What can I do to the people of the Bronx today since I don't have to care about getting re-elected? Thank you Bronx DOT Commissioner Nivardo Lopez for taking blocks of needed parking on Southern Boulevard next to the Bronx Zoo for a protected bike lane.
Nivardo, however next time make sure that the proper notice to the community is given o we don't have to void those tickets we gave out by the Traffic Agents.
"In 2019, the New York City marathon broke records to become the world's largest marathon ever," Governor Cuomo said. "While canceling the race was the right choice in 2020, we are excited to welcome runners back to our beautiful city. New Yorkers worked hard to flatten the curve after the COVID-19 outbreak and it is that work that allows us to bring back this iconic event for its 50th running."
As public health conditions change over the coming months, the TCS New York City Marathon will adapt and adhere to applicable protocols - such as social distancing, masks, health screening, and cleaning and disinfection, where necessary - to provide a safe and successful race.
In addition to reduced capacity, other health and safety protocols are planned to be in effect for participants, event staff, and volunteers to maximize social distancing, reduce touchpoints and contacts, promote communication, and promote health and well-being.
The current TCS New York City Marathon Health and Safety Plan reflects:
Ted Metellus, Race Director, TCS New York City Marathon said, "This will be an unprecedented and historic year for the TCS New York City Marathon as one of the most iconic New York sporting events makes its return. As we stage a safe and memorable race for the 50th running, this year's marathon will showcase our great city's strength, inspiration, and determination."
Kerin Hempel, Interim CEO, NYRR said, "At NYRR we are looking forward to once again being part of New York City's comeback story. We can't wait to welcome the global running community to our city, and to experience the incredible energy that radiates along the streets of New York on Marathon Sunday."
Today's announcement builds on Governor Cuomo's recent measures to further reopen the economy given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As of yesterday, 62 percent of New York's adults had received at least one vaccine dose and 52 percent had completed their vaccine series.
Additional TCS New York City Marathon details will be available here.
70,722 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours
799,736 Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days
Vaccine Dashboard Updated Daily on the State's Vaccine Program Here
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 70,722 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and 799,736 doses have been administered statewide over the past seven days.
"More New Yorkers continue to get vaccinated every single day in our state and its critical we do all we can to ensure that progress continues," Governor Cuomo said. "Creativity is key here-live events are increasing capacity for those who have been vaccinated, pop-up vaccination sites are being established at transportation hubs and we've expanded the availability of walk-in appointments. Now, New Yorkers need to take advantage of these resources, get their shot and do their part in helping rebuild and restart our great state-there is no reason not to."
All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on vaccine appointments near them.
STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN
Total doses administered - 17,626,145
Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 70,722
Total doses administered over past 7 days - 799,736
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 61.8%
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 52.2%
Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 50.0%
Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 41.8%
Patient Hospitalizations Drop to 1,581 - Lowest Since November 9
7-Day Hospitalizations Drop to 1,775 - Lowest Since November 15; 46 Straight Days of Decline
ICU Patients Drop to 387 - Lowest Since November 14
228 Patients Intubated
Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.26%
11 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday - Lowest Since October 30
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"The people of New York have proven their strength over the last year and it's thanks to their vigilance that we are getting closer to fully reopening the state," Governor Cuomo said. "As the numbers continue to go down, we are reopening more sectors of our economy and loosening restrictions wherever we can, while still keeping health and safety a top priority. As we continue build on this positive momentum, we look forward to welcoming New Yorkers and visitors alike back to the businesses, events and landmarks that make up the fabric of the Empire State."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
Proposal will create 900 permanently affordable homes, support existing historic districts, enhance arts and culture via innovative arts fund model, and introduce flexible zoning for ground floor and other uses
City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair Marisa Lago today announced the start of public review for the SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan, the first overhaul of local zoning regulations since these communities served as a manufacturing hub half a century ago.
The proposal will enhance equity and affordability by opening these two lower Manhattan neighborhoods -- with exceptional access to transit, schools, jobs and other amenities – to many more New Yorkers, while also enhancing the existing historical character of these vital mixed-use districts.
“Every New Yorker should have the opportunity to live in transit-rich, amenity-filled neighborhoods like SoHo and NoHo. Built on years of community engagement, this proposal was crafted with a lens focused on fair housing, an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing SoHo/NoHo as a regional hub for jobs and commerce, and preserving and augmenting the arts. Through permanently affordable housing requirements and support for the arts, this plan is a giant step forward towards a more equitable and even livelier New York City,” said CPC Chair Marisa Lago.
“The rezoning of SoHo and NoHo was one of the key strategies outlined in the City's Where We Live NYC fair housing plan to promote equitable housing development across the five boroughs,” said NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Louise Carroll. “It is critical that we both create more affordable housing in well-resourced, transit-rich neighborhoods like Soho and NoHo, while also continuing our work to ensure that all communities have the resources and amenities that residents need to thrive.”
“With both a rich creative history and vibrant contemporary cultural life, SoHo and neighboring areas are home to extraordinary cultural communities that have been integral to residents' lives for generations,” said NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Gonzalo Casals. “As we move forward on public review for this rare opportunity, we will continue to work with our partners at DCP and in the community to make investments that have the potential to preserve and expand the cultural assets in these neighborhoods for artists and residents alike.”
The SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan would, for the first time, permit housing and require affordable housing in all new developments, allowing as many as 3,500 new homes to be created, 900 of which would be permanently affordable homes via the City’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program. In addition to new homes created on vacant and underutilized land, conversion of existing non-residential space to residential would create homes, and because of MIH, a more diverse, mixed-income community. Existing rent-regulated homes, many covered by the Loft Law, will remain protected.
This initiative furthers the priorities developed in Where We Live NYC, the City’s fair housing plan. Where We Live NYC calls for changes to ensure every neighborhood contributes to the City’s affordable housing development goals – especially amenity-rich, high-income, disproportionately white areas like SoHo and NoHo.
The proposal introduces height limits in these areas for the first time, which will result in the creation of loft-like structures, long-beloved in SoHo and NoHo. To enhance and protect the neighborhoods’ historic character and building forms, no towers will be allowed. The proposal’s height limits include:
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s review and certification of appropriateness remains unchanged throughout the historic districts, which is about 85% of total rezoning area.
The proposal seeks to support the legacy of arts and culture in and around SoHo and NoHo over the long-term via a new arts fund model. The arts fund creates a mechanism for those living in Joint Living Work Quarters for Artists (JLWQA) who wish to convert to a residential use through a contribution to a neighborhood arts fund. This is completely optional and up to the JLWQA tenant, expanding the choices available to them. The JLWQA program will also remain an option for certified artists in perpetuity.
The arts fund will be overseen by DCLA and its designated partners. The fund will be built up over time and allocated in ways that invest in existing and new cultural infrastructure that enhance the public presence of the arts and propel the cultural legacies of these communities for generations to come. The fund will be designed flexibly to meet the goal of expanding access to cultural amenities in SoHo and NoHo and the surrounding lower Manhattan communities below 14th Street.
The arts fund model presents an exciting opportunity to enhance the public presence of the arts and DCP and DCLA look forward to continuing to work with existing cultural communities in the area and other stakeholders to further develop the proposed arts fund.
The proposal will also introduce sensible use rules that recognize SoHo/NoHo's status as a major economic engine and retail destination and support post-pandemic recovery.
By replacing and updating 50-year-old manufacturing-only zoning laws, the proposal provides the necessary zoning flexibility for economic recovery and adaptation for businesses, especially small business, artists and cultural organizations.
The proposed changes would cover an area generally bounded by Canal Street to the south, Houston Street and Astor Place to the north, Lafayette Street and the Bowery to the east, and Sixth Avenue and West Broadway to the west. The area is currently mapped with zoning districts found only in the SoHo and NoHo neighborhoods and which date to the early 1970s, when vacant manufacturing buildings were being repurposed by artists and others drawn to the neighborhoods’ versatile and affordable lofts.
The SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan builds on a two-year public engagement process that included over 40 meetings, including four recent virtual public information sessions. The Plan seeks to establish a new zoning district to address the community’s and the city’s housing needs and economic challenges. This work grew out of the Envision SoHo/NoHo report, which was co-sponsored by the Department of City Planning, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and City Council Member Margaret Chin.
Manhattan Community Board 2 has 60 days to review the proposal, after which it will go to the Borough President, back to the City Planning Commission and ultimately to the City Council as part of the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). For further information on the zoning proposal or the ULURP timetable, please visit DCP’s website.
In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.
Last Thursday, Council Member Eric Dinowitz took to the streets of Norwood to meet constituents and host Neighborhood Office Hours.
Setting up on Dekalb and Gun Hill the Council Member was able to address community issues and concerns by meeting people in an outdoor, socially distanced way.
"We have many people in the community that have concerns or need our assistance to solve local or personal problems. I want people to know that my staff and I are here to help. I met some wonderful people and got to hear many stories of life in the district. By bringing my district office directly to the people, I believe that we can reach individuals that may not have access to elected officials or even realize that we can help them with situations that they face. I will be continuing to hold these office hours in other parts of the 11th District to better serve my constituents," said Dinowitz.
The next mobile office hours on your corner will be in Woodlawn, E 235th Street and Katonah Ave, on Tuesday, May 18, from 11am-3pm.
Effective May 19, New York Adopts CDC's "Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" for Most Businesses and Public Settings
Pre-K to 12 Schools, Public Transit, Homeless Shelters, Correctional Facilities, Nursing Homes, and Healthcare Settings will be Exempt Until More New Yorkers are Fully Vaccinated
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that beginning May 19, New York State will adopt the CDC's "Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" for most business and public settings. Consistent with the CDC guidance, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings will continue to follow State's existing COVID-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.
"New Yorkers have worked hard over the last year to prevent the spread of COVID and keep each other safe," Governor Cuomo said. "That work has paid off and we are ecstatic to take this next step in the reopening of our beautiful state. The people of New York and visitors alike should take solace in the lifting of mask requirements, but be respectful of those who may still feel safest wearing their mask in public and business owners who may still ask patrons to don their mask. We are ever closer to our better, safer New York. We are New York tough and we have proven it."
To implement the CDC's guidance, New York State will be revising the following reopening guidelines to take effect on May 19:
Business Mask Rules
Given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks and over 52 percent of New Yorkers over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated, the State will authorize businesses to continue to require masks for all in their establishments, consistent with the CDC guidance. In most settings, vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask. Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and state guidance must wear masks in all public settings.
The Department of Health strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Mask requirements by businesses must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
This recommendation will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings.
Business Capacity Rules
As previously announced, most business capacities — which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy — will be removed on May 19. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet.
However, given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to maintain social distance, businesses may eliminate the 6 feet of required social distancing, and therefore increase capacity, only if all patrons within the establishment -- or a separate designated part of the establishment -- present proof of full vaccination status. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass.
For areas where vaccination status of individuals is unknown and for patrons who do not present proof of full vaccination status, the required social distance of 6 feet still applies until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. This change will apply across all commercial settings, except the exempt settings outlined by the CDC.
Small- and Large-Scale Event Rules
Small-scale events will be able to apply the revised business mask and capacity rules. Specifically, for events below the State's social gathering limit of 250 indoors or 500 outdoors, event venues will be able to require masks for all patrons -- and DOH strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status is unknown -- and social distancing of 6 feet will be required between parties of attendees, unless all attendees present proof of full vaccination status. Unvaccinated people should still wear masks.
For large-scale events that exceed the State's social gathering limits, event venues will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required distance, as follows:
For large-scale events, proof of recent negative COVID-19 test result for attendees who are over the age of four remains required for unvaccinated attendees in indoor event settings above the State's social gathering limit but will become optional in outdoor event settings.
Today's announcement builds on Governor Cuomo's recent measures to further reopen the economy given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As of yesterday, 62 percent of New York's adults had received at least one vaccine dose and 52 percent had completed their vaccine series.
Additional details on the State's New York Forward reopening guidance updates will be available here.
Today is officially Tax Day, so we want to go into a little more detail on what exactly we mean when we say "tax the rich." Our leaders have historically taken the opposite approach: cutting taxes for the rich and expecting wealth to "trickle down" to the rest of us (spoiler alert: it doesn't).
As we work to reshape our economy and make it work for everyone — not just the people at the top — taxing the rich is the clear and necessary solution.
Good — because we can’t win this fight without grassroots activism and organizing. If you know someone who might benefit from reading the facts above, please forward them this email. If we can unite the working people of this country, we can tax the rich, close the inequality gap, and bring about a just economy for all of us.
– Team AOC
