MAYOR DE BLASIO AND COMMISSIONER SHEA UNVEIL END GUN VIOLENCE PLAN

 Today, Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea unveiled the End Gun Violence Plan, which utilizes the NYPD and community organizing to ensure New Yorkers’ safety in all five boroughs. The NYPD will shift patrol and detective resources to areas with high gun violence, organize gun buy-back events, increase coordination with Cure Violence, and reorganize the Community Affairs Bureau to provide more proactive engagement in communities that have seen increased violence.  

“For seven years, we have made this city safer through the NYPD’s close partnership with communities and by recognizing the leadership of community leaders, organizations, and clergy,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We will continue to build peace in our communities and strengthen the relationship between communities and the NYPD.”

"The increase in shootings and violence tears at the fabric of life in our city," said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. "The NYPD has vigorously advanced reforms for the last nearly seven years, and our men and women officers continue to work hard to strengthen relationships with the communities they are sworn to serve. But we must do more. These new efforts are critical to stopping this violence but we need everyone in public to step forward to help.”

This NYPD action builds off community plans for central Brooklyn and Harlem that the Mayor previously announced, including a take-back-the-block effort, youth town halls, Occupy the Hot Spots, peace marches led by community and clergy, open streets resource fairs, and mobile trauma units. 

The End Gun Violence Plan includes:

Shift patrol resources to areas with high shootings: 

The NYPD will increase foot patrols to proactively deter crime and enhance deployments in high violence areas to increase deterrence and closer engagement with the community.

  

Enhance shooting investigations: 

The NYPD will shift detective and investigative resources toward areas that have experienced increases in shooting incidents.

Reorganize the Community Affairs Bureau: 

Under newly appointed Chief of Community Affairs Maddrey, Community Affairs Officers will be deployed proactively to areas that have seen increased violence, focusing on areas with the highest need. 

Organize gun buy-back events: 

The NYPD will be organizing additional gun buy back events in communities with recent upticks in gun violence. 

Work with Community Partners: 

The NYPD will increase coordination with Cure Violence to better focus resources and hold multi-agency commander council meetings in communities with recent upticks in violent crime.

Omnipresence:

Officers from the Critical Response Group and Strategic Response Group will be deployed across the city. Many of the locations where they are typically assigned remain closed and do not necessitate the same level of resources.

No. 202.52: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency

No. 202.52

E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R

CONTINUING TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND MODIFICATION OF LAWS

RELATING TO THE DISASTER EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and are expected to continue;

WHEREAS, the State of New York has gone from having the highest infection rate to one of the lowest in the country and is one of only a few states reported to be on track to contain the spread of COVID-19;

WHEREAS, the Governor has undertaken a cautious, incremental and evidence-based approach to reopening the State of New York; 

WHEREAS, other states that may have taken a less cautious approach are experiencing an increased prevalence of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon business owners and local governments to enforce public health requirements to allow our safe reopening to continue;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, and to issue any directive during a disaster emergency necessary to cope with the disaster, I hereby temporarily suspend or modify, and direct, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through August 15, 2020 the following:

• Any provision of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to the extent necessary to require that all businesses that are licensed by the State Liquor Authority for on premises service of alcoholic beverages, and which are required as a license condition to make food available, shall serve alcoholic beverages for on premises consumption or for off premises consumption only if the service of such alcoholic beverage is accompanied by the purchase of a food item by each individual that is being served an alcoholic beverage, consistent with the food availability requirement of the license under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. The Chairman of the State Liquor Authority shall be authorized to promulgate any reasonable guidance to effectuate this provision. 

G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this sixteenth of July in the year two thousand twenty.

BY THE GOVERNOR  

Secretary to the Governor

CITY PROVIDES FREE COMPLIANCE CONSULTATIONS TO HELP BUSINESSES OPEN SAFELY UNDER OPEN RESTAURANTS PROGRAM

NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced the expansion of its no-cost compliance consultation services to help businesses open safely under the Open Restaurants program, avoiding costly fines and penalties. The new program is a virtual service focused on rules and regulations for the Open Restaurants Program, and helps small business owners understand common compliance challenges.  

 

“Running a restaurant is a great feat and we want all 27,000 restaurants in New York to have the tools to survive and thrive during this time,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “This free, no-cost consultation helps our small businesses avoid costly fines and helps them comply with the latest regulations. We want the best for our small businesses and this program helps them succeed and empowers them to grow.”  

 

During the hour-long consultation, an SBS team member will survey the restaurant to look for violations. The team member will note any updates that need to be made and provide the business owner with a checklist of potential non-compliance issues. Fines will not be issued during this visit although the consultation will not exempt a business from the inspection and enforcement processes of City, State, or Federal agencies. 

 

Business owners need a communications device with a microphone and camera, and access to WiFi or cellular service. Businesses can fill out the following application or call 888-SBS-4NYC to schedule a no-cost virtual compliance consultation.  

 

Avoiding Costly Fines and Penalties: Topics covered during visit  

• New York State guidelines 
• Personal protective equipment 
• Outdoor seating  
• Accessibility  

 

About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) 

SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES FREE CHILDCARE FOR 100,000 STUDENTS IN THE FALL

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that New York City is planning to provide quality, safe, free childcare options for 100,000 children this fall. This follows the release of the Mayor and Chancellor's preliminary school reopening plan, which utilizes a cohort-based blended learning system with both remote and in-person education for students. 

"This pandemic has been hugely disruptive in the lives of our kids, which is why we are working to provide as much in person learning as possible. Working families are being pulled in many directions trying to make a plan for the fall, and we are going to help them every step of the way by providing free childcare options," said Mayor de Blasio.

The City's childcare options will provide relief for families who cannot stay home or find alternate care for their children on days they are not in school buildings. Childcare will be made available for children in 3K through 8th grade, and there will be approximately 50,000 seats available each day. Given the nature of a blended remote and in-person approach, this means the City plans to serve at least 100,000 students total. The Administration is working to identify locations and maximize available space for childcare in schools, community centers, libraries, cultural organizations, and more. New Yorkers with available space that could potentially be  utilized for childcare should visit www.nycsca.org/realestate/sites. The City is working to have as many seats as possible ready for the first day of school, with capacity building out over time. 

                                                                                                  

The health and safety of students and staff will always come first, and the Department of Education is currently planning for a blended learning model in the fall, with an option for families who wish to do so to remain fully remote. Starting yesterday, parents and guardians are able to opt their child into a fully remote learning model by filling out this form. Families who choose full-time remote learning for September can opt back into in-person instruction up until Friday, August 7th by filling out the form again. After August 7th, families who chose full-time remote learning will be able to opt back into in-person instruction during designated timeframes during the school year, starting this fall.

The City will continue to coordinate closely with the State as re-opening plans develop. 

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Raises $4.5M from Over 200k Donors in Q2

This came in from the Ocasio-Cortez Campaign.

Late wednesday evening, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress reported raising more than $4.5 million from more than 221,000 contributions during the second quarter.  Over 100,000 of those contributions came from new donors. The average donation was $20.57. The campaign ended the quarter with nearly $3 million in cash on hand.

“I’m immensely grateful to the working people who gave what they could during this incredibly difficult time to help us decisively defeat a Wall Street-backed opponent.  Our grassroots movement is growing stronger every day, and with their help, we will one day create a political system that answers to working people, not corporate lobbyists,” said Ocasio-Cortez in a statement. “I’m also extraordinarily grateful to all those who contributed to our COVID-19 relief efforts. With their help, we’ve raised nearly $1 million to support one of the hardest-hit districts in the country.”

To date, the campaign has raised nearly $940,000 in direct relief for community groups and advocacy organizations serving NY-14 constituents on the frontline. This relief has funded PPE, food pantries, bail funds and financial support for undocumented families, service workers, the food insecure, and Amazon warehouse workers.

Governor Cuomo Announces New York State Establishes Two Church Testing Sites in Houston COVID-19 Hotspots

Sites in Northwest Houston and Southwest Houston Operational for Two Weeks and Provide Up to 1,000 Tests Per Day

Residents can Call 1-833-NYS-4TEX

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State has established two church testing sites in COVID-19 hotspots in Houston, Texas. The sites, located in Northwest Houston's Fallbrook Church and Southwest Houston's Higher Dimension Church, are in highly-impacted minority communities, are up and running, and will be operational for two weeks, with the capacity for up to 1,000 tests per day. New York State sent more than 20 healthcare workers and public health experts to Houston to consult on the city's COVID-19 response and has also provided supplies. The governor made today's announcement on a conference call with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

"When New York went through the unprecedented challenge and unimaginable tragedy of COVID-19's apex in the state, states throughout the country provided supplies, ventilators and personnel during our time of greatest need," Governor Cuomo said. "Now that New York's numbers have stabilized, we're returning the favor across the country, and I am glad to be able to help the great city of Houston establish two testing sites in vulnerable communities. I thank our incredible partners for their efforts to establish the sites and provide supplies and expertise."

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said, "Thank you, Governor Cuomo. And let me just start out by acknowledging and thanking you for the leadership that you provided to the State of New York and quite frankly, the leadership that you provided to all of us across the country. I've watched your daily briefings on a regular basis. I learned a lot from what you have done and your people have done in New York, so let me commend all of you for your efforts. Let me also thank you for the support that you all are providing to the City of Houston here in Harris County. As you indicated, we are facing a situation where our numbers have surged. More people have been testing positive, showing up in our hospitals and our ICUs. Testing is a big issue. And you're also right that this virus is having a disproportional impact on communities of color, low-income communities, and where even more testing is needed. And people—a lot of people—who are wanting testing, needing testing and they've having to wait a long time. So, let me thank you and your team for reaching out."

The sites were established with the support of SOMOS Community Care, NorthwellHealth, the Greater New York Hospital Association, the Mount Sinai Health System, Montefiore Medical Center, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Kenneth E. Raske, President, Greater New York Hospital Association, said, "When COVID-19 slammed New York, our hospitals and their heroic workers treated an unthinkable number of extremely ill patients. When we needed help, equally heroic caregivers came to New York and delivered care with grace, courage, and determination. Now it's time to reciprocate the generosity of colleagues, friends, and family across the country. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, workers from New York's hospitals are hitting the ground in Houston to help deliver care and save lives. GNYHA salutes their selfless generosity and sacrifice, and is proud to partner with the Governor on this important mission."

"We will go where we are needed," said Dr. Ramon Tallaj, the Chairman of SOMOS, an immigrant-led network of over 2,500 doctors across New York City. "Immigrant doctors were the first line of defense as COVID-19 hit New York's lower-income communities of color and we are determined to share the findings of this ongoing experience with similar communities across the country. We are at the ready to support Governor Cuomo and the State of New York as they assist Houston officials and those across urban and rural areas in the Sun Belt connect Latino, Asian and African American populations to testing, care, health education and community resources. SOMOS doctors conducted the first national research into COVID-19's impact on immigrant communities, and how to best reach and test these populations and we will share best practices with every American that needs them." 

The Houston testing sites add to New York State's commitment to helping other cities and states fight COVID-19 across the country. On Monday, Governor Cuomo announced New York State will send testing and contract tracing teams to Atlanta, Georgia. On July 10, Governor Cuomo announced New York State would send the COVID-19 medication Remdesivir to Florida as the state struggles with a resurgence of cases.

Governor Cuomo Announces New Regulations for Bars and Restaurants to Ensure Compliance with State Social Distancing and Face Covering Orders

Announces Travel Form Compliance for People Coming Into New York from Out-of-State Hotspots up to 92 Percent

Governor Cuomo Will Make Decision on New York City Entering Phase Four by Tomorrow

1.06 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

14 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

Confirms 769 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 404,775; New Cases in 40 Counties

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced new regulations for bars and restaurants in New York City to ensure they are complying with state social distancing and face covering orders. As part of the 'Three Strikes and You're Closed' initiative, any establishment that receives three violations will be closed for business. Egregious violations can result in immediate loss of liquor license or closure before a third strike. Additionally, any establishment facing disciplinary charges by the State Liquor Authority will have its name and location posted publicly and updated on a weekly basis. If the state is alerted to similar noncompliance in other regions of the state, these restrictions will be extended to those areas immediately.

The Governor also announced that all restaurants and bars statewide will be subject to new requirements that they must only serve alcohol to people who are ordering and eating food and that all service at bar tops must only be for seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by physical barriers. Under current law, only establishments that serve food are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Citizens who see violations or are concerned can report complaints, including photos, to the State Liquor Authority at www.sla.ny.gov.

The Governor also announced that a decision will be made on New York City entering phase four by tomorrow, July 17th. If New York City is approved to enter phase four on Monday, the state will not allow any additional indoor activity, such as malls and cultural institutions.

The Governor also announced that travel form compliance went up to 92 percent after the state announced fines for failure to complete the form.  Earlier this week, the Governor announced out-of-state travelers from the 22 designated states with the highest infection rates must provide local authorities with contact information upon entering New York to help enforce quarantining or they'll face a fine of up to $2,000 if they don't supply that information.

"As we continue our science-based phased reopening, the number of hospitalizations and our rate of positive tests remain steady and low," Governor Cuomo said. "But we need to remember our success fighting this virus is a function of our own actions. Mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing - basic as they may seem - are critical to controlling the spread of this virus. Especially now that we are seeing spikes in cases throughout the country, this is not the time to let up - especially on compliance enforcement. We know the prescription and we know it works - we just need to be smart and do it."

The Governor also updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 813 (-18)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 71 (-23)
• Hospital Counties - 31
• Number ICU - 165 (+0)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 88 (-6)
• Total Discharges - 71,867 (+85)
• Deaths - 14
• Total Deaths - 25,014

Protest Outside Bronx Board of Elections to Count all the Votes that Were Cast on Primary Day and on the Absentee Ballots

 Standing outside the Bronx Board of Elections with many supporters, 79th Assembly District candidate for Male District Leader Ahmadou Diallo whose name appeared on the Primary Day and Absentee ballots is calling for the Bronx Board of Elections to count all the votes for everyone who was on the official BOE ballots. 

The problem seems to be that of the Board of Elections who originally had knocked off Mr. Diallo and other candidates on his slate in the 79th A.D. and in the 87th A.D. Both groups of candidates for Democratic Party positions then went to court and were placed back on the ballot. The Board of Elections then appealed that decision, but in doing so had to print up Absentee and official ballots for the Primary before they knew if their appeal would be upheld. 

As it was said to this reporter by Ms. Valarie Vazquez-Diaz of the NYC Board of Elections "the ballots had to be printed up by a certain date, and the decision on the appeal by the Board of Elections was not decided by the date of the printing, so the names of the candidates in question in the 79th and 87th A.D.'s were placed on the ballots". Ms. Vazquez-Diaz also said at first, the ballots with those names on them would not count, telling me at a later time that only the votes for the non-candidates in the two A.D.'s would not count. The solution to the Board of Elections problem would have been that if you are going to print up official ballots with these names on them, then you withdraw the appeal to the names being on the ballot. In any case heads will roll at the BOE, and there are already several nervous people downtown and uptown in the Boogie Down Bronx.

State Senator Luis Sepulveda has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Elections and several candidates who were on the ballots. While Sepulveda has a semi-comfortable lead himself, his Female District Leader in the 87th A.D. has a lead of only nine votes. It appears that there may be a battle for the current vacant Bronx Democratic County Leader position, and it is the district leaders who vote for the county leader every two years. Counting of the ballots in the 87th A.D. begins Thursday July 16th.