“It is disappointing that the Rent Guidelines Board voted in support of a rent increase, despite hours of testimony from concerned, hard-working New Yorkers fighting to make ends meet. While we appreciate that the increase was kept to a minimum, as our city’s housing crisis comes to a head, it’s crucial that we utilize every opportunity to fight for and preserve affordability for the New Yorkers who call this city home.”

Speaker Mark-Viverito:

“Traffic safety is of the utmost importance to New Yorkers, and today the State heard our commitment to safe streets loud and clear. Every life lost to traffic violence is one too many, and this common sense legislation is long overdue. By allowing New York City to set its own speed limit to 25 mph, this law will slow cars down and save countless lives.

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City Hall – Today the City Council passed three Home Rule messages authorizing and urging Albany to pass state legislation that would allow local action on important city issues.

Preconsidered M. S7892/A.10144 (Klein and O’Donnell/Silver) would allow New York City to establish a citywide speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Under this law, the Department of Transportation would be required to give Community Boards a 60 day notice prior to any street’s speed limit being lowered by more than 5 miles per hour.

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Remarks as Prepared to the Rent Guidelines Board

Good afternoon members of the Rent Guidelines Board. I am Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. I am the Council Member for the 8th District, which includes El Barrio/East Harlem and the South Bronx.

The affordable housing crisis is deeply impacting almost every household in the city. This is a challenge we must face head on — it cannot be solved unless we commit to ending the distressing loss of our existing stock of affordable housing.

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City Hall – Today the City Council will vote on legislation requiring that the Department of Education provide the Council and the public with academic reporting on all co-located schools in New York City. The Council will additionally vote on a resolution designating June as Gun Violence Month in New York City, and a resolution calling on the state government to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to serve on community boards.

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Honorees Include Brooklyn Nets Center Jason Collins, Education Activist Christine Marinoni and Theater Producer David Rothenberg

City Hall—New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, the Council’s LGBT Caucus and the City Council today announced the honorees for the Council’s Annual Pride Celebration. Hosted by the City Council every June to honor leaders in the LGBT community, this year’s Pride Celebration will be hosted by Carmelita Tropicana and will feature performances by the cast of Avenue Q, Lavender Light Gospel Chorus, The Door and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.

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“The world lost a strong voice for social justice and human rights with the passing of poet, activist and author Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou was a pioneer for a more fair and just society and while we will miss her immensely, her literary works will stand forever. The United States and the world are better places because of Maya Angelou.

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City Hall – Today the New York City Council will vote on comprehensive traffic and pedestrian safety package comprised of 11 bills and 6 resolutions. The Council will also vote on a property tax abatement bill for owners facing drastic increases in property tax rates following repairs on properties severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, the Council will vote on two resolutions in support of veterans – one calling upon the President to sign legislation that would award the Borinqeneers the Congressional Gold Medal, and one in support of state legislation benefiting veterans who serve as state employees.

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