Official Statement From Community Board 9 Re: District Manager

  This is the official statement from Community Board 9 as to the removal of the District manager Mr. Francisco M. Gonzalez at the Thursday January 15th board meeting.

  "On Thursday January 15, 2015, Community Board #9's general board voted to remove our district manger, Francisco Gonzalez, effective immediately. We wish Mr. Gonzalez well in his future endeavors and thank him for his past service." 

FORUM AIMS TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BRONX YOUTH AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ON JAN. 21

Councilman Andy King and the 47th Precinct 

  FORUM AIMS TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BRONX YOUTH AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

  In order to open the line of communications between youth and law enforcement, the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), in partnership with NYC Council Member Andy King and NYPD’s 47th Precinct, will host a “Connections” forum on Wednesday, January 21, 4 p.m. at Evander Childs High School Campus, Blackbox Theater Room, 800 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx.

“There was a time when community residents knew the officer who walked the beat in their neighborhood and that officer knew the various families and youth in the community by their first names. The purpose of the Bronx YEP Connections program is to get back to that familiarity and close the communications gap in order to create a friendlier ‘connection’ between the NYPD and our youth,” explained Council Member King.

In addition, the forum is an opportunity for youth to learn what to do if they are stopped by a police officer and it also gives youth a chance to ask questions of their local NYPD officers.

Students from all District 12 schools have been invited to attend the forum, but it is open to any youth between the ages of 13 & 21.

“We want them to know that the officers’ job is to protect and serve our community and not be the adversary,” explained Council Member King.

“Why I am Visiting Israel”

by Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President

The people of the United States have stood strong with the people of Israel from the day that country was founded in 1947. As the only democracy in the Middle East, and as our key ally in the fight against terrorism, Israel holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Americans. This is especially true in New York City, which has shared a unique and significant relationship with the Jewish people and the state of Israel for decades.

Tomorrow, I will travel to Israel with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, leading a delegation of our city’s growing Latino population. This group, which includes business, civic and non-profit leaders, will spend a week discovering what Israel has to offer, learning about why Israel’s continued strength is so important, and exploring the growing relationship between the people of the Promised Land and Latinos across the world.

This is of critical importance, given not only the continued vitality of the Jewish population at home, but the longstanding history of Jewish acceptance in countries like the Dominican Republic and growing Jewish population in places like Argentina, Brazil and Panama, as well. On this trip, I will lead a discussion about the future of Jewish/Latino relations, both here and abroad, and take the first steps toward cementing a lifetime bond between these two communities.

I have been to Israel before. I have seen, firsthand, the attacks the Israeli people face every single day. But the people of Israel persevere. Now, more than ever, their example deserves our praise and our support.

The horror of the attacks on the French newspaper Charlie Hebdo and the kosher supermarket—and the subsequent exodus of Jews from Paris—show us just how critical our support of Israel is right now. As Martin Niemöller wrote, reflecting on the Nazi atrocities of World War II, “First they came for the Jews…”

Following these acts of terror, the Paris Grand Synagogue closed for the first time on Shabbos since World War II. The meaning behind such imagery cannot be understated. Israel is one of our strongest allies. Israelis and all Jews must know that our Latino community, and in fact the American people, are on their side during these troublesome times. As we saw world leaders standing arm-in-arm in solidarity following these attacks, we too stand arm-in-arm with Israel and the world’s Jewish population.

Does a borough president have an interest in promoting Israel?  Of course.  At one point more Jews lived in The Bronx than in Israel, and our Jewish community remains vibrant and strong. Across the entire city, Jews and Latinos are already working hand-in-hand on the issues that unite us, be it economic development, housing, education and more.

Israel has produced and continues to work on some of the most amazing technological and scientific advancements the world has ever seen.  Israel is a partner in our security, and what keeps their country secure helps keep our borough and our city secure. Israel is worthy of not only our respect, but our support.

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. next week, we must also remember his message that we are all God’s children, including the people of Israel. "Peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity,” said Dr. King. “Peace for Israel means security and that security must be a reality."  

Both the nation of Israel and Jews everywhere around the world are under perpetual attack. Their peace today, as Dr. King so eloquently put it, requires our commitment to their continued security. I will work to join the Latino and Jewish communities together in new bonds of strength, and I will help create new friendships during difficult times.

Israelis do not let terrorism and hate keep them down. Neither do Americans, and neither do I.

Community Board 9 Fires District Manager

  Last night in a vote to relive its district manager Francisco Gonzalez of his job at Community Board 9 the results were 17 in favor, 2 against, and 2 abstentions. 

  The NYC Conflict of Board fined Mr. Gonzalez for using the community board office and  its resources in the fall of 2013 for his own personal business. In December of 2013 there was a vote to relive Mr. Gonzalez of his position that failed by 2 votes. 

  There was no immediate comment by CB 9 chair William Rivera. 

  CB 9 will now begin the process of looking for a new district manager. This come at the same time that Community Board 8 begins its process to hire a new district manager who is leaving as of the end of today for a job with the New York Empire Development Corporation. 

  Check back for updates, and check my column in the Bronx News or Parkchester News.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj to host Interfaith Peace Rally & Candle Light Vigil

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj

Invites you to join an

Interfaith Community 

Peace Rally

& Candle Light Vigil

In light of recent terrorist attacks in Paris, we must unite and stand 

up against extremist intolerance anywhere in the world. We have to

come together in peace. Elected officials, Religious Figures and 

Community Leaders ask for your attendance as we commemorate 

those lost in senseless attacks and pray for a peaceful future for all.

Friday, January 16, 2015

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Pelham Parkway South 

at Wallace Avenue

For More Information: (718) 409-0109

FW: FY 2016 Borough President's Budget Hearing

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz 

Jr.

Invites you to attend and speak at:

The Bronx Borough Board 

Public Hearing on the 

Mayor's Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2016

& the capital and service needs of the Borough

Thursday, February 5, 2015

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

10th  Floor Conference Room

198 East 161st Street, Bronx NY 10451

Subway: 4, B, D to 161st Street/Yankee Stadium Station

Bus: BX1, BX2 or BX6 to East 161st  Street - Grand  Concourse 

 BX32 to East 161st Street - Morris Avenue

Metro-North: Stations 

Melrose (Harlem) or 153rd Street-Yankees (Hudson) lines.

This hearing will give an opportunity to Bronx and Citywide non-profits, colleges, hospitals, schools, neighborhood organizations and any other parties to speak out on the Mayor's proposed budget and the capital and service needs of our neighborhoods.

Wave Hill Events Jan 30–Feb 6

  SAT, JANUARY 31    LOTIONS AND CREAMS: A CITRUS AWAKENING WORKSHOP 

Winter is the perfect time to pamper your skin and boost your spirits, and Lemon Day at Wave Hill provides the perfect opportunity. Guided by Melissa Rivera, founder of Naturally Good Soaps, use a citrus emulsion and other raw ingredients to create your own sweetly-scented lotions and creams. Take home recipes as well as a set of all-natural products created in class. After the workshop, visit the blooming citrus plants inside Wave Hill’s Conservatory. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, or at the Perkins Visitor Center. $45/$35 Wave Hill Member. Make a day of it with a light lunch in The Café, followed by a free lemon-cooking demonstration at 2PM.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–12:30PM

SAT, JANUARY 31   WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: HYBRID OBJECTS—AMULETS, TALISMANS & CURIOSITIES

Explore the history of amulets, talismans, and curiosities found in Wunderkammern (or cabinets of curiosities) with Winter Workspace artist Alisha Wessler. Focus on objects that blur the boundaries between artificialia and naturalia. Using your own concoction of personal objects brought from home and natural elements gathered from Wave Hill, learn sculptural techniques to create your own hybrid object of wonder.  All workshops with Winter Workspace artists begin in their Glyndor Gallery studios with an introduction to their creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session. 

GLYNDOR GALLERY AND ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM

SAT, JANUARY 31    LEMON COOKING DEMONSTRATION

Pucker up—it’s lemon season at Wave Hill, and we’ve designed Lemon Day at Wave Hill to celebrate! Find out how to make and use preserved lemons, a traditional ingredient in Moroccan cooking. A guest chef from Great Performances conjures up refreshing dishes featuring both fresh and preserved lemons. After the demonstration, visit our esteemed potted lemons in the Palm House, currently scenting the Conservatory with their sweet-smelling blossoms. In addition to this cooking demonstration, you may want to register for a Lemon Day lotions and creams workshop in the morning, followed by a light lunch in The Café. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SAT, JANUARY 31    FAMILY ART PROJECT: KALEIDOSCOPE BLUES

Listen to some wintry blues and explore its patterns and rhythms, then express what you find with paper, crayons and scissors. Use the cool blue, grey and silver colors of winter, plus your images and cut-outs, to build your own easy-to-make, musical kaleidoscope. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 31    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this hour-long class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Sessions are held indoors in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 1    FAMILY ART PROJECT: KALEIDOSCOPE BLUES

Listen to some wintry blues and explore its patterns and rhythms, then express what you find with paper, crayons and scissors. Use the cool blue, grey and silver colors of winter, plus your images and cut-outs, to build your own easy-to-make, musical kaleidoscope. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 1    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath and mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss Director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors, and last for an hour and a quarter. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 1    MEDITATION

Let nature inspire you to find your center and reconnect with your true self using guided mindfulness and other meditation practices. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques, followed by guided meditations. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. Sessions are held indoors. All levels welcome. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 1    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, FEBRUARY 2

Closed to the public

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15–October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings untilnoon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Mayor de Blasio comes to Bronx to Tout His Vision Zero

  Saying that in 2014 there were the lowest number of pedestrian fatalities (134), Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg announced the completion of more than 50 major street and intersection redesign projects. That come in the first year of deBlasio's 'Vision Zero' program. The announcement came right near the last project that was done at the intersection of East Tremont Avenue and Silver Street in Bronx Community Board 10. Public Advocate Letitia James, Councilman James Vacca, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, and local Community Board members and the CB 10 District manager. 

  Mayor deBlasio goes over some of the statistics of what Vision Zero has done in its first year. With the mayor are Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Public Advocate Letitia James, NYC Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Police Chief Tom Chan, and Councilman Jimmy Vacca.

Left - Are the intersections of Broadway and 96th Street and Hudson Street before and after Vision Zero.

Right - Is the intersection of East Tremont Ave. and Silver Street, again before and after Vision Zero.

  NYC Transportation Commissioner Trottenberg echos the words of Mayor deBlasio, when it comes to lower pedestrian fatalities and lowering speeding on city roads. 

Above - Assemblyman Sepulveda, a partner of the mayor in Albany also echos the words of the mayor on the subject of 'Vision Zero'.
Below - Councilman Jimmy Vacca jokes that he would like to see a speed bump on every street.

After the presentation and the elected officials spoke, the mayor took some questions.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Should Have a Seat at the Table with the 3 Men in a Room

What You Should Know 
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
32nd Senatorial District 

You should know that Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins is a bright, well-educated, articulate, intelligent, professional, beloved and highly respected African-American woman who has been elected to serve as the Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference. The experience that Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins has had in her professional and personal life overshadows most other Senators by far. 

 

New York State's political history has been comprised of 3-Men-in-a-Room: the Governor of New York State, the Majority Leader of the State Senate, and the Speaker of the Assembly.  Those three men - for years and years and years - are the ones who shut themselves in a room and decide what is good for the State, and determine the Budget that will service 20 million people in the State of New York. 

 

Never, EVER has a woman been part of those negotiations. The process has been completely chauvinistic. 

 

Now, on the other hand, we have a Governor who prides himself in establishing things that no one else has ever done. He takes great pride in being a Governor who got gay marriage laws passed.  He prides himself in passing the budget on time for 4 years in a row. He is the one who got the Women's Equality Party on the ballot as a political party in order to show his support for women. 

 

This year, the Governor is again pushing for the Women's Equality Act to pass with all 10 points, which include Achieve Pay Equity; Stop Sexual Harassment in All Workplaces; and Stop Human Trafficking.  Two contentious points the Governor is fighting for are for more abortions, including late-term abortions. 

 

My dear reader, it seems to me that a person who prides himself on being such a champion for women, and that same person does things that have never been achieved before in New York State, should realize this great opportunity. Governor Andrew Cuomo can demonstrate his real interest in achieving women's equality by inviting Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins to join him and the other two men in that room during Budget negotiations because she is, in fact, a Leader of 30 Democratic Senators in the State. 

 

You should know that when we talk about a Leader of a Conference, we are not talking about someone who is the Leader of a group of 5 or 10 people. We are talking about someone who is the Leader of 30 Democratic Senators who represents millions of people from downstate to upstate to Long Island to Western New York to Central New York. No other so-called minority represents all of those Senators and as many people in the State - and she's also a woman. 

 

This is the right time, 2015 - the 20th Anniversary of United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women - for Governor Andrew Cuomo to establish another record and set a precedent for the advancement for women in the New York State. 

 

Ladies and gentlemen, in my humble opinion, I submit that Governor Andrew Cuomo can make history in New York State by welcoming Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins - a Leader - as equal to the other 2 men who will be in the room. To do this will be a great accomplishment for the rights of women AND for the 30 Democratic Senators who she represents. To not do this will leave an accomplished woman who represents 30 Democratic Senators in New York State locked outside the door while the 3 men make all of the decisions for New York State. 

You should know that because of my religious beliefs, I have had disagreements with Senator Stewart-Cousins in the past.  If I, with my disagreements with her, believe that the Governor should invite her into Budget negotiations, then I have to ask: “What about those women’s organizations, elected officials and unions that are big supporters of women? Do they think that this is the right thing to do?” 

 

This is State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

Riverdale Gas Leak Update

 

  This is what the intersection of the Henry Hudson Parkway North and West 239th Street looked like today after yesterdays gas leak at the site that closed area streets into the night. Workers for the contractor are back on the job, and you will see in the next photos just where the problem was. 

  It was this connection to other gas mains that had the problem or should I say leak.

  Here is a close up of the interconnection and overlapping gas lines where the gas leak occurred. 

  Interestingly enough, here is one of the barriers used around the construction area. Note the start date of the construction is 10 - 6 - 14 which is about when the contractor for Con Edison started. However the completion date is 11- 7 - 14, or over two months ago. A question to the DOT who issues the work permits would be - did the contractor have a valid work permit, and if not why did the DOT not shut the construction down?

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING TALKS RECYCLING WITH BRONX 3RD GRADERS

  “What is the importance of recycling?” asked Council Member Andy King to the third graders of PS 41 in the Northeast Bronx during a special assembly Monday morning about the importance of recycling and saving the environment.   

“So that you won’t slip and fall on plastic containers or bottles”, 8-year-old Darren Williams informed the Council Member. 

Council Member King partnered with the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to put on the program as a part of the 12^th District Operation Cleaner Streets initiative, which was started two years ago by Council Member King to get the community involved in the beautification of their neighborhood.

“DSNY has the important task of keeping the city clean but on the 12^th of each month we clean our neighborhood,” said Council Member King to the youngsters.  “That means on the 12^th of the month, you must pick of every piece of paper or something to help keep our neighborhood clean.”

More than 150 students attended the assembly program. Joining the Council Member was DSNY’s Community Affairs Liaison Julian Sepulveda, who quizzed the students on the information they learned during the presentation.  All the students were treated to comic and coloring books and quiz received a mini toy DSNY truck.

SENATOR KLEIN & ASSEMBLYMAN LUIS SEPÚLVEDA HOST 2ND ANNUAL THREE KINGS DAY CELEBRATION

  Klein, Sepúlveda, Community and Faith Leaders, Families and Children Celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany

   State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester),  together with Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda (D-Bronx) and District Leader Julia Rodriguez hosted the 2nd annual Three Kings Day celebration this past Saturday, January 11th. More than 200 community members, families and children came together to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany -- featuring a special appearance by a talented magician, music by the Church of the Holy Family choir and school choir, an animated narration of the nativity scene and a fun-filled toy giveaway for children.

“At our second annual Three Kings Day celebration, I couldn’t be happier or more proud to see all of you out here celebrating together. This is a special holiday for so many of our friends, neighbors and community members,” said Senator Jeff Klein.“ In a short period of time, this event has grown to be a tremendous success and I would like to thank my colleagues Assemblyman Sepúlveda and District Leader Julia Rodriguez for helping to make that happen. I wish all of you a happy holiday and health, joy and prosperity in the New Year.”

"What makes the holiday season so beautiful is the feeling of community that is indelibly woven into our daily lives," said Assemblyman Sepúlveda. "This Three Kings Day event is a time when our community comes together again at the close of the Christmas season in the hopes that we may maintain those feeling of charity and kindness for the months ahead. Our celebration aims to continue this trend into the new year as a reminder that such good will should be a part of our daily lives."

The celebration began in the early afternoon, where members of the community followed in a spirited procession from Roselyn Johnson Democratic Headquarters to Mechler Hall at the Church of the Holy Family. The program kicked off with a performance by the school choir, followed by a selection of songs in spanish and a narration of the nativity scene by the church choir. Guests enjoyed light snacks and refreshments including hot dogs, juice, coffee and more. Children in attendance were given a special toy at the end of the event, including stuffed animals, toy cars, and board games like Monopoly or Clue.

“I want to thank Senator Klein and Assemblyman Sepulveda for putting together this wonderful event and bringing the community together. Three Kings Day is one of my favorite holidays and this is such a wonderful way to celebrate. Because of their efforts, I’m already looking forward to next year” added District Leader Julia Rodriguez.

Assemblyman Sepulveda and Senator Klein are joined by Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson, District Leader Julia Rodriguez, the Three Kings, and children.

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO LAUNCHES IDNYC, THE COUNTRY’S MOST AMBITIOUS MUNICIPAL IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM

  Mayor announces the acceptance of IDNYC by more than 10 financial institutions and the complete package of card benefits, including entertainment and BigAppleRx prescription discounts

   Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito launched the IDNYC municipal identification program for residents of all five New York City boroughs. The Mayor also announced that the IDNYC card will be accepted as valid primary identification for opening a bank or credit union account at more than 10 financial institutions, and revealed the card’s full suite of benefits.

“IDNYC is not only a card for all New Yorkers, it is the gateway to City services, the key to opening a bank account or getting a library card, and the ticket to many of our city’s finest cultural institutions. More than that, this card represents who we are: New Yorkers who value equality, opportunity and diversity,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I want to thank Speaker Mark-Viverito and our partners in the Council for their tremendous work and collaboration on this program. Today, we are launching the most ambitious, dynamic and useful municipal ID program in the country, which will have a real and tangible impact on the lives of all New Yorkers.”

“Time and again, New York City has shown that we are not afraid to lead,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “In launching the IDNYC program, we are living up to our highest ideals about who we are as a city. I’m proud of my colleagues and bill sponsors Immigration Committee Chair Carlos Menchaca and Council Member Daniel Dromm for their support in this process and thank the de Blasio administration for its partnership in making IDNYC a reality for all New Yorkers.”

“IDNYC identifies you as a card-carrying New Yorker,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm, the card’s main sponsor. “This is an exciting day, because today we are saying that all New Yorkers—regardless of gender identity, immigration status, homelessness, or other identifiers—are an important part of our city. I am so proud to have worked with Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito, Commissioner Agarwal, and Council Member Menchaca to create what I have called the ‘must-have accessory for all New Yorkers in 2015.’  Congratulations, all!”

“The IDNYC municipal ID card is an opportunity for New Yorkers to become included in the hundreds of programs throughout the five boroughs with a membership to over 30 cultural institutions and libraries, while also acting as a free government-issued ID. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for this innovative program that will unify all of New York City’s residents, regardless of their immigration status, race, gender or sexual orientation under one identity: a New Yorker,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The IDNYC card will be integrated into New York City’s official prescription drug discount card, BigAppleRx, giving card holders up to 50 percent off most FDA-approved prescription medications at more than 2,000 New York City pharmacies. It will also be accepted as valid primary identification for opening bank or credit union accounts at more than 10 financial institutions, including Popular Community Bank, Amalgamated Bank, and Carver Federal Savings Bank.

The Mayor also announced the full suite of IDNYC benefits, including:

·        Exclusive entertainment discounts on movie tickets, Broadway shows, sporting events, theme parks, and more with Entertainment Benefits Group.

·        A 10 percent discount off annual NYC Parks Recreation Center membership for adults age 25-61 and NYC Parks Department tennis permits.

·        A 20 percent discount on family memberships at all 22 YMCA centers citywide.

·        A free 30-day trial and fitness evaluation with a certified trainer at all New York Sports Club locations.

·        A 5 percent discount off all purchases at Food Bazaar supermarkets in New York City Mondaythrough Friday, from 7 AM to 7 PM.

·        A 25 percent discount on New York Pass, a citywide pass to 83 tourist attractions in all five boroughs.

·        Free one-year membership packages at 33 of the City’s leading cultural institutions, including world class museums, performing arts centers, concert halls, botanical gardens, and zoos across the five boroughs. 

The IDNYC card will make government work more effectively and efficiently for New Yorkers by expanding access to the services, programs and opportunities available to City residents. It will be accepted by the New York Police Department for the purposes of issuing summonses or desk appearance tickets in lieu of arrest, and has been incorporated into the NYPD Patrol Guide. The IDNYC card will grant access to all City buildings, increasing the confidence of New Yorkers to interact with their local government, schools and hospitals. The IDNYC program will continue to expand functionality and grow after the launch date to create an integrated form of identification that will be the one card New Yorkers need in their wallet.

All City residents age 14 and above are eligible to get a municipal ID card, and enrollment is free for anyone who applies in 2015. The City has established 17 permanent enrollment centers throughout the five boroughs, 11 of which are open to the general public in locations highly convenient to mass transit and commercial hubs, including five of the most-trafficked library branches. The City has also opened six enrollment centers for City agency clients in the Department of Probation and the Human Resources Administration. The 18th permanent public enrollment center will open in the spring, and two mobile locations will launch later in January to increase accessibility across the five boroughs.

The Mayor announced support for a municipal ID program during his campaign, and committed to delivering it by January 2015 in his first State of the City address. The New York City Council introduced legislation to create the municipal ID program in April 2014 and the law passed on June 26, 2014 by a vote of 43 in favor to 3 opposed, with 2 abstentions. The legislation signed into law on July 10, 2014 authorizes the City of New York to begin issuing IDNYC cards on January 10, 2015. In August of 2014, the Mayor issued an executive order designating HRA as the administering agency of the IDNYC initiative.

“The people of The Bronx can now represent their borough and their city with great pride by signing up for the newIDNYC municipal identification card, which launches today.

“The program, which will not only provide people with a legal identification recognized as a valid form of ID, but it will also help the 1.4 million residents of The Bronx gain access to city programs such as discounts on prescription drugs, libraries across three boroughs, movie tickets, fitness and health centers as well as free memberships to some of our borough’s amazing cultural institutions such as the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden.

“I congratulate Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito and the entire City Council on the implementation of this incredible, groundbreaking program, and encourage all New Yorkers to sign up, just like I did today. If you live in New York City, show that you’re a real New Yorker and sign up for IDNYC,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

For more information about IDNYC and how to sign up, visit: http://on.nyc.gov/1CTMkvz.