Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Reserve Your Space at the Bronx Chamber of Commerce 2018 Bronx Business & Real Estate Expo

Join Us on Saturday, June 9 at the 2018 Bronx Business & Real Estate Expo Reserve your Space Today!

Phil Cardone
Events, Communications & Grants
Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network For Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900
Phil@bronxchamber.org

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - Breaking the Fast Together - Ramadan Iftar Dinner

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES NYC FERRY NOW PLANNING FOR 9 MILLION ANNUAL RIDERS, GROWING TO MEET DEMAND

New forecast for 2023 ridership is double past projections, City investing in more and bigger boats to meet demand

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that NYC Ferry’s ridership could grow to as many as 9 million annual passengers by 2023, twice as many passengers as initially projected, and that the City will invest in a bigger ferry fleet to meet that demand. The Executive Budget includes $300 million in new capital over the next several years for new 350-passenger capacity ferries, improvements to piers and docks, and a second homeport where ferries will be maintained and repaired. The Mayor made the announcement in Bay Ridge, where new ferry service launched last year.

“New Yorkers have spoken. We’re going to need bigger boats,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We’re gearing up to meet the extraordinary demand for more public transit on our waterways.”

NYC Ferry launched on May 1, 2017. Original projections predicted 4.6 million riders once all six routes are operational and fully rolled-out. However, NYC Ferry carried 3.7 million passengers in its first year, with only four routes operating—and only two of them running for the entire 12 months. Updated projections based on the first year of service now show that demand could reach as high as 9 million riders per year by 2023.

The final two routes of the first phase of ferry service – Soundview and the Lower East Side – are expected to begin operating in late summer 2018. They join the four existing routes: East River, Rockaway, South Brooklyn and Astoria. The City’s Economic Development Corporation will study potential route expansions later this year.

The City is preparing to invest $300 million in capital over the next five years, including $35 million in Fiscal Year 2019. Those investments will include:

Increasing capacity by expanding ferry fleet, nearly doubling its size

A second homeport facility to house and maintain the expanded fleet, in addition to the first homeport at the Brooklyn Navy Yard nearing completion

Infrastructure improvements and upgrades to existing NYC Ferry barges and landings to accommodate larger crowds

Improvements to the City’s two main ferry terminals, Pier 11/Wall Street and E 34th Street, which see the highest traffic on a daily basis. These include wider gangways and new bow-loading locations to increase the number of vessels that can dock simultaneously.

Preparations for a busy spring and summer are in full swing. To meet the expected surge in demand, NYC Ferry will:

Deploy 3 brand new 350-passenger capacity NYC Ferry boats by later this summer to service the busiest routes.

Deploy up to 8 charter vessels this summer, each with capacity between 250-500 passengers.

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, Governors Island will now be the last stop on the East River and South Brooklyn routes, increasing service to the popular summer destination.

Increase service frequency with boats arriving every 20-30 minutes on weekdays and weekends on all four routes, compared to 25-60 headways for the same service last summer.

Launch a new express service on the Rockaway route to and from Pier 11/Wall Street during weekday rush hour and on weekends, doubling capacity during these busiest times.

Increase service from Brooklyn Army Terminal by 20 percent on the Rockaway route.

Increase staffing at ferry landings to assist riders with queuing and boarding.

Since its launch one year ago, NYC Ferry has already employed over 250 people and is currently hiring for 75+ new positions, including captains, deckhands, customer service agents, ticketing, operations and more.  New Yorkers of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome to apply. Jobseekers can apply directly at ferry.nyc.

“NYC Ferry’s overwhelming success in its first year of service indicates the need to make smart investments for the future now. This capital investment will support system improvements over the next five years, ultimately enhancing customer experience and strengthening the City’s waterfront infrastructure,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett.

“NYC Ferry is a great success story, and the expansion being announced today – two new routes this year along with more and bigger boats -- is more good news for New Yorkers looking to our beautiful waters to get themselves around,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.  “But under Mayor de Blasio’s leadership, it is not only new ferries; we are creating an exciting multi-modal system of transportation options – from Select Bus Service to more bike lanes and expanded bike share – that will help us meet the challenges of getting around a City that has seen unprecedented growth in population, jobs and tourism.”   

Cynthia Nixon Announces “Rent Justice for All” Platform in the Bronx

Democratic Candidate for Governor unveils most progressive and expansive tenant protection program in the country, protecting over nine million New Yorkers from skyrocketing rents and eviction

  Standing in front of an apartment building in the Bronx where the landlord is trying to displace rent-stabilized tenants, Democratic candidate for governor Cynthia Nixon announced the most ambitious tenant protection agenda in the country. Cynthia’s plan will provide over three million households and nine million New Yorkers safe and affordable housing across the state.

“Half of our state residents are renters, and under Governor Cuomo, New York’s renters have been left behind. Across the state, low and moderate income tenants are paying more than 50 percent of their income on rent,” said Cynthia. “Every single New Yorker deserves a safe and stable place to live. I will make protecting tenants -- and not corporate landlords -- my priority.”

As governor, Cynthia will strengthen New York’s failing rent laws and rid them of the loopholes that landlords and real estate developers use to take homes out of rent stabilization.  She will work with state lawmakers to create and pass legislation to re-regulate all of the apartments that are still rentals and were lost as a result of vacancy decontrol under Andrew Cuomo, the loophole that incentivizes landlords to raise rents and push out rent-stabilized tenants after reaching a $2,733 rent threshold.  And after years of rent stabilization only applying to a portion of the state’s tenants, she will expand protections beyond New York City, Nassau, Westchester and Rockland counties to all parts of the New York State, and also offer eviction protection statewide for tenants in smaller building that are currently have no rent protections whatsoever.

“Cynthia Nixon’s rent platform is the strongest tenant protection program in the country. It will provide more than three million New Yorkers living on the brink of eviction stability and security in their homes,” said Jonathan Westin, executive director of New York Communities for Change. “Tenants across the country are rising up for rent control, and under Governor Andrew Cuomo — in the pocket of his real estate donors — New York is being left behind. Cynthia Nixon is prepared to stand with tenants and make sure that every New Yorker has an affordable place to live.”

Cynthia will also work with the legislature to:

• Eliminate the vacancy bonus, which automatically awards landlords a 20% increase in rent each time an apartment is vacated.
• Eliminate the preferential rent loophole, a trick that allows landlords to lure tenants into leases at one price, which is supposedly lower than the stabilized rent, and then dramatically increase the rent overnight.
• Eliminate the four year limitation on a tenant’s ability to challenge a rent overcharge.
• Revise how the cost of major capital improvements is passed on to tenants.
• Protect tenants living in homes that might be smaller than six units but are owned by corporate landlords who own a large number of properties.
• Protect tenants from eviction, regardless of where they live or what kind of housing they live in, through Just Cause legislation which would cover tenants in small buildings across all of New York State that are not owner occupied, including lot rents in manufactured home communities that are increasingly vulnerable to speculation.
• Significantly increase funding for HCR in order to strengthen enforcement, protect tenants’ rights and empower localities to ensure homes in New York are safe and stable.
• Expand rent stabilization statewide to housing with six units or more.
   

“Dramatic rent increases threaten too many families like mine causing rampant displacement and increasing homelessness across the state,” says Lolita Molina, Make the Road Action member and a tenant who lives in a rent-regulated apartment. “Cynthia Nixon’s commitment to fight to strengthen the rent laws and expand tenant protections to bring more units across the state into regulation is the kind of bold progressive leadership that we need. Every New Yorker should have a safe, decent home and be free from harassment and intimidation. Working together with Cynthia, we will give over three million households across the state the right to stay in their homes.”

As homelessness declines across the country, in New York it is on the rise. In the last eight years, homelessness has surged by 36 percent to over 89,000 people.  If nothing changes, it will reach over 100,000 people by 2020. Under Cuomo, landlords are rewarded with large rent increases in exchange for evicting people from their homes.  The system invites Wall Street speculation and drives up housing costs. Millions have no protection at all from unfair rent increases or sudden evictions.

“In the last eight years, Governor Cuomo’s real estate donors have dictated housing policy in our state -- and the results have been disastrous. It’s hard to do right when you’re getting millions of dollars to do wrong,” said Cynthia.

Full copy of Cynthia’s “Rent Justice for All” platform can be found HERE.

Voices from the event:

"Since our landlord bought our building, he has harassed, intimidated, and harmed our health. Because of his dangerous and illegal renovations, children were poisoned with lead and elderly tenants were left with no bathrooms and having to use a bucket to go to the bathroom for months. He wants to use state MCI laws to raise rent as much as $300 a month. Simply for making our homes safe to live in. Enough is enough. We need changes in Albany and I stand with Cynthia Nixon to make sure the changes get made." - Francisca Lopez, Tenant Association Member, 919 Prospect Ave, Bronx.

"These loopholes and weak rent laws can be fixed. Governor Andrew Cuomo had 8 years to fix these laws and he decided to do nothing. We have been fighting in my building for almost a year and live in fear for our safety, not just with the horrible conditions, but because of overcharges and preferential rents that could result in us being evicted. I stand with Cynthia Nixon and her campaign in saying that there is a way to fix these problems and we need a leader willing to stand with us in fighting for stronger rent laws that protect me, my family, my neighbors, and my fellow New Yorkers"- Natasha Tosca, Tenant Association President 851 E 163rd St, Bronx.

Nathalia Fernandez joins the NYS Assembly to comprise the largest number of elected Latinas in the history of the Legislature

  Nathalia Fernandez joins six other Latina elected officials to represent their district in the New York State Assembly. Just as Nathalia is the daughter of Columbian and Cuban immigrants, all these powerful women are also daughters of hard-working immigrant parents.

These seven Latina Assemblywomen, alongside with one other Latina senator, marks a historic moment: the most Latina to ever serve in the state legislature history of over 241 years.

“It is a great honor and privilege to work alongside these inspirational women,” said the Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez. “Together, we set an example for future generations of Latinas who strive to make an impact in their communities. Hopefully, we can light the way so that their journey might be a little bit easier.”

We celebrate this moment as a step forward in diversity, inclusivity, and the recognition of the growing importance of the Latina community in New York.

“The seven Assemblywomen and one female Senator are an indication of the growing influence of Latinas and women overall in all levels of our society; from the boardrooms to the halls of power,” said Assemblyman Crespo, chair of the Hispanic and Puerto Rican Task Force. “The perspectives they bring will frame the history and future of New York and are important in all aspects of governing our diverse state.”

Nathalia Fernandez joins Aridia Espinal (D-Queens), Carmen Arroyo (D-Bronx), Nicole Malliotakis (R-Richmond), Nily Rozic (D-Queens), Maritza Davila (D-Kings), Carmen De La Rosa (D-Manhattan) and Senator Marisol Alcantara (D-Manhattan/Bronx).

Councilmember Ruben Diaz announces the celebration of the 8th “Abrazo Garifuna in New York.”

  Council Member Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with New York State Senator Luis Sepulveda, Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Victor Pichardo and City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, will celebrate the 8^th“Abrazo Garifuna Banquet in New York.” in recognition of Garifuna Heritage Month.

The “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet” will take place at Maestro’s Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, on Friday, May 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and is completely free for all attendees.

The elected officials, together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., will be presenting proclamations to five (5) distinguished members of the Garifuna Community.

For more Information, please contact Ms. Leila Martinez at 718-792-1140.

Manhattan Man Charged With Murder Of 17-Year-Old

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging GARY TURNER with the April 24, 2018, murder of Samuel Ozuna, 17, outside the George Washington Carver Houses in New York, New York.  TURNER was arrested this morning and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman.  TURNER will be arraigned on May 8, 2018, at 2:30 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman, to whom the case has been assigned.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Just a few days ago, as alleged in the indictment, Gary Turner murdered 17-year-old Samuel Ozuna.  Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the NYPD, Turner is now in custody and charged with this terrible crime.  We will continue our daily work with the NYPD to keep the streets safe and to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who wreak violence upon our community.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “Violence will never be tolerated in New York City.  I commend all the professionals whose dogged investigative work enabled the NYPD and our law enforcement partners to swiftly identify, apprehend and bring this alleged killer to justice.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

On April 24, 2018, GARY TURNER shot and killed Samuel Ozuna in the vicinity of 60 East 104th Street in Manhattan.  TURNER killed Ozuna in part to maintain and increase his position in a racketeering enterprise operating in and around the George Washington Carver Houses.

TURNER is charged with using a firearm to commit murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of death, or life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.           

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.     

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

BP DIAZ, REP. SERRANO & DIEGO BEEKMAN TENANTS RALLY AGAINST PROPOSED JAIL SITE AT CURRENT NYPD TOW POUND

  

Arline Jacobs-Parks, CEO and Vice Chair of the Diego Beekman Mutual Housing Association said “Here at this historic site, steps away from three schools, homeowners, and our 38 building Diego Beekman Housing complex, we are gathered here to tell Mayor de Blasio and the members of the New York City Council that we need real transformational investment.”  She added "We need the Diego Beekman Neighborhood Development Plan. That’s why we are standing together to tell Mayor de Blasio – yes to housing, jobs, fresh food and economic opportunity. No to the jail at this site!” 

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said “Make no mistake: Rikers Island is a stain on the soul of this city. We all agree that it must close. But if a new jail is to be built in The Bronx, our borough’s interests should not be steamrolled in the land use process,” He added “Any new site for a jail in this borough must be thoroughly vetted, and the people of The Bronx and their elected leadership must have a meaningful say in its selection.”

Congressman Jose. E. Serrano said, “I haven’t given up our side of the fight,” adding “Mr. Mayor, I join our borough president in saying to you: rethink this. We don’t want it here. We want Diego Beekman to keep growing, and we want our community to keep growing.”

The site at the corner of East 141st Street and Concord Avenue was the original site of Lincoln Hospital, and then when the new Lincoln Hospital was built the city turned the empty lot into the Bronx Tow Pound. Now the city wants to move the tow pound to an undisclosed location and turn this into a new Bronx Jail when the Rikers Island Prison is closed by the city. 

  The above renderings are what Diego Beekman would like to develop on the site. Affordable housing and shopping such as a supermarket for the community. Diego Beekman manages 100,000 Apartments nationwide. 6,000 are in NYC with 2,300 in the Bronx.