Last week Bronx and Queens residents received a tornado warning from the National Weather Service. Minutes later a Category EF1 tornado hit Queens with winds close to 90 miles per hour, destroying some 50 trees and causing some damage to property.
While it might seem unlikely and uncommon, the rise in severe weather all over our planet has been causing tornadoes to land in New York City.
According to data compiled in a report on severe weather by the New York State Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, 10 of the 13 tornadoes ever recorded in New York City have occurred in the past 17 years. Prior to 1985, only three had ever been recorded.
The Bronx has been hit by two tornadoes in recent memory. One in 1974 and one in 2010.
The Task Force’s report showed an increasing frequency with closer proximity to population centers that should raise a warning signal of this growing danger. Most concerning is the fact that the vast majority of New Yorkers are NOT prepared to deal with such a situation.
The urgency to address this problem is highlighted by a Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) study, which has found that on average only 14% of individuals had participated in school-based shelter-in-place drills and 10% in home-based shelter-in-place drills, while only 14% have participated in a home evacuation drill.
The FEMA study also found that virtually all low-income homes were completely unprepared to deal with a major natural disaster and did not have emergency food, water, medication or cash on hand when ATMs go offline due to power loss.
The American Red Cross has provided some very useful tools and advice on how to be prepared for an emergency or major disaster. Here is some useful information in English and in Spanish to help you and your family be better prepared for the dangerous and imminent severe weather our State will face.
The danger we all face is very real. The updated data clearly shows 69% of over 410 tornadoes impacting New York State have been reported since 1986. Over the past 15 years alone, over 150 tornadoes have hit our State.
Preparing your family for the unexpected is more necessary now than ever before. The information I provided above is the first step in protecting yourself and your family and our communities.
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Friday, August 10, 2018
Senator Luis Sepulveda - TORNADOES IN THE BRONX? YES AND WE NEED TO PREPARE
MAYOR DE BLASIO AND SPEAKER JOHNSON ANNOUNCE INVESTMENT TO BRING THREE ACRES OF NEW PARKS TO HUDSON YARDS
The de Blasio administration announced that the City will begin the process of acquisition, design and construction of Phase II of the City’s Master Plan for Hudson Yards. This final phase includes approximately three acres of all-new parkland, created by extending Hudson Boulevard and Park over the Amtrak rail cut which currently runs from West 36th Street to West 39th Street.
“Every New Yorker deserves well designed public space,” said Mayor de Blasio. “In a growing neighborhood like Hudson Yards, three acres of new parks is a vital investment in the wellbeing of residents for generations to come.”
“Today’s approval for additional investment in Hudson Yards allows us to fulfill our commitment to deliver to the Hudson Yards community three acres of new parkland – and demonstrates a smart approach to building density. I want to thank Speaker Johnson and the Council for their partnership in this effort,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen.
“Completing this park has been a goal of the West Side community for years,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “Securing this financing is an important step in ensuring that this neighborhood has essential public green space as Hudson Yards grows. All New Yorkers and people from around the world will one day enjoy this remarkable public park in what is currently a rail-cut. I want to thank Mayor de Blasio, Community Board 4 and everyone else who helped make this a reality.”
“The history of development in NYC is based on the creation of great public places. As building continues at a record pace, this critical funding ensures that a huge gap in the public infrastructure and open space network of Hudson Yards will be completed,” said Angela Cavaluzzi, President of Hudson Yards Development Corporation.
“We are excited to see Phase II more than double the acres of green space at Hudson Yards,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “Projects like this increase our access to health, happiness and fun, and that’s a win for everyone.”
Phase II includes the investment of up to $500 million to complete infrastructure projects in the Hudson Yards Financing District, including the expansion of Hudson Boulevard and Park three blocks north from West 36th Street to West 39th Street. The construction of the Park and Boulevard will provide vital public space, and unlock the commercial development of the northern area of Hudson Yards. The addition of the new parkland expands Hudson Yards’ parkland by 75 percent.
The Hudson Yards Development Corporation will manage the acquisition, design, and construction process. Once completed, the land will be transferred to NYC Parks and the Department of Transportation, who will collaborate with the Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Business Improvement District on daily management. The design process will begin this fall.
KZA Realty Group And RM Friedland Affiliation Provides The Bronx With Unparalleled Service Opportunities
Two of the most renowned commercial real estate firms in The Bronx announce a new affiliation agreement that will bring unprecedented expertise and client service benefits to property and business owners.
Commercial real estate brokers KZA Realty Group and RM Friedland will join forces on select assignments to add value for clients. The alliance combines the strength of RM Friedland’s brokerage team and staff resources with KZA’s strong ties to the Bronx community.
“Our companies offer tremendous resources, market knowledge and a peerless track record in The Bronx,” said Sarah Jones-Maturo, president of RM Friedland. “Together, we have a tremendous breadth and depth of experience in the borough, not to mention a combined 75 year track record.”
The new arrangement reflects the borough’s booming business climate. KZA and RM Friedland are the exclusive commercial brokers for the massive La Central development in The Hub, for example, the revitalized shopping district in the heart of the borough. The largest development currently underway in The Bronx, La Central will create more than 1.1 million square feet of residential and commercial space. In addition, the two firms are leasing space at 354 East 149th Street, also located in the downtown Hub.
KZA Realty Group is one of the driving forces behind the economic revitalization of The Bronx. In addition to helping national brands find suitable locations in the borough, Zamechansky served as the first president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and as executive director of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. She is the recipient of many awards, including Businesswoman of the Year by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce (2018), the President’s Award from the Bronx Manhattan North Association of Realtors (2018) and recognition as one of the 25 Most Influential Bronx Leaders by the City and State of New York (2017).
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Congressman Christopher Collins And Others Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Insider Trading And Lying To Federal Law Enforcement Agents
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrests of CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, a Congressman representing the 27th District of New York, CAMERON COLLINS, the son of CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, and STEPHEN ZARSKY, the father of CAMERON COLLINS’s fiancée, on charges of participating in a scheme to commit insider trading relating to securities of Innate Immunotherapeutics (“Innate”), an Australian biotechnology company on whose Board of Directors CHRISTOPHER COLLINS served. As alleged in the Indictment, in June 2017, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, who possessed material, nonpublic information through his service on Innate’s board of directors, betrayed his duties of trust and confidence to Innate by providing inside information to his son, CAMERON COLLINS, about confidential drug trial results so that his son and others, including ZARSKY, could trade before the drug trial results were publicly announced. As a result of CHRISTOPHER COLLINS’s illegal tips, CAMERON COLLINS, ZARSKY, and others who received the inside information avoided a total of approximately $768,000 in losses. When later interviewed by the FBI, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, CAMERON COLLINS, and ZARSKY each made false statements to cover up their participation in the insider trading scheme.
CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, CAMERON COLLINS, and ZARSKY are each charged with conspiracy, securities fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements to the FBI. All three defendants surrendered this morning and will be presented and arraigned at 2:30 p.m. today before United States District Judge Vernon S. Broderick in federal court in the Southern District of New York.
In a separate action, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filed a civil action against CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, CAMERON COLLINS, and ZARSKY.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Congressman Christopher Collins is charged with insider trading and lying to the FBI, as are his son, Cameron Collins, and Stephen Zarsky, the father of Cameron’s fiancée. As alleged, Christopher Collins tipped confidential corporate information to his son, who traded on the inside information and passed it on to others, including Zarsky. Zarsky allegedly also traded on the information and tipped others. Representative Collins, who, by virtue of his office, helps write the laws of this country, acted as if the law did not apply to him. These charges are a reminder that this is a nation of laws, and everyone stands equal before the bar of justice. The charges demonstrate again that no matter what the alleged crime, or who allegedly committed it, we stand dedicated to the pursuit of justice, without fear or favor.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Congressman Christopher Collins sat on Innate Immunotherapeutics’ Board of Directors for a period of more than three years, spanning the run-up to the company’s clinical drug trial announcement in 2017. When he received confidential information that the drug had failed its trial, he tipped off investors with whom he shared a personal relationship, as we allege. Congressman Collins thought giving his family and friends a heads-up about material, nonpublic information would benefit them in the long run, but here's a better inside tip for those who think they can play by different rules: Access to this kind of information carries with it a significant responsibility, especially for those who hold a position of trust in our society. Act honorably and in accordance with the law, and do not lie to a special agent of the FBI.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
The Insider Trading Scheme
The Scheme
In or about June 2017, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, who, in addition to serving on Innate’s board of directors, was also one of Innate’s largest shareholders, participated in a scheme to commit insider trading. Specifically, on or about June 22, 2017, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS learned that MIS416 – a multiple sclerosis drug that Innate was developing – had failed a critical drug trial that was meant to determine the drug’s clinical efficacy (the “Drug Trial”). The negative Drug Trial results were highly confidential, and, as an insider who owed duties of trust and confidence to Innate, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS was obligated to keep the Drug Trial results secret until Innate publicly released them. Instead, in breach of those duties, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS tipped his son, CAMERON COLLINS, who was also a substantial Innate shareholder, so that CAMERON COLLINS could make timely trades and tip others before Innate publicly released the Drug Trial results. CAMERON COLLINS traded on the inside information and passed it to ZARSKY, as well as to three conspirators not named in the Indictment (“CC-1,” “CC-2,” and “CC-6”), so that they could utilize the information for the same purpose. ZARSKY, in turn, traded on the information and used it to tip three more conspirators not named in the Indictment (“CC-3,” “CC-4,” and “CC-5,”) so that they too could engage in timely trades in Innate stock. All of the trades preceded the public release of the negative Drug Trial results.
In total, these trades allowed CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, CAMERON COLLINS, and ZARSKY, as well as CC-1 through CC-6, to avoid over $768,000 in losses that they would have otherwise incurred if they had sold their stock in Innate after the Drug Trial results became public.
The Drug Trial Results
In or about October 2014, Innate initiated a Phase 2B clinical trial of its primary drug, MIS416. Successful completion of the Drug Trial was a necessary prerequisite to the commercialization of MIS416. Because Innate had no other significant products in development, its stock price was tied to the success of MIS416.
The Drug Trial was widely expected to be completed around the summer of 2017. For example, on or about June 9, 2017, Innate’s chief executive officer (“CEO”) sent various individuals, including CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, an email stating that “the delivery date for [the] review and ‘verdict’” of the Drug Trial “will [] occur at COB on US Thursday June 22nd.” As the summer progressed, individuals within Innate remained optimistic that MIS416’s Drug Trial results would be positive. The initial Drug Trial results were made available by trial administrators to Innate’s CEO on June 22, 2017. These results established that MIS416 lacked therapeutic value in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The results were not publicly released at that time. Instead, they were released publicly on June 26, 2017, after the U.S. markets had closed (the “Public Announcement”). Innate’s stock price subsequently crashed, dropping 92% on the first trading day following the Public Announcement.
Dissemination of the Drug Trial Results
On or about June 22, 2017, at approximately 6:55 p.m., Innate’s CEO sent an email describing the Drug Trial results to the company’s board of directors, including CHRISTOPHER COLLINS. The email explained to Innate’s board of directors for the first time that the Drug Trial had been a failure. The email began, in part, “I have bad news to report,” and continued to explain that “the top line analysis of the ‘intent to treat’ patient population (ie every subject who was successfully enrolled in the study) would pretty clearly indicate[s] ‘clinical failure.’” The email continued, “Top-line 12-month data . . . show no clinically meaningful or statistically significant differences in [outcomes] between MIS416 and placebo,” and concluded by stating, “No doubt we will want to consider this extremely bad news. . . .”
At the time CHRISTOPHER COLLINS received this email, he was attending the Congressional Picnic at the White House. At 7:10 p.m., CHRISTOPHER COLLINS replied to the email, stating, in part, “Wow. Makes no sense. How are these results even possible???” After responding to the Innate CEO’s email, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS called his son, CAMERON COLLINS. They traded six missed calls between 7:11 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.. At 7:16 p.m., CHRISTOPHER COLLINS and CAMERON COLLINS spoke for more than six minutes. During that six-minute phone call, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS told CAMERON COLLINS, in sum and substance, that MIS416 had failed the Drug Trial.
CHRISTOPHER COLLINS did not trade himself, and his Innate stock ultimately declined by millions of dollars in value when the Drug Trial results were made public on June 26, 2017. As CHRISTOPHER COLLINS well knew, however, he was virtually precluded from trading his own shares for practical and technical reasons. For example, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS was already under investigation by the Office of Congressional Ethics (“OCE”) in connection with his holdings in, and promotion of, Innate. Indeed, he had been interviewed by OCE personnel on or about June 5, 2017, just 17 days earlier. Accordingly, he did not trade his own stock and instead tipped CAMERON COLLINS.
Trading and Tipping by CAMERON COLLINS and ZARSKY
CAMERON COLLINS began placing orders to sell his Innate shares the morning after he received inside information from CHRISTOPHER COLLINS. Between the morning of Friday, June 23, 2017, and the close of the market on Monday, June 26, 2017, CAMERON COLLINS sold approximately 1,391,500 shares of Innate stock. These sales allowed CAMERON COLLINS to avoid approximately $570,900 in losses.
Furthermore, after learning the Drug Trial results from CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, on or about the night of June 22, 2017, CAMERON COLLINS provided the Drug Trial results to at least the following three sets of individuals so that they could trade in advance of the Public Announcement: (1) his now fiancée, CC-1; (2) ZARSKY and ZARSKY’s wife, CC-2; and (3) CAMERON COLLINS’s friend, CC-6. Collectively, these individuals avoided approximately $186,620 in losses as a result of their trading on inside information.
On or about the morning of June 23, 2017, ZARSKY provided the negative Drug Trial results that he had learned from CAMERON COLLINS and CC-1 to at least the following individuals, among others, or otherwise caused them to trade or attempt to trade in advance of the Public Announcement: (1) his brother, CC-3; (2) his sister, CC-4; and (3) his longstanding friend, CC-5. Collectively, these individuals avoided approximately $10,900 in losses as a result of their trading on inside information.
Concealment of Trading
After the Public Announcement, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS took steps to prevent the public from learning that CAMERON COLLINS had sold significant portions of his Innate stock on or about June 23, 2017, and June 26, 2017, before the Public Announcement. For example, on or about June 28, 2017, one of CHRISTOPHER COLLINS’s staff members issued a statement to a local reporter. This statement stated that “Neither Christopher Collins, [nor] his daughter . . . have sold shares prior, during or after Innate’s recent stock halt,” and that “Cameron Collins has liquidated all his shares after the stock halt was lifted, suffering a substantial financial loss.” This statement was written in a manner designed to mislead the public into believing that CAMERON COLLINS had not sold any Innate shares prior to the Public Announcement. As CHRISTOPHER COLLINS explained in an email about press coverage surrounding Innate, “We want this to go away.”
False Statements to the FBI
On or about April 25, 2018, Special Agents from the FBI separately interviewed CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, CAMERON COLLINS, and ZARSKY. During these interviews, and as detailed in the Indictment, CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, CAMERON COLLINS, and ZARSKY made false statements to the FBI to cover up their participation in the insider trading scheme.
A chart identifying the charges and the maximum penalties applicable to CHRISTOPHER COLLINS, CAMERON COLLINS, and ZARKSY is below.
Count
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Charge
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Defendants
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Maximum Penalty
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1
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Conspiracy to commit securities fraud (18 U.S.C. § 371)
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All
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5 years in prison
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2
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Securities fraud (15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff; Title 18 U.S.C. § 2)
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CHRISTOPHER COLLINS; CAMERON COLLINS
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20 years in prison
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3
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Securities fraud (15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff; Title 18 U.S.C. § 2)
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All
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20 years in prison
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4
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Securities fraud (15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff; Title 18 U.S.C. § 2)
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CHRISTOPHER COLLINS; CAMERON COLLINS
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20 years in prison
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5-7
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Securities fraud (15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff; Title 18 U.S.C. § 2)
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All
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20 years in prison
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8
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Securities fraud (15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff; Title 18 U.S.C. § 2)
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CHRISTOPHER COLLINS; CAMERON COLLINS
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20 years in prison
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9
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Conspiracy to commit wire fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1349)
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All
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20 years in prison
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10
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Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 & 2)
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All
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20 years in prison
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11
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False Statements (18 U.S.C. §§ 1001 & 2)
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CHRISTOPHER COLLINS
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5 years in prison
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12
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False Statements (18 U.S.C. §§ 1001 & 2)
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CAMERON COLLINS
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5 years in prison
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13
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False Statements (18 U.S.C. §§ 1001 & 2)
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STEPHEN ZARSKY
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5 years in prison
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Defendants’ Ages and Residences
| Defendant | Residence | Age |
| Christopher Collins | Clarence, New York | 68 |
| Cameron Collins | Morristown, New Jersey | 25 |
| Stephen Zarsky | Summit, New Jersey | 66 |
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the work of the FBI and thanked the SEC for its assistance.
The allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are 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.
MAYOR DE BLASIO, CITY COUNCIL, ADVOCATES CELEBRATE PASSAGE OF FOR-HIRE VEHICLES LEGISLATION
Mayor Bill de Blasio, Speaker Corey Johnson, the City Council and advocates today joined a rally at Union Square Park celebrating the passage of for-hire vehicle legislation. Among other things, the package of legislation will set a minimum pay for drivers and mitigate congestion by placing a one-year pause on the number of for-hire vehicles app-based companies are able to have on New York City roads.
“The City is sending a clear message: we’re putting hardworking New Yorkers ahead of corporations,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The City Council has spoken boldly, and now we can act. We are taking immediate action for the benefit of more than 100,000 hard-working New Yorkers who deserve a fair wage, and halting the flood of new cars grinding our streets to a halt. I’d like to thank Speaker Johnson, Council Member Levin, the City Council and advocates for seeing this legislation through.”
“The City Council has taken a big step toward creating a fair and equitable framework for overseeing the for-hire vehicle industry in our city. FHV drivers should be able to support themselves and their families without working unhealthy hours, and they shouldn’t have to work longer and longer with each passing month because thousands of new cars are flooding the streets. I’m proud of this package of bills, and I am confident we will see meaningful change that benefits this city,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.
At the rally, the Mayor announced:
- That he will be signing the legislation on Tuesday, August 14th, 2018.
- The City will stop issuing new for-hire licenses that same day, with the exception of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
- The City will initiate a study to more comprehensively manage the changing industry to reduce congestion and protect workers by ensuring fair pay.
- The City will introduce and adopt a new minimum compensation rule at the Taxi and Limousine Commission within 75 days. Once adopted, it will increase for-hire vehicle driver take-home pay by approximately 20 percent on average – that’s more than $6,000 per year.
“Yesterday was a historic day. The New York City Council led by Speaker Corey Johnson along with my For Hire Vehicle Committee passed some of the most comprehensive legislation halting app-based ride sharing services and initiating a study on their effect in NYC. This is the first legislation of its kind in the nation and it will stand as a template for other large cities facing issues with their taxi industry. Thank you to all my colleagues who were a part of this package of legislation and we will continue to work for a more fair & equitable New York City,” said Council Member Ruben Diaz, Sr., Chair of the Committee on For-Hire Vehicles, Sponsor of Intros. 634-B, 838-C, 958-A.
“In a just a few years, the number of for-hire vehicles in our city has increased dramatically, snarling traffic and sparking a race to the bottom where all drivers are struggling to make more than poverty wages,” said Council Member Stephen Levin, Sponsor of Intro. 144-B. “An average of 2,000 additional vehicles hit the streets every month, while drivers already spend nearly half their time with empty seats. Doing nothing was not an option. I'm proud New York City is leading the way, becoming the first city to comprehensively and thoughtfully address this issue. I thank my council colleagues, Speaker Johnson, and Mayor de Blasio for their support, leadership, and courage to do what is right.”
“We should all be able to make an honest living whether it’s driving a yellow or green taxi, livery, black car or an app-based vehicle, and we should all be governed by the same rules,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “The package of bills passed by the Council yesterday will level the playing field. It will allow policy-makers an opportunity to step back and proceed thoughtfully on how to best improve ground transit in the city.”
“This victory belongs to yellow taxi, green cab, livery, black car, Uber and Lyft drivers who united together in our union to transform our shared struggle and heartbreak into hope and strength. The legislation passed by City Council didn't just set a precedent for our city, it set a precedent for the entire world as companies like Uber and Lyft use technological innovation to return us to a time of sweated labor, destroying lives and livelihoods. Yesterday, we took the first step toward ending the crisis of poverty devastating New York City's professional drivers. Tomorrow we will continue to fight,” said Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance.
“This victory shows the power that workers coming together in a common purpose, speaking out and supporting each other. This was possible because drivers from all sectors -- yellow, green and livery cabs, and those working for app-based companies -- joined together, organized and did not give up, even as many of them continued to drive long shifts to keep up. We will continue to support the Taxi Workers Alliance and all drivers as they seek a just system that will allow them to support their families and benefit their communities,” said Héctor J. Figueroa, President of 32BJ Service Employees International Union.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
We were in attendance at the above rally and press conference, but Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. the Chair of the Committee on For Hire Vehicles was not in attendance. We do not know how Councilman Diaz Sr. can be quoted when he did not attend the rally/Press conference.
Above - City Council Speaker Corey Johnson speaks on the issue.
Below - City Council member Stephen Levin spoke along with Council member Ydanis Rodriguez. Council member Ruben Diaz Sr. the Chair of the For Hire Committee did not speak nor was he present.
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON CITY COUNCIL PASSAGE OF FOR-HIRE VEHICLE LEGISLATION
“Our city is directly confronting a crisis that is driving working New Yorkers into poverty and our streets into gridlock. The unchecked growth of app-based for-hire vehicle companies has demanded action – and now we have it. More than 100,000 workers and their families will see an immediate benefit from this legislation. And this action will stop the influx of cars contributing to the congestion grinding our streets to a halt. I want to thank Speaker Johnson and Council Member Levin for their leadership on this issue, and the entire Council for standing up for working people. I look forward to signing these bills into law.”
Michael Beltzer - That Which Is Known: Ruben Diaz gets a Pow-Pow
This was sent to us by Mr. Michael Beltzer
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Ruben Diaz gets a Pow-Pow
It is known that the Ethics Committee of the City Council in the greatest City in the world New York found the ordained minister Diaz of misusing public resources to send you an email similar to this. These emails, known to us for years are often entertaining and have given those in politics something to talk about to pass the time. But we have long known they are just words that are typed often without much use except to take political shots, extract revenge and show spite and contempt for others.
These emails often include contrarian viewpoints and include almost endorsements of Republican darlings such as Donald Trump, who is mentioned in his emails well over a dozen times in the past 2 years. So we applaud Councilman Matteo (R-Staten Island) for leading the proceedings as this leaves Mr. Diaz little room to claim it was an attack by Democrats.
It is important to note that I am a firm believer of the first amendment and in no way would condone limiting someone’s ability to do so. I have at times agreed with some of the sentiments expressed in his columns, especially when it comes to increasing representation of minorities in state and local government workforces. But it is important to read what the City’s Conflict of Interest Board says about being a Public Servant “ Since party politics has a certain level of influence over the manner in which the public is governed, the political activities provisions of the conflicts of interest law were enacted in an attempt to ensure that City employees maintain impartiality when dispensing services to the public.”
We know this pow-pow, of which we do not know if it will be a “church pinch” or ‘la chancleta”, but it still must hurt as Mr. Diaz has a long history of colluding with Republicans during his days in the State Senate. During his time, he claims he "never had an issue" in sending emails or misusing public resources. But my dear reader, we know Albany is not a place that holds itself to the highest standards. Perhaps it is the good reverend's ability to read through text, because last year in his run to become a Councilperson, he sent a piece of propaganda to every voter just before the deadline for State Elected to send out mail before an election. His campaign sent a follow up mail that looked almost identical the following week. I and many of his constituents do not feel that was done in good faith as a steward of public funds.
Now you may say, so what, I use his taxpayer funded birthday card that he sends to my house every year as a proof of address to apply for services at a non-profit whose workers help hand out large bags with his name on the side, it’s all for the community. You may feel that even though he hosted a 2016 holiday giveaway in a Public School with a political candidate during a special election for City Council in violation of Chancellor's Regulation D- 130, that he is, “giving a person a fish” because he got a few toys from Republicans instead of the millions owed our Public Schools.
But it is known that he was one of the "Four Amigos", of which 3 went to jail, despite the Councilperson's claim that "Never in the history of New York State has there been something so exciting". It is not only known but it is proclaimed by himself that the amigos led to the eventual formation of the Independent Democratic Conference or the "IDC". Now if you do not know how this conference is currently in violation of campaign finance laws, which we know Mr. Diaz has had campaign treasurers arrested himself, it is known that they have kept Public Schools from being fully funded, held women's rights hostage, along with healthcare for all, rights and protections for our LGBT neighbors and recognizing a Black Woman as the rightful leader of the NYS Senate.
But it is known that Mr. Diaz has long felt he is above any man-made rules. This is a man who proclaims "I am the Church, I am the State." It is known that he has often mixed the two to support his political quest to embroider titles into starched shirts and collect multiple taxpayer funded pensions, and we only need to look to the FBI’s investigation of him and his organizations (click here to read more). At the time, it is known multiple people employed by him and his non-profits had requested investigations, ones that unfortunately were not acted upon as judiciously as our City Council has. So it comes as no surprise that Mr. Diaz’s most uttered words at the hearing was:
“C’mon, get out of here!”
It’s time for him to take his own advice.
This is Michael Beltzer and this is That Which Is Known.
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Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr - NOT FOR SALE, NOT FOR RENT, AND NOT FOR HIRE
You should know that the City of New York has become the first city in the nation that has regulated Uber.
It is also very important for you to know that even those responsible for Uber being the cause of drivers taking their lives, and the devastation of the Yellow Taxi industry, now are taking and claiming credit for what The For Hire Vehicle Committee has accomplished.
The For Hire Vehicle Committee was created by Council Speaker Corey Johnson under a negotiation with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and the Bronx Democratic County Chairman, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.
After becoming aware of my efforts to solve the problems of The For Hire Vehicle drivers, and my serious commitment and concern for this industry, Assemblyman Crespo was very influential in convincing the Speaker, Corey Johnson to appoint me as the Chair of this newly created Committee. This Committee is geared toward exploring the issues that negatively impact the drivers of the taxi industry, especially the livery drivers under the Transportation Committee which was led by Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez.
Councilmember Rodriguez and some of the same councilmembers that are now claiming credit were responsible, in 2016, for approving legislation to increase penalties up to $10,000.00 for those drivers picking up passengers in the street in order to give Uber and others the opportunity to be the ones allowed to do street hails.
By taking away the Taxi Section from the Transportation Committee, and creating the newly independent Committee, Speaker Johnson gave me the authority and the opportunity to hold public hearings and to question, even The Taxi and Limousine Commissioner, about the abuses done to livery drivers and allowing Uber to devastate the Yellow Taxi industry.
There were some central council staff and some councilmembers working to put an end to my efforts as The Committee Chairman, with the hopes of impeding some of my initial legislation. In their efforts, sometimes we were confronted by some individuals that even ignored the Speakers instructions.
Today this legislation has passed, and I have to recognize the efforts of the Committee Counsel Mr. Christopher Lynn, who on many occasions had to become a thorn on the side of many. This was to ensure that what had to be done was done correctly.
The support, that the For Hire Vehicles Committee, received from our Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and his chief of Staff, Mr. Jason Goldman was vital allowing us to move forward in accomplishing our goals on behalf of the Taxi industry. Their support was honest, sincere and greatly appreciated.
The City Council’s Central staff, Ms. Malak Masderdean and Mr. Louis Cholea-Brown, Mr. Hector Figueroa President of 32BJ, The Metropolitan Taxi Cab Board of Trade, Ms. Bhairavi Desai from The NY Taxi Workers Alliance and Mr. Richard Lipsky and the Drivers with the Yellow Cowboy Hats, Councilmembers Brad Lander and Steven Levin were all extremely helpful in our endeavors.
By the way, it was Christopher Lynn who was the most instrumental in writing and helping others write their Legislations.
Finally, it was I who confronted everyone. Some confrontations were contentious especially the ones I had with the Commissioner of the TLC in order for everyone to understand that this committee meant business. Also, these confrontations were intended to send a message to those who were not paying attention to the Committee in the beginning.
There were some reporters that tried to make news by twisting everything, and questioning my integrity and honesty, implying that this legislation was motivated by political contributions. This not true! And this is not right.
You should know that my only intention was to bring equality and justice to the taxi industry, that for many years had been used, abused, and ignored by everyone including the NYC Administrations.
The press and some of my colleagues have refused to give me any credit or acknowledge that it was the efforts of my Committee for this historic moment in NYC. However, everyone, Uber and company know that no matter how much money, lies and scare tactics, there is now, a For Hire Vehicles Committee, in the NYC Council with a Chairman that are not for sale, not for rent, and not for hire.
I am Councilman Ruben Diaz and this what you should know.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Having been at the press conference by Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson, City Council members, TLC commissioner Joshi, Bhairavi Desai Executive Director of the NY Taxi Workers Alliance, Hector Figueroa President of 32BJ, and many others, someone was missing.
The Chair of the For Hire Vehicles Committee was not there. The mayor even put a quote in his press release from Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., Chair of the For Hire Vehicles Committee which is below.
“Yesterday was a historic day. The New York City Council led by Speaker Corey Johnson along with my For Hire Vehicle Committee passed some of the most comprehensive legislation halting app-based ride sharing services and initiating a study on their effect in NYC. This is the first legislation of its kind in the nation and it will stand as a template for other large cities facing issues with their taxi industry. Thank you to all my colleagues who were a part of this package of legislation and we will continue to work for a more fair & equitable New York City,” said Council Member Ruben Diaz, Sr., Chair of the Committee on For-Hire Vehicles, Sponsor of Intros. 634-B, 838-C, 958-A.
So Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. I was at the press conference, where were you?
That is what the people should know!