Customs & Courtesy: "Unity in the Community of Diversity" Oct 18th @ 1:30pm

Hope And Victory Evolves (H.A.V.E.), LLC   

Partner With.

Johnnie H. Williams, Jr.

&

Sgt. Israel Lugo Jorge

To Present a Forum On

Customs & Courtesy: “Unity in the Community of Diversity” 

      Purpose of the forum is to provide Veterans, their family & friends information to increase their awareness and understanding of appropriate activity, conduct, attire to be presented at various Veteran ceremonies, special events, and other settings.

   To promote familiarity, comfortability, participation, overall growth, and interdependent living.

    ------------------------------- Speakers ------------------------------   

Johnnie H. Williams, Jr. Help Is On The Way For Veterans                       1024 Corporation	Patrick Devine The United Veterans Parade Committee of Greater NY, Inc.
Sgt. Israel Lugo Jorge PTSD Group	Sis. Dolores Steele Bronx Parade Committee, Inc.
Sgt. Sandy Rolon US Army (Ret) NYS Military Women In Power, Ltd.	Robert Walker The Bronx Veterans Parade Task Team, Inc.

Considering the men and women Veterans and their family, newly entering and returning to the local and Veteran communities (e.g. Recent military discharged, the formerly incarcerated, homeless, and not engaged in supportive or health care service at the VA and/or other Veteran organization).

(Sunday) October 18, 2015

 1:30P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Claremont Neighborhood Center

                                               489 Third Avenue

                                               Bronx, N.Y.  10456

Off corner of E. 169^th Street & Third Ave.

 TRAVEL: Bus #15 to E. 169^th Street & Third Ave)

Direct inquiries to (917) 226-7960 

Carrie Taft, Founder/President, Hope And Victory Evolves (H.A.V.E.), LLC

NEXT STOP: TRANSPORTATION CHAIR RODRIGUEZ ANNOUNCES HIS VISION TO MAKE NYC TRANSPORTATION SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT

  Rodriguez expressed vision for NYC Council Transportation Committee  and NYC Transportation more broadly for the next year

  NYC Council Transportation Chairman Ydanis Rodriguez and the NYU Rudin Center hosted a summit with leading transportation advocates where he outlined his vision for the future of transportation in New York City. Entitled "Next Stop: Making New York City's Transportation Safer and More Efficient", the summit announced a two-pronged focus for the Transportation Committee, highlighting existing problems and detailing legislative solutions to make New York's transportation systems safer and more efficient. 

A full version of the report is available here 

Reducing Vehicle Usage

According to the NYC Economic Development Corporation, as of 2012, 1.4 million New Yorkers owned at least one car. As a car owner myself, I know the burden this places on one's time and pocket. Single occupancy vehicles, constantly flooding our streets, put a strain on both individuals and our city as a whole. This is one of the most inefficient means of travel available to New Yorkers, yet many in our outer boroughs are forced to rely upon it due to a lack of options. 

Chair Rodriguez announced his dedication to reducing the rate of car ownership to 1 million by 2030. In order to achieve those goals the Chair spoke about the need to embrace ideas like carpooling all the while incentivizing alternative means of transit. In addition to improving our subway system and increasing capacity along lines, the Chair stressed the need to expand and improve our bike lane infrastructure. Chair Rodriguez set a goal of doubling the current 1,000 miles of bike lanes by 2030 with 20% installed qualifying as protected. 

Transit Deserts:

According to study conducted by the NYU Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management the average income for the top 59 transit rich neighborhoods is just south of $80,000. This directly contrasts with the next 60 neighborhoods whose average income is just $46,000 with an unemployment rate of 11.7%. Further, 879,000 New Yorkers commute more than 1 hour each way to work to jobs that make less than $35,000 a year. Transportation is a public good and should be enjoyed as equitably as possible. In order to truly combat income inequality in our city we must evaluate the various factors, like transit access, that are creating it. In order to connect these communities. Chair Rodriguez announced his support for various initiatives including CityTicket, targetted CitiBike expansion, better regulation of the commuter van industry, the expansion of Bus Rapid Transit and a study related to the development of a light rail system.

Making Transportation Environmentally Friendly

According to the most recent City-wide Emission Inventory in 2014 New York City's transportation sector contributes 18.4% or 11.4 million tons of carbon annually.Chair Rodriguez set forth a vision for reducing Transportation's contribution 2% by 2022. Further, the Councilman stressed the need to target and improve our worst actors and set the goal of a 50% environmentally friendly taxi industry by 2030. Chair Rodriguez also spoke about streamlining our roadways to reduce congestion and the resulting emissions. The main centerpiece of that plan was the Councilman's dedication to passing congestion pricing, specifically the Move NY Plan. 

"One of the strongest aspects of our nation is our dedication to developing a comprehensive vision for the future. Today I am proud to paint the picture of what I deem as the best path forward for our city. By reducing emissions, car use, expanding the use of bike and connecting isolated communities we have the opportunity to revolutionize transportation in New York City," said Council member Ydanis Rodriguez. "I am proud to have gathered with leading 

transportation advocates to describe my plan and engage about the path forward. I look forwardto creating coalitions with these advocates to effectuate change for the benefit of our city."

"Our streets are safer for pedestrians and cyclists because of Councilman Rodriguez's leadership as Chairman of the Transportation Committee," said Alex Matthiessen, President of Blue Marble Project and Move NY Campaign Director. "His all out endorsement of Move New York today reflects his strong commitment to delivering better transit and safer, less congested streets to all New Yorkers. We applaud his efforts and look forward to working with him and other leaders to make Move NY a reality."

 

"As the Chair of Transportation, Council Member Rodriguez's endorsement for Move New York sends a loud and clear message: the City is ready to fund the MTA. The Next Stop report put out by the Chair today is one of the most thoughtful and innovative plans I have seen by a city official; I applaud him!", said"Gridlock Sam Schwartz. "We look forward to working with him and the rest of the City Council to ensure the City gets moving again."

Candid Speed Camera and/or Candid Red Light Camera Returns to PS 81

  I exposed that while the speed limit was lowered to 25 miles per hour in New York City on Friday November 7th the speed limit sign in front of PS 81 remained at 30 MPH into the first week of December. The photo above appeared on this blog December 3, 2014  

  On May 27th 2015 I caught this Speed Camera Car in front of PS 81 on Riverdale Avenue North between West 254th and West 256th Streets. It seemed that when this was exposed in my Riverdale Report column in the Bronx News the Speed Camera Car disappeared.  

Above Left -It appears there has been a stationary speed and/or red light camera placed where the speed car once parked, and this is what you will see as you drive up Riverdale Avenue past West 254th Street. 

Above Right - As you pass this speed and/or red light camera this is what you see in your rear view mirror.  If it is a speed camera and you are speeding or if it is a red light camera and you go through the red light at the corner of West 256th Street the sensors will detect it, and the camera will take a photo of your licence plate. In about a week a $50.00 ticket will arrive in the owner of the vehicle's mailbox, no questions asked. If the fine is not paid within 30 days the fine will increase which could lead to additional fines and penalties. The reason for the question of the camera is explained below   

 An interesting note as you see the information on the side, this camera is identified as a TraffiStar SR391 type of camera. It appears that this type of camera was made in 2009. There is no more information about this camera on the Internet. Prove me wrong, but I spent hours looking for it and only found that the camera was made by a company called Jenoptik AG a multi industrial and civil orientated company which manufactures optical and laser technology for business and traffic solutions for local governments such as cities and towns. The latest version is a SR 590 camera which is a combined speed and red light enforcement camera system. The SR 580 is a non invasive speed enforcement camera. This camera is neither of the two latest versions. fell free to comment if you have already received a summons from this camera, and please include what type of summons it was. 

Klein & Gjonaj's Rx for Legionnaires' Disease: Free screenings & treatment at local urgent care clinic for seniors and the uninsured

  State Senator Jeff Klein, and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj announced a partnership with ProHealth Urgent Care in Morris Park for free Legionnaires' disease evaluations and treatment for seniors and uninsured residents.

 

"Legionnaires' disease is completely treatable with antibiotics and I do not want any resident of Morris Park who is elderly or uninsured to avoid seeking health care if they believe they might have Legionnaires' symptoms. Our partnership with ProHealth Urgent Care will ensure that everyone can receive the treatment they need for free. I applaud the doctors at this community clinic for working with elected officials and caring for its neighbors during this time," said Senator Klein.

 

"Morris Park residents should not panic, but if they have any of the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease and don't have insurance or are elderly they have a place to go for medical care. Please do not wait to seek medical help. ProHealth Urgent Care is showing it's a real part of this community by offering free evaluations and treatment of Legionnaires' disease to the uninsured and our seniors. I applaud their partnership with myself and Senator Klein to make this happen," said Assemblyman Gjonaj.

 

The announcement comes after a Legionnaires' disease Town Hall this evening at Maestro's Caterers, 1703 Bronxdale Avenue at 8 p.m.

 

ProHealth Urgent Care, located at 1049 Morris Park Avenue, will start offering evaluations and treatment from October 2, until Sunday, October 11

. Senior citizens and uninsured residents who live within the 10461 or 10462 zip codes can walk in if they experience Legionnaires' disease symptoms. Co-pays will be waived.

THURSDAY'S Legionnaires' Town Hall Meeting in Morris Park

  It was cold and rainy outside, but inside the room was packed for the Morris Park Town Hall meeting on the 'Legionnaire Disease Cluster'. People came, had questions, and got little answers from city officials who showed up. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. asked , ' Why is Legionnaire's Disease only in the Bronx? Why if the cooling towers were cleaned weeks ago do we not know where it is coming from? Finally, is the city doing all that can be done.

  The answers BP Diaz received from Dr. Mary Bassett the NYC Department of Health Commissioner were -  Legionnaire's Disease has been around for many years now, we have identified the contaminated cooling towers, and we have wad them cleaned. As to Diaz's question of why only is Legionnaire's Disease found in the Bronx Dr. Bassett said it is found in other boroughs also starting with Coop-City and there was a roar since Coop-City is in the Bronx. She then went on to say there was a cluster in Queens and in mid-town Manhattan. When asked why of the 250 - 300 cases projected for 2015 more than half are coming from the Bronx there was no answer, just statistics to move away from the question. 

  New York City Public Advocate Leticia James said - We need answers from the commissioner on the start date of September 21st, and what is the source of this cluster? Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj may of had the best question of the night however when he asked - If the city started investigating this cluster on September 21st, why then were the elected officials (like himself) who represent the Morris Park area not told on September 21st, but instead learned about it one week later from news reports. Why did the city not inform the elected officials? Gjonaj stopped short there, saying that constituents were calling his office, and he (or any other elected official) could not give them any answers until the city went public with the information a week later. State Senator Jeff Klein wanted to know if state laws need to be instituted to handle the matter which the city can not. 

  Councilman Jimmy Vacca questioned the inspection process, while Assemblyman Michael Benedetto said it is a time to be calm and rational. However Benedetto said that he was not feeling well the past few days and was going to have himself checked out tomorrow for Legionnaire's Disease. Dr. Bassett spoke after the elected officials saying that all questions would be answered, Legionnaire's Disease is treatable if caught in the early stages, and that this time the city had a listing of where the cooling towers were so they could be quickly inspected. She added that there were 13 cases of Legionnaire's Disease, one death, 4 people released from the hospitals with 8 still admitted. The incubation period of 2 - 11 days from September 21st will soon to be over. so she expects no new cases of Legionnaire's Disease in the Morris Park cluster. 

  In the first outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease in the South Bronx Lincoln Hospital (a city hospital) was a focal point for the Legionnaire's Disease outbreak with a contaminated cooling tower, but it was determined by the city not to be the cause of the outbreak. In the Morris Park Legionnaire's Disease cluster Jacobi Hospital (a city hospital) had a contaminated cooling tower as did Lehman High School (a city public high school). there were 13 other cooling towers found to be contaminated in the Morris Park area, and I am sure one of those other 13 cooling towers will get the blame for this cluster. Mind you that all cooling towers in New York City had to be cleaned and inspected as of August 6th by the order of the Health Commissioner and the City Council. The Department of Education representative said that all Department of Education cooling towers are treated (not tested) every two weeks. When questions from the audience who lined up first in the middle of the room, which was then divided into two line at each end of the room. the meeting lasted for over two and a half hours with many people still shaking their heads as to their safety. State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj have arraigned with Prohealth Urgent Care, located at 1049 Morris Park Avenue to offer evaluations and treatment starting Friday October 2nd through Sunday October 11th . Co-pays are going to be waived for this time period. 

Above  Left - BP Diaz leads the questioning of city officials.

Above Right - Public Advocate James has the next question.

Below Left - State Senator Jeff Klein wants some answers.

Below Right - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj wants to know what took so long to tell the local elected officials.

Above - The panel of city officials which included NYC Department of Health Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary Bassett, her Deputy Commissioner, representatives of the Department of Education, and other city agencies.  

Below - Two of the several slides that were projected about the Legionnaire's Disease cluster in Morris Park.

 The line of attendees on hand in the center of the room who had questions was so long that it had to be made into two shorter lines on each side of the room.

  

  

BRONX ECONOMY GROWS, UNEMPLOYMENT FALLS

  The Bronx economy continues to grow and improve, according to recently released numbers from the New York State Department of Labor.

The unemployment rate in The Bronx fell to 7.3 percent in August 2015, down from 7.7 percent in July 2015 and 9.5 percent in August 2014. In January 2010, the borough’s unemployment rate hit an all-time high of 14.1 percent.

Those same statistics show that the borough’s labor force participation rate grew by 7,000 since August 2014, with about 19,600 more Bronxites employed and roughly 12,600 residents of Bronx County coming off the unemployment rolls.

“We are creating new jobs in The Bronx, and we are making sure that Bronxites are getting those jobs,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Together, in partnership with our elected officials, business community, non-profit sector and others, we have cut unemployment nearly in half since 2010, and we are continuing to attract new companies of all kinds to The Bronx. We have more work to do, but our efforts to improve the borough’s economy are certainly bearing fruit.”

Earlier this month, Borough President Diaz co-hosted a job fair with the New York State Department of Labor and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. The event featured representatives of 23 companies offering 1,000 jobs, and was attended by hundreds of individuals.

Also in September, Borough President Diaz cut the ribbon at the new home of tech firm Doran Jones in Port Morris. The company’s new Urban Development Center will bring hundreds of high-­tech jobs and millions in economic development to the South Bronx.

“We are building a diverse economy in The Bronx, and we are creating new jobs in a variety of fields. From our nascent tech sector, to our new retail hubs, to our burgeoning industrial and manufacturing concerns to the bedrock of our healthcare industry, we are creating jobs for all Bronxites,” said Borough President Diaz. 

The Department of Labor’s complete release can be found at http://on.ny.gov/1Fwtb65.

Since Borough President Diaz took office in 2009, The Bronx has seen more than $7 billion in total development, which has led to the creation of over 15,000 new jobs. In addition, a new partnership announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in August between the New York State Department of Labor and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, as part of the “NY Works,” program is placing Bronx residents in these jobs, helping to ensure that new development here benefits everyone, especially Bronxites.

FREE Domestic Violence Informative Workshop - October 13, 2015 at CB #12 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

  October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Office of the Bronx District Attorney in collaboration with Community Board 12, NYPD and the Family Justice Center is offering a FREE informative workshop on: Domestic Violence. Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 – Time 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Location Community Board 12, Carriage House, 4101 White Plains Road, Bronx, New York 10466. To RSVP contact Raeshawn Horry, Program Coordinator at 718.838.7461 or 718.590.2272 or email:horryr@bronxda.nyc.gov

STATE SENATOR KLEIN MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA, SENIOR WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS NEW YORK STATE & NATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR 2016

  IDC Leader Klein travels to Washington, DC; touts progressive accomplishments in New York

State Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein visited the White House on Wednesday to meet with President Obama and senior White House officials to discuss New York State and national priorities for 2016. More than 60 legislators from across the country joined Senator Klein for the discussion, which centered on moving forward progressive legislation like paid family leave, college affordability, raising the minimum wage, enacting criminal justice reform and more.

“Paid family leave has been one of my signature policy issues. It’s imperative that workers receive 12-weeks to take care of a newborn or a loved-one without having to sacrifice their paycheck. I’m honored that President Obama has offered his administration’s assistance to help push forward this important policy so that no one in New York will have to choose between what’s in their bank account and what’s in their heart,” said Senator Klein.

“I was tremendously proud to share with legislators the key to passing full-day universal pre-K, as I did in New York. Helping other states provide free education to their four-year-olds is a priority for the Obama administration and I hope my guidance helps other leaders launch fully-funded UPK programs in their states,” Senator Klein added.

Senior White House officials opened the day with an overview of President Obama’s national priorities and their efforts to support state houses across the country on progressive legislation.

The administration pledged to provide resources, data and send cabinet members to states to support important bills like Senator Klein’s paid family leave legislation currently before the New York State Senate and Assembly.

White House officials and state delegates focused round-table discussions on strategies for 2016. Senator Klein provided insight and advice to other states on New York’s monumental passage of Universal Pre-Kindergarten and his efforts to raise the minimum wage statewide.

The day also provided the opportunity for legislators to connect with colleagues at the state level and build partnerships for the future. Senator Klein met with President Obama and the president pledged his full support for Senator Klein’s paid family leave legislation. Other issues discussed included raising the minimum wage and helping to make college more affordable for students across the country.