VISION ZERO: MAYOR DE BLASIO AND DEPARTMENT OF CITYWIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ANNOUNCE SURROUND CAMERAS ON 1,500 CITY FLEET TRUCKS TO REDUCE COLLISIONS AND KEEP NEW YORKERS SAFE

 

Cameras are the latest in over 60,000 safety enhancements made to City of New York fleet units as part of Vision Zero

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) today announced that the Department has begun installation of surround safety cameras on 1,500 fleet trucks to eliminate blind spots and visual impairments for truck operators. These cameras will provide operators an additional tool to see directly in front, behind, and to the blind sides of trucks. Conventionally designed trucks obstruct the driver’s view of the road in front of the engine, causing a safety hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists, and children.  

 

These retrofits are part of the DCAS Safe Fleet Transition Plan (SFTP) for City fleet units. Through the SFTP, DCAS is specifying the highest level of safety available on new cars and trucks and implementing safety retrofits. DCAS has already installed over 60,000 safety improvements to City fleet units, including driver alert systems, telematics, truck side-guards, automatic braking, back-up alerts, dash cams, and heated mirrors.   

 

“Safe streets save lives,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Adding cameras to our fleet is a commonsense way to create a safer city for everyone.”

 

“Outfitting the City’s fleet with cameras is a smart and proven way to reduce collisions and increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “I’m proud of the work City agencies have done to bring Vision Zero to life and look forward to making further progress in 2021.” 

 

“Vision Zero remains a priority for the City Fleet,” said DCAS Deputy Commissioner and NYC Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman. “Operating work trucks is difficult but essential work. These new cameras and backup alerts will offer drivers a full view of the obstructed areas around a truck, helping to keep pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers safe.”

 

“Vision Zero has always demanded we address street safety issues on multiple fronts,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Our partners at DCAS are showing us that we not only need to train the safest drivers, but we also need to ensure they are driving the safest fleet vehicles. Because being able to see the child or senior behind or over the hood of a City vehicle can very often be the difference between life or death, the new surround cameras added under this plan will undoubtedly save lives.”

 

DCAS previously announced that it is pursuing high vision truck models for future truck replacements. High vision trucks will eliminate frontal visual obstructions. The 1,500 surround cameras will be retrofitted onto existing conventional trucks to improve safety until replacements are in place. DCAS has installed over 500 units at 13 agencies so far and will complete the rollout by December 2021. The NYC Department of Sanitation is also testing similar technology for its fleet of garbage trucks.   

 

The surround cameras will go on a wide variety of vehicle types including NYC Department of Correction buses, NYC Parks Department garbage and forestry trucks, New York City Housing Authority box trucks, New York City Police Department rack trucks, NYC Department of Environmental Protection catch basin trucks, DCAS supply vans, and NYC Department of Transportation dump trucks. The surround camera system provides the driver a full view of all sides of the vehicle and includes back-up sensors and sound alerts when a truck is going in reverse. These types of systems have been proven in studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and others to increase safety.

 

DCAS Fleet Management has implemented a wide variety of safety measures as part of Vision Zero. In addition to the Safe Fleet Transition Plan, additional measures include the City’s fleet first CRASH management system, the nation’s largest rollout of live vehicle tracking devices managed through our Fleet Office of Real Time Tracking (FORT), the nation’s leading program of truck safety guards, barring hands-free phone use by fleet operators, and training over 70,000 staff in safety.

 

The announcement was made at the Global Vision Zero Safety Forum, being hosted by DCAS and Together for Safer Roads (TSR). DCAS and TSR are working together to promote these types of fleet safety investments among commercial, non-profit, and other public fleets as part of the DCAS Fleets of the Future initiative.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This only proves that the city wants to use cameras as a revenue resource and not as a safety factor. Nothing is more of a deterrent than getting a ticket from a police officer that comes with harsher penalties, than just a $50.00 fine to the owner of the car and not the driver.

If this was true why not use all these cameras to cut down on the crime that i going on all over the city?

Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on New York Reaching Major Milestone in the Fight Against COVID: Capacity Restrictions Being Lifted and CDC Guidance on Masks and Social Distancing

 

"Today is a milestone in New York State's war against COVID. With positivity and hospitalization rates at their lowest levels since last fall, and more than 10 million New Yorkers having received at least one vaccine dose, today New York State is adopting the CDC's updated guidance on masks and social distancing. 

"This means that, 399 days after New York was the first state in the country to implement a mask mandate, effective today, fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to use a face covering in most public places. New York is coming back, and it's a testament to the strength and grit of New Yorkers who banded together, stayed tough, and fought as one to defeat this COVID beast.

"The steps we're taking today don't mean that COVID has been officially relegated to the history books. We need to stay vigilant, continue to follow the safety guidelines in place, and help every single eligible New Yorker get vaccinated, so that we can finally reach that light at the end of the tunnel. And as we start to climb the next mountains in our path, we need to ensure that the values that got New York through this crisis -- community, discipline, strength, toughness, and love for each other -- endure."

For additional background, see the announcements on the easing of restrictions and on the CDC guidance on masks and social distancing.

228 Days and Counting

 

I despise those New York Yankees, because I am a Boston Red Sox fan, so let me wear this Brooklyn Nets shirt to throw some more wood onto the fire. After all I reside in 229 days and before I was elected mayor in Brooklyn. 

Charlene and I are going to have to think how much longer we are going to live in New York City with that new Millionaires Tax the state legislature is going to pass. After all we THRIVE to get every dollar, and there may be 875 million reasons why that Millionaires Tax may effect Charlene and I. So I guess we may have to move to another state or even a different country after I retire from city government at the end of this year.

Councilman Eric Dinowitz on the go in District 11

It is a tale of two new Special Election City Council members from the Bronx. While 15th District Councilman Oswald Feliz is mired down in getting training to be a council member, and is missing meetings and events, It is a different tale for 11th Councilman Eric Dinowitz.

Councilman Dinowitz is out and about his council district, and we found Councilman Dinowitz with one of his favorite constituents from Bedford Park Mr. Anthony Rivieccio. We found both not in Bedford Park, but in Woodlawn of all places. Councilman Dinowitz was having one of his 'In Your District', where he goes to the people of the district, instead of them coming to him.

Councilman Dinowitz, Staff member Sabrena Campbell (a former staff member of former Councilman Andy King), and the councilman's favorite constituent 'Mr. Bedford Park' Anthony Rivieccio.

May 18,2021 - Governor Cuomo Announces 7-Day Average COVID-19 Positivity Rate Drops to Lowest Level Since September 27

 

Statewide 7-Day Positivity Rate Drops to 1.07%; 43 Straight Days of Decline

1,585 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide; Down 441 Over Past Week

387 Patients in the ICU; 223 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.07%

17 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the statewide 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate dropped to 1.07 percent, the lowest since September 27. The 7-day average positivity rate has declined for 43 straight days.

"As vaccination rates continue to grow across New York, COVID rates are plummeting across the board, to levels we haven't seen in eight months," Governor Cuomo said. "Tomorrow marks a major reopening of New York State, a milestone reached thanks to the strength and grit of New Yorkers who banded together, stayed tough and fought as one to defeat this COVID beast. While New York is coming back, there remains much to do and we need to help ensure every single eligible New Yorker gets vaccinated, so that we can finally reach that light at the end of the tunnel, and get back to life."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 95,870
• Total Positive - 1,030
• Percent Positive - 1.07%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.07%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,585 (+4)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -441
• Patients Newly Admitted - 142
• Number ICU - 387 (+0)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 223 (-5)
• Total Discharges - 180,083 (+133)
• Deaths - 17
• Total Deaths - 42,503

Partnerships for Parks - Tax Relief Webinar and Arts/Culture Grants

 

IS 501(c)(3) FOR ME? COMMUNITY GROUPS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A NONPROFIT  The rewards of starting a nonprofit are enticing: tax-exempt status, expanded grant opportunities, and tax-deductible contributions. Beneath these advantages are complicated logistics and costs which often beg the question—does incorporation make sense at this time? This webinar, co-led with Lawyers Alliance for New York, will go step-by-step through the process of incorporation and tax exemption, leaving you with a better picture of whether or not 501(c)(3) is right for you. We will also discuss alternatives to starting a nonprofit, such as seeking fiscal sponsorship. Join us to learn: What it takes to form a nonprofit and the requirements needed to grow and sustain it. The pros and cons of a fiscal sponsorship arrangement. More resources to help make a decision for your group. Featured speaker: Rafi Stern, Staff Attorney, Lawyers Alliance for New York Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. If you have any questions, contact us at academy@cityparksfoundation.org. Tuesday, May 25 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm REGISTER NOW Presenting sponsor The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our City, leaving parks and green spaces struggling. In May 2020, a coalition of national, family, and community foundations launched the NYC Green Relief & Recovery Fund to respond to the most urgent needs facing organizations of any size that care for our City’s parks and open spaces. The Fund will release three rounds of funding in 2021. The first round will provide grants of $10,000 to $50,000 to organizations with experience working in NYC’s open spaces and annual operating budgets of more than $15,000. Proposals that support open space maintenance and stewardship directly will be prioritized. Neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic, environmental justice communities, lower income communities, proposals that incorporate equity as a core value, and applicant organizations led by people of color will also be prioritized. Applications are open now through Friday, May 28th at 12:00pm. APPLY NOW City Parks Foundation is bringing free arts back to our parks and plazas! Applications are now open for GREEN / ARTS LIVE NYC. This new fund, created by a coalition of partners, will support NYC artists, arts and cultural groups, and community-based, volunteer organizations by providing small grants and production support for local arts events. Thanks to generous support from the New York Community Trust and Con Edison’s Arts Al Fresco Series, this fund will bring free live performance to neighborhood parks, plazas, and gardens in communities that otherwise would not have access this summer and fall. Applications are open now through Friday, May 28th at 12:00PM. APPLY NOW 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.

RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO CALLS ON STATE LEGISLATURE TO PASS COMMUNITY HIRING AND MWBE BILLS

 

New analysis from The New School Economist Dr. James Parrott shows how Community Hiring would use the City’s purchasing power to create 200,000 jobs over 5 years for low-income people, NYCHA residents and residents of low-income neighborhoods

 

MWBE legislation would expand contract opportunities, reform construction insurance and allow the City to prefer bidders who have policies that lead to diverse workforces; giving MWBE firms the tools to lead NYC’s economic recovery

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today called on the State Legislature to pass key bills for New York City’s economic recovery: Community Hiring and legislation to increase opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. 

 

“A Recovery for All of Us means our economy is working for everyone, including minority and women-owned businesses and New Yorkers in underserved communities,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We’re calling on Albany to pass Community Hiring and the MWBE Opportunity Expansion Act, greatly expanding economic opportunity for those too often left behind.”

  

"Together, these pieces of legislation would allow the City to use its enormous purchasing power to strategically invest in communities," said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson. "The proposed Community Hiring and MWBE bills are really two sides of the same coin and show that City dollars can do more than get work done, they can lift people out of poverty. As we recover from this pandemic, we need the legal right to say that when government money is being spent, it is being spent to bring greater opportunity to those in need."

 

“MWBEs are central to the economic vitality of our City and they’ve been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic” said Magalie D. Austin Senior Advisor & Director, Mayor’s Office of MWBE. “As we move towards a recovery for all New Yorkers, we must ensure that MWBEs are a major part of our economic recovery. The proposed legislation will ensure that MWBEs have equal access to participate in the City’s recovery and economic prosperity.”

 

“As the City continues to work towards a fair recovery, we must economically empower our hardest hit communities,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services and and Co-Chair of the Small Business Subcommittee of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. “We urge our state partners to pass these critical bills, so we can ignite community hiring and increase opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.”

 

“Initiatives that assist smaller firms, create more competition for City contracts and extend the contracting and hiring pools are vital to leveraging the value of DDC’s $2 billion-plus annual capital program for more equitable outcomes,” said Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer. “We know from experience that pooled insurance, the ability to issue discretionary MWBE contracts and robust local hiring requirements directly support MWBE construction firms and create jobs in neighborhoods where they are most needed.”

 

“To achieve a full recovery for New York City, we must focus on inclusion and equity – and providing our hardest-hit communities with economic opportunity will be crucial in advancing this mission,” said DSS-HRA Administrator Gary Jenkins. “DSS-HRA joins our fellow City agencies in urging our colleagues in Albany to pass this critical legislation that will empower our communities and expand opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises to succeed.”  

 

COMMUNITY HIRING WILL DRIVE A FAIR RECOVERY

 

The Mayor is proposing legislation in Albany that would require businesses working with the City to hire low-income people, NYCHA residents and people from high poverty communities. Community Hiring legislation will:

 

• Expand job opportunities for economically disadvantaged communities: Expands access to middle-class construction and building service jobs by prioritizing people from low-income communities and NYCHA residents.
• Expand job opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals: Requires those who do business with the City on non-construction contracts such as software, or goods or consultants, to meet employment goals for low-income people. The goals would be tailored to each contract.
• Authorize the City to require a minimum ratio of apprentices: Allows the City to require that contractors use a minimum ratio of apprentices, and expands entry-level jobs as a result. 
• Enable the City to require contractors to work with workforce development programs to find qualified talent: Such workforce development programs could potentially include ones that typically serve NYCHA residents, veterans, people with disabilities, justice-involved individuals, cash assistance recipients, immigrants, and NYCDOE and CUNY graduates.

 

Center for New York City Affairs Analysis of Community Hiring Proposal

 

According to an analysis from Dr. James Parrott of The New School, this legislation would have the potential to provide job opportunities for 40,000 workers a year, putting them on a path into the middle class. Dr. Parrott worked with experts in the City, including at the Department of Small Business Services and the Economic Development Corporation, to build up these estimates by examining the capital budget and service contract programs, determining the labor and skill requirements to deliver those services, and applying Community Hiring provisions to construction and service contracting.  

 

On average, Community Hiring would involve about 16,000 construction workers a year and 24,000 service contract workers in a range of industries from human services, to maintenance and repair to IT services.  Over the next five years, this program could help as many as 200,000 economically disadvantaged workers and residents of high-poverty communities.

 

"Community Hiring will be an essential tool not only in re-connecting pandemic-dislocated workers with good job opportunities but helping to get many of these workers onto a path to build their skills and ability to succeed in a continuously evolving economy,” said James A. Parrott, Director, Economic and Fiscal Policies, Center for New York City Affairs at The New School.

 

MWBES ARE PART OF NYC’S RECOVERY 

 

Mayor de Blasio believes communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic must be prioritized in our recovery.

 

MWBEs utilization rates under the de Blasio administration have increased by 250% from FY15 to FY20. MWBEs also played a critical role in the fight against COVID-19 with $890 million in spending across over 500 contracts. The City calls on Albany to further increase the role of MWBEs in the City’s recovery.

 

Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and State Senator James Sanders Jr. have introduced legislation which will:

 

• Increase City agencies’ MWBE discretionary threshold to $1 million, thereby reducing bureaucracy and creating more opportunities for MWBEs 
• Authorize, for City or Prime Contractor, to consolidate insurance on construction contracts, thereby reducing overhead for subcontractors and the City
• Allow bidders for City contracts that have policies which lead to diverse workforces practices to receive extra points on bids.

 

This legislation is an opportunity to ensure MWBEs have tools they need to succeed in the new economy. These reforms work: in 2019 when the State increased the discretionary threshold to $500,000, MWBE utilization grew by 20% in the first year.  

Governor Cuomo Announces More Than 10 Million New Yorkers Receive at Least One COVID-19 Vaccine Dose

 

118,879 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours  

806,782 Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days   

Vaccine Dashboard Updated Daily on the State's Vaccine Program Here

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than 10 million New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 118,879 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and 806,782 doses have been administered statewide over the past seven days.  

"Our providers are continuing to work around the clock to administer more shots, and we remain committed to making sure the vaccine distribution is equitable all across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "The vaccine is safe and effective, but it can only do its job if we take it. It doesn't matter if most of your friends and family are vaccinated - you also need to do your part and take it so we can all be better protected and defeat this virus once and for all."         

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 - 17,745,024

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 118,879

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 806,782

Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 62.0%

Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 52.6%

Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 50.2%

Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 42.2%