December 12, 2014: TLC Cancels Unjust Summons and Automobile Seizure of Williamsburg Supermarket Employee

After Interventions: TLC Cancels Ticket and Seizure of Automobile of Williamsburg Grocery Employee

Subheading: UJO Intervened to Cancel Ticket; Thanks Public Advocate Letitia James for Delving into the Case During a Weekend and for Bringing a Quick Resolution; Assemblyman Dov Hikind Thanks TLC for Quickly Solving Such Unjust Cases Since his Discussion with Them After Ticketing a Chesed Driver

The episode unfolded Thursday, December 4, 2014, when Paulino Rodriguez, an employee of All Fresh Supermarket in Williamsburg, accompanied his boss Mayer Kohn to purchase fruit at a nearby wholesale market. Mr. Rodriguez left the vehicle to make the purchase, while Mr. Kohn remained inside. As the men left the market, they were stopped by Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) agents who asked them to step out of the car. The TLC inspectors then performed a search of the vehicle, and issued Mr. Rodriguez a $2,000 summons for operation of an illegal taxi, to the protests of both men.

TLC agents informed Mr. Rodriguez that pleading guilty during the interaction would reduce the fine to $1,000, however he opted to appeal the decision.
On Friday, Mr. Kohn contacted the UJO, and Rabbi Niederman started to intervene on his behalf. In the meantime, the incident caught media attention. When learning of this unjustified ticket, Public Advocate Letitia James started to intervene to have it canceled. On Monday, the TLC withdrew the summons issued to him, and released his vehicle at no expense to either Mr. Rodriguez or Mr. Kohn.

 

"My office was able to successfully assist Mr. Rodriguez, but there are other drivers out there who were unfairly forced to pay exhorbitant fines,” said New York City Public Advocate Letitia James. “Our city cannot target certain groups for unwarranted violations. My office will stand with erroneously-fined drivers, and I hope that TLC will instruct their agents to act ethically as they perform their duties.”

Rabbi David Niederman, UJO Executive Director, said: "Public Advocate James is a dedicated advocate for New Yorker who are being unjustly impacted by agencies. Her energy and dedication was exhibited once again, when during a weekend, upon learning of the unjust action, she delved in to intervene and fight for two individuals, and she managed to bring upon immediate results. I thank here for resolving the case, and for being always on-call. Whenever her assistance is needed, her office is ready to act with passion and speed, even when all other government offices are closed."

This incident reminded of a similar mistake in June, that resulted in the impounding of a Chesed car taking patients to hospital treatments. Following that incident, Assemblyman Hikind convened meeting with TLC officials in his office, along with representatives of Chesed, Misaskim and the Shomrim in an effort to eliminate or at least minimize such occurrences in the future.

Ray Scanlon, Bella Vais and Allan Fromberg of the TLC agreed that new protocols were called for, including  identification cards to be issued for workers from Chesed and similar organizations to better identify themselves as charity volunteers, phone numbers supplied to the TLC allowing officers to contact charity group dispatchers to ascertain that a driver is legitimate, and sensitivity training for TLC officers. Assemblyman Hikind also created and delivered sensitivity training to TLC officers.

Assemblyman Dov Hikind now lauded the TLC for admitting and reversing their mistake in Williamsburg: “Everyone makes mistakes... Sometimes the hardest part is owning up to the mistake. But the TLC has shown, once again, that when they do make a mistake, they are quick to correct it and do the right thing.” Hikind Concluded his statement by saying that: "I will continue to work with the TLC to make certain that these types of unfortunate incidents do not occur.".

December 12, 2014: TLC Waives Unjust Summons; Social Security Award Letters; DOT Wallabout Meeting

December 5, 2014 (2): Councilman Chaim Deutsch's Legislation Would Suspend Parking Regulations in the Vicinity of Movie Shoots

The second item of the December 5th column reported on Councilman Chaim Deutsch's legislation to suspend parking regulations in the vicinity of parking shoots. It aims to ease on neighboring residents the burdens caused by movie shoots - in street closures for traffic and parking - by making available additionally parking spots and easing regulations in the surrounding streets.

 

"I thank Chaim for working on this law, to ensure that areas aren't burdened by film recordings, and they are compensated with alternate locations that are opened for parking. This law is only fair for local residents, and we hope that it will pass in city council and it will be enacted into law," said Rabbi David Niederman.

 

December 5, 2014: Alert to Non-Profits to Submit Annual Property Tax Exemption Forms by United Jewish Column

December 5, 2014: Alert to Non-Profits to Submit Annual Property Tax Exemption Forms

The December 5 Column's firs item reminded Non Profits that they have to renew their property exemption by returning the form that the city mailed to them during the summer. The form can also be completed online. It has to be filed before the deadline, of July 5, 2015.

The article alerted communal and charity institutions not to delay the submittal of the form, in order not to find themselves without the exemption, which will add a considerable burden to their strained budget.

 

December 5, 2014: Alert to Non-Profits to Submit Annual Property Tax Exemption Forms

November 28, 2014: UJO Offers New House Keeping, Homer Care, Emergency Assistance Slots for Holocaust Survivors

The November 28, 2014 column, announced that thanks to funding through the Claims Conference, the UJO Offers New House Keeping, Homer Care, Emergency Assistance Slots for Holocaust Survivors.

The article also reported on new guidelines expanding the areas where residents during the war years qualify for this special assistance. It details the countries where Williamsburg residents hails from, providing information on the new criteria for survivors from each country, to determine if they qualify for this assistance. It also included a map of the areas that are now recognized that Jews living there were suffering from the Nazi regime and qualify for the special assistance programs.

To enroll in the program and for more information who qualifies and the services, please contact UJO Senior Services at 718.643.9700.

 

November 28, 2014: UJO Offers New House Keeping, Homer Care, Emergency Assistance Slots for Holocaust Survi...

November 21, 2014: Councilman Levin Encourages Parents in Need for Child Care to Call 311

The November 21 Column reported on a conference call that Councilman Levin had  with twenty School Administrators and the UJO, where he asked them to get out the message that parents in need for Child Care can call 311 and ask for a form to be added to the Child Care waiting list.

The Councilman is working to ensure that parents who are eligible for especially-funded vouchers are aware of it, and that all eligible children receive the voucher.

The article report of the progress in distributing the 3,500 vouchers, and provided a phone number and email where parents - with children on the waiting list who have reason to believe that they may have missed the notice that they are eligible for the new vouchers - should contact to check the status and updated their mailing address.

 

"The Williamsburg Community is especially privileged to be represented by our dedicated Councilman Steve Levin," said Rabbi David Niederman, UJO Executive Director. "Not only did he spearhead the effort to add to this important program, critical to thousands of children, and he secured a couple of thousands additional vouchers - for the first time in many years - but he doesn't rest, but is working to ensure that the funding is rightly allocated, and that it reaches parents and children who are entitled to it. We are tremendously thankful to him for this dedicated, unparalleled work."

 

November 21, 2014: Councilman Levin Encourages Parents in Need for Child Care to Call 311 to be Added to th...

November 14, 2014: HEAP Program Starting on Monday: Representatives Stationed at the UJO to Enroll in the Program

The November 14, 2014, column informed the public that the Home Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is starting to accept applications on Monday. As in the past years, representatives of the program will be stationed at the UJO to accept applications.

The article lists the guidelines to qualify for HEAP, and the documents that one has to present when applying.

 

November 14, 2014: HEAP Program Starting on Monday: Representatives to Accept Applications at the UJO

November 7, 2014: UJO Congratulates Chief Leonard for being Appointed to Chief of Department

This week's column (in the item on the bottom of page 24 and continued on page 70,) also congratulated Chief James Leonard, formerly FDNY chief in Brooklyn, for being promoted as Chief of the Department. The UJO and other community leaders attended his swearing-in ceremony. Accompanying photos show Rabbi Niederman with the Chief at the ceremony; and the retiring Chief Kilduff with Yanky Itzkowitz and Simcha Bernath, of Shomrim Williamsburg and Borough Park, and Bernard Gipps of Hatzalah.

"We are very happy to see Chief Leonard rising to become the Chief of Department. It's a very fitting appointment, and he's suited to work with Commissioner Nigro, whom with got to know up-close when he was in Williamsburg before the summer. We wish them success to continue enhancing the safety of the entire city and rescue lives," said Rabbi David Niederman.

 

November 7, 2014: UJO Assists Hundreds of Seniors During Medicare Part D Open Enrollment by United Jewish Column

November 7, 2014: UJO Assists in Joining Health Care Plan During Open Enrollment Season

The open enrollment for the Affordable Health Care plans starts next week. This week's column informed readers about the opportunity to sign up for Marketplace health plans. UJO staffers are will assist clients to review the various plans available, if the qualify for subsidized insurance, and will sign them up for health care plans .

 

The Open Enrollment season is from November 15, 2015 till February 15, 2015. To schedule an appointment with the UJO for assistance with choosing and signing up for a plan, please call 718.643.9700 extensions 202, 212, 214 or 218.

  

November 7, 2014: UJO Assists Hundreds of Seniors During Medicare Part D Open Enrollment by United Jewish Column

November 7, 2014: UJO Assists Hundreds of Seniors During Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

UJO Senior Services staff assisted hundreds of seniors - during the annual Open Enrollment period, between October 15 to December 7 - to find the best plan for their medical needs.

Seniors interested in an appointment to review their options, can call the UJO Senior Services staff at 718.643.9700 Extensions 202 and 210.

 

November 7, 2014: UJO Assists Hundreds of Seniors During Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

October 31, 2014: UJO Coordinates with the NYC Department of Health to Inform the Community on Ebola

The bottom item on page 12 reported on coordination between the UJO and NYC Department of Health (NYC DOHMH) to dispel misinformation after the reports that an Ebola patient spent time in Williamsburg. After the reports went out of a confirmed case of a person who was in Williamsburg, the UJO contacted the DOHMH, and its leaders quickly provided information, pointing out that

the main concern of shedding the virus is when a patient feels terribly sick. It is only then that the virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids.

 

The UJO publicized the information. It thanked the department for the vital and timely details to prevent unnecessary panic and to keep the public informed.

 

October 31, 2014: Governor Cuomo Visits Satmar Grand Rabbi by United Jewish Column

October 31, 2014: Governor Cuomo Visits Satmar Grand Rabbi; Meets with Williamsburg Community Leaders

Der Yid issue of October 31 had a reported with photos of a visit by Governor Cuomo with the Satmar Rebbe at his house in Williamsburg, where he met the leaders of various Williamsburg congregations and educational institutions. Rabbi Niederman, UJO Executive Director, welcomed the Governor, and thanked him for his achievements. He discussed various issues of interest to the community. The Governor received a warm blessing from the Rebbe for success in leading the state.

The article is accompanied by a photos showing Rabbi Niederman welcoming the Governor to the Rebbe's house, and the Governor, before he enters his motorcade, speaking to the Rebbe's secretary, Rabbi Moshe Friedman.

 

 

October 31, 2014: Governor Cuomo Visits Satmar Grand Rabbi

October 24, 2014: Parents Notified by ACS that they are Eligible for City Council's Specially-Funded Child Care Voucher

The October 24 column had rare good news for low-income parents waiting desperately for Child Care Assistance. The City mailed out letters to the parents of thousands of children on the child care waiting list, that are eligible for new vouchers, founded by a 12.6 million dollar allocation by the City Council.

Councilman Stephen Levin, Chair of the General Welfare Committee who strongly advocated for these vouchers - working with Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, his colleagues and the de Blasio administration - sent out a message to the institutions before the Sukkos holiday to notify parents to expect these letters right after the holiday and respond in a timely fashion.

Said Rabbi David Niederman: "We are extremely happy to hear that for the first time in years ACS will issue new vouchers for those who are on their waiting list for the service. We express a special thanks to Mayor de Blasio and his administration, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, General Welfare Chair Steve Levin, Non-public School Committee Chair Chaim Deutsch, Jewish Caucus Chair Mark Levine, Councilmen David Greenfield and Mark Treyger, and all council members who joined to bring the important assistance to parents."

 

October 24, 2014: ACS Notifies Parents About City Council's Specially-Funded Child Care Vouchers

October 8, 2014: Government Officials Dealing with Holocaust Services Visit the UJO with Claims Conference Staff

The Sukkos edition reported (on pages 62 and 63) on a delegation from the Federal Government that visited the UJO and Pesach Tikva. Accompanied by Claims Conference officials, they met holocaust survivors, and heard about their need and the UJO assistance and services to sweeten their lives.
In addition to a panel of Holocaust Survivors - describing the horrors they lived through, and how they miraculously not only survived the war, but went on to re-establish a flourishing community the emulates the destroyed Orthodox communities - the delegation met UJO board members and staffers, to discuss the Services that the UJO Provides to holocaust survivors and how critical these service are to improve the survivors' quality of live.
Among the services that the UJO is providing to holocaust survivors and seniors are: consultations and advise when to start claiming Social Security and how to ensure that one receives the full amount he or she is entitled to; assistance with applying for SSI, Medicare, Medicaid; choosing the right HMO, and various other Managed Care issues; finding and signing up for the right Drug Plans such as Part D, Extra Help, EPIC etc.; assistance with determining for which Holocaust Funds a survivor qualifies, an to go through the application process; Meals on Wheels, which delivers daily nourishing meals to a number of seniors, prepared under the highest Kasruth standards; providing aides to assist with house work and/or personal care; arranging Free medical transportation; home visits for home-bound clients to assess their needs etc.; assistance to review mail to assure that they complete and submit important paper work etc. and other important notices are dealt with; emergency financial assistance; and much more.

 

October 8, 2014, UJO Column by United Jewish Column

October 8, 2014: DOT Borough Commissioner, Elected Officials Meet at the UJO Re Wallatbout St. Traffic Improvenents

The bottom item on page 31 reports on a meeting that took place in the UJO, where the DOT Brooklyn Commissioner Keith Bray and a Department Engineer presented their proposal to improve the traffic flow and safety conditions on Wallabout St. Councilman Steve Levin and a Representative of Assemblyman Lentol's Office, also attended at the meeting and commented on the proposal, as did Community Board 1's Transportation Committee Chair Karen Nieves.

The DOT presented details of their plan, to change Wallabout Street to a one-way street, as long advocated by Councilman Levin and the UJO. They also discussed in length the expected impacts of this change on Flushing Avenue, which will take the bulk of the re-directed traffic.

Previous articles on this subject:
August 15, 2014 (2): Councilman Levin and Assemblyman Lentol's Office Discuss Traffic Improvements to Wallabout and Flushing with Residents and Store Owners at UJO Meeting

June 13, 2014 Column: Second Chance for Residents and Business Owners to Review DOT Proposed Changes for Wallabout/Flushing

 

October 8, 2014, UJO Column by United Jewish Column

October 8, 2014: DOT Started Traffic Study for the Entire South Williamsburg Area

The article on Page 31 is reporting on a Traffic Study that the DOT conducts for the entire South Williamsburg area.
The UJO advocated for such a study for a long time, to assess the rapid changes on various streets that increased traffic. New developments changed the nature of many streets, and it's important that the traffic directions and regulations keep pace with these changes. The article is thanking Assemblyman Lentol for working with DOT to start the year-long study, that will hopefully lead to significant improvement in the area.

 

October 8, 2014, UJO Column by United Jewish Column

October 8, 2014: Special Sanitation Schedule and Containers for Bulk Pick-Up Before and After Sukkos

The chart on Page 20 announced the annual pre and after Sukkos holidyas Special Sanitation Schedule for Bulk Pick-Up ups and where the containers will be placed. Annually, the UJO meets DSNY officials before the holiday to assure this successful special bulk pick up programs, during the holiday season. The announcement also asked residents to assure to follow the department's guidelines.

 October 8, 2014, UJO Column by United Jewish Column

October 8, 2014, UJO Column: Start of the Annual Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Part D

The October 8, 2014, Column reported on the start of the annual Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. During that period, the UJO staff reviews with clients their individual case to assure the sign up for the most suited plan for upcoming year. The Open Enrollment ended went on till December 7th.

The article starts on page 20, and is continued on page 90.

 

October 8, 2014, UJO Column

September 24, 2014: Councilman Levin announces clean-up funding for the area

The September 24, 2014 Column reported on an announcement by Councilman Steve Levin of clean-up funding for Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The announcement was made on Lee Avenue, together with Sam Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Center for Employment Opportunities, and Rabbi Niederman, UJO Executive Director, and a number of community leaders. It also included photos of the announcement.

The following is the release by Councilman Levin's office of the announcement:

Stephen Levin announces clean-up funding for 33rd District

 

NEIGHBORHOODS INCLUDING WILLIAMSBURG AND GREENPOINT TO RECEIVE NEW CLEAN-UP SERVICES FOR STREETS AND PARKS

 

BROOKLYN – Today, Council Member Stephen Levin announced new City Council funding for the 33rd District that will go towards cleaning up local neighborhoods, including Williamsburg and Greenpoint. The funds, which are part of the City Council’s Cleanup NYC Initiative, will be used for maintenance of streets and parks and to beautify public space, as well as to introduce new high-end litter baskets.

 

In the Fiscal 2015 Adopted Budget the Council included $3.5 million in funding for the NYC Cleanup Initiative to promote cleaner streets in New York City.  Each Council Member allocated $68,628 for clean-up work in their District. Center for Employment Opportunities will partner with Council Member Levin to do the clean-up work in the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods. Council Member Levin also provided funding to the Atlantic Avenue BID and the Department of Sanitation. The clean-up work in the 33^rd District is set to begin in the coming months.

Council Member Stephen Levin said, “Thanks to the City Council’s Cleanup NYC Initiative, I am thrilled that we will be able to help clean and beautify the neighborhoods of the 33rd District. It is essential that each of our neighborhoods is a great place to live and raise a family and cleanliness is an important factor in accomplishing that. We are partnering with amazing groups to do this work in the 33rd District and I am excited to see these resources be put to good use.”

Sam Schaeffer, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Employment Opportunities, said, “The Center for Employment Opportunities is proud to partner with Council Member Levin on the NYC Cleanup Initiative, investing in both the assets and people of this community. Engaging formerly incarcerated individuals in neighborhood clean-up and beautification projects provides them with much-needed income and structured job experience, while also encouraging these individuals to be stewards of their own communities."

“Cleanup NYC will help make for a cleaner Williamsburg,” said Rabbi David Niederman, Executive Director of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. “I want to thank Council Member Stephen Levin for working tirelessly on behalf of the community and for ensuring that our neighborhood is kept clean and beautiful.”

 

September 24, 2014: Councilman Levin, together Sam Schaefer and Rabbi Niederman, announces clean-up funding...

September 19, 2014: Met Council and UJO Assists Families after Fire

Page 12 reports on a fire at 583 Flushing Avenue that left a number of families homeless. The UJO worked with Met Council to provide shelter for families and assist them after this trying crisis. 

Families thanked the Met Council and its Director of Client Services, Jackie Ebron, and the UJO, for lending them a helping hand and providing immediate assistance and support.

 

September 19, 2014: B'Lev Echod, special Ed Class, Founded; Met Council and UJO Assists Families after Fire... by United Jewish Column

September 19, 2014: B'Lev Echod, special Ed Class, Founded

The article in section B, page 49, reports on the opening of a Special Ed Class within a mainstream setting in Williamsburg

The UJO initiated the establishment of a Special Ed class in mainstream schools for girls 7-9 years old. The B'Lev Echod (With One Heart) class started for the new school year. It's the first time that such a class is established in Williamsburg, and it's a major relief for parents and children depending on assistance in their academics. It offers them an opportunity to obtain the services in a mainstream environment, with the goal to join regular class as much and as soon as possible.

The article lauds: Rabbi Naftuli Weiss, of the Jewish Center for Special Education for being the driving force behind the establishment of the class; Pupa Yeshiva, for providing space for the class room; and Mrs. Makly Herman, UJO Special Education Coordinator, for investing all her efforts to make this class a reality.

 

In tow accompanying ads, Rabbi Niederman, UJO Executive Director, thanks Rabbi Weiss and the Pupa Yeshiva for their assistance to help these kids succeed in their education.

 

September 19, 2014

September 12, 2014: Councilman Levin discusses the shortage of Parking with Sanitation Chief, Rabbi Niederman and Community Residents

The September 12, 2014 issue of Der Yid featured photos of Councilman Levin discussing the shortage of Parking with NYC DSNY Brooklyn North Chief Thomas Doyle, Rabbi Niederman and Community Residents.

 

Der Yid, September 12, 2015