Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - OCTOBER 31, 2022

 

Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing and Treatment

29 Statewide Deaths Reported on October 28

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

"As New Yorkers celebrate Halloween today with friends, family and neighbors, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Be sure to stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options."

Governor Hochul also announced earlier this month that children ages 5 and older may now receive the bivalent booster shots that are recommended to increase protection against COVID-19. The State Department of Health updated its guidance after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended its emergency use authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its clinical guidance, which collectively will allow more children to safely boost their immunity against COVID-19.

The Governor continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. To schedule an appointment for a booster, New Yorkers should contact their local pharmacy, county health department, or healthcare provider; visit vaccines.gov; text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations.

In addition, Governor Hochul is encouraging New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine as flu season is already widespread across New York State. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both currently circulating, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system.

The State Department of Health is continuing its annual public education campaign, reminding adults and parents to get both flu and COVID-19 shots for themselves and children 6 months and older. Advertisements in both English and Spanish language began running earlier this month. 

Last week, Governor Hochul and the state Department of Health warned New Yorkers that COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV cases are all rising and encouraged New Yorkers to get flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and take important prevention steps including distancing, masking and hygiene during the cold weather months. 

For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:    

1.    Cases Per 100k - 13.59
2.    7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 20.20
3.    Test Results Reported - 36,849
4.    Total Positive - 2,656
5.    Percent Positive - 6.59%**     
6.    7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.98%**      
7.    Patient Hospitalization - 2,801 (-53)*
8.    Patients Newly Admitted - 425*
9.    Patients in ICU - 269 (-8)*
10. Patients in ICU with Intubation - 110 (-9)*
11. Total Discharges - 356,237 (+442)*
12. New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 29*  
13. Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 58,751*  

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.       

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.      

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.   

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 74,996

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.  

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:    

Borough	Friday,   October   28, 2022	Saturday,   October   29, 2022	Sunday,   October   30, 2022
Bronx	5.62%	5.73%	5.94%
Kings	3.99%	4.05%	4.07%
New York	5.61%	5.88%	5.94%
Queens	6.15%	6.20%	6.38%
Richmond	5.23%	5.36%	5.41%

Statement from NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy on Hochul’s Comments on MSNBC Claiming Rising Crime is a Republican Conspiracy

 

October 31, 2022 

New York Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy made the following statement in response to Governor Hochul’s media appearance where she called concerns about crime a Republican conspiracy. 

"There are plenty of murder victims who would beg to differ if they were alive to speak out. The only ones in denial are Kathy Hochul and the Democrats who are obfuscating and lying to try and cover up the crime crisis that everyone knows they created. But this, along with her debate comment, tells you everything you need to know about her intentions after the election, which is to do absolutely nothing."  

Chairman Langworthy also noted the most recent crime statistics in fact prove crime is up in areas all across New York, including in New York City which has seen a 36% increase in major crime with grand larceny up 48.3%, auto theft up 42%, robbery up 39.8%, rape up 10%, and murders have gone up 48.5% over the same period five years ago. 

Attorney General James Sues Ithaca Landlord for Denying Housing to Low-income Tenants

 

Owner of Ithaca Renting Refused to Accept Housing Vouchers at All His Properties

New York Attorney General Letitia James today sued a landlord, Jason Fane, his company Ithaca Renting Company (Ithaca Renting), and his related entities for denying housing to low-income tenants. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Mr. Fane and his real estate agents refused to accept Section 8 vouchers at his properties, in violation of New York’s housing laws against source of income discrimination. The lawsuit alleges that agents at Ithaca Renting repeatedly told renters they do not accept government assistance vouchers. Through her lawsuit, Attorney General James is seeking to require Mr. Fane to stop denying housing to New Yorkers with Section 8 vouchers, pay civil penalties, and set aside five percent of his residential housing units exclusively for Section 8 vouchers.

“All New Yorkers deserve access to fair and decent housing, regardless of their station in life,” said Attorney General James. “Denying housing to New Yorkers based on their source of income is not only illegal, but it’s also worsening the housing crisis. We are taking action to protect vulnerable tenants, keep New Yorkers in their homes, and enforce the law.”

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program provides housing assistance to the lowest income households in New York to rent or purchase decent, safe housing in the private housing market. The program also provides assistance to senior citizens and disabled persons on fixed incomes, displaced families, and homeless individuals with disabilities. New York’s executive law clearly states that it is unlawful and discriminatory to deny housing to individuals based on their source of income.

The OAG opened an investigation into Ithaca Renting and Mr. Fane after receiving complaints from individuals who were denied housing for having a Section 8 voucher. The lawsuit alleges that an individual who was already living in an apartment managed by Mr. Fane was denied housing by Mr. Fane’s agent because of her Section 8 voucher. 

The lawsuit also alleges a housing advocate was assisting a homeless man, who was granted a Section 8 voucher, to find an apartment in downtown Ithaca. The housing advocate contacted two agents who worked at different properties owned by Mr. Fane and both agents told the advocate they do not accept Section 8 vouchers. The lawsuit alleges this led to the homeless man remaining homeless for at least another year.

Mr. Fane and his related entities own 18 properties with more than 500 residential units. During OAG’s investigation, several of Mr. Fane’s agents repeatedly told OAG that they “choose not to participate in the Section 8 voucher program.” These employees, some of whom worked there for years, would not answer where or who they learned this policy from or who created it.

Through her lawsuit, Attorney General James is seeking to require Mr. Fane to stop his illegal practice of denying housing to New Yorkers with Section 8 vouchers, pay $300,000 in civil penalties, reform employee policies and trainings for all agents, and set aside five percent of his residential housing units exclusively for Section 8 vouchers.

Community Shredding Event Saturday November 5, 2022 11AM - 2PM

 

Governor Hochul Announces Home Heating Assistance Available for Eligible New Yorkers November 1

 Eligible Households Can Receive up to $976 in Heating Assistance This Winter

Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program Accepted November 1

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New Yorkers needing help paying their heating bills can begin applying for home heating assistance on Tuesday, November 1. The Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, can provide up to $976 this winter to help low- and middle-income households and senior citizens keep their homes warm and help defray high energy costs.

"We remain committed to ensuring our most vulnerable New Yorkers have access to assistance and programs that will help address rising costs for heating their homes this winter," Governor Hochul said. "The Home Energy Assistance Program is a vital lifeline for countless New York families, and I encourage all who are eligible to apply for these benefits which will provide much needed financial relief."

The program, overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is federally funded. Eligible households can receive one Regular benefit per season and could also be eligible for an Emergency benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Applications for emergency benefits will be accepted beginning January 3, 2023.

Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $976 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size, how they heat their home, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,485, or an annual gross income of $65,829, and still qualify for benefits.

The value of the Regular HEAP benefits has been increased due the higher heating costs forecast for this winter. The benefit was increased 33 percent for households that heat with oil, kerosene, or propane; 21 percent for households that heat with wood, wood pellets, coal, or corn; and 14 percent for households that heat with electricity or natural gas.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents outside of New York City may also apply online for regular heating assistance benefits. New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information here.

Nearly 1.7 million HEAP benefits were issued last winter, the highest in at least the past five years. Similar demand for assistance is expected again this winter.

New Yorkers who receive HEAP assistance this season and continue to fall behind on their utility bills or are running short on heating fuel may also qualify for a one-time Emergency HEAP benefit. Applications for Emergency benefits will be accepted starting January 3.

Help is also now available to assist eligible homeowners if their primary heating equipment is unsafe or not operating and their furnace or boiler must be repaired or replaced. Benefit amounts through the HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace the essential heating equipment - up to $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement. The maximum amounts were also increased from last year, due to higher costs of labor and materials.

Eligible homeowners can also now apply for a HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit to keep their home's primary heating source working at peak efficiency. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local department of social services for more information.

Permits Filed For 275 East 169th Street In Claremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a one-story structure into a seven-story mixed-use building at 275 East 169th Street in Claremont, The Bronx. Located between Morris Avenue and College Avenue, the lot is a short walk to the 167th Street subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Claudio Alba under the 273-275 E. 169th Street LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 70-foot-tall development will yield 16,791 square feet, with 14,196 square feet designated for residential space and 2,959 square feet for community facility space on the ground floor. The building will have 18 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 788 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Victor Castillo Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for an expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Councilman Salamanca Faith Leaders Appreciation Lunch

 

In the old lion cage at the Bronx Zoo a room that was converted into a Banquet room Councilman Rafael Salamanca had a well attended lunch  for faith leaders mostly from the South Bronx. He recognized the hard work and contributions to their communities that many Faith Leaders and their congregations play in their communities. 

Councilman Salamanca honored four Faith leaders and their religious houses of Worship for their outstanding service to the Bronx during the past and present hard times. 

Honored were Pastor John Odu-Oken of Word of Life International, Bishop Fernando Rodriguez of Latin African American Chaplains Association, Pastor Malobe Sampon of Thessalonia Workship Center, and Rev. Frederick Crawford of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church. There was also a special presentation to the New York Hispanic Clergy organization.

Mr. John Calvelli the Executive VP for Public Relations welcomed everyone to the Bronx Zoo. 

Councilman Salamanca then poke giving opening remarks as Monsignor Kevin Sullivan and Assistant Chief of Bronx Patrol Phillip Rivera look on.

A photo of the Community Board 2 table where Councilman Salamanca was the District Manager. CB 2 Chair Robert Crespo is seated in the middle of the table.

Councilman Salamanca presents a special award to the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization.

With the event being held in the Bronx Zoo, one never knows who or what they may run into. 

Statement from NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy on Joe Pinion Winning Last Night's Debate Against Schumer

 

October 30, 2022 

“Tonight, New Yorkers witnessed just a sliver of how Joe Pinion would fight for them if he were in the U.S. Senate He brilliantly dismantled the failed Biden-Schumer agenda and offered a vision for a better, brighter future for America that left Schumer utterly rattled. Chuck Schumer is the walking, talking embodiment of failed liberal policies. Every solution he offered was to throw more government money at the problem, which is exactly what has led to our 40-year inflation highs. That is, of course, except when it comes to our Constitution, which he happily wants to dismantle. He doesn’t think parents should have a choice in giving covid vaccines to their children, he opened the door to packing the Supreme Court and he doubled down on the disastrous Biden economy. 

“As Joe Pinion said tonight, ‘nothing will change if nothing changes’ and that is why we must retire 42-year failed politician Chuck Schumer and give New Yorkers a U.S. Senator who will fight and deliver change.”