Statement from New York City Council Condemning Homophobic and Transphobic Actions, Vandalism Targeted at Drag Story Hour & Council Members

 

In response to continued  anti-LGBTQIA+ actions targeted at Council members and Drag Story Hour events, including one on Thursday at the Queens Public Library in Jackson Heights, Queens, Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Members Shekar Krishnan, Erik Bottcher, and Crystal Hudson released the following joint statement.

“Drag Story Hour organizes free events, accessible to families, that engage children in arts & crafts and imaginative storytelling.

“In recent months, anti-LGBTQIA+ protesters have descended on these family events, attempting to get into our libraries to disrupt them while shouting homophobic and transphobic slurs at performers and attendees. They have also vandalized the homes of three members of this City Council who support Drag Story Hour. It is particularly disturbing that these anti-LGBTQIA+ protesters have focused their harassment in Jackson Heights and Chelsea, two neighborhoods with historical importance as safe communities and centers of organizing for the LGBTQIA+ movement in New York City.

“Hate in all its pernicious forms, including attacks on our LGBTQIA+ communities, have no place in our city and must be unequivocally condemned. We stand with New Yorkers gathering today in Jackson Heights to confront hate and defend families reading with their children.

“The harmful, homophobic, and transphobic extremism targeting Drag Story Hour events and the New Yorkers who support them, including Council members, is vile and dangerous. We will not stay silent or accept these shameful attempts to intimidate and spread hate, especially after recent incidents that have devolved into violence and put New Yorkers in harm’s way. This City Council is proud to support children’s programs that promote inclusivity, literacy, and joy.”

Senator Gustavo Rivera on his "New York State Living Donor Support Act" Becoming Law

 

“I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing my bill, The New York State Living Donor Support Act" (S1594), into law. New York's organ donation registration rate is dismal, currently being ranked second to last nationally, and we must take all necessary steps to reverse this reality. This law will remove financial barriers by reimbursing individuals for the costs of living donation while promoting patient education among New Yorkers about living organ donation. By increasing assistance for those inspired to become organ donors and enhancing our State's educational efforts, I am confident this new law will help the almost 9,000 New Yorkers awaiting an organ donation receive the gift of life."

NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera | rivera.nysenate.gov

MAYOR ADAMS ELEVATES SHAMPA CHANDA TO BSA CHAIR, SALVATORE SCIBETTA TO VICE CHAIR

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today designated Shampa Chanda as chair of the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) and Salvatore Scibetta as vice chair. Chanda and Salvatore are both current commissioners on the BSA with extensive experience in land use, planning, and zoning. The BSA is an integral part of the city’s system for regulating land use, development, and construction, and was established as an independent board to grant “relief” from the zoning code.

 

“In their time as Board of Standards and Appeals commissioners, Shampa and Sal have demonstrated their expertise, their abilities, and their commitment to New Yorkers, and I know they will continue to serve the city faithfully in their new roles,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration is using our land use and zoning tools aggressively to build the housing New Yorkers need and to help our economy recover. We look forward to continuing that work with this team leading BSA.”

 

“The Board of Standards and Appeals has already benefitted from Shampa and Sal’s expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to a more vibrant and inclusive New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I am excited to see Shampa become the new chair and Sal the new vice chair of the Board of Standards and Appeals, bringing their extensive backgrounds and perspective to these roles.”

 

“I am honored and humbled to be named chair of the Board of Standards and Appeals,” said Shampa Chanda, incoming chair, BSA. “I thank Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer for having placed their faith in me. I have spent my career in city government service alongside dedicated professionals. It is exciting and a great privilege for me to be able to serve this city that has made me feel at home ever since I arrived here from India during my high school years. I look forward to representing the board, the city, and its diverse neighborhoods in the best possible manner in the coming years.”

 

“It has been a privilege to serve on the Board of Standards and Appeals for the last five years, and I am honored to be designated vice chair,” said Sal Scibetta, incoming vice chair, BSA. “I am a firm believer that New York City is the greatest city in the world, and I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to uphold that benchmark of excellence.”

 

“I have known Mr. Scibetta for over 10 years not only as a member and contributor to the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn but also as a practicing attorney,” said Steven Bamundo, chair of executive committee, Columbia Lawyers Association of Brooklyn. “I can say without reservation that Sal has displayed integrity and character as a member of our organization and the legal profession as a whole, thus earning a well-deserved nomination to serve as president of our well-regarded specialty bar association. I am confident that he will excel at any position to which he ascends, given his conscientious work ethic and professional demeanor.”

 

“Salvatore Scibetta is a unique, gifted, and talented attorney. The people of New York City are lucky to have Mr. Scibetta serve as vice chair, especially in light of his deep experience and professionalism,” said Charles C. DeStefano Esq. “Well known in the private sector, Mr. Scibetta has taken the path of public service, much to the benefit of the citizens of this city. He represents cream of the crop among lawyers, and that translates into good governance.”

 

“Congratulations to Shampa Chanda on her selection as the new chair of the Board of Standards and Appeals,” said Frank Dubinsky, chief operating officer, Monadnock Development. “Shampa is a committed public servant and will bring a nuanced perspective to the zoning and land use issues that come before the BSA. Shampa has spent her entire career improving neighborhoods, and, in this position, she will be able to balance good neighborhood planning with New York City’s need to grow and provide desperately needed affordable housing.”

 

“Shampa is an experienced urban planner who works tirelessly for the betterment of New York,” said Basha Gerhards, senior vice president of planning, Real Estate Board of New York. “We have no doubt that she’ll draw upon her decades of city government experience in financing, planning, and development to ensure BSA operates in a thoughtful, thorough, and expeditious manner.”

History Repeats Itself and Then They Ask: Why are Hispanics Abandoning the Democrat Party and Voting Republican?

By Former NYC Councilman

Rev. Ruben Diaz

You should know that in the State of New York, Hispanics have never been able to acquire a leadership position. However, we Hispanics have always been a vital voting block and have been instrumental in helping launch others to elected and leadership positions.   You should Know that African Americans and Hispanics have supposedly been united to help each other acquire representation in our respective communities. However, African Americans have gained leadership positions with the help and support of the Hispanic Community. Unfortunately, this support has not been reciprocated, we have not received equal treatment, or consideration when it comes to one of our own, as evidence will show.   It is important for you to know that Governor Kathy Hochul nominated a Hispanic, Judge Hector Lasalle, for Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals for the State of New York.  Judge Lasalle would be the First Hispanic to Hold this position.   Judge Hector Lasalle is not only Hispanic, but he has the credentials, and possesses the qualifications, character and integrity needed to hold such a position. Judge Lasalle has an impeccable reputation as one of the most capable, honest, fair, and just with a proven record of dedication and impartiality when executing laws.   It is important for you to also know that African Americans currently hold positions such as: State Attorney General, President of the State Senate, Speaker of the State Assembly, Lieutenant Governor of the State, Mayor of New York City, and many other prestigious positions, too numerous to mention all.     If it were true that there exists a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding to help advance not only African Americans and Hispanics this would be the best occasion to do so, by receiving the support for this nomination from the African American leadership in favor of Judge Lasalle’s nomination to Head the Court of Appeals.   But as I have often said, life is indeed full of surprises! Like a pack of Wild Wolves and Vultures, different groups, and leaders have come out of the woodwork, with lame excuses and cheap reasons, in opposition to Judge Hector Lasalle’s nomination.   You should Know, my dear reader, that this is not the first time that the Democrats have conspired to stop a Hispanics elevation to a position of prestigious leadership in New York. Please take note of the following.   In 1985, the (Democrats) four horsemen of the Apocalypse in Harlem, Percy Sutton, Charles Rangel, Basil Paterson and David Dinkins prevented the Hispanic, Herman Badillo from becoming New York City Mayor, when at the last minute they introduced their candidate, Denny Farrell.     In 2001 the Democrat Leadership, behind the scenes, united to stop the Mayoral aspirations of another Hispanic Fernando (Freddy) Ferrer, and in a most sophisticated, and strategic manner joined forces with Mark Green, who was to be defeated by Michael Blumberg.   So, I must ask, where is the voice of the Honorable Carl Heasty, the Speaker of the House? Where is the voice of the Honorable Andrea Stewart Cousins, President of the State Senate? Where are most of the leaders of the State now when the Hispanic Community needs your voice in Support for one of ours?  Where are you Democrats?   In the last Elections 30% of Hispanics and Democrats, rejected the Democrat Party and voted Republican. This is a clear indication that many people (especially Hispanics) are waking up from the lethargy to which the Democrat Party has had us submerged. Since the last election, experts have wondered why Hispanics are abandoning the Democrats. The answer is simple.  Just look at this current, obvious case, of Discrimination against Judge Hector Lasalle, a Hispanic nominee as Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals.    You can’t ask for a better qualified individual. This blatant lack of consideration and Democrat Conspiracy, to stop a Hispanic from this nomination, is just one of the many reasons Hispanics are waking up to the fact that we are sought after when it’s convenient to others.    I am the Rev. Rubén Diaz, and This is What You Should Know.

Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz

 

Governor Hochul Announces Third and Final Phase of $1.7 Billion Hunts Point Access Improvement Project Now Underway

 

State Department of Transportation Awarded $446 Million Contract for Latest Phase of Transformative Project in South Bronx

Work Includes Reconstruction of Bruckner Expressway/Sheridan Boulevard Interchange and Completion of the New Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge

Project is Part of Unprecedented State Investment to Enhance Infrastructure and Quality of Life for Residents in the South Bronx

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the latest milestone in the State's $1.7 billion Hunts Point Access Improvement Project. A $446 million contract has been awarded for the third and final phase of the project and work is now getting underway. This new phase of the project includes the reconstruction of the Bruckner Expressway interchange with Sheridan Boulevard and other improvements that will reduce congestion, enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and provide easier access to the Hunts Point Terminal Market. The Phase Three contract, which keeps the overall project on schedule to be completed in the fall of 2025, is part of an unprecedented State investment to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in the South Bronx while also improving the quality of life for residents.

"There is no better example of the important role modern infrastructure can play in ensuring the economic health and well-being of a community than Hunts Point," Governor Hochul said. "The changes we are making to this vital hub for commerce will not only make it easier to transport goods to and from the market, but also improve quality of life for the surrounding neighborhoods by taking thousands of trucks off local streets and providing new recreational opportunities that will further fuel the revitalization of the South Bronx."

Overseen by the New York State Department of Transportation, the $1.7 billion Hunts Point project will provide direct access to the Hunts Point Terminal Market from both the Bruckner Expressway and the new Sheridan Boulevard once fully completed. The market is one of the largest wholesale food distribution centers in the world. More than 78,000 vehicles travel to the Hunts Point Peninsula daily, including 13,000 trucks using local roads, which has contributed to poor air quality in the community.

Phase Three of the project will remove a notorious bottleneck by reconstructing the Bruckner Expressway/Sheridan Boulevard interchange and relocating the entrance ramp to northbound Sheridan Boulevard from the left side of the highway to the right side. The addition of a third lane in each direction of the Bruckner Expressway and the replacement of the Bryant Ave Pedestrian Bridge, both of which were started in earlier phases of the project, will also be completed. Additionally, the intersection of Hunts Point Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard will be reconstructed to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. New signing and pavement markings will also be installed to better direct auto, truck and pedestrian traffic within the Hunts Point Peninsula.

Additionally, a new 117-spot parking lot with 24 EV "Electrical Vehicle" charging stations, including four rapid charge spots to better accommodate electric vehicles, will be constructed under the Bruckner Expressway and help enhance air quality in the South Bronx.

The new work builds on the success of the previous two phases of the project. Phase One, which wrapped up in October, provided new and improved access to Edgewater Road in the form of three new ramps: a two-way ramp to Edgewater Road from Sheridan Boulevard and a ramp from eastbound Bruckner Expressway to Edgewater Road. Edgewater Road was also resurfaced, and new traffic signals were installed at Seneca Avenue and Garrison Avenue.

Garrison Park was transformed with a new shared-use path, landscaping, viewing platforms overlooking the river and a formal entrance area with a signalized rail crossing and traffic signal, giving residents safer and more seamless access to the Bronx River. Additionally, a new shared-use path was constructed under the Bruckner Expressway to link the new Garrison Park with the existing Concrete Plant Park, with five security cameras installed along the new path to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists while connecting to the Bronx River Greenway.

The Bronx River Avenue viaduct was also rehabilitated, and more than 15,000 square feet of community "Bronx River Open Space" was created under the viaduct. The project also replaced the eastern span of the Bryant Avenue pedestrian bridge over Amtrak/CSX rail lines.

In addition, Phase One replaced four bridges that carry the Bruckner Expressway and Bruckner Boulevard over Amtrak/CSX rail lines.

Phase Two of the project, which is ongoing, will rehabilitate 1.25 miles of the Bruckner Expressway between 141st Street and Barretto Street, widening the roadway and providing new entrance and exit ramps that connect westbound Bruckner Expressway to Leggett Avenue. The ramps provide a direct route between the highway network and the Hunts Point Peninsula, including the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, reducing truck traffic on local streets.

Additionally, a 1.75-mile section of Bruckner Boulevard between Cypress Ave and Barretto Street will be reconstructed, and 15 local intersections upgraded. Improvements include new or upgraded curbs, medians, sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signal improvements. A new, 1.5-mile shared-use path will provide a connection to the 138th Street bike path heading to Randall's Island, Manhattan, and Bronx River Greenway. Three New York City Park islands will also be improved, new trees will be planted,and a new decorative steel fence will be provided along Bruckner Boulevard. Phase Two is scheduled for completion in fall 2023.

The Hunts Point Terminal Market and other produce companies near the facility generate more than $2 billion in annual economic activity. The Hunts Point Food Distribution Center supplies up to 60 percent of the produce, meat and fish used by New York City residents and visitors and employs more than 6,000 workers. It attracts tens of thousands of vehicles per day, and prior to the completion of Phase One of the project, used local streets — particularly Westchester Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard — to go to and from the interstate highway.

The highway redesign will enhance safety, take traffic off local roadways and significantly reduce both noise and truck idling, thereby mitigating air pollution in a borough with some of the highest asthma rates in the country. The transformational project is expected to create 22,000 direct and indirect jobs.

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Happy New Year

 

Wishing you good times, good cheers and a Memorable New Year.

All of us at The New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce want to thank you for your business, loyalty, and support this past year. We hope to see you again in the new year!

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

   December 30, 2022

As I reflect on 2022, it is bittersweet.

Sweet, as 2022 was a historic year for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce with record growth, in-person and authentic services deployed to over 5,000 Bronx businesses, new members, new Board members and faces to the leadership team, and the start of a strategic planning process to prepare the organization for our 130th anniversary of service to the Bronx.

Bitter, as our long time Chairman, friend, and my mentor Joseph Kelleher, passed away leaving many of us heartbroken.

With Joe's passing we are also left with a constant example of the embodiment of an authentic leader. Joe's commitment to the Bronx and the Chamber, as well as his larger than life heart and ability to close on any deal is what I will take with me as we continue to grow and develop the Bronx Chamber of Commerce into one of the most respected economic development agencies in New York City.

As part of that strategy, the Bronx Chamber has recruited new staff leadership, new Board members and Executive Committee members, and launched a 2022 membership drive which added over 130 new members to our ranks. As we enter 2023, we will move aggressively to expand membership, government contracts and services, and diversify funding streams to ensure the Chamber is on a sustainable path for growth. I commit myself and the entire Bronx Chamber team to developing a framework that seeks to grow and develop the organization as a results driven entity so that we may continue to serve all Bronx businesses.

I invite you to be actively engaged in that growth - not just with monetary support, but also with your presence, knowledge, and relationships - so that we, as a unified Chamber, can more fully represent all Bronx businesses and institutions.

I extend the heartfelt thanks of our entire team to our committed Board of Directors, partners, and government officials that are actively shaping the future of the Bronx and presenting equitable economic opportunities which position the Bronx for future success. We are truly stronger together and I am eternally grateful for your consistent support.

Our work is a reflection on our supporters - we realize its importance and impact and I am forever grateful to be entrusted with the responsibility and privilege to serve.

We remain Stronger Together. Have a very Happy New Year!

Bronx Chamber of Commerce  

1200 Waters Place, Suite 106, Bronx, NY 10461

DEC ISSUES 2022 STATEWIDE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REPORT

 

Implements Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the release of the 2022 Statewide Greenhouse Gas Report. The report details statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 1990 – 2020, expressed in tons of carbon dioxide equivalents from all greenhouse gas emissions sources in the state. The release of this report prior to the end of the year supports the State’s comprehensive and ongoing work to meet the requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act).

“As last week’s historic finalization of the Scoping Plan demonstrates, New York continues to make progress implementing the Climate Act to reach our critical emissions reduction milestones,” DEC Commissioner and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Seggos said. “This report offers valuable information and insights on the changes in emissions attributable to impacts from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other indicators of emissions sources.”

The Climate Act requires the State to achieve a carbon-free electricity system by 2040 and reduce GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050, setting a new standard for states and the nation to expedite the transition to a clean energy economy. The law drives investment in clean energy solutions such as wind, solar, energy efficiency, and energy storage and ensures that at least 40 percent of the clean energy investments benefit disadvantaged and low- to moderate-income communities. On Monday, Dec. 19, the State Climate Action Council adopted the New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan, which outlines recommended policies and actions to help meet the goals and requirements of the Climate Act.

The comprehensive report released today utilizes best available science and data to describe GHG statewide emissions, including those from electricity, industry, and agriculture. The Statewide GHG Report is unique in the U.S. for using the 20-year Global Warming Potential and including emissions associated with the generation of imported electricity and with the extraction and transmission of fossil fuels imported into the state. It also describes the contributions of the state’s forests and natural lands to collect and store carbon and to help the state reach its goal of net-zero emission by 2050.

The 2022 report also describes the significant effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had on GHGs, particularly a 20 percent drop in transportation emissions. The report notes that 2020 is likely not a representative year in terms of overall emission trends, due to the impact of the pandemic. DEC will provide updated information through 2021 in the 2023 report next year. The annual emission totals provided will aid in tracking New York’s progress toward its 2030 and 2050 emissions limits established in the Climate Act, as codified in the Part 496 regulation DEC adopted in 2020.

The publication is available on DEC’s climate website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/99223.html 

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.