks that idle there, emitting toxic fumes that pollute the air of the neighboring school. This site has been recognized as one of the dirtiest in New York, yet no steps have been taken to clean it up. I stood with advocates last Monday to demand the owner take the necessary steps to secure the safety of the area and remove the toxins from the ground. Hopefully we can work together to see some change for the families of Soundview.
Wishing you a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!
I want to wish everyone a happy, fun-filled July 4th.
New York City is home to one of the greatest July 4th celebrations in the United States.
This Wednesday, stay safe and enjoy yourself with friends and family!
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