Friday, August 11, 2017

BX BP DIAZ, NY YANKEES AND AT&T HOST 7TH ANNUAL ‘BOROUGH PRESIDENT’S CUP’ LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP


  On Thursday, August 10, 2017, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., the New York Yankees and Marissa Shorenstein, president of AT&T-East Region, co-hosted the seventh annual “Borough President’s Cup” Little League Championship.

The event featured two teams both competing in the championship game for the first time: Bronxchester Realtors and Caribe Little League. Bronxchester took the championship trophy home in a 2-1 thriller.

To compete in the “Borough President’s Cup” Little League tournament, players for each Little League have to meet a set of requirements unrelated to their performance on the field: maintain a B-average in school, 90 percent or greater school attendance and a demonstrated commitment to community service.

“This tournament has become a true Bronx sports tradition, and I am proud to once again join AT&T and the New York Yankees to make today possible,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Today’s game featured two teams of great kids, giving it their all at the most important stadium in all of baseball. Congratulations to the Bronxchester Realtors on today’s victory. I’m already looking forward to next year’s tournament!”

“AT&T’s ongoing partnership with Borough President Diaz is empowering student athletes to achieve academically, support their peers and give back to their communities,” said Marissa Shorenstein, President, AT&T-East Region. “Congratulations to all the players and their coaches on their incredible performance today, and here’s to a successful school year ahead, on the field and in the classroom.”

“The New York Yankees are honored to partner with the Bronx Borough President’s Office and AT&T to host the seventh annual Borough President’s Cup Little League Championship and showcase the talents and achievements of local student athletes,” said Brian Smith, Yankees Senior Vice President of Corporate & Community Relations.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMMISSIONER O’NEILL AT JAMAICA HOSPITAL


Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner O’Neill and I have just visited our very brave officer. We’re not going to be giving you the name right now, but I want to just tell you some very basic points – young officer, two years on the job, did what our officers do every single day – responded to a call, in this case for someone acting erratically – an emotionally disturbed person. What could have been just another day, just another call turned into something much worse, and thank God our officer is going to come through it. He’s a brave young man. He had a great attitude. He was actually trying to even make light of the situation in his own hospital bed, showing a lot of spirit, a lot of energy. His partner was really, really worried about him. We spent time with his partner as well. All he wanted to know was how his fellow officer was doing. But this is an example of the bravery of the men and women of the NYPD. This is an example of the fact that our officers go into any situation and never know how it might turn on a moment’s notice. But thank God our officer is going to come through okay in this case.

I want to thank everyone at the 7-5 Precinct, all of his fellow officers who quickly rushed to his aid – everyone at EMS. It’s important to not – and I know the Commissioner will go into detail – this young man was definitely saved by his vest. It made all of the difference here that he was wearing a vest that stopped some of these shots and protected his life. In fact, I think they’re going to show us the vest right now. 

Commissioner O’Neill: It’s a small caliber round, so you’re not going to be able to see where the impact was, but I did see the blunt force trauma and injuries on the officer’s chest. This vest definitely saved his life. 

Mayor: And this is something important – that the right protective gear made all the difference. I want to thank everyone at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. They have been outstanding in their response. We appreciate very much everything they've been doing. I want to thank our Public Advocate Tish James and the acting District Attorney of Brooklyn, Eric Gonzalez, for being here with us in support. So – a day where the Commissioner and I were in a meeting when we both heard about this. We immediately of course worried about what this could mean for our officer, but, thank God, the news today is a lot better than it might have been.

Commissioner O’Neill: Thanks, Mr. Mayor. So, at approximately 4:35 pm this afternoon, uniformed police officers from the 7-5 Precinct responded to a 9-1-1 call for an emotionally disturbed person at a private house located at 149 Ridgewood Avenue in Brooklyn – that’s in the 7-5 Precinct. The caller reported that her 29-year-old son was not violent and reported to be unarmed and present with her in the home. The first responding radio car team was admitted into the residence, along with EMS personnel. One officer approached the rear of the apartment, along with EMS personnel. Another officer went to the rear of the building after being told by the mother that her son may try to flee through a backdoor. As the first officer approached the rear bedroom, the subject fired several shots, striking the officer several times. He was struck once in the right arm and twice in the protective vest. The officer did not return fire. The injured officer, who is 30-years-old, has been on the force for just over two years, was treated by EMS on the scene, and moved here to Jamaica Hospital where he’s alert and in state condition. And the Mayor spoke about our conversation with him – a brave young man. 

Immediately after the shooting, the 29-year-old subject remained in the rear bedroom. And we just got an update from the scene that ESU – Emergency Services – did make entry into the apartment, into the bedroom where they discovered the subject was diseased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, and two guns were recovered by his side. 

I also wanted to thank the responding EMS technicians and the medical staff here at Jamaica Hospital not only for today, but for every time we come here – the absolute professional way that they treat us. And I’d really like to thank Jamaica Hospital for all of that. 

So, police officers, once again, doing their job, called to the scene, and thank goodness the officer’s going to be fine. His recovery might take a while, but I saw the injuries, spoke to him, spoke to his partner, and they’re going to be fine – might take a little time though. 

We’re going to get an update from the scene – just ended a short time ago. DCPI will have the information and we’ll be able to get you some more details about what transpired, alright? Thank you very much, everyone. 

Mayor: Thanks, everyone.





   Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo joined State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and representatives of Bronx Council Member Ritchie Torres to host a family fun event and provide free backpacks to school-age children. The backpacks, provided by community sponsors, will be given out while supplies last. Representatives from the following organizations will also be present at the event: Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Mercy College, Morris Heights Health Center, Union Community Health Center and VIP Community Services.


Assemblyman Pichardo stands with Brendan who has a new back pack and school supplies inside. State Senator Rivera was giving out the tickets to receive the free back packs, and Councilman Torres was out of town. Information, other free gifts, blood pressure testing, and a dentist to look at the children's teeth. 

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Daniel Loeb's Racially-Charged Remarks Against Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins


GOVERNMENT HEADER

"I'm utterly disgusted and appalled by Success Academy Chairman Daniel Loeb's racially-charged remarks against Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. If Mr. Loeb truly cared about uplifting and providing communities of color with meaningful opportunities, he would fight for all public schools to be adequately funded, not spend his time slandering the first African American woman in New York State history to lead a legislative conference. 

Under Senator Stewart-Cousins' robust leadership, the Senate Democratic Conference has worked tirelessly to promote and implement a progressive agenda that will benefit all New Yorkers. While Mr. Loeb has since apologized for his remarks, this shameful action should not be tolerated or embraced by any organization or elected representative."

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Velázquez Thanks City Council For Standing Strong Against Unnecessary Baychester Square Development




  Velázquez Thanks City Council For Standing Strong Against Unnecessary Baychester Square Development
Velázquez announces Legislative Proposal to Insure Community Input for Future Developments Before City Council meeting. Baychester Square proposal was withdrawn by the City.

  The contentious debate over a planned shopping development, Baychester Square, at a former state-owned property in the Baychester section of the Bronx has been withdrawn today before the City Council due to strong objections from local Council Members and residents. 

In response, City Council Candidate Marjorie Velázquez has issued the following statement:

"I want to thank the City Council, in particular Council members King and Vacca, for standing strong against the unnecessary Baychester Square development proposal that would have led to small mom and pop business closures, additional traffic on our highways and local roads, and other quality of life problems for the area.  Now we need to stay vigilant to what may be proposed for this site in the future, because there will be another development proposal.

I want to reiterate my previous call the surrounding Community Boards 10 and 11, which will be heavily impacted by this development, be part of the official community engagement process for any future proposed developments. 

Lastly, if elected to the City Council, I intend to introduce legislation to change ULURP, the City's process to change zoning, to give Community Boards that are immediately adjacent to proposed developments an official role.  Baychester Square is sited in a far corner of Bronx CB 12, and the majority of the impacts will be felt by residents of CB 10 and CB 11 that are literally across the street or highway from this proposed development.  They need to have their voices heard in this process."

Assemblymember Pichardo announces community backpack giveaway




Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo will join Bronx Council Member Ritchie Torres and Sen. Gustavo Rivera on Aug. 11 to host a family fun event and provide free backpacks to school-age children. The backpacks, provided by community sponsors, will be given out while supplies last. Representatives from the following organizations will also be present at the event: Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Mercy College, Morris Heights Health Center, Union Community Health Center and VIP Community Services.
WHAT:          A back-to-school backpack giveaway
WHEN:          Friday, Aug. 11, 2017
                        2 – 5 p.m.
WHERE:       Tremont Park
                      On the corner of E. Tremont and Arthur Ave.
CONTACT:   Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo
                        2175C Jerome Ave.
Bronx, NY 10453

Major Property Tax Relief for Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Expands to Help Thousands More Live Affordab


After SCHE/DHE signed into state law, City Council acts

Members of the Independent Democratic Conference applauded the New York City Council’s passage of an enabling clause of Senator Diane Savino’s legislation to expand the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE).

The City Council passed the enabling clause, sponsored by Brooklyn Councilman Chaim Deutsch, on Wednesday at their stated meeting.

“The passage of today’s bill codifies into law the raising of the SCHE/DHE maximum income limit. This is an important step towards easing some of the financial burdens that many of our senior and disabled homeowners face. Tens of thousands of additional New Yorkers will now be able to qualify for a property tax break of up to 50% and fewer seniors will be forced to choose between paying bills and paying for essentials each month. Thank you Mayor de Blasio for the collaboration on this bill, as well as my State colleagues Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh and Senator Diane Savino for their part in passing this legislation on the state level,” said Councilman Deutsch.

This year, the IDC fought to increase the income eligibility for the SCHE and DHE programs which provide major property tax exemptions to residents living on fixed incomes. Seniors could potentially save upwards of $1,000 a year through the exemption.

Senator Savino’s legislation, which received support from Mayor Bill de Blasio, raises the income cap for SCHE/DHE to $50,000 for a full 50% property tax exemption and to $58,400 for a partial exemption, which will provide much-needed relief to New York City homeowners. The eligibility levels have not been raised since 2006. The current income limit for a full 50% reduction is just $29,000.

Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh carried the legislation through the Assembly.

“Our seniors and disabled New Yorkers, who live on fixed incomes, deserve to reside in their communities without the fear of losing their homes. Many of our senior citizens choose to age in place in the neighborhoods where they’ve raised their families, worked and enjoyed throughout their lives. I thank Councilman Deutsch for moving this vital piece of legislation forward in the City Council,” said Senator Savino.

“Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years without worrying that they can no longer afford their homes, the places where they raised their children and hold cherished memories. It is important that for seniors and disabled homeowners living on tight budgets we create an affordable New York by bringing real property tax relief by raising the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE to 2017 levels. I’m proud that the IDC has been the driving force behind this policy and I thank Councilman Deutsch and his colleagues for helping make this a reality,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“Giving property tax breaks to more seniors and people with disabilities who own their homes is an important step forward in our continuing efforts to ensure that our communities are affordable. This law will help thousands of New Yorkers to remain in their homes and their neighborhoods,” said Assemblymember Kavanagh.

Governor Cuomo signed Senator Savino’s legislation into law at the end of July. With the actions taken today by the City Council the legislation will go to Mayor de Blasio’s desk for approval, who included the proposal in his Executive Budget.

At that point, a 120-day window will open up for people to apply for the program for this year.  Those with applications already on file that were rejected this year will be re-processed for eligibility.  If a qualifying resident already paid taxes, the city’s Department of Finance would issue a credit.

On average a homeowner who qualifies for the program under the expanded income threshold could save up to $1,750 a year.

This proposal would also increase the cap for partial exemptions to $58,400, with property tax exemptions provided to qualified senior and disabled homeowners on a sliding scale.

SCHE/DHE at up to $58,400
 Income Range
Abatement
$57,500 - $58,400
5%
$56,600 - $57,499
10.0%
$55,700 - $56,599
15.0%
$54,800 - $55,699
20.0%
$53,900 - $54,799
25.0%
$53,000 - $53,899
30.0%
$52,000 - $52,999
35.0%
$50,100 - $51,999
40.0%
$50,001 - $50,999
45.0%
$0 - $50,000
50.0%

Members of the IDC said the new law would create affordability for residents living on fixed incomes.

“With living costs always going up, unfortunately more and more New Yorkers are having a difficult time keeping their homes, especially Senior Citizens and New Yorkers with disabilities. They fought hard to buy and keep their homes, so I am glad the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE will soon increase, which will help some of our most vulnerable homeowners,” said Senator Jose Peralta.

“Keeping up with the ever rising cost of living in the city can be difficult enough for the average New Yorker. This is especially difficult for the senior and disabled homeowners of our boroughs. Expanding the SCHE/DHE program will go a long way in helping New Yorkers on a fixed income continue to live close to their families in the city that they helped build. I applaud my IDC colleagues for never quitting when it comes to fighting for the most vulnerable of New Yorkers,” said Senator Tony Avella.
“HDFC co-ops are a crucial part of the 31st Senate District's affordable housing stock, and the expansion of this program to help seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities stay in their homes is a welcome step towards preserving affordability in the area. Seniors and people with disabilities often have limited mobility and depend on community support, so making it easier for them to stay in those communities will increase their quality of life as well as improving the life of the community at large,” said Senator Marisol Alcántara.

“Property taxes represent an affordability challenge particularly important to New York City seniors and those living with disabilities. This law takes a step forward in meeting that challenge. Recognizing the unique circumstances these households face and accommodating their needs means keeping our communities whole. I am proud to be a part of meaningful action to make our communities more affordable and to work in partnership to keep more money in the pockets of these New Yorkers. Thanks to Senator Savino, Senator Klein and all my colleagues in government for their leadership on this issue. Now on the ground, in our communities, we need to ensure seniors and those living with disabilities take full advantage of this exemption,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

The IDC’s push to increase eligibility received praise from numerous advocacy groups.

Bronx Literacy and Health Fair


 The Bronx Literacy and Health Fair 

Bronx Borough President 
Ruben Diaz Jr.
  
The Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in conjunction with Healthfirst and the Montefiore Medical Center, is hosting our 6th Annual Back-to-School
 
The Bronx Literacy and Health Fair will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Pablo Casals Middle School 181, located at 800 Baychester Avenue, Bronx NY 10475

The Borough President's office and our sponsors, Healthfirst and Montefiore Medical Center, want to partner with organizations that provide literacy and health services and support to the Bronx families

Partner Organizations can contribute in one or more of the following ways:
 
  •   Provide health and literacy related information on the day of the event;
  •   Provide volunteer support on the day of the event;
  •   Advise the event steering committee on which organizations to market to;
  •   Publicize the event using your organizations’ networks and various channels of      communication (i.e. e-lists, websites, newsletters, announcements at meetings). 

If you would like to partner with us, please email or fax the attached Partnership Application by August 18, 2017 to or you can go online here 


Lucille Roldan
Office of Special Events
851 Grand ConcourseBronx, NY 10451
Fax: (718) 590-5355 

We appreciate all of your time and effort in making this event a success. Together, we can lay the foundation to improve literacy and overall health for the families in the Bronx.