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Friday, July 28, 2023
Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use
News from Senator Gustavo Rivera!
SENATOR RIVERA REINTRODUCES THE
NEW YORK HEALTH ACT
On July 7, Senator Rivera and Assemblymember Amy Paulin, Health Committee Chairs and sponsors of the New York Health Act, and the new Executive Director of the Campaign of New York Health, were joined by a diverse coalition of stakeholders to announce the re-introduction of the groundbreaking New York Health Act (S.7590).
The bill, which has been amended to respond to stakeholders’ input, proposes to expand healthcare coverage to include mental health, maternal care, prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care. Amendments to the bill include:
- The protection of existing benefits that have been secured by organized labor, including employer contributions to cover costs, and ensuring that any public employee or retiree health benefit, including local municipal benefits, are included in the program.
- Clarifying that all members and health care providers participating in the program will receive full benefits and protections if existing federally-subsidized health programs are used for financial support.
IT'S (ALMOST) BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON!
SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS
7TH SENIOR HEALTH FAIR AND LUNCHEON
On July 10th, after a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Senator Rivera hosted a Senior Health Fair and Luncheon! More than 250 seniors joined the Senator and local community partners at Monroe College for an afternoon filled with free health screenings, delicious food, raffle prizes, and a great musical performance by the Morrisania Project Band.
SUMMER READING WITH SENATOR RIVERA
The New York State Senate is currently holding its annual Summer Reading Program. Young people are encouraged to take part in this program and use the last month of summer to hone those reading skills. Go to https://www.nysenate.gov/
The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2023. More resources and facts about summer reading can be found at:
New York's Libraries: http://www.summerreadingnys.
Scholastic's Kids and Families Reading Report: www.scholastic.com
AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY METRO REGIONS
In Effect for Friday, July 28, 2023
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions for Friday, July 28, 2023.
The pollutant of concern is:
- Ozone
The advisory is in effect 11:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.
DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.
OZONE
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone isn't as visible as PM2.5 because it's a colorless gas, but it will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.
People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.
Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.
New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:
- use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
- conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
- turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
- use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
- close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
- limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
- set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
- purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
- reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation.
Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone).To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.
The Friday, July 28, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties and New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties.
MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON MEETING WITH U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY MAYORKAS
New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement after joining a meeting hosted by members of the New York congressional delegation with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in Washington, DC yesterday:
“First, I’d like to thank Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, Dean Nadler, and all the members of our state’s congressional delegation who invited me to today’s meeting with Secretary Mayorkas to discuss our city’s needs related to the asylum seeker crisis. We greatly appreciate the support delivered by our federal partners.
“We had a productive conversation today where we discussed the different ways we can work collaboratively to support New York City’s needs as we continue to see a unprecedented surge of migrants. Not only did we discuss the city’s federal funding needs, we also re-emphasized how crucial it is to expedite pathways to work authorization for those who are arriving and are already here. Asylum seekers arriving to our country are seeking to build the American Dream, so it’s time we finally give them a shot at it.
“Finally, we appreciate Secretary Mayorkas’ commitment to visiting the city and designating someone at DHS to serve as a point-person on our asylum seeker needs. We look forward to his visit and learning more about DHS’ plans for how this role will operate.
“New York City continues to see hundreds of asylum seekers arrive every day, on top of the more than 93,000 that have arrived since last spring. We continue to do more than any other city in the nation, but we need additional support from our federal and state partners. We look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead to bring an end to this crisis.”
VCJC News & Notes 7/28/23
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes
Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! |
RemindersShabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need: Shabbos Candles Friday 7/28/23 @ 7:57 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am. Please join the services if you can do so safely. Shabbos Ends Saturday 7/29/23 @ 9:00 pm Full information is on our blog.Blood Drive, Sunday July 30 from 9:30 to 2 Tu B’Av, Wednesday, Aug. 2 Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463 |
Community Board 10 Public Hearing and Vote on Westchester Avenue Cannabis Dispensary
Wednesday night Community Board 10 held a Public Hearing to hear from the community around a proposed Adult-use retail Cannabis Dispensary Green Sun Inc. located at 3220 Westchester Avenue. The board held an Executive meeting at the board office a week before where the owners of Green Sun Inc. gave a presentation, and only community board members were able to ask questions. CB 10 Chair Joe Russo said that a public hearing would be held on July 26, 2023 to hear from members of the community before the full board would take a vote for or against the cannabis dispensary.
Partners Elana and Dragar Ristovsky, Bofan Tiepeheustov, and Edwin Ripoll with help from Desmond Lewis of the Bronx Community Foundation presented why they were opening an Adult-use retail Cannabis Dispensary at 3220 Westchester Avenue (the former 7 - 11 site). They have been partners in restaurants in Harlem and Brooklyn, they have worked with various non profits since 2013, and they described that the state chose the borough for them, and they decided on the location which has a parking lot. The store will be open from 11 AM to 8 PM, have two security guards one inside and the other outside, and an armored car would pick up the receipts. It was mentioned that one of the three partners owns a detail shop in the Bronx.
When member of the public spoke, one person said that they live across the street and clean up garbage that is left all over the place which he believes will increase with the Cannabis store. One woman said that weed stores are getting robbed, and how can you make sure older children won't go into the store? One of the partners said that the Office of Cannabis Management will be tougher on the legal stores where product is so regulated that it is known from seed to finished product where it is going, and that a person will have to show proof of Identification at the door, and again at the time of purchase.
A husband and wife said they moved to the area recently and were worried about their property value, children, and were against the store opening. Another resident said the quality of life is changing in the area and she too is against the store. A police officer living in the area of the cannabis store said that smoke shops are being robbed as are cell phone stores and he is against the store. Another resident who lives across the street with a five year old daughter was worried about children walking right past the Cannabis store. CB 10 Chair Joe Russo said that this was not another smoke shop but a Cannabis dispensary licensed by the state. Former CB 10 member Bob Bieder agreed with Chair Russo saying he sees no reason why CB 10 should deny this application.
There were some more people in the negative while others were in the positive of having the Cannabis store in the area including one woman who uses the product to control her cancer. The last member of the public to peak was former city council candidate George Havranek, who said he had visited legal Cannabis stores in other states where they are stand alone stores, not in a business or community district where there are children. He said it would not have a positive influence on the community and he has not heard one word of what the Cannabis store is going to do for the affected community. He wanted to know which partner was involved in selling marijuana in the past and was arrested. Partner Edwin Ripoll said he was, but has changed his ways since then.
Chair Russo closed the public hearing and asked if any board members had any questions. They included who will be on site all the time, the answer was at least one of the partners. Question, if you own restaurants in Harlem and Brooklyn why didn't you open a Cannabis store there, answer, that was where we were assigned to, Bronx county. Question, how much staff will there be, answer, minimum of five at any given time out of an expected fifteen people on the payroll at a minimum age of 25. Question, how will this close the illegal smoke shops, answer, call 311 to report an illegal smoke shop, and if there is a legal Cannabis store the illegal smoke shops will be told to close. Statement, the Office of Cannabis Management prevented NYC from opting out of the Cannabis program, but let other municipalities opt out of the program.
After all questions from board member were asked a resolution to recommend approval of the Cannabis Dispensary at the 3220 Westchester Avenue location was presented and seconded. A role call vote gave the following results. Eleven in favor, eight against, with one abstention, thus the resolution passed, and the meeting was adjourned.
The owners of the Cannabis store at 3220 Westchester Avenue. (R - L) Bofan Tiepeheustov, Ewin Ripoll, Elana and Dragar Ristovky, and Desmond Lewis of the Bronx Community Foundation.
Mr. and Mrs. Washington who recently moved into the area where the Cannabis store will be, voiced their displeasure.
Former city council candidate George Havranek wanted to know which partner was involved in illegal marijuana sales in the past.
Elana and Dragar Ristovsky answer a question from a CB 10 member.
It was a close vote, but the resolution passed for the Cannabis dispensary eleven to eight with one abstention.
Thursday, July 27, 2023
161st Street Business Improvement District - Flicks & Fun on the 161 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Join the 161st Street Business Improvement District tomorrow night for our first ever Open Streets Movie Night! We'll be playing the Super Mario Bros. Movie at 8:15 P.M. the earliest at Lou Gehrig Plaza. Bring your own lawn chairs to sit on 161st Street to view the movie or the steps to Joyce Kilmer Park. We home to see you tomorrow night!
Justice Department Announces Pattern or Practice Investigation of the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department
The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department (MPD). The investigation will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution or federal law by MPD. The investigation will focus on MPD’s use of force and its stops, searches and arrests, as well as whether it engages in discriminatory policing.
This civil investigation is separate and independent from the technical assistance being provided by the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). While the investigation is ongoing, the COPS Office will continue to provide technical assistance to MPD through the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC), related to MPD’s use of force and de-escalation practices, as well as its use of specialized units. In addition, in the wake of Tyre Nichols’s death, the Associate Attorney General asked the COPS Office to develop a guide for police chiefs and mayors across the country to help them assess the appropriateness of the use of specialized units, like the former SCORPION unit in Memphis, as well as how to ensure necessary management, oversight, and accountability of such units. The COPS Office has undertaken extensive stakeholder engagement to inform the recommendations in that guide, which is forthcoming.
This civil investigation is also separate and independent from the federal criminal civil rights investigation of MPD officers related to the death of Tyre Nichols.
“The tragic death of Tyre Nichols created enormous pain in the Memphis community and across the country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is launching this investigation to examine serious allegations that the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department engage in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct and discriminatory policing based on race, including a dangerously aggressive approach to traffic enforcement. We are committed to working cooperatively with local officials, police, and community members to conduct the thorough and comprehensive review that the residents of Memphis deserve.”
“I know this community is still hurting after the tragic death of Tyre Nichols,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “At the Justice Department, we are committed to using all our tools to help ensure that Memphis residents have a safe community and can trust in the actions of law enforcement. In addition to our pattern or practice investigation, we will continue to deliver technical assistance resources through CRI-TAC and our COPS Office, to help the city and MPD address issues related to use of force, de-escalation, and specialized units in the more immediate term.”
“Every person is entitled to constitutional and non-discriminatory policing in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Based on an extensive review of publicly available information and information provided to us, there are grounds to open this investigation now. We have reviewed information that indicates that the Memphis Police Department may be using an approach to street enforcement that can result in violations of federal law, including racially discriminatory stops of Black people for minor violations. The Justice Department will conduct a thorough and objective investigation into allegations of unlawful discrimination and Fourth Amendment violations. Unlawful policing undermines community trust, which is essential to public safety.”
“The people of this great city deserve constitutional and lawful policing – and that begins with trust,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “Community trust makes policing more effective and less dangerous for both officers and the people they protect. Pattern-or-practice investigations help build and maintain that trust by ensuring law enforcement agencies do their jobs lawfully. I welcome this opportunity to let the facts lead in what will be an ongoing and important discussion about civil rights in our city. I also want to assure the public that our team of federal prosecutors will continue to partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement to vigorously prosecute criminal activity and uphold the rule of law. Together we can build a stronger Memphis — a Memphis that protects the safety and civil rights of all.”
The investigation is being conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. If the Justice Department has reasonable cause to believe that a state or local government has engaged in a prohibited pattern or practice, the Department is authorized to bring a lawsuit seeking court-ordered changes to remedy the violations. In this investigation, the Department will assess law enforcement practices under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as well as under the Safe Streets Act of 1968 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Prior to the announcement, Department officials informed Mayor Jim Strickland, MPD Chief Cerelyn Davis, and Interim Chief Legal Officer Michael Fletcher. They pledged to cooperate with the investigation. As part of this investigation, the Department will reach out to community members to learn about their experiences with MPD.
The case is being investigated by career attorneys and staff from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. They will be assisted by experienced law enforcement experts. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Justice Department via email at Community.Memphis@usdoj.gov or by phone at 888-473-3730. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the Civil Rights Division’s reporting portal, available at civilrights.justice.gov.
Today’s announcement marks the ninth pattern or practice investigation into law enforcement misconduct opened by the Justice Department during this Administration. The Department has ongoing investigations into the Phoenix Police Department; the Mount Vernon (NY) Police Department; the Louisiana State Police; the New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Division; the Worcester (MA) Police Department; and the Oklahoma City Police Department. The Department recently completed investigations in Louisville and Minneapolis, and secured agreements in principle with both jurisdictions to negotiate consent decrees to address the violations found.
Information specific to the Civil Rights Division’s Police Reform Work can be found here: www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download.