Lopez Machine Moves to Crush Reyna
Protesters’ demonstrate at City Hall with sign that read “Stop Diana Reyna Now!” and “We Need Affordable Housing!” — Photo by Aaron Short
Fort Sumter it wasn’t.
Nevertheless, a mild skirmish broke out this week on the steps of City Hall as the first shots in the battle for the 34th District Council Seat (Bushwick, East Williamsburg) were fired Wednesday afternoon when about 80 members of the Jefferson Street Block Association, Northern Bushwick Residents Association (NBRA), and the Ridgewood-Bushwick Senior Citizens Council (RBSCC), led by Bushwick resident Maritza Davila, demonstrated for more affordable housing in the neighborhood. Or rather, the Bushwick residents demonstrated against City Councilmember Diana Reyna, demanding she “Stop Blocking Affordable Housing in Our Community.”
The issue is a city-owned vacant lot at 295 Jefferson Street [pdf] planned for development by RBSCC, a local social service nonprofit run by allies of State Assemblyman and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Vito Lopez. They’ve received grants from the state and the city to build an eight-unit building on the lot that will house Section 8 tenants. The project had been fast-tracked in its development, but has been stymied by a City Council committee nine times since this past July.
RBSCC and the block association are blaming Councilmember Reyna for stopping the project. But she claims that two other low-income projects, totaling 72 units, have been in the queue since long before the Jefferson Street development and should be considered first. The protest at City Hall, asserts Reyna, was merely a propaganda “stunt” by opponent Davila, backed by patron Lopez.
“Housing privileges should not only be afforded to the few who have power and access. It is my duty to represent my community,” said Reyna, “and I will continue to push for all stakeholders to receive equal treatment.”
At a Community Board 4 meeting this month, Davila announced her candidacy for city council, effectively challenging Reyna for her seat. Davila is the Coordinator of the NBRA, an organizer with RBSCC, and a Democratic District Leader in Bushwick, as picked by Lopez.
While there were some indications that Reyna and Lopez had been working together in recent years to repair their relationship (Reyna was Lopez’s former chief of staff before a falling-out), Davila’s candidacy publicly confirms that relations between the two officials have indeed become strained. It appears that the skirmish over the Jefferson Street lot was an attempt to draw wider attention to Reyna’s handling of affordable housing issues in the district. Few City Hall reporters took much notice of the story, but Reyna’s staff is taking the issue seriously and this Council race, which also includes Community Board 1 District Manager Gerald Esposito, could get uglier.
My family moved here several years ago from Greenpoint because that was to expensive. That means if you can’t afford it here move were you can. Why do we have to move but you get to stay?
I remember hearing about this when I was at the city. Reyna initially approved the project, but when the project was ready to start construction, she derailed the approval process by taking it off the agenda 9 times. I don’t know too much about the politics but I think it’s reprehensible that she’s not doing all she can for the people in the area who need housing. What’s wrong with another 8 units of housing?!
I sympathize with Reyna a little. She’s just putting first come first served and these people are being brats.
These people that you call “brats” are the very same people who have made this community what it is now. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Think about those elderly people who have worked their whole life and can not afford to live in their very own communities because there is not enough affordable housing. sooo who’s the brat now. Your absolutly misinformed talk about what you know.
All I said is they are being brats about this because they want a building buit for their relatives first ahead of other people already waiting.
built
Reyna is hold out don’t give in. Bushwick already has to much barely any income don’t even work a forty hour week housing. While the new people moving in work 12 and 16 hour days and don’t have time or the will to stand in line waiting for the government to give them someone elses very hard earned money. Section -8 rarly goes to the elderly, the elderly are automaticcaly given rents in the form of a program named scrie. Section-8 goes exclusivly to iresponsible people, who do not intend on ever supportting themselves and have no guilt what so ever living on some elses labor. Reyna the new people will support you don’t be bullied. You won the election and will continue to as the new people and many long timers agree with your vision…. thank you
Do you people not understand the words that are coming out of Diana Reyna’s mouth? She is FOR this project, but she wants two other, MUCH larger projects to be built first. She is in no way against any Section 8 housing scheme whatsoever, she simply is not playing favorites with them. And the idea that Reyna is any kind of champion for the “new people” is absurd, as she wants them all thrown out of their illegal lofts.
The “new people” will prove a difficult problem for the patron politicians of New York — we don’t NEED them. And that’s the scariest thing of all for Tammany types.
“These people that you call “brats” are the very same people who have made this community what it is now.”
In that case, double fuck em.
It’s ABSOLUTELY reprehensible for these block associations to protest against Councilmember Reyna. Reyna has been nothing but a CHAMPION for affordable housing during her time in office. Both Williamsburg and Bushwick have been undergoing rapid gentrification and VITO LOPEZ, who chairs the NY State housing committee is to blame for allowing developers to build mostly luxury housing by abusing the 421-a Tax program. During the 2005 Williamsburg-Greenpoint waterfront rezoning, it was Diana who worked feverishly to ensure that there was affordable housing in those projects. Vito just stood on the fence until all the ground work was done and then took credit for what was accomplished. I sincerly hope that during the upcoming elections both new and life-long residents don’t get confused by the shameful tactics of candidates like Maritza-Cruel-Davila or Gerry Sleeze-sposito. Diana is
Diana is not perfect but she’s no longer beholden to the political panderings of Vito Lopez, who along with the many other scuzz-bucket State politicians have helped run New York State into the ground. For that reason alone, Diana will get my vote come Sept. 2009
Jeremy, you seem like a pretty smart guy, so I am going to assume you know that sometimes politicians make public statements that do not reflect their private feelings or actions. Reyna is making this up as she goes along to make an excuse for the inexcusable, she has an ax to grind, and so she held the project up.
There isn’t a development pipeline in the City Council, all she had to do was keep this item on the agenda, with however many other items and development projects, and then the private contractors and not for profits would have gone forward with each project according to their plan. Unfortunately, the City Council gives Councilmembers complete control over any project that needs approval in their district. That means that all Reyna had to do is tell them to take it off and it was taken off. In my opinion the Council rules are also somewhat to blame.
As for the election, given that Reyna is the incumbent, she’s still the favorite. However, Davila is a community organizer with over twenty years of experience in the district, and as we all know, the last year has been kind to community organizers.
I love when the neighborhood’s political cronies show up and root for their patron. “My guy wants the city to build subsidized SIX-unit buildings.” — “My guy is WAY better because he wants the city to build subsidized EIGHT-unit buildings!” — “My guy beats both of your guys, he wants to force landlords to take Section 8 vouchers!”
Same shit, different stink. The cycle of poverty never ends.
Jeremy: remember me…911NY’er!??? it seems you are now in the same sheet of music as me. (And the idea that Reyna is any kind of champion for the “new people” is absurd, as she wants them all thrown out of their illegal lofts.) Yeah…you accused me of talking bullsh1t; & being clueless of Reyna.
as stated prior, Reyna doesn’t give a sh1t about the so-called “new people”. she only wants low-income people, section 8, lowlifes & thugs for votes to keep her in office. So…I was right from the get-go!!!
We have never been on opposite sides on the Reyna issue. The problem was that you were unintelligible.
Jeremy: thxs for the reply, @ least I didn’t need to flush you out! I concur with you (The cycle of poverty never ends). Everybody wants to solve the so-called… root causes of poverty.
Reyna & her company of City Council political cronies; always want to show themselves throwing out toilet paper to their so-called long time(myth)residents…but never instruct them to flush the toilet after each use!!! so the stuck in forever poverty continues till this day & moment.
The political cronies continue to cry crocodile tears about displacement of their Bushwick peeps
I happen to know Vito Lopez, Diana Reyna and mariza Davila both personally and professionally for years. Read and comprehend. Although Vito over the years has delivered in abundance to the community he serves and continues to elect him into office. I don’t believe it is fair to other non-profit organization that he is monopolizing funding thru RBSCC. At one time Diana was simply his puppet that’s the reason he assisted in her election for city council. Maritza was recentfull from the very start. But knowing that her job at RBSCC depended on supporting Vito and his views she help in getting Diana elected. So finally Diana grew a pair cut the strings from Vito and decided on doing what’s right for the community not just what was right for RBSCC or Vito and his lover who is the director of the housing dept at RBSCC. Know Vito and Maritza claim she’s against the residents of the district she represents. Ha!! She is doing what is fair and right allowing other non-profit groups to be able to also make contribution. People open your eyes you have no idea what you will get into if you give Maritza the power over your neighborhood. Also take a look at her personal life she screwed literally with Eric Dilan abother city council member and also Mr. Pinessi also known as a married school principal from District 32 not to mention the countless NYPD cops from the 83rd precint. Yeah some reputation. Do your research before you vote for Maritza Davila.
I have dealt with Maritza Davila in the past, when she first started working in the Ridgewood-Bushwick community for Vito Lopez, and a saint she is not. The building I lived in was oversaw by her and two other tenants from the building, they took money from those giving rent directly to her, the only reason why it didn’t occur with me was because my rent went directly to Vito Lopez’s office. Our building was rent stabilized, and when the housing department from Vito Lopez’s office sold our building I ended up owing more than $5000 in back rent. No one knew how to answer how was that possible. Maritza had her husband rewire electrity to be taken from other tenants. (she is no longer married to him presently) Its seems very strange how when Reyna worked for Vito Lopez she was the candidate for everyone, people who are left in the dark need to just google vito lopez and see all misleading things he has done in the supposed name of people in his community. Martiza is just a puppet who has shown to do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for her own personal gain. You talk about section-8 being for the less wealthy, why don’t you ask Mrs. Davila why she lives in a an apartment registered under as a section approved building and does not pay rent in that apartment. Oh I forgot that’s one of the perks you get when you work for vito lopez
There was recently a huge fire a few doors down from the ”RBSCC” on Wyckoff Ave. There were no casualties, Thank God , But 10 familys were forced to relocate and some were even homeless. Since it happened in the middle of the night, family’s watched helplessly as the FDNY put out the flames in an effort to salvage as much of there belongings as they could. The next morning when ”RBSCC” staff starting arriving for work they sprung into action. Assisting the family’s in recovering personal belongings under hazerdous conditions, provided legal consultation, and even feed all of the family’s and there children. By the end of the day, all of these family’s were looked after and relocated safely. It feels good to know I have an agency in my community that I could depend on in the event I find myself in a positition as unfortionate as those family’s.
Its only obvious that our last 2 bloggers Ivy and Remi know nothing about the history of Vito Lopez, Maritza Davila, & Diana ”2 Faced” Reyna. You couldn’t have expressed your discontent in such a tasteless & cowardice kind of way. Generally I am not an everyday blogger, but after reading that non-sence, I felt a personal obligation to respond. I personally know the Real Maritza Davila, The one that you claim to know with your poor attempts to slander her name with your detailed lies. If you knew the facts as well as you knew the names, Or even the Community as well as you ”thought” you knew the history….You would know that the Assemblyman made it possible for Bushwick & Williamsburg residents to live the Affordable Housing DREAM. As sad as it is too say, It is becoming more and more of a dream in this declining economy full of constant surprise’s. What everyone needs to remember is that Diana Reyna never intended to Run for city council a 3rd term. That is until Micheal Bloomburg decided to buy her that right. As there are politicians that do deserve a 3rd term, Diana Reyna is not one of them. She was placed in power by the same community she has betrayed, and validated her level of dis-loyalty by pulling the 295 Jefferson st. plans off of the committee Agenda not once or twice, but ”9” TIMES?? .
She decided to reconsider after she found out she would be able to run for a third term. If not for a ‘’shot” at a third term, Maritza Davila and the residents of Jefferson street would still be rallying and fighting to have the affordable housing constructed, and if you know Maritza Davila like I know Maritza Davila. Then you know it would have been a fight…
“LaVerdad 09″, a little grumpy? I thought the serfs went out with the middle ages. I guess the community does not realize that Vito Lopez is the “Lord of Bushwick”. All hail the Lord. “LaVerdad09″ when did you start working for Ridgewood-Bushwick? Do you owe your job and apartment to the good Lord? Have you ever done anything own your own? Ever been outside the confines of the Bushwick? Stop kissing the Lord’s behind. The only reason the Lord is running “Sockpuppet Maritza” is to retaliate against Diana Reyna for not allow his bullying ways to dominate the whole community.
Some people are quick to forget that the good Lord Vito is the Kings County Democratic Party leader and an incumbent NYS Assemblyman, who has been in office for a looooonnnnnnng. Frankly, Vito Lopez is more crooked than the road to Hana in Maui (look that one up). On top of that, he has the Dilan clan right in his pocket like miniature dachshunds, throwing them little bones to keep them in line. Oh, yes please don’t forget about Angela Lopez..oops, I mean Angela M. Battaglia, member of the city planning commission and Vito’s number one crony and main squeeze. When Diana Reyna did not toe the line, Vito went out of his way to disrespect her, it is that simple. There is a reason that every, I mean EVERY, 34 district NYC council member eventually breaks with the Lord of Bushwick. What is more disturbing is that Vito is going out of his way through his various sock puppets including “LaVerdad 09″ to discredit Diana Reyna who has many of qualities needed for our community…particularly an educated female Latina who has been elected to office.
I have come to the conclusion that if the sitting council member was a male latino or even preferably a nice white male, Vito would not be backstopping “Sock Puppet Maritza”. “Machismo”, is one thing that Vito has emulated well from the Latino community he proclaims he serves.
In regards to LaVerdad 09 ’s allegation regarding 295 Jefferson, I propose a question… Why would Diana Reyna try prevent that development that only has a couple of units of housing. Boy, that development was going to solve the “affordable housing” crisis in the 34 district. Maybe, the whole issue was that the good Lord wanted to have one of his pet projects rammed through a city process? A rubber stamp? Something that he wished he could control, but can’t. With “Sock Puppet Maritza” he will have another orifice to put his hand up. Good luck Maritza, I guess you have not had enough of the good Lord.
PS – LaVerdad 09, learn to spell.
LaVerdad 09, get a grip!!!!!!
To all you haaatters… it’s ashame that you are not looking at the real picture. The bottom line is that regardless of the fact of what Diana Reyna is doing now. Ask her what she has created in the past 8 years? 0000000 Hard one is’nt it! Regardless of who wins this race what really matters here is that the entire community is represented. Thats the bigger picture. As far as some one slandering someone elses name only validates the fact that the incombant is feeling quite uncomfortable. Watch out it’s time for change. Deal With it loosers and haters.
”Learntospell” – You should take your own advice, with your grade school geographical analogies and comparisons that you heard Eddie Murphy use in ”Beverly Hills Cop 2” while describing the chief of police as some one who was corrupt, However you are not Eddie Murphy, and when HE said it , it was alot funnier.
Me?? Grumpy?? ,You sound more like the grumpy one. Maybe its because your not right with ” The good Lord”. In any event I will pray for you.
Diana Reyna discredited herself, I didn’t tell her to pull the Jefferson Street plans off of the agenda 9 times, that’s ridiculous and inexcusable. I dont care if it were for 6 units or 100 units, why does she continue to make this about her and the Assemblyman?? Because she’s a bitter ex-employee of his?? This was personal for Diana, and her way of saying that she was no ”SOCK PUPPET”, at the community’s expense. Okay, we get it – Diana Reyna has a mind of her own,Why does the community have to pay for it ? You say that she has qualities needed for our community ????She’s Latina and educated?? So is Maritza Davila, The one thing Davila doesn’t have that Reyna does is a Masters Degree in Betrayal.
You make mention of ”machismo” being one thing that Vito has emulated in the Latino Community he serves… That man has dedicated his entire LIFE to preserving and building affordable housing in this district. He continues to fight for and build up a community that he could of easily forgotten about 30 years ago. That is defiantly Machismo, but not the kind your referring too.
This is no spelling ”B”, as it is not about you and I, or even Vito Lopez. This is about Diana Reyna, and her facing the music when election time comes around. She wont be able to deflect then, because it wont be Vito’s name on the bill, There will be no where to look , and no one to blame but her self. Come September , The people that put her where she is today – are taking her out …With No strings attached !
LaVerdad -
ps. There are doctors and surgeons that could help you….Physically at least !!
LaVerdad 09:
You can’t be real. Everything I wrote was original. Maybe it was a little to sophisticated for you to understand. It is called “sarcasm”(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcasm). I added a link to help you better understand.
How about this? You believe in what you want to believe in and I will know the truth. Sounds fair to me.
Bye!
Woow,(lol)… For you to even imply that your comments were meant to hit with some kind of sarcastic angle shows just how dull you really are. I know 5th graders with more BITE in there speech then you, and I think the most intellegent thing you’ve had to say this whole time was ”Bye”. Its a Good thing you have such a direct relationship with your dictionary. Now that you know how to read & spell – try writing something that makes sence.
Adios…
“try writing something that makes sence” LOL
LaVerdad 09, you are sooooo cute.
I don’t understand what the bickering is all about. Everyone seems to have very strong opinions regarding the issue. From what I have been able to determine, Vito Lopez, is a major power broker in the North Brooklyn. A force to be reckoned with. How would any other elected official in the are compare to him? He even seems to eclipse other assembly members. Everything seems so petty.
All I want to say is that, like many politicians, Reyna has been there when SHE NEEDS US (election time). We have invited her year after year to visit our school for an annual celebration and she only showed up the first year (election year). After that, she pretty much forgot about us. She never even contacted us to say she couldnt make it, or send a rep. in her place. She suddenly is around again (election year)handing out funds to schools. I say that’s hypocritical and well WE NEED A CHANGE!
VOTE MARITZA DAVILA FOR DISTRICT 34 COUNCIL MEMBER ‘09!
Diana Reyna was made and helped by Vito Lopez!
She decided to turn against him and spread bad vibes about him. She isnt a loyal person! She bites the hand that feeds her! Think, Is this what you would like to see in charge of our district? Maritza Davila and Vito Lopez has been working together making our ocmmunities beautiful! For example look at the reingold community, AFFORDABLE! look at their history, all the achievments that Diana works against. You dont hear of Diana doing anything lately have you?
Shame on you Diana Reyna! You have turned to a dirty rat turning against your good friends! You have lost a whole lot of support!
and there is no turning back! Give it up!
Maritza Davila is coming on strong! 2009!
“Jose and Maria of 5A”
Who are you folks? 5A where? In a Ridgewood-Bushwick building?
Some people might not know this, but many years ago when Reyna started working for Lopez, Davila was actually also working at Vito’s office. Reyna and Davila were co-workers. Let’s just say that Reyna was eventually promoted to chief of staff and Davila was sent packing to Ridgewood-Bushwick (involuntarily).
You know what Vito’s beef is with Reyna? He is a freaking megalomaniac. He wants to control everyone, especially females. Look how he dominates his harem of Battaglia, Fisher, and Davila. Lopez is the modern Boss Tweed and he wants control the city council seat via proxy. The assembly and the council are two distinct entities, with the council being more accountable. How may people have been trounced by Lopez: NYS Assemblyman since 1984, Chair – Committee on Housing, and Chairman of the Kings County Democratic County Committee.
More power equals more control of money and access for Ridgewood-Bushwick, sans every other worthwhile community organization. Hey Lopez! How about some jobs? Real jobs. Not every swath of land in North Brooklyn should be affordable housing controlled by you and your cronies.
Affordable housing? It is a myth. Somebody pays, somebody always pays. To the tenant, yes it is affordable, but the taxpayer gets hammered each and every time. For Lopez it will secure future votes for his machine and lord forbid if you go against him.
“doitonyourown” who are you? a know it all?
mind your own business and do real research!
Who much is Reyna paying you? You’re slapping Vito and the great bushwick crew in the face like Diana did. Affordable housing is what Vito and Ridgewood bushwick is all about and everyone can see this with their own eyes fool! Again who much is Diana paying you? Are you blind? Ask anyone in BUshwick who Vito is and of his great accomplishments and plans for more affordable housing in the Broadway triangle area. Vito made Diana why is she biting back and going her way looking for followers like you! Fool!
MARITZA DAVILA for district 34 council member 2009!
It’s time for a change! Like President Obama said!
Obama would support Davila as well!
A change? More of the same, Davila = sockpuppet (Vito’s hand up her butt).
Jose and Maria of 5A:
Paid what? You folks are out of control. The only thing that pays me is your ignorance. Pure “Tweed” politics and Lopez is a master. Eventually, he will fall,they all do… in handcuffs or otherwise.
It can and will happen
“doitonyourown”
I wont waste time with you! I have better things to do! I see you dont! You are a loyal Reyna follower as everyone can see your ignorance and arrogance shows this. Do you work for her or around her directly? Do me and others a favor DONT ANSWER!
We’ll find out what happens this November! Case closed!
Maritza Davila Council 34 2009!
Just like a Vito supporter, you can’t handle any debate. COWARDS!
Like I said- We’ll see who’s your daddy and boss!
To: Mr Alltalk and No action Reyna supporter big mouth!
Sore losing all talk and No action! Everyone sees this!
COWARDS! Attacking me? You think you are shouting me down? You folks are delusional. I’m not running for a darn thing. “Jose and Maria of 5A”, you act like you the only ones who ever ever dealt with or known Lopez/Davila. I’m old school, and I go way back regarding this so watch YOUR big mouth.
I made my points, if you can’t handle them, well step off. I ‘m not even a Reyna supporter, I just despise Vito and think Maritza is dense (personal experience). That is MY opinion and perspective. I am really not concerned about what you folks think. I am not trying to convince anyone regarding anything. But, a lot of people out there just have no clue about RBSCC, Lopez, Davila, and the rest of that junta.
If you have benefited from Lopez, good for you. However, there are plenty of people from Williamsburg/Bushwick/Ridgewood that were born and raised in the neighborhood that turned out o.k. without Lopez’s help, influence, or interference. Lopez’s time in office will end one day and all he is going to be is a miserable old man. Yes, he has help the area he has represented for all these years, but he failed in letting it stand on its own. That is his failure, not mine. Imagine the audacity of Lopez to name a RBSCC building on Evergreen/Troutman after his mother and also have a portion of the street name after his dad. I could not believe it, el hombre tiene cojones. Nobody said squat, nobody.
By the way, the Democratic primary is in September 2009. Davila – Female Democratic District Leader (Kings County democratic party position only, she represents Democrats in the district, not the community at large. Just wanted to clarify that.)
doitonyourown
You are an asshole! Watch yourself and your dumb mouth! YOU KNOW NOTHING! NOTHING! Im old chool too, born and raised in Bed/stuy Ive seen them come and go like you a loser! I’ll find out who you are idiot! in the mean time have a cup of STFU!
You’re a sore loser and cant take the heat!
F**k off buddy! You say you’re not concerned about what we think so why did you start your bull with me? Look just say no more and we’ll squash otherwise this will just get worse!
and besides 5A is a city unit that endorses Maritza not an apartment as you think.
Got to you didn’t I? How about this? You whole heartrendingly support Maritza, o.k.? I will leave you alone. (doitonyourown sniff, sniff, hands tissue to Jose and Maria of 5A…doitonyourown says “clean yourself up and you are free to leave.”)
By the way, what City unit? Maybe D.O.I. needs to see the tit for tat, hummmm?
(tu las cagate.)
What ever
To “la verdad 09″: jefferson was turned down 9 times because there were two others developments waiting for section 8 approval. The buildings belonged to catholic charities and to st. nicks. The difference with Diana is that she is fair. She wanted those approved first because they were waiting longer for approval, but since Vito doesn’t know how to wait because most people are afraid of him, he took that opportunity to run Maritza against Diana. Bring it, we are ready for a fight!