Affordable Housing Lottery Launches For 2015 Vyse Avenue In West Farms, The Bronx

 It's the Bronx, that is why the building looks this way, and not fancy like in other boroughs.

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2015 Vyse Avenue, a seven-story residential building in West Farms, The Bronx. Designed by Gino Longo, the structure yields 26 residences near Vidalia Park. Available on NYC Housing Connect are nine units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $46,286 to $167,570.

Residents will have access to a shared laundry room and parking for an additional cost. Units come equipped with energy-efficient appliances and hardwood floors. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are four one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,350 for incomes ranging from $46,286 to $139,620 and five two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,550 for incomes ranging from $53,143 to $167,570.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than November 28, 2021.

Governor Hochul Announces Administration Nominations and Appointments

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new administration nominations and appointments.

"We are building a top tier team to lead State agencies and deliver high quality services for New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "Dr. Cunningham and Reverend DeCohen are outstanding leaders who will lift these agencies to new heights. Kylah Hynes will be a vital liaison between the federal government and New York during our recovery.These are experienced, talented individuals, and I look forward to working with them."

Dr. Chinazo O. Cunningham will be nominated as Commissioner, Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Most recently, she served as the Executive Deputy Commissioner of Mental Hygiene at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. She joined the agency from Montefiore Health System and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine where she is a Professor of Medicine, Family and Social Medicine, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Cunningham has more than 20 years' experience in research, care and program-development that focuses on people who use drugs. She has also partnered with community to develop pioneering programs to promote the health of this population. Dr. Cunningham led one of the first clinics in New York City to integrate buprenorphine into primary care, which subsequently expanded across seven clinics citywide. She also went on to train hundreds of doctors in the treatment of substance use disorders in primary care.  Dr. Cunningham received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and completed her residency in primary care internal medicine at UCSF and New York University (NYU). She spent a year as chief of residency at NYU. She also holds a master's degree in clinical research methods that she completed during her time at Einstein. Dr. Cunningham will serve as Acting Commissioner until confirmation by the Senate.

Reverend Viviana DeCohen has been appointed Director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Services. Reverend DeCohen is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and most recently served the City of Mt. Vernon as its Commissioner of Veterans Services. Previously she served as Director of Military & Veteran Affairs and Adjunct Professor at Concordia College where she began an On-Campus Resource Program to ensure student veterans have access to food, shelter, clothing and more. Prior to her work at Concordia College, Reverend DeCohen was the Veterans Advisor at Mercy College where she began as a student. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Reverend DeCohen established the first Veteran's center to support academic achievement and markedly improve veterans' graduation rates. She designed programs, such as "Operation Buddy Up" and "Operation PUSH" that improved the overall grade point averages and pushed a record number of veterans to go on to graduate school. She is a member of the Women Marines Association, NY-6, American Legion Post 1038, New York Council Navy League, and Military Adviser to the Barbara Giordano Foundation as well as Clergy Committee Member with the Alzheimer's Association. Reverend DeCohen also serves as Associate Pastor, alongside her husband, Reverend Troy P. DeCohen, of the Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church. Her military service allowed her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, a Master of Science, in Health Service Management, both from Mercy College, and her current pursuit of a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Gerontology, at Concordia University, Chicago.

Kylah Hynes has been appointed Director of Federal Affairs. Most recently she served as the Director of Federal Affairs for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) with more than 14 years of experience working in the transportation and infrastructure industry. Ms. Hynes has worked for the State of New York for more than ten years on state and federal transportation policy, with project specific experience in federal formula, discretionary and loan programs across all modes. Ms. Hynes has cultivated a diverse background in federal institutional policies and statutory authorities, including working across multiple adjacent policy portfolios in the environment, energy, civil works, and general infrastructure sectors. Prior to her state service, Ms. Hynes began her transit career with the American Public Transportation Association, working for four years with transit agency members on federal policy, grassroots advocacy, and industry-wide policy positions. Ms. Hynes received her B.A. in Political Science and Government from St. Catherine University and an MPP in Transportation Policy from George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Kathy has not found a spot for Nathalia yet.

54 Days and Counting - Remember Who is on my 'Do Not Call On' List Moderator

 

It is 10:15 AM this Wednesday morning, Mayor de Blasio started his media availability at 9:45 AM, and is now taking questions from eight reporters only, and each can ask two questions. Number one the reporter from WNBC. Number two from a new reporter from Univision, where the mayor said good question, thank you, as it was a question of school vaccination also that the mayor said was taken care of.

Third question from WCBS another question about vaccinations, the third in a row so the mayor can explain what the city is doing, as he brings in Dr. Katz the head of HHC (who told me outside Jacobi Hospital that I was Immune to COVID, and that I didn't need to get vaccinated) who spoke about getting vaccinated, then DOH Commissioner Dr. Chokshi (who also told me that I was Immune to COVID, but he wanted me to get vaccinated) also spoke on the school vaccination program. The mayor said that he wants all journalist to participate in questioning him about his vaccination program. 

Fourth Question from New York One Television about the Blood Center in New York increasing in size that the mayor favors. Second question about the East River Park work being stopped. Mayor blamed Hurricane Sandy, and is in favor of it.

Fifth Question from regular reporter from Politico, about Rikers Island, Mayor responded he reduced arrests so less people are in Rikers, also much less in solitary confinement. Second question about 5 - 11 child vaccination 650,000 according to Mayor and Dr. Chokshi.

Sixth Question from Gersh of Streetsblog a regular caller. Question about two young children being hit by cars, asking if it is a public health crisis, Mayor answered that automobiles and larger ones (SUV's) have to be reduced and alternate means of transportation must be found. Dr. Chokshi said drivers should go 5 MPH when turning, and assume there are people in the crosswalk. 

Seventh question from from reporter from Gothamist a semi regular caller, about pop up vaccination center sent to parents by a school principal. Mayor double talked answer it would be good if there was enough vaccine for all the children who want it. Second question also about vaccination mandate, and why the MTA is not under it. Mayor answered it would be nice if they did, but they are not under his control

Eighth question from Yuhuda from Borough Park 24 also a semi regular caller asked about the city being left in wore shape than when de Blasio took office, which the mayor disputed. Second question about why looter were not prosecuted, the mayor blamed the court system not functioning. 

The media availability was over by 10:45 AM. The mayor takes questions from reporter he likes, and does not want to answer questions from all reporters like me who has asked him real question about subjects he does not want to talk about. 

My questions to the mayor today would be, 'Why are you dumping 540 single adult males into Bronx Community Board 11 which has a responsibility for less than 800 homeless people? DHS has a policy of no more than 25% of the homeless people sent to a community board be single adult males, yet you are sending over 65% into CB 11. Why are you not setting up family shelters for the homeless families that came from CB 11? My second question would be how can he let the Pelham Parkway construction now over budget by $249 million dollars and over 13 years late, without any community oversight, since the Pelham Parkway Task Force was disbanded in April of 2021, and the consultant told the District Manager of CB 11 a month later when asked if the Task Force should be reinstated, she said no. Why is there no community oversight on this project that seems out of control? I hope Mayor de Blasio looks at this.

Now you know why the moderator does not call on me to ask a question, I am on the 'Do Not Call On' list.

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Project HOPE Chanukah 2021 Cancelled

 

Project HOPE 2021 Update

Unfortunately BJCC will not be holding our annual Chanukah Project HOPE Delivery this year. However, we plan to return to our meaningful program Passover 2022: Sunday, April 3, 2022 YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE We are planning a smaller Chanukah delivery on December 12, 10-12. Contact Niti if you would like to participate! The BJCC Volunteer Department Continues with Senior programming at least 2-3 times a month. We maintain the five day a week Pelham Parkway food pantry including donations, sandwiches, 'soup in a jar', are welcome! Continues with regular smaller monthly deliveries, all of which require the assistance of our caring volunteers. We would love to have you on our team! Come see how you can help by contacting: Niti Minkove, Director of Volunteers nminkove@bjcconline.org or 917-693-3084 We can't wait to hear from you!

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‌  ‌  ‌ Bronx Jewish Community Council | 2930 Wallace Ave.,  Bronx, NY 10467 713-728-5297

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 8, 2021

 

58,145 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

30 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

New State Website Providing Helpful Info About Child Vaccination 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.  

"I'm proud of New Yorkers for all of the progress we've made in fighting this pandemic," Governor Hochul said. "Each day we get closer to beating COVID-19, but we cannot get complacent. This vaccine is our best weapon, and now children can begin getting vaccinated as well. We must all be an ambassador of this vaccine and tell our loved ones to get vaccinated as soon as possible."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 111,451
• Total Positive - 3,480
• Percent Positive - 3.12%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.59%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,794 (-11)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 221
• Patients in ICU - 376 (-16)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 219 (-10)
• Total Discharges - 210,060 (+183)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 30
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 45,821

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 58,306

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

• Total vaccine doses administered - 27,801,093
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 58,145
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 547,664
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 84.8%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 77.1%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 79.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 71.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 65.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 75.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 67.2%

OcasioCortez.com - Let’s Talk About What Happened

 

We had an absolutely wild infrastructure vote Friday night.

Here’s what happened:

For months, Congress has been negotiating two bills that together make up the President’s agenda: the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act. Together, they would make major investments in our country’s physical and human infrastructure — the former to our roads and bridges, and the latter to childcare, eldercare, climate action, paid family leave, lowering prescription drug prices, and much more.

The agreement from the start was that the bills would pass together. Progressives felt strongly that the President’s entire agenda needed to pass in order for Democrats to deliver on long-held promises, most notably acting on climate change. Working with movement leaders, we made clear months ago, ‘no climate, no deal.’ That means if conservative Democrats wouldn't step up to support the Build Back Better Act, they couldn't count on our vote for their infrastructure bill.

But on Friday, a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill was scheduled without the Build Back Better Act. So in order to hold the line and stand our ground for the climate, Alexandria and the Squad voted ‘no’ on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, just as they said they would from day one.

The pressure around this vote was unreal. Lobbyists and corporations have been fighting with everything they have for months to decouple the Build Back Better Act from the infrastructure bill. Alexandria even got the CEO at Exxon to admit in a public hearing he’s been in direct conversations with legislators around the climate provisions in this bill. But Alexandria doesn’t take a dime from lobbyists or CEOs. She answers to you. That’s why she stood up for us, and that’s why we need your help now.

As you likely heard, the infrastructure bill still passed into law. House leadership got several Republicans to support the bill and countered the Squad’s ‘no’ votes. So, what now?

The President says he’s still committed to passing the Build Back Better Act. And it’s absolutely critical that he and everyone else who made that promise keeps their word.

The Build Back Better Act contains the majority of the president's agenda — including not just climate action but also paid leave, expanded Medicare, universal pre-k and lower costs for insulin and other prescription drugs. We must keep going and ensure these promises are delivered.

In solidarity,

Team AOC

DEC HONORS VETERANS WITH ANNIAL FREE FISHING DAY, THURSDAY, NOV. 11

 

Fishing License Requirement Waived for Residents and Non-Residents    

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that New York State will honor veterans with the sixth and final free fishing day of 2021, on Thursday, Nov. 11. New York’s Free Fishing Days encourage more people to get outdoors each season to enjoy the state’s world-class fishing opportunities. 

“We thank all of New York’s veterans for their service to our county and hope that the upcoming free fishing day provides an opportunity to spend time with family and friends or even the chance to introduce someone new to the sport,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This year, anglers can expect expanded fishing opportunities throughout the State thanks to our recently implemented Trout Stream Management Plan and take advantage of a catch-and-release trout season on inland trout streams.” 

New this year, DEC is increasing fishing opportunities for anglers with the State’s new catch-and-release trout stream season. The new season, which began on Oct. 16 and runs through March 31, expands opportunities for anglers so they can enjoy New York’s trout stream fishing resources year-round. Anglers are required to use only artificial lures and immediately release trout they catch. The catch-and-release season applies to trout streams only. Anglers should consult DEC’s regulations guide for regulations associated with lakes and ponds that harbor trout before fishing.

Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during Free Fishing Days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age or older must have a current State fishing license to fish in New York. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a?fishing license?can be found on DEC's website.  

DEC’s Free Fishing Days?program?began in 1991 to give people who might not fish the opportunity to try the sport at no cost, as well as to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license. 

To find out about angling opportunities near you, visit the?Places to Fish?pages on DEC's website. For more information on expanded trout fishing opportunities on inland streams consult the Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map on DECinfo Locator. The map provides trout stream anglers with one-stop shopping for information about stocking, fishing access, season dates, and regulations. 

Governor Hochul Announces Major $450 Million "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" Inclusive Recovery Package

 

Announcement Coincides with Reopening of International Borders

$100 Million in One-Time Payments to Support Hardest-Hit Tourism Workers

$100 Million in Grants to Encourage Tourism Employers to Rehire Staff

$25 Million to Attract Convention Center and Hotel Events; Additional $25 Million for Global and Domestic Marketing Efforts

Commitment to Advance Legislation Expanding Successful Small Business Recovery Program for Businesses Started Just Prior to or During the Pandemic with $200 Million Relief Program

 Governor Kathy Hochul today, coinciding with the reopening of international borders, announced a comprehensive $450 million "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" inclusive recovery package to support New York State's hardest-hit tourism sector workers, revitalize the state's tourism industry, and support businesses started just prior to or during the pandemic.  

Governor Hochul made the announcement at the Museum of Natural History, joined by representatives from I LOVE NY, NY Forever, tourism and business groups, as well as labor groups representing workers in the tourism industry. This package of programs represents a multi-faceted approach to revitalizing the industry through assistance for workers, investments in small businesses, and consumer-focused marketing around the nation and the world. 

"Our tourism industry represents the essence of what sets New York apart from the rest. New York can't come back from this pandemic unless our tourism industry and its workers come back," Governor Hochul said. "Our nation-leading $450 million recovery package not only helps tourism industry workers get back on their feet, but will also help small businesses and venues reopen their doors. Our message to the world is clear: New York is coming back and we welcome you with open arms."

The economic impact of COVID-19 on New York State's tourism economy has been severe; in 2019, this industry supported one out of 10 jobs and generated more than $100 billion in economic impact. Last year, international visitation was down 86% from 2019, and domestic visitation fell by 37%, generating a nearly 55% loss in direct spending and an almost 50% drop in economic impact.

In response, Governor Hochul today announced a comprehensive strategy to support unemployed workers and struggling businesses in the critically important tourism and hospitality sector, which was New York's third-largest industry prior to the pandemic; to incentivize the rehiring of these critical workers; and to jumpstart demand for the State's tourism and hospitality attractions.

$100 Million Tourism Worker Recovery Fund

The first part of this package supports New Yorkers in the most impacted tourism and hospitality industry sectors who were on extended federal unemployment insurance the last week before those benefits ended and have yet to see their earnings fully recover. The New York State Department of Labor will issue one-time payments of $2,750 to as many as 36,000 qualified workers in tourism sector industries. New Yorkers who are eligible will be contacted directly via text or email.   

United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York is a model for getting much-needed relief money out the door into the hands of working Americans. New York's forward-looking approach will bring back good paying, middle-class jobs, and it will bring back an industry that is critical to reopening our economy." 

$100 Million Tourism Return-to-Work Grant Program

The second piece of this package is designed to encourage tourism businesses that suffered job and revenue losses to rehire workers, while providing financial relief. Qualifying tourism businesses will be eligible for grants of up to $5,000 per net new full-time employee, or $2,500 per net new part-time employee, hired to offset their labor costs. To receive full benefit, employers will have to maintain employment increases over six months. Employment increases will be based on total employment rather than specific individual employees, and businesses that can demonstrate the greatest workforce losses resulting from COVID-19 will be a priority. More information, including a sign-up for program-related email alerts, is available here.

$25 Million Meet in New York Grant Program

This program focuses on venues and events to generate and support new business-focused travel. This holistic approach to visitation recognizes the spending habits of business and convention travelers for overnight stays, food and activities. The Meet in New York program will provide grants to help convention centers and conference spaces bring more events, traveler spending and jobs back to New York State. Qualifying venues and their partnering event hotels can offer meeting organizers discounts on booking fees or room blocks to entice business, with grants reimbursing a portion of such discounts. More information on qualifying businesses and events can be found here.  

$25 Million I LOVE NY Global Marketing Campaign

This consumer-facing global tourism promotion campaign extends a new invitation to domestic and international visitors, allowing I LOVE NY to expand its current marketing efforts into additional domestic and international markets. The campaign will include broadcast and digital elements that promote New York State as the world's premier travel destination, where visitors are encouraged to come be a part of it and find what they love.

$200 Million Program for Businesses Started Just Prior to or During the Pandemic   

To further New York State's commitment to small businesses, Governor Hochul announced plans to introduce legislation in January 2022 at the start of New York State's legislative session to create a $200 million program designed to support businesses started just prior to or during the pandemic. This forward-looking initiative would utilize existing funding in the state's $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program to support younger businesses that were otherwise ineligible for relief through existing state and federal programs to ensure greater inclusivity among small and micro-businesses.   

The Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program has been extremely successful thus far, with over $325 million awarded to support nearly 20,000 small and micro-businesses across New York State. More than 19,000 awardees were businesses with ten or fewer employees, 83% of grantees were minority and women-owned business enterprises, and the average grant funded has been nearly $17,000. This legislation will represent an expansion of the program to include small and micro-businesses that were previously ineligible for pandemic relief through the state and federal programs