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BY STAR-REVUE STAFF

Lander wants more rent from Red Hook Houses tenants

The Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander found that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) miscalculated one-in-five sampled rent adjustments at the Red Hook East and Red Hook West developments.

“NYCHA tenants repeatedly raised concerns with the calculation of their monthly rent, so our audit team went to investigate. We found issues with the calculations that led to NYCHA losing out on rental income. Our public housing system has a duty to provide decent, affordable housing for New Yorkers, and it can only do that successfully with strong oversight and management that guarantees accuracy and fairness,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.

Between October 2021 and October 2022, 32% (853) of the 2,692 units at Red Hook Houses saw rent increases. The Comptroller’s Office auditors reviewed income documentation and rent calculations for a sample of 102 units at Red Hook Houses. The review found that:

NYCHA miscalculated 1 in 5 (19%) sampled rent adjustments in the Red Hook East and Red Hook West public housing developments in 2022.

Of the 102 apartments sampled, NYCHA overcharged three households by a total of $439 in monthly rent and undercharged 17 households by a total of $1,395 in monthly rent.

MTA opens Court St. elevators

The MTA announced the opening of two newly replaced elevators at the Court St station.

The two brand new elevators replaced the original elevators, which were in service for more than half a century. Crews also made upgrades to the communication system within the station.

“After a year of being closed, I am thrilled that the MTA has finally completed work and re-opened the Montague Street side entrance/exit of the Court Street station,” said Representative Dan Goldman, who only started coming to Brooklyn last year when he ran for Congress.

“Millions of New Yorkers use our subways, every single day — and ensuring our elevators are in working order is crucial for each and every one of them,” said Bay Ridge native Andrew Gounardes who only started coming downtown when he took a job with Borough President Eric Adams.

“I’m glad that the brand-new Court Street Station elevators are complete and that the Montague Street entrance is now open again,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon who generally walks to work when she is in town.

“I’m pleased the Court St elevator replacement work has been completed,” said Councilmember Lincoln Restler," who usually rides a bicycle.”

Another new RHI leader

Red Hook Initiative announced that Michael Partis will be the Executive Director. He replaces Morgan Monaco, who quit RHI after only two years.

Michael brings experience that aligns with RHI’s mission to empower youth and combat systemic inequities

As an anthropologist and educator, Michael Partis has a deep understanding of the historical and social roots of injustices faced by the Red Hook community. Previously, Michael was the Director of South Bronx Rising Together (SBRT), a “cradle-tocareer” education initiative. He also previously taught in the Department of Ethnic Studies at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, as well as in the Department of Anthropology at Brooklyn College.

Paul Bader receives a new patronage position

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointments of Paul Bader, Kenneth Chan, and Sarah Kaufman, and the re-appointment of Thomas Sorrentino, to the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) nine-member board of commissioners.

“I would like to thank these incredible commissioners for their deep commitment to serving this city, as well as the City Council for their approval of these outstanding nominees,” said Mayor Adams, who probably never met most of them before this announcement.

“I’m honored to be the City Council Queens delegation’s selection,” said Bader. “The for-hire vehicle industry is an integral part of the community in Queens. Therefore, I see my responsibility as representing the thousands of TLC licensees who re- side in Queens County.” ing art council. “We came up with two designs that represent the Red Hook summer experience.”

Paul Bader joins TLC as the new Queens representative with an history of community involvement.

The owner of a printing and design business in Long Island City, Bader, he made a lot of money printing palm cards for candidates running for local NYC elections. He gained most of the business by becoming active in local political institutions, such as community boards. He furthered his political career by marrying US Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez.

Later on, getting a job with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, he sent fellow staffer Carlos Menchaca to Red Hook in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, with the goal of having him defeat incumbent Sara Gonzalez, who was unpopular with the progressives in the Council.

Early on in his career, Bader worked as a driving instructor and cab driver.

According to Aspen, the artists also had to deal with some challenges, including making the murals on a brick wall which is an uneven surface. They also had to work hard to make sure both murals were done in time despite the unforeseen challenge of poor air quality from the Canadian wildfires, which forced them to stop working on the murals when the air quality was at its worst.

“I just want to say thank you for all of your hard work, and I want to see art all over the neighborhood,” said District 38 Council Member Alexa Avilés. “Like Tiffiney says, ‘Art saves lives!’”

RHAP paints mural

The Red Hook Pool has two new murals thanks to the work of Red Hook Art Project artists Aspen, Felix, Rosana, and Angelly. Both murals were summer-themed, one featuring a fire hydrant with water coming out and the other depicting sea life.

“Art is a way of healing and of bringing so many people together,” said Tiffiney Davis, the co-founder and Executive Director of RHAP. “We have four emerging artists here at RHAP who have been with us from about the time they were 10 years old and are now between ages 19-21. They worked very hard on this mural, and it was intense, so I really want to tip my hat to them for doing this. They were out here in the heat and it was tough at the end but they still got it done in time.”

“We had a lot of fun over the last two months and learned a lot about public art and mural painting,” said Jacqui Painter, who launched RHAP’s emerg-

Build the Block

11 people showed up for last month's Gowanus “Build the Block” meeting. It began with neighborhood coordination officers Davaughn Clinton and Jerry Antoine introducing themselves and providing updates. Antoine said that there has been an increase in major crimes. Clinton said that there have been a few recent shootings.

“We have also been taking a more aggressive approach to removing abandoned vehicles from the streets,” Antoine said. “We know how tough it is to find parking around here.”

There was an intense discussion about noise. The majority of people in attendance either lived near or worked at Public Records, a hi-fi record bar with food & drink including an intimate performance. The biggest complaint was loud music. Other complaints were about parties and littering. Officers will continue to monitor the situation closely. Public Records said they cared about their neighbors’ concerns and wanted to be good neighbors. After the meeting, both sides sat down and met with each other to work things out.

Letters

Graubard has a fan!

Howard, I always knew you were a gentleman and a scholar. At times we have disagreed respectfully, but here, your piece is so well written, so logically presented, hits all the right notes. Knowing Linda personally, sure I am biased, having worked with her, knowing her only professionally, but its been a privilege knowing her. She often turns the phrase that is “spot on” memorable. She is highly intelligent, and has a deep sense and yearning to do the right thing, to make a difference and to be fair and just. Brooklyn has just got itself a very fine Judge. —

Bill Rothman

So does George!

LOVE THIS COLUMN BY GEORGE! Heartwarming & Inspirational! I thank you for all the years of hard work and dedication, you’ve made the neighborhood better through your paper. John