MTA REMOVAL OF BUS STOP SCHEDULES DRAWS IRE OF CM COHEN AND AM DINOWITZ

  Following a recent cost-saving measure from the MTA to remove printed schedules at all bus stops, Council Member Andrew Cohen and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz have penned a letter expressing their displeasure. The decision, which the MTA estimates to save approximately $550,000 per year, has also elicited complaints from bus riders, advocates, and elected officials throughout the city. The MTA indicates on their website that there are 16,350 bus stops citywide with an average of 2.4 million bus riders per day.

In their letter, Cohen and Dinowitz challenge the cost-effectiveness of saving a half-million dollars per year at the expense of easily accessed information for bus riders. A 2015 report from NYC Department of Consumer Affairs about mobile phone ownership indicates that 40% of people over the age of 60 and 15% of people with incomes under $31,200 per year do not have a smartphone.

The MTA has suggested that in lieu of printed schedules at each bus stop, that customers could simply log on to their MYmta smartphone app to check the schedule. The MTA also offers schedule information by calling 511 and navigating their automated voice-recognition system or by texting bus route and stop information to 511123. However, a test of the 511 system from Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office resulted in an estimated 7-9 minute wait to speak with a live representative after the voice recognition failed to identify which stop information was being requested. The texting service also only provided information about the next arriving bus, and did not offer any information about when a bus was scheduled to arrive at a future time.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “At a time when we should be expanding information access to all bus riders, such as adding modernized bus maps and route frequency information, it is very unfortunate that the MTA has decided to eliminate an essential service for many of their customers. Not everyone has or wants to use a cell phone to figure out when the bus is supposed to come. Eliminating printed schedules at bus stops to save a little bit of mouney seems penny wise and pound foolish, especially as we see money continue to be wasted on things like bus washing facilities that weren’t built large enough to fit the necessary equipment.”

Council Member Andrew Cohen said: “To think that every person will be able to pull out a smart phone to figure out when something as important as when the bus should be arriving, is not considerate of our community members that do not have access to technology or have the understanding of how to do so. This is a modest amount of capital that the MTA is trying to save compared to the system-wide investments that the MTA needs to make. The need for information about when the bus arriving is very important to my constituents, so much so that bus countdown clocks have been a consistent ballot item on my yearly Participatory Budgeting process and that I have invested over $520,000 in City funding towards since 2016. This is not where the MTA should be cutting cost, and it does not improve equitable service for all patrons- which should be the goal.”

Six Members of Congress Endorse Congressional Candidate Michael Blake (NY-15)

  Michael Blake, a third-term Assemblymember, received multi-state support including a Presidential candidate and a national African American leader in Congress.

As thousands flock to Washington, D.C. for the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference Michael Blake, Congressional Candidate for NY-15, released an impressive first set of endorsements which includes Congressman Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA), Congressman and Presidential candidate Tim Ryan (D-OH), Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI). 

“During my tenure as a Member of the New York State Assembly, I sat behind Michael on the floor of the Assembly, which gave me a front row seat watching him fight for people who did not have powerful special interests groups in Albany. I know Michael will take that same fight to Washington as a Member of Congress. I proudly endorse Michael Blake for Congress." - said Congressman Brindisi 

“I've known Michael since I was the Speaker of the California Assembly and immediately knew that Michael Blake was a leader that people believe in his vision. From his time as a White House aide to President Obama to his current local and national elected leadership, Michael is a progressive, prepared and effective leader who we need in Congress. It is critical that we have African American leadership ready from day one to help our people and all Americans thrive in this country, which is why I endorse Michael Blake. I wholeheartedly endorse Michael Blake to be the next Member of Congress because we need young African American and leaders of Color to lead our country forward. - Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-33)

"Michael Blake is a leader and has a bold vision for the people of his community and the country. The United States Congress needs him now more than ever. He can help our country heal, come together and start making progress again." - Congressman Ryan (OH-13)

“My friend Michael Blake is a true leader. As an assemblyman representing one of the most diverse districts in the country, Michael understands the challenges of so many of us. I’ve seen his leadership in action and deeply appreciate his commitment to never leave anyone behind. He fights for all people to have a voice in our politics, and I would be honored to serve with him and his progressive vision in Congress.”- Congresswoman Haaland (NM-1)

“I have known Michael for close to 15 years. I have watched him grow as a leader who is well respected by his peers. When Michael speaks people listen.  As a fellow New York native, Michael is the kind of influential, compassionate and hardworking leader that we need in Congress to help people believe again in The Bronx and that politics matters.” - Congresswoman Kelly (IL-2)

"Michael understands the fight and is ready to get to work on the big challenges our nation faces. He would be an incredible voice for working families and an ally in the fight to boost wages, lower health care costs and expand opportunity for all. Michael would be a true representative for the people, and, we need him in Congress." - Congressman Kildee (MI-5)

Prior to these endorsements, Assemblymember Blake was endorsed by The Collective PAC in August.

Assemblymember Blake represents the 79th District of New York. Formerly, he served as an aide in the Obama Administration and currently serves as Democratic National Committee (DNC) Vice Chair.

To learn more about Michael Blake’s platform and policy positions, please visit  blakeforcongress.nyc.

Bronx State Senate Session Update

  Bronx State Senators Jamaal Bailey, Alessandra Biaggi, Gustavo Rivera, and Luis Sepulveda, Thursday night held a Legislative Update of what went on in Albany this year. Nine-hundred and thirty-five bills were passed  in the 2019 legislative session. State Senator Gustavo  Rivera has been in Albany longer than the other three senators combined. Senator Rivera is the Chair of the Health Committee, Senator Bailey is the Chair of the Codes Committee, Senator Biaggi the chair of the Ethics Committee, and Senator Sepulveda is the Chair of the Crime Victims and Criminal Justice Committee.

The event started late with very few people in the audience other than staff members of the elected officials. Senator Rivera spoke first, and gave an overview of some major items such as the new rent laws, the Reproductive Health Act, and the New York Health Act to name only a few. 

Senator Biaggi spoke of holding hearings on sexual harassment, which she said was the first time in twenty-seven years in the state senate. She said that of the eighty bills she introduced seventeen passed the state senate, and four were signed by Governor Cuomo. To become a law a bill has to pass both the state senate and state assembly in exactly the same wording, and then be signed by the governor. There are many bills that pass only one house or are vetoed by the governor which never become a law.

Senator Sepulveda opened his speech with an old vaudeville line "Take my wife, Please". He then went on to discuss how people with mental health issues wind up in jails to be wharehoused. He spoke about the Green Light Act Bill and the Jose Peralta Dream Act.

Senator Bailey wants fairness in trials or a 'Triangle of Justice'. That means a change in the Discovery Laws, No Cash Bail, and Speedy Trials. He added about the new early voting coming to New York State, October 26th this year.

Moderator Gary Axelbank combined like questions that were written on cards. With all the questions and very low community involvement people on the way out said that the senators did not address what the community wanted to hear. What seemed to be the highlight of this legislative update was an interruption by Stephanie Minaras an Anti-Vaccine advocate that lasted several minutes before senate staffers quieted her down without incident.

Above - Mark Jerome of Monroe College speaks to the audience about the pleasure of hosting this legislative update.

Below - Anti-Vaccine advocate Stephanie Minaras interrupts the event.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Meeting

 

Members of the group Bronx Animal Rights Electors, Ann Jaffa, Roxanne Delgado, Mary Lozada, and Mary Fayet wait for Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark to arrive at Bronx House to try to find out why 'Not One Day in Jail' was the deal DA Clark made with animal abuser Loro Gjonaj. 

DA Clark was intrduced by PPNA President Edith Blitzer. DA Clark spoke of an earlier case winding up in the sentencing of a high school student to fourteen years in jail. Her voice seemed a little rattled after that as she went into her history as a judge for sixteen years. After talking about changing how the DA’s office handles cases, doing case reviews of past convictions, five people in jail for up to twenty-five years have been exonerated, working with local police precincts, DA Clark said the newest priority is the opioid crisis. DA Clark said that in the Bronx the average age of an opioid addict is forty-six years old. However Fentanyl is is the newest addicted drug.

DA Clark then took questions, with PPNA President Edith Blitzer asking how the protesters outside know what the outcome of the trial of the dog abuser is. DA Clark said that the sentencing is up to the judge in the case, justice is different in every case, and that because the case is still open she could not comment. 

Ms. Roxanne Delgado asks DA Clark about the no jail decision in the Justice for Cleo case, that DA Clark made with animal abuser Loro Gjonaj.

In the elected officials reports representatives of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, Assemblywoman Fernandez, Councilman Torres, and State Senator Biaggi gave reports. PPNA President Blitzer gave State Senator Biaggi’s rep a hard time, saying that former Senator Klein was very involved with the PPNA appearing many times at meetings. She said that she had invited Senator Biaggi several times, but Senator Biaggi has not responded. Ms. Blitzer also wanted to know where the local Bronx office off Pelham Parkway was. The answer by the senator’s rep Emily was that Senator Biaggi has a new office on Riverdale Avenue, with a mobile office visiting other parts of the district. 

DA Clark speaking to the people in the audience.

UPDATE:

It has been reported in the Daily News that Loro Gjonaj is releated to Councilman Mark Gjonaj. Both DA Clark and Councilman Mark Gjonaj have denied any favoritism was used for the plea of no jail time.

DE BLASIO ADMINSTRATION SUES CHIPOTLE FOR VIOLATING CITY’S FAIR WORKWEEK MAW

 First lawsuit against corporately-owned fast food chain under City’s Fair Workweek Law

  Mayor de Blasio and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Lorelei Salas today announced a lawsuit against Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (Chipotle) for widespread violations of the City’s Fair Workweek Law, which requires predictable schedules in the fast food and retail industries and a pathway to stable, full-time employment for fast food workers.

“In New York City, predictable schedules for fast food and retail workers are a right, not a privilege,” said Mayor de Blasio. “No corporation can get away with blatantly violating the rights of New York City workers without consequences. Chipotle must immediately stop their unfair labor practices and put their employees above profit.”

“It is disappointing that numerous Chipotle locations are ignoring the City’s Fair Workweek Law and continuing to take advantage of their workers,” said DCWP Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “This case exemplifies the abusive practices that this law is intended to end, and Chipotle must come into compliance. I encourage all fast food workers to come forward if their right to a predictable schedule or new shift is being violated.”

"I used to work at the 185 Montague Street Chipotle. I started out as a takeout specialist and I became a service manager. In my time at this Chipotle store, I saw the company violate not one, but all the tenets of the Fair Workweek Law," said Steve Vidal, former Chipotle worker.

The lawsuit, which has been filed at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), alleges that Chipotle violated nearly every aspect of the City’s Fair Workweek Law, including failing to provide good faith estimates of work schedules and schedules two weeks in advance, failing to get consent and pay premiums for last minute schedule changes and for working “clopenings,” and failing to offer newly available shifts to current employees. DCWP also found that Chipotle had an illegal sick leave policy. More than 30 workers from five different Chipotle locations in Brooklyn filed complaints with DCWP about ongoing violations of the Fair Workweek Law.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is seeking at least $1 million in restitution for workers plus civil penalties and future compliance with the requirements of the Fair Workweek Law. DCWP has also launched an investigation into 11 Chipotle locations in Manhattan for similar alleged violations under the Fair Workweek Law.

Under the Fair Workweek Law, fast food employers in New York City must give workers good faith estimates of when and how much they will work, predictable work schedules, and the opportunity to work newly available shifts before hiring new workers. Fast food employers also cannot schedule workers to work a clopening unless workers consent in writing and are paid a $100 premium to work the shift. Under the Law, retail employers must also give workers advanced notice of work schedules and may not schedule workers for on-call shifts or change workers’ schedules with inadequate notice. The required You Have a Right to a Predictable Work Schedule must be posted in any language that is the primary language of at least five percent of the workers at the workplace if available on DCWP’s website. Since the law went into effect, DCWP has received more than 250 complaints about Fair Workweek, closed more than 100 investigations, and obtained resolutions requiring more than $1 million combined fines and restitution for more than 2,600 workers. Workers can file a complaint online at nyc.gov/workers or by calling 311. Complaints can be filed anonymously.

DCWP’s lawsuit is being handled by Agency Attorney Hillary Scrivani supervised by Senior Enforcement Counsel Haeya Yim and Director of Litigation Claudia Henriquez, of the Office of Labor Policy & Standards (OLPS). The investigation was conducted by OLPS Investigator Tat Chun Lau supervised by Supervising Investigator Juana Abreu and Director of Investigations Elizabeth Wagoner.  OLPS is led by Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Holt.

FIXING SIDEWALKS, BREAKING BUREAUCRACY: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES CITY TO STOP ISSUING VIOLATIONS ON HOMEOWNERS FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY STREET TREES

Mayor de blasio goes over a listing of NYC trees in CB 12 with Speaker Heastie and State Senator Bailey.

  Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Heastie announced today the City will no longer issue violations to homeowners for sidewalk damage caused by City trees. The City will also ramp up sidewalk repairs under the Trees & Sidewalks program to address 5,500 priority sites over the next three years.

“We’re not just fixing broken sidewalks – we’re fixing a broken system,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We tripled funding for tree related sidewalk repair, but homeowners were still on the hook for problems they didn’t create. As a homeowner, I know how frustrating that is. Now, if a street tree causes damage, we’re taking care of it.”

“This has been a huge quality of life concern for my constituents who have invested their savings in purchasing a home, only to be hit with this liability through no fault of their own. The problems associated with these trees became very apparent as I have been knocking on doors and visiting with constituents,” said Carl E. Heastie, Speaker of the New York State Assembly. “I am glad that the Mayor de Blasio has recognized this issue and together we have developed a solution to take the burden off these homeowners.”

The City will stop imposing liens on one, two and three family properties that have sidewalk damage caused solely by City trees. DOT and the Parks Department will still inspect for dangerous sidewalk conditions, but the City, not the homeowner, will be responsible for fixing them if they are exclusively tree related.

DOT will review the 50,000 existing notices of violation to determine which were caused exclusively by street trees and cancel the lien for any that meets the criteria. If the homeowner of the qualifying property is selling or refinancing their home, the City will expedite this re- evaluation.

“Our more than 650,000 street trees are a tremendous resource to the city, but over the decades root growth has caused conflicts on our city’s sidewalks,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “Our plan to repair all backlogged sites over the next three years, combined with new policies around sidewalk violations, will ensure that trees remain a boon to New Yorkers and not a burden. We’re thankful for the support from Mayor de Blasio and our partnership with NYC DOT to find a path forward on this issue.”

Above- Community Board 12 District Manager George Torres speaks about the problem of tree roots breaking sidewalks before introducing Mayor de Blasio.

Below - Mayor de Blasio Announces that the city will no longer issue violations to homeowners for broken sidewalks if a city owned tree causes the sidewalk to be broken. This is for One, Two, and Three family home only.

Times Square Elmo Arrested For Groping 14 Year Old GirlGirlt

 

  A man identified as Inocente Andrade-Pacheco who dressed up as the Sesame Strwet chatacter Sesame Street character  Elmo was arrested Sunday for groping an unidentified 14 year old girl in Times Square Sunday.

The girl went up to the Elmo character for a photo with him. It appears that the man dressed as Elmo may have thought he was the past Christmas toy 'Tickle me Elmo' as it is alleged that he grabbed the 14 year olds buttocks. He was arrested Sunday evening for the alleged groping with Forcible Toching, and acting in a manner injurious to a minor.

A bail of $7,500 was requested by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, but Andrade-Pacheco was released on his own recognizance. 

Friends of Pelham Parkway Clean Up, Weed, Mulch, and Plant Flowers

  It was a beautiful Saturday morning as twenty-five volunteers showed up to clean, remove weeds, mulch, and plant flowers at the Wallace Avenue walkway of North Pelham Parkway. The event was hosted by the Friends of Pelham Parkway. 

 Residents showed they care about the area where they live. Police Officer Andino brought two Explorers from the 49th Precinct to help, and they joined the other volunteers. People broke up into groups that picked up papers and trash, those who pulled out weeds, others who filled buckets with mulch to place around the trees, and some who planted flowers.

Above - Police Officer Andino with two of the 49th Precinct Explores pull out weeds in this area.

Below - Volunteers gather to fill buckets with mulch to place around the trees.

Above - These volunteers went into the garden to plant some flowers.

Below - The garden with new plants, and without any weeds.