Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr - NOT FOR SALE, NOT FOR RENT, AND NOT FOR HIRE

You should know that the City of New York has become the first city in the nation that has regulated Uber.

 

It is also very important for you to know that even those responsible for Uber being the cause of drivers taking their lives,  and the devastation of the Yellow Taxi industry, now are taking and claiming credit for what The For Hire Vehicle Committee has accomplished.

 

The For Hire Vehicle Committee was created by Council Speaker Corey Johnson under a negotiation with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and the Bronx Democratic County Chairman, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. 

 

After becoming aware of my efforts to solve the problems of The For Hire Vehicle drivers, and my serious commitment and concern for this industry, Assemblyman Crespo was very influential in convincing the Speaker, Corey Johnson to appoint me as the Chair of this newly created Committee.  This Committee is geared toward exploring the issues that negatively impact the drivers of the taxi industry,   especially the livery drivers under the Transportation Committee which was led by Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez.  

 

Councilmember Rodriguez and some of the same councilmembers that are now claiming credit were responsible, in 2016,  for approving legislation to increase penalties up to $10,000.00 for those drivers picking up passengers in the street in order to give Uber and others the opportunity to be the ones allowed to do street hails.

 

 

By taking away the Taxi Section from  the Transportation Committee, and creating the newly independent Committee, Speaker Johnson gave me the authority and the opportunity to hold public hearings and to question, even The Taxi and Limousine Commissioner,  about the abuses done to livery drivers and allowing Uber to devastate the Yellow Taxi industry.  

 

There were some central council staff and some councilmembers working to put an end to my efforts as The Committee Chairman, with the hopes of impeding some of my initial legislation.   In their efforts, sometimes we were confronted by some individuals that even ignored the Speakers instructions.

 

Today this legislation has passed, and I have to recognize the efforts of the Committee Counsel Mr. Christopher Lynn, who on many occasions had to become a thorn on the side of many.   This was to ensure that what had to be done was done correctly.

 

The support, that the For Hire Vehicles Committee, received from our Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and his chief of Staff, Mr. Jason Goldman was vital allowing us to move forward in accomplishing our goals on behalf of the Taxi industry.   Their support was honest, sincere and greatly appreciated.   

 

The City Council’s Central staff, Ms. Malak Masderdean and Mr. Louis Cholea-Brown, Mr. Hector Figueroa President of 32BJ, The Metropolitan Taxi Cab Board of Trade,  Ms. Bhairavi Desai from The NY Taxi Workers Alliance and Mr. Richard Lipsky and the Drivers with the Yellow Cowboy Hats, Councilmembers Brad Lander and Steven Levin were all extremely helpful in our endeavors. 

 

By the way, it was Christopher Lynn who was the most instrumental in writing and helping others write their Legislations.  

 

Finally, it was I who confronted everyone.  Some confrontations were contentious especially the ones I had with the Commissioner of the TLC in order for everyone to understand that this committee meant business.   Also, these confrontations were intended to send a message to those who were not paying attention to the Committee in the beginning.

 

There were some reporters that tried to make news by twisting everything, and questioning my integrity and honesty, implying that this legislation was motivated by political contributions.   This not true! And this is not right.

 

You should know that my only intention was to bring equality and justice to the taxi industry, that for many years had been used, abused, and ignored by everyone including the NYC Administrations.

 

The press and some of my colleagues have refused to give me any credit or acknowledge that it was the efforts of my Committee for this historic moment in NYC.   However, everyone, Uber and company know that no matter how much money, lies and scare tactics,  there is now, a  For Hire Vehicles Committee, in the NYC Council with a Chairman that are not for sale, not for rent, and not for hire.

 

I am Councilman Ruben Diaz and this what you should know.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Having  been at the press conference by Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson, City Council members, TLC commissioner Joshi, Bhairavi Desai Executive Director of the NY Taxi Workers Alliance, Hector Figueroa President of 32BJ, and many others, someone was missing.

The Chair of the For Hire Vehicles Committee was not there. The mayor even put a quote in his press release from Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., Chair of the For Hire Vehicles Committee which is below. 

“Yesterday was a historic day. The New York City Council led by Speaker Corey Johnson along with my For Hire Vehicle Committee passed some of the most comprehensive legislation halting app-based ride sharing services and initiating a study on their effect in NYC. This is the first legislation of its kind in the nation and it will stand as a template for other large cities facing issues with their taxi industry. Thank you to all my colleagues who were a part of this package of legislation and we will continue to work for a more fair & equitable New York City,” said Council Member Ruben Diaz, Sr., Chair of the Committee on For-Hire Vehicles, Sponsor of Intros. 634-B, 838-C, 958-A.

So Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. I was at the press conference, where were you?

That is what the people should know!

MAN INDICTED IN TWO BRONX MURDERS: ALLEGEDLY STABBED UNCLE DURING ROBBERY AND WHILE A FUGITIVE, ALLEGEDLY STABBED FEMALE EMPLOYEE OF SECURITY FIRM

Killings Happened A Month Apart; Elderly Man Had Won Lottery

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a man has been indicted for the fatal stabbings of his 73-year-old uncle and a 45-year-old woman during robberies in the Bronx. The first murder occurred on June 11, 2018 and the second killing occurred on July 11, 2018, while the defendant was being sought by police. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly killed his uncle who was battling cancer, during a robbery that netted him a few dollars. A month later, while he was on the run, the defendant allegedly killed a woman who was considered a close friend of his family, at the place where she worked.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Idris Abdul Muhaymin, 45, originally from Georgia, was indicted in the murders of Owen Dillard, who was his uncle, and Wanda Rios, an employee of MNI Security Specialist Inc., at 888 East 233rd Street. The defendant was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett on first-degree Murder, four counts of second-degree Murder, two counts of first-degree Manslaughter, four counts of first-degree Robbery, and first and second-degree Strangulation. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on October 9, 2018.

 According to the investigation, on June 11, 2018, the defendant allegedly put Owen Dillard in a chokehold and stabbed him repeatedly with a sharp object. The victim sustained wounds to his head and neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. On July 11, 2018, the defendant entered the MNI office while Wanda Rios was there alone. He then stabbed her repeatedly with a sharp object, causing her death, and fled with electronic equipment.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Javier Cordero of the 40th Precinct, Mark Moccia of the 47th Precinct, and Sean O’Leary and Robert Klein of Bronx Homicide for their assistance in the case.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION REGARDING THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION, BAIL BONDS, SENIOR CENTERS, AND SHORT TERM RENTALS

  Today, Mayor de Blasio signed seven bills aimed at making New York the fairest city in the nation: Int. 741-A requiring the city to provide free domestic telephone service to individuals within the custody of the Department of Correction; Int. 779-A requires the Department of Correction to issue reports on the use of tasers; Int. 510-B and Int. 724-A requiring the disclosure of information regarding the rights of those seeking bail bond services;  Int. 399-B and Int. 411-Aregarding Senior Centers; and Int. 981-A, requires online short-term rental platforms to report data about those transactions.

Department of Correction

Int. 741-A requires the city to provide free domestic telephone service to individuals within the custody of the department of corrections, and prohibits the city from collecting any revenue for providing said telephone service.

  

“This piece of legislation will ensure that no incarcerated person will have to pay to reach their loved ones on the phone and maintain crucial connections to the support networks key to their rehabilitation,” said Mayor de Blasio.

“Today we take a major step forward in the areas of criminal justice reform, public safety, and affordable housing. No one should have to choose between speaking to their loved ones and paying the bills and I am proud to say that New Yorkers with loved ones who are incarcerated will no longer have to make this decision. In addition, legislation to rein in illegal hotels and shady operators using Airbnb to the detriment of everyday New Yorkers will increase public safety and help preserve our affordable housing stock. I thank my colleagues in the Council for supporting these common sense measures and I thank Mayor de Blasio for signing them into law,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

“Free access to telephone service will help people in custody maintain strong ties with friends and family and will play an important role in supporting their successful transition back into our community,” said NYC Department of Correction Commissioner Cynthia Brann.

Int. 779-A requires the Department of Correction to issue quarterly reports on the use by Department staff of any device capable of administering an electric shock (Tasers).

Bail Bond Consumer Bill of Rights

Int. 510-B requires bail bond agents to post a sign prepared by DCA containing information regarding maximum premiums or compensation under state law, and how to file a complaint  with DCA.

Int. 724-A requires DCA to produce a consumer bill of rights for those seeking bail bond services, requires bail bond agents to post a sign containing the information about the business, and adds additional protections for consumers seeking bail bond services.

“For far too long, New Yorkers have turned to the bail bond industry, which has a history of exploiting those who are economically disadvantaged and coming to them during a time of need, said NYC Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “Earlier this year, we took action against bail bond agent Marvin Morgan for engaging in deceptive and unlawful trade practices. These two new bills will allow us to continue to protect the economic lives of New Yorkers by requiring bail bonds businesses to provide customers with a bill of rights and to disclose information regarding charges, which will further hold bail bonds businesses accountable.”

Senior Centers and Adult Day Cares

Int. 399-B requires the Department of the Aging to report annually on participant attendance, services, budgets, costs, and rates of utilization at senior centers.

Int. 411-A requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to ensure that all senior centers and social adult day cares that are food service establishments under Article 81 of the New York City Health Code are inspected on an annual basis.

Short Term Rentals

Int. 981-A requires online short-term rental platforms that provide booking services for a fee to report data about those transactions to the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. The report shall be submitted on a monthly basis. The bill creates a per-listing fine of $1,500 a month for each month of inaccurate reporting, or the total fees collected during the previous 12 months, whichever is greater.

“We look forward to working with our partners in the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement to help deter illegal short-term rentals,” said Buildings Commissioner Rick D. Chandler, PE.

“This law provides the City with the critical data it needs to preserve our housing stock, keep visitors safe, and ensure residents feel secure in their homes and neighborhoods. I want to thank Mayor de Blasio for his leadership on this important issue that impacts all New Yorkers,” said Christian Klossner, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - Back to School

BP DIAZ & CM COHEN PARTNER ON SETON PARK RENOVATIONS

Elected leaders will provide over $1.2 million to fund new skate park and fitness equipment

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and City Council member Andrew Cohen announced today that they have allocated a combined $1,249,000 in capital funding for renovations in Riverdale’s Seton Park.

The funding will be used by the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation to fund the construction of a new skate park as well as to provide new fitness equipment throughout the park.

“Seton Park is one of the great gems of the Riverdale community, and I am proud to have partnered with Council Member Cohen to help bring a skate park and upgraded fitness equipment to this park,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who provided $830,000 for the renovations from his FY2019 capital budget. “These renovations will make this park more accessible to users of all ages, provide Bronx residents with greater recreation options and create a new space for our skateboarders to shred!”

"With its tennis courts, baseball fields, sitting areas and playground Seton Park is the heart of South Riverdale," said Council Member Andrew Cohen, who allocated $410,000 towards the installation of the new skate park and fitness equipment. "I am thrilled to have partnered with Bronx Borough President Diaz and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation to repurpose an area of this beautiful park that was previously under-utilized to create more recreational spaces for everyone in the community to enjoy."

Borough President Diaz has funded a total of $55,014,000 across 73 park projects through his capital budget since taking office in 2009.

This year, Borough President Diaz’s office has provided $23,250,000 in total capital dollars across 81 projects. Since coming to office in 2009, Borough President Diaz has provided $271,896,000 in total capital funding to 806 projects.

New York City Council Member Brad Lander Endorses Cynthia Nixon for Governor

   Council Member Brad Lander today endorsed Cynthia Nixon in her bid for governor. Lander, a founding co-chair of the Council’s Progressive Caucus, represents the 39th district encompassing portions of Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Columbia Waterfront, Gowanus, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Borough Park, and Kensington.

“This is a moment when bolder leadership is smarter leadership,” said Council Member Lander. “We desperately need a leader who will meet this moment with action and courage-- by implementing Andy Byford’s ‘Fast Forward’ plan, calling the State Senate back to Albany to vote to save our kids from traffic crashes, and pioneering bold, progressive legislation like single-payer, universal health care for every New Yorker. I’m proud to endorse progressive champion Cynthia Nixon for Governor of New York State. She will provide the bolder, smarter leadership that this moment demands.”

Lander is the Council’s Deputy Leader for Policy, and sits on the Committees on Civil Rights, Consumer Affairs, Economic Development, Education, General Welfare, and Women’s Issues. While in office, he has fought successfully to reform discriminatory practices in the NYPD, win living wage jobs and paid sick days for low-wage employees, protect workers in the “gig economy” and bring climate-change responsive policies to NYC.

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of Council Member Brad Lander, a leader for progressive values and a true fighter for working New Yorkers,” said Cynthia Nixon. “Brad understands the necessity of empowering communities and making government work for the many, not the few. I look forward to working together to fight for bold policy like single payer health care and finally making our state as progressive as its people."

This endorsement adds to a growing group of elected officials backing Cynthia. Cynthia has been endorsed by former Speaker of the City Council Melissa Mark-Viverito, current Council Members Menchaca, Van Bramer and Reynoso, Assembly member Andrew Hevesi and she has also cross endorsed with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Jessica Ramos, New York State Senate candidate in the 13th district; Julia Salazar, New York State Senate candidate in the 18th district; and Robert Jackson, New York State Senate candidate in the 31st district. She has received the endorsement from a slate of elected officials in the Capital District and Hudson Valley.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at a Commercial Waste Zones: Business Roundtable & Breakfast

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NYC COOLING CENTERS OPEN THROUGH TUESDAY TO HELP NEW YORKERS BEAT THE HEAT

Heat Advisory extended through Tuesday, August 7

Cooling centers will be open across the city through Tuesday. To find the nearest location call 311 or visitwww.nyc.gov/beattheheat 

Parks department has extended daily NYC pool hours to 8 p.m. on Monday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 7

  As the heat wave continues to affect New York City, the New York City Emergency Management Department today announced that cooling centers will remain open through Tuesday, August 7.Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community centers, senior centers, and NYCHA facilities that are open to the public during heat emergencies. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the NYC Cooling Center Finder at www.nyc.gov/beattheheat.

The National Weather Service has extended the heat advisory for New York City through 8 p.m. Tuesday. High heat and humidity are in the forecast, with high temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s and heat index values ranging from 95 - 100 degrees.

“It’s important that New Yorkers take the dangers presented by extreme heat seriously,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Drink plenty of water and stay cool either at your air-conditioned home or one of our hundreds of cooling centers.”

An Air Quality Health Advisory is also in effect from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. Monday. An Air Quality Health Advisory issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation means that individuals should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease are at an increased risk, and should consider consulting their personal physician if they experience heat-related symptoms.

The New York City Emergency Management Department urges New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. Those at increased risk are people who do not have or use air conditioning AND:

·         Are 65 years or older;

·  Have chronic medical, mental health, or cognitive/developmental conditions;

· Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature;

·   Are confined to their beds, have limited mobility, or are unable to leave their homes;

·    Are obese; or

·     Misuse alcohol or drugs.

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT:

·   Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.

·   Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

·  Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first consult their physician.

·  Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.

·  Eat small, frequent meals.

· Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

·  If possible, go to an air-conditioned location for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.

·   Cool down with a cool bath or shower.

·   Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at a mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.

·   Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above) and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.

· Never leave your children or pets in the car.

For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/health.

FACTS ABOUT HEAT ILLNESS:

Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also aggravate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness.

Know the warning signs of heat stress. If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

Call 911 immediately if you have, or someone you know has:

·   Hot dry skin.

·   Trouble breathing.

·   Rapid heartbeat.

·   Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.

·   Nausea and vomiting.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

· Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.

· Exercise early and late: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.

· Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

· Keep cats safe by installing screens in your windows: Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, as they can fall out of them often during summer months.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE:

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and can lower water pressure to dangerous levels and hamper the ability of FDNY to fight fire safely and quickly.

Properly used “spray caps” reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.