MTOPP v CB9 - Spring, 2015

She has a lot of beliefs re: rights that appear to be "aspirational" in nature.

For example, an attorney that practices criminal law informed me:

"Your Miranda rights are meant to let you know about your right to remain silent. The police only have to read you your rights if you are in custody, and being questioned by them. If the police fail to read you your rights, the only possible consequence is that if you made a confession or admission, your lawyer can move to suppress the statement. If you didn't make a statement, then "no harm no foul"."

This matches my previous understanding that Miranda affects confessions, but if the NYPD has enough evidence to charge you, they often don't bother to question you OR read you your rights.

...because they believe they can ALREADY make their case without a confession or incriminating statements.

@pheightsresident

Q at Parkside states:

"UPDATE: Yes, a quorum was reached. Since Mike Cetera was not reappointed, and four other ULURP members resigned (Diana Richardson, Dwayne Nicholson and Rosemarie Perry, Laura Imperiale) that leaves just 19 members. 12 were present."

http://theqatparkside.blogspot.com/2015/05/ulurp-committee-meeting-minutes.html?showComment=1432244087336

So, it is looking like the request has made it out of the ULURP Committee, and CB9 (or rather, what remains of CB9) can legally vote on sending the request on Tuesday, May 26th.

I hear it went without incident. See your PM for details.

Maybe bake the Xanax into muffins that you give to MTOPP members?

Pro-tip: They won't trust you if you are not wearing a green MTOPP shirt.

(Note, doing so would violate several laws. Readers are responsible for their actions, not me.)

7:45, the mtg has yet to begin. About 200 people here.

8:00 the mtg begins, Demetrius Lawrence apologizes for the delay, and warns attendees the police will escort out unruly and disruptive people.

8:20 - 8:40
Crown Heights Tenants Union presents re: the present struggle to renew rent stabilization rules, and strengthen them.

Alicia wants the politicians present to address the concern raised by the CHTU. They decline.

....she throws hissy fit.

The majority of the crowd stretches, talks to each other, takes photos.

...waits to see what (if anything) the NYPD will do.

I spend quality time with Isaac, the 11 year old son of Diana Richardson.

In response to the NYPD telling the crowd to quiet down and take their turns speaking, the crowd chanting grows from 20 to 80.

The chant became "hands up, don't shoot"



This is the most unified the crowd has been all night.

People are now taking turns speaking at the mic, stating how the process leading to now has been sloppy, illegal, yada yada yada.

The motion to send the request to DCP passes. (I believe the vote was 26 yes, 6 no)

They are now voting on the cafe having outdoor seating. It will pass as well.

It already exists somewhere in CB9.   They want to expand their space.     [Update:  Erv's on Beekman]

It was quite amusing to see the various factions exaggerate the impact of the study.    Now everyone has someone to blame:

-Those in support of the study/rezoning are blaming MTOPP for the development that is presently occurring, because they believe that if the prior request had been able to stand, the city would have put a stop to "out of context" development that occurred over the last 14 months.     [I disagree, because I do not perceive the city as powerful enough to pass a zoning which would significantly reduce property rights to the degree they want]

-Those opposed to the study will blame for all of the development that comes after today (including permits already in the works) on those who voted for the the study    They perceive the system as a sham democracy.     Because they don't have much power or numbers, they want a system that is not merely democratic, but is actually based on consensus.  

I wonder how long it will take DCP to do/finish its study and issue its results.