Times Ledger: Peralta, Dromm Warn Budget Cuts Mean More Rats

From Times Ledger: By Rebecca Henely

Elected officials, union members and city employees ripped into Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a rally Monday, saying his decision to cut funds to the city Department of Health will mean rats will run rampant throughout Jackson Heights and Queens.

“We feel he’s allowing the dirty, rotten rats in our neighborhood,” said City Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights).

Dromm, Council members Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) and Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst), state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and members of Local 768 Health Services Employees Union protested the $1.5 million cut from the city budget when it was passed in June, which eliminated the jobs of 63 of the city’s 84 pest control aides.

They held the rally at 69th Street and 35th Road along the CSX freight railroad in Jackson Heights, which Dromm said is a common hiding spot for the vermin.

“Rats are not just gross. They’re not just a nuisance,” said Van Bramer, whose district is on the opposite side of the railroad. “They are a threat to every child, every senior.”

Dromm blamed the state Department of Transportation and the CSX railroad for not keeping the railroad clean and exacerbating the problem as well.

Ferreras said her district had a similar problem along the Long Island Rail Road, which runs along 45th Avenue.

Peralta said the decision to cut the $1.5 million would mean greater costs in the long run to get rid of a greater number of rats.

“We need to restore the money that was eliminated and we need to eliminate those rats,” Peralta said.

Fitz Reid, president of Local 768, said reducing the funding for pest control workers means cutting off a source of revenue for the city, saying the workers bring in $6 million in fees. He recommended laying off some city consultants as a means of restoring the $1.5 million.

“Everyone knows we are losing the war against the rats,” Reid said.

Eddie Rodriguez, president of Local 1549 New York City Clerical-Administrative Employees, also urged the city to pare consultants from the payroll and warned the decision to cut pest control workers would lead to a proliferation of diseases and lawsuits.

“It’s not fun when you get bitten by a rat,” Rodriguez said.

Mariano Ortiz, 55, a Brooklynite and one of the laid-off pest control employees, said the rat problem has gotten worse since May.

“Now they walk by you,” Ortiz said.

The DOT and CSX did not respond to calls as of press time.

Bloomberg’s office redirected queries to the city Department of Health.

No officials criticized the Department of Health. Community Board 3 district manager Giovanna Reid commended the department for its work, but said she believed it needed more pest control workers.

“I’m afraid of the impact it will have on this community,” she said.

Queens Chronicle: Pols Outraged Over Pest Control Layoffs

From Queens Chronicle: By Elizabeth Daley

Politicians, pest control workers and community members gathered in a trash-strewn area of Jackson Heights on Friday to protest the layoff of around two-thirds of city pest control aides, responsible for fighting rats on private properties.

Without the aides to clean lots, officials worry that the rat problem in Queens and around the city will get worse.

“Rats endanger the health and welfare of our residents,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside). “I have a block in my district in Long Island City that is just overrun with rats.”

Due to budget cuts, the remaining lot cleaners would now only be responding to the most “severe” cases of rat infestation, according to a spokeswoman for the Department of Health, which employed the workers.

In Queens, where there used to be 17 lot cleaners, there are now just three, according to the union — too few to handle the 18 to 30 infestation calls they receive each day.

In most cases, private property owners are required to hire independent companies to exterminate vermin. However, in a poor economy, many landlords may not want to pay for the service and could allow rat problems to get out of hand. Residents may have to live with vermin until the infestation warrants a call for city cleaners.

Coupled with decreased garbage pickups in some areas, elected officials worry that thanks to the layoffs, the city will soon belong to the rodents. “When you cut down on sanitation, this is where the garbage ends up,” said Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) as he stood near styrofoam food containers and plastic bags by train tracks at the intersection of 69th Street and 35th Road.

As the trash accumulates, so do the animals that live in it. Dromm said he and a group of volunteers recently cleaned the area near the tracks, but a mess had once again appeared. There was not a trash can in sight. Elected officials worry that garbage piles will leave their communities to suffer at the gnawing teeth of rodents.

“Pest control defines a civilized society,” said Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst), “We cannot allow the front line in the war on pests to be ripped apart in the interest of saving a small amount of money.” In addition to being a nuisance, Ferreras said that rat infestation often causes the value of property to diminish.

However, according to the Health Department, citizens should not be worried. Officials say the city has a team of workers canvassing the borough for problem areas and a website called the Rat Information Portal at gis.nyc.gov/doh/rip where residents may report rat sightings. It is the Health Department’s hope that knowledge of the rats’ whereabouts will help residents take rat fighting into their own hands. City workers will continue to fight rats in parks and on public streets.

Cuts would only impact the lot cleaning program, but since rats scurry from place to place, politicians are concerned that any cut to pest control will allow them to thrive. “I am told they can have babies every 30 days,” Dromm said, alarmed.

The Health Department claims it simply could not afford to keep the rat fighters. Though cleaners earned the city money in the form of fees and tickets, according to the agency, the fees amounted to less than $1 million — not enough to pay for their services. The workers contend the layoffs saved $1.5 million, and though $1 million in funding was restored, they say the Department diverted the money towards fighting bedbugs and other pests.

The president of Local 768, Fitz Reid, said that in the long run, the layoffs will end up costing the city more than it will save. “Rats endanger our health, lower property values and our quality of life. Pest control aides make New York a cleaner, healthier and safety environment,” he said. “You do the math.”

Queens Latino: Against Rats in Queens

From Queens Latino:

New York City Council Members and other elected and union officials demanded that funding be restored to keep the workers necessary to combat the explosion of rat infestations in the Jackson Heights and Woodside communities. The union representing city pest control workers has seen nearly two-thirds of their work force cut by the Mayor and fear the problem will get worse.

“Mayor Bloomberg’s decision to cut pest control workers is penny wise but pound foolish,” said New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights). “In the long run it will cost us more if rats take over our community. We are already over infested which is why we decided to call attention to this problem. Now more than ever we need these rat exterminators.”

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene which employs these workers, responds to rodent complaints throughout the City and conducts abatement, control and enforcement activities targeting areas with severe infestations.

However, the cuts undermine their ability to stay on top of the issue and conditions conducive to rodents, insects and other pest life have emerged throughout the community. Already, the city has seen an 8 percent increase in rat sightings this year.

“Rats endanger the health and welfare of our residents,” said New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside). “Pest control workers are crucial if we are to win the war against rodents. We can’t afford fewer exterminations which will only bring more rats in our neighborhoods.”

“Pest control defines a civilized society. Cutting back on these valuable city workers will diminish the quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said New York City Council Member Julissa Ferreras. “We cannot allow the front line in the war on pests to be ripped apart in the interest of saving a small amount of money.”

“The Mayor’s decision to ignore the growing rodent and pest problem in New York is penny wise and pound foolish,” Senator Jose Peralta, sponsor of the bill and Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee said. He continued, “While I understand that the City is facing very difficult economic times, the price of ignoring pest control far outweighs the price of combating the problem. The thousands of New Yorkers who are spending thousands of dollars and countless frustrating hours trying to rid their homes and businesses of pests will continue to suffer as the infestations will surely spread.”

“Why did the NYC Department of Health slash the number of Pest Control Aides by 63 from 84 when we are being overrun by rats? They’re everywhere — in vacant garbage strewn lots, apartment building basements, subway stations and city parks,” said President of Local 768, of the Health Service Employees union, Fitz Reid. “It’s no secret that rat infestations breed diseases, including asthma.”

The City said the layoffs were needed to save $1.5 million, but those workers brought in $6 million in fines and fees.

“You do the math,” Reid continued. “Rats endanger our health, lower property values and our quality of life. Pest Control Aides make New York a cleaner, healthier and safer environment. The City needs to rehire all of the laid-off workers and hire even greater numbers of Pest Control Aides now.”

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts also demanded the City rehire pest control aides to fight rats.

“The fact that the City laid off 70 percent of its pest control aides in order to save $1.5 million when the City Pest Control Aides (CPCA) generated $6.3 million makes no sense,” said Roberts. The fact that these layoffs occurred in spite of a growing rat infestation is outrageous. If that isn’t enough, the City took some of the $1 million dollars concerned City Council members put back in the budget so the CPCAs could be rehired, and diverted it to deal with bedbug infestation that has taken everyone by surprise.”

Times Ledger: Sanders, Dromm Back Small Biz Paid Sick Leave Bill

From Times Ledger: By Ivan Pereira

Two Queens city councilmen took to the streets Tuesday morning to get support from parents over a bill that would mandate small businesses to give their employees paid sick leave.

Councilmen James Sanders (D-Laurelton) and Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) joined members of the Paid Sick Leave Coalition outside schools in the borough to push for the passing of Intro 97-2010. The bill would mandate that businesses with 19 or fewer employees offer at least five paid sick days, while bigger companies would have to give a minimum of nine days.

Sanders, who spoke with parents outside PS 132 on 218th Street in Springfield Gardens, said the bill would be beneficial for New Yorkers not only economically but also in terms of health.

“With all of the diseases and strange things we bring, it’s wise that people get a day off when they are sick and get paid for it,” said Sanders, who chairs the Civil Service and Labor Committee, which has been working on the bill.

There is no federal or state law that requires companies to provide their employees with paid sick leave, but Washington, D.C., and San Francisco have laws that provide for this work amenity. An October 2009 study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that 1.2 million New Yorkers, roughly 42 percent of the population, do not get paid sick leave.

The bill is currently slated for a vote in the Council after Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) tabled it in the summer.

Dromm also promoted the bill at an event outside PS 69 on 37th Avenue in Corona.

“We need to pass this bill because this is a very real problem that affects all New Yorkers at a very basic level. Paid sick days are a healthy thing for New York City,” he said in a statement.

Dromm, Sanders and 34 other Council members and the public advocate support the bill, but not everyone thinks the proposal is a good idea for businesses. The Queens Chamber of Commerce, along with the chambers from the other boroughs, has publicly denounced the bill, saying that it would create a loss in costs for small businesses that are already struggling with the recession.

The city’s chambers said the businesses themselves should be able to set their own number of paid sick days arbitrarily.

“In concept we 100 percent agree with the concept bill...but the details there are a bunch of points which clearly make this bill poorly thought out and unfair,” said Jack Friedman, the executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce said.

Friedman said eight borough Council members have accepted an invitation as of Tuesday to a special meeting with the chambers on Sept. 29 at City Hall restaurant to discuss the bill.

Sanders said he understands the critics’ complaints, but said the law would be a benefit to everyone.

“Society has to evolve. At one point, there was no eight-hour work day,” he said. “This is the next natural evolution.”

Times Ledger: Dromm Urges Community to Help with Survey

From Times Ledger: By Rebecca Henely

City Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and Community Board 3 District Manager Giovanna Reid called upon area residents last week to participate in a survey aimed at fixing every pothole and picking up every piece of trash on every street corner in the area.

“We’re going to go out and find out, ‘What does the community need?’” Dromm said.

At a press conference outside of CB 3’s headquarters at 82-11 37th Ave. Sept. 15, Dromm and Reid asked for 200 volunteers to help conduct a widespread survey of all streets CB 3 covers, which includes Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and North Corona — or the area bordered by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway East, Roosevelt Avenue and the Grand Central Parkway.

The survey will be prepared by CB 3, and residents participating will look for a number of issues such as graffiti, trash cans that are overflowing or missing, cracks in the sidewalks, potholes and noise problems.

“Who better knows what the problems are than the people who live on the actual blocks?” Reid said.

Dromm said they want volunteers to come from all parts of the community, not just one area.

“We want to have all areas represented if possible,” he said.

The survey will be conducted Sept. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reid said the board did a similar survey about eight years ago, which was successful but on a smaller scale.

“[Residents said,] ‘You didn’t reach my block,’” Reid said.

She said problems and complaints will be submitted to the proper agencies for repair.

Dromm said some problems, such as potholes and trash, can be handled immediately and that his office and CB 3 has a good relationship with the city Sanitation Department. Larger issues may require capital projects.

“This is not a one-day thing,” Reid said. “This is something we will work on until all problems are resolved.”

Dromm said this would be a positive way for residents to improve the community.

“This is a unique opportunity for people to get involved,” he said.

Those who wish to participate in the survey should contact CB 3 at 718-458-2707 or e-mail communityboard3@nyc.rr.com.

Queens Chronicle: Streets to be surveyed in Jackson Heights

From Queens Chronicle:

Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and Community Board 3, Queens District Manager Giovanna Reid announced a district-wide survey to record street conditions on every block within the Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and North Corona community.

The Community Board is looking for volunteers to help conduct the block-by-block survey, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Information collected will be submitted to agencies responsible for addressing any problems discovered.

“Improving the living standards of the residents in our area is a major undertaking, but with the community’s help we can help make this a reality,” Dromm said in a prepared statement. “This survey will help us identify all of those areas which need improvement in our district. This is something that everyone can do to help improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

After documenting conditions, the community board will prepare the findings. Based on existing complaints, the survey will likely outline a number of conditions to address, including graffiti, missing or overflowing litter baskets, cracked sidewalks, potholes and excessive noise.

Reid urged residents to help with the undertaking.

“This survey is ambitious and unique in the sense that a block-by-block survey isn’t something that other community boards generally do,” said Reid in the announcement. “This is also a great opportunity for people to have a direct and positive impact on their neighborhoods.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact CB 3 at (718) 458-2707 or by email: communityboard3@nyc.rr.com.

NY1: Dromm, Community Board Announce District Wide-Survey of Street Conditions

NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm and Community Board 3 members said on Wednesday that they want to hear from residents in Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and North Corona about concerns with street conditions in their neighborhoods. The survey will take place on Saturday, September 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. To volunteer call 1-718-458-2707 or write communityboard3@nyc.rr.com.

Queens Chronicle: Dromm Reaches Across the Aisle

From Queens Chronicle: Elizabeth Daley

In a move which some might find unusual given his political affiliation, Councilman Danny Dromm (D–Jackson Heights) addressed a crowd of over 50 people at the America’s Mayor Republican Club on Aug. 26.

The club, which met at the Community Methodist Church on 35th Avenue, was founded in 2004 to promote Republican candidates in northwestern Queens and named to honor former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Despite its markedly different political agenda, Dromm said addressing the club was important to him. “After I won the Democratic primary and the general election last year, I became the City Council member for everyone in my district, including Republicans, Independents and anyone else who lives here,” Dromm said in a statement.

Dromm was invited to the club meeting by Republican District Leader Myrna Littlewort and club President Ray Hummel. He said that he shares a close working relationship with both.

“The meeting went very well,” said Dromm. “I spoke about things I’ve done to improve the quality of life in our neighborhood and my vision for the future. We’ve made progress cleaning up Jackson Heights and I got a chance to informally announce my next initiative called Clean Jackson Heights.”

The initiative which Dromm hopes to begin this fall will focus on ways in which the community can work together to keep the neighborhood clean.

When Dromm was finished speaking, he took questions from audience members. The very first question he was asked was about the Islamic Center at Ground Zero. “I said I supported the mayor on this one and that I based my support on a deep belief on the First Amendment right to freedom of religion,” he said.

“Most of the crowd disagreed with me,” Dromm continued. “But a few thanked me for my honest answer.”

Even though Republicans and Democrats often believe in doing things differently, Dromm acknowledged that it is rare to agree with anyone on everything. He summarized his visit by recalling a maxim he once heard Mayor Ed Koch repeat: “If you agree with me on nine out of 10 issues, vote for me.If you agree with me on 10 out of 10 issues, see a psychiatrist!”

Dromm said that he hopes the Republican Club will continue to invite him to their events and looks forward to working closely with the group.

Queens Chronicle: Politicians Gather to Help Flood Victims

From Queens Chronicle: By Andrew Benjamin

The United States has contributed around $150 million to relief efforts in Pakistan following flooding which began in late July and continues to devastate the region. Yet, as the death toll rises and more are left homeless, the need for more money and supplies is increasing.

Last Thursday, Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona) joined Mohammad Razvi of the Council of People’s Organization and Amy Paul of South Asian Youth Action at Kabab King in Jackson Heights to urge community members to donate money and supplies to reputable aid organizations in Pakistan.

“It became apparent to me that especially in this holy time for Muslim people during Ramadan, that these floods have taken a tremendous toll on the people who live there,” Dromm said.

The councilman cited a statistic that placed the number of people left homeless after the floods at 4 million.

“Could you imagine the devastation it would be if half the people in New York City were without homes?” Dromm asked.

Peralta focused on the ability of Jackson Heights residents to help those in need. “Time and time again every time there is a natural disaster, elected officials in this area come together in solidarity,” Peralta said. “[We] come to send a loud message that we will work together to help.”

The group COPO is one of many that is accepting monetary donations and canned food to help the efforts in Pakistan. “People need food, people need water. They need everything,” Razvi said. “Do what New Yorkers do best. In times of tragedy we come together and support each other as one.”

Paul said members of her group SAYA are linked to the tragedy. “Our youth are very connected to their families in Pakistan,” Paul said. “They are experiencing the tragedy firsthand.” On Aug. 27, SAYA held a bake sale to aid in humanitarian efforts.

At the end of the press conference, Dromm told a personal story elucidating the difference between the United States and Pakistan. Recently, his mother was injured in a fall and hospitalized.

“My mother had a home to come to; she is not in a flood ravaged area; she’s receiving medical attention. These are the things Pakistani people don’t have access to,” Dromm said. “And yet they still have to deal with everyday type issues and they have to move forward with their lives not having the basic necessities.”

Dromm presented a check to COPO and another one to SAYA to support its bake sale.

“You don’t have to be rich to help the people of Pakistan,” Dromm said. “Donating something is the most important thing.”

While many people are always willing to extend their hand and help, one of the problems with donating is making sure the money does not wind up in the hand of scammers. “You can go to the FTC website at ftc.org to check that a charity has registered,” Perlata said. “If it hasn’t, it may be questionable.”

Those interested in donating $10 by mobile phone can send a text to FLOOD (27222).

Times Ledger: Legislators Lead Drive for Pakistani Flood Relief

From Times Ledger: By Rebecca Henely

City Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights) urged residents to donate money and food for those suffering from the floods in Pakistan at a news conference at Pakistani restaurant Kabab King Diner in Jackson Heights last Thursday.

“These floods have taken a tremendous toll on the people who live there,” Dromm said.

More than 2,000 people have died and 20 million have been affected by the massive flooding in the country, which began in late July from monsoon rains. Despite the large number of people imperiled by the disaster, some from Queens have been reluctant to give, due to distrust of the weak Pakistani government and uncertainty over whether the money donated will go to those affected.

Dromm said more than 4 million people have been left homeless by the floods.

“Can you imagine the devastation there would be if more than half the people in New York City were without homes?” he asked.

Dromm and Peralta recommended two organizations operating in the area: the Bilquis Edhi Foundation, which has its American base of operations in Corona and can send money to its head office in Karachi, Pakistan, and the Council of Peoples Organization in Brooklyn.

“We’re here to send the message that we need your help. We need your support,” Peralta said.

Mohammad Razvi, executive director of COPO, said the organization has people on the ground in Pakistan who have been bringing food to the flood victims.

“I can’t explain to you how devastating it is to the Pakistani people,” he said.

Peralta also suggested residents donate by texting FLOOD to 27722, which will send $10 through the user’s phone bill to the U.S. State Department’s Pakistan Relief Fund, or SWAT to 50555, which will send $10 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which has teams in Pakistan providing supplies.

Dromm and Peralta also highlighted the Elmhurst-based South Asian Youth Action, which held a bake sale Friday to raise funds for the Edhi Foundation. Amy Paul, development and communications manager for SAYA!, said the group raised $210.

“Our youth are very connected to our relatives in Pakistan,” Paul said.

Peralta said residents should go to the Federal Trade Commission’s website at ftc.gov and see if any charity they wish to donate to is registered.

Dromm also gave $50 checks from his own pocket to both the Edhi Foundation and COPO as well as canned goods for COPO’s food drive.

“You don’t have to be rich to help the people in Pakistan,” he said.

The As-Siddiq Muslim Organization at 117-25 133rd St. South Ozone Park and the Coney Island Avenue Project at 1117 Coney Island Ave., Suite 1R in Brooklyn both said they are also raising funds for flood relief.

The American Red Cross is also collecting money for relief efforts with its Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in other countries, including the Pakistani Red Crescent. Those interested can donate at the American Red Cross’ website at http://american.redcross.org, by phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS or by check in the mail to American Red Cross P.O. Box 4002018 Des Moines, IA 50340-2018. If sending a check, indicate “Pakistan Relief and Development” in the memo line.

To donate to Edhi, send checks made out to “Edhi International Foundation” at 45-11 National St., Corona, NY 11368. To donate to COPO, write checks to “COPO Flood Fund” or drop off canned foods Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1081 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11230. Food can also be dropped off at 45-10 Parsons Blvd., Second Floor in Flushing.

The Queens Gazette: Relief Efforts Continue for Pakistan Flood Victims in NY

From The Queens Gazette:

New York City Councilmember Daniel Dromm and New York state Senator José Peralta urge New Yorkers to make charitable donations to help the victims of the Pakistan flood disaster through NYC based aid organizations with long and proven track records of effectively delivering resources to those in need.

The floods which were triggered by the start of the monsoon rains about a month ago, have now affected an estimated 15 to 20 million people.

“It is important that our community continue to stand alongside the Pakistani people to help them overcome the tragic losses brought on by these devastating floods,” said Dromm (D–Jackson Heights). “I urge everyone to contribute what they can to help those in need to rebuild their lives and get through the difficult times ahead. I encourage anyone wishing to help to do so through trustworthy and reputable NYC based organizations like The Council of Peoples Organization and the Edhi Foundation which have done a fantastic job of delivering the resources that the Pakistani people so desperately need.”

Peralta said, “I urge everyone in Queens to support the victims in Pakistan by donating to the relief fund. Even a small amount of money will go a long way in helping Pakistan recover from this devastating situation.” The Council of Peoples Organization, (COPO) Executive Director Mohammad Razvi said, “COPO has been a leader in providing relief to the Pakistan flood victims. We appreciate the efforts of councilmember Daniel Dromm, Senator Jose Peralta and these other leading community organizations for their active participation in this humanitarian effort.”

COPO accepts financial donations and canned goods at its Queens location: c/o Kamal Syed 45-10 Parsons Blvd., 2nd Floor, Flushing. For more information, go to www.copousa.org. Checks should be made out to: “COPO Flood Fund”

Founded in 1947, the Edhi Foundation is the largest social welfare organization in Pakistan. The Foundation works round the clock to provide a broad range of social services including 24-hour ambulance services, shelters, hospitals, maternity services, animal shelters and relief efforts for victims of natural disasters. To contribute to the Edhi Foundation contact their Queens office at 718-639-0633 or for more information go to www.edhi.org.

South Asian Youth Action, (SAYA), a NYC based organization started in 1996 with the mission to create social change and opportunities for South Asian youth will also be contributing to the relief efforts by hosting a bake sale on August 27 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at its center in Elmhurst, to raise funds for the victims of the Pakistan flood and create awareness regarding the devastating impact of the floods. All donations will be distributed directly to the local office of the Edhi Foundation, based in Corona, and sent to Pakistan.

NY1: Jackson Heights Sees Surge in Alleged Anti-Gay Crimes