January 11, 2012

A casino in Coney Island? We need to have some more conversations first.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out my view on building a casino in Coney Island on CBS 2.

Overall, while casinos brings jobs and serve as an economic powerhouse, I’m not quite sure they are in the best interest of the 50,000 residents that live in Coney Island year-round. A 1999 study has shown that communities surrounding casinos tend to have a hire instance of gambling addiction and bankruptcy.

Before any plans are drawn up, it is imperative that take a step back and think about how this could negatively impact and positively impact our district. It’s not just about the dollars and cents. I’m looking out for our families and making sure we make the right move.

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January 9, 2012

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND APPLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE

I mentioned earlier that the Capital Funding application was available last week for nonprofits and cultural organizations. Please be advised that the Cultural Development Fund Application is now available as well and available to all cultural organizations.

Please remember that the application will be completed and submitted entirely online. The applications are due on February 13th with funding decisions made by the summer.

The following link will provide more information as well as where you can find and submit the application: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcla/html/funding/cdf.shtml

The City Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs will be hosting seminars for anyone new to the application and funding process. Please see the seminar schedule below:

THURSDAY, January 12, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Department of Cultural Affairs
John Rochester Thomas Room
31 Chambers Street, 2nd Floor, Manhattan
*identification needed for admittance

TUESDAY, January 17, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Brooklyn Borough Hall
Community Room, First Floor
209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn

WEDNESDAY, January 18, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Department of Cultural Affairs
John Rochester Thomas Room
31 Chambers Street, 2nd Floor, Manhattan
*identification needed for admittance

THURSDAY, January 19, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Museum of the Moving Image
Bartos Screening Room
36-01 35 Avenue, Astoria, Queens

SATURDAY January 21 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Staten Island Borough Hall
Conference Room 122
10 Richmond Terrace (entrance on Stuyvesant Place), Staten Island

MONDAY, January 23, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The Morgan Library & Museum
Gilder Lehrman Hall
225 Madison Avenue, Manhattan

TUESDAY, January 24, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Brick Theater
575 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn

WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Pregones Theater
571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx 

MONDAY, January 30, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Materials for the Arts
33-00 Northern Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Long Island City, Queens

WEDNESDAY, February 1, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

El Museo del Barrio
1230 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan

THURSDAY, February 2, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Rubin Museum of Art
150 West 17th Street, Manhattan

TUESDAY, February 7, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Department of Cultural Affairs
John Rochester Thomas Room
31 Chambers Street, 2nd Floor, Manhattan
*identification needed for admittance

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January 6, 2012

CAPITAL FUNDING APPLICATION FOR NON-PROFITS IS AVAILABLE

As the former chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee, I want to make sure all cultural institutions in NYC are aware that the application for FY 13 City Capital Funding for Non-Cultural Non-Profits is now available.

Please be sure to visit the Funding for Cultural Institutions webpage to download the application: http://www.nyc.gov/html/capgrants/capgrants.html

If you are seeking funding from the City Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs, the application is due April 9. Funding sought from Borough Presidents is due February 28th. If you are seeking funding from BOTH, please submit your application by February 28th.

Additionally, a Capital Funding Seminar will be held at the Department of Cultural Affairs, 31 Chambers Street between Chambers and Reade, on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 10am to 12pm to review capital eligibility requirements, guidelines, and completion of request forms.

The seminar is not mandatory; however, I strongly encourage you to attend if you are unfamiliar with the City capital funding process and requirements. To RSVP, email capitalrequest@culture.nyc.gov or call Lettie Hoggard at 212-513-9316 by Friday, January 20, 2012.

If you have any trouble accessing this form or have any questions, you can call my office at (212) 788-7045. My staff is always happy to help.

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January 5, 2012

CAPITAL FUNDING APPLICATION FOR CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS IS NOW AVAILABLE

As the former chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee, I want to make sure all cultural institutions in NYC are aware that the application for FY 13 City Capital Funding for Cultural Organizations is now available.

Please be sure to visit the Funding for Cultural Institutions webpage to download the application: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcla/html/funding/capital_funding_request_step_one.shtml

If you are seeking funding from the City Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs, the application is due April 9. Funding sought from Borough Presidents is due February 28th. If you are seeking funding from BOTH, please submit your application by February 28th.

Additionally, a Capital Funding Seminar will be held at the Department of Cultural Affairs, 31 Chambers Street between Chambers and Reade, on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 10am to 12pm to review capital eligibility requirements, guidelines, and completion of request forms.

The seminar is not mandatory; however, I strongly encourage you to attend if you are unfamiliar with the City capital funding process and requirements. To RSVP, email capitalrequest@culture.nyc.gov or call Lettie Hoggard at 212-513-9316 by Friday, January 20, 2012.

If you have any trouble accessing this form or have any questions, you can call my office at (212) 788-7045. My staff is always happy to help.

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January 4, 2012

COUNCILMAN DOMENIC M. RECCHIA JR. SPONSORS BILL TO REDUCE TOXINS IN CARPETS

“This legislation aims to reduce the amount of VOCs present in carpets sold here in NYC. It is simply common sense that we pass legislation to regulate and reduce the amount of these chemicals found in carpets. As the main sponsor of this bill, I believe we must take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our residents and do our best to always improve the quality of life throughout our City.” — Councilman Recchia

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December 27, 2011

COUNCILMAN RECCHIA’S FREE ICE SKATING EVENT BREAKS ATTENDANCE RECORD


With the support of Congressman Jerrold Nadler, State Senator Diane Savino, and Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny in conjunction with the New York City Parks Department, the Greater New York City Ice Hockey League, and the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink, Councilman Domenic M. Recchia Jr. hosted a morning of free ice skating for the schoolchildren in his district at the Abe Stark Ice Skating Arena. Over 800 people participated.

“During this holiday season, it’s wonderful to be able to provide kids and their families with free ice skating” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “I would like to thank the Parks Department, the Greater New York City Ice Hockey League, the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink and especially Councilman Recchia for making this annual event a reality for the families of Coney Island.”

This was Councilman Recchia’s fifth year hosting free ice skating. Former New York Ranger, Nick Fotiu, was in attendance handing out prizes, signing autographs, and helping first-timers learn how to skate.

“The free ice skating event provides a safe and fun change of pace for many children who usually spend their breaks in front of the computer or the television. It not only gets them active but also piques their interest in ice hockey and figure skating. I’m always supportive of events that also foster a sense of community where parents and children make new friends and can get to know their neighbors,” the Councilman said.

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December 21, 2011

COUNCILMAN DOMENIC M. RECCHIA JR. BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO SOLDIERS AND KIDS

This morning, the Councilman and City Council Finance Chair, Domenic M. Recchia Jr., helped the staff and students of P.S. 215 gather toys and gifts to be donated to Toys for Tots and to Stockings for Soldiers, a program that will send stockings over to the remaining men and women overseas. The 5th grade class sang Christmas carols while honored marines and proud parents looked on.

“During this time of year, it is especially important that we do as much as we can for our men and women overseas and those less fortunate here at home. The holiday season is a time to celebrate the year’s victories but to also reflect on how we can improve in the New Year. I’m happy to be a part of an event that reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday season,” the Councilman said.

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December 19, 2011

COUNCILMAN DOMENIC M. RECCHIA JR. FIGHTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

THE COUNCILMAN INTRODUCED A BILL TO MAKE NEW BUSINESS MORE FEASIBLE IN THE FOR-HIRE VEHICLE INDUSTRY

MANHATTAN – On Monday afternoon, December 19th at the Stated Council Hearing, Councilman and Finance Chair, Domenic M. Recchia Jr., introduced legislation intended to make it easier for for-hire vehicle companies to open business in New York.

Specifically, this piece of legislation is intended to amend the administrative code of the City of New York in relation to decreasing the number of vehicles required to qualify for a base station license. It would amend the administrative code by requiring base stations at all times to have no fewer than two affiliated vehicles instead of ten.

The problem lies in the current provision as it makes it overwhelmingly burdensome for new for-hire vehicle companies to start a business in New York since many do not have the immediate capital to pay for ten vehicles right at the beginning.

“This piece of legislation I am introducing will do two things: First, it will ensure that new business in the for-hire vehicle industry will have a fair shake at opening a business here in the City that will ultimately add additional revenue and jobs (versus in neighboring areas like New Jersey). Secondly, it will allow for a more competitive environment among for-hire vehicle companies that will yield better rates and offer more diverse services to customers,” the Councilman said.

“It is important that we take steps to improve the environment for new businesses here in the City. Current legislation, like the current provision, makes it tough for new companies just starting out to get up and running,” he added.

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December 12, 2011

LET’S TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER A FALLEN HERO

A decorated NYPD officer was shot and killed by a career criminal in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. He has served 22 years on the force making over 200 arrests and earning 12 medals. Each and every day he risked his life for the safety of New Yorkers and he will be greatly missed. I offer condolences to his family and friends and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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December 9, 2011

COUNCILMAN DOMENIC M. RECCHIA JR. LIVE ON 91.5 FM’S “ON THE SIDELINES”

Today, the Councilman and Finance Chair Domenic M. Recchia will sit down with Vinny Aceto, host of WNYE-91.5 FM.’S “On the Sidelines,” New York radio’s only comprehensive program covering the High School sports scene. He will discuss his passionate advocacy for education and athletics.

Today’s show is a must-listen Football Friday Edition airing at 1:00 PM on 91.5 FM.

“Lincoln High School has given Brooklyn a bright spot after a long, tough year. Their victory has brought so much joy to my district and I’m so proud of their success. These kids are model students balancing a tough academic schedule and a rigorous sports program; it’s no easy feat. The team, along with their parents, coaches, and school staff, deserve a big hand for bringing a city title to Coney Island.”

“On the Sidelines” is New York radio’s only comprehensive program covering the High School sports scene. The series features interviews with student-athletes, coaches, league administrators, authors, newspaper and broadcast

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