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HousingPolitics

Plans for Protecting Brooklyn Families and Seniors From Property (Deed) Theft Laid Out By Surrogate Court Judge Candidate Meredith Jones

Jun 23, 2019

This article and photo was first posted on Kings County Politics and has the permission of the publisher to post on EastNewYork.com.  The content is extremely relevant at this time when people are losing their family homes to deed and equity theft, particularly throughout neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

Meredith Jones, Kings County Surrogate’s Court Judge candidate lays out her plan to protect estates from deed and equity theft.

Jones plans to use her nearly two decades background as an attorney in the Kings County Surrogate’s Court to help Brooklynites save their homes.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand hardworking families lose their homes to deed and equity theft,” Jones said. “These scams are ravaging Brooklyn and robbing whole communities of generational wealth.” said Jones.

Jones’s plan includes:
  1. Carefully reviewing any documents (such as powers of attorney) which authorize the transfer of estate real property;
  2. Requiring transfers or sales of estate real property to be approved by the court, where appropriate;
  3. Requiring that requests to sell estate real property be made on notice to the heirs, clearly stating the proposed purchase price, allowing heirs the opportunity to object to the proposed sale; and
  4. Reviewing proposed “short sales” of estate real property to ensure that the proposed sale benefits the heirs of the estate.

Jones is seeking the Democratic nomination for the judicial seat and if elected would serve 14 years starting in January 2020. The Surrogate’s Court hears cases involving the affairs of decedents, including the probate of wills and the administration of estates. It also handles adoptions.

Jones attended Cornell University and graduated from Cornell Law School in 1996. In 2003, after practicing as a private attorney, she began a full-time position in public service, becoming the first black attorney to serve in the law department of the Kings County Surrogate’s Court.

In her current position as a Court Attorney- Referee, she conducts trials and hearings, performs research and drafts decisions for review by the Surrogate Judge. Jones also conducts settlement conferences, advises the Surrogate Judge on the law and makes recommendations regarding resolution of matters that come before the court.

Additionally, Jones has been found qualified by the Judicial Screening Committee of the Kings County Democratic Party for the position of Judge of the Surrogate’s Court. She is the only candidate found qualified who can serve the complete term of office.

Don’t forget to Vote Tuesday June 25, 2019.

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Education

PATHSDANCE Puts On Another Great Performance in Brooklyn Despite the Lack of Support from Local Elected Officials & Community Stakeholders

Jun 23, 2019

by Jalen Scott (photo provided by BrooklynBuzz.com)

See Video Below

Thomas Jefferson High School, in East New York, Brooklyn, is among the largest and oldest high schools in New York City.  Jefferson is also one of those schools that has been broken up into four smaller schools, which now comprises the Thomas Jefferson Campus. Within the campus exists the Performing Arts & Technology High School, better known as PATHS.

Within PATHS is the PATHSDANCE Program, which has been called a hidden gem in the heart of East New York. The dance program has produced students who have gone on to dance professionally, open up their own dance companies, become dance instructors, and most recently one of their dancers is currently auditioning for the play, Hamilton.  The dancer made it through the dance portion of the audition with flying colors, and has moved onto the vocal phase of the audition. We will provide a follow up with an exclusive feature to let you know if he makes it through the next phase.

Last night PATHSDANCE put on another great performance, in front of a very nice size audience. Students in grades 9-12 performed magnificently.  Although PATHS is a performing arts school in name, unlike schools like LaGuardia, the students at PATHS do not audition to get into the school. Many times PATHS is not a student’s first choice, which makes this story that much more interesting. Most of the students have very limited dance experience, but when they leave the PATHS Dance program they walk out the door with knowledge and experience in tap, modern, jazz and ballet.  Students are well versed in all forms of dance technique, dance history and various genres of music associated with tap, jazz, modern and ballet.

The students performed exceptionally well and received a standing ovation for their efforts. Audience members were heard saying things like “this was not what I expected”, and “I didn’t know this is what they were doing in this school”.

The only aspect that is lacking from this program is the support from local elected officials and community stakeholders. The auditorium could use a complete renovation and we were informed that attempts in the past to sell tickets to local elected officials has yielded no results so they rely strictly on the students and the program’s efforts to reach neighborhoods beyond East New York.

In spite of the lack of official support, the crowds seem to be growing each year and the school continues to produce talented dancers, choreographers and dance instructors. If you get a chance next season, be sure to support the PATHS Dance Program, the hidden gem in the heart of East New York. Support this program!

 

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Housing

Seniors Face Foreclosure After Being Sold Reverse Mortgages

Jun 15, 2019

Leroy Roebuck, 86, of Philadelphia, is fighting to keep his home of at least 55 years where he raised all his kids.

JASPER COLT, USA TODAY

Reverse mortgage commercials air regularly on television, but USA Today has an investigative article, which shows that seniors are facing foreclosure because of these reverse mortgages. (See Video Below)

USA TODAY found that reverse mortgages end in foreclosure six times more often in predominantly black neighborhoods than in neighborhoods that are 80% white.  

Even comparing only poorer areas, black neighborhoods fare worse. In ZIP codes where most residents make less than $40,000, the analysis found reverse mortgage foreclosure rates were six times higher in black neighborhoods than in white ones.

The foreclosure disparity resembles a more familiar scenario from the late 2000s, when subprime lenders targeted specific neighborhoods with risky loans doomed to fail, according to the nation’s lead reverse mortgage researcher.

Read the full article here

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EducationHealthHousing

Highlights of the Whopping $92.8 Billion New York City Budget

Jun 15, 2019

NEW YORK––Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Council Finance Chair Daniel Dromm and members of the City Council today announced an agreement for an on-time and balanced City budget for Fiscal Year 2020.

The agreement on the approximately $92.8 billion budget includes funding to place 200 additional social workers in public schools, including specialists working within Thrive who will help students experiencing crisis and mental health issues. Further, the City is expanding its commitment to Senior Housing by adding $275 million over Fiscal Years 2020 through 2023. These resources will help generate an additional 800 affordable senior homes. This will raise the total City commitment for newly constructed senior housing to $687 million from now to the end of the housing plan.

“The Fiscal Year 2020 Adopted Budget creates greater fairness for all New Yorkers. We’ve reached an agreement that promises to create a pathway to pay parity for our early childhood education providers to address recruitment and retention issues, expands services that prevent unnecessary detention and fights the widespread national attack on access to abortion care,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We’re also strengthening our support services in schools by providing over 200 social workers for students who need them most, fulfilling our commitment to senior affordable housing and putting our new expanded speed camera program into action. We’re accomplishing all of this while protecting the City’s fiscal health by increasing savings and adding $250 million to our already historic levels of budget reserves. I want to thank Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Finance Chair Daniel Dromm and the rest of the City Council for their partnership.”

As part of the budget agreement, the City is making a commitment to work with early childcare providers and their labor unions to create a pathway to pay parity to address recruitment and retention issues through collective bargaining. Similarly, in recognition of critical role legal defense attorneys play in the justice system, the City will continue conversations with providers to address compensation, recruitment and retention.

The Administration and the City Council have jointly funded justice reform initiatives that address historic disparities in the justice system. This includes an expansion of criminal justice related diversion programs, such as post-arrest diversion, supervised release and transitional housing.

In order to make sure that every New Yorker is counted in the 2020 Census and the city gets its fair share, the Administration has deepened its investment in outreach staff and public awareness campaigns.

The FY20 Adopted Budget also maintains $1.15 billion in General Reserve, an increase of $150 million, $4.57 billion in Retiree Health Benefits Trust Fund, an increase of $100 million, and $250 million in the Capital Stabilization Reserve.

As part of the City’s aggressive savings program, the Adopted Budget includes over $300 million in new savings, on top of the $2.5 billion achieved in the Citywide Savings Program over Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020 since last Adoption. These savings were, in part, attained through the Administration’s first Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG), and a permanent reduction of 2,600 City-funded positions. 325 additional vacancies will be reduced in this plan, adding $25 million in savings. The Citywide Savings Plan is an element of strong fiscal management, and helps balance the City’s budget and finance initiatives in an era of slowing revenue growth.

Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2020 Adopted Budget include:

  • Placing 200 additional social workers in DOE schools, including mental health specialists, to help support students and provide necessary social and emotional support ($26 million).
  • Investing jointly with the City Council in an expansion of criminal justice related diversion programs, such as post arrest diversion, supervised release and transitional housing.
  • Installing low noise “rumbler” sirens on FDNY vehicles to help reduce noise pollution ($1.5 million).
  • Funding for Vision Zero public awareness campaigns to educate drivers and support pedestrian and cyclist safety ($5 million).
  • Launching NYC Care to guarantee healthcare access for 600,000 uninsured New Yorkers and enhance MetroPlus, NYC’s Public Option, by increasing enrollment and improving access to care, including mental health services ($25 million in Fiscal Year 2020, ramping up to $100 million in Fiscal Year 2022).
  • Expanding 3-K for All by funding 1,900 new seats in the Bronx (District 8) and Brooklyn (District 32) for next school year. This investment brings 3-K to 14 districts and 20,000 children by September 2020, and includes the 10 highest-need districts in the city ($25 million).
  • Increasing Mayoral funding for 2020 Census outreach staff and public awareness campaigns to ensure a fair and accurate count that gives New York City its fair share ($22 million for a total Mayoral investment of $26 million).
  • Fulfilling a commitment to energy efficiency with green technology by retrofitting City buildings as part of NYC’s Green New Deal ($60 million).
  • Providing annual funding for the “Bridging the Gap” program that provides social services and academic support for students in shelters ($14 million).

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Events

Annual Performing Arts & Technology HS ‘PATHS Dance’ Performance Set for Saturday June 22

Jun 12, 2019

See Video Below

PATHS Dance, of Performing Arts & Technology High School, in East New York , is having their annual end of the year show, Saturday June 22, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Thomas Jefferson HS Campus, located at 400 Pennsylvania Ave.

If you have not been to a PATHS Dance performance then you are in for a treat.  Some of the alumni have gone on to dance professionally around the world, and others have become professional choreographers.

For those who love the arts and would like to support the arts in your neighborhood, then do not miss this event.  Elected officials, community stakeholders and supporters of the arts are encouraged to come out.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 at the door.  For advance tickets contact PATHS at 718.688.7900, and ask for Mrs. Jones.

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Features

Notorious B.I.G. Official Street Sign Revealed On His Brooklyn Block in Ft. Greene

Jun 11, 2019

photos by Stan Parham (Brooklyn Buzz)

Biggie Smalls’ block at Fulton St. and St James Place, in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn, is now officially, Christopher “Notorious BIG” Wallace Way. The street sign went up today with rapper Lil Kim stating, “I used to dream about a street being named after Biggie, because it was only right.”

At the end of 2018 the New York City Council officially approved the street naming. with City Council Member, Laurie Cumbo stating at the time, “Biggie Smalls has left his print on the Borough of Brooklyn”. She added “Biggie Smalls is an ingredient in the identity of Brooklyn”.

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Health

Getting Your Nutrients: From the Source or Supplements?

Jun 07, 2019

By Len Canter 
HealthDay Reporter

Americans are making shifts in the supplements they take — fewer multivitamins and vitamins C and E, more fish oil and vitamin D. Many think of supplements as magic bullets, but studies don’t always support their supposed benefits.

Some research is positive. Vitamin D is important for good health and very hard to get naturally from foods or, if you live in northern latitudes, from the sun. So you might need a supplement to meet daily needs. But first ask your doctor for a blood test to check your level and, if it’s low, whether it’s safe for you to sit in the sun twice a week for 15 minutes to allow your body to make D naturally.

Significant studies show that it’s better to get certain nutrients directly from food. For instance, while foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, from walnuts to oily fish, have been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, the omega-3s in fish oil capsules may not deliver the same benefits.

A 2018 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that many supplements — from vitamins A and D to the minerals selenium and chromium — contain higher amounts of the nutrient than stated on the label. That’s a concern because some good-for-you supplements can be harmful at high doses — even calcium, which is highly touted for bone health. If you can’t get enough calcium through diet and bone density testing shows that you need to supplement, ask your doctor about safe limits.

In fact, whether you’re thinking about an herbal supplement or a proven vitamin or mineral, talk to your health care provider first. Some may interact with medications you take or could pose a risk if you have an illness or are scheduled for surgery.

More information

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has more on supplements and how to use them safely.

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EventsHealth

3rd ANNUAL HEALTHY NYC EXPO COMING TO BROOKLYN SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 OVER 40 CORPORATE & COMMUNITY PARTNERS PARTICIPATING

Jun 02, 2019

Brooklyn, NY – JIG Media has announced that the 3rd Annual Healthy NYC Expo will be held Saturday September 7, 2019 at the Brooklyn Sports Club, located at Spring Creek Towers.

“This year we are partnering with Community Based Organizations throughout Brooklyn to make this the largest expo of its kind in the borough, and the Brooklyn Sports Club is the perfect venue partner for such an event”, stated Vernon Jones, Sr., CEO of JIG Media, owners of the Healthy NYC Expo series. “Over 40 health resource partners and vendors will be joining us to provide healthy living resources, information, activities, giveaways, entertainment, refreshments and a lot more. Our New York for Seniors team will be hosting the ‘Senior Pavilion’ section, which is an area within the expo dedicated to our senior population. We like the idea of bringing resources directly to the community in a way that is educational and fun at the same time. Knowledge of health care and wellness are important when it comes staying healthy, and this event allows attendees to leave with resources, information and activities that help them to get healthy or stay healthy.”

The Healthy NYC Expo will include the following activities;

  • Giveaways
  • Free Zumba class
  • Senior Pavilion Section (Free refreshments for seniors and giveaways from partners)
  • Fresh fruit and smoothies
  • DJ
  • Health Screening Section
  • Live Jazz Performance
  • NYC Rent Freeze Representative
  • Nutrition Session
  • Health Insurance Information Session
  • Health & Wellness Corner
  • Free Majorette Class
  • More….

The event is FREE to attend. You can Register Here.  If you would like to become a Corporate Partner, Tabling Vendor or Community Based Organization Partner Call 718-285-9351 or email [email protected], and put “Healthy NYC Expo Partner” in the subject line.

Community Based Organizations throughout Brooklyn are encouraged to become Community Partners.  Contact Wayne Jordan at [email protected] or Call 718-285-9351 and mention that your organization would like to become a Community Partner of the HealthyNYC Expo in Brooklyn. This opportunity is perfect for local non-profits, churches, schools and senior centers.

About Healthy NYC

HealthyNYC is a citywide healthy living initiative, created to connect health organizations and New Yorkers, through viral digital content and a series of hyper-targeted health fairs and health expos.

We reach and engage New York City families, seniors, caregivers and millennials, in their neighborhoods, and online.

 

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Development

Building Skills New York Celebrates 500th Worker

May 25, 2019

Building Skills NY, an organization dedicated to providing typically underemployed minority New Yorkers a path to success by connecting them with quality construction training programs and job placements, announced today their 500th construction placement.

To celebrate the occasion, Building Skills staff surprised an entire job site with sandwiches at the 881 Erskine Street at the Fountain Seaview Development project in Brooklyn.

“Building Skills New York is so proud to have made a positive impact on the lives of so many underrepresented New Yorkers and the communities they live in by connecting them with opportunities that may not have previously been accessible,” said David Meade, Executive Director of Building Skills NY. “With the help of our dedicated staff and continued partnerships with local contractors and workforce partners, we look forward to putting even more New Yorkers to work building and shaping our ever-changing skyline.”

Construction jobs provide enormous opportunities to individuals in underserved and underemployed communities throughout NYC. Projected to be one of the fastest growing job sectors in the next decade, the industry offers real economic prospects to men and women who have felt let down and left behind the 21st century economy.

“A key commitment of our work is making sure every one of our jobs supports the local community. That means beyond affordable housing, we always aim to partner with local organizations, like Building Skills NY, to identify residents for hiring opportunities,” said Alex Arker, The Arker Companies Principal. “We are proud local hiring is a feature of our legacy and especially proud that Building Skills NY’s 500th placement is Sydney Nabawi at 881 Erskine Street at the Fountain Seaview Development, delivering new affordable housing for East New York in Brooklyn.”

“I was previously working on a welding job and wanted to get back into construction,” said Building Skills worker, Sydney Nabawi. “After delivering several frames to the 881 Erskine site I asked if they had any job openings. They connected me to Building Skills NY, and after vetting my skills and experience, they found a job for me on the site.”

About Building Skills New York
Building Skills New York provides an efficient and convenient process for finding a construction job for many City residents who have long been unable to gain access to careers in the construction industry. The organization achieves its goals through a well-designed and targeted program that places underemployed and underserved New Yorkers in construction industry jobs. BSNY transforms lives and helps residents revitalize communities by growing a skilled construction workforce that represents the diversity of New York City. BSNY partners with the city’s leading workforce agencies to recruit and screen eligible NYC residents and provide them with the necessary skills and safety training.

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EventsHousing

East New York & Brownsville Housing Development Conference Saturday June 8th at New Lots Library

May 23, 2019

While New York City is seeing skyrocketing rents and home prices, there are still a handful of neighborhoods that are trying to hold onto rents that are somewhat affordable. East New York and Brownsville are two of those neighborhoods that are trying to keep rents affordable, while in the early stages of gentrification.

Albert Scott, Chair of the East New York Homeowners Association, is hosting the 2019 Brownsville & East New York Housing Development & Housing Legislative Conference, Saturday June 8, 2019, to discuss re-zoning, HPD 3rd party transfers, rent control, basement legalization, and other topics that will impact East New York and Brownsville for years to come.

If you live in, or are looking to live in, Brownsville or East New York, then this is an event you should attend. Do not wait until it is too late and you are forced to move out of Brooklyn, before you start asking questions. This is your time to ask questions. If you are not yet aware, Brooklyn is one of the most popular cities in the world. Yes, you heard that right.  Many times Brooklynites take this fact for granted, but people from every part of the world are visiting and moving to Brooklyn. They are mostly in Park Slope, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bed Stuy, Williamsburg, Red Hook and Crown Heights today, but they will be eventually coming to East New York and Brownsville. Laugh if you want to, but this is a fact.

See the flyer below for the event details.

To stay updated on East New York housing development, politics, entertainment, and more, Subscribe to EastNewYork.com

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