Author: metanet

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

A new report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli shows that job growth in New York City has outpaced New York state and the rest of the country since the end of the 2008 recession.

According to the report, the city added a total of 702,200 jobs between 2009 and 2017, an 18.9 percent increase. In comparison, New York state had job gains of 11.5 percent over the same eight-year period.

The rate of job growth in New York City is especially impressive considering nearly 5 percent of the jobs added in the nation since 2009 have been in the five boroughs, even though the city accounts for just 3 percent of the nation’s jobs.

The high numbers are coming from jobs outside of Manhattan. The study found the four boroughs outside of Manhattan contributed to 47 percent of the job gains. Brooklyn had the fastest rate of private sector job growth since 2009 with 38 percent, followed by Queens with 24 percent, then Manhattan with 20 percent, Bronx with 15 percent and Staten Island with 14 percent.

The study revealed that the job growth was driven by health care, business services and tourism-related businesses. Health care is the only sector in the city that has experienced gains every year since 1990, adding 21,400 jobs in 2017 and bringing total employment to 519,000, 28 percent more than in 2009. The business services sector was the largest source of new jobs during the expansion, adding 174,400 jobs from 2009 to 2017 and the leisure and hospitality sector accounted for one-fifth of the gains between 2009 and 2017 with 139,400 jobs. More than three-quarters of the gains were in bars and restaurants.

The report added that the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout the city have contributed to strong job growth, with 10 neighborhoods that had growth that exceeded 40 percent, including the Queens neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Howard Beach and South Ozone Park. No neighborhood in the city lost jobs between 2009 and 2017.

The unemployment rate in the city hit its peak in October 2009 during the Great Recession, rising to 10.2 percent. In March 2017, the unemployment rate reached its lowest level in 41 years down to just 4 percent. The report said since March, it rose slightly to 4.3 percent in December 2017 due to more people entering the work force, encouraged by the strong economy.

The report also noted that the 2017 unemployment rate for African-Americans in the city was 5.6 percent and 5.9 percent for Hispanics, higher than for the 3.1 percent unemployment rate for whites and 3.7 percent for Asians. Despite the city’s unemployment rate for African-Americans being significantly lower than the 7.7 percent national average, the unemployment rate for Hispanics was moderately higher than the 5.1 percent national average, the report said.

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

In the ongoing mission to lower the city’s prison population which would allow for the closing of Rikers Island, the city is hailing a mentoring program for young people on probation that significantly reduces recidivism, according to a multi-year independent study, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced last week.

The report evaluating the Arches Transformative Mentoring program found that participation in the city’s Department of Probation-administered course reduces one-year felony reconviction by over two-thirds, or 69 percent, and reduces two-year felony reconviction by more than half, according to research by the Urban Institute in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity.

“In New York City, we believe in giving young people a second chance — and opportunities to change themselves and their communities for the better,” de Blasio said. “Mentoring programs like these are laying a strong foundation and creating pathways for young people to lead productive, stable lives.”

Launched in 2012 during the Bloomberg administration, Arches uses curriculum-based interactive journaling, group mentoring, and individual mentoring by connecting high-risk young people ages 16 to 24 on probation to credible “messenger mentors” in their own neighborhoods. Community-based organizations, such as Community Mediation Services in Jamaica and Sheltering Arms in Far Rockaway, employ the mentors who were once in the criminal justice system and share similar backgrounds with the young people they serve, who are respected in the communities where they work and who undergo rigorous training.

“By connecting participants with positive role models, Arches is empowering young people to contribute positively to their communities and stay out of jail,” City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), the chairman of the Committee on the Justice System, said. “I applaud the Department of Probation for implementing this transformative program.”

The credible messenger mentors, working alongside probation officers, help young people make better and safer decisions, pursue their goals, get connected to school and work, and repair relationships with family and community — all of which helps build a safer city. The service providers are able to equip young people with the tools to change their lives while providing them with a living example of hope and transformation.

Participants typically take six to 12 months to complete the program, but as the Urban Institute study revealed, many often maintain contact with their mentors and peers long after that time. The evaluation recommends continuing and even growing Arches by tailoring the curriculum to align with participant experiences, providing more mentor training, offering opportunities for full-time employment, and expanding the program’s length, alumni engagement, and age range.

“I support any program that works to keep young people out of prison,” City Councilman Robert Holden (D-Maspeth) said. “The reduction of reconviction rates among Arches participants encourages my belief that intervention, education and mentorship can lead to positive outcomes. Based on these finding, I am cautiously optimistic about the program’s prospects, and as a member of the Criminal Justice Committee, I will work to ensure this program continues to be low cost and high impact.”

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced progress had been made toward having the latest bomb protection technology installed in transit hubs to prevent attacks such as the December 2017 bombing of a tunnel between 42nd Street – Times Square and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Immediately following the December attack, Schumer called for the fast-tracking of technology in development by the Transportation Security Administration known as Stand Off Explosive Detection, which helps identify individuals with explosives by screening the natural emissions emanating from a person’s body. The technology has been in development since 2004 and was to begin testing in Penn Station this week.

“At long last and at not a moment too soon, the TSA has agreed to bring this new, potentially life-saving technology to New York City and Penn Station for testing, and so we thank the TSA for heeding the call,” Schumer said. “When I made the push to bring this technology to New York City, it was because we need to put it on the fast-track and we need to perfect it, because if it works, this is where we want it: in New York City’s busiest transit hubs.”

The Dec. 11 attack happened during the morning rush and injured four commuters, including the bomber, as they passed through a tunnel linking 42nd Street – Times Square station with the Port Authority. Akayed Ullah, 27, from Bangledesh, identified as the man responsible, had the homemade explosive device strapped to his torso, police said.

“The ability to detect concealed explosives worn by cowards looking to do us harm demands the federal government continue to put both the testing and the perfecting of this technology on the fast-track,” Schumer continued. “America’s busiest cities, like New York, are the places where these devices will save lives, and if they work as well as touted, we must pursue an expedited seal of approval that gives all of us another layer of security to fend off would be lone wolf terror. As the threats we face evolve our preparedness and response must evolve as well to remain a step ahead of evil doers.”

Ullah faces a variety of terror charges, including criminal possession of a weapon, supporting an act of terrorism and making a terroristic threat, according to the NYPD.

Penn Station serves as a critical transfer point for many Queens residents who commute to the Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road.

One victim of the December attack, Veronica Chavez from Corona, escaped the attack to be treated for minor injuries at Mount Sinai West.

“There was smoke everywhere and debris falling,” Chavez told the Daily News following the experience. “My ears were ringing. They haven’t stopped ringing. All I kept thinking is, I want to see my children again. If something happened to me, who will care for them?”

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

NYC Ferry will expand this summer, bringing a new connection from Long Island City and Lower Manhattan, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday.

The new Lower East Side Route will serve nearly one million riders annually, starting at the landing at the north end of Gantry Plaza State Park, with stops at East 34th Street, Stuyvesant Cove, Corlears Hook and Wall Street/Pier 11.

“Docks are under construction and new ferries are on the way for this summer’s new service,” de Blasio said. “We can’t wait to launch two new ferry lines that will help New Yorkers get to work and school, and to connect with their city.”

The second new line is the Soundview Route, connecting the Bronx at Clason Point to the Upper East Side and on to Wall Street/Pier 11. Last year NYC Ferry’s inaugural year, the system launched four routes: the Rockaway, Astoria and South Brooklyn and East River. These four served nearly three million riders, surpassing initial projections by 34 percent, or nearly 800,000 riders.

“It’s been less than a year since the first NYC Ferry boat carried its passengers from the Rockaways, and already this has become an established part of our city’s transit,” said Alicia Glen, deputy mayor for Housing and Economic Development. “With two new lines and nearly 1.5 million more passengers using the system this year, we’re bringing more transit service to neighborhoods that need it.”

In response to such high demand, especially on the Rockaway Route, NYC Ferry is adding six higher-capacity vessels to its fleet. The larger boats are outfitted with larger engines and designed to hold up to 349 passengers.

The first three of these vessels are expected to arrive in New York Harbor this summer. With 20 boats operating at 21 landings across New York City by the end of 2018, the ferry system will provide a new and easily accessible transit option for traditionally underserved communities where jobs and housing are growing rapidly, especially along the Queens and Brooklyn waterfronts.

“Our city’s waterways are a unique resource that provide opportunities to expand the transportation options available to New Yorkers,” City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside), the chairman of the Committee on Economic Development, said. “I applaud this expansion of ferry service for the Lower East Side and will continue to advocate for further expansions to support transportation deserts.”

City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), who was delayed twice while riding the No. 7 subway line Wednesday afternoon, hailed the new route from Long Island City.

“Because the 7 train is so unreliable, and the MTA is such a mess, anytime we’re able to add mass transit routes into and out of Manhattan the people of Queens win,” he said.

A NYC Ferry ride is $2.75, the same as a subway ride, and includes free transfers to other ferry routes. NYC Ferry is hiring captains and deckhands for the summer 2018 season. Job seekers can apply directly through Hornblower’s website, www.ferry.nyc.

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

The first phase of the Steinway Street improvement plan will soon be implemented as the city’s Department of Transportation plans to install three mid-block crosswalks and traffic signals between 30th and 34th avenues.

The enhancements will improve safety for thousands of people who shop in the commercial heart of Astoria every day, and they are part of an extreme makeover proposed by City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) last year that would not only improve safety but enhance commerce.

“These traffic mitigation measures will greatly improve the Steinway Street experience for pedestrians, shoppers, and small business owners,” Constantinides said. “If the street is safer and easier to cross, shoppers will be able to walk between stores more safely.”

There are currently no mid-block crossings along Steinway Street, where blocks can stretch up to 1,000 feet long. A shopper who wants to cross between two stores mid-block by using the crosswalks at the end of the block would have to walk over 500 feet to reach the nearest crosswalk.

While observing the commercial strip, DOT counted hundreds of pedestrians crossing mid-block. The addition of the new mid-block crosswalks will calm car traffic and provide additional opportunities for shoppers and pedestrians to walk between stores.

“Steinway Street is on its way to becoming a safer, more inviting street for everyone, thanks to the leadership of Council member Constantinides and the advocacy of the Steinway Astoria Partnership,” DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia said. “New signalized crosswalks, markings, signs, and other treatments at key points shorten the distances between crossings, making it easier for pedestrians of all ages to cross safely, shop and explore one of the borough’s most vibrant and exciting commercial corridors.”

Marie Torniali, the executive director of the Steinway Astoria Partnership and the chairwoman of Community Board 1, said the improvements will help boost business at the 300 stores and restaurants along the thoroughfare.

“The blocks on Steinway are easily the length of two city blocks and walking to either end is a chore,” she said. “An added bonus will be that shoppers will most likely visit more businesses that they might otherwise overlook, which will be an aid to our small business community.”

State Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) was encouraged that Constantinides’ plan was so well received by the DOT.

This is a case study in how government ought to work — for the benefit of community residents and businesses alike,” she said.

The DOT presented a separate plan to change a number of streets between the Astoria Houses and the Welling Court area. The agency will overhaul the intersections of Vernon Boulevard, 30th Avenue, 8th Street and Astoria Boulevard.

The city’s Economic Development Corporation requested the improvements to better ferry access from the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The plan will add five new curb extensions to reduce distances for pedestrians to cross, and it would convert Main Avenue between 8th Street and 30th Avenue into a one-way street eastbound.

CB1 vote unanimously to approve the plan last week.

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Developers seeking a variance from Community Board 4’s zoning committee saw opposition from activists who claim the Target slated for Elmhurst will only further drive gentrification in the neighborhood.

Sun Equity Partners presented plans on Tuesday for the structure, which will have commercial space at the ground level, but will need a variance to expand its plans for housing in the high-rise building at 40-31 82nd Street.

Activists from anti-gentrification group Queens Neighborhoods United expressed frustration that although the developer claims the residential units are going to qualify as affordable housing, most members of the community would not be able to make rent.

“[If] the developer’s still able to build 10 flights, it’s still going to be destructive to the community. And if the rezoning does come through and they do get a 420 tax abatement, they’re still going to flood the area with market rate housing first before they actually get the rent control, which would be rent-controlled for people who can afford the market rate prices,” said Jorge Cabanillas, explaining how his parents, who migrated to the area 30 years ago, have already left Elmhurst for less pricey College Point. “I was able to move back into a room to the community I grew up in and we’re all being slowly pushed out, especially the people of color in the area.”

Attorney Nora Martins, who represented Sun Equity, said under the current zoning the company would only be allowed to build up to 10 stories. But with the goal in mind for 90 rental units, attorneys for the developer were requesting permission for a total of 13 floors.

About half the units, which have yet to be laid out in designs, would be studios rented at $1,375 per month, while two- and three-bedroom units would be suitable for families with an annual income of about $61,000.

The area median income of Elmhurst is at $44,000 per year, according to the attorneys.

“We’re compliant with mandatory inclusionary housing,” Martins said.

Not only are longtime residents feeling the push, Cabanillas remembers the theater that used to occupy the now vacant lot to be developed.

“It used to be a historic movie theater which unfortunately wasn’t protected… so they were able to demolish it, but it was one of the few movie theaters in the area that offered subtitles. You could go to that theater with your parents who don’t speak English and enjoy a movie,” Cabanillas said.

Sun Equity’s attorneys said although they had conducted a study for a hotel in this location, they have no intention of building one since they have already signed a deal with Target.

The lot for the proposed development is located about a block from 82nd Street station of the No. 7 train, wedged into the corner of 82nd and Baxter Avenue.

Thezoning committee reviewed the plans and will pass its recommendation on to CB4 whether or not to approve the plans at the March 13 meeting.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

A Long Island City-based nonprofit organization that helps homeless men and women achieve economic independence through job training, work experience and a life-long support network graduated 47 more who have transitioned to full-time employment.

At a ceremony last week the Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless celebrated the achievements of the graduates, who used the skills they learned and the certifications they earned during their participation in ACE’s four-to-six- month program to find employment in a wide range of sectors, including: hospitality, maintenance, sanitation, food services, social services and distribution.

“Forty-seven more New Yorkers will be heading to work tomorrow morning instead of to a program,” ACE Executive Martin James Martin said. “These are some of the hardest working people that I ever met and I am inspired by their achievements. ACE will continue to work closely with them to ensure they maintain their employment and seek opportunities to advance in their professions.”

Each graduate became a member of ACE’s employment retention program, Project Stay, in which staff help the newly employed individuals maintain their jobs and increase their earning capacity. ACE Graduate William Lester, who is now employed full-time as a construction worker, said, “ACE put my life in the right direction and guided me to where I can navigate my own calling.”

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

Multiple people, including eight Queens residents, were indicted last Wednesday for their alleged participation in a huge towing scheme that stretched throughout the entire city, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. said.

Vance announced the indictment of 17 individuals and 10 companies, charged for their part in an unlawful monopoly over the New York City towing industry through an elaborate series of schemes involving shell companies, insurance fraud, bid rigging and other crimes.

According to Vance, 44-year-old Hempstead resident Daniel Steininger managed “Steininger Enterprise,” which was made up of several individuals and corporations that worked together to restrict competition for the towing industry in the city.

“If you were involved in a collision between June 2015 and December 2017 and received assistance from a tow company, chances are you were an unwitting customer of an illegal enterprise that dominated New York City’s towing industry until our takedown today,” Vance said. “In order to ensure fair competition and encourage entrepreneurs to set up shop here in the city, we cannot allow this type of systemic fraud and abuse to persist within any industry.”

Prosecutors contend Steininger’s operation restricted competition in the towing industry, fraudulently bought out competitors and their licenses and committed insurance fraud by inflating claims for work done at the participating auto body repair shops. Vance said Steininger and conspirators violated citywide towing industry regulations, including geographic service zones for operators and rotational accident response programs to ensure fair competition.

Steininger is accused of working with Staten Island resident Norman Teitler, 74, who helped him purchase towing companies, including Queens Village-based Southside Collision, as well as Towing Inc. and Authorized Auto Body Inc. in Long Island City. Queens resident Duante Huff, 40, helped Steininger’s shell companies pass inspections even though many of these locations lacked staffing, business records, or any of the other statutory requirements for storing vehicles, the Manhattan DA said.

Tow truck drivers who were part of the Steininger Enterprise also engaged in “chasing” by monitoring police radio transmissions, identifying collision sites, and racing to the incident location to secure jobs ahead of competitors and before a responding NYPD officer could summon a company from the Direct Accident Response Program to the scene, Vance said.

Vance alleged that Steininger hired three Queens brothers — Angelo Mazzio, 53, Salvatore Mazzio, 40, and 49-year-old Michael Mazzio — to control permits for towing operations along multiple highways though out the boroughs.

The indictments are the result of a long-term, joint investigation into illegal conduct and fraud in the towing industry by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s Rackets Bureau, NYPD Criminal Enterprise Investigations Section, and DOI.

Steininger and other defendants face money laundering, conspiracy and enterprise corruption charges.

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Tammy Scileppi

TimesLedger Newspapers

Longtime Long Island City-based business owner Helen Uffner loves all things vintage, with a collection that began from a young age.

“I would save my babysitting money and go to auctions on Saturdays and buy whatever tickled me that I could afford,” Uffner said. “From a young age I always scoured thrift shops and became entranced with antique clothing and the spectacular handwork that went into making these pieces. It never occurred to me to wear the items I collected – I regarded them as works of art.”

So, who is this stylish New Yorker? Uffner owns the only vintage clothing rental company in Queens. In fact, Helen Uffner Vintage Clothing happens to be the oldest and largest of its kind in New York City, and this year, they’re celebrating 40 years in business.

Since 1978, her successful business has been the go-to source for numerous clients — costume designers, stylists, photographers, artists, and fashion designers — who come from the world of film (“Out of Africa” to “The Greatest Showman”); television (“Boardwalk Empire” to “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”); theater (“The Color Purple” to “War Paint”) as well as opera, ballet, publishing, advertising and art.

But the business’ 40-year milestone has been bittersweet for its frustrated owner.

Due to Long Island City’s changing landscape and whopping rents, Uffner has had no choice but to search elsewhere for a new space to house her massive collection, which lives in a 6,300 square foot loft located at 30-10 41st Ave. Though she has faced many challenges in recent years, Uffner said she isn’t giving up hope.

“Production costume budgets have been getting more and more prohibitive and design companies have been slicing their research budgets too, so it becomes harder to remain comfortably solvent,” she said. “Our value is in our inventory, whose value rises yearly, as it becomes more and more rare. On the other end, rents have risen tremendously, so costume businesses are being squeezed at both ends.”

Her rent recently went up 25 percent.

Despite her hectic schedule, which has included quick fittings for an emergency scene recently shot for the new Martin Scorsese film “The Irishman,” as well as ongoing appointments to look at potential spaces, she took the time to talk about her recent projects.

“I got involved with the Scorsese film because I’ve worked with Academy Award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell (“The Aviator” and the upcoming “Mary Poppins Returns”) many times… so when this period feature came along, her team called. It’s hard to believe, but we have been working on this film since August and they still drop by weekly for last minute items,” Uffner said.

Currently, Team Uffner is working on several other films for Netflix as well a few other television series, with everything from “Saturday Night Live” to Ryan Murphy’s upcoming “Pose.” They’re also very active in the theater scene from New York City to Rochester and also work with magazine shoots and editorials.

Uffner has legacy of dressing the stars, including the likes of Tom Hanks in “Bridge of Spies,” to Beyonce in “Cadillac Record,” Oprah and Whoopi Goldberg in “The Color Purple” and Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa.”

How does one build connections in the entertainment industry?

In Uffner’s case, it was knowing the right person.

“A friend with a SoHo vintage boutique was approached by Woody Allen’s costume designer, who was looking for 1920s clothing for the film ‘Zelig.’ My friend sent the costume team to my apartment, where I had one clothing rack full of 1920s clothing. They bought everything,” says Uffner, who recalls having an aha! moment after feeling saddened that she had to start her collection all over again.

The budding entrepreneur went from working out of her apartment and storing 600 cartons of her burgeoning collections in 11 warehouse spaces, to finally moving everything to a loft on Manhattan’s West 37th Street. After 10 years there, the building was sold to developers and was going to be torn down, so she scrambled to find a new home and finally found her current space at Queens Plaza in Long Island City over 10 years ago. The rest is history.

Uffner’s remarkable collection — which is not open to the public — is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind vintage gems. Each item seems to tell a story about the past. And unlike today, fashion mostly dictated what people wore over many decades.

In her search for a new home for her veritable vintage museum, she has been looking in Queens, the Bronx, and beyond.

“The problem is that costume designers travel mostly by subway, so my business has to be close to public transportation and Broadway. When running around for costumes, fabric and trim, designers can’t take over an hour each way plus a half mile walk to travel to Brooklyn, for example, to pick up items they need, and carry garment bags and shopping bags such distances easily. Time is money,” Uffner said.

She said the costume designer industry has been “tremendously helpful, posting pleas for help for me in union papers and Facebook trade groups, asking each other for any leads for space for me. No-one wants me to close. New York productions need me to remain open for business to serve productions here, though we also service productions across the country and abroad.”

So, what does the future hold for Uffner’s empire?

“For my business, I don’t know. I am considering all options, but may result in the collection being shipped to the west coast or being bought and auctioned or sold off… and that would be a sad ending to my 40 years-worth of collecting,” she said.

It’s important to Uffner that her business remain here on the east coast where she still hopes to find an affordable space or a local opportunity.

“The entertainment industry in New York City is booming — the city boasts billions being brought in by productions, but without the ancillary costume industry businesses, the emperor will literally have no clothes,” she said. “New York needs a costume rental house. We have lost more than a dozen costume companies in less than a dozen years, primarily because rental prices are so prohibitive. Our industry, which includes rental houses, costume makers, milliners, dyers, pleaters, fabric stores, undergarment sources, trim stores and shoemakers will soon disappear. Los Angeles has a plethora of costume houses, New York might soon have none. That is outrageous.”

Comment on this story.

Source: Times Ledger