People Against Landlord Abuse & Tenant Exploitation
2019
Annual Gala
Celebrating 10 Years
Spark!
Palante Harlem Inc Congratulations Your community has selected your organization as one of the 2018 Top-Rated Nonprofits using GreatNonprofits. You are among a distinguished few to receive this community endorsement.
Perla Ni CEO Greatnonprofits
Event Program Schedule COCKTAIL RECEPTION Featured performance by Bob Sabin MASTER OF CEREMONIES Hon. Keith L.T. Wright VIDEO DOCUMENTARY PRESENTATION INVEST IN HOMELESS PREVENTION Elsia Vasquez, Founding Executive Director SILENT AUCTION DINNER CLIENT TESTIMONIAL AWARD CEREMONY AGENT OF CHANGE Barry Weinberg
WOMAN OF THE YEAR Liz Gonzรกlez
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AnnMarie Santiago Basil Smikle Jr.
LEGENDARY LEADERSHIP Maria Luna
COMMENDABLE CITIZENSHIP Isabel Adon Walkiria Colรณn Matilde Gonzalez
LIVE CONCERT CLOSING REMARKS AFTER-PARTY DONATE palantegala.org
Gala Don�� Lis�ing Thank You for Supporting our 10th Year Anniversary Gala VISIONARY SPONSOR Harlem Community Development Corporation Tahl Propp Equities ADVOCATE TABLE SPONSOR Israel Weinberger Urban American CHAMPION TABLE SPONSOR 600 West 161 Street Tenants Association The Coca-Cola Company Catholic Charties of the Archiocese of New York Columbia Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center Columbia University, Office of Government & Community Affairs International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 94 Robert Rosenberg P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. MEMBER TABLE SPONSOR 545 West 125 Street Tenants Association 545 West 146 Street Tenants Association 615 West 150 Street Tenants Association 1131-1133 Ogden Avenue Tenants Association 1600 Nelson Avenue HDFC 3681 Broadway HDFC Betty Routledge Rosa Greer
Don�� Lis�ing
cont.
CORPORATIONS African Services Committee Baltimore Dominicana, S. A (Baldom) Chase Group Alliance Communication Workers of America, Local 1180 Esquire Group Estates Gotham Comedy Club Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LLP Imani Management Janus Properties JM3 Construction LLC L&M Development Partners Lagunitas Brewing Company Lemle & Wolff, Inc. Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union New York City Board of Education Employees, Local 372 New York City New York Homes & Community Renewal New York Women's Chamber of Commerce Paquí The Migdol Organization The Ryan Center Thomas Fleishell & Associates Vintage Ventures W.B. Mason West Harlem Development Corporation TENANTS' ASSOCIATIONS 79 Post Avenue Tenant Association 503 West 135 Street Tenant Association 516 West 175 Street Tenant Association 1465 Amsterdam Avenue Tenant Association 1508 Amsterdam Avenue HDFC Hamilton Heights Tenant Association Westgate Tenants Association
Don�� Lis�ing INDIVIDUALS Miguel Acosta Isabel Adon Curtis Archer Maricela Aguirre Sergio Aranda Emiliana Arredondo Lidia Aybar Carmen Balbuena Julio Batista Luisa Beato Gertrudis Bejaran J. Martin Benjamin Ruben Ben-Harari Juan Burgos Rosa Caceres Antonia Campos Virginia Candia Ramona Chicón Nelson Clauré Tim Collins, Esq. Kenia Coste Zeleke Dasho Jesus de Jesus John Delfish Norma Delgado Ibrahim Diallo Carolina Díaz Jean Dorsey Hon. Adriano Espaillat Liduvina Felix Dulce Fernandez Alfreida Foster Wendell Foster Palemon Galvéz Cristina García Honorina García Philora Gharib Teresa Gómez Alba Gonzalez Aida Gonzalez Eva Gonzalez John Gorman, Esq. Jesse Gribben, Esq. Lalla R. Grimes María Gutiérrez
cont.
E. Ron Guy Gladys Reinoso Sandra Harris David Reynoso Rick Herman Arelis Reyes Patria Hernandez Ramiro Rivera Ramón Hernandez Vicente Rivera Carlos Herrera Jorge Roca Samuel Himmelstein, Esq. Anita Rodriguez Doryne Isley Damaris Rodriguez Leobaldo Jaime Luisa Rodriguez Serge Joseph, Esq. Nelson Rodriguez Aurelia Juarez Rosa Rodriguez Serigne Lam Julio Ruíz Richard Lapaix Plácido Sánchez Juan Lara Charles B. Shorter Marcial Lara Norman Siegel, Esq. Mayra Linares Rosa Sinchi Hernesto Lebrón Zoila Sislema Victor Lugo Betty Smith Pedro Marín Tammy Smith Sixta Marte Martina Sosa Venecia Marte Walter South Aleyda Martinez Susan Stofsky Esterlina Martinez Jenny Tabales Kevin McConnell, Esq. Joseph Tahl Sharon Mackey McGee Jaritza Taveras Juan Mendoza Rosa Tápia Elsayed Mohamed Hon. Ritchie Torres Manuel Morocho Linda B. Towns Raoul Muñoz David Twomey Wilfredo Muñoz José Ureña Michael Neville Segundo Abraham Vacacela Elizabeth Noel Juvenal Valentín Melvin Norris Joan Valentine Dr. Sharon Olds Lissette Vargas Jaime Panamá Elsia Vásquez Isabel Páz Tony Vega Carmen Peña Angelina Velazquez Julio Peña Ana Ventura Guillermo Ali Perez Sam Weiskopf Mayra Perez James West Lillian Piedra Jose Williams Luis Pogyo Linda Wood-Guy Alicia Portada Kent Woolridge Gladys Ramirez Nadine Young Miguel Regalado
From The Di�ect�� Welcome to P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem’s 10th Year Anniversary Gala! At P.A.’L.A.N.T.E., we believe that the challenges we face as a community can best be solved by its members and stakeholders working together. It is a place where ideas to overcome obstacles are born, skills and experiences are applied, and institutional knowledge is shared. At P.A.’L.A.N.T.E., our passion and dedication to clients is paramount. We say, “come as you are, bring what you can.” We are here, as we have been for the last 10 years, taking bold action to support justice and economic security for the families who need it most. Simply put- thanks to you, our supporter, we continue to deliver steady, positive results for the people we represent and help! Last year, P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. moved to our new home in a more visible location but still in our beloved Harlem. We are seeing more people walk through our doors seeking assistance and; we are happy to be there for them and all New Yorkers that come to P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Homelessness is a an issue that touches people from different walks of life that are mostly poor, working poor and retirees. As the number of families in homeless shelters grow, P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. will continue to turn over every rock and exhaust every resource to make sure we are making every effort to keep families in stable and habitable homes. But we know there is more work to be done, like combating destabilization of rent regulated units and illegal evictions, combating foreclosures of Housing Development Funds Cooperatives (HDFCs) without proper due diligence and quality resources and keeping informed about what is happening to NYCHA developments across the city. We are grateful to have our supporters and partners with us tonight, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our members and supporters. Without your generous support and the incredible work and dedication of our staff, interns and volunteers none of this would be possible. Thank you for your commitment and for putting your trust, time, resources and hope in us so that we can continue to fulfill our mission to make a better New York City for all. With sincere appreciation,
Elsia Vasquez
Founding Executive Director
• Culturally competent and a proactive bottom-up approach to preserving and maintaining affordable housing • Community focused and client centered • Top rated non-profit www.greatnonprofits.org • Strong multi-sector/cross-sector partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities
• Effective model of service: Individual consultations at P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. result in organizing other tenants in the building
• Services open to all residents (renters & homeowners) at no charge • Free weekly legal clinics, legal consultation, and representation by highly experienced attorneys • Saved tax payers an estimated $18M in shelter costs by preventing evictions of 500 families • Results Driven: • Preserved over 5,000 apartments through repairs and upgrades at no extra charge to tenants • Facilitated over 150 free legal clinics • Weekly tenant intake clinics (4 days per week) • Organized tenants (867 families) living in 15 buildings to address the deteriorating physical conditions in their buildings. The buildings were referred to HPD’s Proactive Preservation Initiative- the City's comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing deteriorating physical conditions in buildings across NYC before they endanger the health and safety of residents and threaten the quality of the surrounding neighborhood. Individual apartment and capital repairs were made. The City also took 4 landlords to housing court to address the safety of the residents in the building • Organized tenants (312 families) living at 8 severely distressed buildings: The buildings were enrolled in HPD’s enforcement programs resulting in the rehabilitation and capital building-wide repairs successfully made through the program • Organized the TIL (Tenant Interim Lease) Tenants Coalition to force NYC to rehabilitate their properties and sell them the apartments (low-income co-op /Housing Development Fund Corp.) under the same terms and conditions as it was promised • NYC Law amended to provide tenants (2,800 families) living in Cityowned buildings (TIL & ANCP) the right to succession (170 buildings)
OUR APPROACH TO PRESERVING OUR AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCK IN NEW YORK CITY
THE STATISTICS
821 Families Received Rent
Reduction Orders (Rents Frozen)
101 Families Received $2.7M
in Rent Abatements (Through Court)
58 Families Received $1M
in Rent Overcharge Orders (Legal rents also established)
Protecting Rent Stabilized Tenants Rent Overcharge Applications
14%
Violations Complaints
51%
47
Restored to their home after being displaced due to a fire
8
Restored to their home after Court mandated eviction
8
Secured a new affordable apartment for families living in City shelters
FAMILIES SERVED
Lease Renewals (Succession)
10%
Tenant Education/ Legal Rights
25%
P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem 2018
Event Committee P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. extends a special thanks to those who have made our 10th year anniversary gala a smashing success. Isabel Adon Gabriel Bencosme Pin Bencosme Jason Brown Walkiria Colón Rosa Delgado David W. Hanzal Wendy Olivo Michelle Orman Harry Montas Rosely Nuñez Christopher Padrón Jamillah Richards Luisa Rodriguez Rosalba Rodriguez Krystle Santana Robert Sabin Terry Wallace
Hon��ary Committee Hon. Eric L. Adams Brooklyn Borough President
Hon. Corey Johnson Speaker of the New York City Council
Hon. Diana Ayala New York City Council Member
Hon. Mark D. Levine New York City Council Member
Hon. Gale A. Brewer Manhattan Borough President
Hon. Daniel O’Donnell New York State Assembly Member
Hon. Fernando Cabrera New York City Council Member
Hon. Charles B. Rangel Former U.S. Congressman
Hon. Andrew Cuomo Governor of the State of New York
Hon. Carlina Rivera New York City Council Member
Hon. Bill de Blasio Mayor of the City of New York
Hon. Helen Rosenthal New York City Council Member
Hon. Carmen De La Rosa New York State Assembly Member
Hon. Scott Stringer New York City Comptroller
Hon. Ruben Diaz, Jr. Bronx Borough President
Hon. Al Taylor New York State Assembly Member
Hon. Adriano Espaillat U.S. Congressman
Hon. Ritchie J. Torres New York City Council Member
Hon. Vanessa Gibson New York City Council Member
Hon. Keith L.T. Wright New York County Committee Chair
Hon. Robert Jackson New York State Senate
How It All Began The True Story of Poochy Vasquez… It was frigid city night in September of 2006. Harlem seemed void of the usual hustle and bustle of the kids on the block and families having barbecues by the stoop. Elsia was just coming back from yet another business trip to “you-pick-a-city”. With all this out of state travelling every city starts to look like every other city. The only place that still retained any sense of originality and refuge was “home”. As she got out the cab you could hear a loud sigh, “Ahhh...home.” As she made her way to the fifth floor walkup she could already hear Poochy rubbing against the door and meowing quite sternly. Anyone could have understood the cat’s tone. The cat might as well have said, “What took you so long! Don’t you know I need round-the-clock affection!” After fumbling for the keys, Elsia made her way into the apartment. Poochy’s groan subsided and there was a quiet stare from the hallway floor. “There you are!” was the look on Poochy’s face. As Poochy began to do the dance, weaving through Elsia’s legs, Elsia noticed a disturbing scab on Poochy’s back. It looked liked something had bitten her and left a nasty cut but ‘Pooch’ paid it no mind. She was all too happy to have her roommate slash servant back home. Elsia, though, couldn’t let it go. These weren’t the usual flea or tick bites so off to the animal clinic she went with Poochy to get answers! The vets agreed that something bit Poochy but had no idea what.
Unsatisfied, Elsia started to inquire with other tenants in her building to see if anyone else fell victim to these mystery bugs. The problem was more widespread than Elsia could ever have imagined. Tenant after tenant began to show Elsia how their children had been bitten by the same mystery bug. Down the rabbit hole she went and discovered that a majority of these apartments not only had nasty bedbugs but also roach infestations and rat droppings. The tenants all began to tell her how they had told the landlord about the conditions only to be shooed away. The landlord was only interested in getting their rent money... in cash! Elsia couldn’t believe what she heard. This landlord demanded the rent payments in cash only for many of these tenants. This was the story she heard from many Spanish speaking only tenants who simply forked over the money to avoid any trouble of being evicted. They were being harassed to pay $1,300 and $1,400 rents in cash and then neglected when they needed essential repairs to their apartments. For Elsia, this was the last straw. Could this really be happening at the same time as Harlem’s alleged “second renaissance” she thought and began drafting up flyers to hold a meeting with the tenants. Elsia explained to them that in order to be taken seriously by the landlord they would have to form a unified group...a tenant’s association. The first order of business was to get legal counsel and then freeze all rents to the landlord. Within a month, 80% of the occupied apartments were on board and so began a long battle against L.K.H. & Associates, a real estate group run by Ilan Zinner. The tenant association was now more than a year into their legal fight to get a 7A Administrator appointed to the three buildings owned by L.K.H. On December 18, 2007 Judge Pamela Jackman Brown ruled in favor of the tenants and that the buildings met the criteria for 7A administration. This marked a major, if not the most significant milestone in getting much needed stabilization and repairs. And PA’LANTE was born. It all began with a black cat named Poochy. The end.
Special Thanks IN-KIND SUPPORTERS INDIVIDUALS Pin Bencosme Antonia Campos Carolina Diaz Tatiana Dorat Blanca Estrada Philora Gharib David Hanzal Dogomar Martinez E.T. Williams Jr. and his wife Lyn Laverne Joseph Michelle Orman Darren Rigger Robert Sabin Rosalia Sosa Terry Wallace CORPORATIONS Apollo Fields Coogan’s Copos Blancos Travel El Repertorio Español Gotham Comedy Club Grand Slam Banquet NYC Kramer Portraits Lagunitas Brewing Company la Fleur d’Harlem M42 Barbershop Paqui SoHarlem SuGa Designs
Master o� Ceremonies KEITH L.T. WRIGHT
Keith L.T. Wright is the Director of the Government Relations Group at Davidoff Hutcher and Citron LLP (DHC). Mr. Wright joined DHC after serving 23 years in New York State Assembly, having chaired such committees as Housing, Election Law, Social Services, and Labor. His work on the Equal Economic Opportunity and Human Rights subcommittee sought protections for domestic workers and created additional benefits for senior citizens. Leading the Public Housing subcommittee, he championed the rights of public housing residents. Active in his Harlem community, Mr. Wright has helped foster small business development, create affordable housing, and increase opportunities for youth. He has also served as the chairman of the Harlem Community Development Corporation. Prior to his time in the Assembly, Mr. Wright held positions in New York City’s Human Resources Administration, the Manhattan Borough President’s Office and the New York City Transit Authority. A graduate of Rutgers Law School and Tufts University, he credits his parents for teaching him the importance of strong values, commitment to community and defense of civil rights. He is the son of New York State Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Bruce Wright and his mother Constance Wright who served as a long time educator and former principal in the New York City public school system. Assemblyman Wright lives in Harlem with his family.
Hon��ee Isabel Adon
1600 Nelson Avenue HDFC, Board Chair
Isabel Adon was born in the Dominican Republic and emigrated to the USA in 1978. She arrived to live with her parents in the Bronx and has resided in the same building since her arrival to the USA. Isabel is a clinical social worker, who works with youth with mental health issues, she has a private psychotherapy practice in NYC. Isabel has engaged in both civic and social activism. However, this last year she was thrust into engaged activism around housing, when her building, which is HDFC was targeted by HPD and Neighborhood Restore to be placed in a Third-Party Transfer. As a result of this life changing event, Isabel and two other shareholders from 1600 Nelson Avenue sought the support of PALANTE Harlem. During this difficult time Isabel has taken on a leadership role, organizing and strategizing with the other shareholders, to fight HPD and Neighborhood Restore.
Hon��ee Walkiria Colón
1600 Nelson Avenue HDFC, Board Treasurer
Walkiria Colón was born in the Dominican Republic and raised there until the age of 15 when her family moved to Barcelona, Spain where she spent her adolescent life. At 21 years old she moved to the United States to continue her education and pursue her career. Her parents and grandmother instilled in her the values of commitment, empathy and hard work, which have been the main driving forces behind her success as a single mother to her son Derek. She is an Office Supervisor for a local podiatrist and she has been able to advance within the company due to her heart to serve her clients and her community. Her commitment to serve goes beyond her home and workplace, as she also serves on the board of her HDFC. She has fought alongside her neighbors to learn and do whatever it takes to protect and maintain their property. Her passion for justice has inspired many to join the cause. As a single mother to her son Derek, Colón is invested in her community for more than personal gratification. She wishes to serve as a role model for him and instill in him the same values that she received from her parents and grandmother. “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve the public and make a difference in my community,” says Colón. “I am committed to being involved in my community and making it better for my son and those that come after me.”
Hon��ee Liz González
Investigative Reporter, Telemundo47
Liz González works as a reporter for Noticiero 47 Telemundo in the local unit of Telemundo Responde, which offers consumer protection in nine markets in the United States and Puerto Rico, including New York. Telemundo Responde is the first investigative journalism and consumer protection unit launched in 2014 by Telemundo stations, and has since raised more than $3.1 million for consumers. This unit offers Spanish-speaking consumers the opportunity to report their cases for investigation. González’s reports can be viewed on Noticiero 47 Telemundo from Monday to Friday at 5:00 PM. Before joining Telemundo 47, González worked as a news correspondent for the Telemundo network in Peru. After that, Liz worked for the CBS network as a news correspondent for New York City. González earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a specialty in television from Florida International University. Gonzalez was awarded an Emmy for her report on “The Miracle on the Hudson.” In addition, she has received several community awards such as the “2014 Latino Achiever Award,” presented by ASPIRA New York.
Hon��ee Matilde Gonzalez
1600 Nelson Avenue HDFC, Shareholder
Matilde Gonzalez is a shareholder at 1600 Nelson Avenue HDFC. She has spent a lifetime committed to her neighbors and community through her faithfulness to the idea of a common good. Matilde has built her life in this building, now living there for thirty nine years. During that time she worked for the Board of Education for over 30 years dedicated to providing necessary clerical work and as an event coordinator. Through the years she has also helped her family’s business grow and even in retirement she continues to lend a hand with the business. Depending on its needs, Matilde has always found ways to make herself available as a volunteer for her co-op. She encourages and inspires strength in unity and service.
Hon��ee Maria Luna District Leader
Maria Luna has been called “a political legend in Washington Heights” by the Daily News (May 19, 2011). Her accomplishments have pushed doors open for many women and Dominicans especially. Her political career began when she became the first Dominican to be elected a Democratic district leader in 1983. She became the first Dominican to serve on the Democratic National Committee and in 2014 named Democratic Woman of the Year. Maria currently enjoys retirement from managing the accounting department at the American Museum of Natural History. She is also a member of Community Board 12 for over 35 years. Her influence continues to impact numerous committees at the state and national levels. She has served on boards for many non-profits, including P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Many years later, Maria’s relentless efforts continue to be a strong influence in Upper Manhattan and the Latino community. Maria continues to assist many tenants with landlord-tenant disputes, sits on the New York-Presbyterian/ Columbia University Irving Medical Center Community Leadership Council advising their President and CEO, along with senior staff, on community health matters and is currently the president of the 33rd Precinct Community Council.
Hon��ee Ann Marie Santiago
Deputy Commissioner, NYC Housing Preservation & Development
AnnMarie Santiago has served as Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Enforcement and Neighborhood Services (ENS) since 2018. Santiago oversees a staff of approximately 1,000 employees responsible for assuring owner compliance with the New York City Housing Maintenance Code and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law through the city to promote quality housing for New Yorkers. Santiago started her career in City government in 1994 as an Urban Fellow working for the Mayor’s office of SRO Housing, the unit charged with monitoring and inspecting Single Room Occupancy dwellings that was later absorbed into HPD. She joined HPD in 1996 and has served in a variety of capacities. She was promoted to Associate Commissioner in 2012 and to Assistant Deputy Commissioner in 2015, and received the Sloan Public Service Award in 2017. She helped create HPD’s Alternative Enforcement Program and Proactive Preservation Initiative to comprehensively address problems in distressed buildings. Her broad portfolio includes managing and analyzing agency data to further the agency’s mission of ensuring the quality and safety of the housing stock and protecting the rights of tenants; monitoring internal performance indicators, staffing, budget, technology; and overseeing EEO, Disciplinary and Labor Management issues. Born in Manhattan, Santiago was raised in Long Island City and currently lives in Jamaica, with her husband and two children.
Hon��ee Basil Smikle
Distinguished Lecturer of Politics & Public Policy at the City University of New York’s School of Labor & Urban Studies A thought-leader and former head of the State Democratic Party, Basil Smikle Jr. is a Distinguished Lecturer of Politics and Public Policy at the City University of New York’s School of Labor and Urban Studies and holds a PhD in Politics and Education from Columbia University. He is a familiar face on CNN, MSNBC, and other media outlets where frequent appearances highlight his insights on electoral politics and public policy. Recognized as a staunch advocate for public service and education equity, he is part of the next generation of thinkers and policy advocates. Featured in the L.A. Times as “Harlem’s New Political Elite” and City Hall Magazine named Basil one of 50 rising stars in New York Politics. United States Senator Cory Booker called him a "much sought-after consultant”. Rev. Al Sharpton called him an “impressive speaker”; Former Governor David Paterson noted that Basil is a “national caliber political operative”. From an early profile in the Wall Street Journal Basil gained national attention for his reforms in education and government even being featured in a New York Magazine cover story on the next generation of African American leaders. The New York Daily News called Basil a “fresh thinking...school reformer”. The New York Post “enthusiastically” said “New York needs such vibrant leadership”. A life-long New Yorker and raised in the Bronx by Jamaican immigrants, he is inspired by his father, a retired textile worker, and mother, a longtime public school special education teacher. Basil is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, and 100 Black Men of New York where he helped start the Eagle Academy in the Bronx which has grown to 6 schools in New York and New Jersey. He is also a founding Board Member of the Harlem Hebrew Academy Charter School and sits on the Board of the NYC Center for Charter Excellence.
Hon��ee Barry J. Weinberg Community Leader
Barry J. Weinberg is a community organizer and Democratic activist in West Harlem and Morningside Heights. The former Executive Director of the Manhattan Democratic Party and current President of the West Harlem Progressive Democratic Club, he is an advocate of empowering people and communities through old-fashioned grassroots, block-by-block organizing turbocharged by the power of social media. His current projects include creating a network of block associations to foster civic engagement and empowerment in West Harlem, a community-led rezoning of the land in Morningside Heights, and the creation of a West Harlem Cultural and Arts Center. He also serves on Manhattan’s Community Board 9, where he Co-Chairs the Same Gender Loving/LGBTQ Task Force and serves on the Housing, Zoning, and Land Use Committee.
February 15, 2019
Dear Friends,
Congratulations PA’LANTE for ten years of keeping housing in communities like Harlem, Bronx and Washington Heights safe, accessible and affordable for residents and your work to assist women, immigrants, and low-income families, while helping them to remain in their homes and by using your VOICE to ensure housing rights, economic security, and protecting the most vulnerable among us. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure New York City residents have safe and affordable housing and the opportunity to build a stronger future for themselves and for their families. Sincerely,
Rep. Adriano Espaillat United States Congress Proudly Representing New York’s 13th Congressional District
THE CITY OF NEW YORK OF F I C E O F T H E C O M P T R O L L E R S C O T T M. S T R I N G E R
February 22, 2019 P.A.’L.A.N.T.E Harlem 1411 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027 Dear Friends, It is my pleasure to extend best wishes to all attending P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem’s 10th Annual Gala. Founded as the People Against Landlord Abuse and Tenant Exploitation, P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem has since grown to become one of the leading grassroots housing organizations in Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Bronx. P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. is committed to supporting women, immigrants, and low income residents, while advocating for safer, accessible, and affordable housing. From providing critical legal assistance and training to mobilizing members around housing issues, P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. gives residents the tools they need to end tenant exploitation in low-income communities. I am confident P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. will continue to empower and make a positive impact on residents for years to come. Thank you to P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem for bringing us together to celebrate community and service. Please accept my best wishes for continued success. Sincerely,
Scott M. Stringer New York City Comptroller
MUNICIPAL BUILDING • 1 CENTRE STREET, 5TH Floor • NEW YORK, NY 10007
PHONE: (212) 669-3500 • @NYCCOMPTROLLER WWW.COMPTROLLER.NYC.GOV
SPEAKER'S OFFICE CITY HALL NEW YORK, NY 10007 TELEPHONE (212) 788-7210
NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER
COREY JOHNSON ACTING PUBLIC ADVOCATE
PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S OFFICE 1 CENTRE STREET 15TH FLOOR NORTH NEW YORK, NY 10007 TELEPHONE (212) 669-7250
February 22, 2019 Dear Friends: As City Council Speaker and Acting Public Advocate for the City of New York, I am delighted to extend my personal greetings to everyone gathered here tonight at P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem’s 10th Year Anniversary Gala, Spark! Every day, our city’s nonprofits are on the ground in our communities, delivering vital services to New Yorkers and their families and working tirelessly to help ensure that our city remains a place of hope and opportunity for all. And while these nonprofits are as diverse and dynamic as the City itself, they are bound by a common commitment: bettering the lives of those who call this city “home”. That’s a commitment that the City Council and I are proud to share, and I would like to thank P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. and its dedicated team for the important work they are doing to help organize and provide residents with the skills and tools they need to help fight poverty and advocate for safe housing. Congratulations as well to this year’s honorees. I hope everyone has a wonderful time tonight. Enjoy! Sincerely,
COREY JOHNSON Speaker of the New York City Council Acting Public Advocate for the City of New York
THE ASSEMBLY STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY CARMEN DE LA ROSA Assemblymember 72nd District
COMMITTEES Banks Corporations, Authorities & Commissions Correction Housing Labor Mental Health MEMBER Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus Legislative Woman’s Caucus Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force
February 22, 2019 Dear Friends: I offer my congratulation to PA’LANTE Harlem in their tenth year anniversary gala this evening. This is a remarkable institution that has been fiercely fighting, advocating, and protecting tenants’ rights across the city through their work and empowering efforts. Founded in 2008, PA’LANTE Harlem is a grassroots tenant advocacy organization that assists renter and low-income homeowners in New York City. PA’LANTE is a leader in providing actionable solutions to address tenants’ housing concerns. PA’LANTE’s mission to reduce poverty and advocate for safe housing by organizing, educating and empowering residents is paramount for the vitality of communities underserved and underrepresented. They are committed to supporting communities and to preserving the quality of life, health, and personal safety of its residents by assisting tenants when their rights have been violated and by holding unresponsive property owners accountable. Having served our community for a decade now speaks volumes of the grand tenure of service that PA’LANTE has been providing to support the preservation of units and the tenancy of many residents who would have not been properly represented otherwise. This organization’s success is integral to the need for housing legal assistance and to continued advocacy to end landlords’ harassment and unscrupulous practices. I extend my congratulations to this year’s honorees: Maria Luna, Basil Smikle, Matilde Gonzalez, Walkiria Colón, Isabel Adon, Liz Gonzalez, Barry Weinberg, and AnnMarie Santiago. They are all great community leaders and deservedly so distinguished recipients respectively. Congratulations to the board of directors, and organizers for this gala to celebrate, recognize, and highlight the exceptional service of this institution. Lastly, I would like to acknowledge and commend the magnificent work of your Executive Director, Elsia Vasquez, who works tirelessly and fiercely on behalf of vulnerable communities and others nearby. Today, more than ever I believe that our communities should continue to work collectively to combat the uncertainty that surround us and undermine any threats against equality that imposes retroactive efforts to the great work that our ancestors have done to make New York State vibrant, diverse, and multicultural. I am delighted and ever grateful to be part of this memorable annual gala. Congratulations again! Sincerely,
Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa 72nd Distri ALBANY OFFICE: Room 538, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248 • 518-455-5807, FAX:518-455-4908 DISTRICT OFFICE: 210 Sherman Avenue, Suite A, New York, New York 10034 • 212-544-2278, FAX:212-942-0807 EMAIL: delarosac@nyassembly.gov
THE ASSEMBLY STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY CHAIR Subcommittee on Regulated Mortgage Lenders
AL TAYLOR Assemblymember 71st District DISTRICT OFFICE 2541-55 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.Blvd. New York, New York 10039 212-234-1430 • FAX: 212-234-1868
COMMITTEES Aging Banks Cities Education Election Law Housing
ALBANY OFFICE 633 Legislative Office Building Albany, New York 12248 518-455-5491 • FAX: 518-455-5776 taylora@nyassembly.gov
February 22, 2019 Dear Friends, Congratulations to PA’LANTE Harlem as you celebrate your 10th anniversary at the 2019 Annual Gala! I offer my best wishes on this important milestone to all of PA’LANTE (People Against Landlord Abuse And Tenant Exploitation) Harlem’s leaders, members, partners, supporters, and friends. For a decade now, PA’LANTE Harlem has provided exemplary support in all our New York City neighborhoods, particularly in Harlem, where the organization has been a powerful advocate for safe and affordable housing via a multitude of exceptional community outreach programs. PA’LANTE has excelled in the exceedingly crucial task of empowering New York City residents to hold negligent landlords and property managers accountable for unsafe living conditions. The organization has increased its positive impact and reach in our communities through its incredible services, and instilled an obligation in all of us to have a sense of pride in and commitment to our communities. Most importantly, PA’LANTE encourages us to always go forward – pa’lante! As you gather together for a day imbued with celebration and commemoration, I join you in extending my congratulations to the following distinguished honorees: Isabel Adon, Board Chair of 1600 Nelson Avenue HDFC; Walkiria Colón, Board Treasurer of 1600 Nelson Avenue HDFC; Liz Gonzalez, Investigative Reporter of Telemundo47; Matilde Gonzalez, Shareholder of 1600 Nelson Avenue HDFC; District Leader Maria Luna, New York City Housing Preservation and Development Deputy Commissioner Ann Marie Santiago; Basil Smikle, Distinguished Politics & Public Policy Lecturer at the City University of New York’s School of Labor and Urban Studies; and Community Leader Barry J. Weinberg. I would like to recognize all those associated with PA’LANTE for their years of dedication and hard work in to making a difference in our community by empowering each other and the next generation through a range of services and support. My greatest thanks and appreciation is extended for your continued activism. Sincerely,
Al Taylor Member of Assembly, 71st AD
February 22, 2019 Dear Friends: I am pleased to join you in celebrating PA’LANTE Harlem’s 10th anniversary. PA’LANTE not only understands how to protect tenants and fight on their behalf, you teach people how to advocate for themselves. You have done the important work of organizing tenant associations and connecting those groups with affordable legal services along with government and nonprofit resources. PA’LANTE’s efforts have helped hundreds of families remain in their homes—and that positive impact will be felt throughout our communities for years to come. On behalf of the Borough of Manhattan, I thank you for all you do for tenants. I wish you success for the next ten years and beyond. Sincerely,
Gale A. Brewer Manhattan Borough President
OFFICE OF THE BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT
The Bronx County Building 851 Grand Concourse, 161st St. Bronx, New York 10451
Ruben Diaz Jr.
BOROUGH PRESIDENT
TEL: 718-590-3500 FAX: 718-590-3537
February 22, 2019 P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. (People Against Landlord Abuse and Tenant Exploitation) 1411 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027 Dear Friends: Congratulations on the occasion of your 10th Anniversary Benefit Gala, a time to reflect and be proud of your organization’s efforts to strengthen our great borough and our city throughout the years. This wonderful event offers us a chance to recognize your organization’s efforts to the housing rights of our most vulnerable communities, through community advocacy, outreach, and organizing effective tenant associations, as well as connecting individuals and tenant groups to free or reduced-rate legal services and housing benefits. Our great borough is striving to reach its full potential, and institutions such as yours have played a key role in our success, aiding in the great transformative change The Bronx has seen in recent years. Your organization has helped with our growth as a borough, particularly helping in the historic decreases in crime and unprecedented construction of low-income, affordable housing units that has occurred since I took office in 2009. On behalf of the more than 1.4 million residents of The Bronx, I congratulate PA'LANTE and your honorees on this wonderful occasion, and I wish your organization the best of luck in your future endeavors. Sincerely,
Ruben Diaz Jr.
EAST HARLEM OFFICE
CHAIR
105 EAST 116TH STREET
COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH,
NEW YORK, NY 10029
DISABILITIES, AND ADDICTION
(212) 828-9800 FAX: (646) 596-8603 BRONX OFFICE 214 ST. ANN’S AVENUE BRONX, NY 10454 (347) 297-4922 FAX: (347) 270-1213 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE 250 BROADWAY, SUITE 1880 NEW YORK, NY 10007 (212) 788-6960
COMMITTEES THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
DIANA AYALA COUNCIL MEMBER
AGING GENERAL WELFARE HOSPITALS PUBLIC HOUSING SMALL BUSINESS WOMEN
8TH DISTRICT, MANHATTAN & BRONX
February 22, 2019
Dear Friends, It is a privilege to send best wishes to everyone gathered for the People Against Landlord Abuse and Tenant Exploitation 10th anniversary celebration. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate all the honorees: Isabel Adon, Walkiria Colón, Liz Gonzalez, Matilde Gonzalez, Maria Luna, Ann Marie Santiago, Basil Smikle and Barry Weinberg. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of your Executive Director, Elsia Vasquez, who inspires tenants in the fight to protect their homes. Over the past ten years, P.A.‘L.A.N.T.E. has helped thousands of low and middle income families hold their landlords accountable for unsafe living conditions. They provide essential services to communities across our City in the preservation of housing through leadership development and civic engagement. Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful celebration and many more years of continued success. Sincerely,
Diana Ayala Council Member, 8th District
FERNANDO CABRERA
MAJORITY WHIP
COUNCIL MEMBER, 14TH DISTRICT, BRONX
CHAIR DISTRICT OFFICE 107 E. BURNSIDE AVE BRONX, NEW YORK 10453 TEL: (347) 590-2874 FAX: (347) 590-2878 CITY HALL OFFICE 250 BROADWAY, 17TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10007 TEL: (212) 788-7074 FAX: (212) 788-8849
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS -----------
THE COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NEW YORK
COMMITTEES FIRE & EMERGENCY MGT. HOUSING & BUILDINGS MENTAL HEALTH PUBLIC SAFETY SANITATION & SOLID WASTE MGT. -----------CO – CHAIR GUN GUN VIOLENCE TASK FORCE
January 14, 2019 Ms. Elsia Vasquez, Founder P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem 1411 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027 Dear Friends: It is a great joy to offer congratulations to P.A.’L.A.N.T.E on the occasion of your 10th anniversary. P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. has had 10 successful years of working to reduce poverty and advocating for tenants to preserve safe, affordable housing, protect tenants’ rights and hold landlords accountable for their actions. P.A.’L.A.N.T.E’s success in carrying out its mission over the past decade has ensured that thousands of families received justice in housing matters; the rent of hundreds of housing units was frozen; and millions of dollars in reimbursements were returned to tenants who had been overcharged by landlords. Our work continues in the quest to preserve affordable housing and create new affordable housing units to meet the needs of low and middle-income New Yorkers. P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem has been a committed and highly effective partner in this endeavor and I look forward to the next decade of your work. Again, congratulations to the board, staff and members and to all of this year’s honorees. In Service,
Fernando Cabrera
February 22, 2019
Dear Friend, I am writing to congratulate P.A.’ L.A.N.T.E. Harlem on their 10th Anniversary and would like to thank them for their ongoing advocacy and support throughout the city of New York. It is a pleasure to have such an outstanding community partner. I commend their continued dedication and commitment to ending tenant exploitation; and the empowering advocacy and education they offer low-income communities. As a New York City Council Member representing the neighborhoods of Claremont, Claremont Village, Concourse, Concourse Village, Highbridge, Morris Heights, Morrisania, Mount Eden, Tenants’ rights are a top priority for me. Even though they are not based in my district, P.A.’ L.A.N.T.E. has provided services to many in my constituency. I am proud to see them celebrate 10 years of service to our Borough, City, and State. On behalf of all of the constituents in the 16th Council District, I would like to thank Elsia Vasquez and all of the P.A.’ L.A.N.T.E. staff for your exceptional efforts in our communities and I look forward to our continued work together in improving our city. Congratulations,
Vanessa L. Gibson Council Member District 16, Bronx County
February 12, 2019
Dear Friends, I would like to offer my most sincere and well-deserved congratulations to P.A.‘L.A.N.T.E. on the occasion of your 2019 Annual Gala, celebrating 10 years of positive change in our community. This is an incredible milestone for an organization that has worked at a high level to advocate for tenants in northern Manhattan living in unjust housing conditions. Over the past ten years, P.A.‘L.A.N.T.E. has helped thousands of families hold their landlords or property managers accountable for unsafe living conditions as well as reduce tenant exploitation and ensure housing affordability for New York City residents. The organization’s community advocacy efforts, outreach and legal assistance have helped secure millions of dollars in tenant reimbursements for rent overcharge. The work it has done on behalf of low-and middle-income families throughout Harlem and Washington Heights is invaluable and greatly appreciated in our community.. I would also like to congratulate Isabel Adon, Walkiria Colón, Liz Gonzalez, Matilde Gonzalez, Maria Luna, Ann Marie Santiago, Basil Smikle and Barry Weinberg, the honorees for this year’s gala. Thank you for recognizing their hard work and commitment to help and protect tenants in the community as well as improve the quality and preservation of housing for our most vulnerable population. Once again, I would like to congratulate P.A.‘L.A.N.T.E. for their tireless efforts, protecting our residents at risk of losing their homes and for having been a wonderful partner to my office and our community. I look forward to continuing our work with P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. in the years to come. Sincerely,
Mark Levine Council Member, 7th District
DISTRICT OFFICE
CITY HALL OFFICE
209 EAST 3RD STREET
250 BROADWAY, ROOM 1808
NEW YORK, NY 10009
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 677-1077
(212) 788-7366
FAX: (212) 677-1990
FAX: (212) 442-2738
CLRivera@council.nyc.gov
CARLINA RIVERA
COUNCIL MEMBER, 2nd DISTRICT CITY OF NEW YORK
February 22, 2019 P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem 1411 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027 Dear Friends, Congratulations on celebrating 10 years of successful advocacy! Since 2008, People Against Landlord Abuse and Tenant Exploitation has been a powerful voice on behalf of residents seeking housing justice. Its work to preserve uptown neighborhoods and build the strength of communities is essential to New York City’s tenant support network. Lawmakers like myself depend on organizations like P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. to support and inspire legislation that expand protections for tenants, provide workforce development programming to constituents, and assist longtime residents seeking a path to homeownership. Thank you for the important work that you do to keep neighbors in their homes and for being an ally of disadvantaged communities throughout our city. Extend my congratulations to this year’s distinguished honorees, and accept my best wishes for an extraordinary event. Sincerely,
DISTRICT OFFICE
CHAIR COMMITTEE ON WOMEN
563 COLUMBUS AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10024 (212) 873-0282 CITY HALL OFFICE 250 BROADWAY NEW YORK, NY 10007 (212) 788-6975
COMMITTEES
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
HELEN ROSENTHAL
HRosenthal@council.nyc.gov www.council.nyc.gov
COUNCIL MEMBER
6TH DISTRICT, MANHATTAN
CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONTRACTS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE HOUSING AND BUILDINGS CO-CHAIR MANHATTAN DELEGATION
February 22, 2019 Ms. Elsia Vasquez Executive Director P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. 1411 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027 Dear Ms. Vasquez: Congratulations to P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. for 10 years of providing crucial services to vulnerable New Yorkers. Our city is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis, and far too many low and middle income tenants are in housing jeopardy. P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. is on the frontlines in the fight for quality affordable housing and tenants rights. Beyond fiercely advocating on behalf of impoverished tenants, P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. has empowered tenants across the city to organize themselves. I’d like to congratulate this evening’s honorees, Isabel Adon, Walkiria Colón, Liz Gonzalez, Matilde Gonzalez, Maria Luna, Ann Marie Santiago, Basil Smikle, and Barry J. Weinberg for their commitment and work towards social justice. We thank them for the important work that they have done for P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. and for the many other ways they have advocated on behalf of New Yorkers. I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude towards P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. and the strong advocacy and assistance that they have provided to residents of the Upper West Side. They have been a consistent and forceful partner for my office, resource for tenants and advocate for tenants rights. Congratulations and I look forward to your continued work. Warmly,
Helen Rosenthal
DISTRICT OFFICE 573 East Fordham Road (Entrance on Hoffman Street) Bronx, NY 10458 (718) 842-8100 FAX: (347) 597-8570
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
RITCHIE TORRES COUNCIL MEMBER, 15 TH DISTRICT, BRONX
CITY HALL OFFICE 250 Broadway, Suite 1759 New York, NY 10007 (212) 788-6966 FAX: (212) 788-8977
February 22, 2019 P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. (People Against Landlord Abuse and Tenant Exploitation) 1411 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027 Dear Friends, As Council Member of District 15 in the Bronx, it is my great pleasure to congratulate P.A.’L.A.N.T.E on the occasion of their 10th Anniversary Benefit Gala! I am proud to have such an amazing partner serving the community alongside me. This event gives us all the opportunity to commend and recognize P.A.’L.A.N.T.E’s dedication to ending tenant exploitation, empowering residents, and educating a new generation of housing leaders. Institutions like P.A.’L.A.N.T.E encourage a growth in our community’s potential to organize. As the Bronx experiences transformative change, we applaud P.A.’L.A.N.T.E for their continued advocacy to make this borough and city a better home for all. th
On behalf of all of the constituents in the 15 Council District, I would like to thank all of the P.A.’ L.A.N.T.E. staff for their exceptional work and I look forward to another year of success.
Sincerely,
Ritchie Torres New York City Council Member District 15 – The Bronx
Urban American would like to congratulate all the honorees and wish P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem continued success.
L+M Development Partners congratulates
P.A.’L. A.N.T.E. Harlem on its 10th Anniversary
2080 Frederick Douglass Blvd. Harlem, N.Y.
THE MIGDOL ORGANIZATION CONGRATULATES P.A.L.A.N.T.E. HARLEM AND ALL OF THE HONOREES: Isabel Adon Walkiria Colรณn Liz Gonzalez Matilde Gonzalez Maria Luna Ann Marie Santiago Basil Smikle Barry J. Weinberg
The Migdol Organization, lead by principals Jerry and Aaron Migdol, is a Harlem based company that provides specialized services in housing, development, social work and law. Through its subsidiaries, the Migdol Organization develops, manages, brokers and owns various types of real estate throughout New York City.
The
615 W. 150th St. Tenants Association
Congratulates Elsia Vรกsquez and
for 10 years of outstanding and relentless service and dedication to advocate for affordable housing throughout New York City
CONGRATULATES
PA’LANTE HARLEM CONGRATULATES
on the occasion of its 10 Year Anniversary of PA’LANTE HARLEM advocating for safe and affordable housing. on the occasion of its 10 Year Anniversary of
SPARK! advocating for safe and affordable housing. SPARK!
Office of Government and Community Affairs Office of Government and Community Affairs
People Against Landlord Abuse & Tenant Exploitation
www.palanteharlem.org Pa’lante Harlem @palanteharlem @palanteharlem