MAYOR DE BLASIO AND SPEAKER MARK-VIVERITO ANNOUNCES MAJOR INVESTMENTS TO FILL EAST HARLEM GREENWAY GAP

$101 million investment is major step towards a contiguous 32-mile waterfront pedestrian promenade and bikeway around Manhattan

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito today announced a major investment to advance construction of a brand new section of the Greenway, between East 125th and East 132nd streets. This investment would close one of the last remaining gaps in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, a major step towards completing a contiguous 32-mile waterfront pedestrian promenade and bicycle path around Manhattan.

As part of the recent rezoning of East Harlem, the City committed $83 million in capital towards the development of a new seven-block-long, seven-acre park, featuring bicycle and pedestrian paths. This commitment will provide new access for East Harlem residents that are currently disconnected from the Manhattan Greenway. The new investment comes on top of $18 million already committed to the project waterfront repair work between E125th and 132nd Streets. When this segment and the recently announced $100 million expansion in East Midtown are complete, there will be a contiguous waterfront esplanade and bikeway extending from East 51st Street to West 145th Street—nearly 100 blocks.

“This investment in the East Harlem Greenway gap means a brand new waterfront park for neighborhood kids and residents, and gets us closer to a decades-long goal of completing the amazing Manhattan Greenway. New York is a city of parks and communities, and our focus is improving both,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The East River Esplanade is a major public open space asset that offers wonderful views and a chance to relax for New Yorkers up and down the east side of Manhattan,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “As El Barrio/East Harlem neighborhoods have witnessed, however, part of this greenway has been neglected for far too long. That’s why the Council prioritized investing in this important open space as part of the recent East Harlem Rezoning. We are proud to welcome this $101 million capital investment for the construction of a brand new waterfront promenade, in addition to $15 million allocated to repair the existing portion of the East River Esplanade. I especially want to thank the Mayor and Parks Commissioner Silver for always supporting our city's parks and green spaces."

New York City Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the New York City Parks Department, will begin design, environmental review and permitting for the new Greenway segment in 2018. The Parks Department has already conducted a community engagement process to inform the project’s conceptual design.

Construction is expected to begin in 2020 when work is completed on the Harlem River Drive.  Construction will take approximately three years, and is expected to be complete in 2023.

In addition to the new segment of waterfront parkland, the City has committed another $15 million for long needed repairs to the existing portion of the East River Esplanade between 96th Street and 125th Streets. In recent years, Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito have contributed funding for repair work that is currently underway along this stretch. NYCEDC will re-inspect this portion of the Esplanade next year, which will inform the phasing of future repair work. The additional $15 million investment helps to ensure that the structural integrity and landscape of the existing Esplanade will provide a continuous path to the future waterfront park.

“Every step toward ‘closing the loop’ with the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway is a reason to celebrate – and the East Harlem Greenway link is cause for some major cheering. This crucial seven-acre stretch of all-new parkland will give East Harlem residents a new place to exercise, play, and relax, and will bring all New Yorkers closer to their waterfront,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver.

Since its inception in 1993 under Mayor David Dinkins, each administration has contributed to the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. The last major section of the Greenway to open was a 10-block pile-supported Riverwalk built in Riverside Park on the West Side between West 81st and West 91st streets, completing a contiguous 11-mile Hudson River Greenway from the Battery to the George Washington Bridge. With more than 7,000 daily cyclists, it is the busiest bike path in the United States.

In April, the Mayor dedicated $100 million in City capital to significantly narrow the Greenway’s largest gap as part of an administration-wide push to complete a contiguous 32-mile waterfront pedestrian promenade and bicycling path around the whole of Manhattan.

The Mayor’s executive budget also included $5 million for a multi-agency study of the remaining gaps in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. The study will identify solutions necessary to upgrade existing pinch points and complete gaps, as the basis for additional funding in the next update of the City’s capital plan.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  How nice it is for Manhattan to have a full Greenway, now how about doing the same for the Bronx?

White Plains Road Business 

Improvement District

Senator Jeff Klein & Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj

Invites you to

Celebrate the Festival of Lights

And Christmas Tree Lighting

This Tuesday, December 19^th 5:15 pm

Pelham Parkway at White Plains Road

Luis Sepulveda - I am running for the State Senate

ANNOUNCING MY RUN FOR THE STATE SENATE

I am announcing my intention to run for the state Senate seat being vacated by Senator Ruben Diaz, who was recently elected to the New York City Council. The seat in the 32nd Senate District, covering Parkchester, Castle Hill, Morrrisania, Hunts Point, Melrose, Longwood and Soundview, will officially become vacant on Dec. 31, 2017, after which Governor Cuomo is expected to call a special election to fill it.   I pledge to continue in the Senate with the same dedication and energy that I have shown in representing the people of the 87th Assembly District, who have returned me to office with overwhelming voting margins for three terms. In the Senate, I want to fight for public safety and criminal justice reform, education programs,affordable housing, increased access to mental health care, economic development and opportunities, and social service reforms, especially as they affect middle class families and the working poor.   I look forward to sharing my progressive message with the voters of the 32nd Senate District in the coming months, listening to their concerns and delivering my case as being the most qualified person to serve them in the Senate.

Senator Klein Helps Light Giant Riverdale Menorah

  This evening State Senator Jeff Klein helped light the traditional Riverdale Menorah. The Riverdale Menorah is the largest menorah in the Bronx, and stands In front of the Riverdale Bell Tower at West 239th Street and the Henry Hudson Parkway North service road. Over 100 people came out tonight to celebrate the lighting of the sixth candle (lanterns here) by Senator Klein and Rabbi Levi Shemtov. After the lanterns were lit there was dancing, jelly donuts, and potato latkes. Below are some photos of how the Menorah lighting went as the sun went down.  

Above - Just how does one get high enough to light the largest menorah in the Bronx? 

Below - With this Hi-Lo in place Senator Klein and Rabbi Shemtov get ready to rise up to the top of the Riverdale Menorah. 

Above - Senator Klein waves as he and Rabbi Shemtov rise to the top of the Riverdale Menorah.

Below - Senator Klein says the two Chanukah prayers before lighting the menorah. 

Above - You can see just how high up Senator Klein and Rabbi Shemtov are, as this is the same photo of Senator Klein saying the Chanukah prayers.

Below - Rabbi Shemtov lights the middle or helper candle which is used to light all other candles.

Above - There was a little problem in reaching the last candle (or lantern) to be lit, You can see Senator Klein holding on tightly as Rabbi Shemtov stretches out to light the last light. 

Below - With all six candles lit for tonight, the bucket is lowered. 

The Riverdale Menorah can be seen from the Henry Hudson Parkway, and for blocks as the light glows into the nighttime against the background of the Riverdale Bell Tower. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION CREATING ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM

For the first time, New Yorkers will be able to register or change their registration online or via a new mobile app

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today signed legislation allowing for the creation of an online system to make voter registration easier for New York City residents. The Mayor previously held a public hearing for the bill, Intro 508-A, on November 27, 2017. Under this new legislation, the City will create an online portal and mobile application where voters can submit registration information or submit updates to their registrations.

“We’re embracing technology to help make voting more accessible for New Yorkers. This bill is one step towards fixing our antiquated electoral system, which for far too long has discouraged participation in the democratic process,” said Mayor de Blasio. “For the first time ever, New Yorkers will be able to submit the necessary registration information or submit updates to their registration online or through a mobile app. Now it is time for Albany to follow our lead and pass meaningful electoral reform to expand access to voting.”

“Online voter registration will make it easier for all New Yorkers to register or change registration online or through mobile apps and will help increase democratic participation,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Voting is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression, so I am excited to see how this program will help New Yorkers better engage with the electoral process. I thank Council Member Ben Kallos for pushing this bill through and for his continued advocacy for voter rights.”

In addition to requiring online and mobile apps for voters to submit their information, this new law requires the CFB to provide voters with a mechanism for an electronic signature on the voter registration form. It would also allow CFB to use signatures already provided to other city agencies, including IDNYC, if appropriate.  After the voter submits the information online, CFB would print the information onto a voter registration form with an electronically affixed signature and then deliver the printed voter registration form to the New York City Board of Elections.  The bill takes effect in 18 months. 

Mayor de Blasio has been an advocate for reforming the State’s antiquated voting laws. This has included pushing for early voting, same-day registration and automatic voter registration during the last legislative session in Albany. Under his leadership, the City has also offered the NYC BOE $20 million in exchange for critical administrative reforms. The NYC BOE has yet to respond to this offer.

100 PERCENT HAPPY HOLIDAYS

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

Happy Holidays

  The headline says it best as we wish all a Happy Holiday. There is one piece of get better soon, to the former 'Dancing District Leader' who now has become the former 'Dancing State Committeeman'. No Kenny Agosto was not voted out of his position, but in celebrating a little to much (as Kenny sometimes does) he has sprained one his ankles, and must stay off that foot for a while. We wish Kenny a speedy recovery so he can get back out in the district that he loves to serve.

  In the now Annual Ugly Sweater contest at the Bronx Democratic County Holiday Party (I was unable to attend due to other matters), it seems from the photos that I have seen Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo was a hands down winner. That was not because he is the county leader, but that his sweater was really ugly, did not fit (but then again Marcos may have put a few pounds on again), and the only thing missing was a polka dot bow tie to match Crespo's outfit. Congrats to the Assemblyman Crespo. 

  Speaking of Bow Ties, it seems that the City Council is investigating a claim of sexual harassment charge against the Bow Tie wearing fashionable Bronx City Councilman Andy King by a council staffer. The City Council Standards and Ethics Committee met Friday behind closed doors, but no details of the meeting or any names were released as of now. Councilman King is being accused of inappropriate comments, and would not comment on the matter since it is under investigation by the council Standards and Ethics Committee. Just Thursday morning Councilman King was in Riverdale, for the Annual Bronx Menorah lighting. His wife dropped him off for the event. 
  So what are bike lanes for? According to one Brooklyn Elected official they are for people like him to use when the road dieted street he is traveling on backs up. Brooklyn State Senator Martin Golden is being accused of that, and while his license plate has been run it seems that there may be three unpaid violations on the car including one for speeding in a school zone, another speeding ticket, and an unpaid ticket by a muni meter. Police are not investigating the bike lane incident because the bike rider in the lane has not filed a complaint. Just who was the bike rider? A transit advocate and member of Brooklyn Community Board #2's Transportation Committee. 
  Next week a look ahead to 2018, and what's at stake. 
  If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered here  you can e-mail me at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call me at 718-644-4199. Happy Holidays.

Attorney General, Mayor's Office To Hold Clean Power Plan “People's Hearing” In New York On January 9Th

With Trump EPA Ignoring AG Schneiderman’s Request for Public Hearings in NY, Hearing Gives New Yorkers Chance to Make Their Voices Heard on Proposed Repeal 

New Yorkers Are Encouraged to Testify or Submit Testimony on Importance of the Clean Power Plan in Combating Climate Change

  With the Trump administration ignoring Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s request that the EPA hold public hearings in New York on the proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan, the Attorney General’s and NYC Mayor’s offices will hold a “people’s hearing” on January 9^th to ensure New Yorkers’ voices are heard.

New Yorkers are on the front lines of climate change, as tragically demonstrated by Hurricanes Sandy and Irene. The country’s reliance on dirty, non-renewable fossil fuels for power generation is a major contributor of climate change pollution and its impacts on the lives and livelihoods of New York’s residents, including more frequent and intense storms, rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and increased air pollution. The Clean Power Plan is a vital tool to slash greenhouse gas emissions from one of the leading causes of climate change pollution, fossil-fuel burning power plants. EPA has refused to schedule any public hearings east of West Virginia, despite the direct climate impacts facing residents of New York and other states on the eastern seaboard.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up to testify and/or submit testimony on the Trump Administration’s proposal to scrap the Clean Power Plan. Testimony will be compiled and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ahead of the January 16, 2018 deadline for comments.

The hearing will be held in in partnership with Councilmember Costa Constantinides and The New School, and co-sponsored by a number of New York organizations.

Attorney General Schneiderman leads a coalition of states and localities – including New York City – that is legally defending the Clean Power Plan.

WHAT: New York City “People’s Hearing” on the Repeal of the Clean Power Plan

WHEN:

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Session 1 (2:30pm-5:00pm)

Session 2 (6:00pm-8:00pm)

WHERE:

The New School – Auditorium

66 West 12^th Street

New York, NY 10011 

SUBMIT TESTIMONY OR SIGN UP TO TESTIFY:

https://ag.ny.gov/clean-power-plan-peoples-hearing-registration

Four Men Plead Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court To Two 2016 Bank Burglaries

  Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that four defendants have pled guilty to participating in two bank burglaries.  In April and May 2016, MICHAEL MAZZARA, CHARLES KERRIGAN, and ANTHONY MASCUZZIO, assisted by CHRISTOPHER KERRIGAN, stole more than $5 million in cash, jewelry, collectables, and other valuables from the banks’ vaults and safe deposit boxes.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “Like a scene from a movie, these defendants used blow torches to cut into bank roofs, and subsequently vaults and safe deposit boxes, to steal more than $5 million in cash and customer valuables.  But the scene in court today was of guilty pleas under oath and the prospect of real-life prison.”

According to the Complaint and Indictments filed in Manhattan federal court, as well as previous court filings and statements made in public court proceedings:

In April and May 2016, MAZZARA, CHARLES KERRIGAN, MASCUZZIO, and CHRISTOPHER KERRIGAN formed a crew that burglarized banks in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, by cutting into the banks’ vaults and the safe deposit boxes inside.  Specifically, from about April 8 to April 10, 2016, MAZZARA, CHARLES KERRIGAN, and MASCUZZIO, with the assistance of CHRISTOPHER KERRIGAN, burglarized an HSBC Bank branch in Brooklyn, and from about May 19 to May 22, 2016, MAZZARA, CHARLES KERRIGAN, and MASCUZZIO, with the assistance of CHRISTOPHER KERRIGAN, burglarized a Maspeth Federal Savings Bank branch in Queens.  On both occasions, the burglars used acetylene blowtorches to cut into the top of the banks’ vaults from the roof of the building.  At the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank branch, they shielded their activities from view by constructing a plywood shed on the roof of the bank.  The burglars then entered the vaults from above and took cash belonging to the bank and broke open customers’ safe deposit boxes, stealing the valuables inside.  In total, the crew obtained more than $600,000 in cash and more than $4.3 million in valuables from both banks.  Surveillance footage captured some of the burglars’ activities as they prepared for and executed the burglaries.  Financial records and video surveillance also showed MAZZARA and MASCUZZIO purchasing some of the supplies that appear to have been used in the Maspeth burglary. 

MAZZARA, 45, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty before Hon. Katherine B. Forrest on December 13, 2017, to two counts of bank theft, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  MAZZARA will be sentenced by Judge Forrest on April 13, 2017. 

CHARLES KERRIGAN, 42, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty before Judge Forrest on December 11, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank burglary and bank theft, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, two counts of bank burglary, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and two counts of bank theft, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  CHARLES KERRIGAN also pled guilty to one count of witness retaliation while on pre-trial release, in connection with his assault of an individual who he believed had provided information regarding the burglaries to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”).  That count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a mandatory consecutive term of 10 years in prison.  CHARLES KERRIGAN will be sentenced by Judge Forrest on April 6, 2017.

MASCUZZIO, 38, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty before Judge Forrest on December 15, 2017, to two counts of bank theft, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  MASCUZZIO will be sentenced by Judge Forrest on May 4, 2018.

CHRISTOPHER KERRIGAN, 40, of Staten Island, New York, pled guilty before Judge Forrest on November 9, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank burglary and bank theft, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of bank burglary, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of bank theft, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  CHRISTOPHER KERRIGAN will be sentenced by Judge Forrest on March 30, 2018.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the FBI and NYPD.

If you believe you were a victim of this crime, including a victim entitled to restitution, and you wish to provide information to law enforcement and/or receive notice of future developments in the case or additional information, please contact the Victim/Witness Unit at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, at (866) 874-8900.  For additional information, go to: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nys/victimwitness.html.