New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has successfully navigated the shoals of Albany for decades, but late on Jan. 25, he announced that he would temporarily "step back" as Speaker while he fights federal corruption charges. "The Speaker is not stepping down," said his spokesman, Michael Whyland.

"His decision came amid mounting pressure from his fellow Democrats in the Assembly, who worried that the criminal charges would impair his ability to carry out the duties of one of the most powerful positions in the state's government," said The New York Times. ("Sheldon Silver to Temporarily Relinquish Speaker Duties," New York Times, 1/25/15.) The Times explains that, "In an unusual arrangement, Mr. Silver would not quit his post. Instead, he would temporarily delegate his duties as speaker to a group of senior Assembly members."

The news of Silver's Jan. 22 arrest and arraignment on corruption charges made the headlines of every newspaper in town. The New York Times was the first to report it. "Sheldon Silver, New York Assembly Speaker, Faces Arrest on Corruption Charges," said The Times.

Within 24 hours, The Times and other newspapers had tried Silver and convicted him. "Speaker Sheldon Silver Should Resign From New York Assembly," said The Times in an editorial on Jan. 22. "As astonishing as it was to see Sheldon Silver, the speaker of the New York Assembly, surrender to the F.B.I. on corruption charges Thursday morning, it is even more incredible that he can choose to go on serving in his job while he defends himself against bribery and kickback charges involving millions of dollars."

"The Speaker must go," said the New York Post editorial on Jan. 22.  "Ever wonder why corruption remains endemic in Albany? Even as US Attorney Preet Bharara was unveiling a devastating array of charges against Sheldon Silver, his Democratic Assembly colleagues were pledging their support for keeping him as speaker."

The Daily News expressed the same opinion in its Jan. 23 editorial, "Sheldon Silver must go." "Sheldon Silver must step down as Assembly speaker - or be ousted from the post that makes him New York's second-most-powerful elected official," said the Daily News.

When Silver was arraigned at 500 Pearl St. on Jan. 22, no cameras were allowed in the courtroom - but four artists were there, to record what was happening. Among them was Elizabeth Williams, a Lower Manhattan resident, who has been a courtroom artist since the early 1980s and is one of the few still in the profession. "Silver was in shock," she said.

In her drawing of the arraignment, she depicted a brown area on the right of the picture. "That leads to the jail," she said. "That's the door from which he entered the courtroom."

After Southern District Magistrate Judge Frank Maas released Silver on $200,000 personal recognizance., Silver faced what Williams called "a scrum of photographers" when he emerged from the courthouse.

According to The Times, "Mr. Silver told reporters at the federal courthouse, 'I hope I'll be vindicated,' and his lawyers called the charges 'meritless.'"

"Mayor de Blasio Maintains His Support for Speaker Silver," The New York Times reported on Jan. 23. "Mayor Bill de Blasio is not wavering in his support for Sheldon Silver. Asked by reporters at a gathering of mayors in Washington on Friday about his belief in the integrity of Mr. Silver, the powerful speaker of the New York State Assembly who was arrested Thursday on corruption charges, Mr. de Blasio characterized his fellow Democrat as a staunch ally who had 'followed through on every commitment that he made' in pursuit of the mayor's legislative agenda for New York City."

According to The Times, de Blasio said, "This will be a distraction for everyone in Albany," adding, "I think it will change the nature of this session, there is no doubt about that. But in terms of the speaker's ability to do his job, I believe he'll continue to be able to do it while this plays out."

At first the Democratic conference in the State Assembly largely supported Silver, as the Lower Hudson News reported on Jan. 22. "After meeting for 90 minutes behind closed doors, members of the Assembly's Democratic conference pledged support for the Manhattan Democrat after federal prosecutors accused him of accepting $6 million from law firms without doing legal work in return," the article stated.

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit, Monroe County, was quoted in the article as saying, "There is a strong feeling, as I think we should all reflect on, that there is a presumption of innocence. We have every confidence that the speaker is going to fill his role with distinction."

Even three days after Silver's arrest, with mounting pressure for him to resign as Speaker rather than to relinquish his office temporarily, some of his Democratic colleagues in the Assembly "were concerned that Mr. Silver was being unfairly condemned before standing trial, and were wary about seeking his ouster before he had a chance to defend himself in court," according to The New York Times. ("Sheldon Silver to Temporarily Relinquish Speaker Duties," New York Times, 1/25/15.)

In the meantime, the charges against Silver have been good for U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara's career. The Daily News ran an article on Jan. 22 entitled, "U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara sparks buzz about his political future after indictment of New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver."

"Bharara, the Springsteen-loving Manhattan U.S. attorney since August 2009, took center stage Thursday in charging the ultimate New York political insider as an inveterate liar and thief who took $4 million in graft," said the Daily News. "Taking down Silver, an elusive but inviting target for prosecutors across his two decades as Assembly speaker, created even more buzz about the corruption-busting prosecutor's future."

The article went on to say, "Silver is the biggest political fish snared yet in Bharara's wide net as the prosecutor targeted corruption in the Capitol hallways and on Wall Street over the last five years. The efforts landed the son of immigrants from India on the cover of Time magazine and set tongues wagging about a possible run for mayor or even governor down the road."

"Working Families Party issues statement of support for Silver," Capital New York, 1/23/15. "The Working Families Party issued a statement of support on Friday for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who was arrested Thursday on charges he illegally used his position to earn millions of dollars from real estate and health care interests," Capital New York reported. "'Our justice system is based on the presumption of innocence,' said W.F.P. executive director Bill Lipton, in a statement to Capital. 'Reflecting on the speaker's career as a public official: When it comes to the issues that matter to working families, whether raising the minimum wage or protecting affordable housing, our public schools and the environment, Shelley Silver never flinches,' Lipton said. Silver, who has served as speaker since 1994, is arguably the party's most powerful champion in Albany for its liberal legislative priorities." For the complete article, click here.

Silver's legislative record: Over his two decades as Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Sheldon Silver has been instrumental in getting legislation passed that has profoundly influenced the lives of millions of people in New York State and in the 65th Assembly District, which he represents. Here are some excerpts from that record in recent years, as Silver reported them in a newsletter for his constituents.

Jan. 30, 2012: Raise the minimum wage: Earlier this month, I wrote to you and shared my vision to rebuild the ladder of success in New York State.  Today, I am pleased to announce that the New York State Assembly has introduced legislation that will increase the minimum wage to $8.50. This is one major step towards bridging the divide and rekindling the spirit of shared prosperity.

June 13, 2012: Protect victims of domestic violence: Yesterday, the Assembly once again passed important legislation to protect victims of domestic violence and toughen punishments for abusers. Domestic violence is a major problem in New York with more than 400,000 incidents reported annually. ... The measures passed yesterday include the creation of a felony-level offense for repeat offenders, requiring judges to consider additional risk factors such as access to firearms and previous violations when considering bail, and giving victims the ability to keep their address secret.

July 18, 2012: Restoration of M9 bus service: I am very pleased to let you know that the MTA has agreed to fully restore and expand service on the M9 bus into and out of Battery Park City. I know that the drastic service cuts that were enacted two years ago have been very difficult for our neighborhood and I have been persistently advocating for M9 service to be restored.  The new route, which is similar to the route that operated prior to 9/11 will begin operating in January.

Jan. 15, 2013: Gun safety laws: Every year, the Assembly Majority fights for and passes sensible gun safety measures to protect New Yorkers. We have long led this fight and today, with the Governor and Senate in agreement, we have a groundbreaking, comprehensive gun safety law that will make New York the nation's leader in cracking down on gun violence.

Jan. 24, 2013: Saving and restoring the Battery Park City ball fields after Superstorm Sandy: As you may know the Battery Park City ball fields that Downtown Little League uses were badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy and will need to be replaced. I have been working with the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays and that the fields are open in time for the upcoming season. I am pleased to tell you that the BPCA has agreed to expedite the repair schedule in an effort to save the league's season.

Feb. 4, 2013: Tax relief for property owners affected by Sandy: As part of our ongoing effort to help New Yorkers impacted by Superstorm Sandy, the Assembly today passed a bill I sponsored that would significantly reduce taxes for property owners who suffered storm damage. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners and business owners have been devastated and are still trying to recover. Many have lost almost everything and are facing catastrophic financial consequences.

March 5, 2013: Raising the minimum wage: As part of our continuing effort to help more working New Yorkers climb out of poverty and earn fair pay, I and the Assembly today voted to increase our minimum wage to $9 an hour and index it to the rate of inflation. Too many of our families are trapped between the desire for financial independence and the constant erosion of their wages.

March 6, 2013: Anti-fracking laws: As part of my deep commitment to the health and safety of all my fellow New Yorkers, I and the Assembly passed a moratorium today on the controversial gas-drilling practice known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." I have made protecting our city's drinking water, as well as our environment, among my top priorities and I will continue working to make sure our community has clean water.

April 30, 2013: Early voting in New York State: The long lines we saw last Election Day, when many New Yorkers waited for hours, is simply unacceptable. I believe that all New Yorkers, regardless of their personal or professional time commitments, should be able to vote in every election. In order to encourage greater voter participation, cut down on excessively long lines on Election Day and expand access to the polls, the Assembly today passed a bill that would create early voting in New York State. Our Democracy thrives when as many citizens as possible are able to participate in the electoral process.

Feb. 14, 2014: New stop sign by PS 276: Many Battery Park City residents, particularly parents of students at P.S. 276, have expressed concerns about pedestrian safety at the intersection of Battery Place and First Place, where a school crossing guard was struck by a car last month. I am pleased to tell you that I have received word from the Department of Transportation (DOT) that a Stop sign will be installed at that intersection.

Feb. 25, 2014: Passage of the DREAM act: I believe that all New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to pursue higher education so that they can follow the path of their dreams. That is why, today, the Assembly has passed the New York DREAM Act, which opens the door for thousands of young people to go to college and improve their lives. With this legislation, students who have attended high school in New York would be eligible for state tuition aid regardless of their immigration status. It would also establish the DREAM Fund, a private scholarship program, and increase access to the New York State College Tuition (529) Program. It is a moral imperative that we provide these opportunities to the countless immigrant youth who have known no other home.

March 6, 2014: Child care subsidies and paid family leave: As part of an ongoing effort to increase support to New York's working families, Assemblyman Silver yesterday passed a package of bills that would provide for paid family leave and increase access to child care. These measures would enable workers to keep their job and receive some income while on leave to care for an elderly relative, manage a medical emergency or take care of a newborn or adopted child.

April 4, 2014: Subsidized child care for working families: Building on a long history of putting families first, the Assembly Majority fought for a 2014-15 state budget that makes critical investments to address the child care crisis in New York. The newly-enacted budget provides over $41 million to increase access to subsidized child care for working families. The agreement dedicates an additional $34 million for child care subsidies to support an increase of more than 4,500 child care slots available statewide.

Aug. 11, 2014: Bill to address school overcrowding: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senator Daniel Squadron announced today that legislation they sponsored to help address the severe overcrowding problem in New York City schools has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The law requires the city's School Construction Authority (SCA) to collect population data and use this information in connection with the authority's five-year educational facilities capital plan (A.10108 / S.07873). It requires the SCA and the New York City schools chancellor to account for how future population growth might affect continued overcrowding.

June 2, 2014: DREAM Act passes: The Assembly Majority has once again passed the New York DREAM Act to help thousands of young people go to college and improve their lives and contribute more to New York's growing economy.  The Assembly Majority is leading the way and fighting for passage of the DREAM Act so the New York's immigrant youth are provided with same opportunities to access public higher education as all New York children.  The DREAM Act would make all of New York's college ready youth eligible to apply for state financial aid, and increase the availability of financial aid options, including TAP, HEOP and EOP.

Dec. 17, 2014: Hydrofracking banned: As part of my deep and continuing commitment to the health and safety of all my fellow New Yorkers, I have helped pass in the Assembly, on several occasions, a moratorium on the controversial gas-drilling practice known as hydraulic fracturing, or "hydrofracking."  I am strongly opposed to risking the health of New Yorkers or the environment for the profits of the oil and gas industry. That is why today, I wholeheartedly commend Governor Cuomo and the state Department of Environmental Conservation, for the decision to ban hydrofracking in New York State. As public officials we have the incredibly serious responsibility of protecting the health and safety of those we serve.

January 16, 2015: Speaker Silver testimony on the city's Action Plan for post-Sandy resiliency: As the Assemblyman who represents Lower Manhattan, I believe the city's Action Plan contains many important plans that will benefit a great number of New Yorkers and help keep vulnerable parts of our city safe from future catastrophes. On the other hand, I am disappointed by the lack of funding for flood protection and resiliency measures along parts of the Lower East Side, the South Street Seaport and Financial District areas, as well as along the west side of Lower Manhattan. These communities were greatly impacted by Superstorm Sandy, especially the South Street Seaport, which was devastated. In fact, some residential and commercial buildings, as well as small businesses, have still not recovered from the damage they sustained.

The Action Plan ought to provide for increased protection in these low-lying areas that are home to tens of thousands of people and businesses, critical infrastructure, and tourist attractions that draw millions of people a year. Residents of Lower Manhattan suffered greatly for days, weeks, and in some cases, months following Sandy. We must do everything possible to ensure that they do not suffer again. Immediate resiliency measures for this part of Lower Manhattan must be identified and implemented.

IGY Marinas is owned by Andrew Farkas, who has contributed substantially to New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo's election campaigns and who once gave him a job paying more than $2 million. The Battery Park City Authority is a New York State agency whose board of directors is appointed by the governor.

In his comments before the vote, Mehiel explicitly denied that any political pressures had influenced the outcome. "The State administration, the governor's staff, his political people, have had zero contact or discussion with this Authority or its staff about this request for proposals," he said.

He said that the BPCA felt that in awarding the contract to Brookfield, "we are doing the right thing for Battery Park City, for the residents, for the marina, for the community at large, and, of no small significance, for the taxpayers. This board and this Authority has a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of New York. We take that seriously. That's the way we operate." 

"Brookfield's vision will align with the requirements of the Battery Park City Authority as outlined to all bidders in its RFP," Coley said in a statement. "Our vision includes a sailing school for the community, summer and learn to sail programs. Our vision is an active, attractive and sustainable hub for the community. We will look to our 25 years of experience at Battery Park City in programming free community activities and events. We will be working on a comprehensive plan over the coming months and reaching out to members of the community."

Mehiel's comments about the RFP process for the marina were interrupted by boos from members of the public, some of whom carried signs that said "Stop Albany Pay-to-Play."

After the vote, some of these people expressed outrage. 

"This is an utter failure of accountability to the citizens of this city," said Sara Burke, who lives on Staten Island but who described herself as "a citizen of New York City and of New York harbor."

"There was a shocking lack of transparency in the Battery Park City Authority's process," said Jenifer Rajkumar, a Battery Park City resident and Democratic district leader. "It was a travesty. We need to come together as a community and decide how we're going to restructure the Battery Park City Authority so that it supports the community because that did not happen today."

Downtown bulletin board

Asphalt Green Battery Park City Summer Day Camp: Enrollment is now open for Asphalt Green's summer day camp for children ages 4 � to 15 years old. Asphalt Green at 212 North End Ave., has programs for age-specific groups: Pee Wee Camp (4 � - 6 years),  Junior Camp (6-8 years), Senior Camp (8-13 years) and Counselors in Training (14 - 15 years). Camp is in session from June 29 to Aug. 21, with five separate sessions. The fee to attend for the entire eight weeks ranges from $5,750 to $6,250, depending on age, however, scholarships are available. Scholarship applications are being accepted through Feb. 13, 2015. Click here for directions on how to apply. Asphalt Green is holding monthly open houses through May to introduce the camp program and staff. The next open house is on Feb. 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for more information.

Registration for the 2015 Five Boro Bike Tour: Registration for the annual Five Boro Bike Tour, which takes place this year on May 3, is open through Jan. 30. The tour is run by Bike New York, a non-profit organization that promotes cycling throughout the city by sponsoring education and public events. Around 31,000 riders are expected to participate in the bike tour. Funds raised go to support Bike New York activities. It costs $92 for a standard registration and $325 for a VIP registration. For more information and to register, click here.

Downtown deals: The Downtown Alliance website has a section listing "deals" in Lower Manhattan. These range from discounted hotel rooms to food and drink offers at places such as Sm�rg�s Chef Restaurant on Stone Street and North End Grill in Battery Park City. Flowers are discounted by 10 percent at City Blossoms, 62 Trinity Place. Brand name and generic cold items and vitamins are discounted at the Battery Park Pharmacy, 327 South End Ave. The deals change frequently. To see what's on offer, click here.

Community Board applications: Manhattan has 12 community boards, each with 50 volunteer members who serve staggered two-year terms. Community boards represent their neighborhoods on issues such as development, land use, historic preservation, liquor license applications and quality of life. The Office of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer is currently accepting applications for Manhattan Community Board membership. This year, for the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds are eligible to join community boards. There will be a community board information session just for teens on Friday, Jan. 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building Mezzanine, 1 Centre St., North Entrance. Registration is required at teenboards.eventbrite.com.
All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2015. For more information and to apply, click here.

Electronics recycling: As of this year (2015) it is illegal to discard electronics in the trash. New York City apartment buildings are eligible to participate in a program that provides them with a free service to pick up and recycle unwanted electronics. Click here for more information. Alternatively, electronics can be dropped off at Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Best Buy, Staples (no TVs) or the Lower East Side Ecology Center. For more information, click here. Working electronics can be donated for reuse at the New York City Stuff Exchange. For more information, click here.

Tribeca Film Festival passes: The Tribeca Film Festival, which takes place from April 15 to April 26, will have a new central hub this year at Spring Studios, an exhibition space at 50 Varick St.  It will host Tribeca Talks� panels and the Tribeca Hacks and TFI Interactive days, additional innovation talks and demonstrations, galleries, collaborative work spaces, and more. Spring Studios will also house lounges designated for filmmakers, industry professionals, and the press. The majority of the Festival's special events, including Tribeca's innovation offerings, Awards Night, panel discussions, and after parties, will take place at this venue. Tribeca Film Festival at Spring Studios Resident Pass and Day Pass will provide full access to all of the programs and offerings available at the Festival's Hub at Spring, including a resource center and creative workspace with food, coffee, and drinks. The passes will also provide reduced ticket prices for select special events.

Resident Passes are $400, discounted to $300 if purchased before April 15 and allow pass holders to invite a guest each day of the Festival. Individual Day passes are $50, discounted to $40 if purchased before April 15. The passes went on sale at TribecaFilm.com on January 20.

From the editor:
The next meeting at which The Howard Hughes Corporation's proposals for the South Street Seaport will be discussed takes place on Monday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. Community Board 1 will be meeting at P.S. 89, 201 Warren St., 2nd floor auditorium.

At this meeting, the community board will vote on a resolution regarding the landmarked parts of the South Street Seaport that HHC wants to alter. This resolution will go to New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission, which has the final authority to approve or disallow the Howard Hughes proposals. The public is welcome to attend the Community Board 1 meeting and to speak during the public comment period at the start of the meeting.

Weather permitting, Community Board 1's monthly full board meeting will take place on Monday, Jan. 26 starting at 6 p.m. It will be held at P.S. 89, 201 Warren St., 2nd floor auditorium. The public is welcome to attend and to speak in the public comments section, that opens the meeting.

Agenda
I. Public Session
   Comments by members of the public (6 p.m.-7 p.m.) (1-2 minutes per speaker)

   Guest Speaker: Kenneth Adams, President and CEO, Empire State Development Corporation
Governor's Cabinet Delivers Regional 2015 Opportunity Agenda
Cabinet Members Will Take Governor's Agenda Directly to Communities across the State

II. Business Session
A) Adoption of December 2014 minutes
B) Chairperson's Report - C. McVay Hughes
C) District Manager's Report - N. Pfefferblit
D) Treasurer's Report - J. Kopel

III. Committee Reports
A) Special Landmarks Committee R. Byrom
    Discusssion and vote on Howard Hughes Corporation proposals for South Street Seaport - Resolution

B) Landmarks Committee R. Byrom
1) 79 Laight St., application for replacement of entrance door and transom - Resolution
2) 152 Franklin St., application for handicapped access ramp - Resolution
3) 140 Broadway, application for entry infill and re-glazing - Resolution
4) 464 Greenwich St., amendment to storefront glazing - Resolution

C) Battery Park City Committee G. Calderaro
1) Traffic enforcement around West Street - Report
2) BPC Parks Enforcement Patrol - Report
3) Brookfield Place tenants and service providers - Resolution
4) North Cove Marina resolution - Resolution

D) Quality of Life Committee P. Moore
1) NYC DOT Construction update - Report
2) Sandy Mobilization, Assessment, Referral and Treatment for Mental Health - Report
3) 2015 United Airlines NYC Half - Report
4) Illegal Hotels - Resolution
5) Intro 585 which would amend the City Charter to impose term limits on Community Board Members - Resolution
6) James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act - Resolution

E) Seaport/Civic Center Committee J. Fratta
1) South Street Initiative - Report
2) Thomas Paine Park: Temporary Public Artwork - Report
3) 2015 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon - Report
4) Rebuilding Brooklyn Banks Skate Park and other active recreation space underneath the Brooklyn Bridge - Report
5) 87 South St., application for wine & beer license for Tri-Elite Group Corp d/b/a El Luchedor - Resolution

F) Planning Committee J. Galloway
1) World Trade Center Performing Arts Center - Report
2) MTA fan plants and infrastructure storm hardening - Report
3) Status of FEMA Disaster Assistance Programs - Report
4) Rebuild by Design Public Hearing, Jan. 15, 2015 - Report
5) City-wide Zoning Text Amendment regarding stairwells in non-residential buildings - Resolution
6) Acquisition of office space for Department of City Planning at 120 Broadway - Resolution
7) City-wide allocation of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief Funds - Resolution

G) Tribeca Committee P. Braus
1) 11 6th Ave. sidewalk caf� - Report
2) Pier 26 Update by Madelyn Wils, President and CEO, Hudson River Park Trust - Resolution
3) Proposed changes to parking regulations in Tribeca - Resolution
4) Bastille Day 2015 Street Activity Permit application for West Broadway between White Street and Walker Street, Tuesday July 14, 2015, 12 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Resolution
5) 24 Harrison St., application for upgrade to liquor license for Terroir Tribeca - Resolution

H) Financial District Committee R. Sheffe
1) Broadway Reconstruction Project - Report
2) Pier 15 - Report
3) 23 Wall St., proposed new leasehold and use for property - Report
4) 140 West Street Condominium Flood Wall Barrier Project review - Report
5) Street activity permit for 911 Memorial Family Day on 04/26/2015 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Greenwich St. between Cortlandt Street and Liberty Street - Resolution
6) 20 John St., application for a wine and beer license for Dee Jing, Inc. - Resolution
7) Street activity permit for Coenties Slip Thursday Greenmarket on 07/02/2015 to 11/19/2015 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Coenties Slip between Water Street. and Pearl Street - Resolution
8) 102 Greenwich St., application for a liquor license for Riff Downtown LLC - Resolution

I) Youth & Education Committee T. Joyce
1) DCTV community space and programs - Report
2) North Cove Marina - Resolution

IV. Old Business
V. New Business
VI. Adjournment

All documents relating to the above agenda items are on file at the Community Board 1 office and are available for viewing by the public upon written request to man01@cb.nyc.gov
At all meetings, additional items may be raised as "New Business."