Assembly member Mark Gjonaj amd CM Andrew Cohen Host 7th Annual "Welcome to the Neighborhood Weekend Walk"

WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON THE SECOND DEATH OF A CONSTRUCTION SITE WORKER TODAY

  "For the second time today, I must offer my prayers for peace and comfort, and my heartfelt condolences, to the family of a worker killed on another construction site today. I would further extend my prayers to a second worker on-site who sustained serious injuries in the same accident. I pray for his recovery."

 

"That we should grieve the loss of a second worker in one day, that their families are now in mourning, is unfathomable. That these accidents occur with such frequency is unbelievable. That more is not being done to protect those who build this great city is unconscionable."

 

"I can only hope that we as a city move quickly to change the culture and environment that undervalues workers' safety and well-being. I continue to work to make these issues a priority."

WILLIAMS AND CHIN STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF CONSTRUCTION WORKER JUAN CHANILLO

JOINT STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS AND COUNCIL MEMBER CHIN

  "We would like to offer our prayers for peace and comfort to the family of Juan Chonillo, who was killed on a construction site in Manhattan this morning. His tragic death is another in a series of far too many caused by an eroded culture of safety in the New York City construction industry, which has only gotten worse. No other industry would have been allowed to witness such death without substantive change. Immediate and real action is required."

 

"The measures before the City Council next week are common sense, essential steps towards beginning to change the culture in the industry. For too long, their safety has been sacrificed for the sake of expediency and profit. This bill would, for the first time ever, mandate a uniformed minimum amount of safety training for all sites across the city, making the protection of workers a priority. Additionally, the fine structure for safety violations will be changed, ensuring that responsibility for such violations, and the tragic consequences they may lead to, is now felt by all, including owners and developers.

 

"Alarmingly, the construction project in question had already received numerous violations and fines this year, and as recently as yesterday a partial stop work order was issued. This is a clear demonstration that available tools are not sufficient."

 

"The bill and accompanying funding commitments before the City Council next week are aimed at this instance and all the other workers we have lost. I would like to thank Speaker Mark-Viverito, Council Members Chin and Menchaca, and my other colleagues on the Council for their sponsorship of this bill. It will not only demonstrate our commitment to worker safety as a priority; it will also address the needs of those who cannot afford to pay. It is our sincere hope that this will help prevent future injuries and deaths like the heartbreaking incident we experienced today."  

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND SPEAKER MARK-VIVERITO ANNOUNCE CITY EFFORTS TO SUPPORT HURRICANE MARIA RELIEF

  As Hurricane Maria barrels through Puerto Rico, Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito announced efforts the City is making to help with the recovery. In addition to deploying 36 members of the Urban Search and Rescue New York Task Force 1 (NY TF-1) to Puerto Rico, the City is also deploying NYC Emergency Management employees with expertise in logistics, debris management, operations, and recovery to San Juan to assist in Puerto Rico's Emergency Operations Center.

“We’ve deployed personnel and now we are stepping up to do more,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New York City stands with Puerto Rico and will do everything possible to help with recovery.”

“New Yorkers have always helped out our neighbors in times of need, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, we stand ready to provide assistance to Puerto Rico. City employees can help out in several ways, including volunteering on the island to support what is expected to be a months long recovery process, or through donations made to the Mayor’s Fund by enrolling in a payroll deduction,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “I join the Mayor in putting out this call for volunteers and extend my gratitude to anyone who helps contribute to relief efforts. My thoughts are with the Puerto Rican community during this difficult time, and I want to stress that we New York City will offer help however possible.”

On Thursday, City employees will receive an email informing them of the option to make a donation from their paychecks to Hurricane Maria relief efforts. The funds, which will be directed through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, will be distributed to organizations working to support the 3.5 million Puerto Ricans and other Caribbean residents who have been impacted by this storm. The City will also be identifying firehouses across the five boroughs where people can donate specific items needed for recovery: batteries, diapers, baby food, and first aid.

Once it is determined which skill sets are needed from volunteers, the City will work with the Mayor of San Juan to make sure that New York City employees who wish to volunteer will have assistance in doing so. Those who possess relevant and needed skillset will be especially needed and the City will connect those employees to organizations already working on the ground.  

Wave Hill Events Oct 6–Oct 13 Wings over Wave Hill Day!

A perennial favorite, Wings over Wave Hill coincides with Columbus Day, making for a spectacular long weekend. Experience the thrill of soaring in another way at the second performance in our 2017-2018 concert series, this time with a Bach program offered by harpist Bridget Kibbey with the string ensemble The Sebastianson Sunday afternoon. Or come Saturday afternoon when exhibiting artist Tamalyn Miller performs on her handmade, horsehair fiddle.

Sat, October 7    Family Art Project: Raptors in the Autumn Sky

Make your own movable, raptor puppet resembling the migrating hawks circling and gliding above the Hudson River. With winds in our favor, we’ll form a procession of raptor puppets in flight, leading up to an outdoor group soar. And don’t forget that Monday is Wings over Wave Hill Day! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, October 7    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, October 7    Family Garden Walk

Visit favorite, family-friendly locations in the gardens on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Children ages six and older welcome with an adult.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON

Sat, October 7    Floriosophy, Frequency of Flowers, A Call & Response Performance by Tamalyn Miller

On select Saturdays, Call & Response artists present talks, readings, live music, performance art and workshops in and around Glyndor Gallery. Identifying flowers with historical significance to Wave Hill’s site, this Saturday Call & Response artistTamalyn Miller performs an original composition on her handmade horsehair fiddle, based on the colors and vibrational energy associated with seasonal plants. Inspired by floriography, the popular Victorian way of communicating through flower arrangements, Miller responds to traditional meanings of each plant in presenting her “musical bouquet.” Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, October 8    Fall Birding

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River provides the perfect habitat for resident and migrating birds. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds. And don’t forget that Monday is Wings over Wave Hill Day!

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

Sun, October 8    Family Art Project: Raptors in the Autumn Sky

Make your own movable, raptor puppet resembling the migrating hawks circling and gliding above the Hudson River. With winds in our favor, we’ll form a procession of raptor puppets in flight, leading up to an outdoor group soar. And don’t forget that Monday is Wings over Wave Hill Day! Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, October 8    Family Nature Walk

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. No registration required. Children ages six and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. 

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON

Sun, October 8    Pre-Concert Tea

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Mark Twain Room prior to today’s concert in Armor Hall. The Café at Wave Hill pairs a classic menu with an assortment of green, black and herbal teas. This traditional tea service includes the four classic elements of savory, scones, sweets and tea. The menu, presented by Great Performances, includes an array of tea sandwiches, scones and bite-sized desserts. Afternoon Tea also includes a glass of sparkling wine. Afternoon Tea Service is $36. Wave Hill Members receive a 10% discount. Advanced registration is required online. Reservations until 5PM, Thursday, October 5.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON–2PM

Sun, October 8    Concert: Bridget Kibbey & The Sebastians

Sensational harpist Bridget Kibbey, declared “a marvel” by The New York Times, will join forces with members of The Sebastians, an ensemble known for “elegant string playing... immaculate in tuning and balance” (Early Music Today). J.S. Bach’s monumental Toccata & Fugue in D minor will be part of their inspired program that re-imagines masterpieces of this Baroque master, adapted by Kibbey for harp and early-instrument string quartet. Tickets for this concert are $28 plus admission to the grounds/$24 Wave Hill Member/$12 Children ages 8–18. Order tickets online atwavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. For additional information, please call 718.549.3200 x251.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

Sun, October 8    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, October 9    In The Shop: 20% Off All Birding Books

In celebration of Wings over Wave Hill Day, enjoy a 20% discount on all birding titles in The Shop. Wings over Wave Hill Day event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

Mon, October 9    Falconry Presentation: Skyhunters in Flight

Watch hawks, falcons and owls sharpen their hunting skills during an exciting outdoor flight demonstration with master falconer Brian Bradley. Hear about the ancient sport of falconry and see live raptors from around the world. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Admission on Wings over Wave Hill Day is $10 Adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Admission is free to Members and children under six. Wings over Wave Hill Day event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 1PM

Mon, October 9    Columbus Day Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights on this holiday Monday. Free with admission to the grounds. Admission today, Wings over Wave Hill Day, is $10 Adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Admission is free to Members and children under six.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Tue, October 10    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, October 10    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow leads a tour of the current exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. This fall, the entire gallery is given over to new site-responsive projects honoring the tenth anniversary of Wave Hill’s Sunroom Project Space. Call & Response showcases the work of 50 artists who have exhibited in this unique venue, in projects ranging from art objects created from natural materials gathered onsite, to sound pieces, outdoor installations and performance works. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Councilman Andrew Cohen protests Mens Homeless Shelter Across the Street From PS 20

  Councilman Andrew Cohen was joined by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, members of Community Board 7, Parents, and students of PS 20 in opposition to the placement of a homeless shelter across the street from PS 20 in the current SAM's Carpeting building. Councilman Cohen spoke about how horrible it would be to have a homeless shelter across the street from a k - 8 school where the vulnerable children would be right across the street from many homeless men. 

  

 Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj spoke of finding nine level two or three sexual predators that were currently living in Bronx Homeless shelters, and most recently holding a press conference outside of one such homeless shelter where one of these level two or three sexual predators was placed by the Department of Homeless Services which also housed families with children. 

 The fact that Sam's Carpet was being thought of for a homeless shelter was brought out at a special August Community Board 7 meeting. At that meeting Councilman Cohen suggested that the community board look for an alternate site for the homeless shelter if the board and community did not want it across the street from PS 20. At that meeting Councilman Cohen even suggested an alternate site, that being the currently empty Feggs building  located at 3600 Jerome Avenue. 

  While Sams Carpet remains open for business, and no renovations on the building are going on it was a different matter for the Feggs building on Jerome Avenue where I stopped on the way to Councilman Cohen's rally at PS 20.

  Here at the empty Feggs building on Jerome Avenue work is going on to modify the building. When I asked what was going on I was directed to the supervisor of the site who said to me that the building was being renovated for a homeless shelter.

  When I questioned Councilman Cohen about him suggesting the Feggs site as an alternate site to having a homeless shelter in the Sams Carpet building across from PS 20. When I said that alterations were going on at the empty Feggs building, and not at Sams Carpet which was still open for business Councilman Cohen played dumb just smiling saying 'from my lips...'.

City Announces Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Tips and Resources for Small Businesses

With arrival of peak hurricane season, NYC business owners should be prepared

  The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) today, during National Preparedness Month, announced the availability of free resources and tips to help small businesses prepare for hurricane season and other emergency events. SBS can help business owners develop an emergency preparedness plan, receive a free risk assessment, and apply for emergency readiness grants. 

SBS offers a program called Business PREP that is open to businesses in the neighborhoods most vulnerable to extreme weather events. As part of the program, a team of emergency planning and insurance experts will visit businesses and review physical space, operations, and insurance coverage. Personnel will offer recommendations to help businesses reduce risks in the event of a disaster or disruption. More information on this service is available at nyc.gov/businessprep.

“With hurricane season comes additional risks for all New Yorkers, including small business owners,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “Small business owners put their heart and soul into their work, not to mention major financial investments. By following a few important tips, business owners can be better prepared if a disaster strikes.”   

In addition to the Business PREP program, SBS offers other tips and resources for small businesses:

Emergency Planning

You should develop a business continuity plan. SBS offers a worksheet to help with the development of your continuity plan. This plan will help you prepare to withstand and recover from a disruption and should include, among other items (full list available here): 

• A list of the most important activities necessary to run your business, a description of the steps to complete these activities, special skills to perform the activity (for example, training, certification), and the time sensitivity of getting each activity back up and running after an interruption.
• An emergency communications plan for all employees, including persons with disabilities and those with limited English language proficiency.
• Evacuation plans and emergency escape route assignments.
• A list of important documents such as:
• Insurance policies and contacts
• Building contacts and property records
• Bank account records/statements
• Tax documents
• Tax records
• Employee related documents
• List all locations where the document is stored. Make sure to have back-up copies of important documents in an alternate location and/or stored electronically.
• A contact list of all employees. Include at least one method of after-hours communication to get in touch with employees.
• A contact list of all vendors and suppliers.

Important Things To Do During Or Immediately After An Emergency

• If you or others are facing immediate danger, first call 911.
• Determine if you will be able to conduct business in the near-term:
• Are there any significant changes to the immediate surroundings that would affect access to your space?
• Will this this emergency have any effect on the products and services your business offers?
• Contact your customers, employees, suppliers, and insurance company to communicate needs, changes and contingency plans.

How Can SBS Help?

• Attend a free SBS emergency preparedness workshop or webinar. You will learn how to:
• Stay in business: Identify your key business activities, employees, and documents
• Protect your investments: Understand how to protect your assets and navigate insurance
• Be ready for action: Create an emergency and business continuity plan for your business
• If your business is facing a real-time emergency, you may contact SBS by calling 212-618-8810. SBS can:
• Provide you with the latest emergency information on street closures, utilities disruptions, security and demolitions.
• Assist with retrieval of valuable items and documents from your business location (if safe to do so).
• Coordinate with the NYC Police Department and other emergency responders to make sure your business location is secure and prevent losses.
• Connect you to local business organizations for possible relocation assistance.
• SBS provides assistance to businesses after an emergency. SBS can:
• Connect you to recovery information and resources including business relocation assistance, help with insurance questions, free legal advice and financing assistance.
• Help troubleshoot government regulations and permitting questions with City agencies such as the NYC Department of Buildings, NYC Department of Health, NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, and many others.

About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)

SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go to nyc.gov/sbs or call 311.

My Experience During The Democratic Primaries

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 

32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York 

You should know that I am writing this column from my home town of Bayamon, Puerto Rico where I am visiting my brother Ramon Diaz who is fighting pancreatic cancer.   

You should also know that the past Democratic primaries conducted on Tuesday, September 12th, left many stunned, surprised and others disappointed.   

First, let me tell you that I had to confront four opponents, and each one of them spent their time and money attacking and accusing me of just about everything that may come to mind. 
They not only compared me to Donald Trump, they accused me of being anti-woman, racist, a homophobe, and anti-immigrant, etc.   

My four opponents, one a woman, one an African American, one openly gay, and one of German descent, they did not waste any time to paint me, as the worst enemy of each of their respective communities and ethnic group. 

As a matter of fact, the pressure that some members of the gay community placed on Assemblyman Michael Blake "an African American" {a personal friend of mine before the primaries} forced him to publicly denounce me, and he requested that I return a $1,000.00 campaign contribution he had made to my campaign. 

It is important for you to know that consequently, not one single African American elected official came out publically to support me.   Could you imagine not one?   

Among the Latino legislators that publically supported me were Bronx Borough President  Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx County Democratic Chairman Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, my campaign manager Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Senator Marisol Alcantara, and Council members Rafael Salamanca, Fernando Cabrera, and Ydanis Rodriguez. 

The rest of my colleagues ran away from me, but my dear readers I do promise that I will always work hand in hand with them if they ever need me.   

On the other hand, I was proud to have received the endorsements or fair treatment from the following news media outlets: City and State,  The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Bronx Chronicles, Bangla Patrika, The Taxi Voice, The New York Cronicas, and The Taxista News.   

Also the following labor Unions:  The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (PBA), The New York City Corrections Association (COBA), The Detective Endowment Association, Captain Endowment, Lieutenant Benevolent, Sergeant  Association, LIUNA, Uniformed Fire Fighters, DEA Cope Fund, Building for New Yorkers, NYS Laborers PAC. 

I conclude by stating that if an elected official or any person has a wife like Mrs. Leslie I. Diaz, children like Damaris, Samuel, and Ruben Jr., and a staff such as mine, that person is the most blessed.     

This is Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is What You Should Know.