Assemblyman Crespo & Senator Klein Create Disaster Preparedness Program Via State Budget

Superstorm Sandy and extreme weather across New York leads to program which incentivizes disaster preparedness for property owners

    With billions in damage to property across New York due to severe weather and with the limited resources of first-responders being put to their limit, New York State has adopted legislation proposed in 2014 by Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo and Senator Jeff Klein which will incentivize property owners to make their dwellings more resilient to natural disasters through a home safety and loss prevention course. This is also a win-win for insurance companies who provide homeowners with authorized courses in disaster preparedness as this would reduce claims on the company.

The 2016-2017 State Budget which was adopted yesterday included the original legislation (A.6846/S.1529) which was vetoed by Governor Cuomo last year.  With over $30 billion in property damage due to Superstorm Sandy alone, it became clear that more needed to be done to help New Yorkers become better prepared and more resilient to a major natural disaster.  Across the State, outbreaks of severe weather in the form of flooding and tornadoes have also inflicted millions in property damage. 

The new law permits the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to provide an actuarially appropriate reduction in homeowner’s insurance premiums upon a homeowner’s completion of a home safety and loss prevention course. This new law establishes that:

•               Applicants have the ability to submit a home safety and loss prevention course to DFS for review;

•               DFS will examine the course to discern if it warrants an actuarially appropriate reduction in rates of a homeowner’s insurance policy; and,

•               Once DFS approves the course and the insured (the homeowner) produces a completion certificate proving they have completed the approved course, the insurer can provide the actuarially appropriate reduction in rates of a homeowner’s insurance policy for a period of 3 years.

“I am proud to once again partner with Senator Klein to work on programs which will improve public safety, save lives and better prepare our residents to cope with natural disasters which we have seen cripple communities,” stated Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Insurance.

“In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which devastated homes in my district, it’s imperative that New Yorkers learn how to fortify their properties in the event of extreme weather. Through this new course, homeowners will develop ways to reduce the risk of property damage posed by natural disasters and in securing their homes, lessen danger to their families, while getting a discount on their homeowners insurance,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

This is the second bill of three proposed in a report released by Assemblyman Crespo in May of 2013 to improve public safety from growing severe weather threats.   “Tornadoes Rising: The Increasing Rates of Tornadoes in New York State” highlighted the dangers facing most New Yorkers from severe weather. 

The report compiled tornado data since 1950 and found that “Over the past 15 years 146 tornadoes have hit our State, accounting for 35% of the 407 tornadoes impacting New York since 1950. Data shows 69% of the 407 tornadoes occurring since 1986, increasing in frequency over the past decade. Tornadoes now pose a tremendous risk to all of New York’s more than 19 million residents.”  It also found that “New York City alone has seen a more than 300% increase in tornadoes since 2002.”  A full copy of the report can be found at:http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/085/20130701/index.pdf

According to Crespo, “We know that most people have put their sole trust in first responders as their primary vehicle to deal with a disaster and this is unrealistic when a mass disaster impacts any locality.  It is impossible for first-responders to respond to what would become an overwhelming number of calls for assistance.  That is why this legislation incentivizes homeowners to make their homes more disaster resilient so they can stay at home and in safety until help can reach them. Disaster preparedness should become a household term and way of life.”

New York Hispanic Clergy Organization Annual Banquet to Be Held On April 16

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York

New York Hispanic Clergy Organization Annual Banquet Will Be Held On April 16

You should know that on Saturday, April 16, 2016, the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization will be celebrating its Annual Banquet.

It is important for you to know that this Banquet will begin a 1:00PM and continue until 4:00PM, and will take place at Maestro’s Caterers, located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue in the Bronx, New York.

Like every year for the past 27, Bishops, Pastors, Evangelists, Lay People and Community Leaders will get together with the Board of Directors to celebrate the biggest social gathering of the Evangelical Hispanic Community in the Metropolitan area.

You should also know that more than 800 people have already confirmed their attendance, and elected officials are also expected to attend and join in the recognition of five distinguished members of the Hispanic Clergy.

Reverend Luis Serrano, Chaplain of the New York City Police Department; Dr. Ariel Torres, Member of Radio Vision Cristiana International Board of Directors; Reverend Dr. Feliciano Espaillat, Community Dentist and Pastor; Dr. Julio Wally, Pastor of the Iglesia Alianza Cristiana Ebenezer; and Reverend Francisco Peralta, Assistant Pastor of Heavenly Vision Ministry in Bronx County will receive Certificates, Proclamations, and Recognition during the activity.

The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization’s Banquet will be presided by yours truly, and the press is welcome.

I am Senator Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

CarFreeNYC Shows Strength With Growing Support Across City

OVER ONE HUNDRED RALLY AT CITY HALL TO SUPPORT A CAR FREE NYC ON EARTH DAY

Rally Draws from Diverse Range of Prominent NYC Institutions & Officials to Stress Importance of Leaving Cars at Home This Earth Day

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams Issues Challenge to Fellow BP's, Saying Brooklyn Will Have Fewest Cars on Street this Earth Day

New York, NY - Over one hundred gathered on the steps of City Hall today to back a transformative initiative spreading across the globe: a Car Free Day, this time in New York City. The effort, kick started by NYC Council Transportation Committee Chair Ydanis Rodriguez, encourages New York drivers to leave their cars at home for at least one day this year: Earth Day, April 22^nd. 

Supporters included elected officials, companies and advocacy organizations from a wide variety of fields, all eager to take part in the discussion about the choices we can make as a city when it comes to transportation.

"New Yorkers who choose to drive don't often think twice about hopping in cars to get around, at least until they're sitting in the parking lot that is typical midtown traffic," said NYC Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. "This Earth Day, we can choose another way-to work, to school, to run errands or otherwise-and hopefully drive a discussion about how our choices impact our planet and our neighbors. We will see how lively our streets can be when filled with people rather than cars. We can also reaffirm that investments in mass transit pay major dividends from an economic and environmental perspective. I am so proud that this initiative has received the support of so many and we expect to have a real impact on April 22^nd."

Single occupancy car usage is one of the least efficient ways of moving about a city rife with quality transportation options, not to mention the high costs of car ownership in New York City as compared to monthly MetroCards or a Citibike membership. Freeing up our streets can provide for cleaner air, causing less harm to our environment; allow for greater walkability and bikeability to promote active transportation; and will impress upon New Yorkers how our choices matter when it comes to how we move about.

At the rally, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams issued a challenge to his fellow Borough Presidents, including Manhattan BP Gale Brewer, who was present, that Brooklyn would be the borough to reduce car usage the most in the City; a challenge that Brewer accepted immediately.

#CarFreeNYC is also specifically geared toward those New Yorkers who don't live in transit rich areas as it will highlight the disparities in commute time for those living in transit deserts. This is an indicator which often holds a direct relationship to income and employment levels in New York and cities across the country. This is why it has garnered the support from Council Members representing districts with sparse transit such as Elizabeth Crowley and I. Daneek Miller. 

"Our planet is the only one we have, and all of us have a role to play in preserving it for future generations," said Public Advocate Letitia James. "Any step that reduces carbon emissions brings us one step closer to finally tackling climate change. I look forward to doing my part and participating in Car Free Day on Earth Day, and thank Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez for creating this important initiative."

"Car-Free Day is a great way to show our commitment to a greener future on Earth Day," said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. "Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez has demonstrated a deep dedication to better connecting our city, with new and improved transportation options. I look forward to continuing to work with him to better connect our communities to emerging job centers."

"Manhattan is one of the most walkable urban environments on the planet," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "Working together, events like Car-Free Day can help us imagine a cleaner, safer city with more public transportation, more walking, more public space, and fewer cars."

"If we are to conquer our congestion challenges, we need to be bold," said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. If we are to make meaningful progress in the battle against climate change, we need to be aggressive. I applaud Council Member Rodriguez for his bold, aggressive push for a Car Free Day in New York City this Earth Day, a movement that asks all of us to rethink transportation and advance sustainable solutions. I will do my part to make sure Brooklyn is a leading force in this important moment for our planet."

Editor's Note:

The list of names who commented added up to 35. That would mean a little more than 65 others (probably mostly staff of those who commented) attended. Considering the Public Advocate, both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Borough Presidents, and a candidate for congress, not to mention all the others listed as giving comments for various groups or organizations, it seems that no one else was in attendance. This press release also came from City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez who was not listed as giving commentary.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - The passing of Frank DeGrazio

Dear Members:

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank DeGrazio, life partner of Kathy Zamechansky. Kathy has been an active member of the Board of Directors for many years.

Frank attended most of our Chamber events throughout those years. Frank passed away suddenly on Saturday evening.  

Our sincere condolences go out to their families. 

 

Wake

Wednesday, 4/6, and Thursday, 4/7, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Yannantuno Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home

584 Gramatan Avenue

Mount Vernon, NY 10552

 

Funeral

Friday, 4/8, 10:45 am

St. Claire's Church

1918 Rhinelander Avenue

Bronx, NY 10461

 

Burial

Woodlawn Cemetery 

517 East 233rd Street

Bronx, New York 10470

Nunzio Del Greco

President and CEO

Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network For Business Success"

1200 Waters Place, Suite 106

Bronx, NY 10461

718-828-3900

Nunzio@bronxchamber.org

Bronx Borough President Invites you to celebrate.....

Assemblyman Gjonaj & Senator Klein meeting with NYC Small Business Services April 6, 2016

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj & Senator Jeff Klein invite you to a conversation with NYC Small Business Services

Join us for an open discussion with NYC Small Business Services Wednesday, April 6, 2016 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Tracey Towers Community Center  40 West Mosholu Parkway South Bronx, N.Y.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman - A Historic Climate Change Coalition

The Attorney General, joined by former Vice President Al Gore and six other A.G.’s, announced a new unprecedented coalition that is committed to aggressively protecting and building upon the recent progress the United States has made in combating climate change.

Watch the press conference here.

Check out more photos here.

A Taxi Company Ripped Off It’s Drivers But the Attorney General was there to stand up for workers, and in a settlement deal returned over $750,000 in restitution to those who were overcharged by Style Management Corp and its owner.  A Dangerous Medicaid Fraud Scheme The ringleader of a Medicaid fraud scheme that involved selling HIV medication purchased on the black market through sham companies has pleaded guilty. Glenn Schabelnow faces up to seven years in prison for perpetuating this scheme which preyed on sick New Yorkers.  Shutting Down Sham Charities New Yorkers who received calls from the Cancer Fund of America or Cancer Support Services were told their money would go directly to help cancer patients. But the Attorney General alleged it was all a fraud. In a joint action between the FTC, Attorney General Schneiderman and 49 other states, the two charities are now shut down after they bilked over $75 million from donors nationwide. Listen to one of the solicitation calls many New Yorkers may have received from the charities. A Contractor Allegedly Withheld Benefits From Workers And he has now been arrested on charges that he failed to pay over $250,000 in benefits to employees on a construction project at JFK airport. Government contractors who fail to pay the legally required wages or benefits must be held accountable.  Nursing Home Neglect Cover Up The former Director of Nursing Services at Woodmere Rehabilitation and Health Center in Long Island has been charged with attempting to conceal the neglect of a resident by providing false information to a Department of Health Inspector.  Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755.

100 PERCENT SATURDAY APRIL 2, 2016

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

Who's Minding the City?

    One of the biggest stories this year is how a non-profit was able to sell a once Aids clinic for around 100 Million dollars (give or take a few million or so). This was a building that was classified as a clinic from a non-profit in an area where the value was a tremendous amount as we see by the so called allowance of the sale by the city.  Do we lay blame on the owner of the property given the special change in zoning, the Mayor's new ZQA plan, the Mayor himself, or the Deputy Mayor in charge of the program. Any way you look at it the city got dumped on for tens of millions of dollars, and right after the Mayor pushed, and the City Council approved the new ZQA zoning. 

     I only wonder if it was one of those now much higher salaried City Council members who benefited from the sale of the building, or was it one of Mayor de Blasio's rich donors. Remember Mayor de Blasio you are up for re-election next year, and the indicators are that Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is going to be your challenger. I wonder who Stanley Schlein will be representing, as it was Bill de Blasio in 2013. 

     I was able to sit down with former State Senator Efrain Gonzalez Jr. to go over some old times, and what the future has in store for him. While he was convicted, former State Senator Gonzalez still maintains his innocence, and that he will vindicate his good name as he is in the process of his appeal of the case. No more can be said, but one has to wonder why this appeal seems to keep getting stalled as Senator Gonzalez tells it. 

     The state budget is or was finally passed, as all the bills and other materials are being printed. My favorite question to many elected state officials is - how much of the budget did you really read? There will be comments from the various Bronx elected officials as they come out with their statements on the state budget, and I hope to interview a few for a future column. 

     As usual check the archive section (you will have to back to March) to see the upcoming events such as the Rain Barrel Giveaway by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and State Senator Jeff Klein, The many upcoming Bronx Chamber of Commerce events, More on the 15th Congressional race, and both the Democratic and Republican New York State Presidential Primaries which for the first time in many many years is playing a key role in the selection process, and next week my predictions for the New York State Presidential Primary on both sides. Will New York 'Feel the Bern', or will C&K get Trumped in New York. 

     Lastly, Mayoral control of the public schools is up in June of this year it is not renewed by the state legislature. I would hope that after three disastrous terms of former Mayor Bloomberg, and now two more years of not working under Mayor de Blasio that the state legislature would put an end to this idea that has failed like the schools it was intended to improve. No I still say failing school even if the Mayor, Chancellor, and state legislature want to call it a struggling school. A failure is still a failure no matter what you call it, and mayoral control should be ended. There needs to be accountability where there has been none the past fourteen years. 

        If you have any political information 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.