Governor Hochul Announces State Police and Local Law Enforcement to Crack Down on Drunk and Drugged Driving During Fourth of July Weekend

 

Troopers and Local Law Enforcement to Target Impaired and Reckless Drivers through the Holiday Weekend 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic infractions this Fourth of July.  State Troopers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target reckless and aggressive driving statewide to keep New York highways safe during what is considered the biggest travel weekend of the summer. The campaign, which is funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022, and run through 3 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. 

"State Police and local law enforcement agencies will once again be out in force on New York's roadways this holiday weekend," Governor Hochul said. "We want New Yorkers to have fun celebrating the Fourth of July, but we also want them to do so responsibly. We have zero tolerance for drivers whose reckless actions endanger the lives of others and will hold those who do so accountable."  

New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "The Fourth of July is known for its fun and fireworks, but New Yorkers should also remember that making the wrong decision to drive while impaired can result in tragedy. If your celebrations include alcohol, plan for a safe ride home, and if you're travelling this weekend, remember to put down the phone, follow posted speed limits, and always put safety first."  

Last year, the State Police issued 10,238 traffic tickets during the Fourth of July weekend. Troopers arrested 195 people for DWI and investigated 648 crashes, including two fatalities. 

During this enforcement period, drivers can expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and increased DWI patrols. Law enforcement will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to "move over" for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways. 

Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated. 

DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Independence Day is a wonderful day to celebrate with family and friends, especially when it is part of a long weekend. We want everyone to celebrate safely, so please have a plan if you will be drinking and do not drive impaired." 

The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their "Have a Plan" mobile app, is available for Apple, Droid and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver. 

If you drive drunk or drugged, you not only put your life and the lives of others at risk, but you could also face arrest, jail time, and substantial fines and attorney fees. The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000. Arrested drunk and drugged drivers face the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work. 

The New York State Police, GTSC and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to prevent impaired driving: 

• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins. 
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver. 
• If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation. 
• Use your community's sober ride program. 
• If you suspect a driver is drunk or impaired on the road, don't hesitate to contact local law enforcement. 
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. 

PUBLIC ADVOCATE QUESTIONS CITY’S HOUSING ‘BLUEPRINT’ IN COUNCIL HEARING

 

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams questioned administration officials today about the city’s new ‘blueprint’ for affordable housing, highlighting deficiencies and a lack of much-needed specificity within the framework. At the hearing of the City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings, the Public Advocate pushed for clarity and additional information which the administration has yet to provide his office or the people of New York.

“After reviewing “Housing our Neighbors: A Blueprint on Housing & Homelessness”, our office has concluded that the blueprint puts together in one place all that we already know, but does not include the specifics of what we need to know, and an analysis of why certain affordable housing programs are not delivering what we need, when we need it and not in the numbers that are needed in New York City,” said Public Advocate Williams in testimony. “My office is still awaiting a briefing of the blueprint. I am thankful the Council is holding this hearing and hope it will illuminate many unanswered questions.”

The Public Advocate released a report in December 2021, Reviewing the Mayor’s Housing Plan to Bolster Affordability and Equity, about previous failed efforts by the city to meet the affordable housing needs in either price or volume, and has long called for deeper affordability standards. Read more on that report here. 

On the blueprint’s guidelines for NYCHA, which the Public Advocate has repeatedly declared to be the worst landlord in the city, he said, “The report points out that NYCHA’s current work order system is backlogged with over 600,000 work orders. Moreover, there are wait times of over 300 days for work performed by workers in skilled trades such as painters, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. The report goes on to say that the administration will implement 'Work Order Reform Today' that addresses duplicative or unnecessary work orders, and scheduling repairs around a resident’s availability. My question is– how?” 

The hearing comes amid a mounting eviction crisis as rents are rising and the state has failed to enact Good Cause eviction protections. Yesterday, an Albany judge struck down local good cause protections, further highlighting the need for immediate state action. 

In noting that the affordable housing and homelessness crises are truly one issue, he commended the blueprint for this recognition while criticizing the failure of the report to acknowledge the ongoing sweeps of homeless encampments, saying, “Unfortunately, notably absent from this plan is any comment on the Administration's current policy of sweeps and harassment of homeless individuals on New York City streets and subways. I have said that this approach does the last thing first. And without a place for these New Yorkers to go is an inhumane policy that continues the conflation of fixing the homelessness crisis with not seeing homeless people in specific areas. The starting point to end homelessness is to ensure every interaction between an unhoused person in this city and a representative of this government is respectful and culturally sensitive.” 

An abridged version of the Public Advocate’s testimony was delivered in Council Chambers today. The full testimony as prepared and submitted can be downloaded here.

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(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Independence Day, Happy 4th of July NYC Redistricting Hearings President's Luncheon Success Enhanced NYC Sanitation Services Upcoming Events Member Spotlight Congratulations to Orange Bank and Trust on the 1 year anniversary of your Williamsbridge Road location HAPPY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATING OUR NATION'S INDEPENDENCE On behalf of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce we wish you a happy and safe Independence Day. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Chamber team joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Councilmember Marjorie Velasquez for the Bronx's Annual Salute to American Independence Firework display at Orchard Beach this past Wednesday. We were delighted to join many of our members and community in kicking off the start of the holiday weekend. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce offices will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2022 in observance of this federal holiday. NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL REDISTRICTING HEARINGS Pursuant to Chapter 2-A of the New York City Charter, the Districting Commission is charged with the mission of redistricting the fifty-one City Council districts according to the 2020 Census and other criteria mandated by the New York City Charter.   The Districting Commission consists of fifteen members who reflect the geographic and ethnic diversity of New York City. Five of the Commissioners were appointed by the City Council's Majority Caucus, three were appointed by the City Council's Minority Caucus, and Mayor Adams appointed the remaining seven members.  After the Commission is constituted, Commission Members and their staff will begin meeting to review all relevant laws, regulations, and the Census data. After public hearings and meetings, the Commission will develop a final plan to submit to the City Council in advance of the 2023 elections. View Chapter 2-A of the New York City Charter  The Bronx will host a public hearing on Redistricting on Wednesday, July 6 at Hostos Community College, 500 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY Public testimony can be submitted by email to publictestimony@redistricting.nyc.gov or by mail: 253 Broadway, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10007. The Commission can be followed on Twitter at @districtingNYC. The Commission’s website is www.nyc.gov/districting.  PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE LUNCHEON INFORMS ADVOCACY EFFORTS FOR FY23 President's Circle members are afforded one one one access to the President of the Chamber of Commerce, the senior leadership and legislative team, and are actively involved in shaping the Chamber's organizational strategy. Member's are vital to the success of Chamber operations and we are grateful for their ongoing support. To learn more about Chamber membership and benefits, or to become a President's Circle member, Click HERE The annual Bronx Chamber of Commerce President's Circle Luncheon was held this week at Pasquale Rigoletto's in the Belmont section of the Bronx. The luncheon gathers President's Circle members and above to discuss important decisions facing the Bronx and New York City and assists in informing the next fiscal year's programmatic goals and legislative agenda. NEW YORK CITY ENHANCES SANITATION SERVICES WITH $18M COMMITMENT New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. gathered in the South Bronx and affirmed that the city will not allow its neighborhoods and the New Yorkers who live there to accept unsanitary, unsightly conditions as normal. Mayor Adams celebrated investments in cleanliness in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Adopted Budget of a level not seen in decades, affirming that all New Yorkers have a right to a clean street, and that delivering on this right is critical to New York City’s recovery. The FY23 Adopted Budget, passed by the City Council on June 14th, includes significant new funding for cleanliness initiatives at DSNY. These include: $22 Million in new funding for litter basket service, baskets to be emptied approximately 50,000 more times per week citywide. This means more service than ever, fewer overflowing baskets, and less trash on the sidewalk.  $7.5 Million for Precision Cleaning Initiatives — targeted work that addresses conditions like illegal dumping and persistent littering. Anyone who knows an area in need of precision cleaning is encouraged to call 311; this funding means calls can get results faster than ever before.  $4.5 Million for cleaning of vacant lots — allowing a return to pre-pandemic staffing levels at the DSNY Lot Cleaning Unit. This funding will stop vacant lots across the city — largely located in traditionally underserved neighborhoods — from turning into de facto dumps and will make the city’s recovery more equitable. In addition to these efforts, DSNY is engaging in the following previously announced new initiatives under Mayor Adams’ leadership: The July 5th return of full pre-pandemic street sweeping, as New Yorkers once again move their cars to allow the mechanical broom — the strongest tool in the street cleaning arsenal — to do its job.  A five-borough pilot on containerization of waste, keeping bags of trash off the sidewalks and testing what works to improve aesthetics and reduce opportunities for pests to feed.  New equipment and staff for sweeping protected bike lanes at least once per week.   DSNY is also engaging in a major increase of enforcement, particularly against illegal dumping — a theft of public space by private entities that carries a $4,000 fine for the first offense, and during which the offenders’ vehicles are impounded.  Sanitation and public safety were top priorities of Bronx Chamber members during FY22 and continue to be advocated for by the Committee on Legislative Affairs. SAVE THE DATE - 2022 GALA: CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS Thursday September 29 - 6:30PM Marina Del Rey, Bronx NY 2022 Bronx Chamber of Commerce Gala Celebrating Our Members Join us for fun, networking and fundraising at this can't-miss Bronx Chamber Signature Event recognizing the importance of Chamber members and the vital services the Bronx Chamber of Commerce provides to the borough and New York City. Take a look at the 2021 Gala - Click HERE Click HERE for Sponsorship packages, securing your table & dinner ticket details. For more information, email dolores@bronxchamber.org Upcoming Events Wednesday, July 13 from 10:00am to 12:30pm Small Business Financing Workshop Entrepreneurs know that financing is key to starting and growing a business, but the array of options can be difficult to navigate. This course teaches you how to apply financiers’ method of evaluation –the 5 Cs of Business Credit –and explores the advantages and disadvantages of debt-based, equity-based, and crowdfunding financing. Click HERE To Register 2022 Chamber Video Debut