MTA FINALLY DELIVERS ON OVERDUE PROMISES
New Bird-B-Gone system installed on 103rd Street Station

Assemblyman Jose R. Peralta announced the final completion of the newly installed Bird-B-Gone system on the 103rd street 7-Train Station. This event marked the completion of a three year-long effort by Assemblyman Peralta in pushing the MTA to update the stations along Roosevelt Avenue. This long overdue project has been beset by MTA bureaucratic delays, which deferred the Bird-B-Gone upgrade in addition to various other projects that the MTA still has not delivered on.

Starting in 2003, Assemblyman Peralta worked diligently to ensure that the MTA addressed the serious issues that have plagued the 7-line for years. Among some of the issues: improper maintenance of the railway system and its structures; lack of safety measures to protect commuters from falling debris; and plagues of birds that congregate and breed along the tracks and stations.

In an attempt to resolve this situation, in 2004, Assemblyman Peralta in conjunction with Assemblyman Aubry secured $1.5 million to be used towards bringing the 7-line up to standard. By 2005, major rehabilitation of the 103rd Street station on the 7-line had been completed but little had been done to address the ever increasing problem of hundreds of birds congregating along the station and tracks.

After numerous calls for action, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted an inspection of the Corona Plaza area. They warned the MTA that pigeon feces and odors were “found to be causing unsanitary conditions” for those living and working in the area. A fungus discovered in the feces was found to target the most vulnerably members of our community, our children. Assemblyman Peralta stated, “It is necessary to protect our children from the most basic and preventable of health problems. This newly installed Bird-B-Gone system is a major step in fulfilling this responsibility to our children.”

As added proof of the detrimental effects that pigeon feces can have on children, a Bronx study published in the Journal of Pediatrics on May, 2001, provided evidence of pigeon droppings and its harmful health effects. The study indicated that Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus present in pigeon droppings, infects a majority of children in the Bronx after the age of two. The study was performed by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and it gives credence to the harmful effects which can be attributable to pigeon excrement.

The installation of the Bird-B-Gone system marks the completion of an initiative that will benefit all members of the community. Assemblyman Peralta looked to the future and observed that “this is a first step by the MTA in providing better services in the Corona area and I look forward to working with them in the future to further improve the lives of my constituents.”

VICTORIOUS LAWSUIT AGAINST LANDLORD IN JACKSON HEIGHTS
Tenants lawsuit forces immediate action in fire building

Assemblyman Jose R. Peralta was joined by Rob McCreanor from the Catholic Migration Office along with building tenants to announce a victorious group lawsuit which resulted in major repair work throughout a building located on 37-52 89th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens. Court ordered inspections forced the landlord, Nicholas Haros, to fix most of the building structure and over 1/2 of the units within the building. Assemblyman Peralta stated, “Today, the tenants of this building can stand proud because they were able to fight together for their own well-being. Tenants throughout NYC should not be afraid of slumlords such as Nicholas Haros. We can fight back, and be successful at it.”

On December 15, 2004, a raging fire in the building killed a mother of three, Flor Pineda, and her husband. Her children, Alexandra, Carolina and Naomi, were left badly burned. A year later, the apartments that had been burned remained in the same deplorable conditions and the Sandoval family was unable to move in. Assemblyman Peralta led the way in not only getting the apartments burned back to livable conditions, but also made sure that the entire building was repaired.

A suit was filed on behalf of the tenants on March 14 in Queens Civil Court and an Order to Show Cause was signed by Judge Gilberto Badillo the following day. Since then, the families have witnessed unprecedented work activity in the building and drastic improvements in conditions. The Court ordered this building’s vicious and heartless landlord to make repairs throughout the building and inside of the apartments. Assemblyman Peralta concluded, “Throughout the years, creatures such as Nicholas Haros have reined over this city like immortal beings and have been led to believe that they are untouchable. Today, we are witness to a new era, an era were the will of the people takes precedence over any ill-imposed individual.”

PERALTA BRINGS AWARENESS TO EPIDEMIC OF UNTREATED ORAL DISEASE
Free dental services provided to the children of PS 19

Assemblyman Jose R. Peralta was joined by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Queens County Dental Society (QCDS) to provide free dental services to the children of PS 19. Assemblyman Peralta stated, “Lack of dental care is a reality that we must deal with and one which, if untreated, will make eating, sleeping and paying attention in school much more difficult. I am glad to have with me a complete slate of dental providers joining me in this initiative. This initiative cannot be accomplished alone, but by a group of well-seasoned professionals with their best interest at heart. We must, once again, prove our dedication and commitment to our children and avail the mechanisms for proper oral hygiene.”

According to the ADA, chronic infectious diseases that cause cavities remain second only to the common cold in terms of prevalence in children. Emphasis must be made in obtaining proper information on children’s oral hygiene to prevent and treat tooth decay while it is in the earliest stages. Unlike a cold, tooth decay does not go away; it only gets worse. The ADA recommends that children see a dentist no later than on their first birthday, yet only 3 out of 5 children have seen a dentist before kindergarten. By then, over half (52%) of 6-8 year olds have tooth decay.

For the first time in Queens, the Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program took place at PS 19 one of the most overcrowded, underserved and minority-based school in the borough. The GKAS program provided the opportunity for free dental screenings and check-ups for the 2000 children that attend the school. Low income is the single best predictor of cavities in children. Data analysis demonstrates that the amount of tooth decay in children is inversely related to income level, and that lack of dental insurance is a strong predictor of lack of dental care. The United States has 23 million children without dental insurance. Children from families with annual incomes of $10,000-$20,000 have 10 times more unmet dental needs than children whose families earn more than $50,000.

OVER 500 COATS PROVIDED TO FAMILIES IN NEED
Peralta takes action in light of hypothermia deaths in the past years

Assemblyman Jose R. Peralta was joined by HEALTH PLUS Health Insurance, Melrose Credit Union & RWDSU Local 338 in the distribution of over 500 coats to prepare for the winter. The coat distribution aided families in their battle to stay warm. Assemblyman Peralta stated, “Health Plus health insurance is again demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of this community. Our partnership will ensure that proper health insurance is available to every individual while at the same time, keeping them nice and warm.”

Last year in Queens and Brooklyn alone, at least three people succumbed to hypothermia due to the harsh cold. It is due to these past hypothermia deaths in New York that the Assemblyman is taking the initiative to combat this harsh reality that many families face. In 2007, according to the Department of Homeless Services, it is estimated that there are 3,843 unsheltered individuals living on the streets, parks, encampments, under highways, airports, subway stations and trains in NYC.

DOE FUND INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CORONA
Peralta secures funding for street cleaning program

Assemblyman Jose R. Peralta was joined by community leaders, elected officials and representatives of the Doe Fund Inc. to introduce the men of the “Ready Willing and Able” program. The program will now provide street sanitation services along 37th Avenue from Junction Blvd. to 104th Street, and down 103rd and 104th Streets to Roosevelt Avenue. The services will also include the area in and around the Corona Plaza triangle. Assemblyman Peralta stated, “Once again, I am bringing the Doe Fund to my community to ensure a safe, clean and better quality of life for our families, residents and small businesses. The recent economic development in Corona is proof-positive that the community is growing. A community that is growing needs to make sure that proper services are maintained at all times, and that includes sanitation.”

In previous years, Assemblyman Peralta has been influential in introducing the program in all areas of his district including: Elmhurst, Corona and Jackson Heights. The Program will help clean the streets and improve the quality of life.

The program operates in neighborhoods city-wide with great success in providing quality sanitation services in high traffic areas. The program has a dual purpose by cleaning our neighborhoods and allowing individuals to re-enter the social and economic mainstream enabling them to become positive role models.

Services will include: Cleaning of sidewalk from the building or property line to the curb and gutters; Removal and replacement of new liners in garbage receptacles; Cleaning out weeds, cigarette butts and debris from cracks in sidewalks and tree pits; Removal of all posters and graffiti from street furniture (ex. fire hydrants, light poles and mailboxes); Alignment of miscellaneous newspaper distribution boxes at all intersections daily; and in the event of snow, clearing of catch basins, gutters and pedestrian crossings at street intersections as well as from bus stops within the area being serviced.

FIRE DECIMATES OVER EIGHT BUSINESSES
Peralta avails proper emergency procedures and information to merchants

Assemblyman Jose R. Peralta was joined by the Emergency Response Team of the Department of Small Business Services and the Corona-Elmhurst Center for Economic Development to provide information, support and guidance to business owners who were affected by an early morning fire which decimated over 8 local businesses.

The Emergency Unit of the City’s Department of Small Businesses made an assessment of the fire damage and quickly set-up shop with valuable information to the business owners. The Department advocates on behalf of the business owners to ensure that special or emergency needs are made readily available.

Also on site, was the Business Outreach Center (BOC), another institution that Assemblyman Peralta has fought to bring to the community, offering guaranteed emergency loans if the businesses so desired. The idea of this loan is to provide peace of mind in case problems arise with business owners falling behind on their bills.

Small businesses are the bloodline of any community. In the US, small businesses represent 99.7% of all American employers and create 3 out of 4 jobs. A recent 2006 economic survey by the Support Service Alliance, a leading NYS small business membership organization, demonstrated that the majority of small businesses preferred the creation of a one-stop shop center when dealing with the intricacies of state applications and regulations. The Corona-Elmhurst Center for Economic Development is doing just that and more. Assemblyman Peralta concluded, “The unfortunate and horrible loss of these businesses can only be remedied by ensuring that they come back even better than the way they were before. To achieve that, we must have a proper organizational structure to cushion the fall. Just as envisioned, the Corona-Elmhurst Center for Economic Development is that cushion which will spring these businesses back to life.”

ASSEMBLYMAN PERALTA & CONGRESSMAN CROWLEY INFORM PUBLIC ON OBTAINING, UPDATING PASSPORTS
US State Department and Customs Officials Emphasize Importance of Updating Documentation

On January 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was instituted for people traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, requiring that all passengers arriving in the United States by air, including US citizens, present a valid US passport. Previously, US citizens were able to use birth certificates for documentation. Under the WHTI program, only passports will be accepted. The WHTI was one of the homeland security improvements recommended by the 9/11 Commission to better track people entering and exiting the United States. On January 2008, all citizens traveling via boat or land to the United States will have to present a passport to re-enter the United States.

Assemblyman Jose R. Peralta & Congressman Joseph Crowley launched a public awareness campaign to inform constituents of these changes, and offer assistance in obtaining new passports and updating old ones. Assemblyman Peralta stated, “Knowledge is power. Our community needs to be informed of any changes in travel procedures that will assist us in better preparing ourselves when traveling abroad. I’m proud to be standing with Congressman Crowley in bringing this information in order to empower our community and to avoid any inconveniences.”

Jonathan Tapia, 21, and his girlfriend, Delly Collado, 28, had been dating for a few months and had just returned from their date. Jonathan, had rented an indoor garage for his car and the couple had decided to stay there for a while as the car was running. Unknowingly, they were being consumed by toxic carbon monoxide gas until eventually they fell asleep. Over the course of the night, the exposure to carbon monoxide gas took their lives. Living just above the garage, the noxious fumes also sent several people, including children, to Elmhurst Hospital due to carbon monoxide poisoning. These tragic deaths are but another grim reminder of this invisible monster which can strike silently at any time. In the US, over 2000 deaths and over 43,000 emergency room visits are attributable to carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

Assemblyman Jose Peralta was joined by the families of couple who died to introduce legislation which would alert and thwart future victims of this colorless and odorless gas. Legislation A.01732 in the NY State Assembly would amend the vehicle and traffic law to include the requirement of carbon monoxide detectors on all cars sold in New York State.

Independent and U.S. Department of Transportation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) research demonstrate that the majority of deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning occur while vehicles are stationary and at home. Research also suggests, that a simple device to detect carbon monoxide in a vehicle could be mass-produced at a cost of just $12 each.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas, the product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, gasoline, wood and coal. The major sources of CO in homes and apartments are fossil fuels from burning boilers, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and parking garages. Assemblyman Peralta stated, “This legislation will allow people to unmask this silent killer and provide protection via audio and visual alert.”