MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES NYPD CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL PARKING TO SPEED UP BUSES

Fulfilling State of the City pledge, seven NYPD tow truck teams will tow vehicles that block dedicated bus lanes in every borough

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the City was fulfilling one of its State of the City pledges -- to speed up buses Citywide with dedicated NYPD teams towing cars parked in bus lanes. He rallied one of the Police teams headed out to enforce the law and tow cars parked along bus routes with dedicated bus lanes around Manhattan. The seven new NYPD tow teams will operate in all five boroughs. The City has set an ambitious goal to increase bus speeds by 25% by 2020, using increased enforcement and street redesign.

“It shouldn’t be so hard to get around the greatest city in the world,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Buses are a critical link in our public transportation system, but too often they are painfully slow. I hope all New Yorkers get the message that we have to keep bus lanes clear to get people moving and to work on time.”

"The NYPD recognizes the important role that safe, on-time bus performance plays in New York City's transportation network,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Thomas Chan. "The NYPD is collaborating with our colleagues from the Department of Transportation and the MTA to keep bus routes across all five boroughs clear of illegally parked vehicles. As Mayor de Blasio mentioned in his State of the City address, the NYPD now has a dedicated team of tow trucks and enforcement agents that patrol bus lanes and bus routes across this City with the goal of increasing bus speeds.”

“As part of his State of the City, the Mayor made a bold pledge to increase bus speeds by 25% by 2020, really an incredibly ambitious goal,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We thank our partners at NYPD for starting their aggressive work today on a critical routes in Midtown and around the City– as they make sure that bus riders can make it where they need to go.”

As part of his State of the City Address, the Mayor noted that on average buses only move at 7.4 mph and in busy commercial districts, the average speed is less than 4 mph. Bus ridership is down across the City as riders avoid trips and choose faster, more reliable modes of transportation. The City and the MTA are committed to working together to improve bus service citywide. Mayor de Blasio, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) are building on past efforts to get New Yorkers moving. The City has the power to redesign streets, install new bus lanes, and remove more vehicles blocking bus lanes. The MTA and State may control the buses, but the City has the tools to help reverse downward ridership trends and increase average bus speeds 25% by the end of 2020.

In addition to the efforts to increase NYPD enforcement, as part of “Better Buses for All,” the Mayor announced the following:

Redesigned Bus Networks

· Work with the MTA to optimize the bus network in every borough, work that began last year in Staten Island and will expand to the Bronx in 2019, and pursue street redesigns to improve bus movement and maximize the effectiveness of the new networks

· Press the MTA to restart the SBS program and continue adding SBS routes every year, allowing NYC to fulfill our October 2017 commitment to add 20 SBS routes citywide, doubling the current number of routes

Streets for Buses

· Perform street projects across the city to benefit 600,000 daily riders citywide in 2019

· Install bus lanes at an average of 10-15 miles per year, up from current pace of 7 miles per year

· Upgrade 5 miles of existing citywide bus lanes per year with extended hours, restricted turning, and piloting up to 2 miles of physically separated lanes in 2019

Give Buses Green Lights

· Add traffic-signal priority at 300 intersections per year, doubling the number of intersections where buses get green lights.

· Better Boarding and Rider Experience

· Improve rider experience by pressing for all-door boarding and off-board fare collection, and making bus stop improvements

· Advocate for expanded camera enforcement

Democratic Socialist Nomiki Konst, on NYC Public Advocate Ballot on ‘Pay Folks More’ Party Line, Champions $30 Minimum Wage for NYC

Nomiki Konst for Public Advocate

The policy would go into effect for city workers and businesses of 75 or more

Today, Democratic Socialist activist Nomiki Konst qualified as a candidate for New York City Public Advocate on the Pay Folks More Party line and immediately announced her official support for a $30 minimum wage. Konst proposed an immediate implementation of the policy for municipal employees, for businesses with 75 or more employees and for businesses who have government contracts with New York City. “As the city with the worst income disparity in the country, New York will not turn that around by following the lead of other parts of the country where the cost of living is much lower. It has to lead, and a $30 minimum wage is the way to do it,” said Konst. “While $15/hour was a great success, it’s frankly not enough for any family to pay their rent anywhere in the US. We need to have bolder economic solutions to solve our affordability crisis in NYC.”   Konst continued, “For too long we’ve been fed the lie that we are powerless to make our city more livable and affordable. But at the core of Democratic Socialism is the idea that the ability to shape our living conditions is in our hands. Paying working people more is one of the most obvious ways we can achieve that, and as one of the richest cities in the world, we’re more than capable of leading the way.”   Konst’s campaign for Public Advocate makes the case for a $30 minimum wage as part of a broader Democratic Socialist agenda to make New York more livable for working people. EDITOR'S NOTE:  While we may not agree with candidate Konst's agenda it is news which we feel the public needs to know.

Congress Members Engel, Reed, Clarke, Carter, Pallone, Walden Reintroduce Palliative Care & Hospice Education and Training Act

   Congress Members Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Tom Reed (R-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), and Greg Walden (R-OR), have reintroduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). 

This bill would expand opportunities for training in palliative and hospice care and offer incentives to attract and retain providers. In addition, through existing programs, the bill would create a national campaign to educate patients, families and health professionals about the benefits of palliative care. The legislation would also expand vital research on palliative care at the National Institutes of Health.

Palliative care complements efforts to treat or cure illness by focusing on patients’ quality of life. It is appropriate for patients with serious illnesses starting at the point of diagnosis, through treatment, and onward through hospice and the end of life. Palliative care entails communication with patients and their families to coordinate care, determine patient preferences, and assist with medical decision-making.

Despite the benefits of palliative care, many Americans aren’t aware of the supports available to them. There is also a shortage of educated providers who can offer quality palliative care. The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act aims to address these issues.

PCHETA passed the House last Congress, but it did not get a vote in the Senate.

“Every one of us has been touched by serious illness,” Rep. Engel said. “Whether we have been affected personally, or stood by a loved one, we all know how trying those situations can be for all involved. Last Congress, the House passed the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act but it never received a vote in the Senate. My hope is that we can pass this bill again and get the Senate to act so that we will move one step closer to relieving the stresses of illness and tremendously improving patients’ quality of life.”

“I witnessed the benefits of hospice and palliative when caring for my Mother, and it is an issue that strikes close to my heart,” Rep. Reed said. “This bill will ensure that our aging loved ones have access to the proper and comfortable care they deserve as they reach those crucial final days with their family. Not only will quality of life be improved, but hospice care lowers health care cost making this legislation a win-win we should all support.”

“As family members, there are tough choices we must make for end-of-life care for our loved ones. The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act is forward-thinking legislation that aids in educating patients, families, and caregivers and provides insight into how they can provide better quality of life for individuals with serious, painful medical illnesses. I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues to ensure we pass sound policy that places the necessary systems of support in place for patients and their families,” said Rep. Clarke.

“As a pharmacist for more than 30 years, I served as a pharmacy consultant for hospice care,” said Rep. Carter. “I saw firsthand the important impact that proper palliative care can have on patients and families going through incredibly difficult end of life decisions. This legislation ensures that there is a well-trained palliative care workforce available and ready for those individuals with serious illnesses. I am glad to again join this bipartisan group to reintroduce this important legislation.”

“This bipartisan bill will improve education, training, and research into palliative and hospice care,” Energy and Commerce Chairman Pallone said. “This important legislation will help ensure that we have the workforce to meet the growing need for quality end-of-life care. I commend my colleagues for their ongoing commitment to improving support and medical care for patients at the end of life.”  

“This is a cause that’s near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to be reintroducing this bill in the new Congress,” said Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Greg Walden. “The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act will have a real impact on patients’ lives. I’ve heard about the importance of this bill from a broad coalition of supporters in my district, from palliative care specialists to patient advocates. The House passed this bill in the last Congress, and I will work with my colleagues this year to get it across the finish line and signed into law.”

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON THE PASSAGE OF THE SENATOR JOSE PERALTA NEW YORK STATE DREAM ACT

  “No student should have to forgo a college education because they can’t get financial aid. For far too long, undocumented students who are New Yorkers have faced this unjust barrier to realizing their dreams. With the passage of the Senator Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act, I’m so glad to say that we’re finally tearing this wall down. Equal access to education is a human right and the only way we’ll meet the needs of a 21st century economy is to unleash the talents of all New Yorkers. I thank the late Senator Jose Peralta, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senator Luis Sepulveda, Assembly Member Carmen de la Rosa and the rest of the legislature for standing together with our immigrant communities.”

ASSEMBLYMAN JEFFREY DINOWITZ STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF JOSE PERALTA NYS DREAM ACT

“New York has long been home to New Americans, from the days of Ellis Island to the vibrant diversity of cultural backgrounds that shapes New York City neighborhoods today. Our tradition of inclusivity towards immigrants is a huge part of what makes New York City great. I am proud that my colleagues in the Assembly and state Senate were finally able to continue this great tradition by passing the Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act, named in honor of the late state Senator Jose Peralta who was a leader in advocating for DREAMers and whose legacy will live on through the thousands of students finally able to afford a college education.

“Education is an investment. Historically, New York State has invested in the education of all children regardless of citizenship status from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. As our economy becomes more dynamic, it has become increasingly clear that K-12 education is no longer sufficient to ensure dividends on our academic investment. The DREAM Act makes it easier for non-citizens to attend college - allowing New York to recuperate our investment in their education by better preparing them to participate in our economy.

“I am proud that after six consecutive years of the Assembly passing this bill, and one defeat in the state Senate in 2014, that we are able to finally send this bill to the Governor’s desk for his signature. The Assembly will continue to lead the way on progressive policies – including expanding college access and allowing the DMV to issue driver licenses to undocumented New Yorkers.”

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: The Jose Peralta DREAM Act

  “I want to thank the New York State Legislature for passing the New York DREAM Act today, an important bill that protects the rights of our immigrant population in New York State.

“Whether your ancestors came across the Atlantic Ocean in the 1700s or crossed the Mexican border in more recent times, this country prides itself on being inclusive and accepting of immigrant populations. Immigrants are a vital part of what makes our country special, a melting pot that is unique compared to the rest of the world. The hateful rhetoric coming out of the Oval Office, using the hopes and ambitions of DREAMers around the nation as a bargaining chip to build a wall of hate, is un-American.

“The New York DREAM Act is named after a great friend and colleague of mine, the late New York State Senator Jose Peralta. Senator Peralta was a vocal advocate of protecting the rights of immigrants throughout the state, and this legislation will ensure that undocumented immigrants are able to attain quality higher-learning education including access to the Excelsior Scholarship, TAP and other tuition assistance programs available to those without lawful immigration status who attended a high school for at least two years.

“As we have learned in The Bronx over the years, giving undocumented students access to quality higher-education boosts our economy, and it helps us retain the best talent to help The Bronx and New York State to continue to flourish – both economically and culturally. We are a nation built on the hard work of immigrants, and thanks to the Jose Peralta DREAM Act our immigrant communities will remain a vital part of New York State,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

News From Congressman Adriano Espaillat

Rep. Adriano Espaillat Statement on the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

  Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) recognized the forty-sixth anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade.  In its 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court recognized that the U.S. Constitution protects a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions, including the decision to have an abortion.

“On this day, the Supreme Court held that a woman’s choice to govern her reproductive health, as a fundamental right, belongs to her.  Affirming that women have this right to privacy and autonomy marked a giant step forward in the values we hold dear and at the core of our nation,”said Rep. Adriano Espaillat.

“As we recognize Roe v. Wade and the progress our nation has made. We cannot remain idle in the face of policies that threaten to undermine a woman’s right to make decisions based on her health without interference.

“When women have the right to choose in matters concerning their health and bodies, we become a safer and more democratic society.  On this anniversary, we recommit our work to champion and defend women’s rights by eliminating the barriers that they continue to face while living in the United States of America.”

Rep. Adriano Espaillat Statement on Passage of the New York State Dream Act

  Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement on passage of the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act:

“Congratulations to the New York State Legislature for passing the DREAM Act,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat.  “With passage of the DREAM Act, New York is sending a strong message to the Trump administration that we welcome immigrants and America is a nation of immigrants.  Passage of the DREAM Act will allow young immigrants across the state, many of whom are nurses, doctors, teacher, and members of our Armed Forces opportunities and a shot at the American Dream.

“The DREAM Act in the New York State Legislature was named to honor the memory of my dear friend, Senator José Peralta, and in recognition of his steadfast leadership and unyielding desire to see the DREAM Act passed and signed into law.

“I congratulate New York and know that Lady Liberty still stands in the harbor with her torch lighting the bay for everyone across the world, because we are a nation of immigrants.”

The 161st Street Bid Hosts a Public Toast to Yankee legend, Mariano Rivera Honoring His Unanimous Election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

  The 161st Street BID led by Dr. Cary Goodman hosted a Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider toast to Yankee legend Mariano Rivera in honor of his unanimous election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, this morning under the Rivera Avenue sign at the intersection of E. 161 st Street and Rivera Avenue. 

In 2013 the 161st Street BID erected the Mariano Meter which counted down his pursuit of the career saves record.

Upon Rivera’s retirement, the BID sponsored a block party of 5,000 fans who wanted to say, “Thank you,” for a great career.

In 2014, the BID successfully lobbied for the re-naming of the block between 161st Street and 162nd Streets as Rivera Avenue.

In 2017, portraitist, Andre Trenier, painted a Mariano Mural (12’ x 15’)  on Stan’s Sports Bar located at 836 River Avenue across from the old Yankee Stadium. 

Above - Dr. Goodman the Executive Director of the 161st Street BID is interviewed in front of Yankee Stadium.

Below - Joe Kalar representing the New York Yankee organization holds a proclamation from Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, as Mr. Felix Garcia an aide to Councilwoman Gibson is in the photo with 161st Street Bid Director Dr. Goodman, who is holding another citation from Congressman Jose Serrano who was stuck in Washington. 

Above - Dr. Goodman stands in front of the mural of Mariano Rivera on Stan's Sports Bar with Artist Andre Trenier.

Below - Dr. Goodman, Artist Andre Trenier, Police Officers of the 44th Precinct, and others in front of the Mariano Rivera mural.