NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS  ON ITS PLANS FOR THE 2019 CELEBRATION

Loíza is honored municipality in Puerto Rico, and Houston is honored stateside community Chi-Chi Rodríguez to attend the Parade’s 4thAnnual Golf Outing  to raise funds for the NPRDP Scholarship Program Groups interested in participating in Parade and 152nd Street Cultural Festival can apply online at NPRDPinc.org

With just under two months before this year’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) marches up New York’s Fifth Avenue, the Board of Directors made its first set of announcements about to the 2019 cultural celebration. This year’s Parade is dedicated to the municipality of Loíza, in Puerto Rico, which is celebrating the tricentennial of its founding, in 2019. Located approximately 15 miles to the east of San Juan, and home to a population of 30,000 loiceños, Loiza boasts a rich, heritage of predominantly Afro-Puerto Rican influence whose customs and traditions that have added dimension and diversity to the broader Puerto Rican identity and experience. “We Loiceños are honored to receive this distinction from the Puerto Rican community in the diaspora, said the mayor of Loíza, the honorable Julia M. Nazario Fuentes. “We are preparing a magnificent sample of our cultural attractions for the Parada, as an important part of the celebration of the 300 years of the founding of the parish of Loíza; although the settlement of our ancestors on the banks of the Rio Grande de Loíza dates back to even longer ago. This summer will be spectacular, with the rumble of Bombain the streets of New York. We hope to see you all en La Quinta!” Joining Loíza in this year’s dedications is the PuertoRican community in Houston, Texas, selected as the 2019 Honored Stateside Community. Houston is home to Texas’ largest Puerto Rican community, roughly 25,000 people that account for 25% the state’s Puerto Rican population. Primarily a mix of people coming directly from Puerto Rico and others that relocated from New York, Houston’s Puerto Rican community has along history of achieving distinction in many fields, including medicine, education, engineering and public administration.  “We are thrilled that the NPRDP has chosen to highlight the Houston Puerto Rican community in this year’s Parade,” said Nicolás Kanellos, Director of Arte Público Press and leader of the Houston delegation. “Among those in the contingent representing Houston in the parade will be Puerto-Rico born soprano and Artistic Advisor for the Houston Grand Opera, Ana María Martínez, the highest appointed public official, Edgardo Colón, and a float with a number of the writers Arte Público Press publishes.” Kicking off the 2019 NPRDP event calendar is the annual golf outing, which is dedicated to former professional golfer and 8-time PGA champion, Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodríguez. Recognized as the first Puerto Rican to be inducted to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Mr. Rodríguez will be honored as one of the Parade’s Lifetime Achievement Honorees. The 2019 NPRDP Chi Chi Rodríguez Golf Outing will take place on Thursday, May 9 at Pelham Bay Golf Course, 870 Shore Road in the Bronx, beginning at 11:15am. Details on participation, sponsorship and the day’s agenda are available on the “Golf Outing Page” of the Parade website, NPRDPinc.org/golf-outing.   The NPRDP is now accepting participant applications for the 2019 Parade. The Board of Directors welcomes groups interested in celebrating Puerto Rican culture, history and traditions, and all contingents and floats must have cultural elements as part of their presentation. Those interested in participating should visit the “Floats & Contingents” page on the Parade website, NPRDPinc.org/floats, for additional details and instructions for completing an online application.  Applications are also being accepted for artisans, community groups, vendors and sponsors wanting to participate in the 152ndStreet Cultural Festival on Saturday, on May 25 from 11am to 5pm. Set on the corner of 152ndStreet and Jackson Avenue in the Bronx, the family-friendly festival will featurelive musical performances, dancing, celebrity appearances and a children’s pavilion with arts & crafts, storytelling, and face painting. Additional event details and instructions for completing an online vendor application can be found be found at NPRDPinc.org/152nd-street-festival.  The 2019 National Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on New York City’s Fifth Avenue from E 43rd Street to E 79th St, Sunday June 9, starting at 11am. The celebration will be broadcast live on WABC-TV (Channel 7 in NYC) and streamed online at www.abc7ny.com. The television broadcast will begin at 12pm through 4pm. For more information about the Parade and the NPRDP Scholarship Program, visit www.nprdpinc.org.

AOC Green New Deal Fun Run next weekend, on 4/27

NYC & COMPANY INVITES VISITORS TO DISCOVER SUMMER IN THE CITY

—Monumental openings, big events, and perennial favorites to attract nearly 19 million visitors to the five boroughs June through August— 

  NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization of New York City, is pleased to highlight a lineup of unprecedented openings and annual events that make summer 2019 an especially attractive time to visit. These key additions and events, coupled with perennial sports and recreational opportunities throughout the city (from baseball fever with the Mets and Yankees to outdoor activities in Coney Island, Governors Island and the Rockaways), make June, July and August a truly can’t-miss time in NYC. During these months, NYC & Company predicts 19 million visitors will travel to the City.  

“Summer brings a radiant energy to the five boroughs and is a wonderful time to explore our dynamic and diverse neighborhoods,” said NYC & Company president and CEO Fred Dixon. “A remarkable roster of major openings and iconic events provide countless reasons to explore everything New York City has to offer.”

Below is a roundup of notable items that complete a monumental season this year, more can be found at nycgo.com/summer.

Major Openings

• Hudson Yards - Opened March 15 (Far West Manhattan)

2019 is the inaugural summer season for NYC’s newest neighborhood. Visitors can enjoy the extended daylight views of the Hudson River by making a reservation to climb the Vessel or cool off inside the Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards where restaurants like Mercado Little Spain by Jose Andres and Kawi by David Chang are paired alongside stores like Neiman Marcus. Later this summer, the neighborhood will also have a world class wellness destination in the first ever Equinox Hotel (HudsonYardsNewYork.com).

• The Shed - Opened April 5 (Hudson Yards, Manhattan)

The dynamic new cultural hub in Hudson Yards made its much-anticipated debut just as warm weather returned this April with Steve McQueen’s Soundtrack of America (now closed). Continuing the first half of the inaugural season are exhibitions such as Tony Cokes and Oscar Murillo (June 19-August 25) Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise(June 22-July 27), and MAZE (July 23-August 17) (TheShed.org).

• Bronx Zoo Dinosaur Safari - Opening April 19 (The Bronx)

The largest and most life-like Dinosaur ride in America will open in the Bronx Zoo this spring. 40 animatronic and life-sized dinosaurs will lurk in a two-acre wooded area within the park and educate visitors about the physical and behavioral adaptations of our prehistoric ancestors (bronxzoo.com).

• TWA Hotel - Opening May 15 (John F. Kennedy Airport, Queens)

Luxury returns to JFK next month thanks to a 512-room hotel in the former TWA flight center dedicated to the jet age. Among the six restaurants and eight bars, guests can explore “Connie” a 1958 Starline airplane repurposed as a retro cocktail lounge out on the tarmac (twahotel.org).

• Empire Outlets - Opening May 15 (St. George, Staten Island)

NYC’s first outlet shopping destination will launch just steps from the Staten Island ferry, with shops like Nike and Nordstrom Rack, just in time for summer. Home to 100 retail and dining experiences, the outlets are perfect for summertime fun with the Staten Island Yankees ballpark right next door and great views of lower Manhattan available from all over the mall (empireoutlets.nyc).

• Statue of Liberty Museum - Opening May 16 (Liberty Island)

Liberty Island will offer more activity to visitors than ever when the Statue of Liberty Museum makes its highly anticipated debut in May. The interactive new home for the Statue’s original torch also includes an immersive education tour and unrivaled views of the statue, lower Manhattan, and the harbor (libertyellisfoundation.org).

• The Highline Spur - Opening May (Hudson Yards, Manhattan)

A decade after the elevated park originally opened, the last remaining section of the original rail structure will open on the western end of The Highline as the Spur this May including a series of rotating art commissions of varying size and scale titled The Plinth (thehighline.org).

Big Events

• Pride Celebrations - May 10-June 30 (NYC)

Pride celebrations will take place across the five boroughs beginning with Staten Island (May 10-18), Harlem (May 31-June 29), Queens (June 2), Brooklyn (June 8) and The Bronx (June 23), culminating with the U.S. debut ofWorldPride (June 24-30), with 50+ events over 5 days and nearly 4-5 million participants expected in total.

• Fleet Week - May 22-28 (NYC)

Fleet Week provides visitors with the opportunity to celebrate Memorial Day with members of the Navy and Marines visiting NYC while on leave from duty. The week kicks off with a parade of naval ships and includes special events on the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum, ship tours, and sailor meet and greets. (nycgo.com/fleetweek).

• World Science Festival – May 28- June 2 (NYC)

This weeklong celebration of science features over 60 events that take science out of the lab and into the streets, parks, museums, and premier performing arts venues of New York City. Highlights include: theatrical works dedicated to historic scientists like Albert Einstein, deep discussions with astronauts like Apollo 11's Michael Collins, outdoor experiences like Stargazing in Brooklyn Bridge Park and more (worldsciencefestival.com).

• The Belmont Stakes - June 8 (Belmont Park, Queens)

In addition to the final leg of the thoroughbred Triple Crown horse races, the Belmont Stakes features a three-day festival with dozens of races, live music, and a food-truck village for visitors to enjoy (belmontstakes.com).

• Museum Mile Festival - June 11 (Upper East Side, Manhattan) 

This June, some of the most prestigious museums in the world are throwing a block party on Manhattans Upper East Side, free for all to attend. From 6-9pm on June 11, El Museo del Barrio, Museum of the City of New York, Jewish Museum, Cooper Hewitt Museum, Guggenheim Museum, Neue Galerie, and The Met Fifth Avenue will welcome visitors to see their incredible collections for free with Fifth Avenue closed to vehicles (museummilefestival.org).

• SailGP - June 21-22 (Lower Manhattan)

The global sailboat racing series makes its only stop on the eastern half of the Americas on the official first day of summer. On the Lower Hudson River, the teams will reach speeds up to 60 mph, while fans onshore can experience the Race Village located at Brookfield Place (SailGP.com).

• Coney Island Mermaid Parade - June 22 (Coney Island, Brooklyn)

“King Neptune” and “Queen Mermaid” will lead a procession of mermaids and mermen in what is the largest parade in Brooklyn all year down Surf Ave and the boardwalk to the beach to officially open the ocean for swimming season (coneyisland.com).

• Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks - July 4 (NYC)

The largest Fourth of July spectacular in the United States will light up the NYC skyline from the East River this year with the help of world-class performers and nearly 3 million spectators. While this year’s performers have yet to be announced, past celebrations have seen the likes of Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, and Katy Perry take the stage (visitmacysusa.com).

• Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest - July 4 (Coney Island, Brooklyn)

The world’s most iconic hot dog stand will make Coney Island an epicenter for Independence Day festivities again with its 103rd hot dog eating contest. For a complete Fourth of July experience, fans should head down the boardwalk to the Brooklyn Cyclones game and post-game fireworks show that follows (nathansfamous.com).

• ABB FIA New York City E-Prix - July 13 (Red Hook, Brooklyn)

At the third annual New York City E-Prix, fully electric vehicles will reach speeds up to 140mph in front of Lower Manhattan’s skyline as FIA crowns a champion at the 2019 season finale. Off the track, fans can meet the driversand experience the latest racing technology at the Allianz E-Village (fiaformulae.com).

• NYC Restaurant Week - July 22 - August 16 (NYC)

Through NYC & Company’s signature program, in partnership with Mastercard, nearly 400 restaurants across the five boroughs will again offer two-course prix-fixe lunches and brunches for $26 and three-course prix-fixe dinners for $42. In total, locals and visitors can try 30+ individual cuisines in more than 40 distinct neighborhoods with participating restaurants (nycgo.com/restaurantweek).

• Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival - August 2-3 (Corona Park, Queens)

This August, 200 dragon boat teams will race on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in celebration of the fifth month on the lunar calendar. Onshore, traditional food, martial arts demonstrations, dance performances, Chinese crafts and children's activities will complete the experience (hkdbf-ny.org).

• 2019 US Open Tennis Championships - August 26-September 8 (Flushing, Queens)

The top tennis players in the world will compete in the 51st US Open at the new USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where 600 million-dollar strategic transformations were completed last year. In addition to the grand slam tournament, fans can visit US Open Fan Week, including open practices with tennis stars, Queens Day and Arthur Ashe Kids Day celebrations (usopen.org).

ONENYC: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES TRANSPORTATION MEASURES TO INCREASE NEW YORKERS’ MOBILITY

The City has identified locations to implement its Bus Action Plan to increase bus speeds 25% by 2020, help more businesses receive off-hour deliveries, and explore new pedestrian zones in Lower Manhattan

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced dramatic measures to increase mobility on our streets that will be part of the 2019 OneNYC strategic plan. The package announced today includes: a detailed plan on how DOT will implement the Bus Action Plan with the goal of increasing bus speeds 25% by 2020; a plan to triple the number of businesses switching to off-hour deliveries; and pursue the creation of new pedestrian priority zones around Lower Manhattan. These measures will help New Yorkers get around and complement the implementation of congestion pricing in early 2021. The Mayor made the announcement along Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side, among the corridors that will see major bus improvements this year.

“Making it easier to get around our city means New Yorkers have more time for what matters most – for their family and themselves,” said Mayor de Blasio. “These measures are part of our OneNYC strategy to build a fairer, better city for all. They complement congestion pricing, helping us fix our subways and reduce traffic delays to get our city moving.”

Today’s mobility announcement consists of three elements, all part of 2019 OneNYC, the strategic plan for the City: the Better Buses Action Plan, increasing off-hour deliveries and pursuing the creation of new pedestrian spaces in Lower Manhattan.

Better Buses Action Plan

In his 2019 State of the City address, Mayor de Blasio announced a citywide goal of improving bus speeds by 25% by 2020. The Better Buses Action Plan released today (see report here), identifies the specific routes and projects the City will undertake in 2019 to increase bus speeds in all five boroughs. These projects include:

Manhattan: 42^nd Street, 12^th Avenue to FDR Drive; 2 miles

Total daily ridership: 16,000

Potential Improvements:

· Upgrade curbside bus lane to offset lane in at least one direction

· Update curb management along the corridor to prioritize transit priority, pedestrian space, and loading needs

· Extend/install turn bays at select locations and install turn bans at select locations to benefit the flow of buses and other traffic

· Adjust signal timing to improve crosstown travel

Bronx: Webster Avenue, 176^th Street to 174^th Street; .25 miles

Total daily ridership: 21,000

Potential Improvements:

·  Add southbound offset bus lane between E 176th St and E 174th St

·  Add physical barrier to separate bus and right turning movements

·  Adjust signal timing to improve safety and vehicle flow

Queens: Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Beach 116^th Street to Beach 73^rd Street; 3.7 miles

Total daily ridership: 36,000

Potential Improvements:

· Implement pedestrian safety improvements at intersections along the corridor

· Construct sidewalks to make bus stops at Beach 73rd St and Beach 67th St accessible

· Install offset and curbside bus lanes on portions of the corridor

Brooklyn: Livingston Street, Boerum Place to Flatbush Avenue

Total daily ridership: 63,000

Potential Improvements:

· Add dedicated westbound right turn arrow and signal phase to help buses turning right from westbound Livingston St onto Boerum Pl

·  Refresh existing bus lanes and extend bus lane hours

· Upgrade bus lanes to protected bus lanes with physical barriers to prevent illegal parking and standing

Staten Island: Narrows Road at Hylan Boulevard

Total daily ridership: 33,000

Potential Improvements:

· Relocate the northbound S78 bus stop from the south side of Narrows Rd S to the north side to improve bus operations and safety

· Reverse direction of Hylan Blvd (east leg) from northbound to southbound, from Narrows Rd S to Olga Pl, to reduce congestion and make it easier for buses and other traffic on Narrows Rd S to merge onto the Staten Island Expressway on-ramp

· Investigate a leading pedestrian signal (LPI) for the east crosswalk to give pedestrians a head start on crossing the street to reach the S78 bus stop

· Coordinate with NYSDOT to move the existing bus stop on the south side of Narrows Rd S/Hylan Blvd one block to the west to improve safety, to better position buses to merge onto the Staten Island Expy and alleviate traffic congestion

Increasing Off-Hour Deliveries

The de Blasio administration will work with MTA and the Port Authority to encourage efficient deliveries and support continued growth in freight activity, specifically by encouraging more businesses to accept off-hour deliveries in the Central Business District. Under the initiative this year, the number of business locations enrolled in the Overnight/Off-hour Delivery (OHD) program will triple -- from just over 500 to 1500.

DOT directs the OHD program, helping businesses make this transition by working with distributors. Currently, 119 businesses at 524 off-hour delivery locations are now involved in the program – the majority in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with a small number in other boroughs.

The OHD program (more info here) includes businesses that ship large amounts of goods into the Central Business District, like Just Salad, Liberty Coca Cola and ABI (Anheuser Busch-Inbev), as well as companies that receive deliveries, including Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, Pret-a-Manger, Lush, Rite Aid, and Whole Foods.

Increasing freight efficiency with an expanded OHD program promotes sustainable business practices with multiple benefits – from the reduction of daytime roadway congestion and double parking in active bus lanes to advancing the City’s Vision Zero goals with fewer truck-pedestrian conflicts.  The city plans to spend $1 million on outreach to all businesses in areas of Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn to make the case for OHD or invite them to participate in the program.

New Pedestrian Spaces

In light of recent community based pedestrianization studies, the City is examining options for creating new pedestrian priority streets in Lower Manhattan, where streets are narrow and sidewalks often overcrowded. DOT will work with communities, including within the Financial District, to identify locations.

As part of pedestrianizing streets in Lower Manhattan, DOT will look at using its existing toolbox – including potential changes to street-parking regulations and daytime events.  DOT is also examining shared-street options. DOT is also examining shared-street options building off a summer Lower Manhattan neighborhood-wide shared street event that took place on an August Saturday in 2017, sponsored by DOT and community groups.

DOT will look to install treatments this year following a community engagement process, including with Manhattan Community Board One and the Alliance for Downtown NY. The formal study of the area will kick off this summer.

“As New York City prepares to implement Congestion Pricing, we need to use this moment to set the right policies into motion,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Under Mayor de Blasio’s leadership, we will have a Better Buses Action Plan, off-hour delivery assistance programs, and new pedestrian zones that will help us get the most out of our streets and other public space.”

“Public transportation is the lifeblood of our city, but congested streets and crowded sidewalks negatively impact safety and accessibility in our communities. That’s why we’re thrilled that the City, through OneNYC, is taking steps to speed up buses and better manage delivery times,” said Daniel Zarrilli, NYC’s OneNYC Director and Chief Climate Policy Advisor. “These measures announced today, including a bold experiment to prioritize pedestrians in Lower Manhattan, send a message to the globe and help to make our city safer and easier to get around while ensuring efficient mobility for all.”

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: Launch of the USDA SNAP Pilot Program in NYS

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. issued the following statement regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Online Purchasing Pilot Program, which was launched today in New York State by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“This pilot program has the potential to dramatically diminish food deserts while also increasing choice and lowering costs for some of our most vulnerable, food-insecure communities. Shoppers will now be able to use their SNAP benefits to shop for food at certain online vendors, just like they would use a credit or debit card. This pilot program could lead to lower prices and greater options for all New Yorkers.

“My office has been working with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney other partners at all levels to facilitate this program for several years, and I am happy to see it implemented. I look forward to working with the USDA, vendors, hunger advocates and other stakeholders to examine this pilot program as it moves forward and to improve access to healthy foods to all communities,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

More information on the USDA’s launch of the pilot program can be found athttps://bit.ly/2Xn1x5e.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNAPOLI: STATE AGENCY OVERTIME PAY HITS $787 MILLION

  Overtime pay in 2018 at state agencies was at the highest level within the past decade, rising to $787 million, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Overtime hours also rose, with 18.1 million hours worked.   

“New York state’s overtime pay has seen significant growth in the past decade,” DiNapoli said. “As the state confronts increasingly high costs for overtime, New York needs to find ways to better manage costs while providing taxpayers with critical services.”

Meanwhile, the average number of state employees (excluding the State University of New York and the City University of New York) decreased slightly in 2018 to 155,818 -- 12 percent lower than in 2009. The largest decreases occurred in the Department of Labor, Office of Children and Family Services and the Department of Health.

Overtime has accounted for 3.9 percent of all state payroll costs from 2009 to 2018, totaling more than $6.1 billion. New York state policy calls for overtime work to be held to a minimum consistent with operational needs by proper scheduling and other arrangements.

Three agencies that manage institutional settings – the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and the Office of Mental Health (OMH) – accounted for 62.5 percent of overtime hours logged by all state agencies in 2018.

OPWDD and DOCCS experienced significant increases in overtime hours per employee over the past decade.  Other agencies with comparatively large increases in such hours since 2009 include the Division of State Police, up 96.3 percent; the Office of General Services, up 87.7 percent and the Department of Transportation, up 79.5 percent. Agencies with decreases in overtime hours per employee included the Department of Labor, down 96.5 percent; and Department of Taxation and Finance, down 61 percent.

Agencies that reduced total overtime pay over last five years include the Office of Children and Family Services and the Department of Taxation and Finance. 

See the full report at: http://osc.state.ny.us/reports/overtime/state-agency-overtime-report-2019.pdf

NYC Council Member Andy King Introduces Universoul Circus Talent to Bronx Students

 

  It was like magic as performers from the Universal Circus entertained scores of Bronx students today at the Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship in the Bronx. This morning, NYC Council Member Andy King welcomed the ring master and select performers who include Fresh the Clown and acts Trinidad, Ethiopia and the USA.

“Universoul Circus is a collection of worldwide cultures and experiences that fascinates and entertains everyone,” said Council Member King, who facilitated the sneak preview for the students. “It’s an experience that never gets old. I was happy to help bring this fun treat to our young people who have worked so hard at their studies all year.”

Above - Councilman King wanted his photo with some of the UniverSoul performers.

Below - After the show the performers, Councilman King, and Principal Zenobia-White DaCruz took a group photo.