Governor Cuomo Announces Highest Number of Tests Ever Conducted in the State

82,737 Tests Conducted Yesterday, 0.91 Percent Were Positive

SLA and State Police Task Force Found New Violations of State Requirements at 41 Establishments

4 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

Confirms 753 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 415,767; New Cases in 46 Counties

Governor Cuomo: "Today we hit a record number of tests done on a single day, 82,737. That is the most tests every conducted in a single day in this state. Of those 82,000 tests, .91 positive, 753 tests, great news."

Cuomo: "This state has a task force that's been working. New York State Police and the SLA. Last night there were 41 establishments that were given violations, 2 in the Bronx, 1 in Brooklyn, 5 in Queens, 1 in Staten Island, 3 in Nassau, 2 in Suffolk, 27 in Manhattan. Twenty-seven in Manhattan. We need the NYPD to step up and do enforcement. The SLA did 7 more suspensions yesterday, 3 in Manhattan, 3 in Queens, 1 in Staten Island." 

AUGUST 1st we hit a record number of tests done on a single day, 82,737. That is the most tests every conducted in a single day in this state. Of those 82,000 tests, .91 positive, 753 tests, great news. Four New Yorkers passed away yesterday. They are in our thoughts and prayers but compared to where we were relatively it's great news. 581 New Yorkers hospitalized. That's good news. 147 ICU patients, 72 intubations. That's all great news.

We're in the stage where we are protecting our progress to threats, quarantine, which continues from other states with high infection rates and compliance in New York, especially young people, especially bars and restaurants. Once again local governments have to step up. Some are doing better than others.

This state has a task force that's been working. New York State Police and the SLA. Last night there were 41 establishments that were given violations, 2 in the Bronx, 1 in Brooklyn, 5 in Queens, 1 in Staten Island, 3 in Nassau, 2 in Suffolk, 27 in Manhattan. Twenty-seven in Manhattan. We need the NYPD to step up and do enforcement. The SLA did 7 more suspensions yesterday, 3 in Manhattan, 3 in Queens, 1 in Staten Island.

There was an alarming development in Georgia that we just want to bring to your attention. A sleepaway camp for children - 76 percent of the campers and the staffers at the camp tested positive for COVID. That was about half the camp, less than two weeks after the camp opened. So, we made a decision here about camps, we said there was a great risk, I feel good about that. But we're talking about reopening schools and young people, and the possibility of infection. So, these are real circumstances that have to be considered.

The point I want to make on schools, the school districts were supposed to put in their plans yesterday on alternatives or how they would reopen. We're going to watch the overall infection before we make a decision. We're going to make a decision this week, an initial decision. If at this point, schools should plan on reopening and then we'll watch to see what happens with the infection rate. But one of the big variables here is going to be the parents' comfort level. You know, the discussion basically assumes if the schools opened all the parents will send their children back to school; that is not the case. I am talking to parents all across the state. I'm getting deluged with phone calls from parents who are concerned, and they should be concerned. You hear about the Georgia camp, you get concerned. You hear about the Kawasaki-like syndrome, you get concerned. You hear scientists and health officials who say they don't know the long-term consequences for a child who has antibodies, you get concerned.

So, it's not flicking a switch; it's like all of these decisions, it's more complicated than we often think. You can say, "Okay, school reopens." If the parents are not comfortable, the children will not be sent. You have some school districts in parts of this state that are seeing record numbers of enrollees. Some of the school districts, on the east side of Long Island, are seeing an exponential number of enrollees. Parents are taking this decision very seriously, and the reason we need the school districts to put in their plans is because the parents need to review the plan, understand the plan, and they have to have confidence in the plan. If they don't have confidence in the plan, I don't care what the school district says. They are not sending their kids back. Now, there will be some parents who don't have a choice but to send their child back because they don't have alternative childcare, et cetera, but there are going to be many parents who if they think their child might be subjected to failure they are just not going to do it. That was the point of this pre-opening period. The school district puts in their plan, the parents get to the review it, the parents ask questions, the parents get to provoke the discussion. The parents then feel comfortable. Okay, now you can reopen. This is not a dictatorial decision by the school district. This is a cooperative decision where it is the parents' choice. It is not the school district's choice. It is the parents' choice to send their child. So, this is supposed to be more of a dialogue that we are having now and that is why these plans are important. I am disappointed that New York City didn't have their plan on time because that is one of the main districts where there is a lot of discussion and dialogue, and until there is a plan people are not going to feel that there is an informed dialogue. And to have that whole process, have that discussion, get it done in two weeks is going to be hard, and if parents are not comfortable and confident I am telling you they are not going to send their child. So you will open a school, you will have partial attendance which will serve no one.

My two cents on the plans, the concepts are not enough. I understand the concept of remote learning. We have a lot of experience with the concept of the remote learning and the experience that we went through. Remote learning, if not done well, can be a vehicle of division. Remote learning tends to work better in the wealthier school districts and tends to work less well in the poorer school districts. It tends to work better in wealthier homes and less well in poorer homes. The measures to correct that are vital to any reopening plan, and it is not just understanding the question - it is having a complete answer. I have had a number of conversations with school districts. Yes, we understand remote learning. Yes, we understand the challenges. Yes, but how are you going to meet them specifically? Where is the personnel? Where is the equipment? How are you going to do this?

All through this COVID crisis there are no conceptual discussions anymore. The conceptual discussions would have caused problems all across this country. Conceptually, we understand reopening. We'll have to do testing and tracing. Yeah, but if you didn't actually know how to do testing and tracing and you didn't operationally implement it, now you have Florida and Texas and Arizona, et cetera. If you didn't know how to do an emergency response legislation, then you wound up with this hodge podge approach that some states have now. The devil is in the details and parents are going to want to hear the details.

The second place, besides remote learning, is on testing. How are you going to test the students? How many are you going to test per day? How long will it take to turn around the tests? Where are you going to get that testing capacity? That has to all be in addition to what they are doing today. If a locality today is doing 20,000 tests, okay, how many are you going to do on the first day of school? Oh, we're going to do 10,000 in the schools. Oh, so you will have an additional 10,000 tests in capacity? Yes. How? And if you have an additional 10,000 capacity, why aren't you using it now? What will the turn arounds be on those tests? We know the turnaround times are going up with these national labs.

Those are the vital questions and those are the questions the parents are going to ask. These are very informed parents. I made it my business to inform the people of this state with exhaustive briefings every day. They know the questions. They're going to ask the questions and if we don't have answers for them, then they're going to conclude that we haven't thought through the plan and they're not going to send a child.

Remote learning is more of a policy, societal issue for me. The testing question is going to be the question that every parent asks. So let's ask it today before we get further down the road and find out we don't have the answer. Then it's too late to fix and we lost the confidence of the parents and then we're going to have a real problem. With that, Rob, Melissa, do you have anything else to add?

Attorney General James Announces $10 Million to Protect Homeowners During COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) to Provide

Support to New York Homeowners At-risk for Foreclosure 

  Attorney General Letitia James today announced $10 million in grant funding as part of a total $20 million allocation to support New York homeowners struggling with foreclosure. The Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) connects homeowners to free, qualified mortgage-assistance relief services across New York.

According to FHFA’s 2020 first-quarter report on foreclosure prevention actions, just over 170,000 homeowners asked for a forbearance on their payments, compared to around 7,000 that were filed in the last quarter of 2019. As mortgage payment deferrals due to COVID-19 begin to expire, New Yorkers, more than ever, need this support to ensure they can remain in their homes. The funding supports a network of more than 80 housing counselors and legal service organizations that have helped more than 100,000 families avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes.

“Owning a home is a staple of the American Dream,” said Attorney General James. “During these uncertain times, the need for assistance and guidance to get homeowners back on track is evident and urgent. My office is committed to protecting homeownership and ensuring that all New Yorkers have a safe and decent home.”

“Throughout the pandemic, New Yorkers have proven that they are smart, tough and resilient, but these are the most challenging times we have faced in generations and we have an obligation to do all we can to prevent foreclosures from plaguing communities,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “The Homeowner Protection Program championed by Attorney General James will provide homeowners across the state with much-needed security during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Attorney General’s Office is partnering with the Center for NYC Neighborhoods and the Empire Justice Center to help manage and coordinate the program.

“We are thrilled to see HOPP entering its ninth year under the direction of the New York State Office of the Attorney General,” said Kirsten Keefe, Program Director for HOPP Anchor Partner Program. “HOPP’s network of housing counseling and legal services programs available to homeowners in every county of the state, will be more critical than ever given the unprecedented number of homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank Governor Cuomo, the state legislature, and Attorney General Letitia James for their strong commitment to the program.” 

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) established the program in 2012 in response to rising foreclosures stemming from the financial crisis. However, even a decade beyond the “housing crisis,” communities across New York state continue to face many challenges related to homeowner stability, such as continued foreclosures, predatory mortgage lending, deed theft, and other scams.

Until now, the funding for HOPP came from bank settlements secured by the OAG. Funding will also continue to support educational and referral services. Now the program is state funded, and the New York state legislature has allocated a total of $20 million to support the program through a ninth year.

“As millions of New Yorkers struggle to make ends meet during this coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis, government has a responsibility to step up and help,” said New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “I applaud Attorney General Letitia James for allocating funds to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. This effort, as well as the steps taken by the Senate Majority to help tenants and homeowners, will mean more of our neighbors can stay in their homes and communities. I look forward to continuing to work with the Attorney General and my colleagues in state government to help all New Yorkers during these difficult times.”

“The Homeownership Protection Program is essential to homeowners in ordinary circumstances, but in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis, it is an absolutely critical resource to New Yorkers,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “Homeownership is the foundation of the American Dream, and this program helps assure that New Yorkers never lose their homes because they do not have access to a lawyer or qualified housing counselor. The Assembly Majority has fought for years to ensure the program is adequately funded because we know how important stable housing is for families. I applaud Attorney General Letitia James for her commitment to protecting vulnerable homeowners when they need it most.”

Attorney General James is committed to protecting vulnerable homeowners and encourages those who have been scammed to report complaints by calling the office (800) 771-7755 or by filling out a complaint form. The OAG cannot assist with mortgage payments; however, homeowners throughout New York state who are behind on their mortgage or other charges can get free help in their community by calling HOPP hotline at (855) HOME-456 or (855) 466-3456. Any identifying information provided to the OAG will be protected in a manner consistent with state law and policies on the safeguarding of identifying information.

12th City Council District Community Engagement Day

 The day began with a march across Gun Hill Road to Councilman King's office. Normally the street around the corner would be closed with family activities set up, but that was not the plan this Pandemic Year. 

As the marchers stepped off from Boston Road at every corner to Councilman King's office the marchers stopped to say a prayer for those who passed away during the Pandemic.

Upon arriving at Councilman King's office there were a few speeches by Councilman King, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams (one of the marchers), New Chief of Community Affairs for the NYPD Chief Maddrey, and Ms. Aaliyah Sheppard of the Bronx YEP. 

Brooklyn Borough President (and mayoral candidate) Adams said that from July 4th over one hundred and fifty Black people have been shot by Black people. Councilman King said that he voted against budget cuts to the Police Department, but that he wanted more accountability by riding the force of the few bad officers. Bottles of hand sanitizer, face masks, and boxes of food were then handed out to the people who came to the 12th City Council District Community Engagement Day. A concert was held later in the evening.

Above - As the marchers near Councilman King's office on Gun Hill Road, they stop at this corner for a prayer.

Below - Councilman Andy King thanks those who marched, and explains why there are no activities this year due to the Pandemic.

Above - Brooklyn Borough President (and mayoral candidate) Eric Adams speaks with New NYPD Chief of Community Affairs Maddrey standing next to him.

Below - Chief Maddrey spoke of bringing the police department and community closer.

Above - People line up to receive bottles of hand sanitizer, face masks, and boxes of food.

Below - The boxes of food waiting to be handed out.

Bronx Council for Environmental Quality - Harlem River Working Group Meeting 4PM 8.6.2020

Harlem River Working Group
of the Bronx Council for Environmental Quality
Thursday, August 6, 2020 - 4 to 6 pm
Respond:  rsvp@bceq.org 

We know, you want to know where we have been. 

Well, life took over, but now we are ready to get going.

Chauncy, Joyce and Karen are taking the lead.  Join us.

Topic: Harlem River Working Group Meeting
Time: Aug 6, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96236220495

Meeting ID: 962 3622 0495
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AGENDA

Introductions

1.  Updates / Status
   1. Highbridge Steps
   2. DPR Response to remove Mullaly name from Park
   3. Depot Place / Bridge Park South
   4. Park Playground Naming for Dr. Evelina Antonetty on the Grand Concourse near Hostos College in the Bronx NY
2. Actions Needed
   1. Access to the new Park at Depot Place / Bridge Park South Ext.. - DOT Winter meeting
   2. Petition to gather supporters to remove Mullaly’s name from Park
   3. DPR letter of intent to the estuary program to create a living shoreline and dock at depot place.
3. Announcements
   1. Disconnected River: A Public Humanities Walk of the Harlem River, Monday, August 10, 2020 - 6:00pm.  Sign up at http://heymancenter.org/events/disconnected-river-a-public-humanities-walk-of-the-harlem-river/
   2. Bronx Council for Environmental Quality Annual Membership Meeting, Election of Board Member Classes, This Year’s Accomplishments and Looking to the 50 Year Celebration.  ​Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 5:00 pm, followed by the Board Meeting for the Election of Officers, 6:00 pm.
   3. City of Water Day In Your Neighborhood. Saturday, September 12, 2020
   4. More to come...

 Adjourn 6 pm

Mayor de Blasio, Chancellor Carranza, and Test and Trace Ted Long on Reopening Public Schools

  Mayor Bill de Blasio: Good morning, everybody. Well, this morning, we're going to talk about the most important piece of reopening this city, restarting this city, the thing that matters so deeply to our children and our families, and that's starting our schools up again. And it is something we all feel deeply about passionately about because it's about our kids and it's about their futures and it's about their health and safety. So, we're going to talk about that today to give you a sense of what will come up ahead in September. But first I want to take a moment because it's an important time of year for so many New Yorkers. So, I want to wish our Muslim sisters and brothers a safe and blessed Eid Al-Adha. And this is a celebration that is so important in the Muslim community. It will be different this year, obviously, because of what we're all facing with the coronavirus but the community is strong. Like every community in New York City, people are sticking together, helping each other out. So, I want to say to everyone, Eid Mubarak, wish you a wonderful holiday.

 

Now, when we think each year about going back to school, this is a very, very important time of the year, it’s a time filled with anticipation in normal years, anticipation, hope, possibility, worries, anxiety. We all know what that felt like when we were kids. And I can say this as someone who was a public school parent for the entire education of both of my kids that back to school time was always a very, very special time each year. Now this year it's filled with so many other strong emotions and this year it's filled with a whole different reality because this year it's about health and safety first. That's what we're going to be talking about today. Everything we do is going to be focused on health and safety – health and safety for our kids, our families, our educators, our school staff. And every one of us who's going to talk today is going to talk from the perspective, not just as leaders, but as parents – what we would need and expect for our own kids is exactly the way we've approached this here today. I'm not going to do anything when it comes to New York City public schools that is anything less but then – the standard I would set for my very own children. I want to know, every parent wants to know, every day are your kids safe? We have to make sure that everything we do meets that standard constantly. And if it isn't safe, we don't do it. It's as simple as that. So, a huge amount of effort has gone in to getting our schools ready, months and months of preparation. We are sparing no expense. We're going to do whatever it takes. And we understand the anxiety. We understand the fear because this city has been through so much, because we look around the country and we see really, really troubling things happening. But we also have to remember how this city has fought back.

 

So, every place in the country is different, every place has different approaches, but in this city over five months, we went from the worst possible situation to now being in one of the strongest situations in our nation. We fought our way back because we were all disciplined and smart about it. And now we're ready to reopen schools the right way and to serve our kids. And our kids have been through so much. Let’s remember, we have to think about the needs of parents, educators, staff, all the time. We have to make sure everyone's safe, but we also have to remember our kids and what they've been through, the challenges, the trauma, the dislocation. We owe it to them to give them anything we can to help them move forward after what they've been through. And I know for a fact – and I've talked to a lot of educators about this – that when kids are in school, there's the greatest possibility that they can learn better, that they can continue to grow and develop socially. There's so many reasons for a child to be in school, including the food they get, the health care they get, the emotional support they get. This is why it matters so much, but it has to be done safely. Now, the people have spoken. We surveyed parents – 400,000 responses to our survey, 75 percent want their kids back in the classroom, and that is exactly what we are going to do.

 

The plan – the essence of this plan is safety for everyone. And I need people to hear that because I know there's tremendous concern out there, but whether you're a student, parent, educator, staff member, your safety is the essence of this plan. And I can prove that by showing you all the different things that have gone into this plan and the fact that we're going to have an extremely rigorous standard for opening schools, or, if necessary, closing schools, because we are putting health and safety first. So, what are we doing? You've heard some of it before – we're using blended learning. Kids in school when they could be in school, remote when they can't, remote learning for any child, any family that prefers remote learning all the time. Social distancing guidelines in every part of the school, in the classroom and every other part of the school. Face coverings for everyone, free priority testing for everyone in the school community, making sure that teachers, kids, staff all have the personal protective equipment for free.

 

We are going to go to the farthest extent and what we're going to do is the thing that has helped New York City come back the whole time, which is focus on science, focus on fact, focus on data. And so, we are going to hold New York City to a very high standard, our schools to a very high standard. We will not reopen our schools unless the city infection rate is below three percent. So, every day I go over the daily indicators with you, number of people testing positive for COVID-19 citywide, unless that number is below three percent, we will not reopen schools. That number is below three percent, we will move ahead with our plan. Now, let's be clear, I'm very hopeful when I say that because New York City, thanks to all of your good efforts, has been under three percent since June 10th, six weeks in a row now. That's extraordinary. And today's indicators are very strong again. We know we can do it, but I want to hold that very tough, tough standard, because I want to keep us all focused on what we have to do to keep safety first. And this is a way of proving that we will do things the right way, setting a very tough bar, but also one I am convinced we can achieve.

 

So, look, we have to remember, nothing is more important in New York City than protecting our kids, helping our kids grow, helping them learn. They are our future in every sense, every family feels that. That's the path we've been on over seven years. That's what we're going to keep doing. As I turned to the Chancellor, I want to say the Chancellor and his team have worked incessantly to get this right. They've looked at examples from all over the world of what will keep the school community safe. And they've made a series of choices of how to do things from a health and safety lens first, while also making sure we can educate our kids. And I want to thank you, Chancellor, and your whole team for the work you're doing. Please give us an update.

 

Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. First, I want to acknowledge what we all know to be true. March was extremely challenging for all of us – the entire city, the doctors, our scientists included. We're learning about this disease in real time in many cases with information that just wasn't known. It was one of the toughest times that we have faced as a city and as a school system. I also remember the fear and the confusion and the worry. So, it's important to me that we build on everything we've learned over these past five months and everything we have been through since then. We are approaching reopening by centering health and safety as our foundational approach, basing our policies on the expertise of health professionals, period. We are focusing on the science, not science fiction.

 

So, here's what that looks like. In New York City, tens of thousands of New Yorkers are being tested every day. And we will be asking staff to get tested in the days prior to school. The City will prioritize free testing for school-based staff with 24-hour turnaround time results at any of the 34 City-run testing locations. School-based staff members are also encouraged to opt into monthly COVID-19 testing, which is critically important. We are thoughtfully opening schools with physical distancing and cohorting of students requiring face coverings and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day and night. If an illness does occur, we will respond quickly, communicate clearly during investigations and promptly to share decisions to quarantine classrooms, or if necessary, close schools. This approach means that we are well equipped to mitigate risk and share critical information with our school communities. You'll hear in a moment about the different scenarios we've mapped out in partnership with our colleagues at NYC Test and Trace Corps, and the procedures that will be followed if someone tests positive in a school.

 

But I want to speak directly to families and members of our school communities and affirm this – your health and safety remained our highest priority. I know how hard this is. I've been a public school parent. I've been a teacher for over a decade in a classroom. I've been a principal. And I know what it feels like to want to do the best you can in education for your child or for your students while ensuring that their health and safety and your health and safety is also being attended to, that's why we're taking this approach. That's why we won't settle for anything, but the strictest and most rigorous processes for coming back to school, we have your back and that will never change.

 

Mayor: Thank you so much, Chancellor. And I want to – I really want to emphasize that everything the Chancellor says, everything the Chancellor's team has been working on is about the health and safety of our kids and the whole school community. They've also been putting a lot of time and energy into thinking about the emotional needs of our kids, the mental health challenges our kids have gone through. So, I wanted to just give a special thank you to you, Chancellor, to Deputy Chancellor Lashawn Robinson and her whole team. So many people at the Department of Education are really thinking about what our kids will need after going through this trauma and how coming back to school is an opportunity to really address that trauma and help them and support them. So, I want to thank you, because that's a really important part of this equation as well.

 

Now, when we plan with a health and safety-first perspective, we think of it very, very rigorously. That's why we're setting this really tough, rigorous standard to determine if and when we reopened. And again, right now, we are clearly meeting that standard, but we also have to be realistic when we plan. We plan for every eventuality, including when there's a problem, what you do about that problem. So, we need to be ready if a child in a classroom becomes sick, if a child in the classroom was identified as positive with COVID-19, we need a plan for that. If it happens in more than one classroom, we need a plan for that. I want to emphasize the goal of this approach is that kids in a single classroom stay together as much as possible the whole school day with very few adults in contact with them. The whole idea of this plan is to limit the amount of movement in the school, limit the amount of people coming in contact with each other, keep kids as much as possible in the same group all day long for everyone's protection, but it also allows us, if there is, God forbid, a case to be able to act on it a lot more effectively. So, here to tell you about what we do, if there is a case in a school is the Director of our city Test and Trace Corps, Dr. Ted Long.

 

Executive Director Ted Long, Test and Trace Corps: Thank you, sir. As a parent myself, the safety and health of my son is always my highest priority. We've designed a tracing operation for our schools that puts the safety and health of our teachers, students, and kids like my son at the center at all times. And I'm going to walk you through some of the high points today.

 

Now, for a positive case, it could be reported by a parent teacher or another student. Importantly, a positive case must be laboratory confirmed. For any laboratory confirmed positive case, we have a simple rule that we use that rule – that rule is that any – the entire classroom, meaning all of the teachers – the teacher of the classroom and all of the students in the classroom will quarantine for 14 days after when that positive cases identified. Before that positive case would have been reported, if there is a child that's symptomatic in the school, we have the child or the teacher that's symptomatic in the school leave the school as soon as possible to prevent transmission of the virus to anybody else in the school. The same way any good health care policy starts with prevention, if the child or teacher is symptomatic at home, we require that the child or student stay at home and not come to this school and potentially risk infecting other people in the school. The next step in either of those two scenarios is that we want the child or the teacher to get tested at one of our more than 200 sites across New York City, free of charge.

 

Now, we've talked about what we want to do before the child or the teacher comes into the school. We've talked about our simple rule – again, if there’s a case in a classroom, the kids, students and the teacher are going to quarantine for 14 days, no matter what. Now, what we do in addition to having that rule come into effect is we do an investigation. The investigation is done between the Department of Health and the New York City Test and Trace Corps. That investigation we'll have one of two outcomes. If there's a single case in a school – again, the rule was invoked, the classroom, meaning the students in the classroom and the teacher are going to quarantine for two weeks, 14 days, no matter what, and in addition that investigation may find that there are other close contacts of the case in the school. Those other close contacts will also quarantine at home for two weeks. During the investigation, if it's relegated to one case, the school will remain open, and when the investigation concludes the classroom and any close contact to a quarantine for two weeks.

 

Now, if there's more than one case in a school, and it's not in the same classroom, during the investigation by the Test and Trace Corps and the Department of Health, the school will close for 24 hours. The reason for that is we want to keep everybody safe while we do the investigation. When the investigation concludes, one of two things will happen. The first outcome could be that the classroom, again, all of the students and the teacher, would quarantine for two weeks – that's the rule that's going to happen no matter what – and any close contacts identified from either of the two or more cases would also quarantine for two weeks, but the school can reopen. That will be outcome number one. The second outcome would be that if we believe there is transmission or risk of transmission in this school between those more than one cases, then the school has already been closed for at least 24 hours during the investigation, the school remain closed – both the classrooms, which happens either way per our rule, but also the rest of the school to ensure that everybody in the school can be safe. And then, everybody in the school quarantine for the 14-day period.

 

Again, as a parent myself, the safety and health of our teachers, students, and kids like my son, Dave, must be at the center of everything we do. Thank you.

 

Mayor: Thank you very much, Dr. Long. Everybody I'm going to go over the indicators now, and this really puts a point on the progress we've made and the progress we've got to stick with to be able to open schools effectively and then go on from there as we restart and rebuild. So, indicator number one, daily number of people admitted to hospitals for suspected COVID-19, threshold is 200 – today's report, 65 patients. Number two, daily number of people in Health + Hospitals ICU’s, threshold 375 – today's report, 268. And here is the most important one, percentage of people testing citywide positive for COVID-19, threshold is 15 percent – today's report, one percent. So, again, that's the lowest we have been and that is credit to every one of you. And let's double down on that, that's how we move forward, is keeping number low.

Partnership For Parks IMP-ACT DAY

Now more than ever, we need community support to keep our parks clean, green, and vital. Join us to make an IMP-act on August 8th or apply for a matching fund grant to care for your local park. Also, check out SummerStage Anywhere for live performances and more all summer.

IMP-ACT DAY As the city recovers from COVID-19, emerging from the epicenter of this global pandemic, we face the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and a new wave of challenges. With the Parks budget cut by 14%, we need community support to ensure our parks can thrive. We invite you to take action by joining us on It’s My Park IMP-act Day!  After a five-month suspension of It’s My Park—our signature service program engaging volunteers in local parks across the city—on Saturday, August 8th, we will welcome back dedicated community groups and new volunteers alike at beautification projects across the city, ushering in a new way of working with your community in your local greenspace safely. Find a project below.   Can’t volunteer on August 8th? Contact us to join a project, volunteer as a group, or lead your own project as we continue to reopen It’s My Park, or find out about ways to engage with us online.

FIND A PROJECT

PFP CROWDFUNDING CHALLENGE Planning for the future of your park? The Partnerships for Parks Crowdfunding Challenge provides up to $2,500 in matching funds to approved community projects that are hosted through an ioby crowdfunding campaign. Projects benefiting an NYC green space—including parks, community gardens, street trees, and green streets—are eligible to have their ioby crowdfunding campaign matched. If approved, Partnerships for Parks contributes one dollar for every dollar raised up to $2,500. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis so apply now!

APPLY

#SUMMERSTAGEANYWHERE Join us for Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage Anywhere, a free digital series highlighting genres that deeply represent New York City: Contemporary Dance, Global, Indie Rock, Latin, Hip Hop, and Jazz.   From Brazilian pop star Pabllo Vittar to indie darling Waxahatchee to jazz saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and more, join us on the SummerStage social channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch). Tune in for live performances, one-on-one interviews, arts programs for families, exclusive DJ sets, and more this summer!

VISIT SUMMERSTAGE ANYWHERE

Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to transform these spaces into dynamic community assets.

KRVC - Open Streets Sundays on Johnson Avenue!

Open Streets Sundays to Riverdale!

Join us for the first one this Sunday, August 2nd.

Email Tracykrvc@gmail.com for more information

This innovative and timely New York City Program was brought to our community due to the hard work of community members, local businesses, KRVC, Community Board 8 and our dedicated local elected officials. We are looking forward to spending Sundays serving, enriching and building our special community!    Join us to celebrate Riverdale!

This Sunday, August 2nd will feature live music by Sinuhé Padilla Isunza from 2-6pm. Sinuhé is a Mexican musicologist, producer, composer, and artistic director. With more than 25 years of teaching and research experience, he's led and collaborated in multiple compelling artistic and social projects around the traditional and contemporary Afro-Amerindian music scene. A path that has allowed him to inspire and encourage community-based fandango projects in many cities including New York, Philadelphia, Barcelona, Buenos Aires,  Bello Horizonte, Montreal, Albuquerque, Miami, among others. We will also feature local artists at this weekend's event and KRVC will be giving out free face masks.  Join us!

NEW YORK CITY LAUNCHES NO-PENALTY SIGN INSPECTIONS

City restarts annual no-penalty deck, porch and retaining wall inspections

  The de Blasio Administration today announced the start of a new No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program and the return of the annual No-Penalty Deck and Porch and Retaining Wall Inspection Programs. These initiatives allow small business owners and homeowners to obtain free inspections of the relevant structures, without risk of penalty, to determine if they comply with City safety regulations. Rather than penalize small businesses and homeowners, these initiatives will help New Yorkers comply with the regulations and proactively maintain their properties, saving them time and money by fixing potential problems before they occur.

 

“Our small businesses are the core of our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “That is why we want to work with them to help them keep their businesses safe, and instead of just giving them a fine or violation.”

 

"We want to ensure all New Yorkers' homes and businesses are safe, and that is why we are re-launching these no-penalty inspections," said Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin. "With everything our City has gone through these last several months, we want to make sure we are helping as much as possible rather than penalizing. I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of this great program."

 

“Making sure your home and property are in good shape is essential to keeping your loved ones and neighbors safe,” said Buildings Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca. "Putting off needed home repairs or keeping up a sign that is out of compliance might seem harmless in the short run, but it could end up costing a lot more than you bargained for. We're pleased to offer these programs to help small businesses and property owners comply with the regulations that keep us all safe."

 

No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program

 

Beginning July 31st until September 15th, 2020, the Department of Buildings will start accepting business accessory sign inspection requests from small business owners. For the first time, DOB is offering to inspect business signage at no cost and without penalty. During the inspection, DOB's team will come out and verify that business accessory signs comply with City regulations and are safely installed. Small business owners can take advantage of these no penalty inspections and avoid issues later by bringing their signs up to code if any deficiencies are found. Those interested in the No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program can contact 311 to set up an appointment.

 

As part of a moratorium from February 9, 2019 until February 9, 2021, the Department will not issue violations for business signs that existed on or before February 9, 2019, unless the sign is not eligible for the moratorium for reasons such as being an imminent threat to public health or safety. Businesses are encouraged to contact 311 to have their signs inspected to determine whether they comply with applicable regulations before the end of this moratorium to potentially avoid receiving future violations for signs that are not in compliance. DOB will continue to respond to 311 complaints about signs to determine whether a business’ sign is compliant or eligible for this moratorium. Visit our site for more on the Business Accessory Sign Moratorium 

 

No-Penalty Deck and Porch and Retaining Wall Inspection Programs

 

Beginning July 31st, and also ending September 15th, homeowners and property owners can also contact 311 to request a free DOB inspection of their decks, porches, or retaining walls as part of the annual No-Penalty Deck and Porch and Retaining Wall inspection initiatives. By law, homeowners must properly maintain any deck, porch, or retaining wall on their property, and ensure that these structures comply with City regulations. Over time, weather and shifting soil can cause these household structures to deteriorate, and periodic maintenance of these structures is critical to preventing accidents. During the scheduled inspection, a Buildings inspector will look for potential dangers, such as cracking, rotting, bulging, leaning, and conditions that could lead to structural failure. 

 

The Department first launched the No-Penalty Retaining Wall Inspection Program in 2005 and later added the No-Penalty Deck and Porch Inspection Program in 2010. Since the start of these initiatives, the City has dealt with over 1100 properties across the five boroughs, helping to prevent structural failures and saving money for homeowners. New Yorkers concerned about the safety and stability of any of these structures in their neighborhood are also urged to contact 311 to report any unsafe conditions.

 

“SBS is committed to helping our small businesses get back on their feet. The Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program not only saves business owners time by providing them with the education to remain in compliance with City rules leading up to the moratorium, but it also saves them money by helping them avoid costly fines which may have resulted from non-compliance.  We look forward to working with our colleagues at the Department of Buildings on launching an initiative that puts small businesses first,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services.