640 West 238th Street Construction on Thanksgiving Without any Safety Precautions to People Driving or Walking

   It's bad enough that there was a delivery to the construction site at 640 West 238th Street where an eight story building is going up any day, but on Thanksgiving?

   As you will see in the photos below the company doing the construction work are being their usual bad neighbors, but again are not following New York City Department of Transportation rules by having flag persons on both sides of the closed side of the street which curves around an island in the middle of the street. One photo has the site supervisor talking to the delivery driver as the truck completely blocks one side of street so traffic must go both ways on the other side of the island. NYCDOT requires that flag people be placed on both sides where traffic must travel when both directions of traffic use the same lane to travel. That of course would require holiday pay for the two flag people, is if they were union workers. Another photo has a woman and small child walking in the roadway with no guidance by the construction company as to their safety, especially with the sidewalk being closed where they would usually walk due to the blockage. Then there is the photo of a car being seen by the site supervisor who does nothing as it travels on the wrong lane of traffic around the island without and flag person to guide the car for its safety or any pedestrian who might be walking in the street rather than the blocked sidewalk. 

Above - The site supervisor of the construction site at 640 West 238th Street is talking to the driver of a truck making a delivery on Thanksgiving.

Below - The site supervisor continues to talk as he is oblivious to anything that comes near him as he and the delivery truck block one side of the island in the street. Notice there are no barriers or flag people anywhere. 

Above - The site supervisor finally sees me as I am right near him.

Below - The site supervisor obviously did not see this woman and her child walking around the island in the street where there was no flag person to guide them. The line you see is not a lane divider as one may think, but the remnants of a cement truck after dropping off its load.

Here you can see a car coming down the wrong side of the island, as the site supervisor notices it, and me taking his photo as he does nothing for anybody's safety. The car proceeded one or two minutes after the woman and her child walked down on the same side of the island in the middle of the street. Had they been walking at the time the car came, it is possible that the driver may not have seen them since there was no one from the construction company controlling the traffic flow.

As President-elect Trump Prepares to Take Office, Comptroller Stringer Releases Initial Analysis of Federal Funding to NYC

Over $7 billion annually could be at risk under a Trump Presidency

Eliminating even a small portion of Federal funding would have an extraordinary impact on New Yorkers in need

Record homelessness crisis could further worsen

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer today released an initial analysis of Federal funding for City programs to help identify what’s at stake for New Yorkers as President-Elect Trump prepares to take office. President-Elect Trump recently said that one of his first acts, within his first 100 days, will be to “cancel all Federal funding to Sanctuary Cities.” The Comptroller recently directed staff to explore the ramifications if that were to happen.

This initial breakdown demonstrates that cutting off all Federal funds would have a devastating impact on the City’s budget. The early analysis shows that Federal aid to New York City accounts for almost one out of every 10 operational dollars that the City spends, and many of those dollars go directly to the most vulnerable among us.

Some City agencies – and their respective programs and services – depend more heavily on Federal aid than others, and would be therefore be more vulnerable to cuts. A handful of agencies – eleven out of more than 40 mayoral agencies total – account for 59 percent of all City spending but receive 92 percent of all Federal grant aid. Those agencies include the Department of Homeless Services and the Administration for Children’s Services, among others. The NYPD budget for intelligence and counter-terrorism would also be at risk.

“What we know with absolute certainty is that any cuts in Federal aid to New York will have a devastating impact. We have a record homelessness crisis that will be made much more challenging with any decrease in funding. I urge President-elect Trump to remember that behind every Federal line item is a human face – a family in need, a victim of domestic violence, an AIDS patient, a hungry school child,” Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said. “We are a City that welcomes immigrants—we don’t turn people away based on where they’re from or what language they speak, and that must not change.”

The breakdown shows that the City’s homelessness crisis could worsen, the City could become less safe due to cuts to the NYPD, at-risk children would face cuts to critical programs, and more:

• There are currently more than 39,000 households who benefit from Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers, which are fully funded by the Federal government. If Federal funding ended, the City would either have to cover the $482 million line item, or tens of thousands of New Yorkers might be without a home at a time when the City is already facing a record homelessness crisis.

• The New York City Police Department receives 61 percent of its $380 million Intelligence and Counter-terrorism budget from the Federal government, providing equipment and training to continue to keep our City safe from terrorism.

• Public Assistance Grants through the Human Resource Administration serve more than 600,000 New Yorkers. Of the $1.5 billion in grants, 38 percent is covered by the Federal government.

• Child Protective Services, delivered by the Administration for Children’s Services, could see almost half of its $247 million budget slashed should Federal aid end tomorrow. That would put society’s most vulnerable children at even greater risk of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.

• The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment program – with a more than $194 million budget – is funded almost entirely by the Federal government. Eighty-six percent of patients enrolled in Ryan White-funded City programs receive an antiretroviral (ARV) prescription.

“We are going to remain vigilant, because these cuts could have devastating impacts to the heart and soul of our City. We are going to do everything possible to protect our most vulnerable,” Comptroller Stringer said.

To view the full analysis, click here.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR CHRISTMAS 2014 RAPE OF WOMAN AT BUS STOP

Defendant Will Register As Sex Offender Following Release 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for raping a woman who was waiting for a bus on Christmas morning of 2014.        

  District Attorney Clark said “This heinous act is even more tragic as it happened on a holiday of joy and peace. The defendant will now serve 13 years for his depravity and be under supervision for 20 years post-release, and his plea ensures he will be on the Sex Offender Registry.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jose Roys, 38, of 2155 Bolton Street, Bronx, was sentenced today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood to 13 years in prison and 20 years post-release supervision. Roys pleaded guilty to an offer by the Judge to the top charge of first-degree Rape on October 25, 2016. 

  According to the investigation, on the early morning of December 25, 2014, Roys approached the woman, now 53 years old, who was waiting near a bus stop on Boston Road at Pelham Parkway and made small talk with her. Roys proceeded to point at something across the street and when the woman turned to look, he punched her in the face, causing her to fall. 

  According to the investigation, Roys told the woman, “Don’t look at me or scream or I’ll kill you.” He then dragged her to a secluded area, struck her, demanded she disrobe and sexually assaulted her. Before fleeing with her purse, Roys told the woman not to call the cops because “I know where you live” and “my brother is watching you.”

STATE ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE HECTOR RAMIREZ PLEADS GUILTY TO FELONY CHARGE IN VOTER FRAUD

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx politician and an aide have pleaded guilty for committing voter fraud in a 2014 New York State Assembly primary race and were sentenced to Conditional Discharge. 

   District Attorney Clark said, “The electoral process is an important part of any democracy and any actions attempting to undermine its integrity must and will be prosecuted by this office.”

   District Attorney Clark said Hector Ramirez, 61, who ran in several races for New York State Assembly, pleaded guilty today, November 22, 2016, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett to second-degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, a D Felony. Ana Cuevas, 57, pleaded guilty to Disorderly Conduct. Both defendants were sentenced to a Conditional Discharge and as a condition for his plea, Ramirez will not be permitted to seek public office for the three-year duration of his Conditional Discharge. 

    According to the investigation, during Ramirez’s 2014 run for State Assembly in the Bronx’s 86th District, Ramirez and members of his campaign went door-to-door and deceived potential voters into signing absentee ballot applications. The Ramirez team took the applications to the Board of Elections and retrieved ballots for the voters, and then voted for Ramirez without the voter’s knowledge.

   It was initially believed Ramirez had won the primary election over Assemblyman Victor Pichardo before a recount was enacted and Pichardo was declared the winner. 

Sunday December 4th Gift of Life Marrow Registry and Holiday Gift and Craft Sale at Riverdale Temple 11:00AM - 400PM

Get swabbed!

Join the Gift of Life Bone Marrow registry at Riverdale Temple, Sunday, December 4th.  Shop for your holiday gifts while you're there!

Perhaps you are the match for a person battling blood cancer:  leukemia, lymphoma, etc!   The Gift of Life Marrow Registry looks to swab the inside of a healthy person's cheeks and sends the swabs to a registry that tries to match donor cells with a recipient whose cells match.  This has proven to be incredibly successful!  More donors are needed from all different backgrounds!  In fact, there is a Moroccan Sephardic 31 year old man who desperately needs to find his match.  He has 3 young children and needs this transplant ASAP!

You can have your chance to be considered a donor!  If you're between the ages of 18 and 45, make sure to stop into Riverdale Temple's Holiday Gift and Craft Sale on Sunday from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM and head to the GIFT OF LIFE Marrow Registry table.  You may make a monetary donation to the registry as well. The process is simple and quick.  Once you register at the desk, and have answered some simple health questions, you will be given a kit with 4 cotton swabs.  These will be used to collect saliva samples from 4 different area of the mouth.  The cotton swabs will be put back into the kit which is labeled with the donor 's registration ID and shipped out to be added to the database of potential donors. You will be contacted if there is a potential recipient who can benefit from your donation.

For more information check out the web site:  Giftoflife.org 

                                                                         Community Engagement Coordinator:  Russell Lowe   Rlowe@giftoflife.org

See you on Sunday, December 4th between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to get screened by Gift of Life.  

Riverdale Temple, 4545 Independence Avenue, corner West 246th Street, and don't forget to get some holiday gifts as well!

COUNCIL MEMBERS LANCMAN & WILLIAMS STATEMENT ON 2 KILLED IN QUEENS CRANE ACCIDENT

Photo Credit: Mel Peffs

 Council Member Rory I. Lancman, Chairman of the Courts and Legal Services Committee, and Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Chairman of the Housing and Buildings Committee, released the following joint statement after a crane collapse killed two construction workers today in Briarwood, Queens.

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS LANCMAN AND WILLIAMS

 

"We would like to offer our prayers of peace and comfort to the families of the workers who died. The tragic death of two construction workers at a non-union job site in Queens is a stark reminder of the dangerous conditions that workers face in our city. We cannot take a backseat role when it comes to the safety of our workers, especially during windy conditions like those today. What's most alarming is that a recent Crain's report showed a third of construction deaths last year were uncounted by the administration. The City must stay vigilant in preventing fatalities as well as monitoring sites - especially after a tragedy - so it can examine how to remedy safety breakdowns on that location and other sites.

 

"We cannot ignore safety just so we can keep up with the construction boom taking place in the city. While the City has made real efforts to improve safety on job sites, this tragic accident is evidence that much more needs to be done as soon as possible. We owe it to the workers."

Editor's Note: While this happened in Queens, it could of happened in the Bronx, and that is why this item has been posted on this blog.

BP DIAZ DISTRIBUTES THANKSGIVING MEALS TO NEEDY BRONXITES

  As a follow up to the posting where I was able to catch Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. at one of his many turkey giveaways, BP Diaz also hosted other events which are listed below.

In advance of this year’s Thanksgiving holiday, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has partnered with numerous public and private institutions to give back to neighborhoods and families throughout the borough, and to help Bronxites who need our help.

“This Thanksgiving season, we have dedicated our time and resources to give back to The Bronx, distributing turkeys and food supplies to families around the borough,” said Borough President Diaz. “We want to make sure that as many families as we can possibly help will have a warm meal to share during this Thanksgiving season.”

On Wednesday, November 16, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual Thanksgiving luncheon for seniors at the Findlay House senior living complex. Almost 200 members were served a hot Thanksgiving meal by Borough President Diaz and Assembly Member Latoya Joyner, provided by Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill.

“Seeing the seniors laugh and enjoy a hot meal warms my soul,” said Borough President Diaz. “These men and women spent their entire lives serving others and providing for their families and today we are saying thank you and show them that we care for them during the holidays.”

On Friday, November 18, the Office of the Bronx Borough President distributed boxes full of canned and dry goods, generously provided by Goya Foods, to various churches and soup kitchens throughout the borough in order to help feed the community on Thanksgiving Day.

On Monday, November 21, Borough President Diaz spent the day at various locations, making multiple stops to distribute hundreds of turkeys and Thanksgiving meal supplies donated by Western Beef, Waste Management and Fresh Direct.

“Our residents and businesses are showing everyone that when we come together we can truly make a difference and serve each other,” said Borough President Diaz. “I am very thankful that I am able to make my way around the different communities and hand out turkeys and food supplies. I am especially grateful to our sponsors—Western Beef, Goya Foods, Fresh Direct, Waste Management and Golden Krust—for donating the food we needed to help brighten the holiday season for Bronxites who need it the most.”

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez - Chair, Council Transportation Committee - What Comes Next for Citi Bike

What Comes Next for Citi Bike?

Dear Friends and Neighbors

Cycling in New York City has become one of the best ways to get around. With new bike lanes making cycling safer, cycling is one of the the easiest, most inexpensive, clean and efficient transportation options available to New Yorkers. This is especially true for all those who use and enjoy Citi Bike.

For communities like the one I represent however, while cycling remains popular, we are still waiting for those bright blue bike to make it further uptown. For us to be included in what is now the largest bike share network in the United States, we need to work hard to push the city to keep the expansion going.

That is why I write to invite you to a hearing on Monday, November 28th at 11 AM at City Hall in the Council Chambers, where we will discuss the successes, challenges and future of Citi Bike in NYC. As some of you may know, Citi Bike's plans for expansion will be completed next year unless creative measures are taken. As a major proponent for Citi Bike I believe its important that Citi Bike keep expanding further out, especially into areas of lower income New Yorkers, not often well served by public transit.

If you feel the same way, I hope you can make it on Monday and offer testimony about why you feel Citi Bike should be supported. This will be an ongoing effort we hope to form a strong coalition around as we head into the new year and the upcoming budget negotiations.

If you wish to testify, please RSVP with my Chief of Staff Russell Murphy (rmurphy2@council.nyc.gov). Looking forward to great turnout for each. 

Thank you and have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends.

Sincerely,

Ydanis Rodriguez

Chair, Council Transportation Committee