Rochdale Village Bulletin Newspaper - September 2022 Edition

Rochdale Hosts

Mayor Eric Adams Hosts Southeast Queens Town Hall

By Cynthia Bernadine

As a 20-year veteran of the NYPD it is not a stretch to say that security is one of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ platforms. Since transitioning into politics, he has taken a nononsense stance against crime that persists today in his current position to seek out policies and systems to improve the living conditions and safety of his fel low New Yorkers. That is why Mayor Eric

Adams and several representa tives from municipal agencies hosted a town hall on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, in the Ro chdale Village Grand Ballroom to address community concerns about public safety in Southeast Queens after Clifton Stanley Diaz, Rochdale’s Board Chairman and a serving member of the Commis sion to combat police corruption along with Board President Jean Randolph-Castro extended the in vitation to the Mayor to host the town

SECOND LARGEST HOUSING COOPERATIVE

(Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore.).

ROCHDALE VILLAGE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-2022

The Rochdale Village Board of Directors serves 5,860 middle income families and more than 25,000 people in the world’s second largest housing cooperative, located at 169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434; Tel: 718276-5700 extension 3360..

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

Chairman of the Board

Clifton Stanley Diaz

President Jean Randolph-Castro

Vice Presidents

Timothy Mercer

Janine Cross

Ed Douglass

Sheila McKenzie

Treasurer

Derrick Shareef

Assistant Treasurer

Lisa Stark

Secretary

Joyce Williams

Assistant Secretary

Jean Hall

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

Letisha Azizah

Keysha Beasley

Jean Randolph-Castro

Janine Cross

Clifton Stanley Diaz

Ed Douglass

Jean Hall

Gary Hawkins

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Maryam Smith Hubbard

Sheila McKenzie

Timothy Mercer

Derrick Shareef

Lisa Stark

Joyce Williams

George Simon (State Representative)

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Budget & Finance

Derrick Shareef

Commercial Services

Timothy Mercer

Community Center

Ed Douglass

Community Relations

Jean Randolph-Castro

Legal & Management

Jean Randolph-Castro Maintenance

Janine Cross

Orientation

Lisa Stark Public Safety

Clifton Stanley Diaz

Senior Citizens

Joyce Williams Youth Planning

Gary Hawkins

Environmental Conservation

Keysha Beasley

Parking

Sheila McKenzie

Information Technology

Maryam Smith Hubbard

MANAGEMENT

Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc.

General Manager

Jay Williams

Assistant Managers

Herbert Freedman

Wilfred Rodriguez

Controller

William Young

Director of Maintenance

Kelvin Pantaleon

Public Safety Chief

Adolph Osback

Power Plant Director

Corey Jones Human Resource Director

Dolores Benner

General Counsel

Robert Bernstein

Monthly Report

- by Marion Scott Monthly Report - by Jay Williams

General Manager’s Monthly Report for September 2022

RESPECTFUL MEETING DISCOURSE

When I look back at my 1st public meeting in Rochdale Village, I can’t help but remem ber the unfavorable circumstances laid be fore me. Rochdale was in the middle of a difficult Local Law 11 cycle. Our architect and NYC Department of Buildings informed us that all terrace enclosures had to come down per the new NYC building codes that had not been released. Months later the of ficial DOB ruling came out making it clear that this was not a management decision. However, at that time the [DOB] refused to give us anything in writing as proof for our 300 shareholders that most of the enclosures had to go. The meeting was well attended and very heated to say the least. I could un derstand why when I found out that the run ning cost, at the time, for a sturdy enclosure could exceed $4000. But even in a sea of angry shareholders, everyone remained re spectful. There were no personal attacks or name-calling, no physical threats.

Eight years and over a hundred meetings later I can’t say that has always been true. In fact, it has been more common than not that people leave their respect for one another at the door as they come into a meeting. This

has ranged from offhanded comments/jokes at someone’s expense, to vicious personal at tacks, to threats of violence. I have not been spared from this, the worst of them, implied that I am a racist against my own people and a liar. I understand that it comes with the ter ritory, but that doesn’t make it right.

Name-calling is a dismissive form of com munication for someone lacking the skill or self-control to articulate a competing point of view. How can we move forward as a community if this is the way we debate? We cannot. Through healthy debate, new ideas are formed, and new processes can be im plemented. My predecessor always tells me “You can’t change the belief, only the be liever”. That can only happen with proper discourse. We should do better; we can do better.

COMMUNICATION

The property manager of any property type co-op, condo or straight rental is to make sure the property is running smoothly and achieving the goals and purposes of the own ers, clients, or the investors. The manager is the overseer of the property and captain of the ship and must know everything about

the property such as fiscal, functional, social, operational and governance. To do our jobs well and serve a cooperative community one needs patience, ability to listen and execute, follow through and more importantly be re sponsive. If everybody respects their roles: the board as governance and management as day-to-day operators of the housing compa ny and set common ground for communica tion some of the misunderstandings can be avoided.

ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

As we assess the day-to-day needs of the development, we are continuously looking for ways to improve processes that ultimate ly contribute to overall efficacy. Through negotiations with the Public Safety union, there will be an increase in starting salary for officers to ensure hiring of quality people and more training to boost productivity and professionalism. By outsourcing payroll, we will upgrade an antiquated system, strength en reporting compliance, and augment ac curacy and efficiency. It is understood that buildings with an aging infrastructure will need consistent attention however, it is equally important to invest in the people that will provide service to the community.

WHAT’S IN THE WATER? ROCHDALE WATER SAFETY PROCESS

By Cynthia Bernadine

With news that the polio virus has been found in wastewater in some areas of New York, Cooperators may wonder how these findings affect Roch dale’s own water system.

To ease minds, first you should know that Rochdale’s drinking water system is separate from Rochdale’s sewage system and this helps in the prevention of contamination.

Rochdale Village drinking water is supplied by the City/De partment of Environmental Pro tection (DEP). The water comes from the city system into Roch dale’s drinking water tank. There

is one water tank in each group to supply all four buildings. The tank is pressurized to enable wa ter to travel from the tanks to all upper floors in all four buildings per group.

The water tanks are re quired to be cleaned yearly and water tested to verify that there are no contaminants in the drink ing water.

On top of that, Rochdale performs an annual back flow test mandated by the City. This test is done through the installation of a back flow prevention assem bly to our water system, which is an approved, testable assembly required by DEP. This assembly uses valves to prevent potential

contaminants from flowing into the drinking water system.

Rochdale Village will continue to follow all rules and regulation of New York City san itary codes to ensure the safety of coop erators.

However, the New York State De partment of Health suggests anyone who is unvaccinated for polio, including infants under two months old, women who are expecting, and those who have not finished their vaccination series,

are immunized right away. If you are unsure whether you have received the series of vaccina tions as a child, you should con sult a healthcare professional.

Looking for community resources?

Here’s a few.

free to share with someone who may need assistance.

Controller’s Report

by William Young

Profit and Loss Financial Statement Narrative

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022(FISCAL 2023)

For the Four (4) Months end ed July 31, 2022, ControllaBle inCoMe BeFore interest, depre Ciation, aMortization, and in CoMe taxes inCreased $757,000 to $3,256,000 as CoMpared to $2,500,000 in the Budget Be low you will Find an explanation oF the aCCounts with signiFiCant Changes vs the Budget: Controllable Income is defined as income less variable expenses that can be managed by the Company (“A measure of Operation efficien cy of the Company). It is common ly known as EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes and Depre ciation and Amortization).

Operating Revenue and Expense variances are explained below:

REVENUE

Total revenue For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Total revenue was relatively in-line with the Budget $27,382,000 as com pared to $27,555,000 in the Bud get. This slight decrease of 0.6% is explained in the Revenue analysis below:

Apartment revenue - For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Apartment revenue was relatively in-line with the Budget at $24,183,000 as compared to $24,204,000 in the Budget.

Commercial rental revenue –

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Commercial rental revenue decreased $(56,000) or 3.0% to $1,795,000 as compared to $1,852,000 in the budget. The decrease is due to the seasonality of the Budget being spread out evenly over the Fiscal year.

Community Center revenue - For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Community Center revenue decreased $(44,000) to $132,000 as compared to $177,000 in the

Budget. This decrease is princi pally due to the Budget reflecting the Community Center returning to normal operations; however, the return to normal operations contin ues to be delayed due to impact of COVID. NOTE: The Community Center has begun opening up op erations and we anticipate that the revenue related to the Community Center will continue to increase over the remainder of FY 2023.

Other revenue & Interest

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Other income & interest (includes the 4 account categories above) decreased approximately $(51,000) to $1,271,000 as com pared to $1,322,000 in the Bud get. The decrease is principally due to the Commissions on Cable TV commissions being received quarterly. The Budget was spread evenly over the Fiscal year.

EXPENSES

Total expenses - For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, to tal expenses decreased $(929,000) to $24,125,000 as compared to $25,055,000 in the Budget. This decrease is explained in the follow ing expense accounts:

Administrative

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Administrative expenses increased $109,000 to 1,922,000 as compared to $1,813,000 in the Budget. This slight increase is principally due to an increase in collection costs related to the courts opening up.

Janitorial & Grounds costs

For the Four (4) Months End ed July 31, 2022, Janitorial and Grounds expenses were relatively in-line at $2,523,000 as compared to $2,593,000 in the Budget. This slight decrease is due to the follow ing:

crease of approximately $(201,000) is related to a decrease in salaries due to Budget reflecting a full staff and we were not at Full staff in May.

Compactor expense – For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Compactor and Compac tor & Garbage expenses increased $71,000 to $211,000 as compared to $140,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the efficiencies projected in the Budget not as sig nificant as was anticipated.

Landscape Seasonal – For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, landscape expense seasonal decreased $(48,000) to $0.0 as compared to $48,000 in the Bud get. There was no expense for this account because the Maintenance Department has been unable to hire any seasonal Groundsmen. It should be noted that most recently, we have been able to hire a few em ployees; therefore, we expect this trend to change in the near future.

Maintenance and operating costs

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Maintenance and Op erating costs increased $665,000 to $4,585,000 as compared to $3,920,000 in the Budget. This in crease is due to the following:

Maintenance salaries – For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Maintenance salaries de creased approximately $(147,000) to $1,238,000 as compared to $1,386,000 in the Budget. This decrease is principally due to the Budget reflecting a full staff and we were not at Full staff in May.

Repair Material & Supplies

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, these accounts decreased approximately $(119,000) to $404,000 as compared to $524,000 in the Budget. This decrease is due to lower than anticipated volume

of purchases compared to the Bud get. NOTE: In addition, the Bud get is spread out evenly over the 12 month period and actual expenses vary based upon cooperators needs.

Contracted Services

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, these accounts in creased approximately $919,000 to $2,849,000 as compared to $1,930,000 in the Budget. This increase is principally due to (1) a shortage of supplies which in creased the price from $3.15 per sq. ft to $4.20 per sq.ft. (2) an in crease in requests for floor tile re placements which is related to the impact of covid delaying work in the prior year due to COVID (3) Inflation has increased to 8.6% as of July 2022.

Public Safety

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Public Safety costs de creased $(575,000) to $1,595,000 as compared to $2,170,000 in the Budget. This decrease is princi pally due to the Budget reflecting a full staff and Public Safety staff is not operating at full staff.

Power Plant – For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, To tal Power Plant expenses decreased $(276,000) to $5,709,000 as com pared to $5,985,000 in the Budget. There were both positive and (neg ative) fluctuations in the expense categories below:

1. UTILITIES For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Fuel expenses decreased $(51,000) to $2,567,000 as com pared to $2,619,000 in the Budget. This decrease is due to the follow ing:

Fuel – Oil For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Fuel in creased approximately $206,000 to $222,000 as compared to $16,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the additional fuel costs related

to the installation of the new aera tor.

Fuel Heating and gas For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Fuel Heating and Gas de creased approximately $(286,000) or 11% to $2,244,000 as compared to $2,531,000 in the Budget. This decrease is due to lower costs relat ed to National Grid and Engie (our Natural Gas supplier) as follows:

(1) National Grid - The favor able impact of the Change in our Service Rat Classification from a SC4A - High Load Factor Ser vice (($0.2640 per Therm) to a SC21 – Baseload Distributed Gen eration Sales Service classification ($0.3027 per Therm) from National Grid that management was able to obtain through a 3rd party Energy broker. This rate classification has reduced our National Grid bills from over $300,000 a Two Months to approximately $120,000 per Month. Annualized, this equates to over $2,000,000 a year!!

(2) Natural Gas Prices (Engie)–

In September 2020, when the Nat ural Gas market was at a 25-year low, Management executed a 5.5 year forward contract at $0.392 per Therm (a measurement of natural gas purchases). This locked in the price of Gas prices for 5.5 years. This means that Rochdale Village Inc. is protected from Natural gas price fluctuations till March 2026.

(3) Seasonality in the Budget was based on prior % and the actual is trending in a slightly different vol ume.

2. Water & Sewer

Water and Sewer

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Water and Sewer expense increased approximately $145,000 to $1,754,000 as com pared to $1,609,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to the Budget projecting a savings from the water conservation project being delayed due to COVID. In addition, more residents continue working from home which results in an increase in water usage.

3. Salaries & Other

Power Plant Expenses For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Other – Salaries & other expenses decreased $(308,000)

to $1,175,000 as compared to $1,484,000 in the Budget. This de crease is principally related to the (1) The Budget reflects a full staff (2) seasonality of the Budget where the salaries are spread out based on a 4 week and 5-week month and (3) Approximately 22% less overtime.

Insurance Expense

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Insurance expenses increased $201,000 to $2,499,000 as compared to $2,298,000 in the Budget. The increase is due to the Rochdale insurance policies re newal in November 2021. In the renewal, the most significant policy increase was the General Liability including umbrella. During discus sions with our insurance broker he explained that There have been sig nificant industrywide increases in insurance costs related to COVID. In the November 2022, insurance renewal process, we will be look ing at alternative strategies to save on these costs.

Real Estate Taxes (Shelter Rent)

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Real estate tax (Shelter rent) expenses decreased $(137,000) to $1,463,000 as com pared to $1,600,000 in the Budget. This decrease is related to the im pact of previous Article 78 settle ment related to allocation of corpo rate expenses at 11.8% which saves Rochdale Village approximately $400,000 to $500,000 per year. In addition, we have finalized the second article 78 legal proceeding related to depreciation which will increase the allocation of corporate expenses from 11.8% to 16.5% and save the Company an additional approximately $200,000 per year.

The total anticipated savings result ing from the allocation of 16.5% of corporate expenses to the Power Plant will save Rochdale approxi mately $600,000 to $700,000 in Shelter Rent tax every year!!!

Note: HCR has agreed to let Ro chdale Village prepare the Shel ter Rent calculation.

April 2022 update - During the last Two Months, Rochdale recal culated two years of Shelter Rent Taxes (SRT) (2017, 2018). During the recalculation, it was determined that there were inaccurate calcula tions. For the years 2017 and 2018, the inaccurate calculation will re

sult in approximately $300,000 of SRT credits for these years. Once I get the HCR estimates for 2019 and 2020, We will know what the additional SRT credits will be.

For the years 2021 and 2022, I ex pect the calculation by Rochdale of the Final Shelter Rent Tax to result in substantial SRT credits because the HCR estimates were not includ ing the 16.5% allocation of corpo rate expenses.

Employee Benefits

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Employee Benefits expense decreased $(746,000) to $2,506,000 as compared to $2,298,000 in the Budget. The de crease is related to the payroll ex penses accrued at year end for pay roll paid in April 2022 that related to the last week of FY 2022. When this was paid in April 2021, the ac crual was adjusted, and the indi vidual payroll accounts reflect the payroll expense in April. The net impact between employee benefits and payroll is $0.

Bad Debt Expense

For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, Bad debt expense (a non-cash expense) increased $132,000 to $300,000 as compared to $168,000 in the Budget. This increase is due to an increase in Tenant and Commercial receiv ables due to the impact COVID. The courts did not open for legal proceedings until recently which should favorable impact collec tions from delinquent cooperators.

All Other Expenses were rela tively in-line with the Budget.

Looking forward

1. Paperless Solution – This project is currently being evalu ated. We are considering investing in certain software products that will allow Rochdale Village Inc. to work with our vendors to have in voices electronically transmitted to Rochdale and uploaded to our soft ware. This project was delayed due to COVID-19. We anticipate that this project will be brought to the Board in FY 2023

2. Computer Software solu tion – This project is currently be ing evaluated. We are also investi gating certain software products to replace our current software. This

will upgrade our current computer system to a windows-based sys tem. We anticipate that this project will be brought to the Board in FY 2023.

3. Overall, Rochdale Vil lage Inc.’s Controllable Income results For the Four (4) Months Ended July 31, 2022, are positive and trending above the FY 2023 Budget.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT INFO MATION

1. PPP (Payroll Protection Program) – In April 2020, we re ceived a $6,029,300 PPP loan that was be used to keep all employ ees employed. As required by the regulations, the funds were used to pay employees payroll, benefits and utility expenses. This loan was recorded in a separate cash ac count and set up as a liability un til the loan is forgiven. We have completed our submission of all required documents to Citibank for forgiveness and Citibank approved $6,005,000 for loan forgiveness and Citibank has submitted the Loan Forgiveness application to the SBA for approval. The SBA has asked Citibank for additional financial information which was provided. We are still waiting to hear back from the SBA. In addi tion, in August 2022, there was additional information sent to the SBA and we anticipate a favorable response from the SBA.

2. Reserve Funds (Wells Fargo and HCR)- The reserve and escrow balance were $39,504 302 as of July 31, 2022.

3. Loan Forbearance – Wells Fargo granted Rochdale a loan pay ment forbearance for 6 Months from May 2020 to October 2020. This payment forbearance amount ed to approximately $8,655,000 for the 6-Two Months period. How ever, Wells Fargo required us to pay the $8,655,000 amount back over a 24-Two Months period at $360,631 per Month beginning in November of 2020 and ending Oc tober 2022.

NOTE: The Company’s pay ments are current and on track to end in October 2022. There is 1 more payment to be made!

the rochdale Village bulletin

Controller’s Report

- by William Young

Rochdale Village Inc. PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT FY 2022 and FY 2023 vs. Budget

Rochdale Village, Inc.

PAYABLE AGING

Rochdale Village, Inc. BALANCE SHEET FY 2020, 2021 FY 2022 and

Controller’s Report

- by William Young

Rochdale Village Inc.

Summary of Accounts Receivable Activity FY 2019, FY 2020, FY 2021 FY 2022 and FY 2023

Rochdale Village Inc. Summary of Accounts Receivable Carrying Charges (ONLY) >$100 in Aging FY 2022 and FY 2023

Rochdale Village Inc. Community Center Profit & Loss Statement FY 2020, 2021 and 2022 Actual vs. Budget

Public Safety Report

- by Chief Adolph Osback

Public Safety Monthly Report August 2022

Enclosed is the statistical data relative to the performance of the Rochdale Village Public Safety Department during the month of August 2022 Public Safety maintains 24 hour / 7 days a week coverage.

COMPLAINTS:

1. During the month of August 2022, the Public Safety Department has continued to focus attention on loitering, trespassing, noise complaints and all other quality of life violations. As a result, Public Safety Department officers responded to a total of (56) loitering and (122) noise complaints from Cooperators which were resolved as follows:

a) Founded-Compliant- (47) Loiterers complied with officers’ directives to leave and (33) of the noise complaint sources corrected the volume of the noise.

b) Unfounded Calls- (9) unfounded loitering complaints and (84) unfounded noise complaints (officers responded but no loiterers were present or no noise could be heard).

c) Founded/Non-Compliant Calls- Loitering individuals & noise complaints - Non-compliant of directives – (0) received violations for loitering and (5) received a violation for noise complaints.

For the month of August 2022 there was a grand total of (4) arrest made on Rochdale Village Grounds.

The Public Safety Department will continue to organize in order to better serve the Rochdale Village community.

DVR UNIT ACTIVITY:

RISK MANAGEMENT INCIDENTS 16 INVESTIGATIVE INCIDENTS 28

VIOLATIONS ISSUED 00

RELATED ARREST INCIDENTS 04

FIRE INCIDENTS 00

TOTAL INCIDENTS 48

TASK FORCE UNIT ACTIVITIES:

• Conducted (218) Directed & Routine Verticals.

• Made (1) arrests, issued (0) Trespass Notifications, issued (0) C-Summonses, issued (0) violations to include (0) for loitering and encountered (153) Loiterers during routine & directed patrols.

• Responded to assigned calls from Central Dispatch (16).

• Conducted (0) Tenant Verification

TOWING ACTIVITY

The Public Safety Department towed (5) vehicles and issued (133) warning stickers for the violation of various parking rules throughout the complex.

Routine & *Directed Vertical Patrols by Rochdale Public Safety Officers and Supervisors:

Vertical patrols are conducted daily. Officers and Supervisors patrol the stairwells, hallways, rooftops, and parking lots at different hours in an effort to curtail unlawful activities.

*Directed verticals are additional post inspections performed in order to proactively reduce Quality of Life conditions in designated “Hot Spots” as determined by community complaints and the analysis of various patrol reports.

BUILDING VERTICALS, GROUND FLOOR INSPECTIONS AND PARKING LOT CHECKS: 4466

*DIRECTED VERTICALS: 316

TOTAL POST INSPECTIONS: 4782

PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONDED TO CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE AND REFFERED 946 CALLS TO THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT 707

TOTAL CALLS RECEIVED FOR ASSISTANCE: 1653

COOPERATOR ESCORTS: 190 AIDED SICK/ INJURY & ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENTS: 102

TOTAL INCIDENT REPORTS GENERATED: 160 MAIL VOLUME DELIVERED BY PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS: 697

ARREST(S): 4

IN HOUSE DETAINED: 0

GRAND TOTAL OF ARRESTS: 4

VIOLATIONS ISSUED: 53

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/AUTO: 0 EVICTION(S): 2

VIOLATIONS

Listed are the classifications of Notice of Violations issued:

The 113th precinct is currently experiencing a 170% increase in vehicle thefts also known as Grand Larceny Auto (GLA). From the period starting Friday, August 26, 2022, through to Fri day, September 23, 2022, Roch dale saw a total 27 vehicles (in cluding motorcycles) stolen in 2022. Compare this number to the 10 GLAs from 2021. Cur rently Rochdale Village has ex perienced zero automobiles sto len from any of our lots during the aforementioned 28-day period.

Earlier in the year, we experienced the theft of 3 motorcycles from our lots. Footage captured on our camera systems show that the suspects in these thefts are utilizing a white full size cargo van (with license plate

removed). If any cooperators observe any vehicles matching this description in the vicinity of our parking lots, please notify Public Safety immediately. Research has shown that it is possible to reduce vehicle crimes by directly increasing Public Safety patrol efforts on our part, but the engagement and assistance of the Community we serve is always welcomed and needed. Thank you for your con tinued support and be safe!

Provided by 113th Precinct Sergeant Kevin Watz, Crime Analysis Division to Public Safety Chief Adolph Osback, Public Safety Chair Clifton Stanley Diaz Vice Chairs Talib Bey and Shiela McKenzie

Public Safety Information from the desk of Chief Adolph Osback

NEW YORK GENERAL ELECTION 2022:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

By Cynthia Bernadine

New York City General Election is about to take place in a few weeks. On the ballot this year is the race for: Governor (city wide), Lieutenant Governor (citywide), State Comptroller (citywide), Attorney General (citywide), U.S. Senator (citywide), Justice of Su preme Court (11th Judicial District), Judge of the Civil Court (Queens County), Representative in Congress (District 5), State Senator (Dis trict 10) and Member of the Assembly (District 32).

As a reminder, Voters will not be able to rank candidates by preference as they did back in February 2021. Ranked Choice Vot ing is only used for primary and special elections for local offices; however, you can still take advantage of early voting from Saturday, October 29, 2022 through Sunday, November 6, 2022 right here in Rochdale’s Community Center. Voting early is fast and flexible with dates and times to accommodate most schedules including weekend hours. It is a great convenient way to avoid long lines and crowds. Early voting hours vary each day so see chart on the next page for schedule of dates and times.

Please note that your early voting site is not be your actual polling site for the General Election on November 8, 2022. Coopera tors can review the chart for polling sites by group on the next page as well.

Below is information on how to register to vote and informa tion on how to use an absentee ballot. For more voting information or assistance, you can contact 1-866-VOTE-NYC or visit www.vote.nyc.

VOTE NYC

BOARD OF ELECTIONS VOTING INFORMATION

QUALIFICATIONS TO REGISTER TO VOTE

• be a United States citizen;

• be 18 years old (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18);

• resident of this state and the county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election;

• not be in prison for a felony conviction;

• not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court;

• not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE

The deadline to register to vote in New York is October 14, 2022.

Registration forms sent through the mail must be postmarked no later than October 14, 2022 and received by your local County Board of Elections no later than October 19, 2022. In New York, voters must be registered 25 days before an election to be able to vote in that elec tion.

ABSENTEE BALLOT

Qualifications to Vote by Absentee Ballot

• Absent from your county or, if a resident of New York City absent from the five boroughs, on Election Day.

• Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent ill ness or disability (temporary illness includes being unable to ap pear due to risk of contracting or spreading a communicable dis ease like COVID-19).

• Unable to appear because you are the primary care giver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled.

• A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospi tal.

• Detained in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony.

How to Apply for an Absentee Ballot

You may apply for an absentee ballot in any of the following ways:

• By utilizing our online Absentee Application Portal at: https://ny cabsentee.com/

• By going in-person to your local county board of elections office.

• By designating another person to deliver your application in-per son to your local county board of elections and receive your ballot.

• By mail or fax

2022 Voting by Absentee Ballot Deadlines

• October 24, 2022 - Last day for board of elections to receive an application or letter of application by mail, online portal, email or fax for an absentee ballot.

• November 7, 2022 - Last day to apply IN-PERSON for absentee ballot.

• November 8, 2022 - Last day to postmark ballot. Must be received by the local board of elections no later than November 15, 2022. Military Voter Ballots must be received no later than November 21, 2022.

November 8, 2022 - Last day to deliver ballot IN-PERSON to the lo cal board of elections or to any poll site in your county.

THE URBAN SENIORS JOB PROGRAM LETS SENIORS EARN AS THEY LEARN

The Urban League of Westchester (an affiliate of the National Urban League) devel ops various programs and is the driving force behind an initiative to adopt innovative services and advocacy for seniors. Funded by the Department of Labor, the Ur ban Senior Jobs Program (USJP), created by the National Urban League, is a free service-based training program for low-income individuals 55 years of age or older who are unemployed and dedicated to finding work possi bilities.

The current economic climate has made programs like USJP an invaluable resource to seniors who receive paid train ing to enable them to adapt to potential employment especially in this digital age.

By Cynthia Bernadine

A“leopard can’t change its spots,” at least that’s the common belief when it comes to elderly citizens. Many people think that seniors lack the ability or drive to change and grow past their current skills, but several Rochdale Village seniors con tinue to prove this adage wrong, thanks to the Urban League.

The National Urban

League is a historic civil rights organization committed to social justice, equality, and economic empowerment for marginalized groups. The League was estab lished in 1910 and operates by partnering with local and state government officials, communi ty leaders, businesses, and other organizations to improve the liv ing conditions of African Amer icans and other underserved groups.

One can point to the high cost of living, changes in Social Security, and longer life expec tancy, as a few reasons why peo ple of retirement age remain on the job market. Whatever their reasoning, more and more se niors continue to work or look for job opportunities that can subsidize the cost brought on by the current post pandemic reces sion, that can be observed in the increased prices of food, medi cal expenses, and other basic services.

Many seniors who go through the necessary training program are able to overcome the so-called technology gap and attain employment. Queens Pro gram Coordinator, Audrian Gray has a career that spans over 30 years; a dedicated professional, she is passionate about helping people and assisting them in im proving their lives. “What’s so great about this program is that it provides paid training to seniors so they can earn as they learn, ultimately empowering them” states Gray.

The Urban League of Westchester County has a satellite office within the Rochdale Village Community Center. If anyone is interested in learning more about the Urban Seniors Job Program, please email Ms. Audrian Gray at audrian7@gmail.com

Mayor Eric Adams Hosts Southeast Queens Town Hall in Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom

from

1)

hall here at Rochdale Village.

The town hall was an opportunity for his Queens constituents to have their say in addressing concerns they face daily. Among the many subjects discussed, particular em phasis was paid to providing neighborhoods with resources to fight gun violence, fostering better relationships between the community and the NYPD, youth involvement initiatives, mental health, and homelessness.

During the meeting, inquiry was made to understand the initiatives that exist around education, from how to engage the youth to ensuring safety in schools and on public trans portation.

Adams said his office was preparing to have a series of town hall meetings with just young adults to further talk about launching a program or a hub for the adolescents in south east Queens to support them with resources. He said that the plan is to change the edu cation experience of the youth by providing mental health programs, internships and voca tion or technical training so that violence does not become their outlet.

“We know beforehand where some of

the problems that are coming from. Our goal is to find these young people upstream and not wait until they fall in the river, then you pull them out downstream,” said Adams.

Some of the plans suggested and dis cussed by the mayor and his officials centered around utilizing technology and social media to gather feedback from the public in order to better connect with the community, collabo rating with businesses to offer paid intern ships to students year-round, as well as adding more school safety agents in school buildings.

According to Adams, homelessness

continues to be another concern that creates a number of safety issues, as such many home less camps have been removed from the sub way, with people suffering from mental health conditions having been placed in safe havens that can provide them with the necessary re sources they require. This has been done to protect the safety of children as well as adults riding public transportation.

“Public safety is not just the police. Public safety is every agency that’s here. We are going to utilize the full totality of our city and all of the agencies,” he said.

(Photo credit : Mikell Richards)

(Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).

Our Rochdale Village Community

GBACK TO SCHOOL iveaway

The Rochdale Village Youth Planning committee held its annual back to school giveaway on Saturday, September 3, 2022 in the Community Center Courtyard. Several Rochdale Village children were treated to backpacks full of school supplies to carry into the new school term.

(Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).

Our Rochdale Village Community

Fall FestivalAnnual

The Rochdale Village Community Center Committee hosted Rochdale’s annual Fall Festival to usher in the new season. On Sunday, September 11, 2022, despite light rain, vendors from different parts of borough descended on the Rochdale campus bringing food, jewelry, clothes and other things to see. Cooperators responded by coming out to taste and enjoy the day.

(Photo Credit : Larry ‘Love’ Moore).

Committee members with Council Member Vivian Cooke (Center) and Senator Leroy Comrie (Second from right).

(Paid

rochdale Village board of directorS meeting resolutions - septeMBer 26, 2022

R26-22: BEST HOME CENTER, INC. AGREES TO CONTINUE MALL RENTAL FOR FIVE YEARS.

Moved by: Jean Randolph-Castro

Seconded by: Joyce Williams

WHEREAS, Best Home Center, Inc. (“Best Home”) has agreed to rent One Thousand Four Hundred (1,400) square feet in Mall 1 for five (5) years.

WHEREAS, Best Home will continue to use the current location as a discount hardware and garden supplies store selling at retail, paint and paint supplies, garden supplies, chain saws, lawnmowers, commercial waxing supplies, wallpaper, floor tiles, wood stoves, patio furniture, tools, nails, auto supplies, bath accessories and all products usually associated with hardware business, renting and repair of floor machines and in addi tion, sale of cellular phones; and

WHEREAS, Best Home Center, Inc. the terms of the lease are at tached

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Best Home Center, Inc. Lease Renewal is approved by Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Direc tors.

FOR

Keysha Beasley, Janine Cross

Clifton Stanley Diaz, Edward Douglass

Jean Hall

Gary Hawkins

Khedda Hayden-Ryan Timothy Mercer

Jean Randolph-Castro Derrick Shareef

Lisa Stark, Joyce Williams

ABSENT

Letisha Azizah, Maryam Hubbard

Sheila McKenzie

Twelve for, three absent; motion passes.

R27-22: DINA’S BEAUTY SUPPLY, INC. AGREED CONTINUE MALL 2 RENTAL FOR FIVE YEARS

Moved by: Keysha Beasley

Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro

WHEREAS, Dina’s Beauty Supply, Inc. d/b/a Hot Tips Nail Salon (“hot tips”) has agreed to rent one thousand two hundred and fifty (1,250) square feet in Mall 2 for five (5) years;

WHEREAS, Dina’s Beauty Supply, Inc. d/b/a Hot Tips Nail Salon will continue to occupy the location as indicated in the current lease as a Nail Salon, manicures, pedicures, waxing, application of acrylic nails and electronic massage. Retail sale of professional beauty supplies and skin care services will be allowed provided that it does not interfere with the rights of other commercial tenants; and

WHEREAS, the terms of Hot Tips’ lease is attached.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Hot Tips lease re newal is approved by Rochdale Village, Inc. Board of Directors.

FOR

Keysha Beasley

Janine Cross

Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass

Jean Hall

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Jean Randolph-Castro

Lisa Stark

Moved by: Jean Randolph-Castro

Seconded by: Janine Cross

WHEREAS, Baisley Pharmacy, Inc. (“Baisley Pharmacy”) has agreed to rent two thousand one hundred ten (2,110) square feet in Mall 1 for five years with one five-year option;

WHEREAS, Baisley Pharmacy will continue at the current loca tion as a pharmacy for the sale of drugs, cosmetics, toiletries, medicine and hospital supplies, and for those items customarily sold in a drug store;.

WHEREAS, Baisley Pharmacy, Inc. will be required to install sig nage commensurate with the aesthetics of all Mall 1 Tenants; and

WHEREAS, Baisley Pharmacy, Inc, the terms of the lease are at tached;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED Baisley Pharmacy, Inc. Lease Renewal is approved by the Rochdale Village Inc. Board of Direc tors.

FOR

Keysha Beasley

Janine Cross

Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass

Gary Hawkins Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Timothy Mercer

Jean Randolph-Castro

Derrick Shareef Lisa Stark

Joyce Williams

Jean Hall

Gary Hawkins

Timothy Mercer

Derrick Shareef

Joyce Williams

ABSENT

Letisha Azizah Maryam Hubbard

Sheila McKenzie

Twelve for, three absent; motion passes.

R28-22:BAISLEY PHARMACY, INC. AGREES TO CONTINUE MALL 1 RENTAL FOR FIVE YEARS.

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Letisha Azizah Maryam Hubbard

Sheila McKenzie

Eleven for, one abstention, three absent; motion passes.

R29-22: GROUP AND PARKING LOT REPAVING AND EXPANSION PROJECT EARMARKED WITH $7.1 MILLION BUDGET Moved by: Clifton Stanley Diaz

Seconded by: Jean Randolph-Castro

WHEREAS, the group repaving, parking lot repaving and expan sion project was earmarked with a budget of $7.1 million;

WHEREAS, O&S Associates Engineers & Architects was ap proved for $153,000 as the consultant for this project by providing the low est responsible bid including unit pricing;

WHEREAS, O&S has increased the amount of oversight on the concrete contractor by way of more site visits for enhanced quality control; and

WHEREAS, the negotiated not to exceed amount to accomplish this is an additional $93,500 that is equivalent to a 1.3% variance to the overall project budget.

WHEREAS, the site visits by O&S Associates Engineers & Archi tects will be at a minimum of three visits per month for the duration of the project.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Rochdale Vil lage, Inc. Board of Directors approves the consultant contract increase of $93,500 for O&S Associates Engineers & Architects.

FOR

Keysha Beasley

Edward Douglass

Gary Hawkins

Clifton Stanley Diaz

Jean Hall

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Timothy Mercer Jean Randolph-Castro

Derrick Shareef Lisa Stark

Joyce Williams

Letisha Azizah

ABSENT

Janine Cross

Maryam Hubbard Sheila McKenzie

Eleven for, four absent; motion passes.

rochdale Village board of directorS meeting resolutions - septeMBer 26, 2022

R30-22: ROCHDALE SERVICE ANIMAL POLICY

Moved by: Clifton Stanley Diaz

Seconded by: Edward Douglass

WHEREAS, the Board acknowledges and accepts that service and emotional support animals (“service animals”) are allowed in Rochdale Village by virtue of the New York City Human Rights Division (“HRD”) defined specifically by the Fair Housing Act of 1988;

WHEREAS, the Board has noticed that the Rochdale Village ser vice animal general rules agreed to by the HRD are not being adhered to by residents with service animals;

WHEREAS, an increase in housing fines related to following the service animal general rules would incentivize residents to follow the rules; and

WHEREAS, housing fines for residents with service animals who do not follow the general rules will be increased to the following;

VIOLATION 1st 1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd Offenses (old) (new) (old) (new) (old) (new)

Harboring

Illegal $300 $400 $325 $500 $375 $700 Pet Walking Dog on $300 $400 $325 $500 $375 $700 Premises

Feeding Stray $150 $250 $150 $350 $200 $450 Animals

Curbing N/A $400 N/A $500 N/A $700

Off Leash N/A $400 N/A $500 N/A $700

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rochdale Vil lage, Inc. Board of Directors approves the increase in fines for service animal related violations pending approval from New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

FOR

Keysha Beasley Janine Cross Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass Jean Hall, Gary Hawkins Khedda Hayden-Ryan Timothy Mercer Jean Randolph-Castro Derrick Shareef Lisa Stark Joyce Williams

ABSENT

Letisha Azizah Maryam Hubbard Sheila McKenzie

Twelve for, three absent; motion passes.

R31-22: TELEPHONE VOTE

WHEREAS, the agreement between Rochdale Village, Inc. (“Ro chdale”) and 32BJ effective April 21, 2018 to April 2022 has expired; and

WHEREAS, 32BJ and the New York City Real Estate Advisory Board have come to terms on the standard industry-wide collective bar gaining agreement. In addition “Rochdale” and 32BJ negotiated and have come to terms with additional language involving the arbitration process; and

WHEREAS, the new agreement stipulates “Rochdale” will pay each of the current 136 32BJ employees a one time bonus of $3,000, which will be funded by reduced payments to the health benefits over two months in addition to a 3% raise each year of the four (4) year contract; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Di rectors approves the 32BJ contract effective April 21, 2022 to April 20,

2025.

Keysha Beasley

FOR

Janine Cross

Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass

Gary Hawkins

Timothy Mercer

Derrick Shareef

Joyce Williams

Sheila McKenzie

Jean Randolph-Castro

Lisa Stark

NOT VOTING, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUESTED

Letisha Azizah

LEFT MESSAGES

Jean Hall Maryam Hubbard

PASSING THE VOTE

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Telephone vote passed with eleven votes for.

R32-22: TELEPHONE VOTE

WHEREAS, the Election Committee has obtained a proposal from Honest Hallot Association to conduct the 2022 election for the Board of Directors for the amount of $63,636.00 and if the election must be extended later the same evening, an additional $5,000 for a total maximum cost not to exceed $68,636.00 and if the election must continue to a second day, then the total cost paid to Honest Ballot Association will not exceed $92,136.00

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Di rectors of Rochdale Village, Inc. approves the contract of Honest Ballot Association, also as attached hereto, with a fee not to exceed $63,636.00 and if the election must be extended later the same evening, an additional $5,000 for a total maximum cost not to exceed $68,636.00 and if the elec tion must continue to a second day, then the total cost paid to Honest Ballot Association will not exceed $92,136.00 subject to any exceptional costs outside the scope of the proposal.

FOR

Janine Cross Clifton Stanley Diaz Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins Sheila McKenzie

Letisha Azizah

Timothy Mercer Jean Randolph-Castro Derrick Shareef Lisa Stark

Joyce Williams

AGAINST - NO INFORMATION PROVIDED Keysha Beasley

AGAINST - DID NOT GIVE BIDS AS PROMISED Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Maryam Hubbard

Jean Hall

ABSTAIN

LEFT MESSAGES

Telephone vote passed with eleven votes for, two against and one abstention.

R33-22: TELEPHONE VOTE

The Rochdale Village Public Safety Committee, in conjunction with the Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee will be plan ning to participate in the annual nationwide observance of “National Night Out”.

National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhood safer and a more caring place to live.

Projects Report

September 2022

rochdale Village board of directorS meeting resolutions - septeMBer 26, 2022

LEFT MESSAGES

The National Night Out event enhances the relationships between neighbors and police and/or public safety while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore it provides a great opportunity to bring po lice and/or public safety and the neighbors together under positive circum stances. The event increases crime and drugs awareness, engage support for anti-crime efforts and fortify neighborhood spirit and police community partnership. Mr. Clifton Stanley Diaz, Chairperson of Public Safety Com mittee, along with Vice Chairpersons Talib Bey and Sheila McKenzie are requesting that the Rochdale Village Board of Directors grant the Public Safety Committee $8,000 (Eight Thousand Dollars) to fund this year’s event. The last National Night Out event took place in 2021 at a cost of $7,000 (Seven Thousand Dollars). The money will be used to purchase equipment and articles that are essential in ensuring a successful National Night Out event. This year’s National Night Out event for 2022 will take place on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. in front of the Rochdale Village Community Center. Please be advised that any unused funds will be returned immediately to Rochdale Village.

FOR

Janine Cross

Clifton Stanley Diaz

Edward Douglass Gary Hawkins

Sheila McKenzie Timothy Mercer

Jean Randolph-Castro Derrick Shareef

Lisa Stark Joyce Williams

ABSTAIN

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

*

Letisha Azizah

Keysha Beasley

Jean Hall Maryam Hubbard

Telephone vote passed with ten votes for and one abstention.

*Stated will e-mail response. Never received e-mail response

BOARD MEMBERS

Clifton Stanley Diaz

Chairperson

Jean Randolph-Castro

President

Timothy Mercer

First Vice-President

Janine Cross

Second Vice-President Edward Douglass

Third Vice-President

Sheila Mckenzie (Not Present)

Fourth Vice President

Joyce Williams - Secretary

Jean Hall - Assistant Secretary

Derrick Shareef - Treasurer

Lisa Stark - Assistant Treasurer

Letisha Azizah (Not Present)

Keysha Beasley

Gary Hawkins

Khedda Hayden-Ryan

Maryam Hubbard (Not Present)

MSI REAL ESTATE

Jay Williams

General Manager

Wilfred Rodriguez

Assistant General Manager

Lance Williams

Assistant General Manager

Robert Bernstein, Esq. Corporate Counsel

William Young Controller Kelvin Pantaleon

Director of Maintenance

David George

Assistant Director of Maintenance

Adolph Osback

Chief Public Safety

Corey Jones

Director of Power Plant

Rochdale Village NORC Calendar - October 2022

Rochdale Village Senior Center -October 2022

Rochdale Village Board of Directors Calendar October 2022

See what’s going on in and around our community... There’s a little something for everyone!

Garner Way Foundation choses Rochdale Grand Ballroom for first Remembrance Gala

By Cynthia Bernadine

The Garner Way Foun dation held its 2022 Annual Remembrance Gala in the Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom on Saturday, September 17, 2022.

The gala is hosted in honor of Eric Garner, who died on July 17, 2014, after an NYPD officer put him in an illegal chokehold while attempting to arrest him. Since its founding, the Garner Way Foundation has strived to

combat police impropriety, and more specifically violence in or der to give young people a voice as they navigate the legal and ed ucational systems in these United States.

Gwendolyn Carr, mother of Eric Garner, is no stranger to Rochdale Village so when it came to holding a prestigious, formal gala to celebrate her son’s legacy, she did not hesitate to choose Ro chdale once again.

The Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom is aptly named. A gorgeous space that exuberates elegance to all who walk through the doors. Tasteful, yet digni fied, the gorgeous chandelier at the center of the space was a wel coming beacon to the attendees that brightened their surroundings without undermining the seri ous nature of the gathering. The red brick area is where cocktail hour was held while guest min

gled and waited for Ms. Carr’s arrival before heading in for an evening of live performances and speeches from prominent figures such as NYC Mayor, Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Dono van Richards, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and the Rev erend Al Sharpton. Along with them were many others who came to show their love, respect, and support to the Carr family foun dation.