Wednesday, June 21, 2023

State Comptroller DiNapoli Announces Political Spending Disclosure Agreements with Seven Companies

 

Office of the New York State Comptroller News

The New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) reached agreements with seven portfolio companies to enhance disclosure of their spending on political causes, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, trustee of the Fund, announced today.

“In today’s political climate, corporations that engage in political spending risk damaging their reputations; shareholders need transparency to be able to assess whether corporate political donations align with shareholders’ interests,” DiNapoli said. “It is imperative that companies, at a bare minimum, proactively disclose all corporate funds spent on political causes. The Fund remains steadfast in its pursuit of greater transparency surrounding political spending by portfolio companies.”

Match Group Inc., Penn Entertainment Inc., Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., Zillow Group Inc., and Zoom Video Communications Inc., agreed to publicly report monetary and nonmonetary contributions and expenditures to any campaign for or against a candidate, or to influence public opinion on an election or referendum.

Travelers Companies Inc. agreed to adopt policies that require the disclosure of trade associations and social welfare organizations to which the company pays dues of $25,000 or more and the lobbying allocations associated with those contributions.

After reaching the agreements, the Fund withdrew shareholder proposals it had filed with each company.

A proposal for political spending disclosure at casino and hotel operator Caesars Entertainment Inc. received 41.98% of the shareholders vote at the company’s June 13 annual meeting.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling in Citizens United struck down certain restraints on corporate political spending, Comptroller DiNapoli has filed 179 shareholder proposals on political spending disclosure, with 61 corporations adopting or agreeing to adopt disclosures.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund is one of the largest public pension funds in the United States. It holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. The Fund has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation.

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

 

Julio Carballo Fields Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony!
 
Shout out to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Urban Health Plan, Inc., Bronx Community Board 2, The Point CDC, the staff at the Hunts Point Recreational Center, and my incredible team for working together to throw a fun and successful BBQ for the Bronx community. 

Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated the renovated green space and the newly-installed lights!

*****
 
Gracias al Departamento de Parques y Recreación de la Ciudad de Nueva York, Urban Health Plan, Inc., Bronx Community Board 2, The Point CDC, el personal del Centro Recreativo de Hunts Point y mi increíble equipo por trabajar juntos para organizar un evento divertido y parrillada exitosa para la comunidad del Bronx.

¡Gracias a todos los que vinieron y celebraron el espacio verde renovado y las luces recién instaladas!


Hunts Point Fish Parade & Arts Festival!
 
I had a blast attending the Hunts Point Fish Parade & Arts Featival. 

Thank you The Point CDC for honoring me during the festivities and for selecting me to be one of the Grand Marshals!

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Me divertí muchísimo asistiendo al Festival de Arte y Desfile de Pescado de Hunts Point.

¡Gracias The Point CDC por honrarme durante las festividades y por seleccionarme para ser uno de los Grandes Mariscales!



40th Precinct Community Council’s Fellowship Breakfast
 
Congratulations to the 40th Precinct Community Council, and their President - Juan Gabriel de Jesus, on a successful Fellowship Breakfast!

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¡Felicitaciones al Consejo Comunitario del Precinto 40 y a su presidente, Juan Gabriel de Jesús, por un desayuno de fraternidad exitoso!


Watson Houses Open Space Groundbreaking
 
I had the pleasure of participating in a groundbreaking ceremony held at the Watson Houses for their new Open Space construction. 

Thank you New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for working together to create this innovative plan of creating and modernizing green spaces for our communities.

 
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Tuve el placer de participar en una ceremonia inaugural celebrada en Watson Houses para su nueva construcción Open Space.

Gracias Departamento de Parques y Recreación de la Ciudad de Nueva York y la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Nueva York (NYCHA) por trabajar juntos para crear este plan innovador de creación y modernización de espacios verdes para nuestras comunidade


Come Out to Celebrate Our Annual Longwood Festival!
 
Saturday, June 24th - rain or shine - we will be hosting our annual Longwood Festival! 

All are welcome to join in on the fun, so grab your friends and families to celebrate and enjoy some dancing and live music. 

I hope to see you there! 

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El sábado 24 de Junio, llueva o truene, ¡presentaremos nuestro Anual Festival  de Longwood!

Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a la diversión, así que reúna a sus amigos y familiares para celebrar y disfrutar de un poco de baile y música en vivo.

¡Espero verte allí!


Community Board & Precinct Council Appreciation BBQ Update
 
The Community Board & Precinct Council Appreciation BBQ originally scheduled for June 14th has been POSTPONED. 

Please stay tuned to my social media channels for information regarding the make-up date.

 
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La barbacoa de agradecimiento de la Junta Comunitaria y el Consejo del Precinto originalmente programada para el 14 de junio ha sido POSPUESTA.

Estén atentos a mis canales de redes sociales para obtener información sobre la fecha de recuperación.

Email Council Member Salamanca
Visit our District Office at: 
1070 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10459
(718) 402-6130
salamanca@council.nyc.gov

Bronx Man Charged With Early-Afternoon Shooting On Bronx Street

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced that LENNY REYES was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition during a shooting that occurred on the afternoon of March 8, 2023, near the intersection of East 167th Street and Sherman Avenue in the Bronx.  REYES was transferred to federal custody and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein.

 FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Reyes recklessly endangered the lives of others when he fired a gun in the direction of another individual in the Bronx on March 8, 2023.  As a previously convicted felon, Reyes was not permitted to possess ammunition, and, as today’s action demonstrates, the FBI and our NYPD partners will continue to hold accountable those who put others’ lives at risk and violate our firearms laws.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “The alleged violent and dangerously reckless actions of this defendant will never be tolerated in New York City.  Illegal guns are a grave threat to our public safety, and the NYPD works tirelessly to ensure that the people who carry and shoot them are held accountable.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the New York Field Office of the FBI, and everyone else who aided in this investigation and arrest.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]

On or about March 8, 2023, REYES ran toward a group of people assembled on the sidewalk near 1217 Sherman Avenue in the Bronx.  Video footage from the scene shows REYES running towards the group with a handgun pointed at them.  The group began to flee.  REYES fired the handgun in the direction of an individual located behind a car parked on the side of Sherman Avenue. 

REYES’s gun then appeared to malfunction, and he fled the scene as another individual fired six shots at him. 

A shell casing discharged by REYES’s gun was recovered from the ground at the scene of the shooting.  REYES was not permitted to possess ammunition because of prior felony convictions.

LENNY REYES, 43, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with possessing ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI and NYPD.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Housing Lottery Launches For 739 East Gun Hill Road In Williamsbridge, The Bronx

 


The affordable housing lottery has launched for 739 East Gun Hill Road, an eight-story residential building in Williamsbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Marin Architects and developed by RYTY Home Builders, the structure yields 134 residences and 69 parking spaces. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 41 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $73,886 to $227,630.




Residents will have access to a code-protected fitness center, recreational area, and a shared laundry room. There will also be 24-hour surveillance, pet-friendly policies, and energy-efficient appliances. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are nine studios with a monthly rent of $2,155 for incomes ranging from $73,886 to $146,900; 11 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,239 for incomes ranging from $76,766 to $165,230; 17 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,516 for incomes ranging from $86,263 to $198,250; and four three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,200 for incomes ranging from $109,715 to $227,630.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 16, 2023.

MAYOR ADAMS, CHANCELLOR BANKS, CHANCELLOR MATOS-RODRIGUEZ ANNOUNCE EXPANSION OF FUTUREREADYNYC AND CUNY TECH EQUITY INITIATIVE, PARTNERSHIP WITH GOOGLE TO CREATE EQUITABLE PIPELINES INTO TECH SECTOR

 

Google Will Serve as First Tech-Anchor Partner for Expanded Cohort of FutureReadyNYC Schools and CUNY Tech Equity

Adams Administration to Invest $19 Million Impacting 100 FutureReadyNYC High Schools


New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, and The City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodriguez today announced a historic expansion of technology-career pipelines for New York City students, including through major commitments from tech giant Google. DOE and CUNY will partner with Google as the first tech-anchor employer partner for the FutureReadyNYC initiative, providing meaningful career-connected learning opportunities, including career discovery programming, paid work-based learning experiences, and mentorship from tech professionals. FutureReadyNYC is part of the DOE’s larger Student Pathways Initiative that works with employer partners to connect students to high-growth careers, with a goal of ensuring students have access to work experience and an early college credit or credential that sets them up for economically secure futures. The announcement comes alongside a new $19 million investment for 100 FutureReadyNYC high schools. Google will also serve as an inaugural partner for the CUNY Tech Equity initiative, which will expand tech-focused career awareness from the first day on campus, advance curriculum innovation, increase the number of paid internships, and grow employer engagement with campuses.

 

“Education must prepare our young people for the future, and help our students learn the skills they need to succeed,” said Mayor Adams. “Along with the Department of Education and CUNY, we are building a pipeline to jobs in the tech sector, and we are thrilled that Google will serve as our first tech-anchor employer partner for our schools’ FutureReadyNYC initiative. This partnership represents a win for our young people, a win for our city, and a win for innovation.”

 

“It is my honor to stand alongside leaders in the private sector to bring unique career connected learning opportunities to our students in partnership with world-class organizations like Google,” said DOE Chancellor Banks. “There is tremendous talent in our public schools, and this vital work allows us to mold the next generation of professional leaders that will revolutionize not just our city, but our country as well.”

 

“Google understands the importance of investing in public education to give students exposure to technology and hands-on opportunities, so they are ready to meet the demands of the changing workforce," said CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez. “This partnership will leverage the enormous potential of CUNY students, who will gain sought-after skills and the tools they need to build fulfilling and lucrative careers after graduation. Many thanks to Google and our other industry partners for recognizing the importance of meeting the workforce challenges of this growing sector while supporting CUNY as the engine of economic mobility for students, and allowing students to create bright and rewarding futures." 

 

“The Pathways to an Inclusive Economy report reflects the expertise and care of its contributors and charts a clear path toward a more equitable, strategic approach to talent development in New York City, said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I am pleased to be a part of its creation and look forward to the work ahead and to building a network of tools, capital, and supports that will empower more New Yorkers to access upwardly mobile careers.”

 

As part of their commitment to FutureReadyNYC, Google is offering its Data Analytics Certificate program to help students prepare for jobs in one of the nation's fastest growing fields, and will provide teacher training for the 2023-2024 school year. Google will also serve as an inaugural partner for the CUNY Tech Equity initiative, which will expand tech-focused career awareness from the first day on campus, advance curriculum innovation, increase the number of paid internships, and grow employer engagement with campuses. Google’s leadership will serve on the industry advisory commission to ensure that curriculum meets industry standards.

 

FutureReadyNYC is an example of the Adams administration’s ‘Pathways to an Inclusive Economy,’ blueprint in action. The blueprint — also released today — aims at enhancing talent development, job training, and employment services in the city. The blueprint, developed by the Future of Workers Task Force — established by Mayor Adams in Executive Order 22 last summer — focuses on five core strategies to advance an employer-driven workforce training system, prepare New Yorkers for long-term career success, and ensure New York City’s employers can tap the talent they need. One of the core strategies, reflected in today’s announcement, involves expanding the public and private partnerships needed to achieve citywide talent and workforce objectives through an empowered and reconstituted New York City Workforce Development BoardThe blueprint also emphasizes increasing the access and availability of apprenticeships, launching a public/private talent investment fund, defining shared impact metrics to monitor performance, and improving the user experience for employers engaging with public workforce services. Mayor Adams has already made significant investments in career readiness and employment programs since taking office, including expanding the Summer Youth Employment Program; providing $33 million to support career pathways in public schools; and launching initiatives to promote workplace accessibility, tech careers, and nursing education.

 

Interested employers that want to participate in FutureReadyNYC can find out more by contacting FutureReadyNYC@schools.nyc.gov and TechEquity@cuny.edu.

 

“In 2022, Google launched the Tech Opportunity Fund with the belief that good-paying tech jobs should be within reach of all New Yorkers,” said William Floyd, senior director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, GoogleAnd we all know that goal requires both public sector and private sector focus and investment in our K-12 and CUNY students. Google is proud to partner with Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, and Chancellor Matos Rodriguez on meaningful learning experiences such as FutureReadyNYC.”

 

“Our city’s future success and competitiveness depends on the diverse talents of all New Yorkers,” said Abby Jo Sigal, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. “FutureReadyNYC’s expansion to 100 high schools and partnership with Google to help build tech career pathways for New York City students represents institutional infrastructure needed to fully tap our local talent base so that every New Yorker can contribute to and benefit from an inclusive, thriving economy.” 

 

“New York City’s school leaders know how vital it is to provide our students with career-focused learning opportunities, particularly forward-looking curriculum that inspires them to develop real-world skills in expanding fields,” said Henry Rubio, president, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. “We thank the city for this increased investment in our FutureReadyNYC high schools, and we applaud Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, Chancellor Matos Rodriguez, and Google for this innovative partnership. CSA looks forward to collaborating on the implementation and expansion of this initiative so that all students have access to programs that prepare them to reach their highest potential.” 


Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,


Thank you for joining us for another week in review!

 

Last week, we raised the Juneteenth flag at Bronx Borough Hall commemorating the freedom of enslaved people in Texas in 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Thank you to everyone who joined us in the celebration of freedom and abolition in our nation!

 

Be sure to join us this Thursday as we raise up our flag to celebrate the rich Caribbean Heritage of our great borough during our Caribbean Heritage Celebration at 5:30 PM at Code Red, 1320 Gun Hill Rd. We hope to see you there with your flag!

 

As we prepare for the summer months, we encourage everyone to take precautions and heed the FDNY’s tips for Fire Safety. You can click here for more information.

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson



IN THE COMMUNITY

On Juneteenth, we commemorate the liberation of enslaved Africans 

in Texas two years after President Lincoln issued the emancipation  

proclamation.


Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Juneteenth flag raising!  

It was a true honor to stand with you at Borough Hall and raise this  

symbol of freedom and liberation.


Juneteenth is a reminder of all the work that has been done and 

still needs to be done to combat oppression in our society.



Thank you to everyone who joined us for Pride in the Boogie! Our 

80’s-themed celebration of all things Pride was a hit!


During this year’s celebration, we took the time to honor our 

incredible sponsors for their support and commitment to our 

LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you Destination Tomorrow, Union 

Community Health Center, Fidelis Care, Select Health VNS Health, 

Montefiore Einstein, TD Bank, Village Care Max, Essen Health 

Care, The Door/Broome Street Academy and BlackTrans Nation for 

all that you do.


See you next year!



Congratulations to PIX11 on their 75th anniversary! PIX11 has been 

a leader in truthful and authentic journalism since 1948 and we are 

so grateful for their collaboration.


PIX11 has also earned over 265 Emmy Awards including multiple 

awards for Outstanding Morning News Program, Outstanding 

Newscast and Interactivity!


It was an honor to join you in celebration of 75 years of truthful 

story telling. Thank you for all you do!


UPCOMING EVENTS


DEC Adopts New Recreational Fishing Regulations for Striped Bass in Marine Waters

 

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New Slot Limit Complies with ASMFC Requirements for Striped Bass Spawning Stock Protection

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the adoption of new regulations in the State’s marine waters for recreational Atlantic striped bass fishing. The new recreational slot limit of 28 to 31 inches takes effect immediately and is set as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to reduce recreational harvest. The recreational slot limit in the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge remains 18 to 28 inches.

New York State works cooperatively with the ASMFC and all East Coast states under the Atlantic Striped Bass Interstate Fishery Management Plan. On May 2, 2023, the ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved an emergency action to implement a 31-inch maximum size limit for the striped bass recreational fishery for 2023. This action was taken in response to the large increase in recreational harvest of striped bass in 2022, and repeated years of poor reproductive success. The new slot limit is intended to protect a large proportion of the remaining adults to allow them to contribute to future spawning and stock rebuilding. ASMFC will continue to monitor harvest and success of spawning stock rebuilding, and if it deems necessary, may extend the emergency action for two additional periods of up to one year each.

New York's failure to implement the 28- to 31-inch slot limit for recreational striped bass fishing in marine waters would place the state out of compliance with ASMFC requirements and could result in the closure of New York's recreational and commercial striped bass fisheries. DEC continues to advocate for New York's marine resources and fishing community by participating in all levels of marine fisheries management to help ensure abundant and sustainable recreational and commercial fishing opportunities.

The complete text of the rulemaking is available on DEC's website. DEC is accepting comments on the regulations from July 6, through Sept. 5, 2023. Written comments can be sent by mail to Caitlin Craig, New York State DEC, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754, or by email to fw.marine@dec.ny.gov.

In March 2023, DEC prohibited the use or attempted use of gaffs when recreationally fishing for Atlantic striped bass. The full text of the regulation can be found at DEC's website. DEC has also required the use of circle hooks when fishing with bait for striped bass since 2021. These regulations intend to reduce release mortality in recreational striped bass fisheries, as required by ASMFC Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. DEC encourages all recreational anglers to carefully handle and safely release fish not being kept. For information on best handling practices for saltwater fishing, visit DEC’s website.

For current regulations, check DEC's Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations. Anglers must enroll in the annual no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry before fishing New York's Marine and Coastal District waters or when fishing in the Hudson River and its tributaries for "migratory fish of the sea." Anglers can enroll for the registry online, by phone (1-866-933-2257, option 2), or by visiting a license-issuing agent location.

NYCHCC & 116th Street Festival- Thank you For your Support

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Dear Friends and Sponsors,


We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable support and contributions to the 116th Street Festival. This event, which began as a modest one-block celebration in 1985, has now grown into a remarkable twenty-two block community extravaganza, thanks to your unwavering commitment.


This year we were able to celebrate our 38th anniversary and it wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity and involvement. Your sponsorship enabled us to give back to the community while honoring and celebrating the vibrant Hispanic culture that is such an integral part of New York City.


The atmosphere at the festival was truly electrifying, filled with an overwhelming sense of pride, love, and support. We sincerely hope that you experienced the same joy and enthusiasm that permeated the air throughout the weekend.


Your presence at the festival not only demonstrated your support for the Hispanic community but also served as a testament to your enduring commitment. Your dedication is greatly appreciated, not only by us but by everyone who attended this remarkable event.


On behalf of the entire 116th Street Festival team, we extend our heartfelt thanks once again for your invaluable support. We hope to have the privilege of welcoming you back next year, as we continue to showcase and celebrate the rich heritage of the Hispanic community.


With sincere gratitude,

Nick Lugo and the 116th Street Festival Organizing Committee