Monday, June 14, 2021

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 6/11/2021


 Dear Friends,


I hope you and your families are doing well. We are so happy to continue to celebrate with the Graduating Class of 2021 and honor so many students as another school year winds down.

Our Summer Concert series kicked off last week in Bufano Park with music and entertainment by Just Nuts and another one is on the way tomorrow night at the Rudy Macina Plaza.

This week we held our Virtual Tenant Resource Fair with NIDC and HPD and glad that our constituents got so many questions answered about affordable housing, eviction moratorium, foreclosure etc.

I was honored to present a street co-naming in honor of Joe DeSimone, a leader and an inspiration to so many in our community. Most notably known as a football JV and Varsity Coach at Spellman Highschool and later as the League President of the Warriors Football League in Pelham Bay.

I am proud to continue to partner with Met Council, AAOHA, Essen Healthcare and ICNA Relief for upcoming Food Giveaways for those in need in District 13.

The NYC Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reform has announced an upcoming virtual hearing for the Bronx on June 14. The Commission is soliciting input from the public. You may register to testify on the Commission’s website at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/propertytaxreform/contact/property-tax-reform-hearing-registration.page

In partnership with the Wildcats, our office has continued to help so many constituents with a lot of cleanup and graffiti removal issues from Pelham Parkway to Throggs Neck.

As always we are here for you, so please do not hesitate to contact my office with issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj
District 13, Bronx

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Virtual Programs: Honoring the Enslaved African Legacy in VCP

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2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the freeing of Enslaved Africans an their descendants at the Van Cortlandt plantation. Join us for a series of virtual programs to celebrate freedom and learn more about the true history of Van Cortlandt Park.
Juneteenth Ceremony
Saturday, June 19, 11am to 12pm
On Juneteenth, in gratitude for the sacrifice of the African Ancestors who built what is now Van Cortlandt Park, the African Burial Ground in the park will be consecrated. 
  • Proceedings hosted by cultural consultant Peggy King Jorde                                                                                   
  • Libation Ceremony by Chief Baba Neil Clarke 
  • Live Music by Bronx Arts Ensemble 
  • Traditional Negro Spirituals by soloist Beverly Fleming-Camejo
  • Remarks by Artist and Historian Kamau Ware, Black Gotham Experience
  • Benediction by Rev. Dr. Hermon L. Darden, Senior Pastor, St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church 
Ceremony will be livestreamed on Facebook Live.

Let's Talk About Slavery in Van Cortlandt Park
Tuesday, June 22 at 6:30pm
Educator and subject expert Cheyney McKnight will lead this presentation. Cheyney McKnight is the founder and owner of Not Your Momma’s History. She acts as an interpreter advocate for interpreters of color at historical sites up and down the east Coast, providing them with much needed on-call support.  Register Now


Digital Tour
Available 24/7
Pathways to the Past: The Enslaved Africans Legacy Tour will shed light on the true history that shaped Van Cortlandt Park. Visit the tour landing page to watch videos and learn more about locations built by Enslaved Africans in Van Cortlandt Park.

Acknowledgment:
Programs are presented respectfully by Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum, Kingsbridge Historical Society, and the Enslaved People Project Task Force Steering Committee in partnership with NYC Parks.

These programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
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Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
www.vancortlandt.org

 

VACCINE FOR ALL: CITY LAUNCHES ‘NYC VACCINE REFERRAL BONUS’ PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE VACCINATION

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today launched the ‘NYC Vaccine Referral Bonus’ program to encourage more New Yorkers to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The City will work with community-based organizations to turn out their neighbors, awarding  $100 for each referral that leads an individual receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a City-run site.

“With summer upon us, we all want to bring back the city we love. The best way for New Yorkers to do that is to get vaccinated,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Through the NYC Referral Bonus program, we’re empowering New Yorkers in every neighborhood to be ambassadors for our city’s comeback by encouraging their friends and loved ones to get vaccinated.”

 

“The efforts of local, community-based and faith-based organizations have proven to be critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially important as we continue to engage New Yorkers in vaccinations,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog. “The ‘NYC Vaccine Referral Bonus’ program will further reward these organizations that have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to make sure families and communities have the necessary support services to stay safe and continue to recover. Vaccines are a critical part of that long-term recovery.

 

The City will focus its outreach efforts on community and faith-based organizations, including NYCHA tenant associations and local mutual aid groups. The ‘NYC Vaccine Referral Bonus’ program will rely on the support of organizations that have already exhibited leadership during the City’s vaccination efforts, as well as the recruitment of other organizations and leaders through online signup and coaching.

 

Organizations can begin to sign-up for the program this Wednesday on NYC.gov/VaccineReferralBonus by providing an overview of their experience serving their local communities for the City’s review. Upon approval, organizations will be added to the City’s vax4nyc.nyc.gov platform for City-run vaccination sites. When an individual makes an appointment ahead of time or as a walkup, they will be able to choose which community organization referred them to get vaccinated. Once they receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the referral organization will be credited $100. Organizations can earn up to $20,000 each and payments will be made after the conclusion of the program.

 

“Vaccination is about the health of individuals and communities,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “Social networks are a critical component to reaching New Yorkers and this effort recognizes that a successful campaign depends on good neighbors.”

 

“Our resident associations and tenant leaders have been an indispensable network in the Authority’s efforts to communicate the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine,” said NYCHA EVP for Community Engagement and Partnerships Sideya Sherman and Executive Director, Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. “We welcome this commitment from the Mayor’s Office, which will enable us to continue this vital work.”

 


Governor Cuomo Announces Statewide Vaccination Rate is 69.9%

 

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.41% - Record Low for 17 Consecutive Days, Has Declined for 70 Consecutive Days

37,284 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

7 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday -- Lowest Since October 20, 2020


 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19.

"We are moving forward to our reimagined, post-COVID future at an incredible pace. A year ago, it was unfathomable to think we'd be at this point today," Governor Cuomo said. "As we approach our goal of 70 percent of New Yorkers with at least one dose of their vaccine, we also reflect on all we've been through. New York is the greatest state in the nation and New Yorkers have shown that they are a true force to be reckoned with. If you haven't already, I encourage you to get your COVID-19 vaccine so that you can fully enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer with your loved ones this summer."
 
Today's data is summarized briefly below:

·         Test Results Reported - 61,634
·         Total Positive - 320
·         Percent Positive - 0.52%
·         7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.41%
·         Patient Hospitalization - 617 (-13)
·         Patients Newly Admitted - 53
·         Patients in ICU - 163 (-7)
·         Patients in ICU with Intubation - 92 (-3)
·         Total Discharges - 183,747 (+76)
·         Deaths - 7
·         Total Deaths - 42,872

·         Total vaccine doses administered - 20,099,155
·         Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 37,284
·         Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 560,365
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 67.4%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 60.2%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 69.9%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 61.3%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 55.7%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 49.2%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 57.8%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 50.0%

Long Island Gang Member Indicted for Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Minors

 

Defendant Allegedly Prostituted Girls as Young as 15-Years-Old

 In federal court in Central Islip, a seven-count indictment was unsealed charging Joshua Lampley-Reid, a member of the Makk Balla set of the Bloods street gang, with sex trafficking, coercion and enticement of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation of child pornography and interstate prostitution. Lampley-Reid was arrested on Wednesday and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks.

Mark J. Lesko, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); Vincent F. DeMarco, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of New York; and Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Suffolk County Sheriff, announced the indictment.

“As alleged, through violence, coercion and manipulation, the defendant exploited and demeaned both underage and adult female victims by forcing them to engage in commercial sex acts and posting sexually explicit photographs of them on the internet,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Lesko.  “This Office will use every tool in its law enforcement arsenal to combat the sexual exploitation of women, especially young girls, and ensure that predators like the defendant are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”  Mr. Lesko expressed his appreciation to the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.

“Lampley-Reid lured young girls, some as young as 15, with romantic gestures.  Once he had them in his grip, it’s alleged that he enslaved these girls and used violence to force them to work as prostitutes for his insidious gain,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Fitzhugh.  “The deplorable actions of this one man will affect the lives of these young girls for years to come.  HSI works closely with its law enforcement partners in a victim-centered approach to rescue the victims and keep them safe.  Today, we are sending a unified message to anyone perpetrating crimes against children: no matter who you are, we will bring every resource available to hold you accountable for your crimes.”

“The U.S. Marshals Service has a long-standing and extremely successful history of cooperating with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners,” stated Marshal DeMarco.  “These law enforcement partnerships enable the Marshals Service to fulfil its mission to keep our communities safe.” 

“Sex trafficking is a particularly heinous crime that targets some of the most vulnerable in our communities.  Individuals who perpetrate this crime use drugs intimidation and ultimately violence to lure in their victims for financial gain while slowly destroying their lives,” stated Sheriff Toulon.  “I applaud this arrest and will continue to support and work closely with both our local and federal partners to help eliminate this scourge from our communities.”

As set forth in court filings, from December 2019 until his arrest yesterday, Lampley-Reid allegedly used violence and the threat of violence to compel the commission of commercial sex acts by numerous women for his financial benefit, including by minors as young as 15-years-old.  Lampley-Reid used social media and other internet applications to establish relationships with potential victims, groomed those victims by feigning a romantic interest in them, manipulated them into working for him as prostitutes, and then effectively enslaved them through acts of force and coercion.  Lampley-Reid demanded that the proceeds of prostitution “dates” be turned over to him, and any resistance from the victims was met with violence or threats.  Lampley-Reid trafficked victims on Long Island, including at motels in East Meadow, Freeport and Rockville Centre, as well as out of state, including locations in Florida, Maryland and North Carolina.  He also engaged in sexual intercourse with his victims, including minors, and provided them with illegal narcotics.  Lampley-Reid promoted and managed his prostitution business over the Internet, posting sexually exploitative photos of minor victims that he took or persuaded them to take of themselves in order to further his trafficking business.  

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted of sex trafficking of a minor, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life in prison.  If convicted of producing child pornography, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison.

The government’s case is being handled by the Long Island Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Megan E. Farrell is in charge of the prosecution.

Construction Continues Without A City Mandated Community Monitoring Committee on Pelham Parkway

 

The so-called Community Board 11 Pelham Parkway Task Force which was to oversee the Capitol Project of the Water/sewer improvement to install a much larger water and sewer line along the entire length of Pelham Parkway for future increased development in Community Boards 10 and 11 was an illegal committee according to the City Charter. Said committee was chaired by the District Manager of CB 11 and not a board member as is stated in the City Charter. Also all Community Board meetings are open to the public, unless the members vote to go into Executive Session to discuss very limited topics as prescribed by the Open Meeting law. Said meetings were closed to the public.

This Task Force was created by then Councilman Jimmy Vacca with the Department of Design and Construction for the reconstruction of the South Side of the Pelham Parkway main roadway. When the South roadway work was completed said task force should have been disbanded, but it continued to include the new contract for the reconstruction of the North Pelham Parkway Road. The water and sewer work on the North Service Road is a completely different contract which was incorporated into the role of the Pelham Parkway Task Force. 

I became a member of the Pelham Parkway Task force shortly after moving one block away from Pelham Parkway almost two years ago. One of the members of the task force complained that since I was a member of the media I do not belong on the task force, and I was told by the DDC liaison that I could not be a member. I called her supervisor whom I had worked with before when I was a member of Community Board 8, Ms. Maria Centeno who at the next meeting placed me back on the task force. That same member who at times especially when the tree replanting (by the Parks Department) was being done called the Parks Department and CB 11 incompetent, also called for the district manager to be fired. That member was removed by the CB 11 Executive Board which at their following meeting announced that the task force was being disbanded without any reason. 

The Community Board 11 community has gone for three months without an official meeting of a City Charter mandated Community Advisory Committee when a capital project is done such as is going on with the DEP/Parks Departments Water and Sewer work that is being done. I have gotten no answers from CB11 or the DDC as work continues that was not on the original plan. Work is now being done across the parkway Islands from the North Service Road to the South Service Road that will rip up the newly reconstructed North Main Parkway roadbed, and previously reconstructed South Main roadway, as well as the greenery on both Islands which can be seen in the photos below. Two lanes of the North main roadway at Bronxwood Avenue are closed, and the bus stop there has also been closed during this construction. The only solution to why the task force was set up illegally by then Councilman  Vacca, and disbanded by Community Board 11 so the community has no representation on a major Capital Project that is causing major disruptions and hardships to residents, while work that was not on the original plans is being done may have to be found out by the Department of Investigation.  


You can see two lanes of the newly reconstructed North Main road are closed as work will be done across the parkway for a very large water main. You can see the metal plates on the roadway


Here you can clearly see the metal plates covering the new construction on the new main roadway, and how this work goes completely across the main north island. 


You can see what the construction has done to this current sewer in the roadway.


You can see how heavy equipment is left unprotected, as children play on the rocks as they usually do.


Other heavy equipment is left in the street unprotected as there is an outing right next to it.


You can see how large and unprotected the pipe connectors are when compared to the rail and large plastic trash cans are left on the street on Bronxwood avenue directly across the street from the Pelham Parkway houses. A perfect area for children to climb through. 

These photos were taken Sunday June 13th, and there is a lot more than this that needs to be addressed to the community. Where is the Community Advisory Committee on this Major Capital Project, DDC, Community Board 11?

202 Days and Counting

 


I have to have my morning coffee to start off the day. Well COVID-19 indicators are so low we should make the July 1st date we set to fully reopen the city. Isn't it amazing how fast the infection rate came down once we juiced up the giving of the vaccine. I just hope there was nothing wrong with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine because that was the one I took.

Nothing should be happening on this rainy day in the city, so have a good day and stay dry.