Monday, January 02, 2006 THE NEW YEAR First off, I must advise you that this will be my last column in this publication in my capacity as District manager of Community Board #10. It has been a pleasure coming to you each week and letting you know of the work the Community Board undertakes on behalf of our community. I wish everyone a happy and healthy New year and know that 2006 will be an even better year for our city and community. See you next year! FLU SHOTS In conjunction with Bronx Municipal Hospital, Senator Klein, Assemblyman Benedetto and I will be sponsoring free flu shots for residents in our community during the month of January. Please make note of the following dates and locations. Tuesday, January 10, from 4pm to 6pm at the Throgs Neck Volunteer Ambulance Corps. 3955 East Tremont Ave (between Sampson Ave and the Cross Bronx Exp). Wednesday, January 11, from 3pm to 5pm at the Community Board #10 office, 3165 East Tremont Avenue (between Waterbury and LaSalle Ave). Appointments for the shots are required. You may call Community Board #10 at 718-892-1161. Also, Saturday, January 14, Edgewater Park Volunteer Fire Dept. from 11am to 2pm. Call Assemblyman Benedetto's office at 718-892-2235 for an appointment. Wednesday, January 18, City Island Library from 11am to 2pm. Call Senator Klein's office at 718-822-2049.

Monday, December 26, 2005 CRIME REARS IT'S UGLY HEAD For years, our city has experienced crime declines. No one thought it was possible for crime to fall below levels unheard of since the 1960's. Policies implemented in the past several years and the use of advanced technology have certainly helped-but our police officers are largely responsible for driving this crime reduction by their dedication and commitment. This was shown again this week in a dramatic way as drug-addicted thieves killed Police Officer Daniel Enchautegui, a resident of the Pelham Bay community. Also, during the last week, police raids in Throgs Neck netted large amount of drugs and in Co-op City guns and drugs were confiscated as part of a multi-agency attack on gangs. So while statistics point to a downward crime trend, we are reminded that we can never be too secure. We must remain vigilant and aware that serious crime can happen almost anywhere and at any time. We have to also insist that punishment be firm and strong. We should have no tolerance for criminals who go through the system time and time again-it is the repeat offender who we often find finally commits the most heinous of crimes. I really don't know if we realize the risk our police officers take everyday and how they put their lives on the line every time they intervene in a dispute or answer a call. They do a tremendous job and their families are indeed special. This holiday season, our thoughts and prayers go out to all victims of crime and their families. It will be a difficult holiday season for many this year. Let us keep them uppermost by not taking their sacrifices for granted. December 19, 2005 will mark my 26th year at Community Board #10. As most of you know, I will be assuming my seat on the New York City Council on January 1, 2006. This has been a very busy and rewarding year for me and I thank so many of you who have reached out by telling me you have read this column and benefited from the information it has provided. My family and I want to thank everyone for their friendship and good wishes and hope the Holiday season holds good health for all. See you next week.

Monday, December 12, 2005 DISABLED HOMEOWNERS EXCEPTION Low-income, disabled homeowners, co-op and condo owners, are eligible for a real estate property tax exemption if they occupy property and use it as their primary residence. Applicants must have a physical or mental impairment, not due to the use of alcohol or drugs. Proof must be submitted of one of the following: 1. Social Security Disability Insurance, 2. Social Security Benefits, 3. Combined Retirement Disability, 4. Disability from U.S.Postal Service, 5. Certificate from the Blind and Visually Impaired stating that the person is legally blind. The total gross income of all owners of a particular property must be less than $32,400. Medical and prescription expenses that were not covered or not reimbursed by insurance can be deducted from the applicant's income to determine eligibility. Even if the property has other exemptions such as STAR or Veterans, it may qualify. Applications must be received by the Department of Finance before March 1, 2006. DISABLED RENT INCREASE EXEMPTION Renters who are disabled and live in multi-unit housing covered by rent control, rent stabilization or Mitchell-Lama also qualify if they are disabled and are paying more than 1/3 of their income for rent. Individuals cannot make more than $17,004 and couples $24,372 a year. The applicant must be receiving SSI, SSI Disability, Veteran's Disability or Compensation or Medicaid related disability. The program also falls under the NYC Department of Finance. For further information please go to NYC.Gov and link to the Department of Finance. You may also call Community Board #10 at 718-892-1161 for applications for both programs.

Monday, December 05, 2005 GRAB BAR IMPORTANT FOR SENIORS: Pelham Parkway senior activist Martin Gold has been in the forefront of pushing legislation sponsored by Manhattan Councilman Alan Gerson that would expand cases where grab bars would have to be installed for eligible seniors and handicapped residents in NYC. Indeed, he is correct in noting the seriousness of this problem and the need for the City Council to act. According to a 2002 report by the Council of Senior Center of New York that concentrated on the need to address elder fall prevention in NYC, falls account for 87% of all fractures and the majority of hospitalizations for trauma for people over 65 years of age or older. Hip fractures, 95% of which are caused by falls, result in the greatest number of deaths and the most severe health problems including death within 1 year for 25% of seniors who fracture their hip. In addition, 50% of all seniors hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury death in people over age 65 and 60% of fatal falls occur in the home or apartment. These figures are alarming. They point to the need for action on the part of the city. Senior tenants should have the right to request such installation and senior homeowners should review their own health situations and install such grab bars to protect their own health and safety. VOTER REGISTRATION: Today, voter registration is an easily and accessible process. Forms are on-line or can be obtained from almost any type of government office. If you move, you must re-register from your new address. Having said this, you cannot believe how many residents are not voters! This is a basic responsibility for everyone living in our representative democracy. If you have not voted in several years it would be wise to check with the Bronx Board of Elections at 718-299-9017 to see if you are still registered. Among other places, voter registration forms are available at our Community Board #10 office, 3165 East Tremont Avenue between Waterbury and LaSalle Avenues.

Monday, November 21, 2005 HOME INVASIONS. As many of you know, Long Island recently had a string of home invasions that placed many residents on notice that they could not be careful enough when it came to safety and security. Please be aware that con artists have schemes, scams and stings that take advantage of people. Scam artists prefer to prey on the elderly, believing they are prime targets. Elderly residents are generally more trusting, more polite to strangers and may be less resistant to pressure. However, all of us are potential victims. All of us must be aware of utility con artists and the home repairmen. If you are not expecting a repairman, ask for they supervisors name and number. Remember to always call an verify I.D. BEFORE you open the door and allow them into your home. Do not give cash to strangers posing as repairmen. Legitimate repairmen do not solicit door to door. The New York City Police Department offers free security surveys for your home or business. Please ask for the Crime Prevention Officer at your local precinct. If ever you suspect a fraud or scam do not hesitate to call the police department immediately. THANKSGIVING. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us count our blessings and pray for those less fortunate. All too often, we tend to complain and take too much for granted. This year, our servicemen and women in Iraq must be uppermost in our minds. Let us not think of this day as a long awaited day off from school or work but a time to reflect and help others less fortunate. Parents, take a moment to connect with your teenager son or daughter. With the spread of the Internet and the use of cell phones, parents today must "be there" as never before. The holiday season upon represents a special opportunity for family time. We must all resolve to take time from our busy schedules and place family first.

Monday, November 07, 2005 VETERAN'S DAY THOUGHTS As we approach Veteran's Day, we thank and recognize our nation's veterans. The thousands who have died fighting for freedom and those who came back permanently scarred by war, must never be forgotten. We must resist allowing Veteran's Day to become just another day off from work. We must make a conscious effort to reflect on all our veterans have sacrificed over the years to secure our freedom and liberty. This year, we must particularly pray for our men and women serving in Iraq. We must not take our freedom for granted. Each and every day we voice our opinions, argue, debate and write letters without stopping to think that in many countries throughout the world such activity is still not allowed. In those same countries the media, both written and televised, is censored. People read or listen to only what the government allows. Freedom of speech and religion often do not exist. Over the years, our veterans made the ultimate sacrifice not only to secure basic right for American citizens but for people throughout the world. We still have work to do. Resolve to attent at least on Veteran's Day service this year (it bothers me to see attendance dwindling each year at so many of our local tributes). We must resolve to impart upon our children and grandchildren the seriousness of war and respect for those who deserve and have earned our admiration. Our children should learn these lessons not only from a history book but also from the family, from stories that can bring to life how America became and stayed a free nation and how the sacrifices of so many have made for a better world. Military Museum Morris Park resident, Joseph Garofalo is moving full steam ahead with plans to create a military museum exhibit in the Bronx, encompassing all past wars and the sacrifices made by our veterans. While looking for a permanent site, John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home has been gracious enough to grant Mr. Garofalo permission to display war memorabilia and souvenirs in the main lobby as part of a showcase exhibit. With Veteran's Day approaching, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Garofalo should you have items to donate. He can be reached at 718-792-0193.

Monday, October 31, 2005 THINGS TO WATCH FOR... Sometimes, we take things for granted. It is important that we always be aware of our surroundings. For example: Parents of young children must be vigilant when it comes to TV programs. In fact, with hundreds of channels now available, we must be aware not only of violence and sexual content on programs themselves but on commercials as well. Often, even the family oriented programs have commercials advertising other shows or movies that depict situations or scenes we do not want young eyes to see. As we drive our cars we must not only be aware of our own driving habits but the dangers posed by other drivers as well. Have you noticed how frequently STOP signs and even traffic lights are ignored or how some drivers speed down residential streets? Wherever I go people request speed bumps, 4 way STOP signs and other controls because so many drivers rush through our streets with alarming speed. If you own a two or three family home, ask that any perspective tenant agree to a credit check before you rent them the apartment. Most owners of apartment buildings now undertake such checks - owners of private homes tend not to do so. It is important that you make sure that the tenant you rent to is able to pay the rent every month and does not have a history in housing court that could pose major problems for you down the road. If you use a real estate agent tell them what you expect. Many tenants in apartment buildings face building maintenance issues. Yet, they frequently complain to the wrong agency and never see action on their complaints. Reach out to an elected official or your community board and let them know your specific problem so they can properly guide you or perhaps intervene with the building owner in a more effective way.

Monday, October 24, 2005 TREE MAINTENANCE It is important that the city take a serious look at its tree maintenance program. Wherever I go, people talk about the lack of tree pruning and the amount of trees pulling up sidewalks and causing major trip hazards. The city needs to commit to maintaining a tree pruning schedule and enact a program whereby the city would trim tree roots and restore sidewalks where trees have been uprooted. Concrete should be restored without charging the property owner if concrete restoration is needed. Trees are beautiful but they need to be maintained. A NOTE ON IDENTITY THEFT In recent years, we have increasingly heard about one person stealing another's identity. Identity theft has become a major problem that requires all of us to take steps to protect ourselves. A shredder is an inexpensive means of ensuring someone does not steal your identity. Otherwise, be sure to rip every sheet of paper with your personal information on it into small, unreadable pieces before you throw it in the trash. When it comes to banking, hide your passwords and never give them out to anyone. Make sure your personal identification number(PIN) is not something simple like your birthday. If it is, change it the next time you perform a transaction. It may take a few more seconds to remember your new PIN number each time you take a trip to the bank, but if your wallet is stolen, or your personal information got stolen in some other way, your identity might be saved because a hacker couldn't crack your code. Do not forget to close the accounts you believe have been opened fraudulently and notify credit companies and banks in writing. And lastly, notify the Police Department immediately and keep copies of the report to present to your creditors who need proof of the crime. A complaint should also be sent to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-IDTHEFT

Monday, October 17, 2005 POLICE AND EDUCATION ISSUES Even though crime is down throughout our city, we must always look at police man power levels in so called "low-crime" neighborhoods such as the 45th, 49th and similar station houses. To maximize police services in such communities, an effort to line more civilians in the police force to perform clerical and related duties was recently launched so that additional officers could be freed up to perform public safety functions. This is one of many attempts that must be made to increase the level of police services such as foot patrol and visibility if we are to make police presence on our streets a priority. If we are to maintain law and order and a strong posture when it comes to attacking crime there can be no excuse for neighborhoods in our city not having adequate police manpower. We must support a strong and professional police force that all neighborhoods can see so that as crime decreases citizens will also feel safer in their own communities. We must hope that with the recent contract settlement between the police and the city, fewer officers will leave to work in suburban counties that pay more. The long overdue settlement reached between the teachers union and the city may also result in addressing a similar situation as teachers have left New York City over the years and in fact been lured away by suburbs offering more money and smaller class size. If we are to improve reading and math scores, senior teachers must be encouraged to stay in the city school system. That means wages but it also includes atmosphere in both the school and the classroom. It is urgent that we reduce over crowding where it exists and stress school safety. Those who are in our school system to bully, harass or commit a violent crime must be taken out of the classroom and allow teachers to teach and students to learn in a nondisruptive atmosphere.

Monday, October 10, 2005 KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN New York City is the greatest place in which to live and work, and your community is a critical part of this city. Residents, property owner, merchants and tenants can help the Department of Sanitation keep the community clean. Your cooperation is a demonstration of your respect and consideration for your neighborhood and the appearance of the community. Here's How You Can Help: CLEANING: Regularly sweep the sidewalk in front of your property, as well as 18 inches into the street. Remove and properly dispose of the sweep litter and debris. Sweeping litter into the street is improper, illegal and inconsiderate. Also, areas such as tree pits must be kept clean of debris(Napkins, cups, etc.). LITTER BASKETS: Sanitation litter baskets are not for household garbage. Placing household garbage in them is illegal and causes baskets to quickly overflow. PROPER PLACEMENT OF REFUSE/RECYCLABLES RECEPTACLES: Refuse and recyclables must be properly packaged and placed out at curbside in front of your residence no sooner than the night before your scheduled collection day. Until the time of collection, refuse must be kept within the building or at the rear of the premises. Recyclables: The city recycles paper, metal, plastic and glass. These materials must be separated as follows: Mixed paper must be placed in clear plastic bags or in properly labeled 18-32 gallon containers, preferably green. Corrugated cardboard must be bundled and tied separately, unless broken down into small pieces, in which case it can be placed for recycling as mixed paper. Plastic (bottles and jugs), metal and glass (bottle and jars) paper, juice boxes and cartons, etc. must be placed in clear plastic bags or in properly labeled 18-32 gallon containers, preferably blue. Residents may stop at the Community Board office at 3165 E. Tremont Ave. For free decals to label recycling containers.

Monday, October 03, 2005 MONITORING 311 New York City initiating the 311 method of addressing complaints relating to the delivery of City services was certainly a welcome effort to provide meaningful service coordination. However, there are many issues with 311 that still need to be addressed. For example, residents are told to call 311 with noise complaints and they are often directed to the Department of Environmental Protection that answers those complaints days later rather than when the actual problem occurs. Parents who call about a particular school problem often call 311 after all attempts to settle the issue affecting their child have failed - only to have the call sent back to the very same people who did not originally address the matter. In addition, I must note that many people call 311 and wait an inordinate amount of time before they talk to an operator or an agency representative. This creates frustration and minimizes the effectiveness of the 311 operation. I must also note that many of those who work at 311 need additional training on an on-going basis - many callers are directed to unrelated state or federal agencies or the wrong city agency. We cannot tolerate people being sent around the bureaucratic mulberry bush as they attempt to maintain the quality of life in their community. Tracking 311 calls and making sure neighborhood problems are addressed in an accountability issues. On many occasions residents have come to me and complained that they have called 311 and never had their issue addressed. This, in fact, is all too common. It is for that reason that I strongly favor requiring that Community Boards and the local City Councilperson receive a monthly report from 311 detailing all complaints filed within their districts and the action taken by the city. This would provide for the effective tracking of city services and follow-up on unresolved problems. It would also allow for communities to identify trends that must be addressed and issues that go beyond the 311 calls. We must make sure that 311 and city government works effectively. It can only do so through meaningful tracking and reporting. RECYCLING EVENT The New York City Department of Sanitation is sponsoring a recycling event for old and non-working electronic items. Electronic equipment of all brands and models (computers, cell phones, TV sets) can be recycled. Interested residents may take such equipment to the event on Saturday October 22, 2005 at Bay Plaza Mall at the Barnes and Noble Parking lot from 9am to 4pm. The first 100 residents to do so will receive a $5 "Best Buy" certificate.

Monday, September 26, 2005 ASTHMA AWARENESS Did you know that over 500,000 New Yorkers have asthma - 130,000 of them children? 35,000 New Yorkers are hospitalized as a result of asthma each year - it is the leading cause of hospitalization for children 14 and younger in NYC. Over 1400 persons die each year from asthma in NYC. Asthma usually occurs in episodes, but most asthma is chronic. It results from narrowing of a person's airways. The narrowing is due to the lining of the airway, tightening of the airway muscle or increased mucus secretion in the airway. This narrowing causes a "wheeze" often heard in people having an asthma attack. What triggers asthma? Colds and respiratory infections, cigarette smoke, allergic reaction to pollen, animal dander, feathers, dust, food and stress may all cause asthma. In addition, indoor and outdoor air pollutants, including ozone, strenuous activity, exposure to cold air or sudden changes in temperature also trigger asthma. To combat the growing epidemic, the NYC Fire Department has developed an Emergency Medical Technician - based treatment program taking place before a hospital visit. Almost 600 paramedics are already trained on how to use the asthma medication Albuterol and 220 EMT's are similarly trained. But, these can be no substitute for all of us being asthma conscious. Look for triggers of asthma and realize it is a serious health problem that must be addressed and cannot be minimized.

Monday, September 19, 2005 METERS, METERS: Does it make sense to ticket those who park at broken parking meters? The meter is broken through no fault of the parker. Often, these meters stay broken for months before they are fixed. Yet, when someone parks at these meters along major commercial streets they areticketed. When you report the broken meter to the infamous 311 they will not take an address as a location. They need a meter number. Frustating to say the least! Indeed, residents and merchants today are being harassed. There is something desperately wrong with traffic enforcement in our city and it requires a top to bottom analysis. A REBATE INDEED! Do not forget that, 3 years ago, real estate taxes were raised by 18.5%. The $400 rebate many of us received this year does not nearly make up for such a whopping increase; it is meant to calm the water and have you forget about the original increase. Even after the $400 Rebate, property taxes went up this year. Yes, look at your bill. You paid more because your assessments went up even if your tax rate stayed the same. Yet anotherhidden tax. And, lastly, one cannot forget our water bills.Do you remember years ago when we were all told that water meters would mean lower bills if we conserve water? You could die from dehydration and not see a decrease in your water bill - every year it goes up because consumption actually has very little to do with the amount of your bill. And a panel called the "NYC Water Board," a group of faceless city bureaucrats who are not accountable to the public for their actions, controls the rates. The working person and senior citizen in our community continue to bear a disproportionate burden. Fairness dictates action on their behalf.

Monday, September 12, 2005 Back to school As children in our community return to school, I wanted to speak about issues other than those purely academic in the hope we don't lose sight of them in the coming year. I think it is important that students be taught about citizenship, values, brotherhood and how to act politely and have consideration toward others. Too often today, we hear language and see attitudes that reflect poorly upon young people. While such values should, of course, be emphasized in the home we cannot assume this is always the case. We must understand that a child's behavior in school impacts not only on his ability to learn but the entire atmosphere in the classroom. How a student dresses has a direct bearing on the learning environment in the classroom as well. Many schools have tried to address this issue with school uniforms while others have advised parents of a dress code. Parents, especially of students attending intermediate or high school, need to be more aware of how their child looks when he or she goes to school even if the school dress code is not clear. Lastly, I must stress the need for after school programs. So many parents today must work two jobs. If you go to any public library after school, you will see many children who are not in the library to study but to go there until their parent picks them up at 5pm. After school programs, however, should not be babysitting services. They must recognize the reality of the needs that exist and provide a chance for students to do homework, engage in recreation or take part in a meaningful program. By once again making schools the focal point of the community, realizing the importance of conduct and giving teachers the resources they need to do their jobs well we can provide an invaluable boost to academic achievement.

Tuesday, September 6, 2005 Meals on wheels disgrace Almost two years ago, the meals on wheels program serving the homebound frail and elderly in our borough was dramatically changed. Seniors receiving meals, often isolated from the outside world and having no social contact, were no longer sent a hot lunch every day. They now receive 5 frozen meals once a week and are told to cook one meal each day. This was done by the city to "save money." This dramatic change only took place in the Bronx and was approved by our City Council Member Madeline Provenzano. What a shame. This program is a a classic example of penny wise and pound foolish. It assumes that the elderly client will remember to microwave his or her meal each day. It ignores the fact that many need that daily social contact as it is perhaps their only contact with the outside world during a given day. It ignores the fact that our homebound seniors, many physically and mentally handicapped and often in the 90's, have earned the right to one hot meal a day. Treating the elderly people this way is disgraceful. this is why no other borough agreed to this change. This so called pilot program should be discontinued as soon as possible. REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS... Our hearts go out to the many who suffered devastating property loss in the southern part of our country due to Katrina. The loss of life and the absolute devastation will never be forgotten - if you see an opportunity to contribute to disaster relief efforts through the Red Cross or other organizations, please do so. Our prayers also go out to the September 11, 2001 victims as we mark the 4th anniversary of this attack on America. Our hearts continue to go out to the families and we hope everyone will mark this day by flying their American flag and making a point to attend services in their community honoring the victim's memory.

Monday, August 29, 2005 HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS I wish to update you on home improvement programs available for owner occupied properties, including co-ops and condominiums in Community District 10 as well as District 11. Neighborhood Housing Services: (NHS) offers programs for emergency repairs consisting of loans up to $5,000 at little or no interest depeding on income. This program is geared toward middle and lower income homeowners although there is significant flexibility when assessing nature. Typical improvements include roof repairs, leaks, water in the basement during rain, lack of insulation or related matters. An aspect of this program also focuses on assisting those who may have been refused bank loans or may have credit problems. Homeowners may call 718-881-1180. The New York City Department of Housing, Preservation & Development (HPD) also funds a low-interest home improvement program, which offers loans of up to $20,000 with up to 10 years to repay. Under this program, loans of either 2.5% or 5% are funded to homeowner for improvements such as masonry, roofing, plumbing repairs, boiler furnace replacement or electrical wiring. Depending on the size of the loan, they may also be able to make other improvements, such as painting, replacing kitchen cabinets and installation of storm windows. Income limits are available by calling our district office at 718-892-1161. NHS also provides loans to homeowners who are physically impaired and developmentally disabled or who have disabled family members. Expansion of doorways, ramp installation, moving bedrooms and bathrooms to ground floors and other house modifications related to health and safety are included. This program is of special interest to the elderly. For further information homeowners may call Angella Cummings at 212-519-2519.

Monday, August 22, 2005 A SENIOR MOMENT Even before I became District Manager of Community Board #10 more than 25 years ago, I was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Northeast Bronx Senior Citizens Center located at St. Benedicts Church Where I serve to this day. It is important that we reflect on some of the major issues impacting upon the elderly today. Of course, health concerns are paramount. Although many elderly people are living longer than ever before, we must be concerned about the quality of life many experience in their senior years. In this regard, I must note that major changes will soon go in effect impacting prescription coverage for the elderly under the Medicare program. In the days ahead, seniors must carefully assess the impact of this new federal legislation and how it will change their existing prescription benefits or provide new options to enhance coverage. Housing affordability for the elderly is another important factor. In the past year, Community Board #10 has approved 2 new housing developments for the elderly, one in Zerega and another north of Co-Op City. Fort Schuyler House in Throgs Neck has also started a major outreach effort to those over 55 needing studio and one-bedroom apartments as part of a package including 2 meals a day and housecleaning. The city has finally increased the SCRIE (Snior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program) income limits for senior tenants living in multiple dwellings and enacted a similar program for handicapped individuals as well. Yet, more must be done for elderly tenants who pay ever-increasing rent and remain on limited income. Senior homeowners are still recovering from the 2002 18.5% increase in the real estate tax and this year,s increase in property assessments. Both measures have hit people least able to pay. Elderly people today are increasingly independent and active. Senior centers provide a link to services, nutrition and friends. A support system and safety net, however, must be in place to address many of the outstanding issues facing our seniors.

Monday, August 8, 2005 Creating an Awareness By writing this column every week I have tried to raise an awareness of issues or subjects we may not give much thought to in our busy lives. This week I want to add to the list the following: Do we have adequate programs in place to care for our veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan? We must make sure that we learn from history. When returning from Vietnam, thousands of veterans went without the job --reretraining,--- physical and mental health programs they needed despite the sacrifice they had made in service to our country. Today, our returning veterans deserve not only verbal praise - we must put our money where our mouth is. This year, very few schools were opened during the summer. And those that were opened served only students who were required to attent summer school due to the threat of being held over. While serving such students is important, wouldn'd it be even more appropriate to open up our schools to students who are doing well in school and want to excel? How about having a recreation component for students looking for an adult supervised program rather than having so much idle time during the summer, often with both parents working and not being able to afford a fee based program? It seems to me that we need a focused and more inclusive summer school program that truly invests in our kids. As you must known by now, clean streets are an obsession of mine. Have you ever noticed people throwing garbage out of their cars as they drive? How about those who walk their dogs and refuse to pick up after them? Or residents and businesses who use our litter baskets as garbage receptacles? We must become aware of our own habits and those around us - and we must speak up when we see people abusing our community. An awareness is almost always the first step toward action. We cannot complain if we do not get involved. It is not always the other person. Sometimes, we can voice our concerns to the right person and get action. First, we must care enough to do our part for a better community.

Monday, August 1, 2005 Board #10 Leads Bronx in Street Cleanliness Bronx Community Board#10 has once again led the borough in the percentage of streets rated acceptably clean according to a fiscal year-end report issued by the Mayors Office of Operations. District 10, encompassing the communities of Throgs Nech, Pelham Bay, City Island, Co-op City and Zerega, ended the fiscal year with 96.7% of its streets rated acceptably clean for the time period of July 1, 2004 to June 30,2005. 98.3% of its sidewalks were also rated acceptably clean making the Board one of the 4 cleanest among the 59 Community Board districts in the city. Although we have led the borough for as long as I can remember, this is our highest rating yet. My office emphasizes street cleanliness and I, myself, cannot begin to tell you how many people I stop when they litter or refuse to keep their property clean. I firmly believe that the cleanliness of a community contributes positively to residents and visitors perception of a neighborhood. I make sure that those who are part of the problem rather than part of the solution understand that our neighborhood is not a pigpen. I must also credit property owners, store keepers and the Department of Sanitation for working together over the years to further improve Board#10's ratings, increasing its sidewalk cleanliness score from 96.8% in fiscal year 2003, 97.7% in fiscal year 2004 to the current 98.3%. I must also note that Senator Jeff Klein funding the "Ready, Willing and Able" street cleaning program in Pelham Bay and expanding it to Throgs Neck this month may place us even nearer to the 100% mark next year. By taking pride in their block and working to address problem areas elsewhere, residents can play a key role in keeping our streets clean. Our high rating is indicative of the high priority so many in this community attach to keeping their community and city clean.

Monday, July 25, 2005 Traffic Dangers Did you ever think of analyzing your own driving habits? When I attend community meetings of almost any type, the most common complaint I receive is about speeding. I constantly hear stories that are alarming and I wonder: How could people drive like this? Residents ask for speed bumps, traffic lights and increased signage. On some blocks, residents have even resorted to purchasing their own colorful "slow down" signs in an attempt to let motorists know their block is not a speedway. In essence, they are making a simple statement; they are asking that we take notice and read our speedometer! I've seen for myself how truly possessed some drivers have become. Some even run STOP signs and red lights. Others do not inch up to the STOP sign but brake at the very last minute once they are in the intersection and totally frighten the driver with the right of way. We need more traffic calming measures and I cannot begin to tell you how many requests our Board submits on my own observations and citizen requests. But we also need calmer drivers. Indeed, each one of us may truly represent part of the problem. All of us must realize the dramatic increase in the number of cars on our streets - today families have at least 2 cars per household and others have 3 or more. Not only has parking become a problem forcing many to walk a block or so from their home to their car where they previously could park in much closer proximity, but getting to your destination as quickly as you would like also is not always possible. All of us know that this situation can become increasingly frustating. Here, the virtue we need is patience. I must tell you that some residents complain that we have too many traffic lights and STOP signs and that getting from one part of our community to another often takes longer because of these controls. I note, however, that these controls and many others have resulted from those who drive like they are in a mad rush to go somewhere - or perhaps no where. What we must remember is that every on of our blocks is someone's home. The next time you get behind the wheel, notice your own driving habits. Check your speed. You may indeed be surprised!

Monday, July 18, 2005 Quality of life The term "quality of life" is used so often that it tends to be a catchall phrase. In reality it means different things to different people. I can well remember the 1980's, when I raised what I considered to be quality of life issues at meetings with agency commissioners. I was told that with murder and other crimes then so prevalent in the city other problems people in the Northeast Bronx had raised were not priorities. In fact, in 1994, when then Borough President Fernando Ferrer asked me to serve as head of a borough wide Commission to deal with quality of life problems, he jokingly indicated that it may have been I who coined the phrase. Quality of life problems, in my mind, often determine how people view their neighborhoods and whether or not they decide to stay in their community. The increase we have seen in graffiti vandalism is certainly something that gives a community a perception of blight. While most people say that kids paint the graffiti, I maintain young adults do it more frequently. A solution may be suspending the driving licenses of those over the age of 18 for a specific amount of time if they are convicted of the graffiti offense as well as requiring that they clean the area they desecrated. Garbage and litter also represents a community eyesore. Here, it is important that we reach out to merchants and property owners and try to be helpful on our own blocks. And, of course, if we have a dog we have a responsibility - we must pick up after our pet. Noise is an invasion of ones space. People have a right to live on a quite block and to enjoy peace and tranquility. Here, I think city regulations must be strengthened. Noise complaints are often shuffled between the police department that assigns them a low priority to 311 where noise complaints are addressed days, not minutes, after the complaint is made. Penalties for noise violation must be strengthened and our local precincts must be given additional manpower and show sensitivity to the entire noise issue. In essence, almost anything affecting a resident,s everyday life can be a quality of life problem. The role of Community Boards is to act on those complaints. Agency personnel, who often live in suburbs far removed from the city, should ask themselves before they respond or dismiss a quality of life complaint "How would I like this in my own community?"