Monthly Archives: September 2014

Assignment #1

11208
Cypress Hills
Community Board 5. Neighborhoods: East New York, Cypress Hills, Highland Park, New Lots, City Line, Starrett City, and Ridgewood. CB Info: Address: Brooklyn Community Board 5, 127 Pennsylvania Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207, New Yorkers elect the Mayor, Borough Presidents, City Council Members, Public Advocate, and Comptroller. These officials are collectively responsible for overseeing City government, either directly or through their appointees. The City Charter defines the authority of each official or body, including community boards, and the relationships among them. Community boards have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

Dealing with land use and zoning issues. CBs have an important advisory role and must be consulted on the placement of most municipal facilities in the community. Applications for a change in or variance from the zoning resolution must come before the board for review, and the board’s position is considered in the final determination.
Assessing the needs of their own neighborhoods. CBs assess the needs of their community members and meet with City agencies to make recommendations in the City’s budget process.
Addressing other community concerns. Any issue that affects part or all of a community, from a traffic problem to deteriorating housing, is a proper concern of community boards.

(www.nyc.gov, 2014)

4. Hakeem S. Jeffries

5. S Senate: Nydia M. Velazquez

6. New York Senate: Sen. Martin Malavé Dilan D-District18

7. Assembly District 54: This seat is currently vacant.(assembly.state.ny.us)

8. Rafael Espinal District 37 – Council Member – Democrat. Rafael L. Espinal, Jr. assumed office as the Councilmember for the 37th district in Brooklyn on January 2, 2014. The 37th district covers Cypress Hills, Bushwick, City Line, Oceanhill-Brownsville, and East New York. Rafael currently serves as the Chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee and sits on the Health, Housing & Buildings, Immigration, Public Safety, Rules and Privileges, and Federal and State Legislation Committees. (council.nyc.gov)

9. District Manager: Walter Campbell

10. Chair: Nathan Bradley

11. HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE: SEX AND AGE: Total population 94,469 Not Hispanic or Latino 53,824 57.0 HISPANIC OR LATINO AND RACE Total population 94,469 100.0 Hispanic or Latino 40,645 43.0 White alone 12,825 13.6 White alone 12,825 13.6 Black or African American alone 5,386 5.0 American Indian and Alaska Native alone 678 0.7 Asian alone 106 0.1 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 47 0.0 Some Other Race alone 18,652 19.7 Two or More Races 2,951 3.1 Not Hispanic or Latino 53,824 57.0 White alone 1,973 2.1 Black or African American alone 39,761 42.1 American Indian and Alaska Native alone 453 0.5 Asian alone 7,772 8.2 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 48 0.1 Some Other Race alone 2,069 2.2 Two or More Races 1,748

HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE:

Total households 29,211 100.0

Family households (families) [7] 22,120 75.7

With own children under 18 years 11,989 41.0

Husband-wife family 9,631 33.0

With own children under 18 years 5,155 17.6

Male householder, no wife present 2,385 8.2

With own children under 18 years 1,000 3.4

Female householder, no husband present 10,104 34.6

With own children under 18 years 5,834 20.0

Nonfamily households [7] 7,091 24.3

Householder living alone 5,942 20.3

Male 2,666 9.1

65 years and over 433 1.5

Female 3,276 11.2

65 years and over 1,078 3.7

Households with individuals under 18 years 14,298 48.9

Households with individuals 65 years and over 5,847 20.

Average household size 3.21 ( X )

Average family size [7] 3.67 ( X ) (census.gov)

12. There is an increase in “demand use” at our Health and Hospital facility located at 2094 Pitkin Avenue due to the fact of new housing and shelters housing a large homeless population are in need of specialized care. Our Social Services programs continue to be compounded; currently 42% of our total population received some sort of income support, such as SSI, Public Assistance, Medicaid, AFDC, etc. We are still in need of a Day Care and an additional Health Care Center west of Pennsylvania Avenue to accommodate the many residents in the area. Death since 2010, 1,044(nyc.gov)

13. Crime declined 70 percent from 1993 to 2010, with murders dropping to 33 incidents, representing a 74 percent decline for that category. East New York comes in a relatively respectable 53rd in per capita crime out of 69 New York City neighborhoods in DNAinfo.com’s Crime & Safety Report. Those 33 murders in the neighborhood’s 75th Precinct represent a 38 percent spike over 2009, and are nearly double the total number of killings since 2008. For that crime category, East New York ranks 66th, with almost two murders per 10,000 residents. Even though felony assaults dropped 7 percent in 2010, to 746, robberies went up 12 percent and rapes spiked by 22 percent, helping to raise the overall crime rate by 2 percent that year.(dnainfo.com)

14. Education Statistics: No High School 12,409, Some High School 15,661, Some College 18,566, Associate Degree 8,685, Bachelor’s Degree 14,799, Graduate Degree 6,402.(point2homes.com). 63 schools in the community. 4 Libraries. 118 Park lands. (nyc.gov)

15.Our parks are very special to our residents and it is obvious that the Parks Department has a great responsibility in maintaining ours parks. The few staff members are over worked and they have to be commended for the amount of work they do. The maintenance and upkeep of our parks and playgrounds continues and remain a major concern. We have volunteers ready to play a major part in maintaining the parks but we need to help of staff that the Department do not have. An example of this is it takes too long for grass to be cut in order for volunteers to do their part. We are happy that the Robert Venable “State of the Art” has just been completed and the Sperandeo Brothers Playground is being reconstructed. We also need a soccer field that will serve the many youth especially on the north side of the district.(www.nyc.gov, 2014)

16.What I know about my community is that it’s very diverse with religion. But the most I see is Christian, catholic and baptism. Observation

17. They have many banks like Chase, Capital one and Queens county community bank. Groceries stores in every corner and more than 50 supermarkets. There have many clothing stores mostly on Jamaica and city line. Observation.

18. The area has a lot of pot holes on the road. As well as the pavement and sidewalk have a lot of cracks. Traffic is usually easy to get through. There are drug stores in every corner and trees in front of every house. The tallest I have seen is 6 floors. Observation.

19.Community strengths: Many schools, programs that can assist the community, and easy access to stores and shopping areas.

20. Community Issue: Street pot holes, pavement cracks and rape crime rate have risen. Observation.

21. Any issue that is affecting the community affects the individual and families. That is what why it’s essential for human services professionals to care about what is happening within the clients communities. Being informed about the issues in the community will help the human service professional identify significant resources and also advocate for the rights of all members in society including the clients.

: Troubled

: Surprised

: Surprised

: Pleased

Know your community

1 Reply

Shanice Martin

HUS- 2307

Assignment #1

Questions about your community	Source Consulted
What is your home zip code? 11226	N/A
Does your community have a name? If so, what is it? Flatbush.	N/A
What is the number of your community board? Briefly state its purpose. The number of this community board is 14. Cb 14 purpose is to deal with complaints and requests by community. They work with agencies to plan projects and acts as community liaison with city agencies.	CB14Brooklyn, About, http://www.cb14brooklyn.com/about/
Who is the president of your community board? Eric Adams is the president	NYC.GOV
Who is the district manager of the community board? The district manager is Shawn Alyse Campbell.	CB14Brooklyn, From the district manager, http://www.cb14brooklyn.com/about/from-the-district-manager/
Who is your current New York City Council Member, what communities does s/he serve, what council committees does s/he serve on? Jumaan D Williams is the council committee, he serves Flatbush,East Flatbush, Flatlands, parts of Midwood and Canarsie. He represents 45^th council District in Brooklyn and serves as Deputy leader of NYC council and chair of the committee on housing and buildings.	Concil.NYC.gov http://council.nyc.gov/d45/html/members/home.shtml
Who is your New York State Assembly Member? James Tedisco Assembly District 112	Ny Assembly http://www.assembly.ny.gov/mem/?ad=112&sh=postings
Who is your New York State Senator? Chuck Schumer; Kirsten Gillibrand	Senate.gov http://www.schumer.senate.gov/ ; http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/
Who are your U.S. Senators? Gillibrand, Kristen E ; Schumer, Charles E	Senate.gov http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=NY
Who is your U.S. congressional Representative? Yvette D Clarke Democrat	House.Gov http://www.house.gov/htbin/findrep?ZIP=11226&Submit=FIND+YOUR+REP+BY+ZIP
What are the basic demographics of your community (total population, gender, age levels, race/ethnicity, income levels, household sizes, educational levels) The total amount of population from 2007/09 is about 164,693. The male gender is about 42.7% while the females are 52.5%. 6.9% are Asians, 34.5% are Black, 15.1% are Latino, 41.5% are white and 2.0% are other. The graduation level from 2010-11 is 80.5% compared to the dropout rate being 4.1% and 2.7% students are college ready. 31.3% people that are 25 and older attained a bachelor’s degree or higher while 18.3 have less than a high school degree.	U.S census 2000; 2007/09 American Community Survey
What is the health status of your community? 21.3% of people’s health are either fair or good, 33.9% are good, 25.9% are very good and 18.2% are very good.	NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
What are the crime statistic for your community? As of 2010 the violent crime rate is 4.8%, the property crime rate is 7.2%, the felony crime is 12.0 and stop and frisk is 62.5%.	Crime Rates; NYPD; Stop & Frisk; NYPD; Center for Constitutional Rights/ New York Times.
Briefly describe the education/cultural resources of your community? There are only a few parks in this community given that 70% of housing units are within a mile of a park. There are small amounts of playgrounds in neighborhoods and then there’s prospect park south that is a one of the few Historic Districts in the City. As for libraries there are many branches that are used and valued such as The Caribbean Literacy and Cultural Center at the Flatbush Branch, and the Cortelyou Road library and many more. They offer many programs for the community such as GED pep and are open seven days a week.	NYC.GOV;BK14 STATEMENT
Briefly describe recreational resources of your community? There are barely any recreational resources being that there are only 11, but the park area are used as space for activities for basketball and football.	NYC.GOV NYC department of city planning.
Briefly describe the religious/spiritual institutions of your community. There are several churches in the community ranging from Baptists/ Christian and even Catholic.	N/A
Briefly describe the financial and business institutions in your community. As of 2013, there are over 480 commercial and offices along with 1,065 commercial mix residential lots around the community. There are generous amount of neighborhoods in this community that have blocks loaded with plenty of business lots such as banks, food pantries, tax shops etc.	NYC.GOV
Briefly describe the infrastructure of your community. Some of the neighborhood have roads that are not paved right while some other neighborhoods are just fine. There have been complaints about the noise and also smell of the air.	NYC Department of Environmental protection.
Based on your research and walkabouts, identify 3 of your community’s strengths or assets: 1) The strengths of this community is the fact that there’s limited businesses and easy access to stores around 2) There are a generous amount of transportation available. 3) It’s versatile when it comes to race.	N/A
Based on your research and walkabouts, identify and prioritize 3 issues of concern to you about your community: 1) The little amount of recreational resources. 2) the large amount of stop & frisk 3)crime rate	N/A
Human services ethical standards speak about our profession’s concern for individuals, families, communities and society. Why should human services professionals care about communities and society? Human services professionals should care about the community because if they want to go about helping people, the communities is the way to start. They have to help change the environment because it has major effect on people.	N/A

Troubled

pleased

Know Your Community

5 Replies

Alex Bustillo

9/29/14

HUS 2307

KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY: TWENTY ONE QUESTIONS

What is your home zip code?

My home zip code is 11435.
2. Does your community has a name? If so, what is it?

My community does not have a specific name.
3. What is the number of your community board? Briefly state its purpose

I am part of the community board 12 which includes the neighborhoods of Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, Baisley Park, Rochdale Village, and South Jamaica. The purpose of the community board it’s to consider and address issues dealing with land use and zoning matters, the city budget, municipal service delivery and other concerns relating to the community welfare.
4. Who is the president of your community board?

Adrienne E. Adams is the president of community board 12.
5. Who is the district manager of your community board?

Yvonne Reddick is the district manager of my community board.
6. Who is your current New York City council member, what communities does s/he serve, what council committees does s/he serve on?

Ruben Wills is my current New York City council member from district 28^th which also covers sections of Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, and Rochdale.
7. Who is your New York State assembly member?

David I. Weprin is my New York State assembly member.
8. Who is your New York State senator?

My New York State senator is Malcolm A. Smith
9. Who are your U.S senators?

Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer are the U.S senators.
10. Who is your U.S congressional representative?

Gregory Meeks is my U.S congressional representative.
11. What are the basic demographics of your community (total population, gender, age levels, race/ethnicity, income levels; household sizes, education levels)

Population demographics by race and gender:

African American 17,929 (33%)

Asian or Pacific Islander 7,785 (14%)

Indian 396 (1%)

Mixed Races 4,296 (8%)

Others 9,078 (17%)

White 14,393 (27%)

Female 28,042 (52%)

Male 26,122 (48%)

Population by Education Level

High School or less 10,880 (31%)

High School Graduate 14,513 (41%)

Bachelors or Associate Degrees 6,843 (19%)

Graduate Degrees 3,054 (9%)

Population by Age

6 Years Old or Under 5,727 (11%)

7 to 18 Years Old 8,480 (16%)

19 to 24 Years Old 4,667 (9%)

25 to 39 Years Old 14,427 (27%)

40 to 64 Years Old 15,938 (29%)

65 Years Old or Over 4,925 (9%)

Household Income Levels

Less than $30,000 6,245 (35%)

$30,000 to $74,999 8,185 (46%)

$75,000 to $149,999 2,990 (17%)

$150,000 or More 368 (2%)

Household Size Distribution

1 Person 1,160 (19%)

2-3 Person 2,447 (40%)

4-5 Person 1,701 (28%)

6 or More Person 771 (13%)
12. What is the health status of your community?

According to the New York City department of health and hygiene, “People are good at rating their own health. In general, when asked to rate their general health as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor, those who say “fair” or “poor” are more likely to have health problems than those who report better health. In Jamaica, 1 in 5 resident’s reports being in fair or poor health (20%).”(Take Care Jamaica, Pg.3). Also, diabetes is a huge concern in Jamaica as stated in the Community Health Profile, “The death rate due to diabetes is higher in Jamaica than in New York City overall, and the community also has higher rates of avoidable hospitalizations for diabetes-related conditions”(Second Edition: Jamaica, Pg.14).
13. What are the crime statistics for your community?

According to Area Vibes, “The estimated Jamaica violent crime rate is 8% higher than the New York average”. (NY Crime Rates and Statistics, Par.2)
14. Briefly describe the educational/cultural resources (ex: schools, libraries, theatres, museums, movie houses, etc.) of your community.

There are plenty of public schools in my neighborhood like Hillcrest High School, P.S 86 elementary school, Junior High School 217 Robert A. Van Wyck, and P.S 182. Theatres and libraries are close by within walking distance. There is a need for museums because there aren’t any in the community.
15. Briefly describe the recreational resources (parks, sports centers, facilities, public pools, etc.) of your community.

Parks and sports centers such as the YMCA can be found in the community. There are tons of gyms in the area as well. Public pools are hard to find in my neighborhood.
16. Briefly describe the religious/spiritual institutions of your community.

Due to the population demographics in my community, there is a strong diverse of religious institutions. Through my walkabouts, I noticed a number of catholic and protestant churches and Jehovah Witnesses and Islamic centers.
17. Briefly describe the financial and business institutions in your community( ex: banks, check-cashing businesses, supermarkets, small groceries, real estate agencies, brokerages, travel agencies, clothing stores, drug stores, etc.).

Many banks can be located in the community and this is a good thing because, if for instance, anyone needs to make a withdrawal from their bank account, they can go to their local bank and do so without having to pay extra fees by using a random ATM. Check-cashing businesses can be found in abundance, as well as supermarkets, clothing stores, drug stores and travel agencies.
18. Briefly describe the infrastructure of your community (ex: roads. Sidewalk and street pavements, street furniture, street and traffic lighting fixtures, tree care, air quality, buildings, etc.)

I truly believe my neighborhood has improved in the last couple of years. The buildings have new landlords and they have done a fantastic job renovating their premises to make it a better place for its members to live in. A concern my community can definitely work on addressing is the garbage dumping issue; with the garbage just being dumped on sidewalks and streets.
19. Based on your research and walkabouts, identify 3 of your community’s strengths or assets:
1) Hospitals
2) Public schools
3) Parks
30. Based on your research and walkabouts, identify and prioritize 3 issues of concerns to you about your community
1) Fast food restaurants
2) Garbage dumping
3) Poverty
21. Human services ethical standards speak about our profession’s concern for individuals, families, communities, and society. Why should human services professionals care about communities and society?

Any issues happening within communities and society can affect the well-being of individuals and families, therefore, it’s essential for human services professionals to care about the environment in which clients live. Being informed of current problems will assist the helper identify important resources and also advocate for the rights of all members in society.

Pleased:

Troubled:

KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY

1 Reply

1. My community zip code is 11212. N/A

2. Brownsville is the name of my neighborhood in Brooklyn, 11212. N/A

3. The name of my Community board is 16. The purpose of the board is to review matters pertaining land that is use in the district. The board evaluates the quality and quantity of service delivery in the community, makes recommendations for capital and expense budget priorities and develops plans for the community’s improve. Some respondabilties includes, capital project site selection, franchises, acquisitions and disposition of City property and other matters. The community Board reports to the Board of Standards and Appeals on zoning variances and certain special permits. Providing information and complaint to the services center. Assisting City departments and agencies in making contacts with and transmitting information to the residents of the district. http://www.brooklyncb16.org/about/

4. Eric Adams is the President of my Community Board 16. (http://www.brooklyncb16.org/) This is old info: Eric Adams is currently the Brooklyn Borough President

5. The District Manager of Brownsville is Viola D. Greene-Walker. (http://www.brooklyncb16.org/)

6. Darlene Mealy is the current New York City Council Member in Brownsville community. She serves Bedford Stuyvesant, Ocean Hill-Brownsville, East Flatbush and Crown Heights. http://council.nyc.gov/d41/html/members/home.shtml

7. New York State Assembly Member in Brownsville is Hon. William F. Boyland Jr http://www.nysenate.gov/files/pdfs/2014%20Guide%20to%20Brooklyn.pdf

8. John Sampson is New York State Senator http://www.nysenate.gov/files/pdfs/2014%20Guide%20to%20Brooklyn.pdf

9. U.S. Senators are Gillibrand, Kirsten E. and Charles Chuck Schumer. ( http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=NY)

10. Yvette D. Clarke and Hakeem S. Jeffries are U.S. Congressional Representative in Brooklyn, 11212. (http://www.house.gov/htbin/findrep?ZIP=11212&Submit=FIND+YOUR+REP+BY+ZIP)

11. The basic estimated demographics of Brownsville in 2011 are as follow: Population 80,311, gender female 46,257, male 34,054. Age levels 32.1 years. White population: 666, Black population: 67,801 American Indian population: 232, Asian population: 588, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population: 31, some other race population: 243, two or more races population: 1,034, Hispanic or Latino population: 13,905. Income levels $27,278. Household sizes 2.6 people. Educational level population 25 years and over High school or higher: 74.5%, Bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.5%, Graduate or professional degree: 2.7%. (http://www.city-data.com/zips/11212.html)

12. The Health status for Brownsville population are as follows obesity is the number one health problem in the community (25%), with HIV/AIDS and STDs ranking second (9%), cancer, poverty and homelessness tying for third place (8%), and mental health ranking fourth (7%). other diseases such as high blood pressure 35%. (http://0101.nccdn.net/1_5/09a/2ab/341/Brookdale-Hospital-CHNA-FINAL-DEC30-2013.pdf)

13. 73rd Precinct in Brownsville reported the crime statistics for the month September 8, 2014 through September 14, 2014. Murder 0, Rape 1,Robbery 4, Fel. Assault 11, Burglary 3, Gr. Larceny 8 , Grand Larceny Auto 4, Petit Larceny 17, Transit 1, Housing 6, Misd. Assault 26, Misd. Sex Crimes 1, Shooting Vic. 3, and Shooting Inc. 2. http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cs073pct.pdf

14. The Community of Brownsville contained more than 28 schools which includes private and public schools, and 2 libraries. However the community does not have theatres, museums or movie houses. http://www.brooklyncb16.org/directory/

15. The recreational resources in Brownsville community showed 14 parks, 19 sports centers / facilities, 2 public pools, and 4 health clubs. http://www.brooklyncb16.org/directory/

16. Religious and spiritual institutions shape the community of Brownsville with more that 60 different churches. In addition, religion is important in the lives of many African-Americans and other ethnic groups. Meaning that, it brings unity, comfort and peace to each other. http://www.brooklyncb16.org/directory/

17. Financial and business institutions are vital in Brownsville community it helps build the community by providing jobs, generate money for the local economy, and give back to the community in terms of training and donations to charities. The community contain 2 banks, 3 check-chasing businesses, 6 super markets, 27 drug stores, and 43 clothing stories. There are many other small groceries stores, real estate agencies, and brokerages. http://www.brooklyncb16.org/directory/

18. The infrastructure of Brownsville community have many issues such as potholes which should repair at a timely fashion that would reduce traffic. New housing construction also causing problem at the side walk, making not safe to walk. Many of our trees in parks and on the sidewalks need pruning on a more frequent basis to prevent the limbs from blocking street lights and hanging low in the path of pedestrians. Limbs are frequently breaking off which presents a hazard to pedestrians and motorist. Some streets lights are dim and can create an atmosphere to conduct to criminal activities. Streets furniture such as benches are display through out the community. N/A

19. Based on research and walkabouts, there are 3 community’s strengths or assets 1. Recreational Centers 2. New York City Housing Authority buildings 3. Churches N/A

20. There are 3 issues of concern to me and the community 1. Gun violence 2. Teenage pregnancy 3. Alcohol/Drugs http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ny/brooklyn/brownsville/

21. Human services professional care about communities and society because they uphold the integrity and ethics of the profession to promote clients and communities well-being and also to enhance their professional growth. For instance, they act as advocates in addressing unmet client and community needs. Human service professionals provide a mechanism for identifying unmet client needs, calling attention to these needs, and assisting in planning and mobilizing to advocate for those needs at the local community level. N/A TROUBLED