CITY HALL IN YOUR BOROUGH: MAYOR UNVEILS MANHATTAN’S LARGEST SHARED STREET, OTHER MAJOR OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS

Two-block shared street space in Flatiron slows cars, reclaims space for pedestrians and cyclists 

Six blocks now fully complete of DOT’s “Broadway Vision” to remake 12 blocks of iconic throughway

 Mayor de Blasio and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Hank Gutman unveiled major street improvements in the heart of Manhattan, including six blocks of Broadway to be fully pedestrianized or modified to share space with pedestrians and cyclists.

 

The mayor cut the ribbon on two blocks of shared street space on Broadway in Flatiron between 22^nd and 23^rd streets, alongside local elected officials, small businesses, and BID leadership. These two blocks create the largest shared street citywide and feature innovative new designs that will be used in future shared streets. Four additional blocks were also unveiled today along Broadway in the Garment District and Times Square, meaning six blocks total are now complete of DOT’s “Broadway Vision” to remake 12 blocks as shared streets.

 

“Open space knits our communities together and reduces our reliance on cars – and there’s no more powerful statement than proving it can be done in the heart of Manhattan’s most iconic street,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These improvements will make Broadway more vibrant and accessible for everyone, not just car owners. It proves we can get more out of our streets with the right mix of hard work and creativity, and I’m excited to see these ideas implemented at more locations across the five boroughs.”

 

“These innovative new designs reimagine how every New Yorker interacts with our streetscape,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “These streets are safer, more accessible, and make the experience for people – not cars – the best it can be. With the strong support of local businesses, these designs serve as a model that we look forward to implementing on key streets citywide, including some of our most successful Open Streets.”

 

The street improvements announced today include:

• A Plaza Block from 39th to 40th Street, fully closed off to cars. This represents the time DOT has ever fully pedestrianized a Garment District block.
• Shared and Slow Streets from 21st Street to 23rd Street in Flatiron, 38th to 39th Streets in the Garment District and 48th Street to 50th Street in Times Square, featuring expanded pedestrian spaces, a maximum 5 MPH speed for cars and protected bikes lanes.

 

Shared streets feature design elements that slow cars and allow all people equal use of the street. Cars are slowed to 5MPH, but still allowed to make essential deliveries, pick ups and drop offs. At the same time, pedestrians have increased sidewalk space and can also walk in the roadway. Cyclists have a protected bike lane alongside the pedestrian and vehicle space. Finally, large pedestrian plazas allow vendors, outdoor dining, and art installations.

DOT data shows 18 times more pedestrians use Broadway between 22^nd and 23^rd Street than vehicles.

 

The streets opened provide a template for new uses of shared streets across the city. These streets prioritize space for cyclists and pedestrians using roadway and plaza space with innovations like chicane designs (a curb extension creating an S-shaped curve to slow traffic), gravel for pedestrian space, shorter pedestrian crossings, and a 5 MPH speed limit.

DOT’s Broadway Vision, from Union Square to Columbus Circle, offers a variety of design elements that can be implemented based on community and stakeholder input, including public space, bicycle lanes, greenery, shared spaces, and traffic calming elements.

The Broadway designs also preview the types of innovative street designs that DOT will propose for some of its most successful Open Streets – including those in Jackson Heights, north Brooklyn, Prospect Heights, the South Bronx and more.

Attorney General James Launches New Easy-to-Use Online Filing Portal for Charities Operating in New York

 

Online System Will Speed up Filing for Thousands of Charities Required to Register with Charities Bureau

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the official launch of a new, easy-to-use online filing portal for charities to report their annual financial disclosures. The new online system will speed up filing for thousands of charities required to register with the Office of the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau.

“Using this online portal, New York charities can easily and more efficiently fulfill their legal obligation of reporting their annual financial disclosures to the public,” said Attorney General James. “This online portal will help us release information more quickly, protect donors, and hold bad actors accountable when they commit fraud. My office is committed to openness and accountability, and this is just the latest step we’re taking to make the reporting process more transparent to all New Yorkers.”

The streamlined application — which uses e-signatures and electronic payments — is designed to eliminate applicants’ guesswork, minimize the Charities Bureau’s response times, and reduce errors and incomplete filings. Organizations with a November 15 deadline are encouraged to use online filings to fulfil their annual filing requirement for faster and more efficient processing.

Access to the e-filing application can be found on the Charities Bureau’s website.

E-filing Basics:

Before starting an application, filers should consult the interactive online checklist that includes all the requirements for a complete annual filing.

What is needed to complete an e-filing: 

• A New York state Charities Bureau registration number;
• An IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, 990 PF, or 990-n;
• An independent certified public accountant’s financial review or audit report if applicable; and
• Email addresses for required signatories.

An annual e-filing allows organizations to easily:

• Update names and addresses;
• Confirm statutory designations: 7-A, EPTL, Dual, or Exempt;
• File for annual exemptions;
• Calculate fees automatically; and
• Provide e-signatures and e-payments (credit card or e-check).

Filers with questions can contact the bureau’s dedicated customer service support for e-filing at Charities.AnnualFiling@ag.ny.gov.

Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare Emergency Response Assets as Heavy Rain Will Threaten Parts of State Through Wednesday

 

Two Rounds of Heavy Rain Forecast for Parts of New York City, Long Island and Mid-Hudson Beginning Monday Night and Continuing Through Wednesday Morning

Some Areas Could Receive Four or More Inches of Rain Over the Multi-Day Rain Event

High Winds Could Cause Downed Trees and Power Lines, and Combination of Heavy Rain, Saturated Soil and Wind Could Uproot Some Trees

 Governor Kathy Hochul today directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets as a rapidly developing low-pressure system is expected to produce heavy rainfall across most of Long Island, New York City, and the Mid-Hudson Region. Two rounds of heavy rain are expected with the first round beginning Monday night and the second round on Tuesday evening. Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches with locally higher amounts are possible, and rainfall rates may exceed one inch per hour at times. Heavy rainfall combined with already saturated soils will likely cause flooding in various locations, and high winds may cause downed tree limbs and power lines. Heavy rain, wind, and saturated soil could result in some uprooted trees. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to pay attention to updated weather forecasts and follow any local emergency orders that may be issued.

"This fast-moving weather system is expected to bring a lot of rain to the downstate area through Tuesday night, and New Yorkers should keep a close eye on the forecast so they can be prepared for any inclement weather that may come their way," Governor Hochul said. "I have directed State agencies to prepare emergency response assets and to be ready to deploy them in the event our local governments and communities in those regions are in need of assistance. We stand ready to help our fellow New Yorkers."

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Long Island, New York City, and counties within and near the lower Mid-Hudson Region through Tuesday afternoon. A Wind Advisory is also in effect for Suffolk County from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning as wind gusts up to 50 mph could bring down tree limbs and power lines, and saturated ground from heavy rainfall could result in some uprooted trees.

For a complete listing of weather advisories in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS DAWN PINNOCK AS ACTING COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CITYWIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Dawn Pinnock as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). As Commissioner, Pinnock will support City agencies’ workforce needs, oversee citywide procurement, manage the City’s public buildings and real estate portfolio, oversee the City’s vehicle fleet and meet the Mayor’s energy and electrification goals. Commissioner Lisette Camilo’s last day will be November 12^th.

 

Prior to this appointment, Pinnock served as the Executive Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. She was also recently appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Pay Equity Cabinet to address race and gender-based pay disparities in New York City.

 

“Dawn is a dedicated public servant with the experience and passion for excellence necessary to lead an agency as important to the inner workings of City government as DCAS,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I also want to thank Lisette for her six years of distinguished service as Commissioner.”

 

“Public service is an honor and a privilege, and I am humbled to be named as Acting Commissioner for DCAS,” said Dawn Pinnock, incoming Acting Commissioner for the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “As someone who has proudly worked in New York City government throughout my career, including the past seven years at DCAS, I know first-hand the crucial role this agency plays in making local government work for all New Yorkers. I look forward to building upon the important work we do at DCAS and would like to thank Mayor de Blasio for entrusting me with this position. I would also like to thank Commissioner Lisette Camilo for her nearly six years of service leading DCAS and for the positive impact she made.”

 

“I would like to congratulate Dawn Pinnock for being named as DCAS’s Acting Commissioner,” said Lisette Camilo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “Dawn has been a trusted and highly-effective executive at our agency for years, and I know first-hand the immense talent and abilities she will bring to this job. I would also like to thank Mayor de Blasio for the honor of allowing me to serve as DCAS commissioner since 2016. It has been a distinct privilege, and I thank the Mayor and all of my colleagues.”

About Dawn Pinnock

 

As a proud native New Yorker, Dawn Pinnock is a transformative leader with more than two decades of experience at some of New York City’s largest municipal agencies. Most recently, Pinnock served as the Executive Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, where she led the agency’s people-centered functions, including Administration, Citywide Equity and Inclusion, Citywide Human Capital and the Internal Audits. In her role, she maintained citywide oversight of services provided to the human resources, equal employment, and diversity and inclusion departments serving at every agency. Pinnock has also served as the Deputy Commissioner for Human Capital, overseeing all aspects of civil service administration and human resources operations. During her tenure at DCAS, she led teams that developed both the City’s remote work policy and the return to work policy, launched mandatory sexual harassment training for over 360,000 City employees and made the City’s civil service process more accessible to current and potential City employees.

 

Prior to joining DCAS, Pinnock served as the Vice President of Human Resources at New York City Transit and as the Director of Human Resources at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). She holds a Master of Science in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from The New School for Social Research and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baruch College. She is a Certified Human Resource Professional, and a member of both the Association for Talent Development and the Society of Human Resource Management. She lives in the Bronx with her family. 

Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr - Is Governor Kathy Hochul Making Bill DeBlasio A Shadow Governor?

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz

18 District, Bronx

 You should know that if we are to carefully analyze the appointments made by Governor Kathy Hochul to serve in her administration, we might believe that, in the end, Mayor Bill DeBlasio will be a shadow governor.

 

There are many who believe that the eight years of Bill DeBlasio and his policies has lead New York City in the wrong direction, and that the DeBlasio administration will go down in history as the worst administration this city and its residents have had to endure. 

Under the DeBlasio administration, we have seen the city’s most vital, core services greatly impacted for the worst, such as health, transportation, law and order, the police, traffic congestion, and race relations among others, have reached a level of chaos. This city under DeBlasio has seen Crime, violence, homicides, shootings, increase at an alarming rate, and they are headline news daily.  

It is important for you to know, that Gov. Hochul, knowing the despair and frustration that the residents of this city go through daily under Mayor DeBlasio, has been appointing his top assistants to key positions in her administration.  Most of her appointments have left many wondering if Bill DeBlasio is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes in Albany.  Governor Hochul’s appointments are as follows: 

1. Katherine Garcia: Former Mayor DeBlasio’s Sanitation Commissioner has been appointed as the NYS Director of Operations overseeing the State’s Day to day operations as well as overseeing every agency throughout the state. (Practically she will be the governor)

2.    Amit Bagga:  Former DeBlasio’s Deputy Director of the Census Office has been appointed as the NYS Deputy Secretary for Inter-governmental Affairs. 

3. Mary Bassett: Former DeBlasio’s Health Commissioner has been appointed as the NYS Health Commissioner. 

4. Jackie Bray: DeBlasio’s Deputy Executive Director of the NYC Health and Hospitals COVID-19 Test & Trace Corps Program. She has been appointed The Empire State Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.   

As you can see my dear reader, these are only some of the people from Mayor DeBlasio’s administration that Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed to help her as governor of New York State. 

So, what are Governor Kathy Hochul’s plans for New York State? Who knows? But based on and studying the appointments she has made we can speculate on one of two things.  Either the Governor wants to bring DeBlasio’s disastrous policies to the entire state, which can spread like a cancer through the entire State of New York, or she’s making Bill DeBlasio New York State’s shadow governor.

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

68 Days and Counting - Another Shot Doctor Chokshi

 

Doctor Chokshi I am smiling for the camera, but what the hell are you going to put in my arm? 

Don't worry Mayor de Blasio, this is a Moderna booster shot that the state provided us. I know you got the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, but now the CDC says we can mix vaccines, and to show everyone we are using you as the Guinea Pig to show how the vaccines can be mixed. What happened to your smile, this should not hurt, at least now. Call me tonight if you have any reaction like that pesky reporter from the Bronx had. We are not poisoning you Mayor de Blasio, but think of all those homeless shelters you are forcing on the people of the Bronx.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR MONDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON

 

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect citywide from 8 p.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Tuesday

 New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory for Monday evening, October 25, through Tuesday afternoon, October 26. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for New York City beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, October 25, through 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 26. According to the latest forecast, light to moderate rain is expected citywide Monday evening through Tuesday evening with an expected rainfall rate of 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch per hour, and a maximum rainfall rate of up to 1 inch per hour. A few periods of heavy rainfall are likely between 12 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday and can impact both the morning and evening commutes. Winds are expected to be 20 mph to 30 mph and winds gusts of up to 40 mph are expected Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening. Lingering showers are possible through Wednesday morning. A total of 2 inches to 4 inches of rain is expected with locally higher amounts possible.

NYC Emergency Management will activate the City’s virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Monday evening with City, state, and private partners to coordinate the response to the storm. The New York City Emergency Management Department is prepared, and will monitor the storm and rapidly respond to any potential impacts throughout the city.

“This event may cause flooding in the city, including on highways, streets, underpasses, as well as other poor drainage or low-lying spots,” NYC Emergency Management Incoming Acting Commissioner Andrew D’Amora said. “New Yorkers should give themselves additional travel time and take the appropriate precautions if they must move about the city during the storm.”  

Agency Actions  

  

• NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service and its third-party forecasting service to monitor the storm’s track to determine any potential impacts to New York City.  
• NYC Emergency Management has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan and will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) beginning Monday evening at 8 p.m.
• NYC Emergency Management is hosting daily interagency conference calls with agency partners to coordinate the City’s preparation for the storm. 
• NYC Emergency Management is in contact with elected officials and community partners.  
• Notify NYC, the City’s official emergency communications program, will issue emergency alerts and updates to its subscribers throughout the event.
• NYC Emergency Management is issuing Advance Warning System (AWS) messages to service providers to encourage their clients to prepare for the incoming weather. The AWS message is disseminated to more than 1,400 local nonprofits and organizations that work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs.
• New York City Community Emergency Response Team (NYC CERT) members will clean debris from catch basins across the city.
• The City’s Downed Tree Task Force and Tow Truck Task Force have been placed on alert.
• The Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Sanitation have crews cleaning debris on basins and are canvassing arterial highways for debris, inspecting all known flood locations and cleaning as required.  
• Department of Transportation crews surveyed roadways in the city and will continue to do so throughout the night. 
• NYPD and FDNY will monitor roadway and neighborhood conditions. 

  

Safety Tips 

  

• If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to move to a higher floor during periods of heavy rain.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.  
• If you have a disability or access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance. 
• Exercise caution when traveling. Do not drive your vehicle or walk into areas where water covers the roadway as the water depth may be too great to allow you to cross safely. Use mass transit if possible.
• When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle. 
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. Avoid flooded subway stations.
• If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live. 
• Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. They can also cause power outages. To prepare for these hazards, New Yorkers should:

• Check the area immediately surrounding your home for unsecured objects or potentially dangerous conditions. Tree limbs, garbage cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind are potential projectiles aimed at your home or parked vehicle.
• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.

• Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel. 

 

Power Outages 

  

• To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer. 
• Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries. 
• If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use life-sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911. 
• Do not use generators indoors. 
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed. 

  

Stay Informed 

  

Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language by visiting  NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, , calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

 

Bronx Man Convicted Of Possessing Ammunition In Connection With August 2020 Shooting

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROBERT GONZALEZ pled guilty today to possessing ammunition after having been convicted of a felony in connection with a shooting that took place in the vicinity of the 1800 block of University Avenue in the Bronx, New York, in August of 2020.  GONZALEZ pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Robert Gonzalez possessed ammunition in furtherance of a violent shooting.  Today’s plea and conviction send the message that our Office is committed to bringing to justice those who perpetrate gun violence in our communities.”

As alleged in the Complaint, Indictment, and statements made in open court:

ROBERT GONZALEZ committed a shooting in the vicinity of the 1800 block of University Avenue in the Bronx on or about the evening of August 9, 2020.  Law enforcement officers responded to the shooting after three 911 calls.  When they arrived at the scene, law enforcement officers noticed two victims with gunshot wounds – one in the hand and another in the leg.  The victims were attending a neighborhood block party that began around midnight and continued into the early hours of the morning. 

Law enforcement officers identified ROBERT GONZALEZ as the shooter through, among other evidence, surveillance photographs and videos, which showed the shooter’s clothing and a unique-looking fanny pack around his torso, which matched surveillance images and videos of GONZALEZ from shortly before and after the shooting.  Officers recovered a 9mm Luger shell casing from the vicinity of the shooting and found a fanny pack that matched the unique-looking fanny pack the shooter wore during a search of GONZALEZ’s apartment.   

At the time of the August 9, 2020, shooting, GONZALEZ had been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including attempted criminal possession of a weapon, attempted robbery, and narcotics conspiracy.   

GONZALEZ, 34, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 2, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

GONZALEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Caproni on February 7, 2022.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.