community and economic development Archives

Trailblazer Ramona Morel Receives the Renaissance Award from the New York Institute of Credit

by Cheryl LopezFebruary 18, 2021

On February 3, 2021, Ramona Morel, the City Bar Justice Center’s Consumer Bankruptcy Project Director, was presented with the Renaissance Award at the New York Institute of Credit’s (NYIC) 14th Annual Women in Achievements Awards virtual ceremony for her dedication to excellence in the pro bono sector, and legal and business profession at large.

Honoring the Spirit of Pride Month: Protecting Vulnerable LGBTQ Homeowners

by Sofia ColosimoJune 16, 2020

June is Pride Month: a time to celebrate the LGBTQ community and commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, during which the New York City LGBTQ community pushed back against pervasive homophobia and systemic persecution from law enforcement. This year, Pride Month has already brought about another necessary and long-overdue victory for the LGBTQ community, as we celebrate the recent landmark United States Supreme Court decision protecting employees from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

What to Do if You Have Not Received the Economic Impact Payment

by Ramona Morel, Esq. and Alexa TovarMay 6, 2020

Many individuals who filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return will be eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment under the CARES Act. The payments are automatic for most taxpayers, which means that people who filed tax returns in 2018 or 2019 and most seniors and retirees do not need to take any further action to receive their payments.

Dealing With the Financial Impact of the Coronavirus in New York City

by CBJC StaffMarch 18, 2020

With the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19, communities are being financially impacted as many suffer loss of income as a result of becoming ill or due to the temporary closure of businesses. In these uncertain times, it is important to be proactive when faced with financial distress. Below is a guide including essential tips and resources New Yorkers will find helpful from the City Bar Justice Center.

6 Things to Know About the New NYC Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act

by Christopher Schwartz, Esq.February 11, 2020

In June of 2019, a sweeping set of changes were signed into the laws affecting virtually every tenant of a rental unit in New York City. Known collectively as the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (“HSTPA”), these changes were made with the purpose of moving renters closer to sustainable, affordable housing.

CED Unit Tax Series II: Beware the Tax Refund Offset!

by Diane Valle, Project CoordinatorApril 13, 2018

Income Tax Refunds and Debt Preparing your personal income taxes can be, well, taxing. Yet for people with refundable tax credits and allowable deductions, it can result in a much needed federal and/or state tax refund. For low to moderate income working families, a tax refund serves as a safety net. It allows families to … Continue reading CED Unit Tax Series II: Beware the Tax Refund Offset! →

CBJC Expands Community & Economic Development Efforts

by CBJC StaffDecember 12, 2016

The City Bar Justice Center is ramping up its community and economic development efforts in 2017. Thanks to a new two-year Bank Settlement grant from the New York State Interest on Lawyer Account Fund (IOLA), CBJC has expanded its Foreclosure Project and Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP) this Winter.