STATE AGENCIES ANNOUNCE KEY MILESTONE FOR ADIRONDACK RAIL TRAIL

 

Removal of Railroad Tracks Between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid is First Step in Developing World-Class Recreational Trail

The New York State Departments of Transportation and Environmental Conservation, in cooperation with the State Office of General Services, today announced a major milestone in the development of the world-class Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile multi-use recreational path for outdoor adventurers between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid.  The New York State Department of Transportation has broken ground on a $1.9 million project to remove the tracks from the former railroad right-of-way, clearing the way for its conversion into a shared-use path ideal for hikers, bikers, cross country skiers, and snowmobile enthusiasts. A second project will commence in the coming weeks to rehabilitate the existing rails between Big Moose and Tupper Lake in order to create the longest scenic railway in the country.

 

The rail trail and scenic railway are key components of the recently completed 2020 Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor Unit Management Plan (UMP), which provides a blueprint for sustainably developing this picturesque 119-mile travel corridor to bolster tourism and further recreation opportunities. The corridor follows the path of a once-thriving rail line constructed in 1892, and operated continuously until 1972. The line and its right-of-way were purchased by New York State in 1974. 

 

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Adirondacks are one of the great treasures of New York State, and the careful redevelopment of this historic railroad right-of-way will make it easier for people to enjoy the region’s grandeur - regardless of whether they are hiking, riding a bicycle, snowmobile, or taking a scenic train. These two projects are indicative of the level of investment Governor Cuomo is making in creating expanded opportunities for tourism and economic growth while also protecting one New York State’s most valuable natural resources, the Adirondacks.”

 

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Today is a critical step in the creation of the Adirondack Rail Trail. Providing a 34-mile accessible recreation trail in the northern corridor and the nation’s longest scenic railway in the southern corridor, this development will expand and enhance visitor experiences and help to drive Adirondack economies. Visitors and local residents alike will be able to experience the excitement of a trail ride through some of the Adirondacks’ most remote and spectacular areas. For those who prefer hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and more, the trail offers a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.”

 

OGS Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, “Development of The Adirondack Rail Trail, as well as the Empire State Trail, demonstrate Governor Cuomo’s continued commitment to expanding the type of outdoor recreational opportunities that foster economic growth in communities throughout New York State.  The Adirondack wilderness is a beautiful place to visit, and Team OGS is proud to be working with DOT and DEC on a project that will give the public the chance to enjoy even more of the stunning scenery this region has in abundance.”

 

Under the project administered by DOT, existing tracks will be removed from the northern portions of the line above Tupper Lake. The Adirondack Rail Trail will be constructed in their place to connect Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, allowing trail users to enjoy the unique charm and amenities of each community while providing access to miles of breathtaking trails, numerous campsites, and abundant waterways in the Forest Preserve lands adjacent to the travel corridor. The corridor will also feature signage to help visitors interpret the history of the railway, the cultures of adjacent communities, and the natural resources of surrounding lands and waters to create a linear museum.

 

The New York State Office of General Services is leading the trail’s design and working to ensure it will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Upon completion of construction, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will assume day-to-day management of the trail and, working closely with stakeholders and municipalities, will ensure it remains a world-class accessible outdoor recreation destination.  

 

Construction of the trail is scheduled to begin in 2022 and will be completed in phases. The multi-use recreation trail is expected to be complete by the end of 2024. 

 

The $19.1 million project to rehabilitate the rails between Big Moose and Tupper Lake will allow the current scenic railway service – presently operated by the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society under a use and occupancy permit from the State – to be extended 45 miles further into the Adirondacks. Rail rehabilitation is expected to be complete by the end of 2021. Plans also call for the Tupper Lake Station to be redeveloped to serve as a terminus for rail operations. 

 

Additional details about the 2020 Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor Unit Management Plan Amendment/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement are available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/62816.html.  

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES CITY WILL ADVANCE FUNDING FOR HOUSING NEW YORK PLAN

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the acceleration of capital funding within the City’s affordable housing plan, a major step toward ensuring a fair recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The City will shift $466 million to the current fiscal year’s capital budget during the upcoming Preliminary Plan to address urgent affordable housing needs, bringing the capital investment this fiscal year to over $1.4 billion. Significantly, the Housing New York goal of creating and preserving 300,000 affordable homes by 2026 remains on track.

 

This week, New York City released the Where We Live NYC Plan, the City’s blueprint for fair housing in the five boroughs to break down barriers to opportunity and build more integrated, equitable neighborhoods.

 

“Rebuilding a fairer and better New York City means investing in affordable housing and making our neighborhoods more inclusive,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “There’s no surer or more important investment than safe and livable communities, anchored by affordable housing. We’re proud to keep our affordability and preservation goals on track.”

 

"Stable, affordable housing is critical to the health and well-being of New Yorkers, and we are doubling down on our ambitious housing goals," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. "These funds will maximize our production pipeline, prioritizing NEW housing for those who are most in need, while also putting people back to work and furthering projects sponsored by our M/WBE and non-profit developers to ensure our economic recovery is robust and fair.”

 

In March, the City moved $466 million from HPD’s Fiscal Year 2021 capital budget into Fiscal Years 2022 through 2024. To support both the ongoing recovery effort and this critical program, the City will be moving these funds back to Fiscal Year 2021.

 

Since the pandemic began, the City has advanced a robust affordable housing pipeline. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) continued to support projects with limited use of City capital – focusing on developments that serve vulnerable residents and communities – and sponsored by Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and nonprofit developers. 

 

“This administration has made affordable housing a priority since day one, and especially in this critical moment, we are grateful for the additional funding," said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. “With these restored funds, we’ll be forging ahead on the goals of Housing New York with an even sharper focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us – New Yorkers at the lowest income levels, our seniors, those experiencing homelessness – and helping make this city a more equitable place by supporting M/WBE’s and nonprofits projects as well as those in neighborhoods hit hard by COVID-19.”

 

This past summer, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City financed 30,023 affordable homes in the last fiscal year. To date, the City has financed almost 166,000 affordable homes, of which 44% serve extremely low and very-low income families, those earning less than $30,720 or $51,200 for a family of three, respectively.

 

With this capital commitment, HPD will extend its ability to house New Yorkers in need, support M/WBE and NFP firms, bring jobs and new infrastructure to neighborhoods that have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, and improve the habitability of existing housing stock.  In the wake of the COVID crisis, the City is also keenly focused on housing that contributes to the health and well-being of our residents by ensuring there is broadband connectivity in new construction projects as well as community facilities that bring health services, recreational opportunities, and outdoor space.

 

Already in this fiscal year, HPD has closed on several projects that align with these goals. That includes 1921 Atlantic Avenue in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, a new joint venture between two M/WBE developers that will provide housing to 236 lower-income and formerly homeless households, along with a grocery store and multi-faceted community space. Other M/WBE-sponsored developments this year include 461 Alabama Avenue in Brooklyn and Victory Commons in the Bronx.

 

HPD also preserved three properties across the Bronx and in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn through the Neighborhood Pillars program, which helps mission-driven organizations acquire and rehabilitate properties. Half of these units will remain permanently affordable, with 30% of the units set-aside for eligible homeless tenants, helping ensure these buildings remain bastions of affordability for their communities into the future.

 

Join Fellow Progressives for our October Meeting!

 

When: Wednesday, October 28th, 7pm

Where:

Join Zoom Meeting at

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84219624370

Meeting ID: 842 1962 4370

Greetings Bronx Progressives Members!

 

How are you all? Hope this email finds you all well, and that your loved ones continue to stay healthy and safe during this health crisis. We must continue to be diligently cautious of our surroundings, that our masks are appropriately protecting us, and never allow ourselves to grow complacent. 

So I write to you again. Thinking how quickly this month flew by. Now here we are and it's October, and just thirteen days away from election day! 

 

In midst of all of this, Bronx Progressives is pleased to invite you to our October general meeting, taking place on Wednesday, October 28th at 7pm. We are excited to bring you updates on the reactivation of Bronx Progressives. Since we last met, a group of us formed from our September 30th general meeting, have been meeting consecutively in the past few weeks, and reviewing and discussing our current bylaws. A crucial responsibility that will help us build a more stronger and resilient Bronx Progressives. 

 

We will also be joined by special guest Juan Nunez (sorry couldn't pull of tilde on Nunez), Lead Organizer with Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition. He will discuss the current state of the housing crisis. Governor Cuomo extended the housing moratorium, which will prevent tenants from evictions until January 2021. But what about rent relief?  

We will also discuss the upcoming election on November 3, and how to plan your vote.

Agenda:

• Greetings and Welcomes (2 Mins.)

• Overview of the agenda (3 Mins.)

• House Rules (5 Mins.)

• Reviewing the Zoom features

• Adding your name/neighborhood you live in to chat box

• Sign-in form

• Introducing Juan Nunez from Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition 

• Juan Nunez speaks (15 Mins.)

• Q&A (10 Mins.)

• Upcoming Elections and Creating a voting plan (10 Mins.)

• Recap of last month meeting (10 Mins.)

• Report on work Committee on Reactivating Bronx Progressives is doing (10 Mins.)

• Reviewing and discussing Bylaws

• Around the room discussion/Feedback (20 Mins.)

• Next Steps (10 Mins.)

• A call to action on reactivating Bronx Progressives

• Recruitment of reliable members to serve in a steering committee to reactivate Bronx Progressives

• Adjourn

 

When: 

Time: Oct 28, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Where:

Join Zoom Meeting at

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84219624370

Meeting ID: 842 1962 4370

***This meeting is ADA accessible and is a safe space for all races, religions, sexes, gender identities, ages and beliefs***

MAYOR DE BLASIO, FIRST LADY CHIRLANE MCCRAY AND TASKFORCE ON RACIAL INCLUSION AND EQUITY ANNOUNCE EXPANSION OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS IN NEIGHBORHOODS HARDEST HIT BY COVID-19

 

New initiatives will provide trauma-informed counseling and connect students to outpatient mental health clinics 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray today announced that the City will add new mental health services to hundreds of schools in the neighborhoods hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Two new programs will use existing resources to maximize mental health support for students and confront the trauma that has been caused by the public health crisis. This work is supported by the administration's Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity, which brings an equity-based approach to COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in hardest-hit communities.

 

“COVID-19 has taken a tremendous emotional toll on our city’s students,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.  “Now, our educators, parents, and school communities will not endure the trauma of the pandemic alone. To those who are suffering, your city sees you and we are here to help.”’

 

“Now, more than ever, we want all of our students to know that they are not alone, and there are compassionate, trained professionals ready to help them process anxiety, grief and trauma that may have intensified during the pandemic.” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “Parents and educators in our communities hardest hit by COVID-19 have called out for this kind of direct support and we are responding.”

 

More specifically, the School Mental Health Consultant Program was converted to the School Mental Health Specialist Program. Launched in 2016, the Consultant Program served 46% of the City’s public schools. Licensed social workers worked with these schools to survey their existing mental health resources, build custom mental health plans, and, when needed, connect students to mental health support in the school system and to clinical services in their community. Currently staffed by mental health workers, the Consultant Program has delivered 6,993 trainings to 217,379 Department of Education (DOE) teachers and staff since 2016.   

 

Under the new program, the current mental health workers will become Specialists and begin delivering trauma-informed group work, to students at 350 schools in the neighborhoods hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in late October, each Specialist will serve up to five schools, and, in addition to direct services, will provide mental health education to caregivers and school staff to help them address students’ mental health needs and strengthen community and family ties.   

 

The Specialist program, like the Consultant program, will be implemented by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), in partnership with DOE, with programmatic oversight from ThriveNYC. The $8.7 million Fiscal Year 2021 budget for the Consultant Program will be entirely converted to support the Specialist program, with the new direct service model requiring no additional costs. The Mayor’s Fund has raised $35,000 to cover the cost of training curriculum and material to transition the program. Data on the program’s reach and impact will be regularly published on ThriveNYC’s data dashboard.    

 

Second, a first-ever formal partnership between NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) and the City’s public schools will directly connect 26 schools in the neighborhoods hardest hit by COVID-19 to outpatient mental health clinics, where children and adolescents can receive ongoing therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and other clinical services. A designated staff person will be appointed in each school to coordinate directly with H+H, ensuring that referrals happen quickly and easily for students in need. Schools will also receive training to better understand when a referral to ongoing mental healthcare at H+H may help a student.  

 

In the last six years, the City has significantly expanded onsite mental health services in schools, including adding clinics to over 200 high-need schools across the City. For some students with ongoing or acute mental health needs, schools may need to connect students to community-based providers. The new H+H initiative, Pathways to Care, closes this critical gap in care, expediting referrals and connection to community-based services for students in the neighborhoods that have experienced high levels of trauma and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new partnership will use existing resources, without the need for a new budget.  Pathways to Care will be implemented by H+H and DOE, with programmatic oversight from the Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC. 

 

While schools are operating both in-person and virtually, students and their families will be able to access services through both of these new programs both onsite and via tele-mental health.    

The strategies announced today are part of an ongoing, citywide effort to meet the mental health needs of children and young people in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In August, the Mayor, First Lady and Chancellor announced the Bridge to School program to help schools integrate trauma-informed practices into school reopening, following an historic investment to address the social-emotional needs of students. In addition, ThriveNYC and DOE collaborate on several innovative mental health programs that serve children and families, which offer a combination of in-person and tele-mental health support during the pandemic.    

 

“The academic success and mental health of our students are completely intertwined, and this direct support to our hardest hit communities will be invaluable in supporting our students as we continue to navigate this pandemic,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “These initiatives give schools reliable and easily accessible care, and I thank the Mayor and First Lady for their unwavering dedication to the health and wellbeing of our students.”

 

“Whether it was the impact of months of isolation, coping with loss due to COVID-19, or anxieties associated with the pandemic, it is critical that students receive the proper mental health support now, and we’re proud to be partnering with other City agencies to make this a reality,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Charles Barron, MD. “School-aged children and young adults are at a pivotal stage of development and it’s important to provide the most comprehensive mental health services conveniently so they can overcome the stresses and trauma felt by so many during this pandemic.” 

 

"From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, children have coped with stressors at home, family illness and loss," said Dr. Daniel Stephens, Deputy Commissioner for Family Child Health for the New York City Health Department. "Schools offer a supportive environment where children and families can receive mental health care and connections to necessary resources. I am proud to partner with DOE, H+H, and Thrive NYC to provide these critical mental health services."   

 

"So many students in our schools are coping with the profound emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic - from grief, loss and trauma to anxiety and isolation," said Susan Herman, Director of the Mayor's Office of ThriveNYC. "With these new strategies, the City is acting swiftly to bring more mental health support to the children and young people who need it most right now. I thank all the clinicians and mental health workers who are meeting this extraordinary moment with creativity and resolve."

 

"Young New Yorkers have been facing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemics on all fronts--in school, at home, and in their communities. Individualized attention and support is key to ensuring they remain mentally and physically healthy and resilient," said Toya Williford, Executive Director of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City. "We are proud to leverage the strength of our partnerships to help provide the necessary support and care to the children of this city."

 

“Now, more than ever, students and families need support for their mental health and well-being,” said Sideya Sherman, Executive Director of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity and EVP for Community Engagement & Partnerships at NYCHA. “These new initiatives will bring much needed mental health services and connections to outpatient clinical services, to schools in the communities hardest-hit by COVID-19. Through interagency collaboration, the City is taking proactive steps to meet the social and emotional needs of young people.”

 

"The American Psychological Association applauds this plan to provide much-needed care to New York City's school children," said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans, PhD. "We know from our polling research that the youngest generation is experiencing the most stress of all age groups as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic so extra attention to their mental health needs will be critical to their future development."

 

“New York City’s children have lost so much to COVID, beloved family members have died, school has been disrupted, and normal and needed activities with friends have been on hold for months and months,” said Linda Rosenberg, Executive Director of External Relations, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. “Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray’s decision to use existing resources to add mental health services to hundreds of schools in the neighborhoods hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic is right and just. In a crisis of this dimension and duration, we must attend to the present while building for the future, and our children are the future.”

 

“Children and young adults have been the ones most deeply affected by the pandemic across a variety of mental health indicators, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm or even suicidal thinking,” said Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America. “At Mental Health America, literally millions have come directly to us or our local affiliates for help since the start of the pandemic. It is essential that we support them where they are – in their homes, neighborhoods, and schools. This great initiative can serve as a model for the nation and remind communities that no matter how many resources they have, it is essential to direct as many of these as possible to supporting the mental health of our children during these incredibly challenging times.”

head of Pivotal November Election, NYIC Action Announces Endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden for President - BUT

 

We are starting with our Editor's Comment first, because one has to read this endorsement carefully. 

This endorsement follows a 2016 endorsement by NYIC Action of Hillary Clinton for President, after she had committed to launch critical immigration initiatives.

Why would NYIC Action endorse someone who could not get their critical immigration initiatives passed for the eight years he was Vice-President from 2008 through 2015? It does not make any sense.

NYIC Action also puts two different dates as to when it was founded. In this press release it states founded as a sister organization to the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) a 501(C)(3) organization. 501(C)(3)'s are forbidden from any political endorsements, that is why the 501(C)(4) title was created so that the same organization could endorse under the separate 501(C))4) title. 

So NYIC when was the 501(C)(4) created? in 2010 as listed in this press release, or in 2007 as listed on the website states?

About NYIC Action
NYIC Action (nyicaction.org) was originally formed in 2010 as a sister organization to the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), a 501(c)(3) coalition with 200 member organizations across New York State.  In order to increase the political potency of the immigrant vote, Immigrant Action endorses candidates and elected officials who stand up for immigrant communities and against anti-immigrant opponents. Immigrant Action engages in targeted advocacy on specific immigrant-related issues such as legislative scorecards, pointed advocacy flyers highlighting individual elected officials’ stances, and intensive grassroots and direct lobbying of elected officials. 

On the NYIC website the following is listed

NYIC Action was founded in 2007 as a a 501(c)(4) not for profit corporation, in order to make sure immigrants had a seat at the table of the national comprehensive immigration reform debate. We are pioneering a new immigrant power-building concept by building a large base of dues-paying individual members who will be directly plugged into potent immigrant rights advocacy campaigns. Working with our sister 501(c)(3) organization, the New York Immigration Coalition, NYIC Action will outreach to the over 200 nonprofit organizations serving immigrants in New York State.

In order to increase the political potency of the immigrant vote NYIC Action endorses candidates and elected officials who stand up for immigrant communities and against anti-immigrant opponents. NYIC Action engages in targeted advocacy on specific immigrant-related issues such as legislative scorecards, pointed advocacy flyers highlighting individual elected officials’ stances, and intensive grassroots and direct lobbying of elected officials.

NYIC Action is a founding board member of Movement of Immigrants in America (Mia), a national 501(c)(4) membership organization.

Ahead of Pivotal November Election, NYIC Action Announces Endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden for President  Biden and Harris have committed to reversing Trump’s attacks on immigrants, enacting new pro-immigrant policies

New York, NY (October 22, 2020)–Today, NYIC Action—the New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501(c)4 organization and political arm—announced its endorsement of Vice President Joe Biden for President and Senator Kamala Harris for Vice President for the 2020 presidential election. In its endorsement, NYIC Action cited the Biden-Harris ticket’s commitment to reversing Trump's anti-immigrant policies, to enacting critical pro-immigrant policies and reform, and the need for an inclusive approach to all communities, regardless of legal status, in reviving our economy. This endorsement follows a 2016 endorsement by NYIC Action of Hillary Clinton for President, after she had committed to launch critical immigration initiatives.  Murad Awawdeh and Rovika Rajkishun, Interim Co-Executive Directors of NYIC Action, said, “Vice President Joe Biden is simply the only choice for New York’s immigrants. He’s the only candidate for President who understands and values the social, cultural and economic contributions of millions of immigrants to this nation. Rather than demonizing and attacking our immigrant communities, Biden has committed to promoting pro-immigrant policies and laws to ensure a healthier and stronger America for everyone who calls this country home. Trump and his enablers can no longer distract and divide us from making the future we want. That's why we are working tirelessly to turn out every single eligible immigrant voter across the state. Alongside our allies across the nation, we will be delivering our voices and our votes for an America and a New York where the power of the immigrant vote is growing and will be crucial in November.” NYIC Action’s previous round of endorsements, announced in October, can be found here. ### About NYIC Action NYIC Action (nyicaction.org) was originally formed in 2010 as a sister organization to the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), a 501(c)(3) coalition with 200 member organizations across New York State.  In order to increase the political potency of the immigrant vote, Immigrant Action endorses candidates and elected officials who stand up for immigrant communities and against anti-immigrant opponents. Immigrant Action engages in targeted advocacy on specific immigrant-related issues such as legislative scorecards, pointed advocacy flyers highlighting individual elected officials’ stances, and intensive grassroots and direct lobbying of elected officials.  EDITOR'S NOTE: Just when was this 503(C)(4) begin operations? in 2010 as listed in the press release, or in 2007 as listed on the NYIC website?

Councilman Salamanca and Assemblyman Rivera Food/Mask Giveaway at Keith Plaza

 

Councilman Rafael Salamanca and Assemblyman Jose Rivera came to Keith Plaza opposite the Bronx Zoo to give away five-hundred boxes of food (provided by the Metropolitan Council), and a face mask for every box of food. 

Keith Plaza was chosen by Assemblyman Rivera because there are two thirty-one story buildings and two schools there. Each elected official brought a crew of help to hand out the boxes of food and face masks. Also on hand was the new Male District Leader for the 78th Assembly District Angel Santana. The line of people was down the block, but they received their food and face mask quickly. 

Above - Assemblyman Jose Rivera gives some last minute instructions to those who will be handing out the five-hundred boxes of food in the background.

Below - Assemblyman Rivera, Councilman Salamanca, and District Leader Santana stand with boxes of food.

Above - District Leader Santana places this box of food on this persons wagon. 

Below - Northwest Bronx Democrats founder places a Northwest Bronx Democrats Club Pin on Councilman Salamanca as Assemblyman Rivera videos the event.

49Pct - Neighborhood Coordination Officers Sector A – Build The Block Meeting

 

Wednesday evening the 49th Precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officers for Sector A held a Build the Block meeting at the F & J Pines. NCO officers Stephen Brancatelli and Patrick Nicewicz have been NCO Sector A partners since the tart of the NCO program in the 49th Precinct, and were well received as they always are at community meetings.

The two officers were joined by the Youth Coordination Officer, Transit Division 12 officers, and Crime Prevention officer Tyrone Mederos who all spoke about what was going on in their areas of expertise. all took questions , and stayed to answer any more individual question s or complaints. 

Above - Sector A NCO Officers Brancatelli and Nicewicz conduct the Build the Block meeting.

Below - Other officers from different areas of the NYPD joined in the meeting in the Socially Distanced room.

MAJOR MILESTONE REACHED IN CITY’S COMMITMENT TO CLOSE RIKERS ISLAND JAILS

 

Latest steps come on the anniversary of the historic City Council vote to shutter Rikers Island and bring new, modern facilities closer to communities

 The de Blasio Administration today reaffirmed its commitment to the closure of jails on Rikers Island, providing the City Planning Commission with the most comprehensive plan to date to build four new borough-based facilities.

 

With a new completion date of 2027, the timeframe will allow adequate time for City officials, community stakeholders, justice advocates, building contractors, and others to work together to ensure the best possible results amid the interruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The date also maintains the Mayor’s commitment to finishing the project in a 10-year timeframe.

 

“We are moving forward with our historic plan to close Rikers Island and create a smaller, safer and more humane jail system,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This comprehensive plan gets us one step closer to bringing people back to their communities, one step closer to ending the cycle of recidivism and one step closer to ending mass incarceration once and for all.”

 

"The City Council overwhelming voted to close Rikers Island, and our goal of shutting this living symbol of mass incarceration in our city remains the same. Today’s vote ensures that there is a legally binding mechanism for this administration and future administrations to stay on that course and I want to acknowledge and thank the criminal justice advocacy community for all their efforts to get us here,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

 

The updated plans come on the anniversary of the historic City Council vote that began the process of shuttering the jails on Rikers Island, and the building of new smaller, safer, fairer facilities.  The vote represented the culmination of years of efforts, begun by justice and community activists. Mayor de Blasio announced the City’s plans for borough-based facilities in August 2018, kicking off the City’s land use process that ended with the successful Council vote in October 2019.

 

The City’s ability to close the island jails on Rikers will be made possible by the continued reduction of the City’s incarcerated population. Since 2013, the number of people in jail has dropped significantly, down 61% from the 11,500 seven years ago. The City has simultaneously invested in jail diversion for those awaiting trial like the award-winning Supervised Release program, alternatives to incarceration programs for those who would otherwise serve jail sentences, as well as robust re-entry services to help keep those departing jail from ever returning.

 

The updated plans presented to the City Planning Commission include dates through the end of 2021 for request for proposals from interested developers and architects to participate in the innovative design-build process. Designers and builders are paired to streamline the construction process, from concept to shovels in the ground, while saving taxpayer money. The borough-based program is the City’s first use of this system.

 

The proposal process will have the added benefit of a peer review as an additional step to ensure designs meet the highest levels of quality. The Manhattan peer review is being facilitated by The Architectural League of New York's Executive Director Rosalie Genevro.

 

The request for proposals to the pre-qualitied Manhattan design-build teams will be issued before the end of 2020.

 

“We remain committed to moving operations into new borough-based facilities that represent the very best in correctional design, and providing the safest, most humane environment possible for those who work and live in our jails. We have not, however, waited for the physical move and have made great strides towards realizing positive culture change and implementing best correctional practices,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Cynthia Brann.

 

"The process of creating a new model for justice in New York City and the nation begins with literally building a better system from the ground up. The design and construction of the new borough-based facilities represents a powerful initial opportunity to further transform justice in New York City," said Elizabeth Glazer, Director of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice. "We expect our new justice facilities to have a significant beneficial effect on the lives and well-being of those inside who are detained and those who work inside, as well as become civic assets for the communities in which they are situated."

 

“We continue to move the City’s Borough Based Jails program forward to meet the essential goal of closing Rikers island and building more equitable and just facilities closer to courts, services and loved ones,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. “New, borough-based facilities are a cornerstone of the historic effort to close Rikers and DDC is working to deliver humane and safe facilities.”