DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS ADVISES PROPERTY OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, & CRANE OPERATORS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES DURING HIGH WINDS

 

The New York City area may experience severe weather, including potential wind gusts of up to 35 MPH, starting today, Monday, January 10th, and continuing into Wednesday, January 12^th. Accordingly, DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.   

   

The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action -- issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

   

Winds may reach higher speeds and last longer than forecast in certain areas of the city. Property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, including cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, hoists, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk. The Department suggests consulting a professional to advise how to secure construction sites and buildings.   

   

To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:   

 

• Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.   
• Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.   
• Store loose tools, oil cans, and extra fuses in a tool box.   
• Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.   
• Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater.   
• Suspend hoist operations and secure exterior hoists when wind speeds reach 35 mph or greater, unless manufacturer specifications state otherwise.   
• Brace and secure construction fences.            
• Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.   

Buildings Bulletin 2015-029 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites. 

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:  

  

• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.   
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.   
• Close up and secure patio umbrellas.   
• Secure retractable awnings.   
• Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.   
• Take down tents or follow manufacturer’s instructions to secure them.  
• Check to ensure all gutters, roof drains, and down spouts are cleared of debris to allow for proper drainage.

 

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911. 

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition. 

Department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and cannot be read to suggest that the Department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.   

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 9, 2022

 

86,927 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

138 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday  

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"We are not defenseless against this winter surge,” Governor Hochul said. “We have the tools to bring down the numbers and we need everyone to do their part. Please get your second dose and booster if eligible, get your children vaccinated if you haven't already, wear your mask, and stay home if you're feeling unwell.”

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported – 401,466
• Total Positive – 79,777
• Percent Positive – 19.87%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 21.71%
• Patient Hospitalization – 11,747 (-96)
• Patients Newly Admitted – 1,768
• Patients in ICU – 1,519 (+36)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation – 765 (45)
• Total Discharges – 243,451 (+1,722)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 138
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 49,485

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 – 61,859

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 – 34,384,727
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 86,927
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 617,920
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 89.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 80.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 83.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 78.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 70.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 85.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 72.4%

 

NYC Public Advocate WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON TRAGIC BRONX FIRE

 

"My prayers for peace and comfort go to the family of each victim of today’s tragic fire in the Bronx, one of the deadliest in our city’s recent history.

"I offer heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of firefighters who risked their lives to battle severe smoke to save their fellow New Yorkers. Our city is better and safer because of your work each day, and many families will be able to hold their loved ones because of your bravery. As we move forward from this devastating loss, my office will be available to provide assistance as this community recovers from such a terrible tragedy."

MAYOR ADAMS STATEMENT ON “OUR CITY, OUR VOTE” LEGISLATION - 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com - Gmail

 

 “I believe that New Yorkers should have a say in their government, which is why I have and will continue to support this important legislation. While I initially had some concerns about one aspect of the bill, I had a productive dialogue with my colleagues in government that put those concerns at ease. I believe allowing the legislation to be enacted is by far the best choice, and look forward to bringing millions more into the democratic process.”

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Today's Tragic Fire at 333 E 181st Street

 

"This is a devastating day for our borough. I’m incredibly heartbroken by the extensive loss of life as a result of the massive fire that broke out at 333 E 181 Street earlier today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who perished as they mourn their loved ones. I also pray for the recovery of those who sustained critical injuries due to this fire.

While the cause of this fire are still unknown, we do know that it has caused irreparable damage and heartbreak. If you or someone you know were affected by this terrible tragedy, please do not hesitate to call my office at 718-933-2034 for assistance. Further, the Red Cross has opened a reception center at nearby school MS 391 located at 2190 Folin Street to provide assistance to those impacted by the fire. They can also call 877-RED CROSS to register and for information.

Finally, I want to thank the FDNY, EMTs, and other first responders for courageously working to help these families."

Governor Hochul Joins Mayor Adams to Provide Update on Apartment Fire in the Bronx

 

Governor Hochul: "When I prepare my budget this week, I'm going to establish a victims compensation fund for the individuals I just sat with and said I will not forget you. There'll be money to help them find new housing, for burial costs, for whatever they need. We'll take care of them because that's what we do here in the State of New York. We are here for the Bronx and we're here for anyone who needs us." 

 Thank you, Mayor. We are indeed a city in shock. It's impossible to go into that room where scores of families who are in such grief, who are in pain, to see it in a mother's eyes as I held her, who lost her entire family. It's hard to fathom what they're going through, but I went table to table, help children make their ramen noodles and eat their pizza and let them know one thing - and the Mayor and I are united in this - we will not forget you. We will not abandon you. We are here for you. So, your elected leaders from your Senator Schumer on down to our council members are united here to support this community to say tonight is the night of tragedy and pain and tomorrow we begin to rebuild. 

We rebuild their lives and give them hope, especially those who came all the way from Africa, Gambia, in search of a better life right here in this great borough, the borough of the Bronx. They're part of our family and when I prepare my budget this week, I'm going to establish a victims compensation fund for the individuals I just sat with and said I will not forget you. There'll be money to help them find new housing, for burial costs, for whatever they need. 

We'll take care of them because that's what we do here in the State of New York. We are here for the Bronx and we're here for anyone who needs us. And I thank the leadership of our mayor, our Fire Commissioner Nigro and all the men and women in uniform who went into a building, not knowing their own fate, and they still went in there and rescued people. 

And that's why I'm so proud to be the Governor of a state like this. You cannot keep us down ever. We are united together. Thank you. And may God bless the individuals who are suffering and the souls of those we lost, particularly the children. 

Five Alarm Fire in the Fordham Section Kills at Least Nineteen People

 

Sunday at least nineteen people of which nine were children have perished in a fire at 333 East 181st Street in the Fordham Section of the Bronx. Over two dozen other people were taken to several area hospitals, and it is not known at the time of the writing of this article if the death toll will rise. 

Fire Commissioner Dan Nigro said that the fire was contained to the second and third floors of the nineteen story building. He said the fire was most likely due to a space heater, but the arson team will investigate further. He added that as the family exited the apartment leaving they left the fire door open thus allowing the fire to spread. 

MS 391, the school around the corner from the fire is being used as a shelter overnight for the families of the building that will be checked by the Buildings Department to see if there is any structural damage that would prevent the families from going back into the building, other than the odor of smoke throughout the building. Elected officials from the Governor, Mayor, U.S. Senator, Bronx Borough President, City Council and state Assembly members and others said The community, the city, and the state stand with those who have perished, and those who have survived what happened at 333 East 188th Street. 

Governor Hochul speaks at the Press conference that was called for the evening of the fire. Mayor Adams, Senator Schumer, and Fire Commissioner Nigro also spoke and answered questions.

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 1/3/22-1/7/22

Dear Community,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday season. The new year also brings the start of the 2022 legislative session in Albany, when the New York State Legislature reconvenes for the next six months to pass new legislation and determine the future trajectory of our state. 

I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to pass progressive legislation that will invest in our communities and help New York tackle and recover from this pandemic. This session, I seek to prioritize a number of important issues such as:

• Pandemic response and recovery
• Passing a progressive budget that raises revenue in underserved communities
• Passing transformative housing legislation to ensure that every New Yorker has access to safe and affordable housing 
• Transforming our system of ethics and oversight to prioritize accountability and transparency
• Tackling our climate crisis head-on
• Prioritzing and ensurnig protections are in place for survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination
• Passing criminal justice reforms to deliver a racially just system that reduces sentencing and enhances public safety
• Protecting every New Yorker’s right to an abortion 
• Transforming the State Budget process to give the Legislature its fair share of bargaining power and center the needs of New Yorkers

I am committed to these goals for this session, and I look forward to and am honored to once again represent District 34 in Albany. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your State Senator– it is one that I am forever grateful for. 

I would also like to remind everyone to continue to get vaccinated, get your booster shot, get tested, wear a mask, and practice social distancing, especially given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across our state. I understand that given the recent COVID-19 surge, it has become extremely difficult to find and get tested. My office is well aware of this issue and we are actively working with NYC and Westchester to ensure that testing sites are well distributed. If you live in District 34 and your neighborhood lacks a testing site, please contact my office at biaggi@nysenate.gov or call 718-822-2049. Please see the COVID-19 updates section below for a list of COVID-19 testing sites in District 34 and additional information and resources.

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi