Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Payday - Governor Cuomo's 2019 NY State Executive Budget Includes $25 Million For Roosevelt Island Capital Projects As Payment For Cornell Tech Land Swap Agreement

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright announced today:

Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright is pleased to announce that the Executive Budget includes a $25 million capital appropriation for Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC).

This money would fund a multi-year capital improvement program on Roosevelt Island as agreed to by the State in relation to the Cornell Tech development.

“I am happy to report this development for my Roosevelt Island constituents. I will continue to monitor and push for much needed funding in the State budget as negotiations are forthcoming,” said Seawright.

The final budget is anticipated to pass on April 1, 2018.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson added:

When Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled the details of his robust $168 billion FY 2019 Executive Budget last Tuesday, it served as a reminder of his familiar refrain “to deliver progressive government to all New Yorkers”.

From fighting the federal tax assault to ending the state’s burgeoning opioid epidemic by holding pharmaceutical companies accountable to investing record amounts in education, supporters and foes lauded the proposal. After a careful review of the 368-page fiscal plan, Roosevelt Island residents and businesses can also celebrate.

Subject to approval by the State Legislature currently in session in Albany, the budget includes a $25 million payment to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to support capital infrastructure improvements. The payment is the tangible result of a unique land-swap agreement - regarding 2.62-acre parcel to help facilitate the Cornell-Tech campus development - between the State and RIOC.

According to the Dec. 16, 2013 document, executed by Empire State Development, the appropriation was to occur no later than Dec. 31, 2018 and be subject to the annual appropriation process and State budgetary procedure. The final budget is anticipated to pass April 1.

RIOC currently has a five-year $65-million major improvements schedule to immediately address aging infrastructure and public facilities that have had neither improvements nor repairs since their original construction 40 years ago.

“We’re thrilled that we will likely have additional resources,” said RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal,” to build, repair, improve and break ground on new projects to the benefit of all Roosevelt Island residents.”

Some Roosevelt Islanders were concerned the State might not keep it's agreement to pay RIOC for the Cornell Tech/Goldwater Hospital land swap agreement. The Governor kept his promise. Now it's up to the State Legislature to approve.

Here's the December 12, 2013 RIOC Board meeting approving the Cornell Tech land transfer and memorandum of agreement confirming the funding agreement.

Roosevelt Island Bubble Cool Cafe Grand Re-Opening Saturday, January 20, Free Bubble Tea Tomorrow - Also, Free Coffee Every Morning And Pastries Coming Soon Too

The Roosevelt Island Bubble Cool Bubble Tea Cafe reports:

Grand Opening

Great news. After a long winter, we finally are going to have our grand opening tomorrow. Y’all are very welcome to step in tomorrow. We will have free bubble tea drink all day!!!

Also, from 1/20 - 1/26 will be our grand opening promotion week. For the whole week, the first 50 customers will enjoy our free bubble tea drink.

More good news, starting 1/20, we provide free coffee every morning starting at 7:30 a.m. First come first serve. Pastries also coming soon!

Bubble Cool has been open at 558 Main Street since last September.

Roosevelt Island Youth Center Independent Review Panel Evaluation Scores For Applicants Revealed - RIYP Selected Over Island Kids, Final Decision Up To RIOC Board Of Directors

 As reported January 16:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) confirmed last week it will recommend to the RIOC Board of Directors that the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) continue to be the Operator of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center.

and according to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal:

... Based on RIYP’s grant application– which received the highest rating from an independent panel of reviewers from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery – we will be recommending that the Board, at its upcoming January 25 meeting, award the $200,000 annual grant to RIYP....

The January 25 RIOC Board Of Directors meeting will vote on the following resolution:

RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York (“RIOC”), as follows:

Section 1. that RIOC is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with the Roosevelt Island Youth Program, Inc. for the operation of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center, upon such terms and conditions substantially similar to those outlined in the Memorandum from Sean Singh to RIOC Board of Directors/Susan G. Rosenthal dated January 9, 2018, attached hereto;

Section 2. that the President/Chief Executive Officer or her designee is hereby authorized to take such actions and execute such instruments as she deems necessary to effectuate the foregoing; and

Section 3. that this resolution shall take effect immediately.

Below is the referenced RIOC memorandum supporting the resolution:

On August 15, 2017 RIOC made available a competitive grant opportunity for an Operator for the Roosevelt Island Youth Center. The grant was advertised in the New York State Contract Reporter, as well as through RIOC’s web site and direct outreach to potentially interested non-profit entities with experience running the solicited services.

Applications were submitted on November 15, 2017 and two entities responded: The Roosevelt Island Youth Program, Inc. and Island Kids, Inc. The applications were independently reviewed by two members of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services as well as the Executive Director of Roosevelt Island Day Nursery. The applications were evaluated based upon the 100-point rating scale detailed in the grant application.

The independent scores submitted by the evaluators were tallied and the averages of those scores are listed below for each category:

Upon receipt of the independently rated applications and all due diligence, it is my recommendation that the RIOC Board authorize an award to the Roosevelt Island Youth Program for a term of three (3) years, with an option for RIOC to extend the grant for up to two (2) additional 1-year periods, along the terms and conditions outlined in the Request for Applications and the submitted application.

and the Evaluation Scoring Summary submitted by each member of the independent review panel (Click Image To Enlarge)

Will the recommendation made by the independent review panel and RIOC staff to award contract for operation of the Youth Center to the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) be approved by the RIOC Board at the January 25 meeting? Usually, that happens.

But, some members of the Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA are trying to stop the RIOC Board from approving RIYP as the Youth Center operator. 

More info at this January 16 post and from the Roosevelt Island Daily.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE 1/23 - Main Street Wire has more here and here.

According to the RIOC Request for Applications for an Operator for the Roosevelt Island Youth Center (Page 4):

IV. SCOPE OF SERVICES

a. Description Of Services – Youth Oriented Service Planning & Design

The Operator will independently manage RIYC and will provide youth programs and services, including leadership development programs; sports, fitness and recreation programs; arts and cultural programs; and health/life skills programs. All programs must be offered free of charge. This programming will serve the Roosevelt Island’s diverse population of children, youth, and young adults ages 5 to 20. RIOC envisions a drop-in program with a menu of diverse program offerings that participants can pick and choose at will, without committing to regular program attendance. As such, the Operator will not need to be registered as a school aged child care provider in accordance with NYS Office of Children and Family Service regulations when serving children ages 5 through 12.

The Operator will be required to maintain non-profit status and demonstrate compliance with annual State and Federal reporting requirements for non-profit organizations, including but not limited to the New York Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013, and certified as “tax exempt” under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 501(c)(3). Please note that organizations will be prohibited from using the in-kind donation and/or supplemental grant for any political or lobbying activities. Annual reporting of grant money expenditures will also be required, to the satisfaction of RIOC.

The Operator will be responsible for soliciting and managing youth activity by staff or independent organizations to provide high quality programs and services such as multi-media training, dance classes, computer training, art and music classes, science classes, leadership programs, high school/college/job preparation, homework assistance and other educational programs.

UPDATE 1/23 10:30 PM- The Main Street Wire reports:

... RIOC does not want their program to compete with the Beacon, but to provide an additional resource for Island youth. Flug clarified that the contract was only to run the Youth Center; recreational sports are not included. “If they want to run activities like a little league or soccer league, that won’t be with RIOC money going forward. What was done in the past was problematic,” she says....

Ms Flug's statement, as reported by the Wire, appears contrary to the RIOC Youth Center Application Request.

Sponsored Post - Check Out Roosevelt Island Gristedes Bonus Card Diamond Rewards Items For January 19 Thru February 1, Weekly Sales, Specials & Free Delivery With $75 Or More Purchase

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Join Indivisible Roosevelt Island Group For 2018 Women's March On New York City Saturday, January 20

#WomensMarch2018 Roosevelt Islanders https://t.co/IGO65zzPsR

— Indivisible RI NYC (@indivisible_ri) January 17, 2018

Indivisible Roosevelt Island reports:

Stand Up and Be Counted

March with us on Saturday, 1/20.

A group of RI residents will meet at the F train at 10:30 am to attend the Women's March. They are joining a larger contingent, led by Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright, which is meeting at 11 am at Whole Foods Cafe at Columbus Circle. The Seawright group will have signs and, given her status as an elected representative, may be granted additional courtesies.

Of course, you are welcome to bring your own signs and march with your friends and neighbors.

The main entrance point will be between at 72nd & Central Park West. The rally starting at 11:30 will be at Central Park West & 61st/62nd street. The full block in front of the stage (61st to 62nd on Central Park West) will be reserved for those with disabilities. The march starting around 12:30 will go past Columbus Circle, East on 59th Street, and South on 6th Avenue with exits at 45th/44th/43rd streets. We will have many after-march activities (indoors) for you to choose from. See our FAQ for more details;

https://womensmarchalliance.org/2018-womens-march-on-nyc/2018wm-faq/

More on the 2018 Wormen's March on NYC here.

According to Indivisible Roosevelt Island:

About Indivisible Roosevelt Island.

We are a group of committed activist residents who will advocate for policies and actions that promote equality and justice, concerns we find lacking in the current administration.

We are a resource for our community, letting you know about important activities, campaigns, get out the phone call and other events of interest....

More information on Indivisible Roosevelt Island available from their newsletters, the Indivisible Roosevelt Island Facebook Page or email address.

Good News, Roosevelt Island F Train Service To And From Manhattan This Weekend

According to the MTA, there will be Roosevelt Island F Train service

to and from Manhattan this weekend.

 Image From MTA

Click here for more MTA Weekender info.

Happy 95th Birthday To Roosevelt Island Resident And Pioneering NYPD Detective Mary Fitzgerald - One Of NYPD"s First Female Detectives

Before heading off to work, Mary Fitzgerald typically checked her oversized handbag: Keys. Makeup. A .38-caliber revolver. https://t.co/EMb1kPfACA

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) January 18, 2018

According to the NY Daily News, long time Roosevelt Island resident and former NYPD pioneering Detective Mary Fitzgerald celebrated her 95th birthday yesterday.

Join us in wishing NYPD pioneer Mary Fitzgerald a happy 95th birthday.
“In the era of stay-at-home TV moms like June Cleaver, Fitzgerald broke down barriers on the pickpocket squad and then the Intelligence Division.”
Read more via @LauraDimon https://t.co/CwSOReYlYt pic.twitter.com/ru4szAw3JR

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) January 17, 2018

The NYPD Twitterverse adds:

Members from #NYPD ESU EMS helped celebrate retired 2nd grade Detective Mary Fitzgerald’s 95th Birthday. Detective Fitzgerald was appointed to the NYC Police Department on December 1, 1952 and retired on August 31, 1983 after over 30 years of dedicated service. Happy Birthday! pic.twitter.com/vZD5wzCQjk

— NYPD Special Ops (@NYPDSpecialops) January 17, 2018

#ICYMI #NYPD pioneer Mary Fitzgerald celebrates 95th birthday. When Fitzgerald joined the force in 1951, Harry Truman sat in the #WhiteHouse, “Oklahoma!” played on Bdwy and Mickey Mantle patrolled center field in @Yankees Stadium #Meetyourcops @NYDailyNews https://t.co/mGXn04JYM9

— Sgt. Carlos Nieves (@NYPDNieves) January 18, 2018

The New York Daily News adds:

... “My favorite memory was when President Kennedy asked me who I was,” recalled Fitzgerald, the daughter of Irish immigrants. “He put out his hand and said, ‘And you are?’

“So he got a big surprise when I said, ‘I’m Detective Mary Fitzgerald.’ There was a lot of security, but I was the only woman.”

The nonagenarian smiled at the memory from her long run as one of New York’s Finest. A signed photo of JFK’s wife (“With best wishes, Jacqueline Kennedy”) hangs inside her Roosevelt Island apartment...

Life of Mary Fitzgerald https://t.co/OKSJDl2qqr

— Charles girven (@CharlesGirven) January 18, 2018

Congratulations and Happy Birthday Detective Mary Fitzerald. Thank you for your service.

Check out the Mary Fitzgerald photo gallery from the NY Daily News too.

NYPD 114 Precinct Cracking Down On Electric Motor Bicycle Food Deliveries To Roosevelt Island And Astoria - Pedal Assist Bikes OK But Not Motorized Only E Bikes

On October 19, 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced:

... the New York City Police Department today announced that the City will take heightened enforcement action against electric bicycles, otherwise known as “e-bikes,” with a particular focus on the hazardous operation of e-bikes and businesses who use them or permit employees to ride them.

“E-bikes are illegal to operate in New York City and the NYPD is stepping up enforcement,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Those at the top of the food chain need to be held accountable. That’s why instead of merely targeting riders, we’re going after businesses that look the other way and leave their workers to shoulder the fine.”

“E-bikes are too often a danger on the City’s streets and sidewalks,” said NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “They’re illegal to operate here, but it seems like you can spot them everywhere – and that’s where our increased enforcement comes in. Officers are confiscating e-bikes from riders and issuing summonses that carry a stiff fine, and enforcement is up dramatically this year. Soon businesses will be held accountable too, because most e-bike riders are acting on their employer’s behalf. The NYPD is committed to keeping City streets safe for everyone and e-bike enforcement is an important part of the plan.”...

The issue of restaurants using motorized electric bicycles to make Roosevelt Island food deliveries

was discussed during the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) November 29 Public Safety Committee meeting with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus. According to this excerpt from the PSC report:

... The enforcement of traffic regulations for motorized bike was addressed. The Chief is aware of the problem and will be initiating more enforcement of the laws, for deliveries that come onto the Island....

The NYPD 114 precinct, which patrols Roosevelt Island, tweets earlier this week:

E-Bike Initiative all week long in the confines of the 114 Precinct. If you use it, you will lose it! pic.twitter.com/4D4FZ8t0c1

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) January 15, 2018

Yes it includes Roosevelt Island as well.

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) January 15, 2018

PO Dubeau & PO Kotik confiscated these 2 E-bikes today off the streets of Astoria. They are illegal! #UseItAndLoseIt pic.twitter.com/WeYIxVYQYa

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) January 16, 2018

But, there's another side to the story. According to Streetsblog:

... For a delivery worker, income is a function of how many deliveries you can make in a day, and delivery zones are expanding as apps like Seamless and GrubHub introduce new incentives for restaurants to cover more turf. Especially for older delivery workers, e-bikes are the only feasible conveyance for daily shifts that routinely clock in at 12 to 16 hours long. On top of it all, many immigrant workers are paying off tens of thousands of dollars in debt to the networks that smuggled them into the country.

“The city has never really talked with delivery workers about their own conditions, and how to design a system around delivery work — about streets, about the commercial cycling ordinances, about e-bike laws,” Lee said. “We’re totally ignoring the people who have the most intimate knowledge of city streets.”

The fine for operating an e-bike on city streets can be as high as $500. That, along with the seizure of property worth several hundred dollars, can upend the life of delivery workers getting by on tips and little else. Even the fines on businesses can trickle down to workers’ pocketbooks....

and:

... A non-punitive approach to the issue might involve encouraging the use of pedal-assist bikes for delivery work, which amplify human power but require the rider to expend some energy. De Blasio said older delivery workers should use those bikes, which are not banned under NYC law, unlike e-bikes that can be powered by just a motor. But instead of talking to delivery workers and trying to reach a solution that fits the demands of the job, the mayor and NYPD have jumped straight to penalizing them....

Here's an interesting video showing the differences between motorized electric bicycles using throttles, which are illegal, and pedal assisted electric bikes which are legal.



Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos is hosting a forum about the bicycle delivery issue tomorrow.

Do you deliver? We're hosting a training tomorrow with @NYC_DOT for commercial cyclists.

With the training, you receive free bike lights!

RSVP: https://t.co/Yx7Iw6O7H7 pic.twitter.com/KjwctUOPTw

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) January 17, 2018

UPDATE 1/19 - Mayor de Blasio spoke about banning Electric Bicycles and food delivery safety during January 17 Town Hall with Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos.

Roosevelt Island Red Bus Next Bus GPS App Down For A Week Says Resident - RIOC Says It's Working Today

The Next Bus App is a very useful and convenient tool for residents enabling us to know when the Roosevelt Island Red Bus
 

will arrive at our stop - when it is working.

A reader asked today about the status of the Next Bus Roosevelt Island Red Bus App:

... have you heard anything about the bus app not working again? It’s been about a week of it not working...

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson has the answer:

Yes, there were some problems with the Next Bus app this week. We did not receive a reason why from the developer which operates the app that displays our buses approximate GPS-tracked locations/arrival times.

The app is up and working again this afternoon.

As previously reported, the Octagon Building pays for and has the contract with Next Bus for the Roosevelt Island Red Bus App.

Check out the Roosevelt Islansd Red Bus Next Bus app for yourself.

You can download the mobile app here.

Roosevelt Island and Manhattan Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos Hosting Town Hall Meeting With Mayor Bill de Blasio Tonight 7 PM At East Side Middle School

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Member Ben Kallos will participate in a town hall meeting tonight with residents of Roosevelt Island, Yorkville, Lenox Hill, Carnegie Hill, Sutton Place, and El Barrio in East Harlem.

According to Council Member Ben Kallos:

January Town Hall with Mayor Bill de Blasio
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 7:00pm
End Time
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - 9:00pm

East Side Middle School 114
331 East 91st Street
New York, NY 10128
United States

Space is limited - please RSVP by January 16 at 5PM

Co-sponsored by
Congress Member Carolyn Maloney
State Senator Liz Krueger
Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Manhattan Community Board 8

Accessibility provided upon request.

RIOC Recommends Roosevelt Island Youth Program To Continue As Youth Center Operator Following Advice Of Independent Review Panel - But PS/IS 217 PTA President Starts Letter Writing Campaign To Oppose RIYP Selection

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) confirmed last week it will recommend to the RIOC Board of Directors that the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) continue to be the Operator of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center.

On January 9, I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal:

I understand that the Roosevelt Island Youth Program was awarded the RFP contract by RIOC to operate the Youth Center.

Is that true?

Any comment from RIOC?

Ms Rosenthal replied the next day:

Based on RIYP’s grant application– which received the highest rating from an independent panel of reviewers from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery – we will be recommending that the Board, at its upcoming January 25 meeting, award the $200,000 annual grant to RIYP....

Newly hired RIOC Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson added:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Center operator contract term is for three years with a RIOC option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms.

Click here for all the details outlined in the original RFP.

RIYP Executive Director Charlie Defino reacted to the news:

The announcement that the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Inc.. has been selected to continue it's mission of serving the Roosevelt Island community is wonderful. We are ecstatic about having the opportunity to continuing offering free services to the entire island and building on our four decades of successful operation.

According to reliable sources, there were two applicants for the current Roosevelt Island Youth Center Operator Request For Applications - RIYP and Island Kids.

At least one Roosevelt Island resident disagrees with RIOC's recommendation of RIYP as the Youth Center Operator. A tipster forwarded this message sent by PS/IS 217 PTA President Erin Olavesen to the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network yesterday:

According to the WIRE, RIOC has confirmed that the RIYP is the highest scorer for the Youth Center operator contract. The award requires approval from the RIOC board. This will be put to a vote on January 25, at their next board meeting.

RIOC giving a 3 year contract to RIYP to run our youth center is distressing and disappointing on so many levels. I hear the talk and know many of you feel the same. I’m sending a letter to RIOC to express my concerns, and asking the WIRE to publish it. I know many of you feel the youth center leadership will never change, and it isn't worth giving it a second thought. I'd hope if enough of us raise concerns, RIOC will be forced to act.

Please let me know if you’d like to read it and possibly sign your name with mine. Our kids deserve better.

I asked Ms. Olavesen:

I understand that you sent a statement today to the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network objecting to RIOC awarding the Youth Center Operator RFP to the Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP). You also stated that you will be contacting RIOC asking them not to award the Youth Center Operator RFP to RIYP and urged members of the Parents Network to contact RIOC and do the same.

Is that correct?

If it is correct, why do you think it is appropriate for the President of the PS/IS 217 PTA to advocate, either in favor or opposition, to any specific applicant for the Roosevelt Island Youth Center operator, particularly since the PTA itself receives Public Purpose Funding from RIOC?

Please let me know if you will comment on this matter. I am happy to include your response in a story I plan on publishing tomorrow.

Also, if you wish, am happy to publish any letter from you on the subject as well.

Ms Olavesen replied:

Please note that I sent an email to the RIPN and posted on the Roosevelt Island Parents' Facebook page as an island resident and mother of two children. I did not send the email or post on behalf of the PTA.

There is a contentious history between the RIYP and PS/IS 217 school principal/PTA. As previously reported last spring and summer, the PS/IS 217 PTA and School Principal were responsible for removing the RIYP as the PS/IS 217 Beacon After School Provider.

Also a prior 2016 Roosevelt Island Youth Center Operator Request For Proposals was withdrawn by RIOC. The reason for the withdrawal according to RIOC President Rosenthal was:

... members of the Roosevelt Island community have submitted numerous communications to RIOC generally questioning the legitimacy of the review that resulted in a tie. Some communications included disparaging remarks about bidders. All such communications, attempting to influence the RIOC review committee while the RFP is pending, are inappropriate and are prohibited by State Finance Law. These communications, among other things, caused RIOC to withdraw the RFP on January 27, 2017.....

The tie was between RIYP and Island Kids.

Stay tuned for more.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day Today, Take A Moment To Remember And Honor His Legacy - "Life's Most Persistent And Urgent Question is: What Are You Doing For Others"

In 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech in Montgomery, Alabama, in which he declared, "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

Here are some ways to celebrate and honor MLK's legacy: https://t.co/wqGJXrnesO #MLKDay

— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) January 15, 2018

The third Monday in January has been designated as a Federal holiday in honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born January 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Dr. King is remembered and honored for many things including his 1963 "Letter from a Birmingham Jail".

An excerpt:

... A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up that state's segregation laws was democratically elected? Throughout Alabama all sorts of devious methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered. Can any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured?

Sometimes a law is just on its face and unjust in it's application. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First-Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest....

The full text of Letter From A Birmingham Jail is here and a short excerpt of audio below.



Here's an excerpt of Dr. King's last speech - I've Been To The Mountain Top.



Politcio has an excellent article on the last years of Dr. King's life.

... Almost 50 years after his death, we remember MLK as the transcendent figure who helped lift the South out of Jim Crow. We also remember him as almost preternaturally calm in the face of great pressure and danger. He was indeed all of these things. But the passage of time has obscured his dimensionality. In the last years of his life, King expanded his vision beyond the former Confederacy and took on a broader struggle to dismantle America’s jigsaw edifice of racial and economic discrimination—a struggle that took him deep into northern states and cities, where onetime allies became bitter enemies. He did so even as he strained to keep a fractious civil rights movement unified, and in the face of unremitting sabotage from federal authorities.

He was a young man, still in his 30s—foisted onto the national stage with actors many years or decades his senior, suspect in the eyes of both younger and older civil rights leaders—and the burdens of leadership took their toll on him....

Take a moment today to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Great picture of Dr. King playing some backyard ball w/ his daughter.

Remember the man, celebrate his legacy. #MLKDay2018

📸: @nlbmprez pic.twitter.com/tcrrpAXhId

— Bronx Pinstripes (@BronxPinstripes) January 15, 2018

and the good work he accomplished to make our country a better place:

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

More on Dr. King from History.com

Watch Video Of Roosevelt Island Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney's Forum On How New Tax Plan Affects New Yorkers - "Tax Scam Will Be Devastating For New York City" Says Maloney

Roosevelt Island's Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney hosted a forum on how the new Tax Plan will impact New Yorkers last Sunday. Elected representatives attending the forum included:

• Public Advocate Letitia James,
• NY State Senator Rebecca Seawright,
• NYC Council Member Ben Kallos,
• Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and
• NYC Council Member Carolina Rivera.

You can watch the forum below.

Today I hosted a forum on how the #GOPTaxScam will affect New Yorkers. We discussed how it will impact our state, seniors, healthcare, and more. https://t.co/tsRILe8bzj

— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) January 13, 2018

According to this January 13 Press Release from Congresswoman Maloney's office:

Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) hosted a community forum on how the GOP tax law affects New York State. She was joined by a panel of experts including Director of Metro New York Health Care for All Campaign Mark Hannay, Senior Budget & Policy Analyst at the Fiscal Policy Institute Jonas J. Nazimoff Shaende and AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. The panel used their expertise to help break down the GOP tax law that was rushed through the House and Senate at the end of 2017 despite opposition from every Democrat in both chambers.

“While Americans were celebrating the holidays, President Trump and Congressional Republicans handed millions of hardworking people a big lump of coal with their tax scam, disguised as a tax reform bill,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “This tax scam will be devastating for New York City and raise taxes on over 80 million Americans across this country. The new Republican tax law steals from states like New York and borrows another $2.3 trillion that our children and grandchildren will have to pay back, in order to give massive tax breaks to big corporations and the wealthiest, fortunate few.

“This bill is a disaster for the middle class, for healthcare, and for New York. Our state already pays more than its fair share. We were already sending over $56 billion more to the federal government in taxes than we got back in federal spending. We are a donor state – and proud to do our part, but we’re not fools and can see how badly we’re being taken advantage of.”

Constituents spent over an hour asking questions about the State and Local Tax Deduction cap, the mortgage interest cap, the repeal of the Affordable Care Act individual mandate, the $25 billion cut to Medicare, and the Republicans’ plan to slash funding for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. A full video of the event can be found here.