Rosie Mendez District 2 - Council Member - Democrat
General Information
Entered City Council: 01/01/2006
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2013
Represents: Lower East Side, East Village, Gramercy Park, Rosehill, Kips Bay; southern part of Murray Hill
Chair of the Committee on Public Housing; Sits on the following Committees: Health; Housing & Buildings; Land Use; Landmarks, Public Sitting & Maritime Uses (Sub-committee); Lower Manhattan Redevelopment
The Councilwoman has staff to help constituents with everyday problems, whether it’s a NYCHA transfer or a noisy bar. If you would like assistance from our office, please call 212-677-1077 for an intake. You may also use the “Contact Us” form provided on this website. Your case will be assigned to the appropriate staff member, who will then contact you directly for assistance.
Scheduling
To request a meeting or invite the Councilwoman to an event please contact Vanessa Diaz Lopez at vlopez@council.nyc.gov.
Interested in receiving monthly email updates from Councilwoman Mendez? Send a blank email to rmendez@council.nyc.gov with the subject “Add to E-Newsletter”
Biography
Rosie Mendez has demonstrated a life-long commitment to her community through her activism, legal advocacy, and government service.
Rosie began her professional career as a tenant organizer and then became a housing specialist at the Parodneck Foundation. Her work with tenants inspired her to enter law school. Upon graduation and being admitted to the Bar, she received an IOLA Legal Services Fellowship and began work at Brooklyn Legal Services representing tenants in housing and welfare matters and counseling community-based organizations. She joined the Legal Services Staff Association and became a member of the United Auto Workers.
Through her professional and volunteer positions at many non-profit organizations, Rosie gained first-hand experience dealing with issues that affect all New Yorkers. She was the director of the People's Economic Opportunities Project of the Lower East Side, where she developed a loan program to assist small business and property owners. She has held internships with the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Legal Action Center, and a judicial internship with Civil Court Judge Richard Rivera. Rosie served as the Public Interest Career Counselor at Rutgers Law School-Newark, where she was responsible for assisting a record number of students in obtaining fellowships in non-profits and public interest law firms.
Rosie served as Democratic District Leader for four terms, and served as Chief of Staff and Legislative Aide to the prior Councilwoman of District 2, Margarita Lopez.
Rosie received her B.A. in Metropolitan Studies and Political Science from New York University, and received her law degree from Rutgers School of Law in Newark. She was a 2003-04 Fellow in the Charles H. Revson Program for the Future of the City of New York at Columbia University. Rosie was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to Puerto Rican parents, where she lived in public housing and attended New York City public schools.
In November 2005 Rosie was elected to serve as a member of the New York City Council in the Second District and took office in January 2006 serving the neighborhoods of the Lower East Side, the East Village, Gramercy, and Murray Hill. Rosie serves as the Chair of the Council Committee on Public Housing and is a member of the Landmarks Sub-Committee and the Housing, Land Use, Health, and Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Committees.
First Term Accomplishments
Rosie Mendez took office as the Council Member in Manhattan's Second District in January 2006. During her first term in office, Rosie is proud of her accomplishments in the following areas:
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ● Securing tax abatement for affordable housing developments in the district to assure long-term sustainability.
● Securing funding to assist in the development or rehabilitation of affordable housing developments.
● Backing residents’ efforts to maintain their buildings in government assisted housing programs when original terms expire.
● Fighting for the preservation of affordable housing for low- and middle-income New Yorkers by introducing legislation to:
◊ Renew rent regulations in New York City;
◊ Prevent owners from evicting tenants under the false pretense of a building demolition;
◊ Provide legal assistance to low income seniors who are threatened with eviction or foreclosure; and
◊ Require owners of large residential complexes to notify the city prior to sale.
PUBLIC HOUSING ● Leading the City Council’s fight for the preservation of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) as the Chair of the Council’s Public Housing Sub-Committee.
● Fighting for more federal, state, and city funding to bridge NYCHA’s substantial budget deficit.
● Pressuring NYCHA to improve the level of service to residents and responsibly maintain the city’s largest stock of affordable housing.
ENFORCEMENT OF BUILDING CODES
● Maintaining the mid-rise character of the district by improving local enforcement of zoning and building codes.
● Continually pressuring the Department of Buildings to monitor development to ensure that all buildings remain within allowable zoning limits.
● Leading the fight to expand citizens’ ability to challenge the legality of new buildings or expansion of existing ones.
COMMUNITY BASED REZONING ● Gaining approval of Community Board #3’s rezoning plan, which passed the City Council in November 2008. The new plan addresses out-of-scale development in a 111 square block area south of 14th St and east of 3rd Avenue, and creates an incentive for affordable housing in appropriate areas.
● Working with City Planning and community leaders to implement a similar plan for the 3rd to 4th Avenue corridor.
LANDMARKS AND PRESREVTION
● Working to preserve the history and character of the community by gaining landmark designation for over a dozen individual buildings in District 2 as well as the expansion of the NoHo Historic District.
● Introducing legislation to prevent owners from altering a landmarked building under a pre-existing work permit.
QUALITY OF LIFE ● Working with community partners to reduce noise, congestion, and sanitation issues that result from irresponsible bars and sidewalk cafes.
● Continuing dialogue with the NYS Liquor Authority to establish tighter guidelines for licensing, monitoring, enforcement.
● Carefully reviewing issuance of sidewalk café permits for legal compliance.
● Introducing legislation to regulate backyard and rooftop bars.
● Bringing together relevant city agencies to aggressive tackle rat infestation in the district.
DEMOCRACY ● Standing up for democracy by voting “no” on extending term limits for City elected officials. Although opposed to term limits for members of the City Council, Rosie voted no on the extension law because she felt that any change should have gone back to a popular vote.
EDUCATION ● Directing more than $5.6 million to schools in her district for capital improvements, including science labs, computers, and other upgrades.
● Joining the parents in District 1 to preserve controlled choice in school admissions.
● Working with parents and DOE to find solutions to overcrowding in District 2.
● Fighting for better public education by advocating for policies more responsive to community concerns.
LANGUAGE ACCESS
● Guaranteeing equal access to city services for those speaking languages other than English by introducing legislation that resulted in Executive Order 120 - requiring city agencies to ensure meaningful access to services in multiple languages.
CIVIL RIGHTS
● Defending members of the LBGT community from unlawful arrests.
● Standing up against police misconduct by calling for the State Attorney General to establish a Special Prosecutor’s Office with jurisdiction over police corruption.
● Introducing legislation in support of police accountability and against restrictive and constitutionally vague rules for parade permits.
HEALTH ● Advocating for the health of New Yorkers by introducing legislation to reduce asthma causing toxins in homes.
● Introducing a resolution to support microbicide research for HIV prevention.
● Working to raise breast health awareness and improve access to free mammography and breast health services.
TRANSPORTATION
● Fighting hard for transit riders by taking a strong stance against proposed MTA cuts including the elimination of the M8 bus.
● Voting for Congestion Pricing.
● Supporting the soon to be implemented Bus Rapid Transit line on 1st and 2nd Avenues, including the inclusion of protected bike lanes.
● Recommending safety measures to the Department of Transportation for problems at specific streets where seniors, children and other pedestrians have been at risk.
● Assisting bicyclists by requesting bike racks and bike lanes in District 2 and funding education for cyclists on their rights and responsibilities.
● Working for the fair treatment and regulation of the pedicab industry.
SMALL BUSINESSES ● Taking action against a discrepancy in commercial parking rules that caused unfair parking tickets. After the discrepancy was exposed, the Department of Finance reimbursed thousands of dollars of fines.
New York City Council Commemorates World AIDS Day 2011: On December 1st Rosie, along with Speaker Quinn, and Council Members Van Bramer and Dromm commemorated World AIDs Day. In 1981 the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first recognized HIV/AIDS, and the world has not been the same since. This year's theme "Getting to Zero" strives for zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. The day is observed on December 1st each year, serving as a call to unite in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, to support those living with the infection and to remember victims of the epidemic. In honor of the day, panels of The NAMES Project Foundation's AIDS Memorial Quilt were on display at the Emigrant Savings Bank during the City Council Stated Meeting. Rosie said "The quilt is a stark reminder that the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS is ever-present. Especially during these tough economic times, it is imperative that we advocate for the most vulnerable and at-risk to ensure that services and funding remain available for those who need it the most."
Founded in 1987, The NAMES Project Foundation oversaw the creation of The AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Rosie Attends CEC 2 Town Hall, Speaks in Support of PS/IS 281 Incubation: On November 28th, Rosie spoke in favor of the proposed incubation of PS/IS 281 at the Community Education Council 2 (CEC) Town Hall, urging Department of Education (DOE) to reconsider the communities’ proposal. Thanks to the CEC, elected officials, and parents working together, the DOE is now re-considering this proposal that aims to ease overcrowding at PS 116, which has resulted in large kindergarten wait lists, the loss of gifted and talented and pre-kindergarten programs, and class sizes above contractual limits. Chancellor Walcott will be reviewing the proposal expeditiously, so that a decision can be made promptly. In late October, Rosie joined with colleagues Daniel Garodnick, Carolyn Maloney, Liz Krueger, Richard Gottfried, Brian Kavanagh and Scott Stringer in writing a letter to the DOE advocating for the incubation of PS/IS 281.
Rosie Proud to Break Ground at Tanya Towers: On November 3rd, Rosie and her city, state, and federal colleagues joined F.E.G.S Health and Human Services System at the groundbreaking ceremony to announce a $4.4 million dollar renovation of Tanya Towers, a low-income housing residence serving the deaf, deaf/blind, hard of hearing, seniors and others located in Council District 2. The major renovation was funded by a $1 million capital grant from Rosie and supported by a $500,000 grant from the office of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. Additional financing of $2.9 million dollars was arranged through the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) with coordination from the Department of Housing, Preservation, and Development (HPD). The renovation includes upgrades for the elevators, boilers, windows, concrete work and improvements to facilities such as the gardens and community spaces. F.E.G.S is also taking the necessary steps to "green" the building and achieve LEED certification. On the renovation, Rosie said "We all have a responsibility to create and preserve affordable housing in New York City, particularly housing that serves our most vulnerable residents. I am proud to have been able to secure city funding for this project — one that ensures the disabled, mentally ill, hard-of-hearing and deaf communities have an enhanced quality of life and living environment." Rosie looks forward to going back to Tanya Towers once the renovation is complete to celebrate this wonderful project.
Rosie Submits Testimony to the New York State Committee on Housing, Hearing on SCRIE: On November 22nd, Rosie submitted testimony to the NYS Committee on Housing which called for simplifying the SCRIE application process. The Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program offers eligible elderly tenants an exemption from rent increases which may result in a reversion to rent paid under a previous lease or rent order. The owner of the building receives a corresponding credit against their real estate taxes from the City of New York. Rosie's testimony asked that the SCRIE program be more accessible and that the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Housing, Preservation, and Development (HPD) conduct thorough and targeted outreach to eligible seniors. Rosie also asked that both agencies offer assistance to seniors completing their applications and provide multilingual culturally competent and age friendly customer service to the elderly and the frail elderly. For a copy of the testimony please contact Michele Burger in Rosie's office at mburger@council.nyc.gov. For information on how to apply for SCRIE, see below:
Senior citizens who live in rent-regulated apartments should call New York City's Department of Finance at 311 for information about SCRIE or view their website here:
Senior citizens who live in Mitchell-Lama and Redevelopment Company developments, Article XI co-ops established under the Private Financing Housing Law, and Federally-assisted co-ops can call HPD at (212) 863-8494 for more information.
Rosie Sponsors Mobile NYU Dental Van at PS 188: During the month of November Councilwoman Rosie Mendez sponsored the "Smiling Faces, Going Places" NYU Mobile Dental Care School Initiative. For five weeks children who attend PS 188, PS 94 and Girl's Preparatory School received comprehensive preventative primary health service and education under the guidance of a license dentist during the school day. Children residing in the vicinity, mostly from the neighboring public housing developments received services at night. Youngsters received oral health instruction, sealants, prophylaxis/fluoride treatments, radiographs, amalgam restorations, resin restorations, pulpotomies, crowns, space maintainers, extractions, and mouth guards. This initiative intended to improve the oral health and overall well-being of poor and low-income children. The need for dental care is especially acute among impoverished children, who have 60 percent more untreated cavities than their peers at higher socioeconomic levels. Rosie is proud to support this initiative and thanks NYU for partnering to bring much needed services to children in District 2.
"Councilwoman in your Lobby" at 344 East 28th Street: Councilwoman Rosie Mendez is tackling the needs of NYCHA residents by bringing her district office right to the building's lobby. On November 7th and November 16th Rosie and her staff visited the residents of 344 East 28th Street. Working in collaboration with the Tenant Association, tenants gave voice to concerns about quality of life issues ranging from safety and security to building repair needs. As a result of these meetings, NYCHA has committed to several building improvements and is working closely with Rosie's staff to promptly resolve many of the issues presented. Rosie's main goal is to empower NYCHA tenants so that they effectively voice their needs and to help facilitate their prompt resolution. As such, Rosie will continue to work closely with NYCHA Tenant Associations and NYCHA leadership by visiting her public housing developments throughout District 2.
Committee on Public Housing Holds Hearing on NYCHA's Emergency Preparedness: On November 22nd, the Committee on Public Housing held a hearing on the New York City Housing Authority's (NYCHA) emergency preparedness procedures. Committee members learned about the protocols and procedures NYCHA has in place for responding to and following up on such emergencies as power outages, earthquakes, storms that require evacuations and unforeseen situations such as 9/11. NYCHA's Emergency Services Department is responsible for managing, coordinating and providing on the scene responses to emergencies. NYCHA is a member of the City's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) team and works closely with all city agencies during emergencies.
Committee members and State Senator Squadron commended NYCHA's performance in handling recent emergencies, including the August earthquake, Hurricane Irene, and the early October snow storm which damaged numerous trees and recent gas outages in some of the developments. Elected officials identified improvements the Authority could make like addressing the language barrier by communicating with tenants in a language they understand and NYCHA staff teaming up with credible community leaders and elected officials to relay information requiring community action, such as evacuating. NYCHA was asked if it has a plan in place to address the severe storms as the sea level around New York City is predicted to rise. The Authority was also encouraged to undertake a full analysis of the factors that contributed to some developments having a higher evacuation rate than others and applying the lessons learned to improve the outcome of future evacuations. The committee acknowledged City shelters allowing pets was a critical factor that facilitated many tenant's complying with the order to evacuate.
Everyday Rosie’s office hears from constituents who are not being treated fairly. Rosie and her staff work hard to resolve the problems District 2 residents face, often with substantial results. Here are some examples:
Residents of a small, self-managed cooperative building on 10th Street contacted Rosie after several days without gas service. Plumbing work had been done in the building, which required Con Ed to turn off the gas – but the residents were unable to get the utility company to restore service. After Rosie called, the residents had their gas and hot water restored the next day.
A resident using a wheelchair reported difficulties getting on and off at the M15 limited bus stop at 14th Street. The uneven cobblestones and lack of curb cuts on the median strip between the Stuyvesant Town service road and 1st Ave., where the stop was located, made wheelchair access nearly impossible. Rosie contacted the Dept. of Transportation and the strip was repaved.
A resident of a Mitchell-Lama cooperative faced eviction because of a dispute over her status as a tenant/shareholder. Rosie solicited assistance from MFY Legal Services who proved that the resident was indeed a co-signatory of the original lease, along with her now deceased husband. With MFY and Rosie’s help, the resident retained ownership of the apartment and became the undisputed primary lease holder.
A little league approached Rosie’s office regarding needed repairs for equipment and facilities in the East River Park where the children play ball. For weeks the bathrooms were closed due to leaks and the backstop in the ball field had holes losing dozens of balls into the East River every time a foul ball was hit. Rosie called a meeting with parks officials and the repairs were quickly made.
Fiscal Year 2011 Allocations
General Information
Each year as part of the City’s budget process, Councilwoman Rosie Mendez has the privilege of granting awards to community organizations that provide services directly in Council District #2. Rosie is proud to have directed approximately $415,000 from the Fiscal 2011 expense budget to nearly 100 non-profit organizations that provide critical services to our youth, the elderly and all citizens of this district. These small contributions, the vast majority of which were for $3,500, help non-profits continue the critical work they do during hard economic times when fundraising is even more difficult than usual.
Click here for a list of the Fiscal Year 2011 Member Item Awardees
Click here for a list of the Fiscal Year 2011 Capital Grant Awardees
Community Board 2
3 Washington Square Village, #1A
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-979-2272
Fax: 212-254-5102
Email: info@cb2manhattan.org
Website: www.cb2manhattan.org
Community Board 5
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New York, NY 10123
212-465-0907
Fax: 212-465-1628
Email: office@cb5.org
Website: www.cb5.org
Community Board 6
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 308
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-319-3750
Fax: 212-319-3772
Email: mn06@cb.nyc.gov
Website: www.cb6mnyc.org
