PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers City Council votes on ending Gap Elimination Adjustment, school funding

YONKERS, NY – The Yonkers City Council today passed two resolutions urging Albany lawmakers to support Yonkers school children, with the Council’s Majority voting in the affirmative.

The resolutions call for the end of the Gap Elimination Adjustment, or GEA, and passage of an education tax credit. 

Yonkers City Council President Liam McLaughlin said, “The GEA has already taken $110 million of our school funding back. This City Council is the first municipality to successfully join a case to overturn the GEA, and we have taken further action tonight by urging Albany to end it once and for all. Why anyone would be against ending the Gap Elimination Adjustment is a mystery to me.”

The resolutions note that Albany lawmakers can support Yonkers school children by the passage of two pieces of legislation. The first, Senate Bill S6377, passed the State Senate 53 to 9 and was delivered to the State Assembly.

After passing the Senate, the bill was referred to the Assembly Education Committee, where the Assembly could take action and put it on the Assembly Calendar if it so chooses. The resolution passed by the City Council on Tuesday urges the Assembly and the Governor to support Yonkers school children and enact the Senate bill.

Council member Dennis Shepherd said, “The GEA was implemented when one party controlled Albany back in 2010 as a means of closing the $10 billion budget deficit that party had created. Members of that same party tonight voted to continue stealing money from our kids when the Minority voted to oppose the end of the Gap Elimination Adjustment.”

The second resolution also urged Albany lawmakers to support Yonkers school children and adopt Senate Bill S1976-A, which passed the State Senate as well, where it was supported by State Senators Andrea Stewart-Cousins and George Latimer, who is a cosponsor.

Majority Leader John Larkin said, “The State Senate has already passed this important legislation. It is time for the State Assembly and the Governor to act. This bill will provide over $70 million in new funding for public schools, and tens of millions to support non-profit organizations like YPIE that serve children in public schools, as well as ten million to reimburse teachers who pay out of their own pockets to buy supplies for their classrooms.”

The bill now sits in the Assembly Ways & Means Committee, where it died last year. Bills must pass both houses before they can be considered by the Governor.

The City Council’s resolutions put pressure on the State Assembly to move the Senate versions of the bill forward for a vote. According to the state government publication ‘How a Bill Becomes Law‘ under the rules of the State legislature, the Senate bills can now be voted on by the State Assembly. It reads:

“Passing a Bill“

                              

“After explanation, discussion or debate, a vote is taken. If a majority of the Senators approves, the bill is sent to the Assembly. (emphasis added)

 

“In the Assembly, you again have a chance to influence the bill as it moves through a process basically the same as that in the Senate. It is referred to a committee for discussion, and if approved there, it goes to the full membership for a vote.

 

“If the bill is approved in the Assembly without amendment, it goes on to the Governor. However, if it is changed, it is returned to the Senate for concurrence in the amendments.

 

“(The reverse procedure is followed if the Assembly first passes a bill identical to a Senate measure or if the Senate amends an Assembly bill.)“

As the publication states, an Assembly version of a bill is not needed to pass a Senate bill in the Assembly, and vice-versa. Bills that are one-house in origin routinely pass both houses.

Council member Mike Breen, chairman of the City Council Education committee, said it was mind-boggling anyone could oppose the resolutions adopted by the City Council. “The Education Tax Credit supports all children,” he said.

“This is money we don’t have that can go a long way toward correcting the unfair school funding formula, which is even harsher on Yonkers kids when coupled with the Gap Elimination Adjustment,” Breen said. “A vote against these resolutions was a vote against all our kids and a vote to keep the GEA, and that is what we saw tonight.”

Both resolutions passed the City Council 4 to 3 and will be forwarded to Albany lawmakers, even though the education tax credit resolution passed the City Council 6 to 1 last year. This means the Council’s Minority voted to oppose ending the Gap Elimination Adjustment and also opposes additional funding for Yonkers Public Schools and school children.

Mike Messer At Urban H20 October 26- $12 + Pay what you can!

Mike Messer, lead singer and guitarist of popular children's group The Dirty Sock Funtime Band ,   will play a family concert at Urban H20.  Mike has been featured in several episodes of Jack's Big Music Show on Nick Jr. and guest-starred in an episode of Sesame Street. His other musical accomplishments include touring and singing alongside the late great Billy Preston.
This family music show (for pre-k through 6th grade is benefiting the Yonkers Partners in Education.  $2 from every ticket goes directly to them!

 Urban H2O events at CURB (Formerly Beczak) are held at 35 Alexander St., steps from the Downtown Yonkers Metro-North station with ample free parking. for info, please call 917 562 8584

CITY OF YONKERS: Bar Rescue transforms local pub 'Undisputed' into upscale 'SOYO'

VIDEO: Popular Spike TV show Bar Rescue starring host Jon Taffer set their sighs on downtown Yonkers transforming local pub Undisputed into upscale 'craft-cocktail' establishment 'SOYO

Bar Rescue - So Yo Craft Bar (Undisputed Bar) Update

VIDEO: Of SoYo Owners talking about the changes, and they seem to be happy with all of the changes, and feel hopeful about the future of the bar

Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer were in Yonkers, New York to try to rescue the Undisputed bar. 

The Undisputed was a struggling bar, and they are serving cheap liquor poured into top shelf bottles to rip off their customers. 

During the Bar Rescue makeover, Undisputed was renamed to So Yo Craft bar, which specializes in craft cocktails, and it appears they have stuck with that name. 

Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for So Yo Craft Bar since Bar Rescue came and made all of the changes to the bar:

Positive Reviews:

"You need to come to Soyo! Nice and chill atmosphere, tasty drinks. Ask for Blue! He's the man!"

"In short the location is designed very well with a great city vibe, the scampi wing are still my favorite. This bar has good food , an average city decor by Manhattan standards. A great local taste of craft cocktails in Yonkers" 

"The Main Quesadilla Burger was probably one of the best burgers I've ever had....Although it was a bit loud, we had a really good time and will definitely be coming back soon!"

"Made my way to the Soft Opening & Grand Opening. It is very upscale, the new menu is great, and The "Eclectic Blue" is the best Craft Drink on the menu. Bar Rescue did a great job with the renovations, plus Kiko & Brian (Owners) are adamant about keeping it this way. Congrats."

Negative Reviews:  

"Bartender was completely horrible. Babbled on and on about nothing, and completely forgot about the drinks she was in the process of making. It sat it a glass for 10 min In front us unfinished until she stopped flirting with the guy next to us and realized that she never finished our drinks. Food was amazing. Ordered another drink and she totally blew us off cause she was busy trying to take the guy next to us home. We complimented the chefs on our way out but will never go there again because of the horrible bartender." 

 "We sat down and ordered, and waited for our drinks and food. The Drinks came fast, but that was the only good thing. The food came, well some of it. My girlfriend didn't get to eat because not only did her food not come, but the waitress decided to NEVER COME BACK TO MY TABLE....I suggest not going there, it hasn't changed,and I really wish it would. They need new staff or they need to sell the place because Jon Taffer or not, this place is going under."

*Reviews from Facebook, Yelp, Urbanspoon
Other News and Links:

• So Yo is already offering multiple deals on Restaurant.com (Link)
• Here are the Facebook pages of Brian (owner), Miguel (owner), Sylvia (bartender), and Blue (bartender).
• Sylvia said she "use to work there" referring to the bar, so it appears she is no longer there.
• The mayor of Yonkers hosted a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony outside of the bar shortly after the makeover. (Link)

• Here are two preview videos of the episode (titled "Thugs With Mugs") that show bad bar food being served and the cheap liquor being sold as top shelf liquor which sets off a "brawl." (Link)
• Here is the So Yo Craft Bar website with menu, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook page. So Yo stands for South Yonkers.
• Here is a YouTube video of the owner Brian talking about the new bar and he seems to be stressing the fresh ingredients.  He also has an Air Jordan T-shirt with a chain on, while the dress code requires a collared shirt.

VIDEO: Council President McLaughlin 9/11 Remembrance Speech

Video of Yonkers City Council President Liam McLaughlin's September 11th speech at the Conor Park 9/11 Memorial in Yonkers, New York.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypp2PNaRlSE

Vote for your Yonkers Urban Arts favorites. Deadline July 31

In partnership with Community Engagement Through the Arts (CETTA), Blue Door Gallery, and the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District (BID), the city of Yonkers recieved over 120 submissions for their Open Call for Urban Art.

 Vote for your favorite today! The winning works of art will be displayed in three storefront and three mural locations in the Downtown Waterfront District.

 You may vote for up to one option per mural and storefront location. The voting period is Thursday, July 24, 2014 through Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 5:00 pm. 

Yonkers Open Call for Urban Art

Yonkers is seeking urban artists to submit works for display in storefronts and outdoor murals in the Downtown Waterfront District.

Along with the mayor, the city's Department of Planning & Development, Community Engagement Through the Arts, Blue Door Gallery, and the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District, Yonkers' Open Call for Urban Art will connect residents and visitors with original artwork, showcase creativity and continue the revitalization of Yonkers' growing Downtown Waterfront.

Yonkers Open Call for Urban Art will exhibit original works of art in three storefront windows and on three outdoor murals.  Compensation ranges from $100 to $2500, depending on the size of the location.  You must select your location when you make a proposal.

All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. Entries after that date will not be accepted.

PRESS RELEASE: Youth literacy emphasized on Dr. Seuss’ birthday in Yonkers

YONKERS: Theodor Seuss Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2nd, 1904. His legacy and commitment to youth literacy live on to this day and are celebrated annually in Yonkers around his birthday.

This year was no exception, when City Council President Liam McLaughlin, City Council Member Corazon Pineda, Westchester County Legislator Virginia Perez and Westchester County Legislator Bernice Spreckman attended the eighth annual Read Across America celebration at Yonkers School 23.

“It is important to me as a parent to celebrate the joy of reading with my son as often as I can,” McLaughlin said. “Like Dr. Seuss said, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’ We as adults need to take the time to care and read aloud to our kids, it is proven to increase academic performance and can help give them a leg up.”

McLaughlin came armed with his personal copies of Green Eggs and Ham and Oh the Places You’ll Go! to read to the children on February 28th. “Dr. Seuss has inspired generations and his works will continue to unleash the power of our imaginations,” he said.

“My public education helped me get where I am today, with a strong foundation of reading skills,” Pineda said. “That foundation began with youth literacy programs like Read Across America. I want to promote those same values that were instilled in me and I am proud to support this program to help make the children of Yonkers the best readers they can be.”

Read Across America Day is sponsored by the National Education Association and promotes reading and adult involvement in the education of our children. Dignitaries from around Westchester came to read to the children, including District Attorney Janet Difiore, County Clerk Tim Idoni, and Legislators Spreckman and Perez.

“If there is one thing that we all have in common, it’s the love of reading and the wonderful places the stories take our imaginations to,” Perez said. “There are so many books that have spanned generations and have enlightened children from all walks of life. As a County Legislator representing Yonkers, I can’t think of a better way to spend my morning then reading with my littlest constituents.”

“I’m thrilled that my office is once again participating in this wonderful event – it is so important to instill a love of reading in our young people and by celebrating Dr. Seuss, who my kids loved reading when they were younger and now my little grandchildren enjoy,” Spreckman said. “Reading together makes it a fun and exciting day for all those participating.”

The celebration continued this week when the Council President read to children once again during the Montessori School 31 Read Across America Day celebration and the fourth annual Paideia School 15 Read Aloud Day on Tuesday. Read Aloud Day also teaches the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories, and teaches children, teens and adults to celebrate the power of words.

McLaughlin added. “Dr. Seuss might have upped his ‘Will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed’ guarantee for these kids to ninety-nine point nine percent if he could have seen the Yonkers treatment of Read Across America and Read Aloud Day.”

PRESS RELEASE: Liam McLaughlin passes first local law, school tax relief for vets

YONKERS, NY – The City of Yonkers became the first major City in New York State this week to offer a school tax exemption for veterans, since Governor Cuomo signed the law authorizing the local option in December. City Council President Liam J. McLaughlin sponsored the bill, which added school taxes to the alternative veteran’s property tax exemption offered by the City.

“I think I speak for many people when I say we are in awe of what our veterans did, putting their lives on the line for this country,” McLaughlin said. “I’m very proud that my first local law as Council President is one that can help this City show that we love and respect our veterans, and provide needed tax relief to those who both need and deserve it the most.”

Council President McLaughlin immediately signed the law, making Yonkers the first community in Westchester to provide this benefit to veterans. “I hope other communities throughout the state will follow Yonkers lead in passing tax relief for veterans,” he said.

“My father was a Marine who instilled in us the value that it is not enough to simply think of veterans on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day,” Mayor Mike Spano said. “Rather, we should thank and honor those brave men and women who selflessly served our country year round. This bill is a small token in that effort, and I thank Council President McLaughlin for sponsoring it.”

Following passage of a law by the state legislature in December, the City was given the opportunity to offer the school tax exemption as part of the existing 458-a veteran’s alternative property tax exemption. Over 1,200 veterans, many of whom are disabled and live on fixed incomes, utilize the existing exemption, which previously only applied to school taxes.

Majority Leader John Larkin said, “I often see how people will praise and thank veterans on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. This bill is a way for the Council to prove that we believe what we say and that what we say is what we do. In this instance it’s a small gesture, but it’s a gesture that says to our veterans that we appreciate their sacrifice in keeping our country safe and free.”

The alternative property tax exemption includes a 15 percent reduced in assessment value for veterans who served during a time of war, an additional 10 percent for those who were in combat zones, plus another additional reduction for veterans with a disability rating from the VA and will now apply to both municipal and school taxes following passage of McLaughlin’s bill. These are the maximum allowable by law. The City also has opted-in to the special Cold War Veterans property tax exemption as well the one for Gold Star families.

John Spencer, former mayor and chairman of the Central Committee of Veterans Organizations in Yonkers, said that Yonkers has led the way as a municipality by passing this enabling legislation from the State to help veterans. “I give Council President McLaughlin so much credit, because if you want to talk about revenue and expenses, our veterans wrote a blank check to the United States for a price up to and including their lives,” he said.

“That’s who you’re helping with this,” Spencer said. “On behalf of all the veterans I represent as the chairman of the central committee of sixteen organizations, we admire the City Council for its courage in passing this. They are doing the right thing for the veterans of this city.”

Minority Leader Michael Sabatino said, “What amazes me is that for those who have fought in battle, most of them never feel compelled to actually complain about what they have gone through. That is very admirable, and this bill is a small token showing the Council’s and the City’s appreciation for their service.”

Council member Christopher Johnson said, “I am excited that we get an opportunity as a Council to do something meaningful for our veterans. While it is something simple, it goes a long way in recognizing their service. This is not about money, it is about acknowledging the commitment and sacrifice of our brave veterans.”

Council member Corazon Pineda said, “This bill shows our veterans that we appreciate the work that you’ve done for us and your sacrifice. This is just a small token of appreciation where we as a Council can have a direct impact on your lives and say thank you for your service to our country.”

Council member Dennis Shepherd said, “When I think about veterans, I cannot think of a more courageous, modest group of individuals. We should thank them each and every day from the bottom of our hearts for stepping up to the plate for us. This bill is a small way for the City Council to step up for them.”

Council member Mike Breen said, “This bill is giving veterans a rebate on all that they sacrificed when they could have been stateside, working at a job that provided more of a normal income. Hopefully it will convince even more veterans to move to Yonkers.”

The bill passed the Council by a unanimous 7-0 vote. Louis Navarro, director of the Yonkers Veterans Service Agency, said “On behalf of the veterans of the City of Yonkers, I want to speak on their behalf in thanking both our Republicans and Democrats for taking such a courageous step.”

Current and former service members who are interested in applying for the veteran’s alternative tax exemption must file an application with the city assessor. For more information on this and other veterans programs, contact the Yonkers Department of Veteran’s Affairs at (914) 377 – 6700.

NY POST: No New Trial For Annabi and Jereis

Yonkers duo jailed for bribery won’t get new trial
By Rich Calder

Both former Democratic Yonkers City Councilwoman Sandy Annabi and her mentor, former Yonkers Republican Chairman Zehy Jereis, demanded a retrial in December, saying their case should be retried after it was revealed by the feds that a key government witness whose testimony helped convict them in 2012 was busted in a separate bribery scheme.
But Manhattan federal Judge Colleen McMahon sided with prosecutors who argued that businessman Franco Milio’s damning testimony against the defendants was corroborated at trial by additional evidence.

More.