ASSEMBLYMEMBERS MARK GJONAJ, MICHAEL BENEDETTO & OTHER LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS CALL ON THE MTA TO IMPLEMENT A PLAN TO EASE TRAFFIC CHAOS CAUSED BY JOINT BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Several lanes and toll booths on the Bronx-Whitestone & Throgs Neck Bridges have been closed as a result of the MTA’s Open Tolling Initiative, causing chaotic delays in The Bronx and Queens   

  State Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj stood with Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and other community leaders during rush hour Thursday, May 25th, to call on the MTA to immediately implement a plan to ease the traffic nightmare caused by the simultaneous lane closures near the toll booths of the Bronx-Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges. Just steps from a jam-packed Throgs Neck Bridge, they and other local officials echoed concerns they raised in a separate joint letter to the MTA.

The letter, also signed by, includes State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, Senator Tony Avella, Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz and Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, urged the state agency to act now.

 

Since construction began in April as part of the MTA’s Open Roads Tolling Initiative, lane closures at the toll plazas of the two bridges have created a two-borough traffic nightmare, with major backups, doubled commute times, and life-endangering delays for emergency vehicles.

 

“We write this letter to urge you to immediately take action to alleviate the unfathomable traffic delays caused by the recent, simultaneous construction on the Bronx-Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges as part of the Open Roads Tolling initiative,” the elected officials said in the letter to Fernando Ferrer, the acting head of the Metropolitan Transportation Administration.

“While the initiative is meant to streamline commutes, the construction process is proving to be a major hindrance to the everyday lives of the residents of Bronx, Queens and commuters at large,” the letter stated.  

 

The elected officials pointed out that because of the two-bridge work, emergency vehicles have had problems responding to calls for help. They cited at least four incidents within the past week where emergency vehicles have either been delayed or totally blocked from responding to calls.

 

"This is an unacceptable danger to New Yorkers in need of emergency services," the letter read. “It is imperative that the MTA work with the New York City Police and Fire Departments, as well as the city Department of Transportation, to create a plan that will reroute excess traffic and allow the safe passage of emergency vehicles during the construction process.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS 9 JUDGES TO CRIMINAL AND CIVIL COURT

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the appointments of two new judges to Criminal Court and seven new interim Civil Court judges who will sit in Criminal Court. These judges span a wide spectrum of experiences, and are uniquely qualified to serve New Yorkers.

“New Yorkers deserve dedicated, experienced and impartial judges in court,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I look forward to working with these nine new judges, who have diverse personal and professional backgrounds and will represent the best interest of New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”

The Mayor appointed the following judges:

CRIMINAL COURT

Judge Keshia Espinal

Judge Espinal served with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for 16 years in various bureaus including Appeals and Supreme Court. She most recently served as a Supervising Assistant District Attorney of the Domestic Violence Bureau. She received her undergraduate degree from St. Joseph’s College and her law degree from Western New England University School of Law.

Judge Danielle Hartman

Judge Hartman was a former prosecutor with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for eight years having served in the Domestic Violence, Narcotics, and Appeals Bureaus. She then became Principal Court Attorney to the Administrative Judge of Supreme Court, Criminal Term in Queens County. Judge Hartman received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and her law degree from The George Washington University Law School. 

CIVIL COURT

Judge Angela Badamo

Judge Badamo served with the New York State Unified Court System for 17 years, most recently as an Assistant Deputy Counsel in the Office of Chief Administrative Judge. She was also an Associate Appellate Counsel at the Legal Aid Society. Judge Badamo graduated from SUNY Binghamton and Washington & Lee University School of Law. Judge Badamo is appointed to the Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge Mary Bejarano

Judge Bejarano served for nearly five years with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office before becoming a criminal defense attorney. She returned to public service as a prosecutor with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. She received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from St. John’s University and her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. Judge Bejarano is appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.  

Judge Tara Collins

Judge Collins served with the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice for 18 years, including the last nine years as a Mental Health Attorney. She received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Geneseo and her law degree from Jacob D. Fuchsberg Touro Law Center. Judge Collins is appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge Scott Dunn

Judge Dunn served with the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, for 23 years, most recently as the Chief of Immigration Litigation. Prior to that, he was an Assistant General Counsel with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Judge Dunn received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his law degree from Fordham University School of Law. Judge Dunn is appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge Jerry Iannece

Judge Iannece served with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. Most recently, he was in general practice partnership for 29 years which included criminal defense work. He served as Chairman of Community Board #11 in Queens. Judge Iannece received his undergraduate degree from New York University and his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. Judge Iannece is appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge Joseph McCormack

Judge McCormack served with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for 31 years, most recently as the Chief of the Trial Division/Vehicular Crimes Bureau. He previously served as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Court Bureau. Judge McCormack graduated from SUNY Albany and St. John’s University School of Law. Judge McCormack is appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge Jeffrey Rosenblueth

Judge Rosenblueth served with the New York State Unified Court System for the last seven years as a Principal Law Clerk. Prior to that, he served with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for seven years before becoming a solo practitioner specializing in criminal defense and family law. Judge Rosenblueth graduated from New York University and Benjamin Cardozo School of Law. He is appointed to Civil Court and has been assigned to Criminal Court.

VISION ZERO: ON A MUCH SAFER GRAND CONCOURSE IN THE BRONX

NYPD will be out in force for DWI enforcement Memorial Day weekend around the five boroughs; “Know Your Limit” campaign will offer $10 off cab rides on Friday and Saturday night

  As part of the de Blasio Administration’s City Hall in Your Borough, DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, NYPD Transportation Chief Thomas Chan, and TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi announced several Vision Zero-related announcements on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx.  They noted dramatic safety improvements along the Grand Concourse and announced Memorial Day weekend initiatives to discourage drinking and driving, including DWI enforcement and a new program to offer discounted cab rides -- via the Curb app -- over the holiday weekend. 

“Last week, we went to Queens Boulevard to announce the tremendous strides made in reducing fatalities and injuries on a street once known as the ‘Boulevard of Death,’” saidMayor de Blasio.  “As City Hall in Your Borough comes to the Bronx, the Vision Zero news from the Grand Concourse is just as impressive: after major design changes by DOT, the street has seen dramatically fewer serious crashes and has also gone over two years without a fatality.  But we have so much more work to do, and so as we start a holiday weekend, we remind New Yorkers of our efforts -- using both the carrot and the stick -- to keep everyone safe this weekend.  We want to make sure that your holiday celebrations do not combine drinking and driving.”

The DOT, NYPD, and TLC today made the following Vision Zero announcements:

The New Grand Concourse:  DOT released safety statistics for the Grand Concourse, which had been named a Vision Zero Priority Corridor for its high-crash history. In 2015, DOT began a major street redesign that shortened pedestrian crossings, added more pedestrian refuges, and calmed traffic.  With legislative changes, DOT also lowered the street’s speed limit to 25 MPH and installed speed cameras at school zones along the street.  Speed cameras have successfully reduced speeding within school zones along the Grand Concourse -- by 70 percent.  The dramatic results suggest improved safety for all roadway users.

·         Comparing the period 2011-14 to 2016-17, the Grand Concourse saw its average annual number of crashes with injuries decline from 220 to 133, a 40 percent reduction.  Pedestrian injuries dropped by 48 percent.

·         Between 1990 and 2015, the Grand Concourse had 103 traffic fatalities, including seven deaths in 2013.  However, the Grand Concourse’s last fatality was April 5, 2015 – 781 days ago.

The de Blasio Administration has committed to making the DOT design changes permanent as part of a $164 million capital plan investment currently being undertaken by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC).  The five-phase project, now in its second phase, is reconstructing and beautifying this major Bronx boulevard for a total of 3.5 miles from East 161st Street to East 198th Street. 

DWI Enforcement Citywide: DOT data show that DWI-related traffic fatalities show a dramatic increase in the period between Memorial Day and Independence Day.  In the six weeks between May 25 and July 6, the rate of fatal alcohol-involved crashes increases by 55%, compared to the rest of the year with an average of one in four annual fatal DWI crashes happening during this six-week period.

Recognizing this increased seasonal danger, NYPD will be focused on finding and arresting intoxicated drivers this holiday weekend.  The focus on DWI will be down to the precinct level, including through the use of random checkpoints.

CB 8 Traffic and Transportation Meeting RE: Broadway Corridor

 As over 100 people attended the CB 8 T&T meeting to voice their opposition or support to the DOT Broadway Corridor proposal to reduce the width of Broadway between West 246th Street and the city line from its current 70 foot width to a new 50 foot width with the installation of an 8 or 9 foot wide protected bike lane on the park side northbound roadway. Also the installation of Bus Boarding Bulbs where the current bus stops are since according to the proposal 9 different bus routes use the Broadway Corridor, so the right lane would be used to board buses.. 

 Resident after resident spoke on the DOT proposal, and almost everyone was against it. There were some speakers who were in favor of the DOT proposed Bike lane and bus bulbs where the width of the lanes on Broadway would be narrowed even more than the recent narrowing of the lanes on  Broadway a few years ago. The key concept of the DOT proposal was the number of twelve pedestrian fatalities on Broadway during the period of 2010 - 2014. This was countered by CB 8 member Laura Spalter who checked with the local 50th Precinct as to what the police reports said. Ms. Spalter said that seven were due to pedestrian jaywalking, one was a skateboarding accident, one was at the Henry Hudson Parkway entrance/exit ramp, and three lacked any details on the police reports.

  The DOT proposal said on one page that speeding occurred most on non peak hours, but on another page showed that the Northbound Nighttime hours had the lowest average speed by vehicles. There were two new traffic lights installed after the last death at one of the lights just after installation and before the lights were working. Mr. Padernacht asked if a speeding survey was taken after the lights were working since the figures on the DOT proposal were from 2015. DOT Bronx Commissioner Nivardo Lopez said that it would take one year before a survey could be done. 

  After reading comments from Deputy Inspector O'Toole the commanding officer of the 50th Precinct which included having the bikers travel through the park instead of on Broadway, more installation of lights, and an island in the middle of Broadway where pedestrians could stop and wait for the other side of traffic to clear before crossing. Mr. Padernacht then presented the following resolution to the cheers of residents on and near Broadway, and an astonished look and comment by Councilman Andrew Cohen who helped the DOT on this proposal.  

Traffic and Transportation Committee

Bronx Community Board No. 8

5676 Riverdale Avenue

Bronx, New York 10471

Resolution

Dated: May 25, 2017.        

WHEREAS, Broadway between West 242nd Street and the City Line (“Broadway Corridor”) is a wide street, comprised of at least two northbound lanes and two southbound lanes, with parking on each side; and

WHEREAS, the New York City Department of Transportation (“DOT”) has presented a plan for safety improvements from West 242nd Street to the City Line; and

WHEREAS, DOT cites speeding as an issue along the corridor and states speeding is especially prevalent during off peak hours; and

WHEREAS, DOT cites a number of accidents between 2010 and 2014 on the Broadway Corridor;

WHEREAS, DOT recognizes Broadway as an important bus route for 9 NYC Transit lines, some of which connect to the subway lines; and

WHEREAS, Broadway is also known as U.S. Route 9, a designated truck route; and

WHEREAS, Broadway is the western boundary of Van Cortlandt Park; and

WHEREAS, DOT installed two signalized crossings (traffic lights) on Broadway and West 246th Street and at Broadway at the Tortoise and Hare Statue Park entrance in November 2016; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that speeding has been greatly reduced on the Broadway Corridor since the installation of these new traffic lights; and

WHEREAS, DOT has stated that it cannot study the effects of these new traffic lights for at least one year from the date of their installation;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that lack of parking is an issue on the Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that they would like DOT to study the possibility of angle parking along Van Cortlandt Park; and

WHEREAS, DOT proposed the addition of parking spots along the Broadway Corridor which could be installed regardless of the plan being implemented; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that double parking is an issue on the Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the wide 13’ parking lane permits the flow of traffic around double parked vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, which would narrow the traffic lanes, double parking would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that, Van Cortlandt Park, as a renowned cross country and track destination, attracts schools from across the country to sporting events and that during these events, large buses double park along the Broadway Corridor on both sides of the street; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, which would narrow the traffic lanes, double parking of these buses at the sporting events would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, DOT proposes that the curbside bus stops on the northbound side of the Broadway corridor will be eliminated and replaced with bus bulbs thereby forcing buses to stop in a moving traffic lane to pick up and drop off passengers; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, the new bus stops would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that similar changes as those proposed have been implemented in Manhattan and have caused devastating congestion;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed protected bike lane may be dangerous to pedestrians entering and exiting the park, especially individuals with baby carriages which enter the bike lane first; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed protected bike lane may be dangerous to motorists exiting their vehicle, particularly with packages, carriages and children on the Northbound lane because of the narrowed lane with oncoming traffic and the bike lane on the other side of the vehicle; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed plan may be dangerous to motorists exiting their vehicle, particularly with packages, carriages and children in the Southbound lane, being reduced to an 8’ width, with oncoming width; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the public would prefer bike lanes in the park and not in the street;

WHEREAS, the narrowing of lanes coupled with double-parked vehicles and buses stopping in traffic lanes will create congestion and gridlock on the Broadway Corridor;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that if the plan was implemented, the congestion and gridlock will cause vehicles to use alternate streets in North Riverdale such as Post Road, Fieldston Road and Riverdale Avenue;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that if the plan was implemented, the congestion and gridlock will cause emergency vehicles to be hindered in their vital functions; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that the Broadway Corridor has been made dangerous by the failure of DOT to maintain the striping of key crosswalks and intersections; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the businesses on West 242nd street and Broadway rely on the use of the service lane on West 242nd Street and that the proposed plan will hurt their businesses.

THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee does not approve the DOT plan as presented but finds that certain elements of the plan may be beneficial; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee appreciates the efforts of Council Member Cohen for bringing safety issues of the Broadway Corridor to the forefront of community discussion; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends the restriping of the intersection at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue so as to narrow the intersection for pedestrian safety; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT install the additional parking spots identified along the Broadway Corridor; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT study the possibility of angled parking along Van Cortlandt Park; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT initiate a study to analyze the effects of the two new traffic lights on Broadway Corridor promptly after the one year period; and

BE IT RESOLVED that should the DOT study of the traffic lights reflect additional measures needed, that DOT reconfigure the timing of the traffic lights in order to slow traffic further; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends additional traffic lights on the Broadway Corridor; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the committee recommends aggressive enforcement of double parked vehicles on the Broadway Corridor;

BE IT RESOLVED that, at the Broadway exit from the southbound Henry Hudson Parkway, DOT study the elimination of the northbound lane on to Broadway, where two pedestrians have been injured, thereby directing all exiting cars to the existing lane controlled by a traffic light, as recommended in the Van Cortlandt Park Master Plan approved by Community Board #8.

BE IT RESOLVED, that DOT conduct a separate and distinct study of the area between Manhattan College Parkway and West 242nd Street in order to analyze the entire activity of this important transportation and commercial Hub;

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT move the bus stop on the west side of Broadway between Manhattan College Parkway and West 242nd Street from its current spot to a new location further north to alleviate some of the issues at this Hub;

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT consider the possibility of a traffic circle at Broadway and Manhattan College Parkway to alleviate some of the issues at the Hub; and

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT investigate the installation of unprotected, designated bike lanes on the northbound and southbound side of Broadway.

BE IT RESOLVED DOT initiate a study of alternatives for bike lanes along the Broadway Corridor, including the installation of unprotected, designated bike lanes on the northbound and southbound side of Broadway, in and out of the park, and present this study to this committee in a separate and distinct proposal from the safety plan presented herein.

In Favor: Sylvia Alexander; Margaret Donato; Myra Joyce (Community Committee Member); Joseph O’Brien; Dan Padernacht; Georgia Santiago

Opposed: Eric Bell

Abstain: Daniella Fuchs

Councilman Andrew Cohen (right) a major role player in the DOT Broadway Corridor Bike Lane Proposal is completely beside himself as the resolution is being read. Councilman Cohen wanted to know why he as a board member did not receive a copy of the resolution. The answer by CB 8 Board Chair who was chairing the T & T Committee (since its former chair became the new district manager, and there was no Vice-Chair) answers Councilman Cohen by saying that the resolution was for committee members, and the board will vote on it at the June 11th full board meeting.

Bronx Democratic Elected Officials Endorse Rev. Ruben Diaz for City Council

  Today, Bronx elected officials and members of the Bronx Democratic Party joined community leaders, ministers, and taxi drivers to announce their support for Rev. Ruben Diaz's candidacy for the New York City Council's 18th District. 

 

"Rev. Ruben Diaz has been a champion for the Bronx who has more experience fighting in Albany and City Hall than many of us combined," said Bronx Democratic Party Chairman Marcos A. Crespo. "For decades,  he's delivered for his district by helping to create more affordable housing for our residents, more funding for better schools, more jobs for our unemployed and underemployed, and more services for our seniors. I'm proud to unequivocally endorse Rev. Ruben Diaz for City Council."

 

"As Secretary of Bronx County, I am confident that the 18th Council district will continue to progress under the guidance and leadership of New York State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.," stated Council Woman Annabel Palma. "He has a profound passion for serving the people of this borough, and I expect Reverend Diaz to flourish as he makes his transition to City Hall."

 

"I am so proud to call Ruben Diaz Sr. not only a fellow elected, but someone I consider to be a long time friend and mentor. His dedication, hard work and obvious caring in serving his constituents, in fighting injustice and building a better community has shown what an extraordinary representative of the people he is - and what others should be," said Assembly Member Luis R. Sepulveda. "While he has brought so much to his community while serving in Albany, I'm glad that he will be returning to the City Council. I know the people of the 18th Council District he has served in Albany will be even further helped and rewarded by electing Ruben Diaz as their new Council member." 

 

"Senator Diaz is a legend in the South Bronx due to his stalwart advocacy for working men and women. From helping families receive food stamps to securing housing for seniors, the service he provides to his constituents is second to none," stated Councilman Rafael Salamanca. "He's been a partner to me in fighting for our community and I'm proud to support him in his campaign for the Council."

 

"Ruben Diaz, Sr. is a proven leader, having served in the New York State Senate and the New York City Council. Senator Diaz is a dependable force for economic development, health care, senior services, housing and education in the Bronx and I'm pleased to endorse Ruben Diaz, Sr. for New York City Council," said Councilman Fernando Cabrera.

 

"An ardent advocate for his constituents in Albany, Rev. Diaz will be the same in City Hall. I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy," said Assembly Member Michael R. Benedetto.

 

"State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has been a forceful advocate for the men and women who make up the livery industry in New York City and we need more of that advocacy in City Hall," said Assembly Member Victor M Pichardo. "I am confident that Rev. Diaz will be able to continue to bring about necessary reforms that will help many in the livery industry be able to provide for their families and afford a decent living. I am happy to endorse him for the New York City Council."

 

"As a State Senator, Rev. Ruben Diaz has been a powerful fighter for not only his district, but the entire Bronx. He has been a fierce champion for our seniors, for affordable housing, and for public education. I have no doubt he will bring that same passion and energy to the City Council. I am proud to endorse him in his new endeavor," said Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. 

Women of City Government Endorse Marjorie Velázquez in 13th District Race

Women of City Government Endorse Marjorie Velázquez in 13th District Race

Bronx community board 10 Treasurer and community advocate Velázquez earns endorsement of Manhattan BP and 9 women in Council, including Speaker Mark-Viverito and Women's Caucus co-chairs Rosenthal and Crowley; announcement comes amid declining representation by women in city government

Leading city officials' support builds momentum for only woman candidate in crowded Bronx race, contrasts with anti-choice voting record and ethics issues for opponent Mark Gjonaj

   Democrat Marjorie Velázquez, candidate in the race for the Bronx 13th Council District, has earned the overwhelming support of city government's women elected officials with the endorsement Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and nine members of the City Council, including Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Council Women's Caucus co-chairs Elizabeth Crowley and Helen Rosenthal. The major announcement comes as Velázquez continues to build momentum as the only woman and Latina in a crowded field of eight candidates, and further contrasts her inclusive, progressive candidacy with the anti-choice record of opponent Mark Gjonaj.

"Marjorie Velázquez is a fierce leader who will fight tirelessly for the 13th District and all New Yorkers," said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. "At a time when we have seen declining numbers of women on the Council, Marjorie will bring the kind of representation and advocacy we need in city government. I proudly support her election to the Council."

"It's an honor to receive the support of such inspirational women, who each have blazed a trail to public office in the city," said Marjorie Velázquez. "I would say that I'm proud to be the only woman running for office in the 13th district, but the truth is that far too few women have been given the means and the opportunity to follow the example of these leaders. This needs to change, and I look forward to playing a part in changing this by becoming the next council member for the 13th district."

With the officials' endorsements, Velázquez earns some of her highest-profile supporters to date. The 10 officials hail from every corner of the five boroughs, and include trailblazers who were the first woman elected to represent their respective districts.

This comes amid growing concern over the anticipated decline in representation by women in the council. Four of the 13 women currently serving in the legislative body, including the Speaker, are term-limited at the end of 2017. A fifth, former councilmember Inez Dickens, vacated her seat following her election to the Assembly in November.

The endorsements serve to further contrast Velázquez with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, her principal opponent in the council race. Gjonaj has received criticism from women's rights groups for sending taxpayer-funded mailers touting his support for the ten-point women's equality agenda, a suite of bills he voted against. The Bronx pol has also faced scrutiny for his use of campaign funds and office resources in support of his businesses and family members.

The full list of endorsers is as follows:

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer

Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito 

Council Member Margaret Chin 

Council Member  Rosie Mendez 

Council Member  Helen Rosenthal 

Council Member  Elizabeth Crowley 

Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland 

Council Member Karen Koslowitz 

Council Member Laurie Cumbo 

Council Member Deborah Rose 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - "A" Grade Food Safety

CITY HALL IN YOUR BOROUGH: MAYOR DE BLASIO AND CHANCELLOR FARIÑA ANNOUNCE NEW SUMMER READING BOOKS AS PART OF UNIVERSAL LITERACY INITIATIVE

Equity and Excellence for All initiative improving literacy instruction at 107 elementary schools, expanding to all Bronx elementary schools next year

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced that kindergarten through 2^nd grade students at the 107 elementary schools participating in the Universal Literacy initiative this year will receive 10 to 12 free, grade-appropriate books for summer reading, in order to sustain and build their literacy skills over the summer months. The Mayor and Chancellor made the announcement at Bedford Park Elementary School in the Bronx, where they read to a 2^nd-grade class and gave away the first summer reading books to students and families.

Through Universal Literacy – one of the initiatives in Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña’s Equity and Excellence for All agenda – schools receive support from a dedicated reading coach, who works with kindergarten through 2^nd grade teachers to ensure students are reading on grade level by the end of 2^nd grade. The goal of the initiative is to have at least two-thirds of students reading proficiently by the end of 2^nd grade by 2022, with the target of 100 percent of all 2^nd-graders reading at grade level by 2026.

“Ensuring our kids are reading on grade level by the end of 2nd grade is not a 10-month effort. If we’re serious about giving them the tools they need to succeed, we need to make sure they stay on track even during the summer months,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Providing students with books to take home and read throughout the summer helps continue on the work we started during the previous school year and will continue again in the fall. Consistency is key, so we’re doing what we can to keep our kids reading all year long.”

“As a longtime educator, I understand that a strong early foundation is what puts our students on the path to long-term success, and our investment in Universal Literacy is essential,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “The new summer reading books for students at Universal Literacy schools will stave off summer learning loss, build a love of reading in our children, and give families an opportunity to read and learn together.”

This year, Universal Literacy is being implemented in all 107 elementary schools in Districts 9 and 10 in the Bronx, and Districts 17 and 32 in Brooklyn. In 2017-18, the initiative will expand to 306 schools across 14 school districts – including all districts in the Bronx; Districts 5 and 6 in Manhattan; and Districts 16, 18, 19, and 23 in Brooklyn. By the 2018-19 school year, this initiative will expand to all 32 New York City school districts.

Each kindergarten through 2^nd grade student at the 107 Universal Literacy elementary schools will receive 10 to 12 grade-appropriate, fiction and nonfiction books of their choice to take home, along with a parent letter explaining the importance of summer reading and introducing family reading strategies. Reading coaches are also encouraged to work with families around summer reading suggestions and strategies at parent workshops and family engagement events. Books will be delivered to schools in June, and Universal Literacy reading coaches will work with principals to organize book fairs at their school where students can select their set of books from about 40 titles. The cost of these summer reading books is approximately $1.4 million.

Under this administration, the percentage of students reading at grade level in New York City has increased by 44 percent over the past three years. This year’s increases were highest in 3rd and 4th grades, following the City’s focus on early literacy instruction and intervention since January 2014. These have included new vocabulary resources; citywide professional development sessions attended by thousands of educators; as well as tools to identify struggling students and targeted supports for them including one-to-one tutoring and small-group instruction. The Universal Literacy initiative builds on this work.

Universal Literacy is a key initiative in Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña’s Equity and Excellence for All agenda. The Equity and Excellence for All agenda aims to ensure that by 2026, 80 percent of students graduate high school on time and two-thirds of graduates are college ready.

From Pre-K for All to College Access for All, the Equity and Excellence for All initiatives are building a pathway to success in college and careers for all students. Our schools are starting earlier – free, full-day, high-quality pre-K for every four-year-old through Pre-K for All. They are strengthening foundational skills and instruction earlier – Universal Literacy so that every student is reading on grade level by the end of 2nd grade; and Algebra for All to improve elementary- and middle-school math instruction and ensure that all 8th graders have access to algebra. They are offering students more challenging, hands-on, college and career-aligned coursework – Computer Science for All brings 21st-century computer science instruction to every school, and AP for All will give all high school students access to at least five Advanced Placement courses. Along the way, they are giving students and families additional support through College Access for All, Single Shepherd, and investment in Community Schools.