Mayor de Blasio to Push the Button at 11:59 PM

Mayor de Blasio, First Lady McCray and Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists Joel Simon will push the button at the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.

Parkchester Kwanzaa Celebration

  It was the 52nd Anniversary of Kwanzaa at St. Helena's Church in Parkchester. Nubia Leader was the Mistress of Ceremony, various holiday entrainment performed, the lighting of the Kwanzaa Candles, Parkchester 87th Assembly District Leader John Perez along with 79th Assemblyman Michael Blake (also a candidate for the vacant Public Advocate office), and lots of vendors made this a wonderful evening. 

Above - The lighting of the Kwanzaa Candles by Ms. Nana Zakia.

Below - Mr. Hilliard Greene on the Bass Fiddle.

Above - Mr. King Lagee and Ms. Sarah Thomas are with event organizer Debra Oguamah.

Below - Parkchester District Leader John Perez speaks with Ms. Ogusmah.

Above - Some more entertainment.

Below - Assemblyman (and candidate for Public Advocate) Michael Blake address the large crowd.

Christ Disciples International Ministries Food Pantry Saturday Mission

 Over 500 people came to the Christ Disciples International Ministries Food Pantry this past Saturday to pick up some much needed fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and other food that a family needs but can not afford. This is a weekly occurrence by a few greatly appreciated donors such as Western Beef, Shabbir Gul, the Albanian American Open Hand Association, and the many volunteers who assist in handing out the free food.

Assemblyman Jose Rivera was on hand to capture some of the 'act of kindness' as he interviews Shabbir Gul a Bronx business owner and Mr. Aleksander Nilaj of the AAOHA. The fourth person is one of the volunteers. Also on hand was 87th A.D. District Leader Sergeant John Perez. No photos of the people receiving food were taken to uphold their dignity. About a full truckload of food was distributed. 

NYPD Outlines Security Measures for Security on New Year's Eve in Times Square

Hundreds of Thousands Expected to Safely Gather in Times Square to Ring in 2019

  The New York Police Department announced today security measures for the annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill were joined by other top officials at the announcement, which was held at NASDAQ. The New York Police Department continues to maintain a robust overlay of police officers to ensure the safety of the celebrators.

"The NYPD routinely does a great job of planning and securing large-scale events around New York City," Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill said. "Simply put, this is what we do — and New Year's Eve, when the eyes of the world are on us, is certainly no exception. Nothing in our profession is done alone, however, and our members work hand-in-hand with our law-enforcement partners — including the FBI, the New York State Police, the MTA Police, and many others — all throughout the year in preparation. This unrivaled collaboration allows us to carry out our shared mission of delivering the safest and most enjoyable event possible, up to and through the ball-drop in Times Square."

"New Yorkers have much to be thankful for and celebrate this year," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We're on track to becoming yet again the safest big city in our nation thanks to the women and men in blue who defend and protect our city every day. Our officers are fostering connections with community leaders and neighborhood organizations to build on our neighborhood policing progress and make New York City not just safest, but fairest big city in America."

As in years past, those attending the celebration in Times Square will be screened. Backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Property may not be left checkpoints. At approximately 11 a.m., attendees will be directed by police officers to gather in separate viewing pens. As the pens get populated, the entertainment from 43rd Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenues will continue to move north up to Central Park, due to the ball drop from the southern end. Please note, attendees who leave before the ball drops will not be able to regain entry to their original viewing area.

Beginning at 4 a.m. on Monday, December 31st, 2018, Times Square will be closed to vehicular traffic. People should avoid all cross-town streets from 34th to 59th Streets, as well as Sixth and Eighth Avenues. A traffic advisory with a comprehensive list of street closures is available on our website.

Mass transit is strongly encouraged due to expected heavy traffic delays and parking restrictions. Remember, large backpacks, lawn chairs, umbrellas and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Anyone who sees suspicious activity should alert a police officer or call 911. The NYPD's terrorism hotline is 888-NYC-SAFE.

The New York Police Department announced today security measures for the annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill were joined by other top officials at the announcement, which was held at NASDAQ. The New York Police Department continues to maintain a robust overlay of police officers to ensure the safety of the celebrators.

"The NYPD routinely does a great job of planning and securing large-scale events around New York City," Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill said. "Simply put, this is what we do — and New Year's Eve, when the eyes of the world are on us, is certainly no exception. Nothing in our profession is done alone, however, and our members work hand-in-hand with our law-enforcement partners — including the FBI, the New York State Police, the MTA Police, and many others — all throughout the year in preparation. This unrivaled collaboration allows us to carry out our shared mission of delivering the safest and most enjoyable event possible, up to and through the ball-drop in Times Square."

"New Yorkers have much to be thankful for and celebrate this year," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We're on track to becoming yet again the safest big city in our nation thanks to the women and men in blue who defend and protect our city every day. Our officers are fostering connections with community leaders and neighborhood organizations to build on our neighborhood policing progress and make New York City not just safest, but fairest big city in America."

As in years past, those attending the celebration in Times Square will be screened. Backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Property may not be left checkpoints. At approximately 11 a.m., attendees will be directed by police officers to gather in separate viewing pens. As the pens get populated, the entertainment from 43rd Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenues will continue to move north up to Central Park, due to the ball drop from the southern end. Please note, attendees who leave before the ball drops will not be able to regain entry to their original viewing area.

Beginning at 4 a.m. on Monday, December 31st, 2018, Times Square will be closed to vehicular traffic. People should avoid all cross-town streets from 34th to 59th Streets, as well as Sixth and Eighth Avenues. A traffic advisory with a comprehensive list of street closures is available on our website.

Mass transit is strongly encouraged due to expected heavy traffic delays and parking restrictions. Remember, large backpacks, lawn chairs, umbrellas and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Anyone who sees suspicious activity should alert a police officer or call 911. The NYPD's terrorism hotline is 888-NYC-SAFE.

A.G. Underwood And State Police Superintendent Beach Announce Indictment Of Brooklyn Couple For Year-Long Mortgage Fraud And Money Laundering Scheme To Obtain Over $1.3 Million

John F. Iacono and Shpresa Gjekovic Allegedly Stole Over $460,000 and Attempted to Steal Over $860,000 More from Financial Institutions Throughout New York

Iacono and Gjekovic Allegedly Grossly Overstated Their Income and Assets, Forged Cashier Checks, and Falsified Bank Statements, W2s, Paystubs, and Tax Returns in Order to Secure Financing on a Schoharie County Property 

  Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood and State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II announced the unsealing of a 19-count indictment charging John F. Iacono, 46, a/k/a Vito Yodice and Shpresa Gjekovic, 32, a/k/a Hope Gjekovic a/k/a Hope Iacono a/k/a Hope Yodice a/k/a Shpresa Hadzovic, with defrauding banks throughout New York State and laundering those criminal proceeds to further their scheme. A joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau and the New York State Police revealed that Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly utilized shell companies, provided fake bank statements, W2s, paystubs, and tax returns, and forged cashier checks in order to solicit over $1.3 million in loans from multiple banks across the upstate region. Both defendants were arrested on a 19-count indictment, including charges of Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Second and Third Degrees, and Money Laundering in the Third Degree.

“As we allege, these defendants grossly inflated their assets and forged a number of documents in order to defraud multiple New York banks and attempt to steal over a million dollars,” said Attorney General Underwood. “We have no tolerance for those who try to defraud New Yorkers in order to line their own pockets.”

Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “This couple concocted a series of devious schemes to knowingly defraud financial institutions out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. I commend the Attorney General’s Office, our State Police Financial Crimes Unit and other law enforcement partners for their hard work in exposing this fraud. This indictment should serve as a reminder that those who seek to carry out such deliberate scams will be held accountable for their crimes and brought to justice.”

According to the indictment and statements made by the prosecutor at arraignment, between April 2016 and March 2017, Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly applied for mortgages, a construction loan, personal lines of credit, personal loans, a commercial loan, a debt consolidation loan, and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) by grossly overstating their income, assets, and source of funds – all supported by fraudulent documentation. The couple also allegedly created entities, including but not limited to JF Iacono, LLC and Iacono, LLC, and purported to have worked for them for years. In reality, these companies were created just days prior to their submission of applications for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bank funds. In total, the couple stole over $460,000 from three financial institutions, and attempted to steal over $860,000 in additional proceeds from five financial institutions.

The investigation further revealed that Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly supplied over $125,000 in counterfeit cashiers checks to financial institutions, law firms, title companies, and the sellers of a Schoharie County property in order to secure financing and establish residence in the area. Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly intended to turn the Schoharie County property into a swingers club, but after obtaining the property, instead rented it out as a hunting cabin and purported to raise money for children in need. The couple allegedly utilized online postings, including on Facebook and Airbnb, to advertise the rental property.

In addition, Iacono and Gjekovic allegedly concealed from financial institutions outstanding judgments against them totaling in excess of $1.4 million. Moreover, the couple allegedly laundered fraudulently obtained loan proceeds to fund deposits and cash to close on the real estate transactions, utilizing at least five financial institutions during the course of the year-long scheme.

The defendants also allegedly created a personal financial statement showing net worth in excess of $1.1 million, with cash on hand of $400,000, while in reality their account balances were in the negative. The defendants allegedly supplied false bank statements showing the purported assets to support this claim. The balances on these statements were allegedly grossly inflated, as the couple never had more than a few thousand dollars in the accounts – the vast majority of which was from other loans.

Iacono and Gjekovic are each charged in the Attorney General’s indictment with the following 19 felonies: Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree, a class C felony (one count); Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony (two counts); Money Laundering in the Third Degree, a class D felony (two counts); Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony (one count); Attempted Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree, a class D felony (one count); Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class D felony (three counts); Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, a class D felony (four counts); Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, a class E felony (four counts); and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class E felony (one count).

Iacono was arraigned on December 20, 2018 before Schoharie County Court Judge George R. Bartlett, III. Bail was set in the amount of $175,000 cash or $350,000 bond. Gjekovic was arraigned on December 24, 2018 before Hon. Bartlett and bail was set in the amount of $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond. The defendants are scheduled to appear back in court January 16, 2019.

If convicted of all counts, Iacono and Gjekovic could each face up to 10 to 20 years in state prison. 

The charges are merely allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Attorney General Underwood thanks the New York State Police Financial Crimes Unit, as well as Schoharie County District Attorney Susan J. Mallery, for their valuable assistance on this investigation.

Throggs Neck Houses Community Day With Police Commissioner O'Neill

  It was the Throggs Neck Houses Community Day where the residents and the police officers that protect them were able to celebrate the holidays together. A special guest arrived to help Tenant Leader Monique Johnson, as Police Commissioner James O'Neill came to show his support for the Housing Officers of PSA 7 and PSA 8, and the Explorer Programs at the 43rd, 45th, and 47th Precincts. 

Above - Throggs Neck Houses Tenant Leader Ms. Monique Johnson escorts NYPD Commissioner O'Neill into the room.

Below - Captain Ramsey (commanding officer of PSA 8) introduces NYPD Commissioner O'Neill.

Above - Students enrolled in the NYPD Explorers Program from the 43rd, 45th, and 47th Precincts competed in a drill competition.

Below - Commissioner O'Neill with some of the Explorers.

Above - Bronx District Attorney Darcal Clark (r), and Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson.

Below - Councilman Andy King.

Above- Councilwoman Gibson and Captain Ramsey got down with the Explorers and police officers.

Below - Councilman Andy King showed off his moves with residents of the Throggs Neck Houses.

Above - Commissioner O'Neill was interviewed by Fox 5 reporter Lisa Evers.

Below - Assemblyman (and candidate for Public Advocate) Michael Blake with Captain Ramsey.

Councilwoman Gibson and Councilman King (both of whom are considered to be candidates in 2021 for Bronx Borough President) with PSA 8 Captain Ramsey, and PSA 8 Community Affairs officer Stephanie Batista-Fernandez.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON THE SPECIAL ELECTION FOR PUBLIC ADVOCATE

  “With New York Attorney General-elect Tish James’ upcoming inauguration, it is my pleasure to announce the special election for Public Advocate will take place on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. This date will help maximize voter turnout, and my Administration will work around the clock to make sure every New Yorker is encouraged to exercise their right to vote.”

VISION ZERO: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES THAT TRAFFIC FATALITIES ARE EXPECTED TO DROP FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR

Under Vision Zero, 2018 has been safest year on record, with fewest New Yorkers lost on City’s roadways since 1910;  Year saw most dramatic fatality declines among cyclists and car occupants — and in Manhattan and on Staten Island

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that as the year nears its end, New York City was on track to see its fewest traffic fatalities on record, powered largely by dramatic drops in cyclist and motor vehicle occupant fatalities, both of which have reached record lows. The boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island also reached record fatality lows in 2018.  Overall trends suggest New York City will achieve a fifth consecutive year of declining traffic deaths under Vision Zero, with fatalities declining by a third since 2013. 

Since 2013, the year before Vision Zero was implemented by the de Blasio Administration, traffic fatalities have dropped 34 percent to the lowest level since record-keeping began in 1910.    Thus far in 2018, 196 people have been lost in traffic crashes; last year, as of December 27, New York City had experienced 221 traffic fatalities, and the year 2017 ended with 222 total fatalities.  Among cyclists, fatalities have seen a dramatic decline: 10 so far this year compared to 24 in 2017 — from a four-year average of 19 deaths since 2014.  Meanwhile, motor vehicle occupant fatalities have fallen to 36 thus far from a total of 58 last year, and from a Vision Zero average of 56 per year.

“With each passing year, New Yorkers continue to see Vision Zero save lives,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Over the last five years, we have lowered the speed limit, increased enforcement and designed hundreds of safer streets. But no loss of life on our streets is acceptable, and the twelve pedestrians killed so far this past month are a sober reminder that this new milestone is less a cause for celebration than a reminder that even with this year’s success, we have much more to do to meet our ambitious goal.”

“Heading into 2019, the NYPD and our partners will continue to advance the extraordinary efforts that have led to years of sustained declines in traffic deaths in New York City,” said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “Any fatality, however, is a stark indication of how much work is left to do in order to make all of our streets safe at all times for every driver, bicyclist and pedestrian.”

“Five years into Vision Zero, New York City has seen lower fatalities each year, encouraging results unparalleled among American cities,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We have been especially gratified that after years of increasing cyclist fatalities, cycling deaths are declining this year to their annual lowest levels ever — even as cycling experiences greater ridership than ever.  However, as the Mayor has reminded us, the past few weeks of lost pedestrian lives remind us that we have much more work to do to fully achieve Vision Zero.”

“We have more drivers and vehicles today than ever before, and in the face of this growth we have seen a 50% decrease in licensee-related crash fatalities this past year, highlighting the dedication of the tens of thousands of licensed professional drivers who incorporate the goals of Vision Zero into their daily work,” said TLC Chair Meera Joshi.  “As we recognize each milestone, we never lose sight of the fact that there is still work to be done as we redouble our efforts on outreach, enforcement and education in the coming year.”

Among notable Vision Zero achievements in 2018:

A Steep Decline in Cyclist Deaths: As part of Vision Zero, New York City committed to expanding access for cyclists, who are among the most vulnerable street users.   Under Vision Zero, cycling has become the fastest-growing transit mode and during 2018, fatalities among cyclists declined to record-low levels: 10, compared to a previous record-low of 12 in 2009 and 2013, when cycling was much less popular.  Major developments this year that will continue to improve cycling safety in New York City include: 

• Expansion of Bike Lanes: DOT installed over 20 miles of protected bike lanes in 2018, the second-most of any year and more than triple the pre-Vision Zero annual average — including major new lanes on Skillman/43rd Avenues in Queens and 9th Street in Brooklyn. Since the start of Vision Zero, more than 250 miles of dedicated cycling space (conventional and protected bicycle lanes) have been installed, with a bicycle network that now exceeds 1,200 miles.  
• More Bike Sharing Bike share’s dramatic expansion continued in 2018 with a dockless pilot in the Rockaways, on the North Shore of Staten Island and in the Bronx.  In November, Citi Bike also announced that as part of a $100 million investment by Lyft, it would double its service area and triple the number of bikes over the next five years.  Over its first five years, Citi Bike’s arrival in local communities has led to an increase in cyclists but a measurable decrease in the number of serious crashes involving bicycles.
• Better Designs In 2018, DOT released Cycling at a Crossroads: The Design Future of New York City Intersections.  With the vast majority of cycling crashes happening at intersections, the report provides a comprehensive look at design options for intersections with protected bike lanes. Based on a detailed analysis of safety and comfort for different design treatments, it provides an overview of their use in various street contexts, including guidance for applying pilot “protected intersection”-type treatments citywide. 
• L Train Preparations With cycling expected to double or even triple in communities affected by the closure of the L train tunnel between Brooklyn and Manhattan this coming April, DOT this year undertook ambitious plans for safer cycling routes for displaced L riders.  On Brooklyn’s Grand Street, new protected lanes will see finishing touches in the months ahead.  These lanes will complement mid-Manhattan’s first-ever protected crosstown bike lanes on 12th, 13th, 26th and 29th Streets.  With a new ferry route for L riders opening in April, new crosstown lanes along East 20th Street have opened.  A new two-way protected lane on Delancey Street also connects cyclists on other protected lanes directly to the Williamsburg Bridge, already the most popular East River bicycle crossing.

Fewest-Ever Fatalities in Manhattan and on Staten Island:  By borough, Manhattan and Staten Island have seen the most notable fatality declines in 2018.  So far this year, Manhattan has seen a record low 27 fatalities compared to 45 in 2017; its previous record low was 28 in 2015.  The borough of Staten Island has also seen its fewest-ever fatalities: 6, down from 15 in 2017, and significantly less than the previous record low, 11, in 2014.   Hylan Boulevard, which was the site of eight traffic fatalities in one 12-month period during 2014-15, has been the intense focus of DOT safety improvements and NYPD enforcement: in 2018, Hylan Boulevard saw a single traffic fatality.

Preservation of the Speed Camera Program:  The City’s 140 speed cameras have been a key element of Vision Zero, shown to reduce speeding in school zones by over 60 percent.  Despite inaction during the Albany legislative session, where reauthorization of the lifesaving program was blocked, the program was restored on the day before schools opened -- thanks to strong and coordinated action from Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo and Council Speaker Johnson.  

Continued Strong Traffic Enforcement:  As part of ongoing Vision Zero enforcement, NYPD Traffic officers issued more than 50,000 summonses to drivers who failed to yield to pedestrians or cyclists in 2018 -- more than four times the pre-Vision Zero annual average. Over the same period, officers issued nearly 150,000 speeding summonses, and automated speed cameras issued nearly 1 million Notices of Liability in 2018, with more than 50% issued at Vision Zero Priority Locations.

Vision Zero “Dusk and Darkness” Marketing: Media messaging during the evening commute is a key component of the "Dusk and Darkness" initiative. Following an increase in pedestrian fatalities this month, most during darkness hours, DOT has extended its drive-time radio advertising to remind drivers of the increased risk to pedestrians during the winter months. Drivers should follow the speed limit, turn slowly and always watch for pedestrians. The Vision Zero television ad "Driving isn't Easy, but Saving a Life is" will air on broadcast and cable stations from January through March.

Safety Improvement Projects in Every Borough: DOT completed 138 street safety engineering projects in 2018, more than double the pre-Vision Zero annual average, with 95 projects at Priority Locations. Nearly 500 safety engineering projects have been completed since the start of Vision Zero.   Among this year’ major projects around the five boroughs that will have an impact on the safety and mobility of New Yorkers:

• Midtown Manhattan: In 2018, DOT installed sidewalk extensions on 7th Ave between 34th and 42nd Street, one of Midtown’s busiest streets leading directly to Penn Station.  The changes provide more than 30,000 square feet of additional pedestrian space. 
• Northern Bronx: Running along Van Cortlandt Park, Broadway had long been a high-crash corridor.  DOT installed a variety of safety enhancements, including a two- way protected bike path, additional pedestrian spaces, shortened crossings, and bus boarding islands. 
• South Brooklyn:  DOT, working closely with MTA NYC Transit, improved bus service along Kings Highway with the launch of B82 Select Bus Service (SBS) with new bus lanes that limit conflicts, streamline traffic flow and save travel time for 28,000 daily commuters. 
• Rockaway, Queens: As part of a multiagency focus on infrastructure investment, access to opportunity and improved quality of life on the Eastern half of the peninsula, a complex and confusing intersection was resdesigned at Far Rockaway Blvd and Beach Channel Drive. New crosswalks, markings, expanded pedestrian space and a simplified traffic pattern make it easier for residents, including those at a new senior facility, to walk to local retail and the A train. 
• Bulls Head, Staten Island: Along Victory Boulevard, a Vision Zero Priority corridor, DOT added pedestrian refuge islands, new crosswalks and an ADA-accessible sidewalk and bus stop at Arlene Street.

Safer For-Hire Vehicles: In a year where TLC licensees achieved a 50% decrease in the number of licensee-related crash fatalities, the agency was pleased to have honored more than 400 drivers and 17 businesses for their exemplary safety records, the highest number of honorees in the five years of the event.  Safety Honor Roll drivers have no crashes involving an injury or fatality, no moving violations, and no TLC rule violations for at least four years.  In February , the TLC also approved the final version of its fatigued driving prevention rules, which set daily and weekly hour limits for drivers to help keep tired drivers off the road. TLC continued to hold driver outreach meetings at licensed For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) bases and taxi garages throughout the city, highlighting protected bike lanes, high-risk driving behavior that can lead to crashes, and the crucial role that professional drivers play in promoting a culture of safe driving.  

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of our fellow New Yorkers, and safe streets are a huge part of doing so successfully,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “The progress we’ve made on Vision Zero is inspiring and the reduction in cyclist deaths is especially encouraging. We of course have more work to do, but we are making progress and that means we are saving lives. I thank the DOT and Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and the NYPD and Commissioner O’Neill for all their incredible work on this critically important issue.”

“Whether by foot, by bike, by bus, or in their cars, it’s essential that New Yorkers can travel around this city safely,” said City Comptroller Scott Stringer. “Vision Zero has spurred real progress and saved dozens of lives. For our students walking to school, seniors heading to their doctors, and all New Yorkers, safe streets are a basic necessity and something we have to continuously work towards.”

“I commend the strong coalition of DOT, safe streets advocates, and everyday New Yorkers who have helped make New York City’s highways and byways the safest they’ve been in more than a century,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “We must not rest on our laurels, because true Vision Zero is still a goal out of our grasp. In the coming year, we must double down on our efforts to redesign dangerous corridors and end traffic violence across the five boroughs.”

“Every year we reduce traffic fatalities is a milestone, but we need to keep working — through education, outreach, infrastructure investment, and enforcement — until the number is zero,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer.

“The overall decrease in traffic fatalities since Vision Zero began shows that the initiative is making progress,” said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz. “I am pleased that New York City is becoming safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists as streets and driving conditions are adjusted to better reflect a 21^st century city. I look forward to seeing the continued improvements Vision Zero brings until we reach our goal of eliminating senseless death and injury from traffic accidents.”

“I’m proud to serve as the Chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee working with the Administration to set expectations under Vision Zero, which have curtailed traffic fatalities every year, for the last five years," said Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. “I commend Mayor de Blasio and DOT Commissioner, Polly Trottenberg for their efforts to combat traffic fatalities at a level that has become a national model. While these numbers continue to drop, we must increase our efforts to protect pedestrians and cyclists by enhancing street design measures, encouraging the use of public and alternative modes of transportation on city streets, and adding more protected bike lanes to foster a less car-reliant culture and move towards the future of sustainable options such as e-scooters and e-bikes.”

For more information about the Vision Zero initiative, please see www.nyc.gov/visionzero.

As of Dec, 27

Traffic Fatality Stats by Mode
YR	Ped	Bicycles	Motorcycles	Motor Vehicles	TOTAL
2018	111	10	39	36	196
2017	106	24	33	58	221
2016	146	18	19	46	229
2015	137	14	22	59	232
2014	138	20	37	62	257
2013	180	12	42	60	294

Stats by Borough
YEAR	BX	BK	MN	QN	SI	Total
2018	37	55	27	71	6	196
2017	40	59	45	62	15	221
2016	50	50	48	64	17	229
2015	39	66	28	74	25	232
2014	37	80	45	84	11	257
2013	48	86	47	98	15	294

EDITOR'S NOTE:

As to the bullet point Northern Bronx describing Broadway, DOT has redesigned almost all of the intersections on Broadway in the Bronx from Manhattan to the Yonkers City line. 

The one intersection that has not been redesigned is the intersection of Broadway, West 230th Street, and Exterior Street. That is the one Broadway intersection with the most accidents, including fatal accidents, and those with pedestrians. 

DOT does not know how to fix this intersection, and has made only minor cosmetic improvements while this remains the most dangerous intersection in the 50th precinct, Bronx Community Board 8, and one of the worse intersections in the Bronx.

The so Called protected bike lane on Broadway ends at West 242nd Street where the elevated subway tracks begin into Manhattan. According to the DOT the roadway under the elevated subway tracks is to dangerous to place a bike lane. 

As to the bullet point Rockaway Queens, the same situation exists in Far Rockaway where there is an elevated subway running the entire length of the Rockaway peninsula. 

Five - Alarm Southern Boulevard Fire injures Two People, and Wrecks Havoc on Traffic For Two Hours

   A five-alarm fire which was confined to only one first floor apartment at 2363 Southern Boulevard had two people in the second floor apartment above the fire go to the hospital for smoke inhalation. At Six P.M. Police from the 48th Precinct closed Southern Boulevard from Fordham Road for a six block stretch halting all traffic on the street as tower ladders were in place to allow firemen to quickly get on the roof of the six story building. The entire building did not have to be evacuated, only those apartments on the south side of the wrap around building where the fire was located, and the first floor across from the apartment where the fire of an unknown cause occurred. Fire engines from as far as Bailey Avenue were called to the scene and remained in place for over one hour until the fire was completely put out, and all adjoining sections as well as any crawl spaces were checked out to make sure the fire did not spread further than the one apartment which was demolished from the inside.

Above - Water spurts from the apartment on fire out this window to the other side of the building.

Below - Tower ladders were set up so firemen could quickly get to the roof, and to allow for hoses to be placed on the roof if necessary.  

Above - One of the two people who were assisted out of the building by firemen was placed on a gurney to be loaded into an ambulance for transportation to the hospital.

Below - Only a few of the many emergency vehicles and workers who were on scene at 2363 Southern Boulevard. 

Above - As the fire was put out, all the belongings were thrown out of the apartment onto the sidewalk or courtyard to make sure that the fire would not start again.

Below - This bus became stuck between fire engines fighting the fire and more fire engines behind it that came to assist. The bus was turned into a temporary shelter while it waited for the fire to be put out and street reopened.

New Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Bronx Tax Man Corp. present a FREE Breakfast Seminar:

How the "Tax Cut and Jobs Act" will Affect You

  

     

FREE BREAKFAST SEMINAR
presented by
The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce
and Bronx Tax Man Corp.
"HOW THE 'TAX CUT AND JOBS ACT' WILL AFFECT YOU"
FRIDAY | JANUARY 11, 2019 | 9:00AM
Residence Inn by Marriott  |  2nd Floor Conference Room
1776 Eastchester Rd. | Bronx, NY 10461 | Hutch Metro Atrium
─  doors open at 8:30am  ─

• Mr. Cerini will be covering some of the most prominent changes affecting us all.
• Come, listen and learn how our lives will be changing with the New Tax Plan for 2019 and beyond.
• Whether you own a business, a primary or investment home, have children, have investments and capital gains, or if you are an employee of un-reimbursed employee expenses, there are many changes coming our way.
• Come to our breakfast seminar to learn and ask questions.
• John Cerini and staff will be on hand to answer your questions afterwards one-on-one.

John Cerini has an extensive background in the financial world as a Tax Preparer, Real Estate Broker, Insurance Broker and a Notary Public. John has been operating the office on East Tremont for 18 years, and will be here for you when you need him. John and the dedicated staff at Bronx Tax Man Corp. offer the highest level of quality tax, accounting, and financial service to individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other clients.

For more information or to RSVP (by Wednesday, January 9, 2019), contact Phil Cardone at 718-828-3900 or events@bronxchamber.org.

The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce represents businesses, from large corporations, mid- to small-sized companies, mom-and-pop shops, cultural institutions, universities and colleges, hospitals and medical centers.

Our mission is to strengthen the economic viability while forming initiatives and partnerships with those businesses, organizations and institutions we represent.

Visit www.bronxchamber.org for information on our next networking events as well as other Chamber events in your area. Additional information: 718-828-3900.