COUNCILMAN WILLIAMS CHAIRS HEARING ON PACKAGE OF GAS SAFETY BILLS

    Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee, chaired a hearing on a package of 10 bills designed to increase the safety of our gas infrastructure. The Committee heard testimony from representatives of the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), industry experts, property owners, and other interested members of the public.

In the past two years, New York City has experienced four major gas-related explosions, with the most severe taking place March of last year, where 2 people died and 22 were injured. In response to these explosions, the City Council introduced a package of legislation with the goal of improving gas safety.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the first-responders affected by the four major gas-related explosions that took place over the last two years. As Chair of the Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings, I am extremely troubled by these incidents," said Council Member Williams. "As we learn more about how to fix the mistakes that led to those tragedies, I am increasingly confident about the City's ability to find solutions." 

"In a relatively short time we've seen a number of gas explosions take place in the City; many of them due to failures to report and handle gas leaks properly. To ensure the well-being of New Yorkers and first responders, it's vital we introduce legislation that will implement and enforce a system of safety procedures followed by all building owners and plumbers," said Council Member Williams.

The 10 bills look to improve gas safety by requiring inspections of gas piping systems, annual reports on the state of gas infrastructure in the city, and that natural gas alarms be placed in housing units. The package also calls for building owners to notify tenants of procedures that should take place during a gas leak.

• Int. No. 738 would create a journeyman plumber gas qualification system. It would also bar journeyman plumbers from fabricating, assembling, installing, repairing, servicing, testing or performing maintenance on fuel gas piping systems unless they have a valid gas qualification.(Sponsored by Council Member Mark D. Levine)

• Int. No. 1079 would prohibit an individual from being able to "self-certify" work if it was determined by DOB that such individual had, within the previous 5 years, worked on a gas piping system without a permit. DOB would also be required to make a list of such persons publicly available on its website. (Sponsored by the Speaker Council Member Melissa Mark Viverito)

• Int. No. 1088 would require owners of buildings with gas piping systems to have such systems periodically inspected by licensed master plumbers. (Sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal)

• Int. No. 1090 would require owners to instruct their tenants to call 911 and their gas service providers, prior to informing such owners, when a gas leak is suspected. (Sponsored by Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson)

• Int. No. 1093 would require gas service operators and owners to notify DOB within twenty-four hours when gas service is shut-off or not restored due to safety concerns. (Sponsored by Council Member Rosie Mendez)

• Int. No. 1094 would require an agency or office designated by the mayor to identify a set of factors which indicate the presence of gas-related violations that pose risks to health, safety or property. The bill would also require such designated agency to submit a report to the council on using such factors to target enforcement. (Sponsored by Council Member Donovan Richards)

• Int. No. 1098 would require that gas utilities provide annual reports on the location, age, condition, and material of the various parts of the gas infrastructure in the city. The bill would also require that such utilities report on work done and planned work on such infrastructure. (Sponsored by Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez)

• Int. No. 1100 would require natural gas alarms to be installed, maintained, and periodically replaced in dwelling units. (Sponsored by Council Member James Vacca)

• Int. No. 1101 would allow for a temporary waiver of fines for improper fuel gas-piping alterations and installations. (Sponsored by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams)

• Int. No. 1102 would designate violations of existing law regarding gas piping systems as "immediately hazardous." (Sponsored by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams)

The East Harlem explosion, reported on March 12, 2014 at 9:30 AM, collapsed two buildings at 1644 and 1646 Park Avenue. The smell of gas was originally reported to Con Edison at 9:06 AM, who dispatched a team at 9:15 AM. The team was in route when the explosion occurred. Con Edison also called the Fire Department at 9:19 AM but subsequently withdrew the phone call. The Fire Department arrived four minutes after the explosion occurred, at 9:34 AM. By 1:44 PM, Con Edison and the City were able to turn off the gas flow to the block where the accident occurred. The gas explosion resulted in 8 persons dying, more than 50 injured and more than 100 families displaced.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent a team to investigate the scene. The NTSB is an independent federal agency that is charged by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents on other forms of transportation that includes railroad, highway, marine and pipeline.

On March 26, 2015 an explosion occurred at 121 Second Avenue around 3:17 PM. It was reported that 2 persons died and 22 persons were injured. The fire escalated to seven alarms within an hour of the explosion which resulted in 250 firefighters on the scene. The explosion ended up destroying 3 buildings and damaged 1 additional building.

Before the explosion, the property owner's plumber was conducting work to upgrade the gas service for the building. Con Edison was at the site to check on a planned meter installation about an hour before the explosion. The work failed the inspection and gas could not be introduced to the residential units. The owner and general contractor remained in the building to work on the gas lines but left the building a few minutes before the building exploded.

On August 21, 2015, a gas explosion occurred at John F. Kennedy High School at 8:09 PM. Contractors were working on the school's science labs which was part of a project by the School Construction Authority through a private contractor. One of the contractors decided to check the gas leak by lighting a match. This set off an explosion at the high school which damaged the school's fourth, fifth and sixth floors. DOB issued a partial vacate order at the damaged locations. Three contractors were injured during the explosion.

On October 3, 2015, another explosion occurred in Brooklyn at 4206 13th Avenue. It was initially believed that the removal of a stove may have sparked a gas explosion. City officials investigating the scene concluded that a meter measuring the gas flow into the apartment was turned off. Also, the video of the explosion showed a quickly moving fire that showed thick black smoke which is not common for a gas explosion. According to a fire official, a thick black smoke is usually associated with fuel or gasoline. Housing court records showed that a judgement was reached against the tenant and a city marshal was assigned to execute the warrant. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation but city officials said that it would be unfair to label the explosion a suicide. The blast displaced dozens of residents. Two persons died and 13 persons were injured due to the explosion.

"Gas explosions are devastating, tragic, and in many cases, preventable. I applaud Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Jumaane Williams for championing a package of bills that will set forth new regulations for monitoring gas installations and enact harsher punishments against those whose actions put the safety of their neighbors at risk. As we continue to examine the potential impacts of our aging infrastructure, I look forward to continued conversation with Con Ed, the Administration, and the public in pursuit of a better, safer New York," said Chair of the Committee on Public Safety Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson.

"These measures will put in place a system checks and balances that will go a long way in protecting New Yorkers," said Council Member Williams. 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Resume Writing & Interview Workshop

Mayor Bill De Blasio Announces the Results of a 90-day Review of Homeless Programs

  Mayor Bill de Blasio standing next to a chart labeled Rental Assistance Reduces Homelessness shows how his new Comprehensive Homeless Service plan will stabilize, then prevent future increases of Homelessness in the city. 

  During the almost two hour presentation Mayor de Blasio held at Bronxworks located at 1050 Grand Concourse several speakers including Keshaw Wood  a single mother who was facing eviction and one step away from being homeless gave her story of how Homebase helped provide her with a lawyer who won her case and even was able to have her rent reduced in the process. Ms. Wood is now on her way to becoming a registered nurse, and should never have to go through the process to which she was subjected to. Mayor de Blasio has placed an integrated management structure with both the Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Department of Homeless Services (DHS) reporting to a single Commissioner of Social Services under current DSS/HRA Commissioner Steven Banks. 

  The four major reforms are, Preventing Homelessness, Getting families out of shelters and into permanent housing, Improving the current shelter system, and helping today's homeless population. The mayor spoke of shutting down certain current shelter sites that have numerous violations or are unsafe for families, which has already begun according to the mayor. Homeless housing is part of his goal in the new or preserved 200,000 units of affordable housing goal. 

   The mayor stated that under former Giuliani there were 23,000 homeless people, under Mayor Bloomberg that number rose to 33,000, and currently is at 50,000 people which includes more children than before, adding that families in shelters may have a working adult member.. His aim is to get families out of city shelters and into permanent housing   

Above - Ms. Wood explained her problem of almost being evicted, and how the city helped her overcome that problem.

Below - Mayor Bill de Blasio expands on what the city has done for Ms. Wood, and what he hopes can be done for many others who may be in her situation.

Above - On the far right is Bronx Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson who the mayor thanked for her role in getting this process started, and Councilwoman Gibson thanked the mayor for the new Homeless programs designed to keep at risk families in their apartments.

Below - New DSS/HRA Commissioner Steven Banks explains more of the job that he will be doing. 

After the presentation Mayor de Blasio took questions, some of which were about the current police influence peddling scandal, and if the mayor has been questioned, asked for counsel, and if he had any role in the scandal to which the mayor said that it occurred before his victory, and that he has not been questioned by federal authorities, he does not think he will be questioned by them, and that he hold himself and his staff to the utmost standards. He added that this was going to be the last tome that he would answer anymore questions on the subject.

KLEIN, AVELLA, DINOWITZ, MOSLEY SECURE $2M IN FUNDING TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOLS

State Senator Jeff Klein, State Senator Tony Avella, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, and Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley announced that the Independent Democratic Conference has secured $2 million dollars in funding to increase diversity in New York City’s Specialized High Schools.

New York City’s Specialized High Schools have seen a shockingly low number of black and Latino students apply for and enroll in recent years. A survey from 2005-2013 showed that despite the fact that black and Latino students made up a majority of rising eighth graders - 71.6 percent - they made up only 52 percent of students who even took the Specialized High School Admission Test.

“A Specialized High School might be a great fit for so many of New York City’s underrepresented students, but we will never know if we don’t ensure that every student has the resources to prepare and apply. That is why I am thrilled that we have secured over $2 million dollars in this year’s state budget in order to establish outreach programs at every Specialized High School, enhance and expand free test preparation for New York City's underrepresented students, and further support Brooklyn Tech’s successful STEM pipeline program for middle school students. By providing resources to these students early, and continuing throughout middle school, we can ensure that every child in the New York City public school system has the same opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially enroll in these prestigious schools,” said Senator Klein.

“Bridging the deep diversity gap that exists in our schools starts with strengthening our students’ foundations. With this funding, we can establish outreach coordinators, provide test prep to underrepresented areas, and support and enhance an already successful middle school pipeline program through the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation’s STEM program. This is much more than just checking off a box, this is laying the foundation to ensure that every student has an opportunity to enter one of these esteemed schools,” said Senator Avella.

In their proposal released in March, the IDC laid out a plan to increase diversity in the schools’ enrollment, the “New York City Specialized High Schools Diversity Initiative and Gifted and Talented Program Expansion.”

Included in the 2016-17 budget is:

• $350,000 for Outreach Coordinators at each school who will focus on ensuring that students in underrepresented middle schools.

• $650,000 for Test Prep for Middle School Students from Underrepresented Populations to pay for test prep at each Specialized High School.

• $750,000 appropriation to NYC DOE for test prep targeting free and reduced-price lunch students in New York City.

• $250,000 for the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation to enhance their current, successful middle school pipeline program.

“I am pleased that by working with Senator Klein we were able provide money to increase diversity in New York City’s Specialized High Schools in this year’s budget. The underrepresentation of some minority groups in New York’s Specialized High Schools is indicative of a larger set of challenges that face this city’s educational system today. I am proud to have fought for this proposal, and to be able to provide funding for students to take free test preparation classes, in addition to investing in outreach coordinators at each of the specialized high schools. This funding will go a long way in raising the numbers of potentially qualified minority applicants attending these schools, while maintaining the schools’ academic integrity without changing the objectivity of the entrance exam,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz, a Bronx Science Alum.

"I applaud Speaker Heastie and the Senate Democratic Conference  for implementing the Diversity Initiative for New York City Specialized High Schools in this year's state budget. Assembly member Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) and myself have championed this proposal in the Assembly. It is critically imperative that we expand the programs that prepare our youth to take the Specialized High School Admission Test. As a member of the Board of Regents My Brothers Keeper Blue Ribbon Panel on improving outcomes for boys and young men of color, we highlighted the need for more advanced programing in a report issued late last year," said Assemblyman Mosley.

BJCC Spring Volunteer Opportunities

 Four Random Acts of Kindness Spring Volunteer Opportunities

Make all the difference with just a very few hours of your time!

Brighten your own day, as you bring joy to an isolated and lonely senior

 

 

 (one) Friendly Visitor  Needed

Adult Friendly Visitor needed for a delightfully endearing, very  intelligent woman, who has retired as a social worker, but loves reading and writing mystery novels, but is suffering from  a debilitating eye disease that has left her unable to read.  She is seeking someone to read mysteries with her.

 (three ) Mother's Day Related Opportunities

• Mothers Day Ice Cream Social  Volunteers needed to help set up and host on Monday, May 3 from 12-3 at our auditorium near Mosholu Parkway very close to Riverdale. Music, gifts and fun

• Mother's Day Luncheon, on Mother's Day morning:   Looking for up to 10 volunteers of all ages to help host our annual event, May 8 from 10:30-1:30 at the Sue Ginsberg Senior Center, 1 block off Pelham Parkway( great for families)

• Deliver flowers to an isolated or home bound Mom, anytime form Wednesday May 4- Monday, May 9.  Bring the joy of Mothers Day to someone whose children live far away!  (perfect for families)

To volunteer, please contact Niti Minkove, BJCC Director of Volunteers at 917-693-3084 or nminkove@bjcconline.org.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Pelham Parkway Cleaning and Beautification Project

COMUNILIFE OPENS NEW 65 UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING BUILDING IN THE BRONX

New state-of-the-art facility will serve New Yorkers with special needs and low income residents

 

 

    Comunilife, one of New York City's premier health and human service not-for-profit organizations, today inaugurated its newest supportive and affordable housing building in The Bronx.

 

El Rio Residence, located at 1041 East 179th Street in West Farms, includes 65 units (39 studio apartments for New Yorkers living with special needs and 26 studio apartments for low-income residents).  Amenities include community room, laundry, back garden, staff offices, and 24/7 security.

 

  "We remain strong in our commitment to increase the number of supportive housing units available for the most vulnerable populations," said Dr. Rosa M. Gil, President and CEO of Comunilife. "El Rio Residence is a major step as we continue to provide new, safe and affordable housing options for the people who need it the most, a midst the city's housing crisis."

 

El Rio is NYSERDA certified and follows the Enterprise Green Communities guidelines.  The building incorporates energy efficient features including low-flow fixtures, bi-level lights in hallways, low VOC paint, FSC certified wood, energy star appliances, native vegetation in the recreational areas, erosion control during construction and construction materials with high recycled content.

 

The project was developed with Capital Financing received through NYS's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, NYC's Department of Housing Preservation and Development Supportive Housing Loan Program, the Bronx Borough President's Office, and with low-income housing tax credit equity from Red Stone Equity Partners.  The building was designed by Gran Kriegel Architects, with Fazio Construction serving as the general contractor.

 

Today's ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by local leaders and community partners, including Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, Assembly Member Luis R. Sepulveda, Samuel B. Roberts (Commissioner, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance), Mirza Orrios (HUD's Deputy Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey), Jessica Katz (Assistant Commissioner, NYC HPD), Moira Tashjian (Associate Commissioner, NYS Office of Mental Health),Rebecca Sievers (Program Manager, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene), Carlos R. Piñeiro (Chairperson, Comunilife's Board of Directors), Richard Roberts (Red Stone Equity Partners), and Kristin Miller (CSH).  The 65 residents of the new building were welcomed to the community and the Comunilife family during today's ceremony.

 

"Ending homelessness and housing insecurity in New York depends on building supportive and affordable housing like the El Rio project we're celebrating today. With over $7 million invested from HUD's HOME Program, this development will provide long-term stability for both its residents and the neighborhood," Orrios said.

 

"Creating affordable housing is very important not just in The Bronx but the entire New York City," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.  "Projects like El Rio are steps in the right direction towards greater affordability. Finding affordable housing in New York City is a challenge under any circumstances, and it was with great pleasure that I have allocated $744,000 of my capital budget for this 65-unit studio apartment building, created to support permanent housing for low-income individuals and former homeless adults living with special needs. This project will help improve the lives of many of our must vulnerable residents."

 

"For many vulnerable populations, stability simply means a safe place to call home. El Rio offers a holistic housing approach for households in need that includes not only affordable housing but also onsite services and support through the Comunilife network," said HPD Commissioner Vicki Been. " I would like to thank Comunilife and all of their development partners for their investment in this project and dedication to improving the lives of those in need. Developments like these are proof positive that New Yorkers take care of their own."

 

El Rio is part of Comunilife's housing portfolio which now includes 1,607 units of housing in nine transitional and permanent congregate residences for homeless New Yorkers living with special needs; three low-income apartment buildings and 993 units of supportive scatter site apartments.

  

ABOUT COMUNILIFE:

 

Founded in 1989, Comunilife is a health and human service agency whose mission is to improve the quality of life and create a healthier tomorrow for children, adolescents, adults, families and seniors living with mental illness and/or HIV/AIDS in New York City's underserved, diverse communities. Comunilife provides culturally-competent, community-based services to 3,500 New Yorkers annually.

 

100 PERCENT Saturday April 9, 2016

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

New York Counts This Year

    Tuesday April 19th is the presidential primary date for New York, and this is a year where both the Democratic and Republican races in New York could impact on just who gets nominated. That is why all of the candidates in both parties are criss-crossing New York State looking for votes. On the Republican side it seems as though all congressional districts matter since a candidate can pick up New York delegates even in a almost Republican free district such as is the case here in the Bronx. That could be the reason that Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz came to the South Bronx to meet with State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who claims to be a Conservative like Cruz. The only problem candidate Cruz is that State Senator Diaz Sr. (at last look) is a Democrat, and as for being a Conservative I checked with the Chair of the Bronx Conservative Party Bill Newmark on that. Mr. Newmark wanted to know why Senator Diaz has not come to the Bronx Conservative Party for an endorsement so far this year, and Mr. Newmark also wanted to know why Senator Diaz did not ask for the Bronx Conservative Party endorsement in the last election in 2014.

    Speaking of the Bronx, it seems that the Bronx Democratic County organization seems to be pulled in different directions also. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who is no stranger to the Republican Party, entertained Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz this past week. The next day his son Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had a visit from Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in front of Yankee Stadium. The two then hopped on the subway after Clinton had a little trouble getting through the turnstile. It took her five swipes of the Metro Card she had to get a good swipe which let her on to the platform. Unlike Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders who grew up in Brooklyn and thought tokens were still in use on the NYC subway system Clinton at least was told that tokens were no longer in use. However when Sanders came to the South Bronx over 18,000 people came to see him, and Bronx Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who has been called a twin to Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo is supporting Sanders. 

   Back on the Republican side John Kasich did his best impression of Bill de Blasio when eating pizza in New York, using a fork to eat the pizza. My predictions on the presidential race will appear in Wednesday's 100 PERCENT column in the new Bronx newspaper that will premier on Wednesday April 13th. 

    As for the race to replace Charlie Rangel in congress petitioning ended today. Since the primary election for congress is on June 28th there is time to see just how many of the seven candidates make it on to the ballot. Sometime in late June I will put out my prediction, but it now appears to be a two person race between Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Weight and State Senator Adriano Espaillat who is running for the third time, but first time for an open congressional seat.

    Don't forget that on Wednesday April 13th you will find this column in a new Bronxwide newspaper. You can also continue to check this blog for updates, and the listing of events and reports of them.

   If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.