Healthfirst Offers First Ride Free on Citi Bike Beginning on September 25th

 

New Riders can use the promo code Healthfirst21 to redeem a Single Ride in the Lyft or Citi Bike app

From Saturday September 25, to Saturday, October 9, 2021*, Healthfirst, the official wellness partner of Citi Bike, is offering a First Ride Free to help get more New Yorkers outside and using pedal power to get to their favorite local spots or for some healthy exercise. The free ride activation includes one free 30-minute ride on Citi Bike classic bikes**. Citi Bike is operated as a partnership between NYCDOT and Lyft. 

"Citi Bike has become an integral part of New Yorkers lives by making cycling more readily available than ever before," said NYC DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. "I thank Healthfirst and our partner Lyft for offering this two week opportunity to try this green, affordable and healthy way to get around our city."

“Citi Bike was there for New Yorkers during the pandemic, and as we’re seeing New York come back to life, we have a unique opportunity to help support the reawakening of the city and help NYC rebound.” said Laura Fox, General Manager for Citi Bike at Lyft, “Biking is not only a fun way to experience the city but it’s also an important way to reduce traffic congestion and emissions, which is why we’re working together with Healthfirst to help introduce new people to the benefits of cycling.”

To claim the free 30-minute bike ride starting Saturday, September 25, riders can use the promo code Healthfirst21 to redeem a free ride in the Lyft or Citi Bike app. 

Healthfirst is also the presenting sponsor of the Reduced Fare Bike Share program, which offers discounted $5/month memberships to eligible NYCHA residents, SNAP recipients and members of select community development credit unions. Currently, more than 14,000 New Yorkers access the Reduced Fare Bike Share program. Membership has doubled in the past year due to expansion of bike stations and riders finding Citi Bikes to be a safe and dependable mode of transportation.

“If you haven’t taken a ride on a Citi Bike, First Ride Free offers a great opportunity to give it a try compliments of Healthfirst,” said Miguel Centeno, Healthfirst Vice President of Community Engagement. “We were excited to see the steady growth in the number of Reduced Fare Bike Share members over the past year which reinforces that the program provides a valuable resource to the community.  Providing affordable and dependable transportation which allows people to get to work, to doctor appointments and to access resources and services, as well as participate in a healthy exercise option, aligns perfectly with Healthfirst’s mission to promote equity and health and wellness for all New Yorkers.”

Researchers at Colorado University recently found in the first study of its kind that bikeshare saves the United States $36 million in public health dollars every year, with more than $15 million of that coming from Citi Bike alone. The researchers estimated that putting 100,000 additional New Yorkers onto bikeshare would result in 15 fewer deaths, 2556 fewer disability adjusted life years, and more than $111 million fewer public health dollars spent annually through increases in physical activity and improvements in air quality. 

Citi Bike provided a socially distanced and reliable mode of transportation for New Yorkers during the pandemic, supporting millions of rides, many of which were taken by our heroic frontline workers. Through the launch of the Critical Care program, Citi Bike was able to step up and provide over 30,000 free memberships and 1.2 million rides to essential workers and healthcare providers.

Today Citi Bike is the most widely used bike share system in North America, reaching a milestone of 100 million all-time rides last year and a record-breaking 135,004 trips taken on a single day on September 11. Last year alone, nearly 900,000 Citi Bike riders pedaled over 42.1 million miles. Citi Bike has also expanded to add another 250 stations this year, with over 1,500 stations and 23,000 bikes total across the system. 

*New users only. Only valid for redemption within the Citi Bike or Lyft apps. Offer valid from September 25 through October 9, 2021, or while supplies last. Must set up a valid Citi Bike account with a valid credit card. Limit one (1) free ride per account. Pass applies to the Single Ride fare for Classic bikes up to 30 minutes. Cannot be combined with other offers. Subject to Citi Bike Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver

.

**Riders can also use this code to unlock an ebike for an additional $0.18 per minute.

CLIMATE WEEK: CITY ANNOUNCES $75 MILLION IN NEW INVESTMENTS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Funding will add 275 electric vehicle chargers, replace 300 gas-powered City fleet vehicles, and retrofit diesel-powered trucks to run on electric

 Mayor Bill de Blasio, the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Sustainability, today announced a $75 million investment in electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the City of New York’s vehicle fleet. The new investments will help the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country become even greener. 

 

The investments include:

 

•    300 electric vehicles to replace fossil fuel-powered models

•    275 fast vehicle chargers

•    20 portable vehicle chargers

•    11 new solar charging carports

•    3 electric buses to replace diesel models

•    78 electric ambulances

•    In addition, the City will retrofit 125 existing diesel-powered trucks to be electric-powered. 

  

These and other investments are part of the City’s plan to transition its entire vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.

 

 “Climate change is an existential threat facing our city, our nation, and our world,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “You can count on New York City to lead the way when it comes to finding sustainable climate solutions, fighting back against global warming, and building a greener future for the next generation.”

 

 “The EV investment and infrastructure that we put in place today will become the foundation of a clean and reliable transportation system for the next generation of New Yorkers,” said Ben Furnas, Director of the NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Sustainability. “Today's announcement is a key example of the City's commitment to end the age of fossil fuels, improve air quality and public health — especially in Environmental Justice communities most impacted by polluting tailpipe emissions — and tackle the urgency of the climate crisis before us.”

 

 “The $75 million in investments announced today will help pave the way for ending the use of fossil fuels in the City of New York’s municipal vehicle fleet,” said Lisette Camilo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “The time to act on climate change is now, and New York City is leading the way by transitioning to an all-electric vehicle fleet.”

 

 “The City of New York operates the largest electric vehicle fleet and electric vehicle charging network in New York State,” said Keith Kerman, NYC Chief Fleet Officer and DCAS Deputy Commissioner. “And these efforts have only just begun. These critical new investments will enable convenient fast charging for fleets throughout the City and support the expansion of EV and adoption into our van and trucking fleets.”  

 

“The City’s investments in electric vehicles and infrastructure is a step in the right direction, allowing us to further improve our transportation system and address the climate crisis,” said Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “New York must continue to serve as a national leader in combating the climate crisis by ending our dependence on fossil fuels and continuing to invest in green, renewable energy. By investing in renewable, sustainable alternatives, we are bettering our planet, our city, and our livelihoods.”

 

“The transition of our transportation sector to emission-free vehicles requires a substantial and sustained investment in access to charging equipment and grid capacity,” said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz. “This step by the city to electrify more of the municipal vehicle fleet will undoubtedly push us in the right direction, and kudos to DCAS and the Mayor's Office for making this commitment.”

 

“The actions our City takes today will effect generations of New Yorkers to come,” said Assembly Member David Weprin. “That is why I am thrilled to lend my support to NYC’s investment in green transportation infrastructure. This investment will combat climate change and improve the quality of life in our City,” said Assemblyman David Weprin.

 

 “The transportation sector accounts for approximately one third of our greenhouse emissions statewide,” said Assembly Member and Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee Michael Cusick. “Electrifying transportation is a vitally important step in reducing our emissions, improving our energy efficiency, and meeting our climate goals. In the State Assembly I have sponsored legislation geared toward making our state more electric vehicle friendly and we have passed this legislation through both houses of the legislature. I am thrilled to see that New York City is making such a solid investment in electrifying its fleet.”

 

“Electric vehicles are our future,” said Assembly Member Kenny Burgos. “With climate change being an existential threat, this new investment will only help our infrastructure, reduce air pollution, and create a more environmentally friendly city. I appreciate the Mayor's office and our city for leading the way to make our planet more sustainable.” 

 

“It’s abundantly clear that we must do everything we can to reduce the use of fossil fuels, and it’s heartening to see so many New Yorkers embracing Electric Vehicles,” said Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon. “I’m glad that the City is providing the necessary support infrastructure to encourage the use of EVs, which incentivizes us all to do our part to reverse the climate change emergency we face.”

 

“As Chair of the New York City Council’s Environmental Committee, I am proud to continue supporting this initiative, which aims to make our city more eco-friendly,” said Council Member James F. Gennaro. “These types of investments bring us one step closer to the goal of the New York City Climate Protection Act – a bill I authored in 2008 to dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions. This $75 million investment in electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure is sending an important message to New Yorkers—that making the switch to an electric vehicle has never been easier. I would like to thank Mayor de Blasio for his visionary leadership and all his hard work to make NYC greener.”

 

In 2019, DCAS launched an initiative to install 100 fast electric vehicle chargers across the five boroughs. Fast electric vehicle chargers can charge vehicles up to seven times faster than traditional chargers. To date, 90 of these fast chargers are in operation, and all 100 will be operational by the end of the year. Currently, eight fast chargers are also available for public use. (Guidelines for NYC Fleet Chargers Public Access) In the next two years, DCAS will add an additional 275 fast chargers at City agency sites to support fleet units and also the electrification of school buses at the NYC Department of Education. At least 20 of these charging locations will also be available for public use. Once completed, the City of New York will have one of the largest fast charging networks in the country.  

 

The 20 portable chargers announced today can be moved from location to location, supporting flexible and emergency charging as the City of New York transitions the fleet to electric vehicles. Working with the NYC Department of Correction, DCAS introduced the City’s first mobile charger in 2019. DCAS will also add 11 solar carports, which will give the City 100 free-standing solar carports, the largest such project in the world. These carports, which are mobile, power electric vehicles solely using sunlight, are not tied to the electric grid, and are an important emergency resource in the case of power outages.

 

The 300 new electric vehicles announced today will replace at least 300 fossil fuel-powered light duty vehicles and vans. In addition, for the first time, the City will retrofit 125 existing diesel support trucks to convert them to electric power. The first converts will be box vans, rack trucks, small dump trucks, and other non-emergency units. This will enable the City to make progress on electric truck implementation as manufacturers continue to develop new electric truck models. 

 

DCAS and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Sustainability today attended the City’s 32^nd Annual Fleet and Equipment Show, hosted by DCAS and NYC Parks Department at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Over 150 vendors displayed the latest in green and safe fleet technologies at the show. The non-profit Empire Clean Cities, which focuses on fleet sustainability, also hosts its annual stakeholder event at the show. Both of today’s events were part of the official Climate Week NYC programming. Immediately following the show, DCAS also participated in a virtual panel on Urban Charging Infrastructures at the 2021 Edition of IMPULSION MTL organized by Propulsion Québec. This international fleet forum is in its third year each supported annually by DCAS.

 

The City of New York’s municipal vehicle fleet includes 2,350 on-road electric vehicles and 796 off-road electric and solar units, and the entire fleet will become all-electric. To support this transition, the city currently has 1,061 electric vehicle charging ports to service its fleet. This network is the largest charging network in New York state and includes level-2 chargers, level-3 fast chargers, a mobile charger, and the nation’s largest network of 89 free-standing solar charging carports. 

  

Clean Up at Pelham Parkway on 9/25

 

 

Hello:

On Saturday, September 25th at 12:00pm, I will be hosting a Green Day of Action in partnership with Friends of Pelham Parkway!

I invite you all to come out and volunteer as we do our part to protect our environment and keep our community green with this day of action!

If you and/or your organization are interested in participating please fill out this attached form by using the link below:

https://bit.ly/3CqK8wW

 

Please See The Attached Flyer

*Cleaning Supplies, Snacks, and Water Will Be Provided*

 

Best Regards,

New York State Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez

 

 

NEW YORK CITY AWARDS $26.4 MILLION TO COMPLETE QUEENS MUSEUM EXPANSION

 

Expansion Includes Construction of a New Children’s Museum Space, Space for Collections and Staff, and Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

 Mayor de Blasio, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, City Council, and Queens Borough President’s Office have announced that New York City has allocated $26.4 million to complete the Queens Museum’s expansion project. The expansion will create a dedicated children’s museum space focused on art and culture in Queens, expand the museum’s classrooms, provide secure artwork storage, and improve the facility’s energy efficiency. Together, the improvements will cement Queens Museum’s role as a world class museum and community anchor in the heart of New York’s most diverse borough. 

“The Queens Museum is a world-class institution, and this funding will help them grow and develop their footprint in Queens and throughout the city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Arts and culture are not just the key to our recovery from COVID-19 – they are the key to nurturing the talent, curiosity, and creativity that will keep New York City the most vibrant city in the world.”

“Queens Museum is an integral part of the communities it serves, a home for amazing arts programming, education, and important civic services – relationships they used to support their neighbors throughout the pandemic,” said NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Gonzalo Casals. “We’re thrilled to make a major investment in this exciting project, which will expand Queens Museum’s ability to connect with and serve audiences, with new space for children’s programming, storage, and energy sustainability upgrades.”    

 

In November 2013, the Queens Museum completed the first phase of its expansion project, bringing an additional 50,000 square feet of galleries, event spaces, educational areas, and visitor amenities, as well as site work and facilities systems upgrades. The second and final phase consists of five distinct elements:

• The creation of first floor and second floor educational classroom/workshop areas;
• A 5,500 square foot intergenerational, multilingual Family Art Lab;
• A 2,600 square foot art storage vault; 
• A reconstruction of the southern wall and window system; and
• Construction of back of house spaces including offices, exhibition prep spaces, an artwork conservation/study area.  

 

Additionally, the project includes the installation of a full-height glass wall system on the mezzanine level and the upgrade of HVAC system. 

 

“New York City’s most diverse borough deserves a world class museum, and the New York City Council is proud to support this expansion with $3 million in FY2022 to make that a reality. This expansion will allow the Queens Museum to make wise investments so it can best serve the community for decades to come: expanding its ability to engage kids and students, allowing it to secure and safely store its growing collections, and improving the energy efficiency of its facilities,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.  

COUNCILMAN YDANIS RODRIGUEZ MUST APOLOGIZE TO All AMERICAN CITIZENS

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz

18 District, Bronx

COUNCILMAN YDANIS RODRIGUEZ

MUST APOLOGIZE TO All

AMERICAN CITIZENS

You should know that there was a time when becoming a Citizen of the United States and becoming an American was part of the American Dream.

Immigrants dreamed and looked forward to obtaining that beautiful blue passport that when presented identified them as a full-fledged American, and they felt that they had acquired part of that American Dream. Acquiring that American Passport gave those who possessed it prestige, liberty and the protections that came with being a citizen of the United States people of other nations could only wish for.

You should know that becoming an American Citizen came with pride and inalienable rights, to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This came with the opportunities and the promise that anyone can prosper and acquire the happiness they seek with a good education and hard work.   As American Citizens we are afforded the right to elect our leaders and representatives on the city, state, and federal levels.  The beauty of America is that when you become an American Citizen all citizens become one people, the American People.  

It is important for you to know that it is painful and disheartening to hear when New York City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez said that if American Citizens, do not like granting the undocumented immigrants the right to vote then “pack your bags and move to another city or to another country.”  Wow!!! What nerve and audacity to say this to American Citizens who have fought for this country and have abide by our country’s laws and New York State Constitution.

Could you Imagine what we have come to! while some have waited in line, sacrificed everything, their lives, their families, their positions to obtain American Citizenship and others such as Puerto Ricans who shed their blood and sacrificed to obtained American Citizenship, Ydanis Rodriguez now tells us, that if we do not agree with him in violating the Constitution, which he swore to uphold, and allow non-citizens or the undocumented who entered this country without authorization, or documents, that we should leave our homes, City, State or even our Nation.

Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who happens to be a Dominican, knows full well that in the Dominican Republic undocumented Haitians are not allowed to vote, and when found they are immediately deported.  I refuse to believe that Ydanis Rodriguez would have the nerve or the audacity to tell his Dominican compatriots, that if they do not allow the undocumented Haitians the right to vote in the elections of the Dominican Republic, then they should pack up and move to another country.

I think Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez and everyone who agrees with him owes an apology to all the American Citizens and immigrants who abide by our immigration laws and who have waited in line, and who have sacrificed to obtained and become proud Citizens of the United States.

All countries and even in the Bible itself you will find that citizens should submit and comply with the authorities and obey the laws of that land. (Romans 13).

Our Constitution states that only United States Citizens have the right and privilege to vote. This is to be respected and not incentivize people to violate and break our Constitutional Laws.

 

It is important for you to know that I believe that the Constitution of every country such as the United States, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Honduras, San Salvador, Ecuador, Venezuela, etc., etc., shall be respected and complied with.  If there is anything in the Constitution that we don’t like then our struggle and energy must be exercised to amend it, not to violate it.   

 

I am Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is What You Should Know. 

100 Days and Counting - How Did I Catch COVID After Getting My Second COVID Vaccination Shot, Mayor de Blasio

On August 31st I received my first dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine at Jacobi Hospital. I chose Jacobi Hospital, because I wanted to be vaccinated at one of the top NYC hospitals, where I knew a professional would be administering the vaccine. The first vaccination went perfect, as I did not feel anything, and had no after effects. 

My second vaccination was for September 21st three weeks after the first vaccination. For my first vaccination the needle was all set, and I was out One, Two, Three. For my second vaccination the nurse who was giving me the shot took the needle and drew the vaccine from a bottle. My first vaccination was quick, but the second shot seemed to linger longer than the first vaccination. I went home, and then things went downhill. I was told to hydrate myself, and drink plenty of water, 

My head became very hot, and I experienced the symptoms of COVID. It got so bad that I thought I was going to die at some point. The fever broke on the second day, but I still could not walk to the bathroom without bumping into a wall. I could not breath through my nose, and my senses of taste and smell were gone for half the day. 

All I want to know Mayor de Blasio, What was in that second shot that made me feel as if I was going to die? Was it too much vaccine, too little vaccine, or something else?

Booths were set up, and you went into the one when your name was called.

This was the table you checked in at and were given forms to fill out. Even though it was a free vaccination, your insurance information was requested, so your insurance company would be charged for the vaccination.

Building 4 was where the COVID vaccination shots were being given at Jacobi Hospital.

Espaillat Hosts President Abinader During Hispanic Heritage Month Event, Introduces Series of Proposals to Help Strengthen Dominican-U.S. Relations

 

Espaillat Urges Dominican President Luis Abinader to Lower Taxes on Dominican Flights

 This weekend, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month program recognizing the significant impact of community leaders, non-profits, and elected officials of the Dominican diaspora in the United States with special guest, the Honorable President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader.

During this event, Rep. Espaillat presented President Abinader with a series of proposals aimed at further strengthening the relations between the United States and the Dominican Republic while utilizing the vast resources of the diaspora and the needs of the Dominican population here in the U.S. The report  consisted of recommendations addressing four main areas of impact: Productivity, Governance, Education and Health.

 
"The Dominican diaspora, especially here in the United States, represents the largest reserve of the intellectual, economic and socio-political heritage of the Dominican Republic," said Rep. Espaillat. “The communities that live abroad and that in turn identify themselves as a functional and active diaspora, are right between the third and fifth generation, where historically it has been shown that their influences, social, intellectual, economic and political resources they have already reached levels of important projection and incidence, and which, in turn, are complemented by a sincere emotional debt of wanting to be useful to the nation of origin.

"I was honored to host President Abinader and share with him the proposals of interest to Dominican-Americans and throughout the diaspora, and in particular to address lowering taxes of Dominican flights to help families in their ability to travel between our two countries at greater ease. I am especially grateful to the hundreds of residents from my congressional district, who joined this weekend's event to honor the presence of Dominican-Americans in our community and look forward to continuing my efforts in Congress to highlight the contributions of Dominicans to help strengthen our communities around the nation." 

 

Participants in the event included: the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC), Catholic Charities, the Dominican Lawyers Association, the New York Dominican Officials Organization (NYDO), and the Association of Dominican-American Supervisors (ADASA).
 
As well as representatives of the City University of New York (CUNY), Hostos Community College, local doctors, elected officials from various states of the United States, and representatives of the Dominican Consulate in New York, the Dominican Embassy in Washington, and the Dominican Government.
 

The proposals presented during the event addressed: Productivity, Governance, Education, and Health based on recommendations offered during a series of meetings and conversations with leaders of the Dominican diaspora in the United States, which were convened by Rep. Espaillat earlier this year with the aim of identifying the connection points between the vast resources of the diaspora and the needs of the Dominican population.

The document, entitled "First Comprehensive Cooperation and Development Agenda: Dominican-American Diaspora & Government of the Dominican Republic," aims at establishing a bilateral comprehensive agenda to address the concerns and help benefit the lives of Dominican communities in the United States and abroad.

Currently, the Dominican population in the United States exceeds two million people.

 

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE CALLS FOR CITY, STATE PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE ELECTIONS AND EXPAND VOTING RIGHTS

 

 Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams today called for partnership between New York City and New York State government to improve election administration and expand voting rights to marginalized communities. In testimony to the New York State Senate Committee on Elections, the Public Advocate detailed several areas where improvement is clearly necessary, as illustrated by perennial issues in management, administration, and implementation, as well as recent issues spotlighted during elections in 2020 and 2021. He emphasized that in order to make meaningful change, commitments are needed from both city and state agencies and elected leaders.

"It seems like after every election, we have the same conversation," argued Public Advocate Williams. "We identify the multitude of problems that voters faced and yell at the Board of Elections, but when the next election rolls around, the dysfunction remains. Rinse and repeat. We owe it to New Yorkers to end this toxic cycle now. I’m confident that with the leadership of this committee as well as the welcome change in the executive branch, we can build on the important legislative reforms of the last few years and make necessary fundamental changes in election administration."

Among the areas of action proposed by the Public Advocate in his Tuesday testimony are:

• Restructuring the Board of Elections
• Enfranchising Incarcerated Individuals, and Non-Citizens in Municipal Elections
• Effective Implementation of Ranked Choice Voting
• Improving Vote By Mail
• Expanding Staffing and Sites for In-Person Voting
• Enhancing Voting Accessibility
• Modifying and Expanding the Campaign Finance System
• Reforming the Board of Elections' Contracting Process
• Protecting the Rights of Non-Major Parties
• Conducting Greater Public Outreach on Ballot Measures

The Public Advocate's full testimony can be downloaded here.