Chairman Crowley and Reps. Larson, Davis, Cummings, Beyer, and Moore Call on President Trump to Stop Closing Social Security Field Offices

  Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Joe Crowley, Reps. John Larson, Danny Davis, Elijah Cummings, Donald Beyer, and Gwen Moore called on President Trump to stop closing Social Security field offices across the country. In the last year alone, the Social Security Administration (SSA) shuttered offices in Virginia, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Illinois.

As the Baby Boom generation ages and the number of Americans relying on Social Security benefits continues to rise, SSA field offices are in high demand. These offices provide a great service to the community, providing beneficiaries with resources and in-person assistance. Closing these offices creates an undue hardship on seniors and other beneficiaries who may face challenges in traveling further to get the help they need, as well as lead to overcrowding and longer wait times at other locations.

The members are calling on the president to stop the closures, and in the event that an office has closed, another should be opened to provide these much-needed services to the community.

“Now is the time to declare a moratorium on the closure of SSA field offices. In the event that a specific office must be closed due to unique circumstances, another one should be opened serving the same population in a nearby location – it should not be ‘consolidated’ into other offices, thereby reducing overall access to service in the local community. We urge you to act quickly before more damage is done to those seeking Social Security,” the members wrote in the letter.

The letter can be read here. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We would have liked to see in addition to the vanishing Social Security offices that the vanishing or cut backs to post offices that now close on a semi regular basis since there can be only one clerk in a Bronx post office have been included. 

It is bad enough that many Bronx residents experience poor total service from the Postal Department, but perhaps Chairman Crowley should has contacted his fellow Bronx representatives on the needs of their districts.

We mean this in no way to criticize Congressman Crowley, but make him aware of the Bronx postal problem if he is not already aware of it.

VISION ZERO: MAYOR ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST ROUTE ALONG PARK ROW, EASING ACCESS ACROSS LOWER MANHATTAN

Changes modify the restricted access nearest One Police Plaza on Park Row, a vital connector from Chinatown to City Hall and Lower Manhattan that has been largely closed since 2001

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that Park Row in Lower Manhattan had officially opened this week to pedestrian and bicycle access in newly dedicated and designed space.   Vehicular traffic on Park Row has been limited since 2001; the redesign includes a new two way bike lane, new pedestrian space and Wayfinding signage to direct tourists to the many attractions of Chinatown and Lower Manhattan.  NYC DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Luis Sanchez, NYPD Counter Terrorism Executive Officer Inspector Jeffery Schiff, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou, and Council Member Margaret Chin joined in today’s ribbon cutting.

“Park Row long served as the best and fastest route between lower Manhattan and Chinatown, and for the first time since 2001, we are fully re-opening the street for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We thank the elected officials of lower Manhattan and Chinatown for focusing our attention on how we could make these changes effectively – and to the partnership of DOT and the NYPD to redesign a street that could be both functional and secure.”

“For years, Chinatown residents, advocates and elected officials have asked that we find the way to ease access to Park Row, maintaining safety while also dramatically increasing mobility and accessibility for thousands of cyclists, pedestrians and bus riders,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.  “We worked cooperatively with the NYPD, and added to the high-impact changes we made last year on Park Row, added critical new protected bike lanes and safer pedestrian crossings near City Hall.”

This New York City Department of Transportation project, implemented in coordination with the NYPD, will help reconnect the Chinatown and Civic Center areas that have been somewhat physically separated since 9/11. 

DOT began preliminary work on Park Row from Worth Street to Frankfort Street last Fall after consulting with local Community Boards and stakeholders and substantially completion the project earlier this months. This portion of Park Row, nearly a half-mile in length, now includes  10,000 square feet of new pedestrian space and a two-way protected bike path. 

This project successfully addresses the Chinatown community’s long-term efforts to get the City to consider opening up further access along Park Row to connect the neighborhood with the rest of Lower Manhattan.  Park Row has been closed to vehicular traffic other than emergency vehicles and MTA buses since 9/11. 

As part of the project, DOT resurfaced a section of the roadway in preparation for the project and NYPD relocated protective barriers along the corridor to allow for the access while maintaining the necessary security for One Police Plaza. DOT also installed new Wayfinding signage on both ends of the Park Row project to further integrate the new bike and pedestrian space into the area and guide visitors.  DOT’s Streetlighting Division transformed lighting in the area to brighter and more energy-efficient LED bulbs.  The NYPD supported the efforts by relocating or removing cement barriers, unused guard booths, shipping containers and some planters.  Service on the M9 and M103 MTA buses was not affected during or after construction.

DOT has developed preliminary plans to connect the eventual Park Row bike path with the existing bike network via Frankfort Street, including the newly completed protected lane adjacent to City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge. On the north end of the project, DOT is studying connections to Chatham Square and the existing bike path along East Broadway in Chinatown.

STATE SENATE CANDIDATE ALESSANDRA BIAGGI LAMBASTES THE REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED CHAMBER AS ‘BEYOND DYSFUNCTIONAL’

   Calling the Republican-led New York State Senate “beyond dysfunctional,” Democratic Senate candidate Alessandra Biaggi today said the lawmakers deserve a failing grade after another ineffective legislative year.

  “Whether it was a common-sense need -- like speed cameras -- or something requiring a little backbone – like ethics reform – the Senate was missing in action,” Biaggi said. “And critical progressive measures like the Reproductive Health Act and the DREAM Act that my opponent has promised for years to enact have once again failed to move forward.

  “Comically, though, they did fix a 54-year-old spelling error in the name of a bridge.”

  The Legislature’s 2018 session ended when the Senate adjourned shortly before two this morning, three hours after the gavel fell in the Assembly. Lawmakers are not scheduled to reconvene until January, after a new Legislature is elected in November.

  Biaggi will face State Senate Deputy Democratic Conference leader Jeff Klein in the District 34 Democratic primary on September 13. For the past seven years, Klein led a rogue group of Democratic senators called the Independent Democratic Conference that caucused with the Republican Conference and effectively handed control of the State Senate to the GOP. Democrats and grassroots activists blame the IDC for blocking more than two dozen progressive legislative proposals.

  Biaggi also criticized the State Senate for failing to pass: an end to cash bail; early voting; the New York Health Act; the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Acts; and the Child Victims Act.

  Biaggi, 32, brings extensive experience in the state capital to her bid for a Senate seat. An honors graduate of Fordham Law School, she served the Cuomo Administration in the Counsel’s office, focusing on women’s health issues; advocated for affordable housing with New York Homes and Community Renewal; and helped lead the rebuilding of homes and businesses after Hurricane Sandy in the governor’s Office of Storm Recovery.

  This is her first bid for elective office.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

In the second sentence of the statement above by candidate Alessandra Biaggi she speaks of the need of speed cameras.

We were at the announcement, and found out how the DOT made it appear that the street in front of PS 81 was surveyed for the results of over ninety percent of drivers going over the then 30 MPH speed limit, even by only one mile. In fact the DOT surveyed a street several blocks from PS 81 that runs behind the Russian Mission, which also is an entrance ramp for the Henry Hudson Parkway South, and leads into the private community of Fieldston. 

Senator Jeff Klein did two surveys of the street in front of PS 81 and the results were much less that what the DOT reported, but cars were still speeding in front of a school. 

It was Senator Jeff Klein who was instrumental in getting the first Speed Camera law passed. 

We believe however that more police officers are needed to police the roads, because a fifty dollar fine to someone who may not be driving the vehicle is not fair, nor is it a deterrent. 

A speeding car being stopped by a police officer will result in a higher fine, points on a license (or possible revocation), and a speed camera can no way stop a reckless driver from operating a motor vehicle. Only a police officer can do that.

 

NYC Council Member Andy King to host NYU Dental Van

   The NYU College of Dentistry's "Smiling Faces, Going Places" mobile dental care program will provide free oral health screenings to children and adults on Saturday, Aug. 4^th , 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as a part of the 6^th annual 12th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert. The dental van will be parked on Barnes Avenue in front of Evander Childs High School Campus at 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx.

The dental team will provide oral screenings which are a general inspection of the mouth. No dental treatment will be rendered. At the conclusion of the screening, each patient will receive a “goodie bag” filled with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and oral health care information.

Interested residents must fill out permission forms at Council Member King’s office, 940 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx. For more information, call 718-684-5509.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON STATE SENATE’S FAILURE TO PRESERVE AND EXPAND NYC’s SPEED CAMERA PROGRAM

  “The failure to preserve and expand life-saving speed cameras near New York City schools represents a massive failure of leadership. Kids will be in danger. Kids will lose their lives. The State Assembly majority has shown the way with their expansion bill. Senate Republicans haven't done their job until they pass the bill, which has majority support. Our families now need the Governor to do all he can to aid its passage and sign it into law. The Senate must return next week to keep our children safe.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  No Mayor de Blasio the state legislature has done their job in deciding not to renew Speed Cameras. Speed Cameras were installed on a false pretence by DOT and former Mayor Bloomberg.

The DOT said it did a survey where over 90 percent of drivers were speeding (including those who were only one mile over the then 30 MPH speed limit) on a road which was assumed to be in front of PS 81 in the Bronx. 

State Senator Jeff Klein surveyed the road in front of the school, and while there were speeders the figures were much lower than the DOT's claim.

After the announcement of speed cameras I asked the representative from the DOT when they surveyed the street. I was told the DOT had surveyed at different times of the day, but I was also told that it was not the road in front of the school that was surveyed by the DOT. 

In order to inflate the speeding numbers the DOT surveyed a street several blocks away from the school. This road is behind the Russian Mission, at the entrance to the Henry Hudson Parkway south going into Manhattan, and also leads to the private community of Fieldston. 

Mr. Mayor more police officers are needed to catch not only drivers who speed, but also drivers who drive reckless , and should not be driving at all.  

Cynthia Nixon Discusses Plan to Fix Our Subway

 In light of yesterday's roof collapse, Democratic candidate for governor Cynthia Nixon will return to the Borough Hall Brooklyn bound platform in Brooklyn to discuss #CuomosMTA on Thursday.

On Wednesday, part of the ceiling collapsed on the Manhattan-bound 4/5 train platform, one of the busiest lines in the system. The MTA had not previously identified the station as in need of critical renovations. Cynthia first discussed her plan to fixoursubway.com at the Borough Hall station earlier this month.

As the Village Voice put it, “The MTA is now in the unenviable position of either explaining that it didn’t know the Borough Hall ceiling was in such a state of disrepair or that is simply didn’t bother to fix it. I’m not sure which is worse, and it doesn’t really matter. In either case, the onus is now on the MTA to prove its stations are structurally sound, because we simply cannot assume that anymore. The only thing we do know: Of the list of 50 or so stations two public authorities determined were most in need of critical renovations, Borough Hall was not one of them. Not to sound alarmist, but at this point, there’s no great reason to believe any station is safe.”

 

SENATOR RIVERA CONDEMNS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION "ZERO TOLERANCE" POLICY TEARING MIGRANT FAMILIES APART

Senator Rivera Calls On the NYS Office of Children and Family Services To Utilize Oversight to Ensure Safety and Reunification of Separated Migrant Children  

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera condemns the Trump administration's inhumane implementation of its "zero tolerance" immigration policy, which has forcibly separated migrant children from their families while they await immigration proceedings. Senator Rivera is also calling on New York State agencies to utilize their oversight authority over not-for-profit organizations operating in New York that have been contracted by the federal government to house children affected by this policy.

Today, the Trump administration signed an Executive Order claiming to end family separations. However, the administration still aims to continue its policy of criminally prosecuting anyone crossing the border and indefinitely detaining families at facilities. It has also neglected to announce a course of action for implementing reunification plans for the children they have already separated from their families.

In the last several weeks, it has been reported that approximately 100 or more of these separated migrant children have been placed in 10 private facilities designated for unaccompanied and refugee minors in New York State, including three in The Bronx. Echoing the public outcry and repudiation toward such an abhorrent policy, Senator Rivera joined fellow New Yorkers in their support of Governor Cuomo's plan to file a lawsuit against the federal government over this policy.

"The reports of children being separated from their families immigrating to our country are distressing, unsettling, and maddening. The placement of approximately 100 separated children in New York State obliges us to elevate our responsibility to them by providing them with the care they deserve, and ultimately ensuring that they are reunified with their families," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "While bringing attention to this issue is certainly critical, I urge my colleagues in government, in the media, and members of the community to respect the privacy of children in such facilities. Separated children are enduring an already traumatizing and invasive experience and we must do everything we can to limit further anguish. We will continue working to ensure their health and safety."

Senator Rivera is also calling on the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to deploy inspectors and medical experts to these facilities to ensure the children are receiving adequate accommodations and developmentally appropriate services. OCFS should also assist these providers in identifying every resource possible to help the families in the process of reunification. To that effect, Senator Rivera and his staff have been in touch with state providers that may be housing separated children in their facilities and that generally hold contracts with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement to house unaccompanied minors.

Read Senator Rivera's letter to OCFS here. 

Engel: Trump’s New Executive Order “Fails to Solve the Problem He Created”

 Congressman Eliot L. Engel released the following statement:

“President Trump’s new Executive Order fails to solve the problem that he created. Migrant families will still be detained together indefinitely, and there is no plan to reunite the thousands of children already separated from their parents. In America, we should not have to choose between separating or incarcerating children. 

“We’ve seen children in cages, and heard their cries. Now, we’ve found out that these children are being shipped thousands of miles across the country. Reports indicate that thousands of children have been ripped from their families and are being held at more than 100 shelters in 17 states. I’ve confirmed that children are being held in my district, in New York – 2,000 miles away from their parents, without any indication of when they will be reunited.

“Unfortunately, this Administration refuses to be transparent. First, they denied that families were being torn apart, then they tried to blame Democrats, now the President has signed an Executive Order to end separation by detaining families indefinitely. This cannot continue.

“We need to know where each and every child is being held. Every single one of them.

“And we need concrete answers on how the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services plan to reunite these children with their families.”