ELECTED OFFICIALS TO AMAZON: THE BRONX IS A PRIME LOCATION FOR HQ2

  Elected officials from every corner of The Bronx have signed a letter to Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s Founder & CEO, urging the company to consider The Bronx as the site of its next headquarters.

“The Bronx offers many unique advantages when compared to other municipalities. We have seen a record investment in our infrastructure, and we are leading the way in job creation. Companies from all over the world are taking a fresh look at The Bronx, and our existing companies are expanding their presence in our borough. With smart planning and collaboration, Amazon could become a key piece of our ongoing renaissance,” states the letter.

Earlier this month, Amazon announced that it would seek a site for its second American headquarters, HQ2, and issued a nationwide request for proposals. Since then, Bronx elected officials and business leaders have been working to identify potential locations that could host Amazon’s second headquarters and are developing a package of materials discussing the significant benefits of doing business in The Bronx for the company’s review.

“Our borough already has a working relationship with Amazon, and we would welcome them to The Bronx with open arms. We have numerous locations that could meet their needs and a skilled workforce to go with them,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The Bronx has seen incredible progress on job creation and economic development in recent years. Amazon would be a tremendous new addition to our borough, and we look forward to discussing their proposal for a new headquarters, and how The Bronx could host them, in the near future. The Bronx is a prime location for Amazon’s next home.”

The complete letter to Amazon can be read at http://on.nyc.gov/2xNtASO.

Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement on Hurricane Maria hitting Puerto Rico:

“The devastation in Puerto Rico over the last several weeks has been too much to bear. The images are heartbreaking and the damage is nothing short of catastrophic. The issues are especially bad when you consider those on the island barely had a moment to breathe after Hurricane Irma before Hurricane Maria hit. We need to do everything in our power to help our fellow citizens in their moment of need. New Yorkers are no strangers to powerful, dangerous natural events and as such we stand ready to assist in any way we can. I urge my colleagues in Congress to come to the aid of Puerto Rico quickly.”

NYC Council Member Andy King - FREE MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS FOR WOMEN AGE 40 AND OVER

  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  NYC Council Member Andy King, in partnership with St. Barnabas Health System, will host a Mobile Mammography Unit to give women age 40 and over FREE mammogram screenings on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at his District Office, 940 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx. In addition,HealthFirst will be on hand to discuss health insurance needs. To RSVP for an appointment please call the Office of Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509. 

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR ON VOTE BY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND BUILDINGS APPROVING LEGISLATION MANDATING SAFETY TRAINING FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

  “Construction workers should not have to risk their lives to put food on the table for their families. For that reason and by working hand in glove with the City Council, we are committed to building out training programs that ensure all workers, including day laborers, local hires, MWBE’s and employees of other small construction firms, can access the training they need.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  All these safety practices are in effect if union labor is used, because the union makes sure their workers are properly trained. By the above statement is the mayor endorsing non-union labor people to work on New York City construction sites? If so just who is going to pay for this training of non-union workers, the union workers who do not have jobs because of this?

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR EFFECTS OF HURRICANE JOSE – COASTAL FLOODING, STRONG RIP CURRENTS, STRONG WINDS AND RAIN

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning forTuesday evening and Wednesday morning high tide cycles

Widespread moderate coastal flooding expected in coastal neighborhoods

  The New York City Emergency Management Department today urged New Yorkers to prepare for potential impacts of Hurricane Jose. With Jose’s track moving about 75 – 100 miles to the southeast of Long Island, residents living in the city’s coastal neighborhoods could experience moderate levels of coastal flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory along the shores of Brooklyn and southern Queens from 6 a.m. through 12 p.m. Tuesday. A Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect for Staten Island from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 12 p.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service has also issued a Coastal Flood Warning along the shores of Brooklyn and southern Queens from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 12 p.m. Wednesday.  During a Coastal Flood Warning, widespread moderate flooding is expected, resulting in beach erosion and flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or properties. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.

“We are closely monitoring Hurricane Jose and the potential impacts it may have to New York City,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “If you live in vulnerable coastal neighborhoods, take steps to protect your property. Prepare your Go Bags, charge your cell phone batteries, and don’t forget to check in on relatives, friends, and neighbors.”

Hurricane Jose is also expected to bring dangerous surf, strong rip currents, strong winds, and rain to the New York City area. The National Weather Service has issued a Rip Current Statement for Brooklyn and southern Queens through 8 p.m. Tuesday. A High Surf Advisory is also in effect for Brooklyn and southern Queens through 6 p.m. Wednesday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area producing dangerous rip currents, widespread dune erosion, and localized washovers.

The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan has been activated to help mitigate potential flash flooding and ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flood events that do occur. Flash flooding can occur with little or no warning due to the large number of paved surfaces across the city. These surfaces do not allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground and can result in storm drains often being overwhelmed, causing localized flooding. NYC Emergency Management works closely with NYPD, FDNY, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to mitigate the impact of flash floods. New Yorkers are encouraged to report clogged catch basins and areas of standing water to 3-1-1 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).

The Department of Buildings has issued an advisory for property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment in preparation for strong winds associated with Hurricane Jose. The department will perform random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City and will issue violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary, if sites are not secured.

NYC Emergency Management remains in constant communication with the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service to track and monitor Hurricane Jose and share storm updates with city, state, and private-sector partners. NYC Emergency Management encourages New Yorkers to take the following steps to prepare for potential rain, wind and coastal flooding effects ahead of the storm:

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY PLAN:

·         Make a plan with your household that outlines what to do during an emergency, including a coastal storm. Use the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan to create your family’s emergency plan.

·         If you have a disability or access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance.

·         Know your zone. Areas of the city subject to storm surge flooding are divided into six evacuation zones (1 through 6) based on risk of storm surge flooding. Use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder or call 3-1-1 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY:212-504-4115) to find out if your address is located in an evacuation zone.

·         Prepare a Go Bag that you can grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry. For more information about what to pack in a Go Bag, visit http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/gather-supplies.page.

·         Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC to receive emergency notifications and updates via email, phone, SMS /text, or Twitter. Notify NYC messages are also available in American Sign Language (ASL). Visit www.nyc.gov/NotifyNYC or call 3-1-1 to sign up.

PREPARE FOR FLOODING

If you live in a flood-susceptible area:

·         Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home.

·         Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables. 

·         Move valuable items from basements to upper floors. (Basements are vulnerable to flooding.)

·         Know your flood risk. To learn more about coastal flood risk in New York City, visit the FEMA Region II Coastal Analysis and Mapping website for flood hazard information at http://www.region2coastal.com/. 

·         Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner's policy. Contact your property/casualty agent or broker about eligibility for flood insurance. For more information, visit the National Flood Insurance Program online at www.floodsmart.gov.

·         Learn the safest route from your home or workplace to safe, high ground in case you have to evacuate. This should be part of your household disaster plan.

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES

·         Build or restock your emergency supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

·         Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.

·         Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.

·         Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

PREPARE FOR STRONG WINDS

Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. To protect against the hazard of strong winds, New Yorkers should:

·         Check the area immediately surrounding your home for unsecured objects or potentially dangerous conditions. Tree limbs, garbage cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind are potential projectiles aimed at your home or parked vehicle.

·         Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.

·         Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.

·         Close up and secure patio umbrellas.

·         Secure retractable awnings.

·         Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.

STAY INFORMED

Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 3-1-1, visit www.nyc.gov/NotifyNYC, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

Dinowitz Expresses 'Shock and Sorrow' Following Fatal Flushing Bus Crash, Calls for Safety Improvement

Chair of Assembly Committee with MTA oversight calls for city to look into dangerous intersection to improve MTA bus driver safety

Dinowitz mourns with victims' families, urges swift recovery to injured

  In response to this morning's fatal bus crash in Flushing, Queens, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chair of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, is calling on the City of New York to review safety at the intersection where the incident occurred. The Assembly Member cited news reports claiming that area has been the site of multiple accidents in recent years, creating a danger to the MTA's fleet of bus drivers working in the area.

"I join my fellow New Yorkers in expressing shock and sorrow over the fatal bus crash that occurred in Flushing this morning. I mourn with the families of the three victims, and urge a speedy recovery to the Q20 bus driver and all passengers and pedestrians injured today. While we await a full account of what happened at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Main Street, it's clear that the area has suffered from numerous traffic incidents in recent years," said Assembly Member Dinowitz.  

"As Chair of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, I am committed to ensuring all MTA bus drivers remain safe from injury as the do their job of transporting their fellow New Yorkers. That's why I urge the city to conduct a thorough review of this intersection and find ways to improve traffic conditions. Public transportation remains the among safest and most efficient means of commuting, and we need take steps to prevent incidents like this from happening in the future."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  If Assemblyman Dinowitz was to know this intersection, eastbound traffic comes down on Northern Boulevard from a bridge over the Van Wyck Expressway and Grand Central Parkway. There is a traffic light at the first intersection of Northern Boulevard and Prince Street which is at the bottom of the hill from the overpass. NYPD has always had police covering this intersection as cars, trucks, and buses come down at a rapid rate of speed, and will not stop when the light changes. Thus many many traffic tickets have been written in the past on Northern Boulevard just past Prince Street. 

  The second intersection is that of Northern Boulevard and Main Street where MTA buses turn from Main Street onto Northern Boulevard. This appears to be a case of the private bus company bus coming down the overpass at a very fast speed, going through the intersection at Prince Street with or without the traffic signal in the drivers favor, and then because the private bus was speeding it could not stop at Main Street the very next intersection. 

  In news reports there was mention of the private bus speedometer frozen at 60 miles per hour upon impact with the MTA bus and building on the corner of Northern Boulevard and Main Street. It was also reported that the private bus driver was dismissed from the MTA for reasons not mentioned. The news report also stated the safety record of the private bus company. It may appear that the Chair of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions should look closer at the safety records of private bus companies, including school bus companies, and access a-ride companies.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Applebee's 2017 National Cheeseburger Day Special!

CITY PARKS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES FALL 2017 SEASON OF CITYPARKS SENIORS FITNESS

Free Yoga, Tennis & Fitness Walking Instruction in 

16 parks - September 18 - October 27, 2017

  City Parks Foundation welcomes all New Yorkers, 60 and over, to participate in CityParks Seniors Fitness. The fall 2017 season of Seniors Fitness programs begins the week of September 18, and will offer free tennis lessons, yoga instruction and fitness walking in 16 parks across the five boroughs.

CityParks Seniors Fitness, supported by New York Road Runners, has served over 10,000 participants since it began in 2006 and aims to keep neighborhood parks a great place for community activity. The program encourages New Yorkers to maximize the health benefits of staying active at all ages. Even in moderate amounts, exercise can help participants feel better, maintain or lose weight, reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes, and minimize the symptoms of arthritis.

“Exercise is important at all ages, but it is particularly important for seniors who typically lead more sedentary lifestyles,” says Mike Silverman, Director of Sports at City Parks Foundation. “We’ve found that exercising even just once a week helps participants feel better mentally and emotionally. The program is a great opportunity for seniors to be social and meet new people in their neighborhoods, while getting outside and having some fun.”

All activities in this six-week fitness program take place once or twice a week at each location through October 27th.

Online registration for Seniors Fitness is encouraged and may be completed here.

For more information about City Parks Foundation’s free Seniors Fitness programs, please call the Sports Department at (718) 760-6999. All equipment and instruction is provided free of charge. Sessions are one hour unless otherwise noted, once or twice a week.

The following is a schedule for Bronx Parks CityParks Seniors Fitness for fall 2017.

BRONX 

Pelham Bay Park

Tennis  - Mondays/Wednesdays from 1PM-3PM - Middletown Road & Stadium Ave

Yoga - Tuesdays/Thursdays at 9 AM -  Middletown Rd & Stadium Ave

Soundview Park

Walking - Mondays/Wednesdays at 9 AM - Lafayette Ave between Boynton & Colgate Aves

Yoga - Mondays/Wednesdays at 10 AM - Lafayette Ave between Boynton & Colgate Aves

Van Cortlandt Park

Walking - Tuesdays/Thursdays at 9 AM - Woodlawn Tennis Courts Jerome Ave & E 233rd St

Yoga - Mondays/Wednesdays at 9 AM - Woodlawn Tennis Courts Jerome Ave & E 233rd St.