Permits Filed For 711 East 214th Street In Williamsbridge, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a three-story structure into an eight-story residential building at 711 East 214th Street in Williamsbridge, The Bronx. Located between Hollands Avenue and White Plains Road, the lot is near the Gun Hill Road subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Everett B. Mitchell Property LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 44,500 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 61 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 729 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 34-foot-long rear yard, and 31 parking spaces.

Ryan Hung Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for a vertical expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Bronx Pride Flag Raising at Bronx Borough Hall

 

Before going outside to raise the Pride flag there was a ceremony inside Bronx Borough Hall with five honorees who were presented awards for their work in the pride community.  The Honorees were Tabytha Gonzalez the New York City Commissioner on Human Rights, Sandra Perez Executive Director of NYC Pride, Tony Jermin Storyteller, Creator, Podcaster, and Marketing Guru, Analia Santana Youth Honoree Manhattan College Junior Class of 2024, and Dr. Viraj Patel Montefiore Einstein who also received the John F. Wade Memorial Award Honoring Exceptional Leadership within the LGBTQIA+ Community.

The Master of Ceremonies was Tym Moss who also gave a rousing performance after the award ceremony. Reverend Carmen Hernandez gave the Invocation and Benediction, and the FDNY Color Guard with FDNY member Ester Ford singing the National Anthem. After the ceremony there was food and refreshments for the attendees before going outside to raise the Bronx Pride Flag. 

At the entrance to the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough Building balloons were set up in the colors of the pride flag as Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson holds her pride sign and pillow with some of the attendees. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson holds up several pride flags as she speaks about raising the Pride Flag on June first.

Tym Moss was the Master of Ceremonies, and did a spectacular musical number during the event.

Tym Moss received a special award from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson as Chief of Staff Justin Cortes and Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero are also in the photo.

(L - R) Honorees Analia Santana, Dr. Viraj Patel, Sandra Perez, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Honorees Tabytha Gonzalez, Tony Jermin, and Tym Moss. 

It was then outside to raise the Bronx Pride Flag as Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson turns the crank to raise the Bronx Pride Flag. 

The Bronx Pride Flag is raised to the top of the flagpole next to the Bronx County Building. 

NYC Comptroller Updates DOC Dashboard Deaths in Custody Count to UNKNOWN After DOC Halts Public Disclosure

 

After Department of Correction officials said that they would not continue a policy of reporting deaths to the public, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander updated the Comptroller’s Department of Correction (DOC) Dashboard to say deaths in custody were “unknown.”

In recent weeks, DOC officials failed to notify the public about at least two deaths: Rubu Zhao, 52 and Joshua Valles, 31. Jail officials reportedly also sought to prevent the release of a federal monitor’s report that noted with alarm on Friday, May 26 “serious and disturbing incidents involving harm to incarcerated persons” that were not properly disclosed to the monitor.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander reiterated his call for a federal receiver to step in to manage the city’s jails:

“DOC leadership apparently doesn’t care about the humanity of the people in its custody enough to even report honestly when they die. The appointment of a federal receiver to operate Rikers is a moral and operational necessity to confront the jail system’s utter disregard for transparency and accountability. The lives of people awaiting trial are not disposable and their deaths cannot be swept under the rug,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The Comptroller’s dashboard monitors pervasive issues in the City’s jails, including staff absenteeism, missed medical appointments, and incidents of violence among detained people and staff. It also tracks the jail population every month and length of stay. The Comptroller’s office publishes data to this dashboard monthly to provide increased transparency and accountability over the City’s jail system. The most recent update was May 15.

Team AOC - What to Know About the debt Ceiling Bill

 

Late last night, the House passed the so-called ‘Fiscal Responsibility Act,’ which includes conservative policies that Kevin McCarthy demanded in exchange for raising the nation’s debt ceiling.

House Republicans hurt the hungry, our climate, and student loan borrowers — all in the name of so-called ‘fiscal responsibility’ — while absolutely refusing to close any tax loopholes for the rich. Republicans also refused to walk back any of Donald Trump’s or President Bush’s tax cuts, which cost nearly $10 trillion and include tax breaks on yachts and private jets.¹

Congress voted to increase the debt ceiling three times under President Trump without ever demanding any budget or policy concessions because we know it is deeply dangerous for lawmakers to threaten to crash our economy. If Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling, then we default on our debts — which would crash the stock market and immediately cost millions of jobs.

Kevin McCarthy held the lives and savings of working people hostage. So Alexandria joined 46 other Democrats and voted NO on this debt ceiling deal. Alexandria stands up to hypocritical policies from Republicans that hurt everyday people.

So what did Republicans ultimately get from this debt ceiling bill?

• More work requirements for anti-poverty programs. Research shows that ‘work requirements’ do not increase employment but do increase hunger. Most people on food stamps already are working — those who don’t work largely do not because of mental or physical illness. These requirements just add another layer of paperwork to an already difficult process. The bill specifically increases work requirements for 700,000 participants from 49 to 54 years old.²
• Fewer environmental protections. The bill makes it harder for communities to stop proposed fossil fuel pipelines and other pollution near their homes. The bill also allows the Mountain Valley Pipeline to move forward — a 300-mile pipeline for carrying fracked gas from West Virginia to Virginia.³
• Student loan repayments will begin again. Starting September 1, 45 million Americans with federal student loans will have to restart payments even if the Supreme Court hasn’t ruled on Biden’s student debt forgiveness program. 90% of people eligible for the President’s student debt relief earn under $75,000 annually. Resuming payments without offering them relief would cause enormous hardship.

Alexandria is in Congress to fight back against dangerous, extreme hypocrisy that has become all to common place in Washington. She’s fighting to recreate a system that actually works for the people it’s meant to represent.

In solidarity,

Team AOC

STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA CALLS ON STATE LEGISLATURE TO CRACK DOWN ON VULTURE FUNDS

With only 4 days left in session, Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement in support of the Champerty Bill S5623 / A5290:

“As a Puerto Rican born and raised on the island, I know the damaging impact that vulture funds have on our community. New York has the power to close the legal loopholes that allow predatory “investors” to purchase debt for the sole purpose of litigating with the indebted nations and small islands like Puerto Rico to amass millions in wealth while austerity measures force schools and hospitals to close. That's why I’m calling on my colleagues in the state legislature to pass the Champerty Bill, sponsored by Senator Liz Kreuger and Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas before this legislative session ends. It would be a disservice to Puerto Ricans on the island and in the diaspora across New York if we delay legislation that would address the needs of millions of community members living under the predatory practices of vulture funds. 

“The Champerty Bill is a critical first step to immediately combat unsustainable debt. The ‘Not a Game, It’s People’ campaign, led by Latino, immigrant, and community organizations of color, has been leading the fight to stop greedy vulture funds from preying on countries across the world by developing groundbreaking legislation like the Champerty Bill and my sovereign debt model law bill, S5542. New York has a responsibility to extend protections that would end the plundering of Puerto Rico and other countries by passing these bills and demanding full accountability for these predators on behalf of those directly impacted by this crisis.”

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY METRO, AND WESTERN NEW YORK

 

In Effect for Friday, June 2, 2023

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island, New York City Metro, and Western New York regions for Friday, June 2, 2023.  

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone 

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

OZONE 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere. 

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor. 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available. 

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps: 

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips; 
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas; 
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; 
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air; 
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters; 
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures; 
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and 
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation.

 Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up for DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

The Friday, June 2 Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Long Island, which includes Suffolk and Nassau counties; New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties; and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

Governor Hochul Celebrates the Beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month

 

Issues Proclamation and Delivers Message in Celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Raising LGBTQ+ Progress Flags Across New York State

State Landmarks to Be Lit on June 1 and June 23 to 30

New Exhibits to Open at the New York State Capitol Spotlighting The Legacy of New York LGBTQ+ Activists

 Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and delivered a message celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in New York State. Additionally, LGBTQ+ progress flags will be raised across the state, state landmarks will be illuminated in the colors of the LGBTQ+ pride flag, and a new exhibit in the State Capitol spotlighting the legacy of New York LGBTQ+ activists will open during Pride Month.

"Pride Month is a time when we celebrate and continue to uplift the rights of the LGBTQ+ community here in New York State," Governor Hochul said. "Every New Yorker, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, deserves to feel safe, heard and valued by their state government. This month and every month after this, the State of New York will stand with and support the LGBTQ+ community."

Governor Hochul also announced that the progress pride flag will be flown at State Parks across New York to mark the start of Pride Month. In addition, the flag will be raised at the State Capitol, Plaza and Governor's Mansion on June 1.

The flag will also be flown at the following State office buildings for the duration of Pride Month:

• 44 Holland Avenue, Albany
• 50 Wolf Road, Albany
• 328 State Street, Schenectady
• 625 Broadway, Albany
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• Hampton Plaza
• Harriman Campus
• New York State Capitol
• Ten Eyck
• Binghamton State Office Building
• Dulles State Office Building
• Henderson-Smith State Office Building
• State Preparedness Training Center (Oriskany)
• Homer Folks Facility
• Senator John H. Hughes State Office Building
• Utica State Office Building
• Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building
• Eleanor Roosevelt State Office Building
• Hudson Valley Transportation Management Center
• Perry B. Duryea State Office Building
• Executive Mansion

The following State landmarks will be illuminated in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple tonight:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Lake Placid Olympic Center
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station (**will illuminate pink, white, and light blue)
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall

Governor Hochul also announced the June 7 opening of "In the Footsteps of Heroes," an exhibition that highlights the LGBTQ+ rights movement in New York from past to present— from forerunners to the future. Alongside the pioneers in this exhibit are examples of today's newest leaders and organizations building on the work of their elders. Whether it be an emerging director changing the face of leadership, a business owner addressing the needs of their community, or an organization made to confront social and healthcare concerns as a result of COVID-19, advocates today strive to create a more equitable New York for the LBGTQ+ community.

In December 2022, Governor Hochul signed a legislative package to address health care disparities in the LGBTQ+ community. By allowing runaway and homeless youth under 18 to make their own health care decisions (legislation A.9604/S.8937) and better equipping nurse and home health aides to work with LGBTQ+ populations (legislation A.1880A/S.2534A), these new laws expanded protections in health care settings for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. The Governor also signed legislation that requires that any insurance policy that provides coverage for prescription drugs includes coverage for the cost of PrEP and PEP — two important tools for preventing the spread of HIV.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY HALL, MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS TO BE LIT IN RAINBOW COLORS IN HONOR OF PRIDE MONTH

 

City Hall Also Flying Pride, Philly Pride, and Transgender Flags on Portico

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that City Hall and other municipal buildings will be lit in rainbow colors tonight to honor the start of Pride Month. In addition, City Hall will fly the Pride flag, the Philly Pride flag, and the Transgender flag on the portico throughout the month of June to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in New York and across the country.

 

“This Pride Month, we want to send a clear message to the LGBTQ+ community that New York City hears you, sees you, and embraces you,” said Mayor Adams. “Pride is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action, and, as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, New York City has an obligation to continue to lead the way in ensuring New Yorkers of every identity feel the safety and support of a loving community. We stand alongside our LGBTQ+ family today and every day to proudly reflect on the enormous strides we have made in securing equal rights, while also noting how far we still must go.”

 

In addition to City Hall, the following city buildings will be lit up in rainbow colors to recognize Pride Month at sundown:

• Bronx County Courthouse
• The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building
• Spring Street Salt Shed