NY Observer > Hiram Monserrate

At Willets Point, Unusual Uncertainty Over Political Path Ahead

Eliot Brown — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:01:12 -0400

The road to approving a mega-project in New York City often follows a similar formula, with a months-long political dance carried out between the city or developer and local member/members of the City Council. Last-minute compromises and agreements are routine, and once a project starts the city's land-use approval process, defeats are almost without precedent.

However, the dynamic surrounding the planned redevelopment of Willets Point is proving far less simple than the typical fare, as both observers and those involved seem genuinely unsure as to how the Council will ultimately vote on the project. read more »

Among the issues adding complexity to the political scene: A Council that was offended by the start of the rezoning process; a Council speaker who has been

Ferrer Returns to Oppose Bloomberg on Willets Point

Azi Paybarah — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:56:59 -0400

Fernando Ferrer, the 2005 Democratic mayoral candidate, will join Hiram Monserrate in opposing Michael Bloomberg's plan to redevelop Willets Points.

Ferrer has been pretty quiet since losing to Bloomberg nearly three years ago. Monserrate's opposition to the administration's Willets Point plan could result in another defeat for the mayor on a development issue.

From the press advisory:

East Elmhurst, NY – On Thursday, July 10, at 10:00am, Council Member Hiram Monserrate will join with Fernando Ferrer, former Bronx Borough President, outside Queens Borough Hall to call on the Queens Borough Board to vote against the Bloomberg Administration's plans to redevelop Willets Point. Ferrer will join Monserrate and the broad coalition of Willets Point business owners and workers, community leader and elected officials, and community and affordable housing advocates that has developed in opposition to the Mayor's proposal. read more »

Monserrate to Sabini: Good Luck

Azi Paybarah — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:15:18 -0400

When he announced a deal on O.T.B., David Paterson also nominated State Senator John Sabini as chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

If he is approved by the legislature, Sabini will leave his seat and avoid a difficult re-election contest against a challenger who almost unseated him in 2006, City Councilman Hiram Monserrate.

On Friday, I asked Monserrate’s campaign for comment on the nomination. Over the weekend, he issued the following statement:

“I wish John Sabini the best of luck in his new position as Chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board. I look forward to the election in November and remain committed to ensuring a Democratic majority in the New York State Senate and providing progressive leadership that advocates for working families in our city and state."

Paterson Grabs Sabini, Bails Out O.T.B.

Azi Paybarah — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:09:44 -0400

David Paterson announced that the state will take over the city's unprofitable Off-Track Betting operation, and confirmed reports that State Senator John Sabini will leave his seat to become the head of the state's Racing and Wagering Board.

“We have a looming crisis right here in New York City,” Paterson said. “Because of a dysfunctional statutory system, the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation is unable to continue its disbursements to the city, the state and the racing industry."

O.T.B. will continue to exist, as is, for the next 90 days, after which it will become a new public benefit corporation controlled by the state, Paterson explained. Had the state not stepped in, O.T.B.--which employs roughly 1,500 people--would have been dissolved on Sunday.

Although he shied away from revealing the financial details of the transfer, Paterson did say that “appropriate legislative reforms” will be passed to allow O.T.B. to pay off its outstanding obligations. He mentioned the consolidation of betting systems and internet services across all the state O.T.B.s as possible avenues for reform. O.T.B. will also likely move out of its current office on 42nd Street to the less pricey Aqueduct, saving the corporation $5 million. read more »

City Makes Deal With Unions at Willets Point

Eliot Brown — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:13:54 -0400

The Bloomberg administration has cleared one of many obstacles standing in the way of redevelopment at Willets Point, reaching agreements with the numerous unions that were opposing the 61-acre project by Shea Stadium.

Members of the Central Labor Council, which generally wields strong influence with City Council members, had been pressuring the administration for wage and other guarantees before giving support to the multibillion-dollar project.

“We are wholeheartedly behind this project now,” said Neal Kwatra, the political director for UNITE HERE! who was working with the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council. Mr. Kwatra said the hotel council was now calling on the City Council to support the project. read more »

AFSCME Throws Manhattan Fund-Raiser for Monserrate

Azi Paybarah — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:32:26 -0400

A reader passed along this email notice about a fund-raiser for Councilman Hiram Monserrate, organized by the union AFSCME District County 1707, and taking place in Manhattan:

From: Neal Tepel
Sender: xxxxx@xxxxx.net
To: xxxxx@xxxx.net
Sent: Jun 11, 2008 9:10 PM
Subject: [Events] Hiram Monserrate Reception June 25, 2008]]

You are cordially invited to a reception
in support of Hiram Monserrate
in his candidacy for NYS Senate
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm read more »

Monserrate Campaign Connected to Director of Dysfunctional Nonprofit

Azi Paybarah — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:46:59 -0400

A few weeks ago the New York Times ran a story about a now-defunct nonprofit that received city funding at the request of Councilman Hiram Monserrate. read more »

Two Unions Come Out to Back Monserrate

Azi Paybarah — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:15:23 -0400

Tomorrow in Long Island City, Councilman Hiram Monserrate will be endorsed by two unions, the latest in a string of endorsements Monserrate has been racking up as he prepares to challenge State Senator John Sabini.

The unions are the New York Hotel Workers Union and U.N.I.T.E. HERE. read more »

Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club Endorses Monserrate

Azi Paybarah — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:47:36 -0400

In other endorsement news: The Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens endorsed Councilman Hiram Monserrate. Monserrate is trying, for the second time, to unseat State Senator John Sabini.

The endorsement is not entirely unexpected. Monserrate has the support of the Queens County Democratic Organization, a number of unions and many elected officials. read more »

Hiram TV

Azi Paybarah — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:02:54 -0400

Here’s a first attempt (I think) at an online video from Hiram Monserrate’s campaign for State Senate, now posted on his revamped campaign web site.

“Albany currently, today, is dysfunctional. It’s not working in the best interest of the people of the state of New York,” he says.

At about the 3:10 mark, the video shows a photo of Monserrate shaking hands with Michael Bloomberg.