STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON DISTRICT ATTORNEYS' PETITION TO DISMISS OLD WARRANTS

  “The safest big city in America is taking yet another step toward being the fairest big city in America by clearing more than 644,000 warrants for low-level, non-violent offenses committed at least 10 years ago. These warrants can derail lives, disrupt families, and lead to job loss and missed opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. We are all safer when our police officers are focused on preventing crime and arresting dangerous criminals instead of processing the arrests of those who pose no threat to public safety.

“I want to thank our partners in law enforcement, especially the NYPD and the District Attorneys, for keeping our city safe and making it fairer as we continue to drive crime to record lows and deepen trust between police and the communities they serve. I also want to thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for her advocacy on this and other crucial criminal justice initiatives.”

13th City Council forum by Allerton Avenue Merchants Associatuin

The five candidates left Marjorie Velazquez, John Doyle, Mark Gjonaj, Egidio Sementilli,  and John Cerini took part in this forum held at the Sanz located at 815 Allerton Avenue by the merchants Association.

  Gene De Francis the Director of the Allerton Avenue Merchants  Association moderated this forum. He described how this forum would go. There would be opening statements, seven different questions on various topics, a lightning round, and then closing statements. He announced the four remaining Democratic candidates, one Republican candidate, and allowed Mr. Victor Ortiz one of the two Democratic candidates who were thrown off the ballot to speak. Mr. Ortiz was very cordial in his comments, saying that he and Mr. Alex Gomez will endorse the candidate they fell will best represent the district.

Mr. Ortiz delivering his comments.

Candidate Marjorie Velazquez spoke of her roots in the community, and her work with Direct Television in other countries.

Candidate John Doyle spoke of his community activism, and that he is an independent candidate not tied to any political

organization 

Candidate Mark Gjonaj spoke of his experience as a state legislator, and that his experience makes him the best candidate.

Candidate John Cerini informed the audience that he is running on the Republican line, is a small business owner, and grew up ad has lived in the district he whole life.

Candidate Egidio Sementelli said that he was the oldest candidate, he will not not beholding to anyone but the voters who elect him.

 As the forum went on answers to questions were very safe, and the questions had to be repeated again several times as Mr. Ortiz yelled out that the candidates were not answering the questions. There was o attack on any candidate by name until the closing statements when Assemblyman Gjonaj was attacked by candidate Sementilli for running with current Mayor Bill de Blasio who was part of the Gjonaj petition. Since he was attacked by name candidate Gjonaj was able to respond by saying that he will vote for whomever he wants. During the lightning round when the candidates were asked who will be voting for the current mayor no hands went up. 

  

Once again candidate Sementelli had the best line when he called Mayor Bill de Blasio a communist which drew cheers from the audience, and positive reactions from the other candidate. 

  As for just who won this forum. My answer would be all five candidates were very safe with their answers, did not attack any other candidate by name, and were very controlled in their remarks, that is except for candidate Sementelli. 

  Candidate Sementelli was the most flamboyant in his answers, but I would have to say that candidate John Cerini would be the winner with his sense of community life in the district the best. Candidate and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj came off as the machine candidate, candidates John Doyle and Marjorie Velazquez need to step up their answers as I was told both sounded weak in their answers. 

However this photo of a voter holding up literature from the five candidates and Mr. Ortiz could sum it up well. 

Senator Klein, BP Diaz Jr., Councilman Torres joins Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa to announce a joint funding project to reconstruct Waring Playground and Basketball Court

Elected officials and the city allocated $3.6 million for the renovations   

  Senator Jeff Klein, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Council Member Ritchie Torres joined NYC Parks Bronx Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa at Waring Playground on Tuesday afternoon to announce a joint allocation of $3.6 million to reconstruct portions of the park.

“I’m proud to partner with my colleagues in city government to fund the reconstruction of Waring Playground and Basketball Court,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Our city parks are valuable assets to the community, and the residents we serve deserve a clean, safe and modernized recreational space to gather with friends and families.”

“We are thrilled to receive this much-needed funding,” said NYC Parks Bronx Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa “We can’t wait to start transforming this playground into a space the Allerton community deserves. We’ll be designing the playground with input from the community to make sure the neighborhood’s vision comes to life.”  

“I am proud to have provided so much of my capital funding to worthy park projects all over The Bronx during my tenure as borough president, including more than $1.1 million to help rehabilitate this wonderful playground. As we work to build a healthier Bronx through our “#Not62” campaign, we must make sure that our shared recreation spaces are in good condition and inviting to the public, so that more and more Bronxites of all ages will take advantage of them. I thank Senator Klein, Councilman Torres, the mayor’s office and the parks department for their partnership on this wonderful project,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“The residents have waited far too long for renovations to Waring Playground to get underway. We are proud to announce that through our joint collaboration financial resources have been allocated so that the Playground and basketball courts can get necessary upgrades. Finally, residents will be able to enjoy an improved and modern playground,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

While the project hasn’t been officially scoped, some of the possible improvements include: new playground equipment for children of all ages, new safety surfacing throughout the playground, new benches, improvements to the spray shower area and improved landscaping. A community scope meeting will be held to engage the community on what improvements they would prefer.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein speaks about being able to help restore this as well as other parks in his district.

Below - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr, holds up the reason for the park renovation, children like Richard.

Above - Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa explains what has happened to this park, and thanks the elected officials for their help to restore it.

Below - Bronx BP Diaz Jr., Senator Klein, Councilman Torres, and Community Board 11 Chair Anthony Vitalino hold up the two checks for the park renovations. In three years this park will look brand new again.

COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION CHAIR YDANIS RODRIGUEZ OPENING STATEMENT AT MTA HEARING

  On Tuesday, August 8th, 2017, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez delivered the following opening statement at the NYC Council Transportation Committee hearing on the MTA and its subways.

 

Last week, I joined my counterpart in the Assembly, Jeffrey Dinowitz on a tour across New York City's subway system to hear directly from riders. We made stops in each borough and were joined by many elected officials along the way. At one point in this trip, we were stuck for half an hour waiting to get to Coney Island on the N line. This disrupted our schedule and caused us to cut short stops later in the tour.

 

While less a concern for us, this is part of the reality subway riders face every day. Except for them the consequences are real: missed appointments, punishments at school or work, getting there late to pick up the kids and more. Riders rely on the subways to get where they need to go on time, and over the past few months, the subways have been failing them.

 

Even putting aside the most alarming moments over the past few months-the train derailments, track fires, power outages and subway tunnel escapes-service is deteriorating. Delays have jumped from 28,000 per month in 2012 to over 70,000 per month this year. On-time performance, measuring how often trains arrive within 5 minutes of their scheduled time, has fallen from 85.4% in 2011 to 66.8% in 2016.

 

In June, the Governor himself declared a State of Emergency for the subway system and the MTA has responded with a detailed action plan to stabilize the system, improve service, and modernize many aspects of the subway's operation in both the short and long term.

 

Our subway system is absolutely crucial to the economic vitality of our city. Without reliable subways, it is simply impossible for New York to remain the leading global city it has long been in an increasingly competitive world. The stakes for not only our city's economy, but for the state, region, and the entire country are enormous.

 

We know we did not get here overnight. Many of the subway's problems have roots in underinvestment and neglect going back decades. But we also know that we've come back before. The resurgence of the subway system following the dark days of the 1970s and 1980s is one of the great New York stories. It did not happen by accident. It took hard work, smart planning, and a real commitment to investing in the system, as well as leadership not only from the MTA and elected leaders, but from the business community and everyday New Yorkers as well. That is what we need again: collaboration and leadership to make the hard choices our subway system needs to thrive.

 

Of course, a large part of the story is money. Not just for short term fixes, but for the long-term needs for the future. It is essential that we find new, sustainable sources of revenue to allow us to invest in the system to the extent we need to, especially as we quickly approach the time for developing the next five-year capital program.

 

We have several options already on the table and I believe that all should be considered. From raising billions through state bonds, to finally moving a smart and productive tolling system into the central business district, to calling on the wealthiest among us to support the economic vitality of the city that has helped them so much, to setting aside a small percentage of state income taxes solely for transportation, these options can provide the funds we need for a major modernization plan.

 

But of course, it is not just about raising more revenue, it is also about making sure that the MTA spends the enormous amount of money it does have intelligently, quickly, and efficiently. We've seen capital projects go comically over budget, and decades past delivery time. Projects vital to modernizing the system fail to have widespread competition for procurement bids. Subway expansions cost billions more than in other cities comparable systems. We are here today to get to the bottom of these issues because if we can find a way to get these projects done faster and cheaper, we can free up resources to modernize the existing system and make the expansions necessary to keep up with our growing city.

 

At the same time, we must prioritize the projects most essential to the core functions of the system. This means new train cars and new signals...signals which, by the way, we simply cannot wait three decades for.

 

The other thing we need to hear more about is how we are going to start seeing things done differently at the MTA. The status quo is simply no longer acceptable. Changes such relying less on generic, automated announcements are a good first step toward rebuilding trust and confidence among riders. But we of course expect a lot more. The MTA needs to rethink established ways of doing things in every area, from track, signal, and car maintenance, to incident response and customer communication.

 

Through it all, we must not lose focus on the riders who the system is there to support. The conversations I had with these hard-working New Yorkers from all backgrounds was an important reminder of who this system serves-of who we, as public officials serve. They are demanding leadership, they are demanding accountability and they are demanding improvement. It is up to all of us to cut through the arguing and focus only on what must be done, not only to revitalize our system, but to take it to the 21st Century. Our riders deserve nothing less.

Councilwoman Rosie Mendez Endorses Elvin Garcia for City Council

New York City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez today announced her enthusiastic endorsement of Elvin Garcia for the City Council open seat in District 18. “Having served on the Council for 12 years and having worked very closely with Councilwoman Annabel Palma, I know District 18 needs a compassionate person with the ability to get things done," said Councilwoman Mendez. “And Elvin is that person. His personal story, his deep ties to the community coupled with his work at the Mayor’s Office provide the right foundation for the continued leadership in the district.” Councilwoman Mendez was one of two out Latina Lesbians in the Council. She is known as a versatile legislator who has been a leading voice on Police Reform, LGBT issues, Human and Animal Rights, as well as Private and Public Housing. “Elvin was born and raised in this district and he's deeply committed to the place he has always called home. He has the passion and compassion to be an incredible representative.” Elvin Garcia, former Bronx Borough Director for the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs and lifelong South Bronx resident, is running for the open seat in City Council District 18. “I’m honored to have Councilwoman Mendez's endorsement” said Garcia. “Councilwoman Mendez has been a trailblazer in the LGBT and Latino community. As a member of the LGBT community, the Councilwoman’s work has impacted my life in so many ways. I am deeply honored by her endorsement in particular.”

Elvin Garcia Candidate for City Council - District 18

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS AND ASSEMBLY MEMBER SEPÚLVEDA LAUNCH IDNYC “POP-UP” ENROLLMENT SITE IN PARKCHESTER

  The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ Assistant Commissioner Kavita Pawria-Sanchez and the IDNYC team joined community leaders to open a “pop-up” IDNYC enrollment site with Assembly Member Luis R. Sepúlveda at his District Office in Parkchester in the Bronx. This pop-up will be open starting today through August 25, 2017.

This pop-up enrollment site makes IDNYC and City resources more accessible to the communities they serve, particularly for the borough’s burgeoning West African and Bangladeshi populations. The West African immigrant community in the Bronx has increased by over 19,000 residents since 2000. Across the city, from 2000 to 2015, the Bangladeshi immigrant community grew by 92 percent, the largest percentage growth among the city’s top 10 largest immigrant communities. Recognizing the diverse languages spoken by Parkchester residents, applications will be available in a wide variety of languages at the enrollment site, including in Bengali and French.

“Opening this IDNYC pop-up site brings IDNYC and City resources closer to the Parkchester community and its neighbors, particularly for our newest New Yorkers from West Africa and Bangladesh,” said Kavita Pawria-Sanchez, Assistant Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “This pop-up builds on our efforts to make New York City an open and welcoming city for all New Yorkers. We are glad to have Assembly Member Sepúlveda’s continued support to enable more Bronxites and more New Yorkers to enroll in IDNYC.”

“The last time my office co-sponsored a sign-up period for IDNYC cards, the response was amazing,” said Assembly Member Luis Sepúlveda. “Many of my constituents have since asked how they can sign up for the card. That speaks to the value of this program and the help it provides to those who might have a difficult time maneuvering through the bureaucracy, or just plain having a simple, legally recognized photo ID.”

IDNYC is the key to the city for more than 1,070,000 New Yorkers. Under the leadership of Mayor Bill de Blasio, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the City Council, the City’s municipal ID program is committed to increasing access to IDNYC for all New Yorkers. IDNYC has 26 permanent enrollment centers as well as a series of pop-up enrollment sites. Assembly Member Sepúlveda is hosting an IDNYC pop-up enrollment site for the second time, given the strong response from the Parkchester community during the office’s first pop-up in September 2015.

“For all New Yorkers, including anyone who is homeless, elderly, formerly incarcerated or an immigrant, regardless of immigration status, these cards offer a new level of access to the city not available before,” said State Senator Ruben Diaz. And for everyone, an amazing number of free and discounted offers. I salute the city for this wonderful - and much needed - program.”

“It's important for all New Yorkers to be given the same opportunities to contribute and thrive,” said William Rivera, District Manager of Bronx Community Board 9. “With the high rate of immigrants in New York City, this is only possible through immigrant inclusion. Inclusion is not only economically beneficial but it also the right thing to do. Fortunately, City agencies and programs have taken a proactive approach to inclusion and work diligently to make resources available to the immigrant community. Similarly, it is equally essential for immigrant Bronxites to seek, support and demand services needed to help them succeed. Community Board 9 is dedicated to be the voice of the immigrant community in the district with regards to City agencies. It is also relentless in sharing resources and services within the district that benefit the immigrant community and advance immigrant inclusion.”

All City residents age 14 and above are eligible to get a municipal ID card, and enrollment is free for anyone who applies in 2017. IDNYC has a wide array of benefit partners across the city that make entertainment options, sporting events, zoos and museums, among others, cheaper and more accessible to New Yorkers. A full list of benefit partners is available on IDNYC’s website. All IDNYC applicants must have documentation that proves identity and residency in New York City. The City will protect the confidentiality of all IDNYC card applications and will not ask applicants about their immigration status. For more information on eligibility criteria, benefits, enrollment centers across the five boroughs and more, applicants can visit nyc.gov/idnyc or call 311.

About MOIA

The NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs promotes the well-being of NYC’s immigrant communities by recommending policies and managing programs that help to successfully integrate immigrant New Yorkers into the civic, economic, and cultural life of the city. For more information on all MOIA services, go to nyc.gov/immigrants, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROMOTE PUBLIC SAFETY AND ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR ALL NEW YORKERS

Signs legislation to improve access to SNAP for low-income seniors, facilitate tipping in for-hire vehicles, and study pedestrian safety measures around schools and parks

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today held public hearings for and signed seven pieces of legislation into law—Intro. 671-A, in relation to pedestrian countdown displays; Intro. 1000-B, in relation to NYPD reporting for seized property data; Intro. 1234-A, in relation to notifications for muni-meter installations; Intro. 1411-A, in relation to pedestrian access to park facilities; Intro. 1519-A, in relation to SNAP enrollment and recertification for seniors; Intro. 407-A, in relation to notice of changes to Parks capital projects; and Intro. 1646-A, in relation to gratuity for for-hire vehicles. The Mayor also held a hearing for Intro.214-B, in relation to providing legal services for tenants.

“These bills enrich the lives and ensure the safety of New Yorkers, by improving transparency and access to government services. This Administration is committed to helping low-income New Yorkers and making this a fairer city for all,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Thank you to Speaker Mark-Viverito and the sponsors of these bills for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”

“The legislation being signed represents essential quality of life improvements for New Yorkers,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.“With some of the highest rates of food insecure seniors nationally, increasing coordination between the Department of Social Services and the Department for the Aging to increase awareness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a vital initiative to be taking on. Similarly, requiring the option to tip for-hire vehicles helps ensure that our residents are that much more empowered to provide for themselves. I thank my colleagues on the City Council for their work in developing these items, and I thank Mayor de Blasio for signing them into law today.”

The first bill, Intro. 1000-B, requires the NYPD to issue regular reports about property they have seized. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Torres.

“The civil forfeiture process has stripped many low-income citizens of their property and belongings without due process and in violation of their constitutional rights. This first-of-its-kind transparency legislation will shed light on the reasons why the NYPD has seized someone's property, whether revenue is generated from property seizure, and if an individual has been able to get their property back. The legislation will help ensure that the civil forfeiture process is used legitimately,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

The second bill, Intro. 1234-A, requires that the Department of Transportation notify Council Members and community boards at least 10 days before a muni meter is installed in their district and provides an opportunity for public comments on the installations. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Salamanca.

The third bill, Intro. 1519-A, will further enable the enrollment of low-income New Yorkers in SNAP food assistance at senior centers. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Koslowitz.

The fourth bill, Intro. 1646-A, requires a tipping option for for-hire vehicles through the same method that riders use to pay their fares. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Rodriguez.

The fifth and sixth bills, Intro. 407-A, requires that the Parks Department notify Council Members if there is a price change of at least 10 percent for construction projects costing more than $500,000. Intro. 1411-A mandates that all athletic facilities are safely and directly accessible from roads via sidewalks and paths. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bills’ sponsors, Council Members Vacca and Borelli.

“Intro. 1411 was derived of the frustration of countless parents and children who, in trying to safely enter their local parks for weekend soccer matches, have had to carry equipment and push strollers on Arthur Kill Road because no sidewalks were ever installed to provide safe pedestrian access from the street. 

The seventh bill, Intro. 671-A, requires the Department of Transportation to study the potential impact of pedestrian countdown timers near schools and parks and install them where appropriate. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Vallone.

BP DIAZ ALLOCATES OVER $2.4 MILLION IN FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES

   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has allocated more than $2.4 million in capital funds for six community facilities across The Bronx.

These capital improvements help with the renovation of youth facilities that provide safe havens for our most vulnerable communities, while also enhancing and improving access to resources for those who need it the most.

Among the projects that will receive funds are the completion of repairs to the swimming pool area at BronxWorks, a green roof and solar panels for Rocking the Boat and new refrigerated delivery vans for God's Love We Deliver, which helps provide nutritious meals for those living with life-altering illnesses.

“These investments allow for us to continue to build on the successes we have had since I became borough president,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We want to make sure Bronxites who need our help are getting the services they need, whether that means providing meals for those who cannot leave their homes, providing facilities where our children can exercise their minds and bodies, and providing space for afterschool activities, among other important services.”

This year’s capital allocations will fund a total of $2.45 million in improvements to community facilities and services. Since 2009, Borough President Diaz has invested over $15 million over 32 projects to help build or renovate community facilities across The Bronx.

“I’m proud to fund these projects that help uplift our community, strengthening core values of helping one another within our community,” said Borough President Diaz “These will be amazing enhancements to our amenities in The Bronx, and I’m proud to have been able to help make these projects a reality.”

This year, Borough President Diaz’s office has provided $58,718,000 in total capital dollars across 146 projects. Since coming to office in 2009, Borough President Diaz has provided $248,646,000 in total capital funding to 725 projects.

A complete list of Borough President Diaz’s capital allocations towards community facilities in FY 2018 can be found at http://on.nyc.gov/2vgjk2I.