AMR RESPONDS TO HIKER FEEDBACK WITH A SERIES OF UPDATES TO NEW PARKING RESERVATION SYSTEM

 

DEC and AMR Pilot Reservation System Ensures Access to Popular Trails, Improves Public Safety

 The Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR), in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), announced today a series of updates in response to feedback from the hiker community accessing the AMR parking lot as part of the new parking reservation pilot to support safer access to trailheads. Among other improvements, AMR installed an electronic gate on Monday, June 7, to allow hikers returning after the parking lot has closed to exit using the automatic gate.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Strengthening public safety and improving the visitor experience are not mutually exclusive, rather inextricably linked. These improvements to the pilot reservation system are the result of an inclusive, data-driven approach to developing effective and sustainable solutions to addressing issues associated with increased visitation to the High Peaks and reflect DEC’s commitment to a constructive and collaborative process.”

“Since we started the parking reservation system, we have continuously sought ways to improve the experience for the hiking community,” said John Schuler, General Manager of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve. “One of the main points that kept coming up was hikers concerned about getting back to the parking lot before it closed for the night. We tried to accommodate those hikers by having our staff stay late, but our long-term solution was putting in an automatic gate, so now you can come back anytime and still exit the parking lot.”

DEC and AMR launched the parking reservation pilot in May to provide reliable access to popular trailheads and address public safety at a particularly crowded corner on Route 73 in the town of Keene in the Adirondack High Peaks region. The reservation system, operated by AMR, facilitates safer public access to trailheads through the AMR gate and for Noonmark and Round mountains and improves visitors' trip planning and preparation by ensuring guaranteed parking upon arrival.

In addition to the automatic gate, AMR made other updates to the system at HikeAMR.org including:

• Reducing the reservation system closing time from 24 hours to 12 hours in advance. This means that if there are open spots on a Saturday morning at 7 a.m., users will be able to reserve them as late as 7 p.m. on Friday. Previously that window would close on Friday morning at 7 a.m.;
• Moving the start of the rolling two week opening of future dates from midnight to noon, allowing hikers to get some rest;
• Enabling the reservation to send reservation confirmation/cancellation request emails out automatically 48 hours in advance; and
• Changing the countdown timer on future reservations/dates to “blue” highlighted against the “red” time slots on dates that are not available. 

“We made all of these updates to ensure our visitors have the best, safest experience possible,” said Schuler. “The changes we’ve made, particularly to the confirmation/cancellation email and the 12-hour closing time are all part of the effort to reduce no-show reservations. Additionally, the time slots are meant to be approximate arrival times, but once a reservation is confirmed, the spot is yours so if you have a 5 a.m. reservation, you can show up at 10 a.m. if you want.” 

Key data points from the first five weeks of the pilot reservation system include:

• Over 7,000 people have signed up on the orgwebsite;
• More than 3,000 reservations made;
• 644 pre-arrival cancelations;
• 414 reservation updates (when a user changes an existing reservation); and
• More than 1,500 emails received and responded to by AMR staff since May 1.

In addition to the parking reservation pilot, as part of DEC’s comprehensive efforts to improve public safety in the area, parking is limited at other popular trailheads along the Route 73 corridor. Visitors should come prepared with back-up plans in case trailhead parking lots are full:

• Roadside parking on Route 73 in the vicinity of AMR is dangerous and illegal. Visitors should park only in designated lots and adhere to posted parking restrictions. Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and potentially towed at the owner's expense; and
• Hikers should follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace™, and carry out what they carry in, including all gear, garbage, and food scraps. In addition, hikers should use designated toilets when available and always dispose of waste properly. Visit DEC’s Love Our NY Lands webpageto learn more.

The pilot reservation system supports DEC's comprehensive and ongoing efforts to sustainably manage increased visitation to the High Peaks region and will provide important information to guide future land management decisions. The reservation system complements recommendations included in the High Peaks Advisory Group's (HPAG) final report on promoting sustainable recreation in the Adirondack Park. Comprised of stakeholders with expertise in local government, recreation, natural resource protection, business, and tourism, in 2019 the HPAG was tasked with providing DEC with recommendations on how to address critical issues associated with increased public use of High Peaks resources in order to protect these areas in the short and long term, as well as for future generations.

AMR is home to several popular hikes, but there are many alternative hiking opportunities in the region. Visit DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov for more information.

Housing Lottery Launches For Betances Senior Residence In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Betances Senior Residence, a Passive House senior housing building at 445 East 142nd Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx. The 12,000-square-foot development is designed by COOKFOX Architects and is developed by Breaking Ground. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 78 units for residents at 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $0 to $53,700.

Amenities include fitness room, computer room, library, a shared laundry room, community room, security guard, and landscaped courtyard outdoor terrace.

Interiors at Betances Senior Residence in Mott Haven, The Bronx

Interiors at Betances Senior Residence in Mott Haven, The Bronx

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 57 studios with a $0 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $0 to $47,750, and 21 one-bedrooms with a $0 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $0 to $53,700,

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 9, 2021.

1 Bronx Pride 2021

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon for those who came to show off their Bronx Pride on Alexander Avenue. While this year's event was not as large as the 2019 Bronx Pride Event, it certainly was much larger than the 2020 Bronx Pride event that was cancelled because of COVID-19.

The Flying Squirrel opened the event, and was the mistress of ceremonies introducing the performers and elected officials who appeared to show their support of Bronx Pride 2021. Elected officials included U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson and Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, both candidates for Bronx Borough President, and Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang. While there were thousands in 2019 at the 1 Bronx Pride, there were hundreds in 2021 due to the pandemic, and a very short planning period. 

The entertainment was top notch with Jeannie Sol, Jackie Dupree, a costume change by the Flying Squirrel, and many others. Even most of the elected officials with a couple of exceptions were well liked, however Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang for the third time in as many times could not answer a third question I asked him. One of his aides had to come over to say no questions, but I told candidate Yang I will take it as a no comment. My question to candidate Yang this time was since you are here at Bronx Pride, what can we expect from Mayor Yang towards the LGBTQ community if you are elected mayor? The two previous questions were about his policy towards NYCHA, and the homeless problem. His answer then was that he would take care of it when he became Mayor. 

The Flying Squirrel (Left) opens 1 Pride 2021, Right, after a costume change.

Stage star Jeannie Sol.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark shows her Bronx Pride.

Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang with Bronx Borough President candidate Vanessa Gibson.

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez speaks with a couple of people in her bid to become the next Bronx Borough President.

Not to be outdone by any other elected official U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer made sure he had a firm hold of the Flying Squirrel. 

Senator Schumer wanted to make sure everyone knew that he supports the LGBTQ+ community as he had two interns who waited over one hour for him to come, carry around large signs that said so, as he points to one.

Rally to Update the Community on Proposed Drug Clinic at 2500 Williamsbridge Road

 

This flyer was distributed  in the community around 2500 Williamsbridge Road to update the community on the over year long empty building owned by Carnegie Hill Institute that had been the proposed site of a drug abuse treatment center. The building is diagonally  across the street from PS 89, and its school playground. A church is across the street on Williamsbridge Road also. 

This rally drew much less people than in past rallies here, and there were two candidates for the soon to be vacant 13th City Council seat. Local Female District Leader of the area and original member of the group Irene Estrada and Throggs Neck resident at the site for the first time Marjorie Velazquez. It appears there was a difference of opinion when candidate Estrada showed up. Sources on the scene said Ms. Estrada and Roxanne Delgado a co-founder of the anti Drug Clinic group had an argument, and Ms. Estrada wanted to know why her opponent in the city council race Ms. Velazquez was there, when Ms. Velazquez was making her first appearance at the site. 

The important thing was that a bill by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto restricting drug clinics such as the one proposed has gone nowhere in the State Assembly or State Senate which is about to break for summer vacation with out any response from local Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez or State Senator Alessandria Biaggi. 

Only a few people showed up for this rally at 2500 Williamsbridge Road for an update on the proposed drug clinic.

City Council candidate Marjorie Velazquez was making her first appearance at the site.

Co-founder of the anti drug clinic group Roxanne Delgado talking to some community residents about the proposed drug clinic as District Leader and city council candidate Irene Estrada stands by.

Irene Estrada talks to community residents at the anti drug clinic rally.

Attorney General James and District Attorney Katz Take 79 Guns Off the Streets at Queens Gun Buyback

 

AG James Has Taken More Than 1,000 Firearms Out of Communities Since 2019

 New York Attorney General Letitia James and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz today announced that 79 firearms were turned in to law enforcement at a gun buyback event hosted by their offices and the New York City Police Department. The gun buyback comes as New York City has experienced a sharp increase in gun violence and sought to curb this devastation by accepting working and non-working unloaded firearms — with no questions asked — in exchange for compensation. To date, Attorney General James has taken more than 1,000 guns out of communities through gun buybacks since taking office in 2019.

“Gun violence threatens our communities and puts New Yorkers in harm’s way every day,” said Attorney General James. “It is more critical now than ever, especially during National Gun Violence Awareness Month, that we take measures to curb this devastation and protect our neighborhoods and families. My office will continue to do everything we can to preserve public safety and ensure safer streets. I thank District Attorney Katz and our partners in law enforcement for their crucial collaboration and support.”

“It is important that we continue to come together as a community to reject the idea that this scourge of gun violence is insurmountable,” said Queens District Attorney Katz. “We must take every step that we can. Every gun that we get off the streets is a potential life saved, a potential tragedy averted. I want to thank Attorney General Letitia James and the NYPD for their partnership and unwavering commitment to public safety.”

Since 2013, the Office of the Attorney General has hosted gun buyback events throughout New York state and has successfully collected more than 3,100 firearms.

Governor Cuomo Announces New York State Has Nation's Lowest 7-Day Average COVID-19 Positivity Rate

 

COVID-19 Positivity Rate Hits Record Lows for 15 Straight Days; Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.44%—Has Declined for 68 Consecutive Days, Lowest in the Country Per Johns Hopkins University

More Than 20 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered in New York State

104,457 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours; Statewide Vaccination Rate is 69.5%

Hospitalizations Drop Below 700; Intubations Drop Below 100

11 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that according to Johns Hopkins University, New York State has the nation's lowest 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate at 0.44 percent.

"We're beating back COVID-19 across the state and New York has the nation's lowest 7-day average positivity rate, but it's going to take more vaccinations to get us across the finish line," Governor Cuomo said. "The more shots we get in arms, the healthier our state becomes, and that's why we're offering exciting incentives for vaccinations. If New Yorkers who haven't yet gotten the shot do so promptly, we can defeat COVID-19 for good and rebuild our state for a brighter future."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 141,568
• Total Positive - 533
• Percent Positive - 0.38%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.44%
• Patient Hospitalization - 681 (-28)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 88
• Patients in ICU - 169 (-12)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 96 (-5)
• Total Discharges - 183,562 (+107)
• Deaths - 11
• Total Deaths - 42,856
• Total vaccine doses administered - 20,016,043
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 104,457
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 608,238
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 67.2%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 60.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 69.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 60.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 55.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 48.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 57.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 49.3%

203 Days and Counting

 

What am I doing here on Sunday? I cut my workweek down to four days a week, and as soon as this COVID thing goes away I won't have to have any more daily briefings. 

I use to have a full head of head with not one gray hair in it. I hope the person who you elect knows what a tough job being Mayor of New York City is. not only do you have to deal with reporters asking you anything, but also that guy in Albany who keeps holding things over your head, and I just found out he can remove me as mayor. 

204 Days and Counting - Learn From the Best at the Game.

 

I wish I could have gotten to the Bronx 1 Pride event today to see U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. I hear that he had two interns stand around for over an hour until he came so they could walk around with signs Senator Schumer supports the LGBTQ community.

Hey Bill this is how you do it. Have one intern on either side of you holding signs that you support the LGBTQ community.