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Thursday, July 2, 2020
Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 7/2/2020 - Part 1
MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES LOCATIONS FOR EXPANSION OF OUTDOOR DINING OPTIONS
Program will provide more street space for seating on select restaurant corridors throughout the five boroughs
Mayor de Blasio today revealed the first 22 locations for the expansion of outdoor dining options under an initiative that combines two popular programs, Open Streets and Open Restaurants. The program expands restaurant seating options onto car-free streets for select corridors throughout the five boroughs. Selected corridors will be operational on weekends starting tomorrow evening, Friday, July 3.
Twenty-two locations citywide will be open to pedestrians and have been approved for expanded street dining. Another 10-20 corridors will be approved beginning Friday, July 17. Restaurants on these corridors will be able to place seating farther away from the curb than other Open Restaurants participants, and the remaining street space will be open to pedestrian traffic.
“Combining our popular Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs will give more New Yorkers the space they deserve to enjoy the outdoors safely – and give small businesses the chance to rebuild after facing unprecedented challenges this spring,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m excited to enjoy more outdoor meals soon, and we look forward to expanding the program in the coming weeks.”
“As we head into the July 4th weekend, we are excited to be able to start giving restaurants the additional room they need to welcome more customers, so that we can all work together to rebuild this key sector of our local economy in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We thank everyone from all the BIDs and other neighborhood organizations who made the case that expanding the vision of our Open Streets program to grow outdoor dining will be good for New Yorkers’ quality of life and the city’s bottom line.”
The locations announced today are focused on streets that are already participating in the Open Streets program, on corridors represented by organizations that have worked with DOT on street closures in the past. The second tranche of locations will include additional applicants, such as ad hoc groups of restaurants that coordinate through a single entity acting as a partner organization.
The hours of operation for this new expanded seating option for restaurants will be from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday nights, and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Expanded seating will last until Labor Day.
BIDs and community-based organizations can apply here. The City will quickly review applications and consult with elected officials and Community Boards to ensure optimal safety and appropriate design.
“I thank the Mayor for his innovative approach of using Open Streets for outdoor dining. This is a much-needed lifeline for restaurants struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope to see this program expand in the coming days to areas in Brooklyn that have not historically been prioritized for safe streets and economic development initiatives, like East New York and Canarsie,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
"I'm thrilled to share the news that Bayside's Bell Boulevard was selected to participate in the Open Streets: Restaurants initiative, which gives restaurant owners the power to expand dining on the weekends and offer more diners food service in the open air, giving New Yorkers a safe way to enjoy a meal out while supporting their favorite local eateries," said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. "I thank the Bayside BID for their partnership and welcome this economic boon for our local restaurants, whose success will be a critical part of a strong economic recovery for New York City."
“Thank you to DOT, SBS, the NYPD, and the Mayor for giving us a fair hearing on this plan and agreeing to implement it so quickly. New Dorp Lane, with almost 30 restaurants, is a true ‘restaurant row,’ and with these closures those restaurants who call it home will have the opportunity to dramatically increase their outdoor capacity. This is a win-win-win since it will help local businesses survive, it will allow for appropriate social distancing, and it will give Staten Islanders a safe outdoor place to enjoy a meal with their families on weekend nights," said Council Member Steven Matteo.
"Between our customers and the business owners, it’s hard to tell who is happier,” said Christine Silletti, Executive Director, Bayside Village BID.
“While Little Italy in the Bronx has been operating during COVID-19 due to our essential businesses including butchers, pharmacies, fish markets, delis, bakeries, pizzerias, and many other specialty stores and services, we have looked forward to reopening our restaurants which make up the other half of our historic, multi-generational neighborhood. Streets will remain open during normal business hours every day while the weekend evenings will be a new opportunity for visitors to experience our own Little Italy in the Bronx piazza-style al fresco dining. The Belmont BID is thankful to the NYPD 48th Precinct, led by Captain Joseph Tompkins and the Department of Transportation for their help, coordination and support of this initiative,” said Peter Madonia, Chairman of the Belmont BID.
Morris Park Rally In Support of Police
Tuesday evening hundreds of people came out to show support for the police in Loretto Park. The rally opened up with God Bless America, and God Bless the Police Department.
No elected officials were present, but the Republican candidate for the 14th Congressional District John Cummings was on hand to denounce what is going on by the mayor and City Council. He said how can you cutback the police when crime is rising? He added that people want Safe Streets, Good Education, and a better quality of life.
As this rally was going on several counter protesters gathered trying to disrupt the Pro Police rally. The counter protesters wanted cuts to the police department, and held signs Black Lives Matter. Captain Natiw of the 49th Precinct was on hand with several of his police officers. While order was kept reinforcements came from the 45th, 43rd, and 41st precincts.
Above - Republican candidate for the 14th Congressional District speaks.
Below - Proud members of the Morris Park Community Association were on hand to support the NYPD.
Above - Counter protesters assembled outside a gate to the park while one makes signs for them to hold.
Below - The counter protesters go at it with the Pro Police rally attendees, with only a chain link fence separating them.
Above - Police officers keep the outnumbered counter protesters safe from community members who have begun to gather outside the park behind the protesters.
Below - Police escort one suspected agitator away before any trouble can occur.
Below - Police escort one suspected agitator away before any trouble can occur.
This is exactly what the protesters wanted, to disrupt a peaceful rally that is not part of their agenda.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Governor Cuomo Announces Phase Three Indoor Dining Postponed in New York City
Expands Testing Criteria Statewide to All New Yorkers
Creates State Enforcement Department to Supplement Local Enforcement
Renews Call for President Trump to Wear a Mask
Acknowledges Six Major Retailers Requiring Customers to Wear Face Coverings at All of Their Stores Nationwide
1.1 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive
11 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday
Confirms 625 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 394,079; New Cases in 39 Counties
Governor Cuomo: "It's time for the President to actually tell the truth. The first thing he can do: Come clean with the American people, admit the threat of this virus. Admit you were wrong. It's not an admission. Everybody knows you were wrong. It doesn't cost you anything. At least have the courage to admit what everybody else already knows: you were wrong. And send a message to this nation that we have to mobilize our citizens, we have to mobilize our government, and we have to start doing something about this. And you want to take one easy step that will send a powerful message? Put a mask on it."
Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the reopening of New York City indoor dining, originally part of the city's expected entry into Phase Three on July 6, will be postponed as states across the country that previously reopened indoor dining are experiencing upticks in COVID-19 cases.
The governor also announced that New York State will expand its testing criteria to all New Yorkers statewide. New York conducts more tests per capita than any big country in the world and now has the capacity to expand the testing criteria.
Governor Cuomo also announced that New York State will create an enforcement department to supplement the local enforcement of COVID-19 guidance and restrictions.
The governor also renewed his call on President Trump to wear a mask.
The governor also said six major retailers are requiring customers to wear face coverings while shopping at their stores nationwide, including: Costco, C-Town, Gristedes and D'Agostino, Stop & Shop, Tops and Whole Foods.
Speaker Corey Johnson, Announces Agreement on FY 2021 Budget
The $88.19 billion budget reduces spending and restructures the NYPD while restoring $700 million in programs and initiatives that the de Blasio Administration had cut in the Executive Budget
Speaker Corey Johnson, Finance Committee Chair Daniel Dromm, and Capital Budget Subcommittee Chair Vanessa Gibson on Tuesday announced an agreement on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget. The Fiscal Year 2021 Adopted Budget includes $837 million in cuts and transfers to the New York Police Department (NYPD) expense budget. When combined with associated costs, these cuts remove $1 billion from the NYPD’s spending. This was a hard-fought battle, which marks the beginning of the Council’s efforts to not only limit the size and scope of the NYPD, but also reimagine how we structure criminal justice and public safety in this city.
The $88.19 billion budget, which is on time and balanced, was negotiated with a focus on achieving equity, particularly for low-income communities of color. Despite unprecedented challenges due to a $9 billion revenue shortfall from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council fought for and won $700 million for programs and initiatives left out of the FY 2021 Executive Budget. These programs and initiatives will go towards helping our young people, schools, seniors, and low-income communities of color, to name a few. More details below.
The restorations of the Executive Budget cuts and the Council’s initiative package were made possible in part due to more than $300 million in agency savings that the Council identified for the de Blasio Administration. In addition, the FY 2021 Budget was balanced with budget reserves the City had at its disposal because of the Council’s advocacy in past budget negotiations. Under Speaker Johnson, the Council negotiated an additional $500 million for the City’s reserves last year, which has softened the blow of the recession. The Council hopes and continues to advocate for our federal leaders to deliver a robust aid package to New York, as well as more state aid.
“The Council came into this year’s budget negotiations laser-focused on preserving the social safety net while grappling with unprecedented revenue shortfalls. We are proud of the work we did to save the types of programs and initiatives we need to rebuild post-COVID, including the Summer Youth Employment Program, community food pantries, domestic violence programs, money that will go directly into school budgets, senior services, and alternatives to incarceration. We also heard the calls for reimagining the NYPD, and pushed for and won spending reductions to the Department. That work is not over, and while we have made progress, we are also vowing to keep fighting for fundamental changes to how we approach safety in schools, mental health and homelessness. Over the coming weeks, the Council will be working on hearings and legislation to make sure that these changes are real. Our City faces many challenges ahead, but the Council will work together to keep fighting on behalf of all New Yorkers,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.
The FY2021 budget will:
· Save Summer – The Council has secured $115.8 million to bring back the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and the COMPASS, Beacon, and Cornerstone summer camp programs. Thanks to this restoration more than 35,000 youth will participate in a job training programs and at least 70,000 children will enjoy a summer camp experience. The Work, Learn, Grow program that offers students paid work experiences during the school year will provide up to 2,000 jobs next school year.
· Reduce and Reform the NYPD – The budget reduces police spending and shrinks NYPD’s footprint. The reduction includes nearly $484 million in cuts, $354 million in shifts to other agencies best positioned to carry out the duties that have previously been assigned to the NYPD, such as DOE, DOHMH and DHS, and $162 million shifts in associated costs, as well as a movement of $500 million in capital costs from the NYPD capital budget which allows investment in other badly needed infrastructure. The Council will be moving forward with hearings and legislation in July to ensure a just transition away from law enforcement in schools, homelessness and mental health, so that we can make certain that this is not just a budget shift.
o Eliminating two of the four NYPD classes this year, reducing headcount by 1,163 uniform officers and creating ongoing savings without laying off our newest officers under the city’s last in, first out rule.
o Returning control of School Safety to the Department of Education, ending a harmful zero-tolerance plan implemented by former Mayor Rudy Giuliani to put the police department in charge of school safety. The new agreement includes a commitment to working with stakeholders, school administrators, advocates and school safety officers to move toward a community model and away from a punitive, enforcement-focused model.
o Removing NYPD from homeless outreach. Police often merely moved these individuals from one unsafe spot to another, continuing the cycle of injustice. The new model will focus on meaningful outreach by individuals trained to deal with this vulnerable population.
o Reducing overtime spending by $352 million and instituting strict oversight on overtime limits.
o Removing crossing guards from NYPD.
· Protect Public Schools – The Council recognized the need to shield our public schools and students from drastic budget cuts that would have, not only pared school budgets to the bones, but also would have stripped students of access to the social and emotional supports they need to thrive academically. The Council restored $100 million in Fair Student Funding, $11.6 million for the Single Shepherd guidance counselors, $4.8 million for 38 social workers, and $1.8 million for other social-emotional supports for students. This budget also funds school health programs so that there is a school nurse for every public school building.
· Help College Students Graduate – Because of the Council’s Advocacy, the CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) will be maintained with $34.3 million to help students stay on track and graduate. The Council also restored $1.7 million for the CUNY Remediation Program that helps students prepared for college course work.
· Preserve Youth Initiatives – The Fair Futures campaign for foster youth will receive $2.7 million, childcare vouchers will get $4 million, and discretionary childcare contracts will receive $8.7 million.
· Prevent Food Insecurity – In addition to the $25 million that the Council had previously negotiated to prevent food insecurity, the adopted budget will include $8.6 million in food initiatives to ensure that New Yorkers do not go hungry.
· Promote LGBTQIA Rights – Particularly during Pride, the Council is proud that the budget will include $1.8 million for the LGBTQ curriculum at the DOE and $1 million at the City University of New York (CUNY), as well as $1.4 million for LGBTQ senior services in every borough and $1.9 million for Trans Equity Programs.
· Maintain Culture and the Arts – Culture and the arts drive tourism and will contribute significantly to our economy and our recovery. The Adopted Budget will include $20.2 million for cultural programs and Cultural Institutions Groups, $14.3 million and $1 million for the CASA and SU-CASA initiatives, respectively, and $3.7 million for the Coalition Theaters of Color initiative.
· Support Libraries – The Adopted Budget will include $11.9 million to support the City’s three library systems. With this funding, the libraries will be able to maintain in programming and circulation, cover critical operating expenses, including repairs and upkeep that are not eligible for capital funds.
· Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence – The budget will include $12.2 million in services to help survivors of domestic violence, a full budget restoration of the Council initiative. The Council launched a social media campaign, #BeingSafeCANTWait, this spring to amplify the message that help was available to survivors during the pandemic. Sheltering in place has been incredibly dangerous for those facing domestic violence. Some countries saw a 30% increase in domestic violence reports after COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed. We should prepare for the same.
· Strengthen Small Businesses and Workers – In this economic climate, it is imperative that we do all we can to support the small businesses and workers who will help New York City recover. The budget will provide $1.6 million to Chamber on the Go, $3 million for Worker Coop Business Development, $1 million for Construction Site Safety Training, and $2.8 million for the Day Laborer Workforce Initiative.
· Engage Our Seniors – The budget will include $8.4 million for senior centers, $6.5 million for Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, and $4 million to support Holocaust survivors.
· Provide Housing – Because the eviction moratorium put in place as a result of COVID-19 will soon be lifted, securing housing is imperative. Due to the Council’s advocacy, the budget will include $3.2 million for Foreclosure Prevention Programs, $3.1 million for Community Housing Preservation Strategies, $1.7 million for the Home Loan Program, and $637,500 for the Community Land Trust Initiative.
· Assist Immigrants – COVID-19 had a disproportionate impact on many of the City’s immigrant residents, made worse by an inability to access many federal programs intended to help. The Council fought to include $9.8 million for adult literacy, $2 million for the Immigrant Health Initiative, $4 million for unaccompanied minors and families, and $16.6 million for the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project to be included in the budget.
· Promote Criminal Justice – In continuation of the Council’s longstanding push for criminal justice, the budget will include $11.9 million for Alternatives to Incarceration, $2.2 million for diversion programs, $4.1 million to support people involved in the sex trade, $3.2 million for the Initiative to Combat Sexual Assault, and $2.9 million for the Crisis Management System