A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCES CONCIERGE SERVICE TO SLASH RED TAPE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

 

Program cuts processing time by 50%; guarantees 48-hour response to all small business inquiries

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris today launched NYC Business Quick Start, a historic, $11 million concierge service for small businesses. This new interagency initiative will cut red tape and make New York City the easiest place in the United States to open or reopen a small business.

 

NYC Business Quick Start will provide small businesses a sole point of contact to help navigate City regulations, as well as a public dashboard. The program guarantees a 48-hour response to all small business inquiries and will cut processing time by 50 percent.

 

The City expects 50,000 small businesses to benefit from the NYC Business Quick Start and its predecessor SBS business-assistance programs.

 

“There’s no time to wait for our small businesses to return to the neighborhoods they serve. This is the moment to bring New York City back, and that starts with making this city the easiest place in America to open a small business’ doors,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This program will give business owners all the tools they need to run their businesses smoothly and build a recovery for all of us.”

 

NYC Business Quick Start is a collaboration between 100 City personnel across a host of agencies, including SBS, Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

 

“For decades, small business owners have had to navigate a complex, time-consuming and costly administrative process before they generate their first dollar of revenue. With the launch of NYC Business Quick Start today, the de Blasio administration has tackled what has been an endemic problem in many large cities all across the U.S.,” said Lorraine Grillo, Senior Advisor for Recovery. “By reducing the upfront burden of opening or re-opening a business, NYC Business Quick Start will benefit small retailers, bodegas and family-owned businesses – the lifeblood of New York City’s economy and key to achieving a recovery for all.”

 

“Our city’s recovery depends on small businesses,” said Deputy Mayor of Operations Laura Anglin. “NYC Business Quick Start is an unprecedented interagency effort to reduce barriers and help businesses serve their communities. This effort will speed New York City’s recovery and deliver the vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods New Yorkers deserve.”

 

“Since the beginning of this administration, the City has been committed to reducing the regulatory burden that exists on small businesses. This mission has remained alive, especially throughout the pandemic,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives and Co-Chair of the Racial Inclusion and Equity Taskforce. “The NYC Business Quick Start will cut red tape and increase city government transparency, benefitting the many businesses that are reopening and new entrepreneurs that are seeking to make an impact.”

 

"NYC Business Quick Start demonstrates the City’s commitment to help small businesses navigate the regulatory environment," said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of NYC Department of Small Business Services. "Each agency will work hand in hand with our small businesses to make New York City a seamless place to start and sustain a business in a post-COVID-19 environment.”

For more information on NYC Business Quick Start, visit nyc.gov/business or call 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).

 

SBS has launched 29 recovery programs and campaigns to help reopen businesses and provide the necessary resources to navigate the challenges of the pandemic. In the last year, the agency assisted more than 4,000 businesses with over $305 million in PPP applications, connected over 5,000 businesses with $156 million in loans and grants, helped over 62,400 callers to the SBS hotline (888-SBS-4NYC), and assisted 90,000 job seekers. SBS is currently helping small businesses apply for the New York State Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program – a $5,000 - $50,000 grant for businesses with less than $500,000 in revenue; businesses that need assistance can visit nyc.gov/financingassistance.

 

“The health of our city depends on healthy small businesses,” said Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “We aim to make navigating the regulatory environment as easy and stress-free as possible for local entrepreneurs. We are grateful for all they’ve done to adapt over the past year to keep their customers and our city safe from COVID-19.”

 

“We are thrilled to join this initiative and continue to support New York City's small business recovery," said Melanie La Rocca, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Buildings. "Whether they are opening their doors for the first time, or welcoming their customers back, this program makes it easier than ever for small business owners to access the resources they need."

 

“A healthy New York City economy relies on our thousands of small businesses and our business owners need the rapid support of government, including for critical water and sewer services,” said Vincent Sapienza, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. “I thank Commissioner Doris and the team at SBS for their leadership on this effort and am happy to report that DEP engineers are already expediting the review of small business applications.”

 

“For a business to be successful, the safety of their employees and customers is essential,” said Daniel A. Nigro, Commissioner of NYC Fire Department. “The Department is proud to take part in NYC Business Quick Start helping small businesses open safely and continuing our city’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Governor Cuomo Announces Return of Fourth of July Fireworks to Empire State Plaza and Jones Beach

 

Displays to Return after Absence Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccination Site Open on Plaza for Walk-ins Before Event at Empire State Plaza

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Office of General Services and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are joining with partners again to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and events from 6-10pm at the Empire State Plaza, including a pop-up vaccination site from 5:30- 8:00pm; and at Jones Beach State Park beginning at 9:30pm.

"Last year many of our favorite annual events were canceled due to COVID, including the iconic Fourth of July fireworks displays at Jones Beach and Empire State Plaza," Governor Cuomo said. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of New Yorkers in beating back the virus, we are able to enjoy these summer traditions once again. I encourage all New Yorkers to gather with their loved ones this Independence Day for these spectacular shows that celebrate our freedom as a nation, as well as the perseverance we have shown as a state throughout this pandemic."

At the Empire State Plaza, New York State's 45th Independence Day celebration will feature special musical performances by some of the Capital Region's most exciting bands. Food and beverage vendors will be at the Plaza, selling a variety of delicious foods and tasty New York beverages. The live performances will lead up to the region's most spectacular fireworks by Santore's World Famous Fireworks from Schaghticoke, kicking off at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Since the country's bicentennial in 1976, OGS has partnered with Price Chopper/Market 32 to put on an Independence Day event that has traditionally drawn tens of thousands of people to the Empire State Plaza.

A pop-up COVID-19 vaccination site will also be located on the Plaza. People can begin registering for a walk-in appointment at 5:30 p.m. The pop-up site will remain open until 8 p.m. while supplies last.

Free parking will be available starting at 5:30 p.m. in the visitor and "P" lots under the Empire State Plaza, and the Grand Street and Elk Street lots. Event updates are available here, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759. Additional information, including directions and ground rules, is available here.

At Jones Beach State Park, the Jovia Financial Credit Union Fireworks Spectacular will begin at 9:30 p.m. This year, WALK 97.5 FM and KJOY-98.3 FM will simulcast music during the fireworks presentation. The fireworks are included in the regular price of park admission. This year's program, with lead sponsorship by Jovia Financial Credit Union, is also made possible with support from the Natural Heritage Trust, Foundation for Long Island State Parks Inc., Captree Boatman's Association, Newsday, Connoisseur Media Long Island and J & B Restaurant Partners.

195 Days and Counting

 

Primary Day 2021 is tomorrow, you will be choosing the next mayor to take over after I leave. There are a few good candidates, and you are going to have to find the one that is not like me. One who will fix the city I broke, and take care of all the other problems I am leaving to the next mayor. I wonder how many write in votes I will get. 

Now that the Brooklyn Nets were eliminated by a team from of all places Milwaukee, I may move back to Boston so I can safely root for the Boston Red Sox. I can't wait for them to play the Milwaukee Brewers, so they can show the Nets how to be a team from Milwaukee.

Daniel C. Cestaro Way - One of the Founders of the Morris Park Community Association

 

The corner of Morris Park Avenue and Hone Avenue by Side Street Sports is now Daniel C. Cestaro Way. Who was Daniel C. Cestaro, you might ask? Daniel was a husband, father, a businessman on Morris Park Avenue, and one of the founders of the Morris Park Community Association.

This street co-naming was made possible by Councilman Mark Gjonaj who has a fondness towards the Morris Park Community Association. He added life is not about how much money you have, it is leaving this place better than you found it. Daniel did that and he will now be remembered for that when people look up at Daniel C. Cestaro Way.

Former State Senator Jeff Klein was on hand to tell a few stories of how Daniel would help him on his various campaigns. Senator Klein said that Daniel was a man who loved his family, but he would always be at community meetings or events, and was one of the founders of the Morris Park Community Association. 

Current President of the Morris Park Community Association Al D'Angelo thanked Daniel for helping to put together the Morris Park Community Association, and said he hopes this can be a memorial to Daniel and the other founders.

Daniel's Daughter Jaclyn spoke for the family saying that her father was loving and caring to 

her mother and sister, but was also caring for the community we lived in. He wanted to make it better for us and everyone who lived here. She thanked Senator Klein for his kind words about her father, and Councilman Gjonaj for the street co-naming. 

Councilman Mark Gjonaj speaks about Daniel C. Cestaro (in the picture), and his commitment to the Morris Park Community.

Former Senator Jeff Klein had only words of praise for his good friend Daniel, saying the community has lost one of its great leaders.

Daughter Jaclyn who spoke for the family thanked everyone for coming out to honor her father. She thanked Councilman Gjonaj for honoring her father, and Senator Klein for the kind words about her father. She said that her father attended PS 83, and then Columbus High School before joining the Air Force serving in the Korean War. She closed by saying that her father loved his family and his community. Thank you.

(L-R) Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, The husband of Daniel's daughter Jaclyn., Daniel's wife Linda, Daughter Jaclyn holding one of Daniel's four grandchildren, and Daughter Melisa. 

After the unveiling of Daniel C, Cestaro Way, his wife Linda, and daughters Jaclyn and Melissa were given duplicate street signs as a remembrance of the day. The Morris Park Community Association was also given a sign to hang on the wall inside for all to remember one of the founders of the organization.

Governor Cuomo Announces Statewide Positivity Drops Below 0.30% for First Time Since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.38%—Record Low for 23 Consecutive Days, Has Declined for 76 Consecutive Days

60,498 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours—Vaccination Rate is 70.9

Hospitalizations Drop Below 500 for First Time since September 22

4 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday—Lowest since September 28

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

"New Yorkers have done an incredible job beating back the virus and thanks to their determination, we have been able to begin getting back to normal," Governor Cuomo said. "However, make no mistake, we are not out of the woods yet and in order to protect the progress we have made, we must build on it. Every shot in the arm brings us a step closer to defeating COVID once and for all and that's why it's so critical for everyone to get vaccinated. There are no more excuses, so if you haven't gotten your shot yet, please do the responsible thing and get yours today."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 88,294
• Total Positive - 258
• Percent Positive - 0.29%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.39%
• Patient Hospitalization - 491 (-41)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 51
• Patients in ICU - 118 (-8)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 72 (-1)
• Total Discharges - 184,212 (+83)
• Deaths - 4
• Total Deaths - 42,918
• Total vaccine doses administered - 20,574,625
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 60,498
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 512,754
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 68.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 61.8%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 70.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 63.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 56.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 50.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 58.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 51.8%

State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Saturday June, 26: Summer Celebration!

 

The Bronx LGBT Expo 2021 - Celebrating the life and Legacy of Jose Ramon

 

Thursday June 17th was the Celebration of the life and legacy of Jose Ramon Creator and founder of the Bronx LGBT Expo and the White Shirt Project. Mr. Ramon was diagnosed with PTSD and Depression. However he also was diagnosed with ALS in January of 2020, and lost his battle to ALS on March 14th 2021. It was said that ALS affects 30,000 Americans every year. One person is diagnosed every ninety minutes, while another dies every ninety minutes from ALS.

Mr. Jomil Luna moderated the event which included a panel discussion for many different topics from problems the LGBT community faces to the death of Jose Ramon and the fight against ALS. Connie Pacheco President of Recoveries  Us presented a check for three thousand dollars to Mr. Luna for ALS research. 

Also on hand was local Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, who spoke about the hope there still is for LBGT members of the community to integrate with the rest of the community saying, 'We are all one, and have to live together, even as there are forces that will try to stop that'. She added with the laws passed in Albany and the more people we educate, we can change that.

The presentation of the three thousand dollar check by Connie Pacheco.

Assemblywoman Fernandez speaks on the LGBTQ+ community, and the non acceptance by some of them. 

Assemblywoman Fernandez is asked a few questions by the moderator Jomal Luna, and the audience, about what the state is doing to help the LGBTQ+ community.

There were plenty of informational tables set up with various items to educate people on a host of items, and to let people know where they can find various services.

The event took place in the new Destination Tomorrow building on the corner of Barnes and Lydig Avenues.

Stevenson Commons Expansion Project In The Bronx Proceeds To Next Step Of Review By The Department Of City Planning

 

The Department of City Planning is now reviewing Environmental Impact Statements for a six-building expansion of Stevenson Commons in the Soundview section of The Bronx. Owned by Camber Property Group, the development site is located at White Plains Road and 1850 Lafayette Avenue and currently comprises nine Mitchell-Lama buildings spanning 990,050 square feet.

The residential component currently includes 948 affordable rental units spanning approximately 914,634 square feet of residential area, 10,648 square feet of local retail, a 36,214-square-foot health center, and 570 surface-level parking spaces. The complex also contains private green spaces totaling approximately 3.1 acres that are used exclusively by current residents.

Aerial map illustrates project area (in red) and development site (in yellow)

Before construction can begin, Camber must obtain Zoning Resolution and Special Permit Authorizations from the Department of City Planning. This includes allowances for the construction of new commercial areas that will exceed 2 percent of total floor area in the development, a waiver of requirements for off-street parking spaces accessory to the commercial storefronts within the development, and the construction of a parking facility with more than 150 spaces.

If approved, the development would comprise six new buildings referred to as B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6. The residential component would include 735 affordable residences including 621 income-restricted housing units and 114 affordable independent residences for seniors. Additional components would include roughly 34,000 square feet of community facilities, approximately 1.94 acres of publicly accessible open space, and around 466 parking spaces. The parking allotment includes 206 spaces within below-grade garages and 260 surface parking spaces.

Aerial view of Stevens Commons with expanded buildings – WXY Architecture

Construction of the proposed project would be completed in three phases. If all goes to plan, construction could break ground by the end of 2021, with all components complete and operational by early 2028. Renderings and illustrative documents included in the most recent expansion proposals are credited to WXY Architecture + Urban Planning, which could be the architect of record

Credit - YIMBY.