MAYOR DE BLASIO: TLC COMMISSIONER MEERA JOSHI STEPPING DOWN

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that Meera Joshi, CEO and Chair of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, plans to step down from her role in March.  Commissioner Joshi’s tenure was marked by such progressive innovations as the protection and enhancement of driver earnings, citywide access to For-Hire services for persons with disabilities, a 50% reduction of fatalities in crashes involving taxis and For-Hire vehicles in the last year, significant advances in consumer protections, and a first-ever pathway to the effective management of congestion and environmental impact relating to TLC-licensed services — all of which was enabled by the collection of previously-unavailable data.

“In this unprecedented period of growth, Meera has brought about equally unprecedented and vital change that will serve as a model for cities throughout the nation and the world,” said Mayor de Blasio.  “Under her leadership New Yorkers who use wheelchairs can get service, passengers are assured that every driver and vehicle is safe, our city has detailed records of the one million daily trips and New York City is the only place where app drivers have pay protection.  She will leave an unparalleled legacy and has raised the bar for good government.  I am grateful for her service.”

“It has been an honor to serve New York City through the effective regulation of almost 200,000 drivers in over 130,000 vehicles moving over a million people each day,” said Commissioner Joshi. “Thanks to a skilled and principled TLC staff, a Commission dedicated to doing the right thing and engaged industry members and advocates, through public debate and data we increased accountability, safety, access, modernized taxi regulation, protected drivers and increased consumer protections. I am deeply grateful to the TLC community that made this possible.”

The Administration will announce a replacement for Commissioner Joshi in the coming months. Created in 1971 by Local Law No. 12, the Taxi and Limousine Commission is a Charter-mandated agency, the purpose of which is the continuance, further development and improvement of taxi and for-hire service in the City of New York.

Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. - Week in Review, January 4, 2019

IN THE NEWS: WEST FARMS PRESERVATION PROJECT KEEPS 343 APARTMENTS AFFORDABLE. Amidst the rapid development in the South Bronx, building and maintaining affordability for residents has been a top priority for Council Member Salamanca. This week, The Real Deal reported on Camber Property Group, Belveron Partners and the city’s Department of Housing Preservation's acquisition of 11 buildings in the West Farms neighborhood. The 11 buildings, comprised of 343 units will remain 100% affordable for 40 years, 2058."These buildings were going to lose their tax credits next year and therefore the previous owner had an option of an increasing rent at above market rate. They're making a $4 million capital investment, so there's boilers that need to be fixed, there's elevators that need to be redone, you have piping, the walls, roof so it needs to be done."

Michael Blake Secures Second Spot on Ballot in Race for Public Advocate

Blake campaign files petitions within 36 hours of Special Election announcement

On Friday afternoon, the Blake for New York campaign submitted their second volume of petition signatures. Having secured the second spot on the ballot for the February 26th Public Advocate Special Election on Thursday afternoon, the campaign has now filed over 5,500 signatures.

“Our #ForThePeople grassroots organization has proven how committed we are about this campaign by submitting our signatures with the Board of Elections on the second and third day of petitioning. To every New Yorker we have spoken with who signed our petitions, I say ‘Thank You.’  It is evident that our message of #JobsAndJustice is resonating with New Yorkers who are seeking leadership that will unite us, and we are just getting started” - Michael Blake

Job Posting - Director of Communications Council; District 17

Posted January 03, 2019

Director of Communications

New York City Council

New York City Full Time

Bronx City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (D) is looking for a driven communications expert to join his team. The position is ideal for candidates with relevant experience in public relations, communications and/or government and a deep interest in helping the people of the South Bronx and New York City. The position is based at 250 Broadway with frequent travel to the District Office in the South Bronx. 

 Job responsibilities will include:

• Engaging with key press and managing all media relations
• Developing and executing press strategy
• Writing statements, remarks, press releases, talking points, media advisories and op-eds
• Drafting and publishing a weekly e-newsletter
• Managing social media pages
• Organizing and coordinating press conferences, rallies and panel appearances
• Advising on legislation and land use matters

Interested applicants should have: 

• Exceptional writing skills
• Interest and knowledge of key issues in The Bronx and NYC, including but not limited to: affordable housing, transportation, NYCHA, homelessness and more
• Relationships with City Hall press and key New York City reporters
• Experience managing social media
• Proficiency in Spanish (preferred, not required)
• Fun! #TeamSalamanca believes in working hard in an exciting, dynamic and energetic environment!

About Council Member Salamanca:

Rafael Salamanca Jr. is the Council Member for the 17th District of the New York City Council, representing the South Bronx and serves as Chair of the Land Use Committee.

The son of first-generation Puerto Rican immigrants, Council Member Salamanca grew up in the Bronx understanding the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to the community. Beginning his career working in healthcare to expand access for low-income and working families, Council Member Salamanca went on to serve as the District Manager for Bronx Community Board 2 for nearly six years. As former President of the 41st Precinct Council, he worked closely with the NYPD and other local leaders to help improve public safety in the community.

Since his special election in 2016, Council Member Salamanca has been a champion for affordable housing, bringing thousands of affordable units to his district and focusing on ensuring residents of all incomes have access to new apartments. Driving more than $52 million in capital investments to his district, Council Member Salamanca has fought for job creation by requiring companies investing in the community to hire local residents, and has committed to providing children in the Bronx with access to a quality education.

Application Instructions

Please send resume/CV and three writing samples.

BRONX WOMAN INDICTED IN ILLEGAL COSMETIC PROCEDURE THAT KILLED WOMAN

Defendant Carried Out Botched Procedure In Her Home

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx woman has been indicted for Manslaughter and other charges for allegedly providing illegal silicone injections that caused the death of a 48-year-old woman. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly illegally injected the victim with a silicone substance for cosmetic purposes. Tragically, the injections killed the victim, who had traveled from Philadelphia to the Bronx for the procedure.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Whalesca Castillo, 44, of 2219 Seward Avenue, was arraigned today on second-degree Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide and Unauthorized Practice before Bronx Supreme Court Justice David Lewis. Bail was set at $150,000 bond and the defendant is due back in court on April 18, 2019. If convicted of the top charge, she could face up to 15 years in prison.

 According to the investigation, on or about June 17, 2018, in the defendant’s home, Castillo injected silicone substance into the body of Lesbia Ayala, as part of an illegal cosmetic procedure to enhance the buttocks of the victim. The defendant did not have a license to practice medicine or cosmetic surgery. The victim died of systemic silicone embolism syndrome shortly after receiving the injections.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Carmen Torres of the 43rd Precinct Detective Squad and Anthony Velez of the Bronx Homicide Squad for their assistance.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

The Bronx Democratic Party - Upcoming Events

Inauguaration of State Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez When:  Sat. 1/5/19 at 12:00pm Where: Jacobi Hospital Rotunda (Adjacent to Building 4), 1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx,

You are cordially invited to attend the inauguration of NYS Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez.  The ceremony will take at Jacobi Hospital and it will begin at 12:00pm.   For more information or to RSVP, please email fernandez4ny@gmail.com.  Inauguration of State Senator Luis R. Sepulveda When:  Sat. 1/5/19 at 5:00pm Where: Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx,  You are cordially invited to attend the inauguration of State Senator Luis R. Sepulveda.  The ceremony will take place at the Bronx Museum of the Arts and will begin at 5:00pm.   To RSVP, please email Jan5.SepulvedaforNY.com Inauguration of State Senator Alessandra Biaggi When:  Sun. 1/6/19 at 12:00pm Where: Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd, Bronx,  You are cordially invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of State Senator Alessandra Biaggi.  The ceremony will take place at Lehman College's Lovinger Theatre and will begin at 12:00pm.  To attend, please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inauguration-of-alessandra-biaggi-ny-state-senator-of-the-34th-district-registration-53230935160 Co-op City Democrats Public Advocate Candidate's Forum When:  Mon. 1/7/19 at 6:00 pm Where: Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31, Bronx,  Please join the Co-op City Democrats for a Public Advocate Candidate's forum.  Come hear directly from the candidates about their vision for the office and what their priorities will be, if elected.  The special election, open to all registered voters in New York City, will be held on Tuesday, February 26th.  Light refreshments will be served In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic Party Bronx Democratic County Committee, P.O. Box #580032,652 East 187th Street, BRONX, NY 10458

Dawn Smalls Files Petitions in Race for Public Advocate Capturing Third Placement on the Ballot

First-time candidate, Dawn Smalls filed her petitions with the Board of Elections today, capturing the third placement on the ballot for the position of Public Advocate in the February 26th Special Election to fill the vacancy created by the election of former NYC Public Advocate Letitia James to New York State Attorney General.

“In a race with 20+ candidates, we knew gathering petitions for a citywide position was going to be tough given many of the candidates currently hold elected office and have a solid base to turn to for signatures,” said Ms. Smalls. “As a first-time candidate, I’m excited to be the third candidate to officially turn in my petitions to the board of elections. My sincere thanks go out to all of our volunteers and supporters who hustled in the cold weather to make sure my name will be on the ballot on February 26th.”

Smalls shows she is a serious contender, filing just behind two candidates known to have a built-in campaign infrastructure and significant resources on hand before the race was even called.

Petitioning began January 2nd, just two days ago, when the Mayor officially signed a proclamation officially setting February 26th for the special election for Public Advocate. Candidates have just 12 days to collect 3,750 signatures from NYC registered voters.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND SPEAKER JOHNSON LAUNCH FAIR FARES PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME NEW YORKERS

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Corey Johnson held a joint appearance Friday afternoon to announce the details of an unprecedented City effort to address poverty through the development of a half-priced MetroCard program for low-income New Yorkers.

During the first phase, the City will provide discounted MetroCards to working New Yorkers at or below the federal poverty level who are receiving cash assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from the New York City Department of Social Services. The City is committed to expanding the program to as many New Yorkers as possible in future phases and is already developing the infrastructure to make that possible.

The Fair Fares NYC MetroCard will allow participants to purchase unlimited weekly and monthly passes at a 50 percent discount at MTA vending machines. The cards can be used on any New York City subway or non-express bus. The City is working with the MTA to phase in a pay-per-ride option, which it expects to launch in April. 

“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to choose between a ride on the subway or bus and their next meal,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our partnership with the Council for fair fares will make our city stronger and fairer for low-income New Yorkers whose lives depend on mass transportation.”

“Fair Fares is a groundbreaking program that will help New Yorkers who need it most. I couldn’t be prouder to stand with Mayor de Blasio, my colleagues in the Council, and advocates to launch its first phase. Fair Fares will open up this city and its promise to people who currently are being shut out because they can’t afford a swipe. It will change lives for the better. I thank the Mayor and his team for their support and members of the Council for prioritizing this program in budget negotiations, but most of all, I want to thank advocates like Community Service Society and the Riders Alliance. Their hard work and dedication made Fair Fares a reality, and we stand united in making it a success and open to every New Yorker living in poverty,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

“The Fair Fares program will greatly help many low income working New Yorkers for whom the cost of a MetroCard is a burden and sometimes infeasible for already tight budgets,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “We are completely committed to this important program plan, and are working diligently to make sure it is fully implemented as quickly as possible.”

“This program will provide thousands of eligible New Yorkers affordable access to public transportation which will be a lifeline for people living in poverty to achieve their full potential,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “We’re making this program a reality and carrying out our commitment to fight poverty and income inequality in our City.”

Last spring, the Mayor and Council announced a plan to fund $106 million for the Fair Fares NYC program in the first year. On Friday morning, the Department of Social Services started contacting 30,000 eligible working New Yorkers who are receiving cash assistance benefits. The notifications, and subsequent telephone calls, will inform this group of their eligibility and invite them to visit the nearest Fair Fares NYC location to receive their half-priced MetroCard. Eligible recipients can also call 311 to assist in receiving their card. In April, an additional estimated 130,000 working New Yorkers who are receiving SNAP benefits will receive notifications about how to access their cards.

"The implementation of Fair Fares starting will enable our most vulnerable populations to be able to access the subway and bus service systems without the worry of affordability. The overall goal is to increase equity in public transportation and decrease the gap of inequality that exists in New York City," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the Committee on Transportation. "Two years in the making, the Fair Fares program empowers New Yorkers and eliminates an impediment when commuting to work, school or an appointment. It's a win-win for all."