NEW YORK CITY LAUNCHES ‘SHOP YOUR CITY’ CHALLENGE

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris today announced a new campaign to encourage New Yorkers to take a break from big box retailers and shop at local small businesses. The “Shop Your City” Challenge is a 30-day multi-channel marketing campaign featuring a contest and chance to win a $50 gift card to spend at neighborhood businesses. 

In the last year, SBS has launched 28 initiatives to help small businesses and jobseekers stay resilient. Their resources include a hotline [888-SBS-4NYC] that has helped over 60,000 callers, connected over 5,000 businesses to over $147 million in funding and assisted 90,000 job seekers.

 

“There’s no recovery without a full comeback for the small businesses that make New York City great. That comeback starts with all of us choosing to put money back in our own communities,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The Shop Your City challenge will engage New Yorkers across the five boroughs to put big box stores aside and show their love for the local institutions that have given them so much.”

 

“Our small businesses have taken a tremendous hit because of this pandemic. The City is committed to continuing to find new and creative ways to support these businesses," said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Philip Thompson and Co-Chair of the Racial Inclusion and Equity Taskforce. "The Shop Your City Challenge will urge New Yorkers to show some love to our cherished small businesses and help them come back stronger.”

 

“Now more than ever, shopping locally can make or break a business,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services and Co-Chair of the Small Business Subcommittee of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. “The Shop Your City Challenge will bring New Yorkers together on a single mission, to shop small!”

 

The Shop Your City Challenge will encourage New Yorkers to support their small businesses while helping NYC’s economy recover through:

• Advertising and Marketing: The City will launch a Shop Your City advertising campaign including significant investment in community and ethnic media, posters distributed to community partners and small businesses, and a social media toolkit.
• Shop Your City Photo Contest: New Yorkers will be encouraged to support small businesses through themed week categories by going to www.nyc.gov/ShopYourCity to upload a photo or video depicting how you are supporting a local small business. Participants will be entered to the photo contest for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
• Community Partnership: The City will engage with celebrities, local leaders, and business leaders to sign up for the 30-day challenge and support small businesses. Celebrities will be supporting this effort through a promotional video campaign, including actress and comedienne Sherri Shepherd, radio personality and business owner Angela Yee, and President of New York City’s Hospitality and business owner Melba Wilson.
• Consumer Incentives: The City will offer New Yorkers “I Shopped Local” stickers and Shop Your City Tote Bags when shopping small.
• 5-borough Business Tour: The City will participate in days of action according to the themed weeks throughout the next 30 days to engage with small businesses and encourage New Yorkers to shop locally.

 

The 30-day campaign will kick off on Tuesday, May 25 with visits to small businesses in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. For more information on the Shop Your City Challenge, including maps and lists of local businesses, visit www.nyc.gov/shopyourcity.

 

222 Days and Counting

 

As you can see there is a Shake Shack burger with fries, and I have water in the soda cup on my desk. I want you to go into you local small business and spend your money. Support your local small business. We need to help our small businesses as they recover from the Pandemic. We will be offering incentives to shop your local small business. 

Charlene, did my order from Amazon come yet?

Video & Audio: Governor Cuomo Announces All New York State Schools to Reopen in September

 

Based on Current COVID Trajectory, All Schools Across New York State are Set to Reopen for Full In-Person Learning September 2021

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that, based on current COVID trajectory, all New York State schools will reopen for full in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year beginning in September.  

"Our children lost so much as COVID struck our state. A year of socialization, a year of memories, and even more," Governor Cuomo said. "While teachers and school administrators did an incredible job pivoting to remote learning with virtually zero notice, there's no denying the discrimination students who did not have the right equipment faced. With the way our COVID numbers are currently trending, there is no reason why our students should not get back to in-person learning as usual and we look forward to welcoming them back. If there is a change in the trajectory of the virus, we will revisit the decision."

NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. Endorses Fernando Cabrera in Borough President Race

 

City Council Land Use Committee Chair Rafael Salamanca announced his endorsement of fellow Bronx City Council member and Tenants right advocate Councilman Fernando Cabrera for Bronx Borough President.

Fernando Cabrera is the clear choice for Bronx borough President, because he is a Bronx born leader with a record of delivering for Bronx families. He understands the problems Bronx families are now facing, and with his background as a City Councilman, a pastor, former schools counselor, and community advocate. Fernando Cabrera is the Borough President who will put us on the right path as we recover from COVID-19 and years of neglect from the government.

Councilman Cabrera praised Councilman Salamanca in his own fight for affordability and safety in the Bronx. He is a powerhouse, a fighter with a track record of victory for the South Bronx when it comes to my Number One priority - affordability. I am proud to receive his endorsement Fernando Cabrera said. He will be a partner with me for the Bronx making sure we get the boroughs fair share for our seniors, tenants, and working families so they are not chewed up and spit out by greedy developers and an economy of exclusion. Councilman Salamanca was a leading candidate for Bronx Borough President before deciding to run for his council seat again since he was not term-limited out of office.

South Bronx Councilman Rafael Salamanca explains why he is endorsing Councilman Fernando Cabrera for Bronx Borough President.

Bronx Borough President candidate Councilman Fernando Cabrera thanks Councilman Salamanca for his faith in endorsing his candidacy for Bronx Borough President.

In a symbolic raising of hands in victory the two councilmen hope they will be able to do this once all the votes are counted, if not sooner.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program

 

63,443 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours

815,097 Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days

Vaccine Dashboard Updated Daily on the State's Vaccine Program Here

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 63,443 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and 815,097 doses have been administered statewide over the past seven days. As of May 23, the weekly vaccine allocation update will not differentiate between first and second doses because of changes in the federal government's vaccine ordering process.

"Every single day, more New Yorkers are getting vaccinated and we move even closer to a brighter future that allows us to reopen the economy, put people back to work and move into the new normal," Governor Cuomo said. "Vaccination is a critical part of rebuilding New York after this pandemic and we are moving heaven and earth to make it accessible to every New Yorker. If you haven't yet made an appointment or walked into a site, I encourage you to do so immediately."

All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on vaccine appointments near them.                                            

 

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 18,441,242

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 63,443

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 815,097

Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 63.7%

Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 54.9%

Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 52.0%

Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 44.1%

BRONX JEWISH CENTER Community Dinner

 

BRONX JEWISH CENTER  Hosts Community Dinner  

 

Please join us for our next community Shabbat dinner on Friday June 4th starting  at 7:00 pm  at  the Bronx Jewish Center located at 1969 Haight  Avenue ,Bx NY 10461. . The B J C will be welcoming back the entire Bronx  community .Re-connect with your friends and  neighbors and meet new ones !  All of your traditional  style  dishes will take center stage!  We look forward to seeing you!  Enjoy a delicious 4 course dinner with your fellow neighbors. Turn your Friday night Shabbat into an evening of spiritual awakening, inspiration, Jewish songs and culinary delight. Come  join us !! All are welcome .Social distancing will be strictly enforced . 

  Please RSVP@718-812-1701 to let us know you are coming .Shabbat dinners are held the first Friday of every month.    

When:    Friday  June 4th..

Where: 1969 Haight Avenue Bx, NY 10461

Cost:   Free of charge and all are welcome to join!

Website:www.BronxJewishCenter. org

Contact: office@bronxjewishcenter.org OR rabbi @bronxjewishcenter.org

Telephone:  #718-812-1701

 

NYC ADVISORY COMMISSION ON PROPERTY TAX REFORM ANNOUNCES THREE MORE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITS TEN PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Queens, Bronx and Manhattan virtual borough hearings scheduled for June

 The New York City Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reform today announced three new virtual hearings on its 10 preliminary recommendations, scheduled for Queens on June 9, the Bronx on June 14 and Manhattan on June 16.  All hearings will begin at 6:00pm.  Initially delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearings resumed virtually in May with hearings in Staten Island and Brooklyn. 

 

On January 31, 2020, the Commission released a Preliminary Report with 10 initial recommendations to make NYC’s Property Tax system simpler, clearer and fairer.  The Commission was formed by Mayor de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson in 2018 with a mandate to reform NYC’s property tax system while ensuring there is no reduction in revenue used to fund essential City services.  An in-person hearing following the report’s release was initially scheduled for March 12, 2020 in Staten Island, but later postponed due to COVID-19.  On May 11, the Commission held a Staten Island virtual hearing.  A Brooklyn hearing, which was previously announced, is scheduled for May 27. 

 

The Commission is soliciting input from the public on the 10 initial recommendations in the Preliminary Report, specifically whether they would achieve the goals of a fairer system, would be improved by certain modifications, or should be enhanced with additional recommendations.  To testify, speakers may register at the Commission’s website.  Anyone wishing to testify must register no later than 24-hours in advance.  Following registration, speakers will receive further instructions.    

 

Speakers may (but need not) submit their presentations ahead of time by emailing them to PropTaxInfo@propertytaxcommission.nyc.gov or uploading them through an online portal.   The portal and email address may also be used by those who are unable to attend but wish to submit testimony. 

 

 

To request interpretation services please email PropTaxInfo@propertytaxcommission.nyc.gov or call 212-676-3072 by 5:00pm three business days before the hearing.  For ASL, or to request an accommodation for a disability, please email or call by 5:00pm five business days before the hearing.

 

THE HUDSON COS. CLOSES $250 MILLION WORKFORCE HOUSING FUND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW YORK CITY PENSION FUNDS

 

Two of the City’s largest municipal pension funds will invest millions in city pension dollars to build workforce housing across the region, creating hundreds of mixed-income units

 

Fund expects to provide the City of New York’s pension funds with significant financial returns on its investment  

 

The Hudson Cos. brings to this innovative public-private partnership its strong historical track record and extensive experience and expertise in developing high-quality mixed-income housing in New York City

 The Hudson Companies (Hudson) has entered into a partnership with two of New York City’s largest municipal employee retirement systems that will invest $250 million to build green workforce housing across the region. Those two pension systems—the New York City Employees' Retirement System, and the Teachers' Retirement System of the City of New York—have allocated city pension dollars towards the creation of workforce housing in the five boroughs of New York City as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Putnam, Orange and Rockland counties. The fund is expected to provide the City of New York’s pension systems with a competitive return on its investment.

 

Hudson will be the single partner for this fund and will bring its strong historical investment performance, extensive experience and expertise in developing mixed-income green buildings throughout New York City, as well as its past success deploying pension fund investments to develop high-quality housing in New York City. This partnership demonstrates Hudson’s ongoing commitment to developing quality housing for working families across the region.

 

“Fighting climate change and increasing access to affordable green housing are crucial to making New York City an equitable place to live for generations to come,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Our pension trustees are meeting the moment by divesting from fossil fuels and investing in climate solutions like this partnership: a winning combination for our planet, our city and our pensioners."

 

“This public-private partnership creates an innovative new fund to generate sound financial returns for our pension systems while developing critical new housing throughout the region and preserve affordability in New York City,” said Yvonne Nelson, Head of Real Estate, New York City Office of the Comptroller. “We look forward to this partnership with the Hudson Companies as we invest our municipal pension funds back into the people of this city.”

 

"Now more than ever, it's critical to create high-quality workforce housing for working families," said Joe Riggs, Principal, the Hudson Companies. "This public-private partnership will help address the housing crisis and fair housing goals in New York City and around the region through sustainable, transit-oriented projects, boost local economies through the recovery and create jobs when they're needed most." 

 

“Working families were the hardest hit economically by COVID-19. Too many were left worrying about their jobs and how they’d pay their next rent check,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME. “This fund is a solution to those issues. By partnering with Hudson Companies, we can create more affordable housing throughout the city, while simultaneously delivering strong returns for pension holders.”

 

Up to 100 percent of the new fund can be used to create residential development, either for rental units or for co-ops and condominiums. At least 70 percent of the fund must be used to create new developments, and rents and purchase prices must not exceed 200 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). Hudson also intends to develop new housing through the fund along transit-rich corridors, limiting the need for cars and contributing to the environmentally friendly aspect of the new fund.

 

This is Hudson’s second partnership with the city’s pension funds to develop mixed-income housing in New York City. In 2013, all five New York City pension funds invested $500 million in residential and commercial real estate, focused in areas affected by Superstorm Sandy, with Hudson acting as one of two development partners.

 

In partnering with Hudson to manage this new fund, the pension funds will benefit from the company’s long track record of high-quality, mixed-income housing development, including two projects developed through the aforementioned Sandy fund—The Lois and The Clark. 

 

The Lois, located at 350 Clarkson Street in Brooklyn, is an eight-story, 250-unit building located on the border of Prospect-Lefferts Gardens and East Flatbush. The Lois was developed at a cost of $105 million, and features a mix of middle-income and market rate residences from studios to three bedrooms, along with exclusive amenities and common spaces as well as 6,000 square feet of ground floor retail. The development has set aside 30 percent of the apartments for households earning 110-130 percent of AMI.

 

The Clark, located adjacent to The Lois at 310 Clarkson Street, is a 170-unit mixed income rental building that was developed at a cost of $62 million. The development has set aside 30 percent of the apartments for households earning 100-130 percent of AMI, thereby ensuring middle income affordability for the long-term. The building also includes 8,000 square feet of ground floor retail, bringing vitality and services to an important neighborhood intersection.