Saturday, August 7, 2021

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - AUGUST 7, 2021

 

49,799 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours   

11 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday   


 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19.  

"The progress New Yorkers have made has been remarkable - and our comeback is proof of what it means to be 'New York Tough'," Governor Cuomo said. "Our fight is not over yet, and the Delta variant remains a threat to all that we have accomplished together. The vaccine is the most effective weapon we have against COVID, so if you still need to get your shot, I urge you to do so quickly at one of our many sites across the state."   
    
Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

  • Test Results Reported - 145,813  
  • Total Positive - 4,385  
  • Percent Positive - 3.01%  
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.86%  
  • Patient Hospitalization - 1,121 (+71)  
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 193  
  • Patients in ICU - 232 (+19)  
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 83 (+11)  
  • Total Discharges - 187,552 (+134)  
  • Deaths - 11  
  • Total Deaths - 43,128  
  • Total vaccine doses administered - 22,548,493  
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 49,799  
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 293,689 
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 73.4%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 67.4%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 76.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 69.1%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 61.5%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 56.2%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 63.9%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 57.6%  

Governor Cuomo Announces Start of $45.1 Million Project to Reconstruct Key Ramp to Cross Bronx Expressway


Ramp from Northbound Sheridan Boulevard to Westbound Cross Bronx Expressway in the Bronx to be Rebuilt and Four Nearby Bridges Repaired
 

Project Builds on the State's Unprecedented Investment in the South Bronx 

 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of a $45.1 million project to reconstruct and realign the 700-foot-long entrance ramp leading from northbound Sheridan Boulevard to westbound Cross Bronx Expressway (Interstate 95) in the Bronx. The 70-year-old ramp will be replaced by a modern structure with wider shoulders, concrete protective barriers and a smoother curvature that will ease traffic flow and enhance safety along this busy corridor. Reconstruction of the ramp, which handles more than 8,000 vehicles a day, will help keep highway traffic off local roads. Structural repairs will also be made to four nearby bridges and new landscaping added to the pedestrian and bicycle path leading to Starlight Park. The project complements the state's unprecedented investment to enhance infrastructure in the South Bronx.

"This project will further the tremendous progress we have made in the South Bronx  by removing the physical barriers that for years have hampered growth and impacted quality of life," Governor Cuomo said. "The reconstructed ramp and other improvements help to reduce congestion and create better travel conditions along this vital corridor, fostering vitality and economic opportunity throughout the community."

The existing ramp, which currently consists of nine bridge spans, will be rebuilt using four spans, which will reduce the number of required bridge joints and significantly decrease future maintenance needs. Rebuilding with fewer spans, including the elimination of one pier that currently extends into the Bronx River, will also create more open space below the bridge and improve the environmental quality of the river. Scheduled for completion in spring 2023, the new ramp will provide a service life of approximately 75 years. New, energy-efficient LED lights will also be installed on the ramp. 

During construction, a temporary ramp will be built from southbound Sheridan Boulevard to the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway to ensure continued traffic flow. In addition, a temporary left turn signal will be installed at northbound Sheridan Boulevard to allow traffic to access the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway. 

Improvements - including bearing and joint replacements, pavement resurfacing and repairs to the concrete, railings and bridge decks - will also be made to three bridges along the Cross Bronx Expressway between West Farms Road and the Bronx River Parkway and the eastbound Cross Bronx Expressway exit ramp to southbound Sheridan Boulevard.

Additionally, the project will plant native trees and vegetation to enhance the natural landscape along the pedestrian and bicycle pathway leading from East 177th Street to Starlight Park. 
 
This project builds on the South Bronx's transformational progress under Governor Cuomo's leadership that also includes the transformation of the Sheridan Expressway from an interstate highway to a pedestrian-friendly boulevard; the rehabilitation of the Bruckner Expressway; and the ongoing Hunts Point Access Improvement Project.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "The start of this project marks another great step forward for the Bronx and demonstrates yet again Governor Cuomo's commitment to building a 21st Century transportation network that benefits all residents. The Department of Transportation is proud to have played a major role in helping to make the Governor's vision for a revitalized Bronx a reality through our work on the Hunts Point and the Sheridan Boulevard and Bruckner Expressway projects; and we are delighted to get going with this new and exciting project."

 

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 8/2/21-8/6/21

 

Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Dear Community,

On Tuesday, the New York State Attorney General’s Office completed its independent investigation into claims of sexual harassment by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The investigation concluded that Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed former and current staff, violated federal and state law, and upheld a toxic and hostile work environment that allowed him to sexually harass and intimidate employees. You can read the entire Attorney General report here.

The report is beyond troubling, and my heart goes out to the victims of the Governor’s abuse. No one should have to endure such harassment as these women have faced. I commend the brave women who came forward to share their experiences in the face of actual and potential retaliation. I believe you, I support you, and I stand with you always. No longer can we let powerful men abuse their positions without facing consequences. It is time for Governor Cuomo to face accountability for his actions. We must draw a clear line –– harassment is in the workplace is unacceptable –– even when they are committed by the most powerful people in our state. The Governor’s actions are an abuse of power and they impact not just the individual women who came forward, but the function and integrity of New York State government. 

My hope is that the Governor will listen to the chorus of calls for him to step aside and resign— but that seems very unlikely at this moment. That is why I am calling on the State Assembly and Speaker Carl Heastie to move to impeach immediately. In New York State, the impeachment process begins in the Assembly who must draft and vote on articles of impeachment, before sending them to the Senate to conduct the impeachment trial. A key factor in New York’s impeachment process is that once the impeachment process is initiated, the Governor is required to step away from his duties as the trial takes place. In his absence, the Lieutenant Governor assumes the position of the Executive. Those of us who have called for the Governor’s resignation agree that he is no longer fit to lead our state, so it is our responsibility to ensure he does not serve another day in office.

Simply put, if we fail to hold the Governor accountable, we are sending a message that harassment and abuse are okay, and that he can get away with abusing his staff because he has a position of power. Additionally, New York is in a pivotal moment as we navigate the Delta variant, continue to help our communities recover, and distribute COVD-19 relief funds. We cannot afford to continue business as usual and allow this dysfunctional governor and his executive to be at the helm of our government during this critical time.

Finally, with the surge in the Delta variant, I also want to remind everyone to stay safe and vigilant. The best way for us to protect ourselves and our loved ones still lies in getting our communities vaccinated, and I encourage everyone who is eligible but has not yet been vaccinated to do so immediately. The threat and widespread existence of the Delta variant cannot be understated, and as New York gears up to face this spike in the new strain, getting vaccinated is more important than ever. 

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

ALEKSANDER MICI RESPONSE TO VELÁZQUEZ DISHONESTY REGARDING BRUCKNER BLVD UP-ZONING


Editor's Note: 

The Following Comes from the Mici For City Council Campaign.


"Marjorie Velázquez is lying."

Aleksander Mici, candidate for New York City Council in the 13th District in the Bronx, released the following statement following Marjorie Velázquez's dishonesty regarding Bruckner Blvd up-zoning.

"Marjorie Velázquez is being dishonest about her opposition to the Bruckner Blvd up-zoning, which came less than 24 hours after I held a press conference and rally with hundreds of residents in attendance.

"Velázquez is endorsed by Open New York, an organization that expressly advocates for 'policies that encourage ... upzoning for greater densities, raising height-limits and reducing setbacks, and streamlining the approval process for social housing.'

"My opponent can't have it both ways. If she truly opposes up-zoning on Bruckner Blvd, she MUST renounce her endorsement by Open New York. If she refuses, she is either lying to them or lying to voters. But make no mistake, either way Marjorie Velázquez is lying."

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches For 283 Units At 1755 Watson Avenue In Soundview, The Bronx

 

 1755 Watson Avenue In Soundview, 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1755 Watson Avenue, a nine-story mixed-use building in Soundview, The Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Azimuth Development Group, the structure yields 312,880 square feet for 326 residences, amenities, parking, ground-floor retail, and space for the Bronx Pentecostal Deliverance center. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 283 units for residents at 30 to 100 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $15,052 to $148,000.

Residents will have access to a wide range of amenities including outdoor terraces, outdoor recreation area, a community lounge, media room, yoga room, bicycle storage, shared laundry room, and parking. Units will have name-brand appliances and finishes and laminate flooring.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are 33 units ranging from studios to three-bedrooms with a monthly rents ranging from $375 to $672 for incomes ranging from $15,052 to $44,400.

At 40 percent of the AMI, there are 50 units ranging from studios to three-bedrooms with a monthly rents ranging from $535 to $949 for incomes ranging from $20,538 to $59,200.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 31 units ranging from studios to three-bedrooms with a monthly rents ranging from $696 to $1,227 for incomes ranging from $26,058 to $74,000.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are 75 units ranging from studios to three-bedrooms with a monthly rents ranging from $856 to $1,504 for incomes ranging from $31,543 to $88,800.

At 100 percent of the AMI, there are 94 units ranging from studios to three-bedrooms with a monthly rents ranging from $1,225 to $2,143 for incomes ranging from $44,195 to $148,000.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than October 4, 2021.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - AUGUST 6, 2021

 

51,506 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

Vaccination Rate Up 40% from 3 Weeks Ago; 150,000 New New Yorkers Receiving Their Vaccination Weekly - Pacing State Hasn't Seen Since June

5 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 


 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19. New York State vaccination rate is up 40% from three weeks ago meaning 150,000 new New Yorkers are receiving their vaccination weekly. New York State last saw vaccination pacing like that in June.

"According to the numbers, New Yorkers are listening to the science and getting their vaccinations," Governor Cuomo said. "New Yorkers are doing the right thing to protect their communities and keeping vaccination rates up is crucial as we near back to school season. If you haven't already, get your vaccination as soon as you can." 
  
Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 134,202 
  • Total Positive - 3,700 
  • Percent Positive - 2.76% 
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.79% 
  • Patient Hospitalization - 1,050 (+72) 
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 176 
  • Patients in ICU - 213 (+24) 
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 72 (+6) 
  • Total Discharges - 187,418 (+129) 
  • Deaths - 5 
  • Total Deaths - 43,116 
  • Total vaccine doses administered - 22,498,694 
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 51,506 
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 286,174 
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 73.2% 
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 67.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 76.0%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 69.0%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 61.3% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 56.1%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 63.7%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 57.5%

Corrupt Puerto Rico Police Officer Pleads Guilty To Murder And Racketeering

 

William Vazquez-Baez Committed Murder-For-Hire and Provided Information, Weapons, and Drugs to a Violent Criminal Enterprise

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that WILLIAM VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, a former member of the Puerto Rico Police Department (“PRPD”), pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court in connection with his years of corrupt assistance to a criminal enterprise known as La Organización de Narcotraficantes Unidos (“La ONU”), including his participation in the May 9, 2007, murder of Anthony Castro-Carrillo in Carolina, Puerto Rico.  U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “William Vazquez-Baez perverted his official position for personal gain, and in so doing brought deadly violence into the homes of the very people he was sworn to protect.  Today’s plea represents a milestone in holding Vazquez-Baez responsible for the cold-blooded, murderous violence he wrought.”

According to the allegations in the Information and other filings and statements made in court:

From approximately 1994 until his arrest in connection with this case in May 2017, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ was an active police officer with the PRPD.  From in or about 2004 until in or about 2016, members of La ONU shipped thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York, including cocaine that was then distributed out of a Bronx daycare center, and protected their territory and trade through numerous acts of violence.  Members of La ONU paid VAZQUEZ-BAEZ a salary to corruptly use his position as a police officer to further the interests of La ONU.  For example, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ provided narcotics and intelligence, including information obtained from the police narcotics unit.  Members of La ONU would also contact VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, among others, when transporting large quantities of cocaine within the San Juan, Puerto Rico, area to ensure the shipment avoided areas of police activity.  VAZQUEZ-BAEZ also distributed payments to other corrupt police officers who assisted La ONU.

VAZQUEZ-BAEZ also assisted La ONU in acts of violence:

In or about 2006 or 2007, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ alerted La ONU members that Freddy Mendez-Rivera, a local resident, had complained to police about drug dealing occurring in his neighborhood, which led to members of La ONU kidnapping and then killing Mendez-Rivera.  Around the same time, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ alerted a senior member of La ONU that the kidnapping was being reported over the police radio.  VAZQUEZ-BAEZ advised that, because the fact that Mendez-Rivera had spoken with the police was known throughout the Carolina Narcotics division, it was important that the body never be discovered.  When later updated about what had happened, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ laughed and remarked, in substance, that Mendez-Rivera would not be giving the police information any further.

On or about May 9, 2007, members of La ONU hired VAZQUEZ-BAEZ to participate in the murder of Anthony Castro-Carrillo in Carolina, Puerto Rico, in exchange for a cash bonus.  VAZQUEZ-BAEZ and members of La ONU stormed Castro-Carrillo’s residence while dressed as police officers and shot and killed him.

In or about 2007, VAZQUEZ-BAEZ delivered a confidential informant, who was in VAZQUEZ-BAEZ’s custody, to members of La ONU, who pretended to be other police officers. Those members of La ONU then shot and killed the informant.           

VAZQUEZ-BAEZ, 52, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1958, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

VAZQUEZ-BAEZ is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Furman on December 2, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New York City Police Department.  Ms. Strauss also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Police Department for their support in this ongoing investigation. 

CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Issues Consumer Alert to Protect New Yorkers From Dangerous, Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Cards

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of fake coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination cards. The sale or distribution of blank or fraudulently-completed vaccination cards to individuals who have not actually received a vaccine poses a serious threat to the health of New York communities, and will impede the progress that has been made in combatting COVID-19. Falsifying vaccine cards and records, as well as the unauthorized use of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) seals, also violate various federal and New York state laws and is subject to civil and criminal enforcement. 

“As the Delta variant becomes more prominent, it is more important than ever for New Yorkers to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Attorney General James. “Not only do fake and fraudulently-completed vaccination cards violate federal and state laws and the public trust, but they also put the health of our communities at risk and potentially prolong this public health crisis. I strongly urge New Yorkers to reject these fake vaccination cards and get the COVID-19 vaccine, so that we can move forward from this pandemic and return to normalcy as soon as possible.”

COVID-19 vaccines are now available to all New Yorkers 12 years of age and older, and must be administered free of charge. To find a New York state operated vaccination site, please visit this the state's COVID-19 vaccine tracker website. Other vaccination sites can be found online.

Legitimate CDC vaccination cards are provided to individuals once they receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If an individual receives the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines — which require two doses — they will receive a vaccination card after their first dose that will be updated after the second dose. Those getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will receive their vaccination card after their single dose. New Yorkers are urged not to share pictures of this card online or on social media, or to at least blur out private information (date of birth, vaccination lot number, etc.). Scammers can use New Yorkers’ personal information to steal their identity, and use pictures to create fake cards.

New Yorkers can access proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result digitally on their smartphone using one of the two Excelsior Pass apps, which are available for free from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Use of the Excelsior Pass apps are voluntary, and with these apps, New Yorkers can easily retrieve and store a digital form of vaccine records or negative test results and avoid misplacing or damaging their vaccination card. New Yorkers can learn more about the Excelsior Pass apps online

Relatedly, this past April, Attorney General James and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general sent letters to a number of companies asking them to act immediately to prevent the sale of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards on their platforms.

Separately, last week, Attorney General James, leading a coalition of advocates, sent a letter to Facebook, urging the company to address and dispel harmful and inaccurate myths about the COVID-19 virus and the available vaccines on its platform that have targeted Latino communities. This letter came after Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general sent an earlier letter to both Facebook and Twitter, in March 2021, calling on the companies to enforce company guidelines against vaccine misinformation.

In April, Attorney General James issued an alert urging New Yorkers to report unlawful vaccine charges as the vaccines are and always have been free of charge.

Lastly, in March, Attorney General James issued an alert to New Yorkers to beware of scams making fraudulent promises to consumers that they could cut COVID-19 vaccine lines or receive additional stimulus payments. This alert followed an earlier alert, in December 2020, where Attorney General James warned New Yorkers about potential scams offering early access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Any New Yorker that believes they have been a victim of a COVID-19 vaccination card scam should contact the Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-800-771-7755 or filing a complaint online.