City Council Parks Committee Hearing on Int. No 737 (Shadows Cast Over Parkland)

Sponsors: Council Members: Mark Levine (City Council Chair of Parks Committee), Fernando Cabrera , Costa G. Constantinides, Corey D. Johnson, Rosie Mendez, Ydanis A. Rodriguez, Helen K. Rosenthal, Daniel R. Garodnick, Mathieu Eugene

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the creation of a task force to study the effect of shadows cast by large buildings over parkland. [webcast]

SDR letter regarding shadowing of our narrow park:3Testimony City Council Int. No 737 

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. Chapter one of title eighteen of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 18-142 to read as follows:

§18-142 Task force on shadows cast by buildings over parks. a. There is hereby established a task force to study the effect of shadows cast on parks under the jurisdiction of the department by new or proposed building construction and to make specific recommendations to the mayor and council for the alleviation of negative consequences resulting from such shadows.

b. The task force shall consist of the following individuals, or designees thereof:

1. the commissioner, who shall be the chairperson;

2. the commissioner of buildings;

3. the commissioner of environmental protection;

4. the commissioner of housing preservation and development;

5. the chairperson of the city planning commission; and

6. such other members as the commissioner shall designate.

c. The task force shall:

1. hold at least one meeting every six months;

2. advise the mayor and council on new and planned building construction projects that may result in casting shadows over parks and the possible effects of such shadows;

3. identify and catalogue existing and planned building construction projects that may cast shadows over a park;

4. study the effect of the loss of sunlight resulting from such shadows cast over a park;

5. for each park, determine the size of the shadow cast on such park by buildings throughout the day; and

6. by December 31 of each year, provide to the mayor and the council a report which shall include an evaluation of the potential consequences of such shadows and recommendations to alleviate such consequences, including but not limited to changes to planned construction projects. Such report shall be made publicly available on the department’s website within ten days after the release of such report.

§2. This local law shall take effect 90 days after its enactment into law.

LS # 3471

KS

2/13/15

Read MoreCity Council Parks Committee Hearing on Int. No 737 (Shadows Cast Over Parkland)
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New York City Community Garden Coalition:hiring four people to work on Community Development Block Grant / Disaster Recovery on LES

THE DEADLINE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2015, AT 6:00 PM.

 

Hello Gardeners & Friends:

 

The New York City Community Garden Coalition is hiring four people.

Community Development Block Grant / Disaster Recovery funding from the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR)  – is undertaking a feasibility study for storm water capture best practices within the community gardens of the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in this hiring effort are requested to contact Mr. Aziz Dehkan at (917) 444-2191 or by email at aziz@nyccgc.org

NYCCGC strongly encourages Section 3 residents to participate in this hiring effort. Information to determine if you are a Section 3 resident can be obtained by contacting Mr. Dehkan at the telephone number or email address provided above. 

JOB DESCRIPTIONS ARE BELOW, ATTACHED AND ON THE COALITION’S WEBSITE AT AND AT AND THE EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBER CONTACT ARE ABOVE.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER: The NYCCGC is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of “Community Organizer.” This individual will work with community members and seek their participation in the public engagement component of the Study. Additionally, the individual will be responsible for assisting community leaders in soliciting participation by the residents of the Study Area to better facilitate the creation and sustenance of positive change in their neighborhoods. The ideal candidate will be a team player who can interact well with wide-range of individuals from a variety of social, ethnic, and organizational backgrounds; is detail oriented; and, possesses a personal knowledge of the Lower East Side community.

The “Community Organizer” will report directly to the Executive Director of the NYCCGC.

 Job Duties

§  Coordinate logistics and planning of large scale community engagement meetings.

§  Create and build a network of community members to encourage and support residents’ participation in activities and events associated with the completion of the Study.

§  Identify and collaborate with grassroots leadership to build and develop strategies to advocate for Lower East Side community gardens.

§  Bridge and foster partnerships with the community, relevant organizations and elected officials in attaining support of community goals.

§  Facilitate effective communication between NYCCGC and the community-at-large.

§  Assist in development of strategic and tactical advocacy plans.

§  Maintain database of community gardens and personnel, volunteers and related resources.

§  Plan cultural, educational and other social networking activities required in the completion of the Study.

§  Assist and facilitate the creation of the Steering Committee responsible for the administrative oversight of the activities to be undertaken in the completion of the Study.

§  Prepare required reports relevant to NYCCGC’s organizing and civic engagement work.

§  Work with project team to meet deliverable goals.

§  Seek out opportunities to promote NYCCGC’s mission and present.

§  Perform other duties, as assigned. 

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

§  At least 10 years of experience in community organizing and/or advocacy; event planning and coordination.

§  Must have experience working in diverse, multicultural communities.

§  A commitment to the mission and programs of NYCCGC.

§  Experience advising and training community leaders.

§  Excellent, written, verbal and organizational skills.

§  Strong public speaking, writing, and analytical skills.

§  Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook

§  Must have a flexible schedule, including working evenings and occasional weekends

§  Spanish fluency (highly preferred).

§  Must be a team player and have the ability to take the initiative.

§  Knowledge of the Lower East Side communities and Community Gardens (highly preferred).

Salary: FT/Hourly position (approximately 35 hours a week)

Responses Due: November 10, 2015

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: The NYCCGC is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of “Administrative Assistant. This individual plays a critical role in a fast-changing organization. Under the supervision of the Executive Director the Administrative Assistant will be responsible for administrative support to the management team and staff and assist in the overall functions of the office. Applicants should have a positive attitude, possess strong organizational skills, and have the ability to work independently. Other job skills include the ability to effectively multi-task and meet deadlines. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are necessary.

 Job Duties

§  Assist with scheduling meetings and managing correspondence for Executive Director and other program staff.

§  Perform all duties required by the Executive Director and other duties as assigned relating to the administrative component including project based work and updates.

§  Complete clerical and administrative duties, as assigned.

§  Provide logistical and other support for volunteer committees.

§  Coordinate with professional and staff advisors.

§  Assisting in meetings preparation and follow up.

§  Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director and Program staff. 

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

§  1-2 years’ experience in office administration.

§  Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

§  Spanish fluency (highly preferred).

§  Knowledge of the Lower East Side community and Community Gardens (highly preferred).

§  Must be available to work flexible hours (including some evenings and weekends)

Salary: PT/hourly rate.

 Responses Due: November 10, 2015

 

 

BOOKKEEPER: The Bookkeeper serves a critical role in a fast-changing organization. Under the supervision of the Executive Director. The Bookkeeper’s is responsible for overseeing the financial and record-keeping side of the annual grant-making process for both New York City Community Gardens Coalition (NYCCGC) programs and for all other grants received by the Coalition. The Bookkeeper will also be responsible for working closely with program staff, including GOSR staff, and other relevant grant managers to ensure accurate financial reporting and procedural compliance on all grants, including governmental grants. The Bookkeeper will ensure organizational effectiveness and compliance, help set relevant policies and provide technical assistance as required. As a vital connector for the finance, development, and program staff, the Bookkeeper must possess the ability to see and understand all points of view. The NYCCGC is seeking an individual with deep financial acumen and a strong track record of success. This individual must have robust collaboration and problem-solving skills and provide seasoned guidance on compliance issues as well as key financial and operational best practices.

Job Duties:

§  Work with NYCCGC staff to ensure an accurate, timely, efficient and transparent financial process for the entire grant life cycle, from proposal to close out. This entails pre-award management, tracking payments, reviewing or producing relevant reports, monitoring and post-award management.

§  Work with NYCCGC staff to develop and maintain all grant agreements and MOUs pertaining to grant awards.

§  Oversee and act as the NYCCGC expert for all aspects of NYCCGC’s grant making process including all grant administration policies, systems, and documentation to ensure compliance, incorporate best practices, and ensure excellent controls.

§  Serve as the resident expert on grant compliance and interpretation of CDGB-DR and all involved agencies and all applicable regulations, policies and procedures.

§  Interpret applicable regulations and translate into operational policies as required.

§  Provide on-going training to program and finance staff as it relates to grant administration and organizational policies.

§  Assist with the invoicing and track the expenses for NYCCGC’s Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) CDBG-DR grant.

§  Assist with the organization’s annual audit.

§  Manage the due diligence process for each sub-grantee’s ability to comply with city and state regulations with a thorough review of all their financial and operational policies as well as evaluating each grantee against NYCCGC’s standard risk assessment.

§  Design and execute sub-grantee monitoring processes, including conducting assessments and site visits, collecting and analyzing data, documenting results, and identifying and discussing implications.

§  Proactively interpret and assess sub-grantee gaps, provide technical assistance as necessary and surface and address issues.

§  Develop and maintain a basic grant-making manual and communicate appropriately with staff concerning policies and procedures and updates. 

Requirements:

§  Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related Business Degree.

§  5+ years of experience with grants administration and/or compliance

§  Must have experience with government grant administration (federal or state grant experience strongly preferred)

§  Experience with HUD and NY State circulars

§  Nonprofit or philanthropic experience

§  Ability to think and problem-solve creatively

§  Strong project management and time management skills; highly organized and detail oriented

§  Ability to set and revise policies and procedures while brokering buy-in from all stakeholders

§  Demonstrated capacity to frame complex situations and present options

§  Effective written and oral communication skills

§  Ability to provide guidance to people with a wide range of cultural backgrounds, training and experience

§  Enjoy working independently and as part of a team

§  Must be available to work flexible hours (evening and weekends).

Salary: PT/hourly.

Responses Due: November 10, 2015

 

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

 The NYCCGC is the recipient of Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding from the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) to undertake a feasibility study, for storm water capture best practices within the community gardens of the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The Study will combine community participation with engineering expertise, to develop green infrastructure to increase the permeability and storm water capture within forty-seven (47) community gardens located in the Study Area.

The NYCCGC is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of “Communications Manager.” This individual will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director and be responsible for overseeing communications activities and efforts designed to inform the community-at-large of the planning process, strategies to be included in the Study and the final contents of the Plan. The “Communications Manager” will be responsible for the development of communications strategies to be implemented throughout each phase of the planning process through to the adoption of the final feasibility study.

Job Duties

§  Manage collateral design – from concept to delivery – in all digital and printed formats as required.

§  Ensure brand integrity and approved editorial style on all NYCCGC related materials, including printed collateral and published reports, DVDs, web sites, etc. up to the highest professional standards.

§  Manage NYCCGC’s web site development and maintenance as well as all social media.

§  Create maps and other printed material as needed for Master Plan, press and community.

§  Oversee communications product development and marketing promotion.

§  Data collection and presentation.

§  Documentation of images and project resources including videos and tours

§  Build and execute multi-platform social media campaigns.

§  Write media pitches, press releases, and media alerts for distribution across multiple platforms.

§  Build on existing relationships and develop new relationships with target media, influencers, and partner organizations.

§  Monitor media and news developments.

§  Compile media lists and manage media database.

§  Oversee day-to-day implementation of the agreed communication strategy.

§  Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Requirements

§  5+ years of experience in a communications or marketing role; journalism background is a plus; nonprofit agency experience preferred.

§  Experience with SEO and AdWords.

§  High quality communications and graphic design experience with proficiency with Photoshop, InDesign or similar.

§  High proficiency with MS Excel; pivot table experience is a plus.

§  Knowledge of local media outlets and opportunities

§  Significant experience working with media and establishing strong relationships with reporters

§          Track, record, build, and execute impactful social media campaigns across several platforms simultaneously, while coordinating with several key stakeholders.

§  Exceptional project management skills with a track record of delivering on objectives.

§  Experience representing an organization and communicating message to the public and media.

§  Experience developing and executing media and partnership programs.

§  Ability to manage complex workload under tight deadlines.

§  Spanish fluency (highly preferred).

§  Must be available to work flexible hours (evening and weekends).

Salary: FT/Hourly position (approximately 40 hours a week)

Responses Due: November 10, 2015

——————-

 

Since 1996, the New York City Community Garden Coalition has promoted the preservation, creation, and empowerment of community gardens through education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. NYCCGC is the only organization in New York City by and for community gardeners, who often live in low-income communities of color that face disproportionate environmental justice and health challenges.

 

NYCCGC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. NYCCGC provide equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination against all employees and applicants based upon race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national origin and ethnic origin, age citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Read MoreNew York City Community Garden Coalition:hiring four people to work on Community Development Block Grant / Disaster Recovery on LES
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Help Propublica Investigate New York City Rents

We’ve had issues lately with a few Coalition member tenants so we’d like to publicize this article on the investigation by ProPublica and WNYC:

Nov. 4, 2015 by Cezary Podkul

“Is your rent legal?

…ProPublica and WNYC are investigating how some New York City landlords jack up rents higher than the law allows – and sometimes get big property tax breaks….

One way landlords do this is by manipulating so-called “legal” and “preferential” rents. …they’re prone to abuse.

….If you think your landlord is overcharging you, if you think your building should be rent-stabilized but it isn’t, or if you’re paying a “preferential” rent and seeing big rate increases, please take [their] confidential survey on this link….

… ProPublica and WNYC are gathering these stories for the purposes of our reporting, and will not share your information with third-parties—including government agencies—without your permission. …

We know landlords sometimes retaliate…if you live in a rent-stabilized apartment, your landlord cannot evict you simply for talking to a reporter.”

Read MoreHelp Propublica Investigate New York City Rents
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Confronting the Silence: Perspectives and Dialogue on Structural Racism against People of African Descent Worldwide

Perspectives and Dialogue on Structural Racism against People of African Descent Worldwide

IMG_5301 (1)

Harry Belafonte addressing the assembly.

On the occasion of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.
The event is organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the co-sponsorship of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Department of Public Information, the Organisation Internationale de le Francophonie, Black Lives Matter, and Amnesty International USA.

151103pm-african-descent

 

Read MoreConfronting the Silence: Perspectives and Dialogue on Structural Racism against People of African Descent Worldwide
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Sara Roosevelt Park and Robert Moses’ Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX) plans

In the Shadow of the Highway: Robert Moses’ Expressway and the Battle for Downtown

102915lomex

The exhibit runs through February 2016 at the NYC Department of Records Visitor Center, 31 Chambers Street.

The Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX) was first proposed in 1929 as a small part of a plan to build highways throughout the region, then included in a 1941 National Defense proposal drafted by Robert Moses. This 10-lane expressway would have cut across the heart of Lower Manhattan and stretched from the Williamsburg and Manhattan Bridges to the Holland Tunnel, rising over Broome Street.

In 1962, the NYC Board of Estimate decided not to relocate neighborhood residents to build LOMEX. The expressway was ultimately de-mapped in 1969 due to activism and advocacy on the part of neighborhood residents – including Jane .

From the short video on Robert Moses

The NYC Department of Records and Information Services’ Municipal Archives in collaboration with Below the Grid Lab and the Asian/Pacific/American Institute at NYU.

There a wheel-chair accessible entrance on Reade Street between Elk and Centre Streets.

Read MoreSara Roosevelt Park and Robert Moses’ Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX) plans
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Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens (LUNGs)

LUNGS_PR_LOGO-1

The official announcement of GARDENS RISING will take place tomorrow, Monday, November 2, 2015 at 10 am at La Plaza Cultural. We are asking all gardeners to show our unity and support for this very important project by attending and making your voices heard.

GARDENS RISING is a New York State funded project to build green infrastructure in the Loisaida community gardens for storm water capture and abatement. This is a $2 million grant through the HUD-funded NY Rising program, which came as a response to Hurricane Sandy.

 

New York City Community Gardens Coalition (NYCCGC), and their partners NYC Parks’ GreenThumb and LUNGS (Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens) will announce this Community Development Block Grant. This is Disaster Recovery funding from the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) to undertake a feasibility study for stormwater capture best practices within the community gardens of the Lower East Side of Manhattan and to implement the study with an extensive green infrastructure. 

This is a two-phase project. The first phase is to develop a Feasibility Study and Master Plan. The Master Plan will combine the best of community engagement, landscape design, engineering and creative thinking about storm water management with cost effectiveness and sustainable practices.  The Master Plan will be approved by October 2016 and will end phase one. The second phase is the implementation the Master Plan, construction must be completed by September 2019.

 

GARDENS RISING is a community based operation, all decisions will ultimately be made by the gardeners affected, gardens can choose to participate or not. A Steering Committee of gardeners will be elected and make the final determinations as to the Master Plan.  

This as a huge step forward for our community gardens. We are finally being recognized as a vital environmental asset. GARDENS RISING puts us at the center of the greening movement in New York City.

We hope to parlay this grant into other funding to build other sustainable systems throughout Loisaida and become a Green Lab for the City.  We can look at this as seed money to attract more greening programs and grants into our remarkable and diverse community. GARDENS RISING should be interwoven other projects involving permaculture, renewable energy, conservation, local food production, rat abatement policies, composting practices, citizen science, and other ideas and practices that will evolve with this process.  

 

We have much work to do to make GARDENS RISING a success but for now let’s celebrate our community gardens and think this new opportunity to contribute to our common future.

So Tomorrow–Please join City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, many other electeds and your fellow gardeners for this important announcement.

Read MoreLoisaida United Neighborhood Gardens (LUNGs)
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MKGarden Halloween

From Jane (Co-Chair of M’Finda Kalunga Garden):

“What a fantastic day in the garden!  Thanks to the amazing Lauren and Kevin for getting it all organized, and thanks to all the superhelpers – Bob, Bud, Ted, Lara, Lauren’s and Kevin’s friends on the bean bag toss.

Oriol – amazing superhelper and king of the zombie popcorn hands!

And so nice to see so many gardeners working on the garden, especially nice to see Pete!  

Anyone with photos please send to Ted [more photos will be posted here]

Happy Halloween!!

Jane”

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October 14th 2015 Sara Roosevelt Park Community Coalition Stakeholders Meeting

photo

We were stakeholders who line the perimeter of the park, not-for-profits with a long history in the Coalition, partners with particular expertise for the park, tenant associations, sport clubs, Schools, health facilities, small businesses, arts and cultural institutions, parks organizations, garden stewards, etc. We spoke in four key languages: Spanish, Chinese, English and sign. We were renters, owners, and homeless. We were two to sixteen to eighty! We talked and listened and learned and argued our thinking. We met to discuss rats, garbage, homelessness, youth, elders, safety, sports, usage of the park, returning Stanton Street building to the community, gardening, and stewardship of spaces. We came up with solutions for some problems, scratched our heads at others. Out of this we have two Task Forces that are meeting or will meet. (leave a comment here with your email if we want more information or  leave your email/contact information at the desk at 30 Delancey Street). We are a completely volunteer organization since 1982. Join us if you want to help out or join some of the many groups that are stewarding Sara Roosevelt  Park spaces.

Thank you to everyone (too many to name) who made the evening possible. Funding by Partnerships for Parks Capacity Grant!

Enjoy the photos of the evening – we’ll post our findings later!

photos by Lee Elson, Wendy Brawer, K Webster, Peter Gee

Read MoreOctober 14th 2015 Sara Roosevelt Park Community Coalition Stakeholders Meeting
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