STATEMENT BY LIVERY BASE OWNERS RE: UBER AGREEMENT

  Statement by Cira Angeles, Spokesperson of the 

Livery Base Owners Association, about the Uber Agreement:

"We want to congratulate the Mayor, the City Council and the many elected officials who have worked with the Livery industry over the years for the consensus they've reached as we take a closer look at our industry and create a comprehensive approach in dealing with for-hire vehicles.  For over 40 years, the men and women in our industry - operating over 27,000 vehicles and performing 350,000 trips per day - have worked hard to create an economic engine in communities throughout this city. We believe the Mayor and the City Council have recognized these facts.

Our industry has witnessed an unbelievable transformation over the last five years.  The boro taxi, the changes in regulations to for hire vehicles, the price of yellow medallions, Vision Zero and the introduction of Uber and Lyft are all part of this rapid transformation.  We are looking forward to taking a deep dive into the issues, focusing on what matters and then making the changes that will allow ALL of the parts of our industry to continue to grow in our great city."

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: Renaming of the Morrisania Post Office for Herman Badillo

  “Herman Badillo was not only my predecessor and a legend in government and civic life, he was my mentor and friend. I was proud to have proposed the renaming of the Morrisania Post Office in honor of Herman Badillo’s Congressional service, and I am even prouder today that President Obama has seen fit to sign this legislation into law.

“I am especially grateful to our United State Senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as our borough’s Congressional delegation—Jose Serrano, Charles Rangel, Joseph Crowley and Eliot Engel—for their considerable support of this legislation. I look forward to celebrating the renaming of this historic building for an icon of service, Herman Badillo, in the near future,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"ABRAZO DOMINICANO IN NEW YORK"

  There was Dominican Pride and lots of beautiful Princesses on hand for the Abrazo Dominicano last night at Maestro's Cafe. The event started off slow as people were held outdoors for over an hour as it seemed to be a miscommunication as Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.'s staff were late in arriving. Once everything was set up the room soon filled to capacity, and everyone enjoyed the party. 

On hand were Team Crespo 2015 (the new name for the old Team Diaz) with Assemblyman, and Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo the Master of Ceremonies this year. L - R are Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Congressman Jose Serrano, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., and New member to Team Crespo Assemblyman Victor Pichardo. 

Yolanda Cruz belted out the United States National Anthem. 

Julio Allendi sang the National Anthem of the Dominican Republic.

The Honorees seated in front of the elected officials included Sra. Cira Angeles, Sra. Estela Vazquez, Hon. Roberto Rodriguez, and Lic. Rosa Ayala. 

In traditional Team Diaz now Team Crespo style, Maestro Caterers Chief Carvers Gjena and Edmond await the crowd as they ready to carve the succulent roasted pigs. 

BP DIAZ INTRODUCES NEW BOARD OF THE NATIONAL DOMINICAN DAY PARADE

On Thursday, July 23, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and the Dominican Day Parade hosted  a Dominican Heritage Celebration, honoring the newly formed 2015 National Dominican Day Parade and introducing the new committee for the Manhattan parade.

“It is a great day to celebrate the Dominican people in the borough of The Bronx. Currently, there are over 210,000 individuals of Dominican heritage already living in this great borough and as the numbers continues to increase, every neighborhood is getting a taste of the rich culture and heritage that the community offers,” said Borough President Diaz. 

The parade will take place on 6^th Avenue in Manhattan on August 9, 2015. Sponsors of the event include Mamajuana Cafe, Inca Kola and Jetro Wine & Spirits.

Above - Chef Felix preparing some of the delicious food from Mamajuama Cafe (located at 3233 East Tremont Avenue) that was available at the BP's event.
Below - A traditional Dominican dance.

Assemblymember Pichardo: Raise minimum wage for all workers

This came in from Assemblyman Victor Pichardo. We wonder why when the state legislature fails to act, and when Governor Cuomo acts on the issue all the King's men come out with statements. Do something Assemblyman Pichardo, talk is cheap as is what you say.

     “For far too long, my neighbors who depend on minimum wage have struggled to survive. Today’s announcement will significantly raise the income of fast-food workers and help pull many out of poverty – this is a momentous victory for these workers and a proud day for all New Yorkers.

 “While raising the minimum wage for fast-food employees is a major step in the right direction, a minimum wage increase should not be limited to one industry. All minimum wage employees need and deserve an increase in their wages. I will continue fighting to ensure everyone earns a livable wage, because no one who works full time should struggle to put food on the table and a roof over their heads.”

Borough President Diaz Allocates Over $34 Million to Bronx Organizations

  Borough President Diaz allocated $34,450,000 to 108 total projects, with money going to nearly 70 education projects across the borough, park upgrades, the redesign and redevelopment of a portion of the Grand Concourse as well as the creation of over 2,300 units of new housing, among other projects.

"Through these critical funding allocations my office is able to provide technology upgrades to public schools, safety improvements for NYCHA residents, park renovations and thousands of units of new housing," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who since taking office in 2009, has funded a total of 480 projects for $166,480,000. "I am proud to have been able to provide this funding to so many worthy institutions in this year's capital budget."

This year, Borough President Diaz's largest allocations went towards housing -- for a total of $11.2 million, representing 32.7 percent of his total capital budget. These funds will support the creation of 2,331 new units of housing of all types across sixteen projects, keeping in line with Borough President Diaz's commitment to keep the borough's housing stock diverse and affordable.

Borough President Diaz is also providing more than $10.6 million -- 30.8 percent of his entire capital budget -- to 67 school projects across the borough that will be used for technology upgrades and other physical plant improvements in public schools across The Bronx.

Several other notable projects include $1 million towards the next phase of the renovation of the Grand Concourse, over $1 million towards renovations at Lehman College and Bronx Community College, $500,000 towards a new building for the Pregones Theater, and $150,000 towards a dog run on Pelham Parkway.

"This critical funding helps keep our educational institutions vibrant, our schools strong, our parks clean and our neighborhoods safe. This funding is critical to the continued positive growth of our communities, and I am proud to have helped so many important projects in every corner of our borough," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The full list of projects can be found at http://on.nyc.gov/1DquYTr.

Free Summer Movies Under the Stars

Please join me for A Summer Movie Under the Stars! Enjoy a free, family movie at Long Meadow North in Prospect Park on Wednesdays from July 22nd to August 12th, all beginning at 7:00 PM: 

• July 22nd - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
• July 29th - Where the Wild Things Are
• August 5th - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I
• August 12th - Happy Feet

The movies start shortly after sunset. Bring your own blanket!

-Eric

P.S. Save the dates for these upcoming events, which I am proud to support, at and around Brooklyn Borough Hall; please contact our office for additional information:

Every Tuesday

Brooklyn Borough Hall Tour

2nd Wednesday of Every Month

Free Legal Services: Foreclosure Intervention/Prevention

2nd and 4th Thursdays of Every Month

Free Legal Services: Housing, Elder Law, and Pension Matters

  

Thursday, July 23rd

Arthur Browne in Conversation with Eric L. Adams

Saturday, July 25th

Hot 97 Push for Peace

Tuesday, July 28th 

Cut the Salt, Curb the Sugar

Tenant Harassment Hearing

Wednesday, July 29th

Capacity Building and Grant Writing

Sunday, August 2nd

International Day of Friendship (Sign Up to Volunteer)

Wednesday, August 5th

Blood Drive

Tuesday, August 18th

Uniform Land Use Review Procedure Public Hearing

Free One-To-One Help for Parents of Young People With Disabilities

Elected Officials and Leaders of the Livery Industry Against City Council Bill

  Bronx elected officials and livery tax industry leaders met this morning to discuss their concerns with a bill that is pending before the New York City Council that will add 10,000 commercial vehicles to the taxi industry.  This legislation is  causing a fight between Mayor Bill DeBlasio and Uber.

A consensus was reached by the group that there is no protection in this bill as it is now, to protect the livery industry, and as such the City Council should not take a vote and should hold the bill until it includes protection for the livery industry.

This meeting was attended by State Senators Rev Ruben Diaz and Adriano Espaillat;  Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo; Assemblymen Luis Sepulveda, Jose Rivera and Victor Pichardo.  Representing the Taxi Industry were: Cira Angeles, Antonio Cabrera, Daniel Genese, Elvin Marte, Marcos De La Cruz, Nancy Soria, Francisco Roa, Jose R. Jean, and Avik Kabessa.