Here is a photo going around of the next assembly speaker Carl Heastie of his high school days. Credit below.

Conor Skelding‏@conorskelding

Carl Heastie, Harry S. Truman HS, c/o 1985

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ABRAZO

Please note --

This event is by invitation only, and not open to the general public.

NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCES HOST COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS FOR 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

  City raises $20 million for $100 million convention, has $6.5 million cash on hand

   The de Blasio administration today announced its 10 host committee co-chairs, a diverse group of local leaders who will assume leadership roles and partner with the Mayor and the administration to execute the City’s convention strategy. Led by Mayor de Blasio, this group of business, civic, labor and tech leaders will be responsible for raising the remaining funds, organizing convention events, and will work hand-in-hand with the DNC to host a world-class convention in July 2016.

The City’s host committee co-chairs are: Lloyd Blankfein, Ursula Burns, Kenneth Chenault, George Gresham, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Sean Parker, Alan Patricof, Rob Speyer, Anna Wintour, and Robert Wolf.

“As we head into the final weeks of the selection process, it’s more critical than ever that we show the DNC that New Yorkers are enthusiastic and united in our desire to bring the convention back to New York City,” saidMayor Bill de Blasio. “We are so proud to have the support of this diverse group of leaders who represent everything New York City has to offer. We’ve significantly outraised the other cities competing to host the convention, and we are well on our way to reaching our goal of a $100 million convention. Add to that the support of these 10 co-chairs, New York City is in the strongest position to execute an unforgettable convention.”

The administration also today released updated fundraising totals in support of New York City’s bid. As of Thursday morning, the City has raised $20 million, with $6.5 million cash on hand, up from $15 million in commitments and $5 million cash on hand in December 2014. Today’s announcement showcases New York City’s unparalleled ability to commit substantial resources to hosting the 2016 convention in the five boroughs.

Once selected as the city to host the convention, the 119-member Host Committee will immediately convert all commitments into money in the bank to begin to organize the event, guided by the 10 co-chairs. Expedia, IAC,Jonathan Tisch, Mark Gallogly, Rubenstein, American Express, Goldman Sachs, 1199SEIU, Condé Nast, Blackstone, Tishman Speyer, and Citi are among the 25 individuals and organizations that have contributed to the $6.5 million already in the bank for the City’s convention bid.

New York City Host Committee Co-Chairs:

Lloyd Blankfein, Goldman Sachs and Co.

Ursula Burns, Xerox

Kenneth Chenault, American Express

George Gresham, 1199 SEIU

Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Council

Sean Parker, Sean N. Parker Foundation

Alan Patricof, Greycroft Partners

Rob Speyer, Tishman Speyer

Anna Wintour, Condé Nast, Vogue

Robert Wolf, 32 Advisors

New York City Host Committee 2016 Members (119):

Vincent Alvarez, NYC Central Labor Council

Stuart Appelbaum, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union

Gina Argento, Broadway Stages

Ajay Banga, MasterCard

David J. Barger, JetBlue Airways

Paul Beirne, Bernstein Global Wealth Management

Frank A. Bennack Jr., Hearst Corporation

Barry H. Berke, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Peter Beshar, Marsh and McLennan

Lloyd C. Blankfein, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

Jeff T. Blau, The Related Companies

Richard Born, BD Hotels

Jacques Brand, Deutsche Bank North America

Jill Bright, Condé Nast

Tonio Burgos, Tonio Burgos and Associates

Ursula M. Burns, Xerox Corporation Ltd.

Kenneth I. Chenault, American Express Company

Ric Clark, Brookfield Office Properties

Philippe P. Dauman, Viacom, Inc.

Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel, NYC Landmarks 50 Alliance

Barry Diller, IAC and Expedia

Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Doug Dunham, Quinn Gillepsie

Douglas Durst, The Durst Organization

Helena Durst, The Durst Organization

Richard Edelman, Edelman PR

Blair W. Effron, Centerview Partners

Cheryl Cohen Effron 

Jay W. Eisenhofer, Grant & Eisenhofer P.A.

Leecia Eve, Verizon

Hector J. Figueroa, 32BJ SEIU

Alan H. Fishman, Ladder Capital Corporation

Jay S. Fishman, The Travelers Companies, Inc

Gregory Floyd, Teamsters Local 237

Marian Fontana, 9-11 Families Association

Mark T. Gallogly, Centerbridge Partners

Christopher C. Giamo, Regional President, TD Bank

Faith Gay, Quinn Emanuel

MaryAnne Gilmartin, Forest City Ratner Companies

Steve Goldman, Kramer Levin

Barry M. Gosin, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

Raj Goyle, Badhala

Nick Gravante, Boies Schiller

Jonathan Gray, Blackstone

George Gresham, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

Robert Greifeld, Nasdaq OMX

Jeffrey R. Gural, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

Gerald L. Hassell, The Bank of New York Mellon

Marc Holliday, SL Green Realty Group

Jay S. Jacobs, Nassau County Democratic Committee

Hamilton E. James, The Blackstone Group

Steven A. Kandarian, MetLife

Pat Kane, RN, New York State Nurses Association

Brad Karp, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Rob Kaplan, Harvard Business School

Michael W. Kempner, The MWW Group

Julie Kushner, United Automobile Workers

Pam Kwatra, Kripari Marketing

Gary LaBarbera, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York

Jonathan Lavine, Sankaty Advisors

Kenneth Lerer, Lerer Ventures

Leonard Litwin, Glenwood Management

Jeffrey H. Lynford, Educational Housing Services

John McAvoy, Consolidated Edison, Inc

Raymond J. McGuire, Citigroup, Inc.

Keith R. Mestrich, Amalgamated Bank

George L. Miranda, Teamsters Joint Council 16

Leslie R. Moonves, CBS Corporation

Evan L. Morris, Roche Pharmaceuticals

Michael Mulgrew, United Federation of Teachers

Mike Muse, Muse Recordings

Charles A. Myers, Evercore Partners Inc.

Drew Nieporent, Myriad Restaurant Group

Cynthia Nixon 

Michael E. Novogratz, Fortress Investment Group

Sean Parker, Sean N. Parker Foundation

Alan Patricof, Greycroft LLC

Susan Patricof

Ronald O. Perelman, MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.

Douglas L. Peterson, McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.

Charles E. Phillips, Infor

Richard R. Plepler, Home Box Office, Inc.

Kirk A. Radke, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Bruce C. Ratner, Forest City Ratner Companies

Scott H. Rechler, RXR Realty

Dennis Rivera 

Lillian Roberts, AFSCME DC 37

Jeff Rose, Attitude New York

James A. Rosenthal, Morgan Stanley

Joe Rospars, Blue State Digital

Steven Rubenstein, Rubenstein

Rosina Rubin, Attitude New York

William C. Rudin, Rudin Management Company, Inc.

Kevin P. Ryan, Gilt Groupe

Elizabeth Sackler, Brooklyn Museum

Bill Samuels, Effective NY

Marie Samuels 

John Samuelsen, Transport Workers Union Local 100

Michael E. Schlein, Accion International

Richard D. Segal, Seavest Investment Group

Marissa Shorenstein, AT&T, Inc.

Adam Silver, National Basketball Association

Russell W. Simmons, RUSH Communications

Harendra Singh, Singh Hospitality Group

Jay Snyder, HBJ Investments

Rob Speyer, Tishman Speyer Properties

Ambassador Carl Spielvogel, Carl Spielvogel Enterprises

Joseph Spinnato, Hotel Association of New York City

Steven Spinola, Real Estate Board of New York

Jonathan M. Tisch, Loews Hotels and Resorts 

Daniel R. Tishman, Tishman Construction Corporation

Diane von Furstenberg, DVF

Peter Ward, The New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council

David Weinreb, The Howard Hughes Corporation

Maureen White 

Steve Witkoff, The Witkoff Group

Robert Wolf, 32 Advisors

Kathy Wylde, Partnership for New York City

Donald Zucker, Donald Zucker Co.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and New York 

City Councilman Andrew Cohen 

invites you to:

KEY ESSENTIALS OF ONLINE 

MARKETING

 Create comprehensive internet and mobile marketing 

plans that fit your business needs, regardless of size 

 Gain exposure and brand awareness for your business

AND: 

MWBE Certification 

Learn how your company will benefit from being certified:

 MORE opportunities to bid on contracts and subcontracts 

 FREE advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Companies

 FREE assistance with bids and proposals

WHEN

February 2, 2015

6:00PM 

WHERE MICHELLE@BRONXCHAMBMER.ORG

Bronx Community 

Charter School 

3170 Webster Avenue 

Bronx, NY 10467

Bedford Mosholu Community Association Flea Market and Donations Needed

DONATIONS ARE NEEDED

FOR THE

BEDFORD MOSHOLU COMMUNITY

ASSOCIATION

FLEA MARKET

ON MARCH 7th, 2015

BRING NEW AND USED ITEMS (EXCEPT 

CLOTHING) TO THE B.M.C.A. OFFICE AT 

400 EAST MOSHOLU PARKWAY SOUTH 

(APARTMENT B1-LOBBY FLOOR) ON THE 

FOLLOWING DAYS:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18th, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

SATURDAY, February 28th, 1:30 - 4:00

WEDNESDAY, March 4th, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Congratulations to the New Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

  In what has been a quick turn of events after (now former) Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested by the U. S. Attorney we can say with 99.9 percent accuracy that Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie will become the next speaker of the assembly. Assemblyman Silver has tendered his resignation as speaker to take effect on Monday  February 2nd at 11:59 PM. 

  As for candidates seeking the vacant seat of speaker which was down to 3, it is now down to 2 as the interim speaker Joe Morelle has announced that he is supporting the candidacy of Assemblyman Heastie. This leaves only Assemblywoman Nolan of Queens as the only other announced candidate for speaker. Nolans chances were weakened when her county leader Joe Crowley announced that the Queens Democratic County organization was supporting Carl Heastie for speaker of the assembly. 

  It is expected that Nolan will drop out soon to have a united assembly for new Speaker Carl Heastie. There have already been stories about the skeletons that may be in Heastie's closet, but I can say that I know for a fact that the U. S. Attorney's office sent in a mole to try to get something on Heastie, and couldn't. Do not underestimate Speaker Heastie, because as Bronx Democratic County Leader Heastie got things done. He also was able to work with those who did not like him when he became the county leader as was evidenced by last years Bronx Democratic County Committee meeting. Heastie not only was re-elected county leader unanimously, but drew praise from those who questioned him becoming the new county leader in 2008. It is expected the same will happen in the assembly, and don't think the Governor or Senate Majority Leader are going to take advantage of Heastie. There is always Heastie's good friend State Senator Jeff Klein for advice if things get a little tough at budget time.

   

Assemblyman Dinowitz urges parents to get children vaccinated against measles

  U.S. facing serious measles outbreak; unvaccinated individuals at risk

    In light of what appears to be the most serious outbreak of measles in the United States in the past decade, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz urged parents to ensure that their children have received measles vaccines to protect themselves and others. While no cases of measles have been confirmed in New York State, the outbreak has spread quickly in recent days, comprising nearly 100 confirmed cases across 14 states.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “It is imperative that parents get their children vaccinated against measles. Opting out of this vaccine puts your child, as well as others, at serious risk. Thanks to a highly effective vaccine and the efforts of countless medical professionals, the United States has successfully kept incidences of this dangerous, contagious disease at record lows over the past 15 years. However, with more and more parents opting out of giving their children this vaccine, measles appears to be on the rise again, with potentially devastating effects.”

“Officials in Arizona have already asked students who are not vaccinated to remain at home. I support this measure. No parent should have to worry about their child contracting a serious, potentially deadly disease at school, especially when an effective cure is readily available. I urge all parents to be responsible and do their part to prevent the spread of this serious disease by giving their children all recommended vaccines,” concluded Assemblyman Dinowitz.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive measles vaccinations at ages 1 and 4. For more information on measles outbreaks in the United States, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html#outbreak

Earned Income Tax Credit “PHONE-A-THON”

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS HOLDS FIRST-EVER

“PHONE-A-THON” IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS WITH MORE THAN 2,000 VOLUNTEERS REACHING OUT TO TENS OF THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS ELIGIBLE FOR REFUNDABLE TAX CREDITS

Unprecedented Push in Three Languages to Inform Families they may be Eligible for up to $10,000 in Tax Refunds

City Officials Expect to Increase Filers by 50 Percent, Putting $90 Million into the Pockets of Low-Income New Yorkers, and an Estimated $135 in the Local Economy

On Saturday, January 31, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Julie Menin will join more than 2,000 volunteers at phone banks throughout the five boroughs to call New Yorkers and inform them in English, Spanish and Chinese about refundable tax credits that will put money back in their pockets, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and NYC Child Care Tax Credit (NYC CCTC). Families may be eligible for up to $10,000 in refundable credits. Volunteers will also inform New Yorkers about the 200-plus tax prep sites that are or will be available, free of cost, throughout the city for New Yorkers who meet the income criteria.

WHO:	Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Julie Menin
WHAT:	EITC Awareness Day 2015
WHEN:	Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE:	New Settlement Community Center 1501 Jerome Avenue (between Goble Place and W. 172nd Street) Bronx, NY 10452 Other phone bank locations include: Hunter College (695 Park Avenue, 3rd floor Cafeteria) in Manhattan, New York City Fire Department (9 MetroTech Center, Auditorium) in Brooklyn, York College (94-20 Guy R Brewer Blvd, 1st Floor Dining Room) in Queens, and Make the Road New York (161 Port Richmond Avenue) in Staten Island.

And the New Speaker of the Assembly Is -

  When the state assembly meets on Monday it is a forgone conclusion by Monday afternoon the speakers seat will be vacant either by current speaker Sheldon Silver stepping down or being voted out by the assembly body. The field of replacement candidates have dwindled down as some candidates have taken their name out of the running for one reason or another. 

  

  Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright who many (including myself) thought was the front runner for the speaker's seat has decided to throw his support behind Carl Heastie. The reason, Wright wants to replace Charlie Rangel in the 15th Congressional district which has about 26 percent of the Bronx. This way the Bronx Democratic County organization should be backing candidate Wright for the vacant 15th Congressional district in 2016.   . 

  Assemblyman Joe Lentol of Brooklyn has also withdrawn his name to back Heastie for speaker. Lentol is currently chair of the Assembly Codes Committee, so it is unclear what Lentol will gain from the endorsement.

  Queens Democratic County Leader Joe Crowley has announced his support of Heastie for speaker which now drains Queens Assemblywoman Kathleen Nolan's bid to be the next speaker. This leaves only the interim speaker to be Assemblyman Joe Morelle in the way of Carl Heastie. As of this morning it is rumored that Heastie has or is very close to securing the 74 needed votes to become the next speaker of the New York State Assembly.

  Our congratulations to the next speaker Carl Heastie. 

  However as it goes in politics "One never knows what will happen next".

Silver’s Golden Parachute

  I found this on the Empire Center NY Torch Blog.

  Based on his 38 years as a state assemblyman and the speaker’s salary of $121,000, Silver is now eligible for a pension of $87,120 — $7,620 more than the base pay he will collect as a mere Assembly member with no leadership title.

  But Silver’s pensionable “service credits” may add to that amount. If he was enrolled as a full-time member of the New York City pension system when he began working as a Civil Court clerk in 1971, he could have Tier 2 status, boosting his benefit to as much as $98,010.

  Both of these figures assume Silver chooses the “single life option” and doesn’t owe the system money for loans against his pension.

  Under current state law, Silver can continue to collect his pension even if he is convicted on the charges filed against him by federal prosecutors last week.

  Here is the link to this entire article.

3 Put Names Into Assembly Speaker Race

  While his seat is still warm 3 assembly members have announced their intentions to be the next speaker. 

  1 -   Queens Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, (the assembly Education Committee chair) who would be the first woman to lead either legislative chamber in Albany, launched her campaign to replace Silver. Nolan's only possible shot at being the next speaker would have Queens Democratic County Leader Joe Crowley go to bat for her. There is good relations with the Bronx, but Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie has also thrown his name into the speakers race.

 2 -   Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie (the Bronx Democratic County Leader)  is the chair of the Labor Committee, and would be the first African-American speaker. Heastie wrought the Bronx Democratic County Leadership away from the previous Bronx county leader in the infamous 'Battle at the Paradise Theater' in 2008. There was a possibility of a coup at the 2014 Bronx Democratic County Convention, that was squashed before it could gain any momentum. Heastie  is saying that he would fight for all New Yorkers and increase accountability and transparency, but he could be another Sheldon Silver type of leader.

2 -   Assemblyman Joseph Lentol of Brooklyn the chair of the Assembly Codes Committee threw his hat into the ring as well, saying he would “liberalize the operations” of the Assembly as speaker. Right now it is unknown if Lentol has the backing of the Brooklyn Democratic organization.

  Also expected to throw his name into the mix is Manhattan Democratic County Leader Keith Wright. Wright chairs the Housing Committee. 

  The interim Speaker will be the Majority Leader of the Assembly Joseph Morelle who must also be considered for the permanent speaker position. The state assembly will choose a new permanent speaker on February 10th. 

Any Possibility of Reform in Albany - Now With the departure of Sheldon Silver

  In an interview with City and State  a diverse group of assembly members from New York City and upstate have held a series of meetings to discuss the best way to ensure that there is reform to Assembly operations going forward. C&S states that this group of 20 - 25 members had talked reform, even before 'SILVERGATE'. 

  “Our angle is to present a set of reforms that we’re going to formalize to all the candidates that put their names out there as potential speaker and see how they stand on these reforms,” said Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda. “We want to open [the process] up and make it more democratic and not invest so much power in one person.”

  Members of the reform movement have not yet thrown their support behind a particular candidate for speaker, but Sepúlveda said that any contender who didn't express interest in discussing these reforms would be a “non-starter” for him.

  Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer stressed that the movement has not been formalized in any way—it is not yet a conference or a caucus—and that the list of reforms is still being drafted. “There’s a range of issues in which we have a difference of opinion, but I think in general our interest is in making sure these interests are fully vetted before the next speaker is elected and that there’s both some short-term changes and a long-term commitment,” Mayer said.

  Both Mayer and Sepúlveda said challenging the Assembly's seniority rules will be paramount. Traditionally, influence and leadership roles—such as chairmanships or speakership—are gained largely through seniority. Currently, about 40 percent of the Assembly is made up of members who have been newly elected in the past 6-8 years.

  “This is a once in a lifetime—at least for us new members, 42 percent of the body is relatively new—this is an opportunity for us to reflect change,” Sepúlveda said. “No one person should have this much power.”

The entire City and State article can be found at this link.

WILLIAMS TO CHAIR COUNCIL HEARING TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE EXPIRATION OF THE 421-A TAX EXEMPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 10:00 AM CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL

Tomorrow, the New York City Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings, Chaired by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader, , will hold an oversight hearing entitled "A Review of the 421-a Tax Benefit Program." The 421-a program was designed to encourage residential development of underused land by significantly reducing the property taxes for time periods ranging from 10 to 25 years, and has has two main objectives - stimulate residential development and increase access to affordable housing for low-income New Yorkers.  Housing advocates argue that the tax exemption is a give away for developers and costs the city more than $1 billion in tax revenue per year, while others argue that 421-a is a necessary tool to meet the Mayor's ambitions 10-year affordable housing goal. The Rent Act of 2011 extended the 421-a tax exemption to June 15, 2015, and unless the State Legislature extends the program, the tax exemption will expire on that date.  This hearing will focus on the benefits and drawbacks of the program, including a consideration whether or not the tax exemption should be allowed to sunset this June. WHO: Council Member Jumaane D. Williams; members of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee; those testifying, including members of the Administration,  elected officials, housing developers, housing advocates, members of the real estate industry, and other interested members of the public. WHAT: Council Oversight Hearing on 421-a Tax Exemptions for Residential Developments WHERE: Chambers of City Hall WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2015, 10:00 AM CONTACT: William Gerlich, wgerlich@council.nyc.gov or 917-608-8784

And the Next Speaker of the Assembly IS --

  With his future as the speaker of the assembly in great doubt ever since having been arrested by the U.S. Attorney's office on several counts of corruption, assembly Democrats are scrambling to find an interim speaker if and when Silver steps down as speaker. That move however would require a change in the assembly rules.  ODDS for a new speaker EVEN MONEY.and dropping every minute.

Current Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle who is now being touted as a caretaker speaker until mid February or even for 90 days, then a permanent replacement to Silver will be chosen. ODDS 8 - 1

 

Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie has gained some momentum, as it appears that Heastie may have the backing of Queens Democratic organization. However that will not be near enough votes to become the next speaker. ODDS 20 - 1

My money is on Manhattan Democratic County Leader Keith Wright. In the redrawing of the 15th congressional district one version had the district go through the Bronx and into Mount Vernon. This was the best case scenario for Assemblyman Heastie, but the district remained a majority Manhattan district to the advantage of Assemblyman and Manhattan county leader Keith Wright.  ODDS 3 - 5

Any other assembly Democrat ODDS are 10 - 1.to 99 - 1.

Any assembly Republican  the ODDS are off the board.

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: NYS Assembly Leadership

  "As the members of the Democratic conference of the New York State Assembly consider the future of their leadership, one thing must be clear throughout the process: the next speaker of the Assembly must be elected from New York City.

“New York City has always been at the forefront of Democratic Party polices and principles, and the New York State Assembly has traditionally led the charge on issues this city holds dear, be it rent control and tenant protections, the minimum wage, public education and transportation funding, to name a few.

"Without an Assembly Speaker from the five boroughs, no leadership position in the legislature would be held by a legislator from New York City. Abandoning that tradition would be of grave concern to the 8.5 million residents of the city of New York," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Assembly Leader Hopefuls Down to 2 Names

    Rumors are swirling around Albany that the proposed 5 person care taker assembly leadership team is now down to only 2 names. The original 5 included Denny Farrell (former Manhattan Democratic County Leader), Carl Heastie (Bronx Democratic County Leader), Kathleen Nolan (Queens), Joe Lentol (Brooklyn), and Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle (Rochester). 

   And the 2 finalist are - Denny Farrell and Joe Morelle. Farrell is from Manhattan, but turns 83 soon and Morelle is from upstate Rochester, unlike Sheldon Silver who was from Manhattan only. It has been said any new speaker would have to come from NYC. 

  Governor Andrew Cuomo has publicly rejected the idea of an assembly leadership by committee, as has Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Assembly and senate Republicans have only said that Sheldon Silver should step down, and have no name to replace him.

  Just like the snow falling outside, it could be a while until we see the end to both items.

MAYOR DE BLASIO DELIVERS UPDATE ON SEVERE WINTER STORM

City  issues Winter Weather Emergency Declaration restricting all non-emergency travel after 11 PM Monday

All public schools closed on Tuesday

   Mayor de Blasio today updated New Yorkers on the approaching winter storm, warning people to refrain from travel as the storm’s intensity worsens this afternoon and through Tuesday. The mayor will issue a local Winter Weather Emergency Declaration restricting travel in all cases except emergencies beginning at 11 PM Monday. The latest forecasts anticipate approximately two feet of snow and near-blizzard conditions across New York City.

“Our message to New Yorkers is to not underestimate this storm. Make preparations to get home this afternoon before the worst of the storm hits. The combination of heavy snow and wind will make travel dangerous. We need cars off the road so that our equipment can do its work and keep streets passable for emergency vehicles. This will be mandatory at 11 PM tonight,” said Mayor de Blasio.

Latest Forecast

A blizzard warning will be in effect from 1 PM today (January 26) through Tuesday night (January 27). Snow accumulations between 20 and 30 inches are anticipated, with the heaviest snowfall occurring late Monday night into Tuesday morning. Heavy winds, with gusts reach up to 65 miles per hour, will severely reduce visibility.

A Coastal Flood Warning has been issued for parts of Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx during overnight hours. A Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect for parts of Manhattan and Staten Island overnight as well.

Travel

Streets and highways will be closed to all but emergency vehicle travel at 11 PM Monday night until further notice. Only vehicles related to emergency services, vital City services and delivery of vital supplies will be permitted on streets until the order is lifted. New Yorkers are also urged not to walk or venture outside once the worst of the storm hits this evening.

Schools

Schools are open today but will be closed on Tuesday (January 27). Regents exams scheduled for Tuesday will be rescheduled for Thursday. After-school programs, adult education programs and PSAL activities are canceled today and tomorrow.

Snow Removal

The Department of Sanitation has 12-hour shifts of 2,400 workers each on duty, with 1,800 collection trucks outfitted with plows (up from usual 1,500) and another 500 salt spreaders, also outfitted with plows. City agencies have dedicated a further 250 pieces of equipment, for a total of 2,550 vehicles now dedicated to the effort. Plowing progress can be followed via the PlowNYC feature at nyc.gov/plownyc.

Parking and Trash Collection

Alternate side parking and garbage/recycling collection are suspended Monday (January 26), Tuesday (January 27) and Wednesday (January 28) to facilitate snow removal. Parking meters remain in effect.

Emergency Response

911 should only be used in case of emergencies. All other snow related inquiries and reports should be made to 311. FDNY has added 110 additional ambulances to its operations this afternoon—bringing its total to 380 on duty. The agency is also adding a fifth firefighter to each engine company. More than 500 additional personnel will support operations over the next 24 hours.

Parks

City parks will close at 6 PM Monday and remain closed until further notice, to avert danger from falling tree branches weighed down

with snow.

Ferry Service

Staten Island and East River Ferry service are operating on a normal schedule until further notice, but modified service is possible as conditions worsen.

Heat and Hot Water

Any tenant lacking heat and hot water should immediately call 311. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development has crews responding.

Homeless Services

Code Blue protocols are in effect. No one seeking shelter in New York City will be denied. Anyone who sees a homeless individual or family out in the cold should call 311 immediately and an outreach team will be dispatched to assist them.

Further Notifications

For information and updates related to weather and travel conditions, visit NYC.gov/severeweather. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit NYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.