Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Permits Filed For 2311 White Plains Road In Allerton, The Bronx


Permits have been filed for a seven-story mixed-use building at 2311 White Plains Road in Allerton, The Bronx. Located between Thwaites Place and Waring Avenue, the lot is near the Pelham Parkway subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Floriand Lulaj under the 2720 Claflin LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 75-foot-tall development will yield 39,621 square feet, with 33,464 square feet designated for residential space and 6,157 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 50 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 669 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 34-foot-long rear yard, and 25 enclosed parking spaces.

P. Georgopoulos Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in November 2011 for the single-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced. 

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Governor Hochul Hosts Media Availability Following Cabinet Meeting

 Governor Hochul holds a media availability in the Red Room following a meeting of her cabinet

Governor Hochul: "I'm really pretty pleased with the individuals who are very focused on one thing, and that is delivering results for New Yorkers. And my philosophy is to really empower these cabinet leaders to use the power of their agencies to do good for people. It's that simple. It's our philosophy. And any way we can break down barriers and silos that have existed before, I'm encouraging them to have a lot of cross collaboration."

Hochul: "We are at pre-surge levels. Our average cases are now, average case indicators are now at pre-surge levels. The lowest since October 25th, you saw our spike January 7th, with 90,132 cases. That is a 97% drop just since January 7th."

Hochul: "To everybody who followed our guidelines, the businesses who complied with what we asked them to do, the people who got vaccinated and got boosted and people wore their mask when the numbers were that dangerously high. We now have the lowest case-rate of any major state, any large state in America."


 We just concluded a very fascinating cabinet meeting. It's my second time assembling our cabinet. The first time was two months ago and that was done remote. So it was great to see the entire team all together in person, a lot of new blood, a lot of exciting individuals and very talented and as well as some of my more seasoned veterans who are with us.

I'm really pretty pleased with the individuals who are very focused on one thing, and that is delivering results for New Yorkers. And my philosophy is to really empower these cabinet leaders to use the power of their agencies to do good for people. It's that simple. It's our philosophy. And any way we can break down barriers and silos that have existed before, I'm encouraging them to have a lot of cross-collaboration.

So we had some really important conversations as well. We learned from each other. So we talked about not just our immediate recovery from the pandemic, which we will give you the update on in a couple of minutes, but also just what is the long-term prognosis as we emerge from this pandemic.

And I talked about in our State of the State, this new era for New York. I wanted to hear from my cabinet members, how did that mantra, how that philosophy really applies in their own work every single day. So we really start out by addressing something that has always been there, has always been simmering under the surface and that is inequities in society: racial, ethnic, geographic.

And so we've talked about different agencies and their responsibilities, but also through the lens of addressing inequalities. And we talked about first of all, we heard from Brian Benjamin, our Lieutenant Governor, and he has really seized the opportunity to talk about gun violence and how we can be doing so much more to address this issue. He is my representative on our interstate gun task force, gun intervention task force. We're working for the first time ever with nine adjoining states and the NYPD, as well as the Boston PD to have a strategic approach that addresses the influx of illegal guns coming into our state. So I thank him for that. He also talked about his role in dealing with NYCHA. NYCHA, public housing in New York City is one of those areas that sometimes too hot to handle. It's controversial, but that's why I gave it to Lieutenant Governor, because he has a depth of experience and understands the needs of the community. So I wanted to empower him to focus on the issues there as well. As well as having him focus on, as I did as Lieutenant Governor, the Regional Economic Development Councils. Which is really where all the action happens. That's where the communities have a chance to define their own destiny and to focus on projects that will right the wrongs of the past, and sometimes connect communities that were divided by infrastructure or lack of access to waterfront, incubator space and downtown breweries and all the exciting things that can happen in vital downtowns. So I want to thank him for working on that as well.

Then we also listened to our other leaders and I raised the question: as we're coming through the pandemic and the inequities are still so prevalent, how do we address them? I mean, not just talking about them, but how do we get our arms around it and actually do something.

So someone whose counsel I've relied on from the very beginning, since she ascended to become our Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mary Bassett spoke about how we have to talk about how we can eradicate those inequities by quantifying and addressing them with a very strategic approach that as well as we talked about.

Also Adrienne Harris, an individual who's really stepped up as our Superintendent of Financial Services, talking about areas where we can even address something like a freeze to have on check cashing fees that were automatically expected to increase. Because of steps that she's taking on a thoughtful way, realizing this is not the time to increase fees on people. They're dealing with coming through a pandemic, but also inflation is sucking up so much of our income these days. So she's just putting a whole different approach on what she does and bringing more transparency to the work of the Financial Services Department.

And Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan, literally has gone on to see individuals who are homeless in our communities. [She has been] talking about a different approach to addressing their very real needs and how we can help them get the services that they need to have through a whole spectrum of opportunities. But also, the fact that 40% to 50% of all New Yorkers have had some impact from the pandemic on their own mental health and particularly for our children. So she's done a lot of on that front.

We also talked about bringing on our other partners here, our other cabinet members, how we prepare for the workforce of tomorrow in light of what we just came through with the pandemic.

Partnerships for Parks - Community Input,

 


Members of community group Unidad Comunal share their vision for the renovation of Audubon Playground, an early CPI site, Diógenes Abréu.

SHARE YOUR VISION AT A COMMUNITY INPUT MEETING


The Community Parks Initiative (CPI) targets historically under-resourced neighborhoods and aims to transform parks that have lacked significant investment for a generation. Since its inception in 2014, NYC Parks has renovated and upgraded 67 community parks through the program. CPI was recently expanded by another 100 parks to be addressed in the next 10 years, and 10% of those parks are in communities of color that felt a disproportionate impact from COVID-19.

Partnerships for Parks is an integral part of CPI, working closely with NYC Parks to help local residents participate in the redesign and re-imagining of their local parks. Community Input Meetings—held virtually for the time being—are a great way to make sure that your feedback is heard as the city makes plans for your neighborhood.

Red Hook, Brooklyn—Thursday, February 17 at 6:30pm
Horseshoe Playground, Bronx—Tuesday, February 22 at 6:00pm
Poe Park Plaza, Bronx—Monday, March 7 at 6:00pm
Haffen Park Athletic Complex, Bronx—Tuesday, March 22 at 6:00pm
Chief Dennis L. Devlin Park, Bronx—Tuesday, March 29 at 6:00pm
REGISTER NOW




Third Avenue Business Improvement District - Save a Life.

 

Overdose Prevention Training
Learn about Harm Reduction & Methods to Prevent Overdose
Join Third Avenue Business Improvement District, St. Ann's Corner of Harm Reduction, Acacia Network, and the Office of Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. for the launch of the Public Health Spring Program series. This series specializes in Bronx health and wellness initiatives with a specific focus on overdose prevention, harm reduction, and substance use.

Overdose prevention is directly related to public health & economic development - be a part of the solution - save a life.

Programs will be presented in-person and via Zoom depending on the training session.

The program is facilitated by field experts and seeks to address public health and wellness barriers in the Bronx.


DEC ISSUES GUIDANCE TO AVOID COYOTE CONFLICTS

 

New Yorkers Urged to Follow DEC Guidelines to Avoid any Issues

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued guidance to help prevent conflicts between people and coyotes to protect the public and their pets.  

“This is the time of year when New York's resident coyotes breed and set up dens for pups that will arrive in the spring,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “While conflicts with people and pets are rare, New Yorkers should remain alert and follow DEC’s common-sense guidelines to minimize the risk for potential conflicts with coyotes.” 

Coyotes can be found in habitats throughout the state, from rural farmland and forests to green spaces in suburban and urban areas. For the most part, coyotes avoid contact with people. However, conflicts with people and pets may occur as coyotes tend to be more territorial during breeding and pup-rearing seasons in the spring and summer. If coyotes learn to associate food sources such as garbage or pet food with people, these animals may lose their natural fear of humans, increasing the potential for close encounters or conflicts.  

To reduce the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes, New Yorkers are encouraged to take the following steps:  

  • Do not feed coyotes. 
  • Do not leave food outside. Pet food and garbage attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets: 
    • Do not feed pets outside;
    • Prevent access to garbage;
    • Fence or enclose compost piles; and
    • Eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes. 
  • Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets. If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior: stand tall and hold your arms up or out to look as large as possible. If a coyote lingers for too long, make loud noises, wave arms and throw sticks and stones. 
  • Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance. 
  • Do not allow pets to run free. Supervise outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife, especially at sunset and at night. Small dogs and cats are especially vulnerable. 
  • Fence yards to deter coyotes. The fence should be more than four feet tall, and tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level. 
  • Remove brush and tall grass from around homes to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide. 
  • Ask neighbors to follow these steps to prevent coyote conflicts. 

During this time of year, coyotes tend to be more active and may be more visible and simply seeing a coyote occasionally is not a cause for concern. However, if coyotes exhibit bold behaviors and fail to exhibit fear of people, or if seen repeatedly during the day near residences, the public is advised to contact their Regional DEC Wildlife Office for assistance. In emergency situations, contact the local police department.  

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL JOURNEY OF STAFF SERGEANT MICHAEL H. OLLIS STATEN ISLAND FERRY

 

$85 Million, 4,500-Person Vessel NYC’s First New Staten Island Ferry in 17 Years

 

New Class of Ferries Represents Transformative Upgrade for Nation’s Busiest Municipal Ferry System

 

Staten Island Native Michael Ollis Killed in 2013 Saving Life of Fellow Soldier in Afghanistan


 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that the newest Staten Island Ferry has taken its inaugural ride and begun regular passenger service. The Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis — an $85 million state-of-the-art ferry that is the first new vessel added to the fleet since 2005 — is named for a New Dorp resident who was killed in Afghanistan saving the life of a fellow soldier in 2013. Members of the Ollis family joined the boat’s inaugural trip from St. George Terminal on Staten Island to Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.

 

“Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and one of his brothers in arms, and I am proud to honor his legacy today,” said Mayor Adams. “Michael’s bravery knew no bounds, and now thousands of New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world will be able to recognize that bravery every single day. We owe the entire Ollis family a debt of gratitude for all they have given and for allowing us the honor of remembering Michael.”

 

“This vessel represents the best of our city: A top-of-line ferry named in memory of someone who was truly selfless,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “I am proud to take this inaugural ride with Staff Sergeant Ollis’ family, and I am so gratified knowing that people crossing New York Harbor will always remember Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis.”

 

“The staff of the Staten Island Ferry have trained extensively on this completely new vessel for the last few months  and, today, we are so proud to join the Ollis family in showing it off to the rest of New York,” said Commissioner of the Department of Transportation Ydanis Rodriguez. “We thank Mayor Adams, as well as the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio, for the forward-thinking investment that brought us this boat and will bring two other new boats to the harbor later this year.”

 

The Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis is the first of three new ferries that will enter service this year, collectively known as the Ollis-class vessels. Together, the vessels represent a transformative upgrade for the nation’s busiest municipal ferry system; the three new ferries are larger, more modern, and better equipped for extreme weather than the existing fleet. They will feature popular design elements of past Staten Island ferries, phone charging outlets, and comfortable seating, as well as an oval upper-deck promenade that will, for the first time, serve as an outdoor “walking track” for riders.

 

The Ollis completed harbor trials and passed U.S. Coast Guard inspections late last year. The other two Ollis-class ferries are expected to be commissioned later this year.

 

“I am honored to be a part of this moment in history as we watch the new SSG Michael H. Ollis ferry take its maiden voyage to downtown Manhattan this morning,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “As a Staten Islander, it is with great pride that we remember Staff Sergeant Ollis and his heroic act of saving the life of a fellow soldier. May this ferry remind all travelers of the legacy he leaves behind.”


“Michael Ollis gave his life in order to save a fellow soldier; as Jesus tells us, ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another,’” said Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. “May the Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis ferry not only safely transport its passengers but also serve as a constant source of inspiration to self-sacrifice and love of others for all who use it.”

 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating Covid-19 - FEBRUARY 15, 2022

 Clinical specimen testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Wadsworth Laboratory

97% Drop In Cases From January 7 Peak, 72% Drop In Hospitalizations Since January 12 Peak

7-Day Average Positivity Is Below 3%, Lowest Since November 10

New York State Leads Large States In Vaccination Metrics Including First Dose, 18+ Fully Vaccinated, And 12-17 Fully Vaccinated

66 Covid-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday


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

"As cases and hospitalizations continue to drop, it is critical that New Yorkers continue to maintain their vigilance — this is no time to let up," Governor Hochul said. "Please continue using the tools at our disposal that have kept us safe thus far. Get yourself, friends, family, and your children vaccinated, get boosted if you're eligible, and stay home if you're not feeling well."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

  • Test Results Reported - 70,894
  • Total Positive - 2,317
  • Percent Positive - 3.27%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.98%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 3,504 (-20)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 274
  • Patients in ICU - 573 (-12)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 317 (-12)
  • Total Discharges - 281,543 (+236)
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 66
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,242    

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 - 68,374

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 - 36,535,140
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 27,886
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 288,379
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.4%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.6%  
  • 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) - 85.2%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 80.8%  
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 70.7%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.7%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.7%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.4%  
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75%   

Statement from NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy on the Meeting Between Mayor Adams & Legislative Leaders to Discuss Bail Reform

 

“Mayor Adams folded on bail reform like a cheap suit. Democrats are more concerned with their Party’s radical, internal politics than the safety of 19 million New Yorkers. They don’t care how many people get hurt at the hands of their dangerous policies. Yesterday’s meeting in Albany between the Mayor and Democrat leaders should serve as an urgent reminder of why it’s so necessary to break up Democrats’ one-Party rule in New York. It should be crystal clear to every single voter that if you want to take our streets back from the criminals, you must vote Republican in this election. Hopefully, the media will cover this issue as intensely as whether or not the Mayor eats fish.”