MAYOR ADAMS VETOES FOUR CITY COUNCIL BILLS THAT EXCEED COUNCIL’S LEGAL AUTHORITY AND WOULD MAKE IT HARDER FOR NEW YORKERS TO MOVE FROM SHELTER INTO PERMANENT HOUSING

 

After he issued an emergency rule last week making it easier for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to move out of the shelter system and into permanent housing, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today vetoed a package of City Council bills that would do the opposite and make it harder for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to find and afford a permanent place to live – all while costing city tax payers billions of dollars per year. Mayor Adams issued the following statement after vetoing Intro. 229, Intro. 878, Intro. 893, and Intro. 894:

 

“Last week, our administration made it easier for New Yorkers in shelter to become eligible for CityFHEPS housing vouchers and move into permanent housing by eliminating the 90-day length-of-stay requirement. Today, we helped New Yorkers once again by vetoing a package of bills that would take us backwards, by leading to longer shelter stays for the most vulnerable New Yorkers, while simultaneously creating a structure that could saddle taxpayers with billions of dollars in costs each year. This legislation also clearly exceeds the Council’s legal authority.

 

“Though the Department of Social Services has steadily increased the total number of CityFHEPS vouchers distributed, the option to provide vouchers to every person who would be eligible under the Council’s bills is far beyond what the city can provide. The bills not only create expectations among vulnerable New Yorkers that cannot be met, they also take aim at the wrong problem.

 

“Instead of tackling decades of exclusionary zoning policies that have prevented our city from building an adequate housing supply — which has left nearly 20,000 current voucher holders unable to find housing — these bills would remove the city’s ability to target limited resources for those most in need. They would even give some New Yorkers access to a housing voucher just because they received a rent demand letter from their landlord after being a few weeks late on their payment.

 

“We always seek to work collaboratively with the City Council, and months ago our administration offered to partner with councilmembers to advance the 90-day length of stay policy change, but they rejected that offer and chose to move ahead on their own. What they passed was a package of bills that would make it harder for those experiencing homelessness to find a permanent home.

 

“Going forward, it is our sincere hope that the City Council will work with us to advance practical and fiscally responsible efforts to support New Yorkers in danger of homelessness, including an aggressive, citywide effort to build more housing in every neighborhood.”

 

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Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament Breaks Records MOCs Partners with Bronx Chamber of Commerce HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrion, Jr. Honored by the Bronx Chamber Bronx Chamber Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Legislative & Advocacy Updates Lien Bill Update Bronx Chamber Advocating in Washington DC Bronx Chamber Opposes NYC Council Bill, Int. 0617-2022 Upcoming Events Department of Buildings in Your Community, 6/24/2023, Northeast Bronx YMCA, 10:00am Chairman's Legislative Breakfast, 7/13/2023 - The New York Botanical Garden, 8:30am Summer BBQ Reception, 8/3/2023 - Pelham Bay Split Rock Golf Course, 6:00pm

JOSEPH P. KELLEHER MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT BREAKS RECORDS RAISES FUNDS TO SUPPORT BRONX BUSINESSES

2023 Bronx Chamber Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament broke records with funds raised to support Bronx businesses and work for a fairer NYC business environment. Over 275 Golfers and revelers gathered to celebrate the inaugural Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament, breaking records for support of the Bronx business community. Golfers teed off at Ferry Point, enjoying a beautiful day and raising critical funds for business programs serving the Bronx. During the day supporters networked with Bronx Chamber members actively shaping New York City's approach to business and economic development. The Bronx Chamber thanks our Tournament Chair, Greg Gonzalez, generous sponsors and supporters, Board of Directors, team, and the staff of Trump Links at Ferry Point for a stellar day supporting the Bronx and NYC.

NYC MOCS & BRONX CHAMBER PARTNER TO PROMOTE BUSINESS PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mayor's Office of Contract Services & Bronx Chamber bring resources to 138th Street - South Bronx. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and MOCS brought MOCS in Your Streets to 138th Street in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. Businesses received direct services, learned about doing business with the City of NY, and how to become minority / women owned certified through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Leading the initiative, Darry Saldana, Business Specialist and Lead of the 138th St. BID Exploration Initiative and Tony Billups, Avenue NYC - Mott Haven Program Manager. For more information, email: programs@bronxchamber.org

BRONX CHAMBER HONORS HPD COMMISSIONER ADOLFO CARRION JR.

The Bronx Chamber leadership team, Congressman Ritchie Torres, and over 250 notable business leaders honor Adolfo Carrion, Jr for his contributions to the Bronx and our business community. Mr. Carrión was appointed Commissioner of HPD by Mayor Adams on January 30, 2022, effective February 7, 2022. Prior to the appointment, Mr. Carrión was the CEO of Metro Futures LLC, a real estate development and consulting firm he founded in 2012, whose focus is the development of affordable housing, mixed-use and economic development projects, and strategic planning in the New York City Metro Area. Previously, Mr. Carrión was also the Executive Vice President of Stagg Group, a housing development and management firm, and Senior Advisor for Corporate Development to the CSA Group, the largest Hispanic-owned architecture and engineering firm in the United States. Between 2009 to 2012, Mr. Carrión served as Deputy Assistant to President Barack Obama, Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, and as Regional Administrator for Region II of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Prior to his tenure in the federal government, Mr. Carrión served as Bronx Borough President and as a member of the New York City Council. Mr. Carrión served as President of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), is an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellows alumnus, and has served on numerous boards for non-profit and government entities. Mr. Carrión holds a Bachelor of Arts from the King’s College and a master’s degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College. Congratulations Commissioner. Pictured: Representative of Congressman Torres, 2023 JPK Tournament Chair, Commissioner Carrion, Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin

BRONX CHAMBER CELEBRATES LGBTQ+ PRIDE

The Bronx Chamber brings out South Bronx LGBTQ+ pride. The Bronx Chamber's Avenue NYC - Mott Haven program, in partnership with ChocoBar Cortes, Third Avenue Business Improvement District, NYC Department of Transportation, and the Mott Haven Merchants Association brings the annual Big Gay Bronx Brunch to Alexander Avenue Open Streets with performances by Jay Love and iconic DJ Johnny Mack. Celebrating Bronx Pride with community! For more information, email: AvenueNYC@bronxchamber.org

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

NYS Legislative Session Updates The NYS Assembly was recalled to Albany on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week to vote on key pieces of legislation. Notably missing from the agenda was the very worrisome, proposed SWEAT Lien and Attachment laws that eliminates due process for business owners, investors, and certain managers.. Included here, please find the Bronx Chamber's Memorandum of Opposition here for your reference. We as a Chamber and as a broader business community must remain vigilant to ensure this bill does not resurface again as it will be detrimental to businesses throughout New York State.

Bronx Chamber Advocates for Bronx and NYC Priorities During DC Fly Over The Bronx Chamber's leadership team travelled to Washington DC this week for a two day DC Fly In meeting with federal representatives and agencies to discuss the Bronx and NYC business agenda, the migrant crisis, and economic development plans throughout NYS. The state-wide business agenda focused on topics important to New York State employers, including Antitrust, Energy, Infrastructure, and Workforce Development. The Bronx Chamber team with partners from throughout NYS and the US Chamber of Commerce discussed our agenda with:    U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand    The Honorable Adriano Espaillat    The Honorable Andrew Garbarino    The Honorable Mike Lawler    The Honorable Nicole Malliotakis    The Honorable Grace Meng    The Honorable Marc Molinaro    The Honorable Joseph Morelle    The Honorable Claudia Tenney   For more information or to get involved, email: Michael Brady, mbrady@bronxchamber.org

NYC Council Legislative Updates The Bronx Chamber of Commerce in partnership with leading business organizations from throughout New York City have issued an opposition statement to NYC Council Bill, Int. 0617-2022, regarding Sick Time in NYC. This bill would amend the definition of “employee” in the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (the Act) to extend the Act’s benefits to independent contractors who meet certain conditions. Additionally, the Bronx Chamber is monitoring two other bills that will impact Bronx and NYS businesses: Int 0078-2022 – Sponsor: Gale A. Brewer      Creating an informational campaign concerning workers’ rights under the earned safe and sick time act.    This bill would provide for a public education campaign by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection in coordination with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to educate employees of their rights under the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act. The campaign will distribute posters and other materials for posting in pharmacies and other private health related institutions, on a voluntary basis. The bill would also invite the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation to distribute and post such materials at locations under its jurisdiction.   Int 0563-2022 – Sponsor: Gale A. Brewer      Provision of sick time earned by employees.    The proposed bill would add a right to file a private civil action to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), which allows most private employees in New York City to earn paid sick time from their employers. Under the current law, employees who are denied their rights under the ESTA are limited to filing a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs. This bill would allow such employees to also file a case with any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce their rights.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer BBQ Networking Reception August 3 at 6:00pm Pelham Bay & Split Rock, 870 Shore Road Bronx, NY Join Bronx Chamber members, elected officials, and friends for a Summer evening of networking, great food & drinks, and conversation. The evening includes live music, barbeque, dancing, and networking. Individuals wishing to golf before hand must contact Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course directly. Reserve Your Spot

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!