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Thursday, September 30, 2021
The Ali Forney Center - 11/5, save the date for We Are Family!
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
54,192 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours
38 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.
"Wear a mask, wash your hands, get your vaccine - it's that simple to keep your community safe from the spread of COVID-19," Governor Hochul said. "The vaccines are readily available, free and effective in keeping the virus at bay. Though we've made exceptional progress in our fight against the pandemic, we need to remain vigilant in doing what we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 283,866
- Total Positive - 4,744
- Percent Positive - 1.99%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.58%
- Patient Hospitalization - 2,270 (-78)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 270
- Patients in ICU - 530 (-11)
- Patients in ICU with Intubation - 292 (-15)
- Total Discharges - 200,771 (+325)
- New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 38
- Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 44,550
The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.
- Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 56,752
This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.
- Total vaccine doses administered - 24,231,422
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 54,192
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 384,915
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 81.6%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 73.5%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 84.0%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.3%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 69.0%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 62.0%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 71.2%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 63.6%
BRONX WOMAN INDICTED IN RENT SCAM THAT NETTED NEARLY $100,000
Defendant Allegedly Promised 16 People Rent-Stabilized Apartments, Likely Defrauded Dozens More, Preyed on Dominican Community
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx woman has been indicted for stealing approximately $99,000 from 16 people in a scheme promising rent-stabilized apartments to low-income individuals.
District Attorney Clark said, “For months, in the middle of the pandemic, the defendant, Eligia Estrella, allegedly stole thousands of dollars from hard-working people who entrusted her with their savings to attain rent-stabilized apartments. She has been indicted for defrauding 16 people of about $99,000, but it is believed she victimized as many as 63 people, stealing a total of approximately $300,000.
“The victims, who include a grandmother and granddaughter, paid hefty deposits believing they would soon live in better conditions. To further gain the victims’ trust, the defendant allegedly told them she had connections with the city’s Housing Preservation and Development, the Housing Development Corporation, NYC Housing Authority and City Councilman Ruben Diaz, Sr. I thank DOI for assistance in this case. I would also like to thank Telemundo Channel 47 for directing victims to our Investigations Division.”
New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Margaret Garnett said, “This defendant exploited the great need for affordable housing in this City and twice victimized 16 New Yorkers seeking affordable housing -- charging about $99,000 in unnecessary broker fees without any ability to provide housing, leaving the victims poorer and still housing-insecure, according to the charges. If an affordable housing program uses brokers, it will be disclosed in the marketing materials. If you suspect you have been defrauded we urge you to call DOI at (212) 825-3502. DOI thanks the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD for their partnership in exposing and stopping this fraud and HPD and HDC for their cooperation in this investigation.”
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Eligia Estrella, 59, of East 172nd Street, the Bronx, was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado on a 66-count indictment charging third-degree Grand Larceny, third-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Petit Larceny, fifth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, first-degree Scheme to Defraud, and second-degree Scheme to Defraud. She is due back in court on December 14, 2021.
According to the investigation, between March 2020 and November 2020, Estrella told a friend that she could get her a rent-stabilized apartment, and allegedly said she had connections with organizations and city agencies, as well as Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr.’s office. The defendant said the cost to obtain the apartment was $8,000 and that the victim had to pay $4,000 up front and pay the remainder when the keys and lease were turned over.
Believing the defendant was helping her, the victim--who, like Estrella, is of Dominican heritage--told her friends and family members that Estrella was getting her a rent-stabilized apartment. They reached out to Estrella, trusted her, and told others about her as well. As charged in the indictment, 16 people had given Estrella deposits ranging from $3,000 to $16,000 for the apartments. After the victims paid the deposit, the defendant allegedly kept the money and the victims were never given the apartments.
District Attorney Clark also thanked the NYPD Bronx Grand Larceny Squad, specifically Detective David Lee. District Attorney Clark thanked DOI Special Investigator and Forensic Auditor Lana Wong, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Michael Morris and Senior Inspector General Jessica Heegan, for their assistance in the investigation.
An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.
MTA Metro-North Penn Station Access - Finding of No Significant Impact
Faster Commutes. Expanded Service. Regional Connections.
Direct Metro-North service from the Bronx, Westchester, and Connecticut to Penn Station and Manhattan’s thriving west side is one step closer to reality. With four new ADA-accessible passenger rail stations in the East Bronx and significant improvements to railroad infrastructure, Penn Station Access will support economic development and attract regional talent by increasing accessibility to underserved areas, cutting current commute times, and introducing reverse commuting opportunities. It will bring Amtrak's Hell Gate Line into a state of good repair and improve reliability and on-time performance for intercity passengers. By improving reliability for our riders and expanding transit options, we are transforming our regional transportation system.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has completed its review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Section 4(f) Evaluation, dated May 2021, for the Penn Station Access Project. Based on the review of the EA and responses to agency and public comments received, the FTA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on September 24, 2021, concluding the FTA environmental review process for the project. The FONSI was issued in accordance with the FTA and Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact and Related Procedures (23 CFR Part 771) and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1500).
MTA has published a summary of comments and responses on the EA and Section 4(f) Evaluation received during the public comment period. To read the FONSI and response-to-comments document, and learn more about the Penn Station Access Project, visit www.pennstationaccess.info.
Procurement is underway to award a design-build contract to construct this project, which will add four new accessible passenger rail stations in the East Bronx with direct Metro-North service to Penn Station, Westchester, and Connecticut.
Sincerely,
The Penn Station Access Project Team
Governor Hochul Announces 20 New #VaxtoSchool Pop-Up Sites
120 Sites to Be Established Statewide Over 12 Weeks to Increase Vaccination Rates Among School-Aged New Yorkers
New Sites to Be Announced Weekly Over The 12-Week Period; Full List of Sites Will Be Updated Weekly Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 20 new #VaxtoSchool pop-up vaccination sites to increase vaccination rates among school-aged New Yorkers. On September 21, Governor Hochul announced a total of 120 sites will be established over a 12-week period statewide. The Department of Health is working with localities, community-based organizations, and healthcare centers on-the-ground to establish these sites in all regions of the state. Partners, host sites, and outreach efforts are tailored to the communities they are built to serve. New locations are established on a rolling basis, and more sites will be announced each week over the 12-week period.
"Parents and guardians—don't wait to get your child vaccinated," Governor Hochul said. "The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to keep eligible school-aged New Yorkers and our school communities protected from the virus. As part of our broader #VaxtoSchool effort, these new pop-up sites will bring the vaccine to communities across the state to make sure it's accessible to all New York families."
This announcement builds on New York State's commitment to making the health and well-being of students, teachers and families a top priority. As of September 29, 60.4 percent of 12 to 15-year-olds and 70.1 percent of 16 to 25-year-olds have received at least one vaccine dose.
Operational days for each of the #VaxtoSchool pop-up vaccination sites for school-aged New Yorkers are below. The full list of #VaxtoSchool sites is available here and will be updated weekly over the 12-week period to include new sites when they are announced. New locations are established on a rolling-basis, and more sites will be announced each week over the 12-week period.
BRONX SITES -
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center
3450 Dekalb Avenue
Bronx, NY 10467
Open: Friday, October 1; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Vaccine Type: Pfizer-BioNTech; Second shot POD
St. James Park
2550 Jerome Ave
Bronx, NY 10468
Open: Saturday, October 2; 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Vaccine Type: Pfizer-BioNTech
Tracey Towers - 40 W. Moshulu Parkway Building #20
Bronx, NY 10468
Open: Saturday, October 9; 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Vaccine Type: Pfizer-BioNTech
Children aged 12 to 17 can take the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is available under Emergency Use Authorization for children ages 12 to 15 and is fully approved for those age 16 and older. The other COVID-19 vaccines are not yet authorized or approved for this age group. If you are a parent or guardian of a school-aged New Yorker, you can also visit vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a vaccine location closest to you. Make sure that the provider offers the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and school-aged children, New Yorkers can visit our dedicated website ny.gov/vaxtoschool or follow @VaccinateNY on Instagram.
Parents are encouraged to make sure their child is up to date on all recommended and required vaccinations. Please visit the Department of Health website for more information on recommended childhood and adolescent immunizations.
93 Days and Counting
Dr. Chokshi, didn't you give me the Johnson and Johnson vaccine so I would only receive one shot. Why am I getting another shot? Are you injecting me with the Pfizer vaccine this time. I don't want to have a reaction like that reporter in the Bronx had.
Speaking of the Bronx I was there last night for the Bronx Democratic Party Dinner. They had me stand in the same area as Attorney General Letitia James, and Public Advocate Jumanne Williams. What was Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey looking for a candidates forum between the three unannounced candidates for governor. I hope Senator Bailey is mad at Kathy Hochul for not picking him as her Lieutenant Governor.
Bronx Democratic Party Dinner 2021
The 2021 Bronx Democratic Party Dinner Wednesday night had several firsts. It was the first Bronx Democratic Party Dinner under New Bronx Democratic County Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey, It was the first Dinner during the 2020 Pandemic era, It was the first dinner with new governor Kathy Hochul, and it was the first dinner of the 2022 political season in the Bronx.
There were some lasts however also, It was the last Bronx Democratic Party Dinner under Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and it was also the last Bronx Democratic Party dinner under Mayor Bill de Blasio, both Diaz Jr. and de Blasio have three months left in office.
The honorees for the night were, Daniel J. Kane Jr. President Teamsters Local 202, David Caraballoso Vice President NYC District Council of Carpenters, Camille Joseph-Goldman Group Vice President, Charter Communications, Judy Secon Director of Programs and Operations NY Common Pantry, and Erica Vargas Assistant Director District Council 37.
Almost every Bronx Elected official was in the house, with some exceptions from the state senate, and congressional areas. All three statewide elected officials attended Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letticia James, and Comptroller Tom Dinapoli. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and presumed Mayor Eric Adams were joined by City Comptroller Brad Laner. Presumed Bronx Borough President current Councilwoman Vanesa Gibson was joined by the new presumed City Council members.
Governor Kathy Hochul waits with her speech in hand to be called up to speak.
Governor Hochul thanks Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey whom she passed over in her search for a Lieutenant Governor. In her speech she said "As the Bronx goes, so does the state".
Presumed Bronx Borough president Vanessa Gibson is with Governor Hochul.
Mayor Bill de Blasio with Presumed 14th City Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez,
Current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. with Presumed new Bronx Borough President and current Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson with guests.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James spoke, but did not say anything about running for governor.
Bronx Democratic Party Leader Jamaal Bailey with Honoree Erica Vargas of DC 37.
NYC Public Advocate Jumanne Williams was in attendance.
Attorney General James Announces 84 Guns Turned in at Community Gun Buyback in Central New York
AG James Has Taken More Than 2,300 Firearms Out of Communities Since 2019
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that 84 firearms were turned in to law enforcement at a gun buyback event in the city of Rome hosted by her office and the Rome Police Department yesterday. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) accepts — with no questions asked — working and non-working, unloaded firearms in exchange for compensation on site. To date, Attorney General James has taken more than 2,300 firearms out of communities through gun buyback events and other efforts since taking office in 2019.
“Gun buyback programs are essential to protecting New Yorkers and preventing dangerous guns from ending up in the wrong hands,” said Attorney General James. “The threat of gun violence has loomed over our communities for far too long, and it is imperative that we take every step possible to eradicate this violence. My office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to keep our neighborhoods safe, and we thank the Rome Police Department for their invaluable support and partnership in this effort.”
“The Rome Police Department appreciates the partnership and support of the Attorney General’s Office and the community to make this gun buyback successful,” said the Rome Police Department’s Community Impact Unit. “We are grateful for the opportunity to get guns off the street, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands, and keeping the community safe. We are very supportive of any proactive approach to put an end to and prevent gun violence.”
The community gun buyback resulted in the collection of 84 guns, including 30 handguns, 34 shotguns and rifles, and 20 non-working guns. Since 2013, OAG has hosted gun buyback events throughout New York state and has successfully collected more than 4,300 firearms.
In exchange for the firearms, OAG offered monetary compensation, in the form of prepaid gift cards, when an unloaded gun was received and secured by an officer on site.
Gun violence is a public health crisis that is plaguing communities throughout New York, and this event is the latest action that Attorney General James has taken to combat this crisis and protect New Yorkers from harm. This year alone, Attorney General James has held 14 gun buybacks across the state, and has also secured dozens of dangerous firearms through takedowns of violent groups terrorizing New York. Earlier this year, Attorney General James announced the takedown of two major drug trafficking rings in Central New York, in which 15 guns, including nine ghost guns, were seized. To date, Attorney General James has taken a total of more than 2,300 guns out of communities since 2019.