Winter Storm Update Monday January 25, 2016

   The city received 26.8 inches of snow in Central Park--the second largest total since 1869. The Mayor urged New Yorkers to refrain from travel except when necessary in order to allow plows to continue clearing our streets. 

"While the storm is over, there is still work to be done. We urge all New Yorkers not to travel on our roads except when necessary, and to be extremely careful when driving. Our tireless sanitation workers are out in full force and we must give them space to clear the roads. If you go outside, use caution and stay alert for ice and cold temperatures," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

Schools

NYC Public Schools are open.

NYPD

· A total of 25 summonses were issued in relation to the Mayor's Executive Order.

· Assisted in 367 tows across the City.

Department of Sanitation

· DSNY has plowed all streets at least once. Focusing on secondary and tertiary streets today.

· DSNY has more than 2,300 pieces of snow clearing equipment out.

· Sanitation workers remain on two 12-hour shifts, with 2,300 workers per shift.

DOT

· Alternate Side Parking rules suspended through Friday 1/29. Meters remain in effect.

· DOT has deployed more than 350 workers and 240 trucks and pieces of equipment to assist in snow removal.

· JC Decaux has cleared several hundred bus shelters across the City.

NYC Emergency Management

· NYCEM Emergency Operations Center remains activated.

· NYCEM has deployed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers citywide to assist with clearing fire hydrants of snow, and is working with NYC Service to provide help to those who may need assistance shoveling. Anyone needing assistance should call 311.

FDNY

· Maintaining approximately 300 additional fire and EMS personnel on duty through 6 PM hours today to staff additional ambulances plus extra firefighter on all engine companies.

· Hydrant clearing operations underway today - there are approximately 110,000 hydrants throughout the city. FDNY will survey and clear as necessary, and is asking the public to help clear hydrants.

· Fire and EMS personnel responded to 6,000 emergency calls during the storm, including nearly 4,000 medical calls.

Homeless Services

Code Blue protocols are in effect. No one seeking shelter in New York City will be denied. Anyone who sees a homeless individual or family out in the cold should call 311 immediately and an outreach team will be dispatched to assist them.

Heat and Hot Water

Any tenant lacking heat and hot water should immediately call 311. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development has crews responding.

NYC Transit and MTA Bus Service

Subway service has been restored to portions of the above ground network hit hardest by this weekend's record snowfall. Service will be limited and most express service is suspended. Service on NYC Transit and MTA bus has resumed on a modified Sunday schedule. Limited buses are making all local stops. Access-A-Ride service has resumed scheduled trips.

Ferry Services

Staten Island Ferry in service and running on normal schedule. Seastreak service is suspended.

Further Notifications

For information and updates related to weather and travel conditions, visit sign up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visitNYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.   

Travel Safety Tips

New Yorkers are urged to staff off the roads unless travel is necessary so that the Sanitation department can continue to clean streets throughout the day:

· Use mass transportation whenever possible. If you must drive, drive slowly and use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

· If you're walking outdoors, be careful as sidewalks may be snowy and icy.

· Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

Snow Removal Safety Tips

· Stretch before you go out.

· Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors.

· Avoid overexertion. Take frequent rest breaks, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

· Keep dry. Change wet clothes frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.

· Do not cover fire hydrants with snow when clearing sidewalks and driveways. Do not shovel snow into manholes and catch basins.

· Offer to help individuals who require special assistance, including seniors and people with disabilities and access and functional needs.

· Promptly remove ice and snow from tree limbs, your roof, and other structures. If snow/ice accumulates, remove it using a snow rake with a long extension arm so you can remove it safely while standing on the ground, or hire a snow removal contractor.

· Clear tree branches or limbs that could potentially fall on your home or power lines.

· Clear leaves and other debris from gutters.

We hope this information proves helpful and that you take precaution when traveling. Please call 311 for any issues you may be experiencing in relation to the snow. For any emergencies, please call 911.

Thanks go out to Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez for this information.

100 PERCENT Saturday January 23, 2015

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

17th City Council Special Election 

   First, if you have not looked outside the second largest snow fall in the history of NYC fell yesterday. A total of 26 inches, missing the record by only a few snow flakes. So how did it go yesterday? It seems that Governor Andrew Cuomo trumped Mayor Bill de Blasio once again by declaring a State of Emergency for the New York City Metro area, and it seemed that no one gave the mayor advance warning. The Governor also put a travel ban into effect, stopped bus and above ground rail service in the afternoon, and again it looked like the mayor could only confirm what the governor did. Both the Governor and Mayor had several press conferences during the day, and they were always separate from one another. I was waiting to see the Governor's choice to run against Mayor de Blasio at one of his announcements, but that did not happen, or did it? Anyway Mayor de Blasio will come out a loser no matter what he does, and right now he was only able to suspend alternate side of the street parking for Monday. What about school, and will the streets be cleared of snow so school buses can run and safely pick up and drop off children? 

  On to the 17th City Council Special Election. 11 candidates filed petitions by the close of the Board of elections deadline. The names include Rafael Salamanca, Julio Pabon, George Alvarez, Joann Otero, Marlin Molina, J. Loren Russell, John Perez, Carlton Curry, Amanda Septimo, Elliot Quinones, and Helen Hunt. 

  Former Assemblyman turned journalist Michael Benjamin has reported that candidates Curry and Hunt will be thrown off the ballot for not filing an acceptance of the nomination, and that the petition of Amanda Septimo will be thrown out for having the word Democratic on the petition in an non partisan election. 

  I have been told other candidates may also fall as the challenges are heard by the Board of Elections and then the court challenges are heard. The Bronx Democratic County organization under the leadership of Assemblyman Marcos Crespo whose assembly district just happens to be part of the 17th City Council district is heavily involved in the candidacy of Rafael Salamanca the current District Manager of Bronx Community Board #2. Elected officials have maxed out on contributions to Salamanca's campaign. and it looks like there may be some problems as to just when Salamanca was a candidate for the city council, and his use of the community board office for political gain. I am sure the NYC Conflict of Interest Board is looking into this, and I would not be surprised to see an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office. 

  One question is, Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo may have jumped the gun by announcing on Saturday December 18, 2015, after interviewing candidates who were interested in running for the soon to be vacant 17th City Council Special Election, that the Bronx Democratic County organization has chosen Rafael Salamanca as its candidate. The Bronx Democratic County Executive Director Mr. Anthony Perez later tried to downplay this by saying that the Bronx Democratic County Organization has not officially made its choice. Mr. Anthony Perez is also a member of a Bronx Community Board. 

  Candidate Julio Pabon was also interviewed by the Bronx Democratic County organization before December 18, 2015 for the not yet vacant 17th City Council seat, and it is said that Pabon thought the choice was already made. This are other Conflicts of Interest by Bronx Community Board #2 District Manager Salamanca. Salamanca also was campaigning at various Christmas events held by State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. I attended two such events that were held in Public Schools where Mr. Salamanca was electioneering while still being the District Manager of Bronx Community Board #2. It appears that there are other problems with Mr. Salamanca's campaign, and even Bronx Community Board #2 that needs to be investigated further. I submitted a Freedom of Information Letter to Bronx Community Board #2 requesting six items including minutes of general and Executive Board meeting that are part of Mr. Salamanca's job, but unavailable for viewing, if they do exist. In fact I was able to get hold of the October 29, 2014 minutes of the general meeting that was held at Urban Health Plan 1054 Simpson Street. On Mr. Salamanca's Campaign Finance Disclosure statement are contributions from about a dozen employees of Urban Health Plan. I thank the person who sent that to me. It appears that there needs to be much more investigation into Bronx Community Board #2 District Manager Rafael Salamanca, Bronx Community Board #2, and the Bronx Democratic County organization. I would suggest to candidate Rafael Salamanca that he withdraw from the 17th City Council Special Election now. More in upcoming columns, and there is a candidates forum scheduled for Wednesday January 27th at the Pregones Theater located at 575 Walton Avenue starting at 5:30 PM running until 9 PM. From the look at the listing of topics for questions that Mr. Benjamin posted, it looks to be geared to someone in the position of a Land Use Committee Chairman or Community Board District Manager.  

  If you have any political information (especially about the 17th City Council special election) that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on this blog, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.   

    

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s State of the Borough Address

The Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr. President, Borough of The Bronx cordially invites you to The State of The Borough Address Thursday, February 18, 2016 11:30 a.m. Cardinal Hayes High School 650 Grand Concourse The Bronx seating is limited Click Here to R.S.V.P. or call 718-590-6116

The Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  718-590-3500 webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov |  bronxboropres.nyc.gov

Bronx Democratic County Committee Upcoming Events

Bronx Dems' Winter Reception When:   Thurs. 2/18/16 from 6:30 - 9:30pm Where:    Michaelangelo's - 2477 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY You are cordially invited to join Hon. Marcos A. Crespo & the Bronx Democratic County Committee for a Winter Reception. To RSVP or for more information, please call347.281.9759 or email events@bronxdems.org Click to Enlarge   State of the 79th Assembly District Address When: Sat. 1/30/16 at 4p Where: Dreamyard - 1085 Washington Avenue The Bronx, NY The Honorable Michael A. Blake cordially invites you to the State of the 79th Assembly District Address.  RSVP by calling (718) 538-3829. Click to Enlarge   BYD General Board Meeting: #Not62 When: Mon. 1/25/16 at 7p Where: New Settlement Community Center - 1501 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY Join the Bronx Young Democrats as they take the #Not62 pledge & learn ways to develop a healthier mind & body. For more information, please contactbydtreasurer@bronxdems.org. Click to Enlarge   Free Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Giveaway When: Wed. 1/27/16 from 2 - 5p Where: AM Pichardo District Office - 2175C Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY The Office of Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo in partnership with the American Red Cross and the FDNY are giving away free smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. First come, first served.  For more information call (718) 933-6909. Click to Enlarge    Stonewall Democratic Club Presidential Endorsement Meeting When: Wed. 1/27/16 from 8 - 9:30p Where: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center - 208 W. 13 St, NY, NY The SDNYC are hosting a presidential endorsement meeting to decide who Stonewallers will support in the 2016 presidential campaign! Representatives from Senator Bernie Sander's campaign and from Secretary Hillary Clinton's campaign will be in attendance. Visit their Facebook page for more information. Click to Enlarge    Free Health Care EnrollmentWhen:  Thurs. 1/28/16 from 3 - 7pmWhere: 940 E. Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY Join Council Member Andy King, MetroPlusHealth Plan, and LiveOn NY for free healthcare enrollment. Metro-Plus will provide free enrollment in low to no-cost health insurance. LiveOn NY will provide help with benefits such as Medicare, SCRIE, SNAP and other referrals. For more information contact Andy King's office at (718) 684-5509 Click to Enlarge   New Leaders Council 2016 Gala When:   Thurs. 1/28/16 from 6:30 - 9:30pm Where:    Atwood Kitchen & Bar Room - 986 2nd Ave (at 52nd St), NY, NY Join the NLC NYC Advisory Board and friends on January 28th as they welcome a new class of 2016 Fellows and celebrate New Leaders Council's impact in NYC - with a keynote from Assemblywoman Diana Richardson! For more information and to purchase tickets click here Click to Enlarge   CM Gibson & the NYPL Mini College & Job Expo When:   Fri. 1/29/16 from 11am - 4pm Where:    Morrisania NYPL Branch, 610 E. 169 St. Bronx, NY (corner of Franklin Ave.) Council member Vanessa Gibson and the New York Public Library present the Mini College & Job Expo. Bring your resume and business attire.  For a list of colleges and employers, please go to the Morrisania NYPL Branch website. Click to Enlarge     In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic County Committee 1640 Eastchester Rd.

BLIZZARD UPDATE - Travel Ban - MTA Shutdown

  There has been a travel ban announced by Governor Cuomo for the New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County area to begin at 2:30 PM due to the heavy Snow continuing to come down. This means that drives must be off any roads unless it is an emergency, or risk being fined for ignoring the travel ban.

   The MTA has announced that all Metro North trains, Long Island Railroad, and above ground Subway lines will be shut down at 4 P.M. until further notice. Underground subway routes will be in operation until it becomes unable to do so. 

 NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that over two feet of snow can be expected in the NYC area. This is expected to be one of the five worse storms in the history of the city.

MTA To Stop Bus Service in NYC Due To Blizzard

  With heavy snow falling up to one foot already in some nearby areas with more to come, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a State of Emergency for the Metropolitan New York City area. The MTA will halt all bus and outside elevated subway service at NOON today due to the Blizzard. Service will be restored after the storm ends, and it is safe to have the buses and outside elevated subway lines resume service. Below ground subway service will not be interrupted. 

  People are asked not to be out or drive so that the roadways can be cleared. Additional help to clear the snow has been sent to the New York City area by Governor Cuomo from upstate regions. There are scattered blackouts on Long Island, Westchester County, and parts of New York City where power lines are above ground. Winds of up to 45 M.P.H. have been recorded, and are expected to continue or increase as the blizzard continues.

POSITION AVAILABLE: District Manager Bronx Community Board

There is an open position as the District Manager of a Bronx Community Board. 

Salary Range: Based on Experience

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direction of the Community Board, the District Manager:

 Directs the day-to-day operations of the Board office

 Supervises, evaluates, directs and motivates staff

 Assists the Board in the monitoring and evaluation of municipal services within the district 

 Responds to constituent concerns relating to services provided by municipal agencies within the district and reports those concerns to the Board

 Responds to information requests from the Board and the public in a timely fashion

 Maintains Community Board files and records in both paper and electronic form

 Works with the officers of the Board on its internal budget and payment processing 

 Works with Committee chairs and Board members to assist with various needs of the committees

 Makes policy and strategy recommendations to the Board including but not limited to capital and expense budget priority recommendations for New York City

 Responsible for updating the Board website

 Presides over monthly District Service Cabinet meetings, which includes establishing the agenda and creating and preparing reports to the Board

 Attends monthly Borough Service and Borough Board meetings

 Must be able to attend monthly Board meetings and selected committee meetings, which are normally scheduled in the evening, as well as other occasional evening and weekend events and meetings

 Takes minutes of selected monthly meetings

 Establishes and maintains a working relationship with local elected officials and their representatives, city agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses and other community groups

 Must be a strong advocate for the Board’s views, as directed by the Board

 Must be able to work well with a diverse community

 Must be able to travel locally

 Performs other general and miscellaneous tasks to support the mission and work of the Board

1. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “A”, “B” or “C” below:

A. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of full-time satisfactory experience in community work, public administration or planning or related fields, or public information or relations, of which one year must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity; or

B. An associate degree from an accredited community college and four years of full-time satisfactory experience in community work, public administration or planning or related fields, or public information or relations, of which one year must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity; or

C. A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and six years of full-time satisfactory experience in community work, public administration or related fields, or public information or relations, of which one year must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity;

2. New York City residency required, unless employed by New York City for more than 2 years.

Important Skills

 Familiarity and experience with the Community Board and government 

 A history of strong managerial, organizational and supervisory skills

 Excellent oral and written communications skills

 Computer proficiency, including mastery of office and web based applications

 The ability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines

 Cultural sensitivity and competency for a diverse population

To Apply

SUBMIT your cover letter and resume by United States Postal Service mail, postmarked no later than Friday, February 5, 2016.

Bronx Community Board 4 Search Committee

1650 Selwyn Avenue, Suite 11A

Bronx, New York 10457

Please do not call or visit the Community Board office regarding your application

 Residents of Bronx Community Board 4 and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

 This position is classified in the Non-competitive Class 

 For FLSA purposes, this position is Exempt

 This position offers a competitive fringe benefits package, including paid time off

The City of New York and Bronx Community Board 4 are Equal Opportunity Employers

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Informational Seminar & Networking Event Tue. Feb. 2nd

Attention Members, Real Estate Developers, Brokers and Bankers:

 

Seminar and Networking Event Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Program begins promptly at 10:00 AM

1200 Waters Place, 2nd Floor Conference Center

Bronx, NY 10461

RSVP to egarcia@cityhall.nyc.gov 

Space is limited

Seating is on first come first serve basis.

 

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce sponsors a wide range of programs and services to businesses ranging from large corporations, Cultural Institutions, Universities and Colleges, Hospitals and Medical Centers, and mid-sized to small companies. Patronize local Bronx businesses and strengthen our community! Companies do not need an office in the Bronx to be active members of the association. To join or for more information, please contact Josann Ferguson (718) 828-3900 or email:Josann@bronxchamber.org.

 

I look forward to your active membership and meeting you at some of our upcoming networking events.

 

Sincerely,

 

Nunzio

 

Nunzio Del Greco
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network for Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900Nunzio@bronxchamber.org