THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS FEELING EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN - Mayor Bill de Blasio

MILLIONS MORE TO LOSE ESSENTIAL FEDERAL ASSISTANCE MARCH 1ST IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN CONTINUES

New Yorkers facing hardships can visit nyc.gov/federalshutdown

  Thousands of New Yorkers have felt the real effects of the longest federal government shutdown in history as it enters its 27th day. The week of January 7th was the first week federal government employees that are furloughed did not receive a paycheck. There are 18,000 federal employees that work at affected agencies in New York City and an unknown number of low-wage federal contractors. Additionally, millions of New Yorkers and their families who rely on various federally funded government programs, such as food stamps, the New York City Housing Authority, school lunch and rental assistance, also are at risk of being affected by the shutdown if it continues into March. At minimum, two million New Yorkers stand to lose these vital programs come March 1st.

New Yorkers will lose out on $500 million monthly if the federal government shutdown continues past February. Filling this void with City funds would be unsustainable, leading the City to run out of money before the end of year. However, the City does have a number of resources that may help those experiencing hardships because of the shutdown. New Yorkers experiencing hardships can visit nyc.gov/federalshutdown to stay updated on the latest developments and to find a variety of City programs that provide relief, including food pantries, employment referrals, landlord mediation, eviction prevention, rental and mortgage arrears assistance, veterans’ services and more.

“In my six years as Mayor, New York City has faced storms, attacks and political crises. During each of these crises, I told New Yorkers the truth: that we’d be okay,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “On the 27th day of the Trump shutdown, I cannot promise we’ll be okay. Beginning March 1st, millions of New Yorkers will lose a total of $500 million a month in vital federal supports, such as food stamps and rental assistance. Any attempt to backfill the void left by our federal government would be woefully inadequate to the scale of this crisis. However, there is help. Anyone facing hardships can visit nyc.gov/federalshutdown or call 311 to access our City resources. We’ll continue to do what we can and fight in Washington, but one thing is clear: this Trump shutdown must end today – our people are counting on a functional government.”

Beginning today, many New York City food stamp recipients will see their February benefits released early rather than in the month of February. The release of March benefits is uncertain due to the federal shutdown.

Programs at risk include:

The fight against opioids – The City has trained more than 1,000 health care providers on prescribing buprenorphine to their patients suffering from opioid addiction. Some new prescribers have reported experiencing a delay in receiving approval from the DEA to prescribe buprenorphine since the shutdown started. If you are a provider or a patient in need of help, please call 311 or 1-888-NYC-WELL to find a buprenorphine prescriber near you.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps – City residents receive nearly $230 million in federal SNAP benefits per month. Nearly 1.6 million New Yorkers rely on this critical benefit to feed their families. The federal government has authorized release of February SNAP/food stamps benefits as early as today. People should plan accordingly, as this is not an additional benefit.

Section 8 – NYCHA and HPD respectively spend $97 million and $34 million in federal dollars per month for this program. More than 280,000 New Yorkers utilize Section 8 to pay their rent.

Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) – The City receives approximately $1 million in federal funding per month for this program. New York City relies on these funds to help fight homelessness.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) – City residents receives $26 million in federal funding for this program. More than 300,000 New Yorkers and their families rely on this program to put food on the table.

Continuum of Care – The City spends $5 million in federal dollars per month for this program. This program provides rental assistance for more than 4,000 homeless New Yorkers.

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) – NYCHA spends $79 million per month for operating expenses such as salaries. Approximately 10,000 NYCHA employees will be affected by the government shutdown.

Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA) – The City receives more than $4 million in federal funding per month for this program. This is the only federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Thousands of New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS rely on these funds for housing and support services.

School Lunch – The City spends $43 million per month for this program. More than 1 million New York students rely on this program.

THE CITY OF NEW YORK  ---   OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting - Monday, January 28, 2019

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting

Monday, January 28, 2019 – 6:30 PM

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center – 

3450 DeKalb Avenue (off Gun Hill Road)

Agenda

I Welcome & Call Meeting to Order Bill Hall, Chair

II Consider, Adopt January 28, 2019 Agenda CFMC Representatives

III Consider, Adopt Minutes from CFMC Representatives

October 16, 2018 CFMC Meeting

IV Water Quality Presentation Adam Bosch, DEP

V Update on Van Cortlandt Park Pedestrian Bridge Department of Design & Construction

VI Update on Golf Clubhouse Department of Design & Construction

VII Croton Costs and Construction Update Bernard Daly, DEP

VIII Old Business CFMC Representatives & Public

IX New Business CFMC Representatives & Public

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Business Networking & Card Exchange at Bronx Beer Hall

BP DIAZ CALLS FOR NYC CONTROL OF PUBLIC TRANSIT

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. held a press conference to oppose the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) proposed public transit fare hikes and to call for a reorganization of the agency that gives control of local public transit back to New York City.

Borough President Diaz Jr. was joined by Council Member Rev. Ruben Diaz, Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez and Assembly Member Victor Pichardo at the event, which took place in front of the 149 Street-Grand Concourse subway station. The elected officials distributed literature to commuters demanding that the MTA reconsider their proposed fare hike.

“The MTA is adding a bigger burden on New Yorkers, our working class residents, by hiking the fares on public transportation,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We are continuing to pay more and more for less and less service each year. The current system is just not working, and commuters are sick and tired of being asked to spend more money for deplorable, subpar service. We stand in unison, demanding that there be no new fare hike in the near future. Fix the service, fix the trains running on time, fix the buses and then, maybe, we can talk about a fare hike.”

Borough President Diaz added that it is time for control of New York City Transit to return to New York City, as it was before the creation of the MTA in the 1960’s, considering the amount of money the city currently pours into public transportation and the consideration of new proposals, such as congestion pricing, that would take more money from New York City residents.

“For too long we have seen a game of hot-potato between Albany and New York City in regards to our subways and bus system,” said Borough President Diaz. “It is time for the Big Apple to accept control of this hot-potato, and for Albany to step back and change the law to give New York City the requisite power to fix the problem and control its own public transportation system.”  

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS RENEE CAMPION AS LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSIONER

Renee Campion is the first woman ever to lead the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations

  Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Renee Campion as Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations. She will assume the position on February 15 and will be the first women ever to lead the office. Campion will be responsible for negotiating labor agreements with 150 bargaining units representing over 360,000 City workers. 

“I can’t think of anyone better to take the helm at the Office of Labor Relations than Renee Campion. From her time representing medical doctors and dentists to her 17-year tenure at the Office of Labor Relations, Renee brings a wealth of experience to the negotiating table,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Her deep understanding of labor relations and maintaining a respectful dynamic will help us negotiate additional agreements that are fair to workers and New York City taxpayers. I’m also confident that Renee will build on the success of the last five years and bring a new and important perspective to the office.”

“I’m honored to be leading the Office of Labor Relations and look forward to expanding the great work we’ve done these last five years. As a City worker and New Yorker, a key focus of my work will be to continue balancing the needs of New York City taxpayers, the City and the entire City workforce all while maintaining a respectful dynamic. I’d like to thank Mayor de Blasio for appointing me to this role which I truly consider the pinnacle moment of my career. I also want to thank Bob Linn for his unwavering support and setting such a high standard at the Office of Labor Relations,” said Renee Campion, incoming Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations.

“I am so happy to be able to pass the torch to Renee. She has been the quintessential First Deputy enthusiastically leading the Office of Labor Relations team on all our endeavors. Together we have set a high bar for NYC labor relations and everyone is fortunate that Renee will lead the office into the future,” said Robert Linn, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations.

Renee Campion has served at the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations for 17 years, first serving as Assistant Commissioner, Associate Commissioner, an Advisor to the Commissioner and, most recently, as First Deputy Commissioner.

Wave Hill events February 1‒7, Hibernators Weekend!

Wave Hill’s Hibernators Weekend is back—and coincides with Groundhog Day this year! Celebrate this witty “holiday” with a special pancake breakfast—be sure to register by midday January 30!—and lots of opportunities to learn about and meet some pretty sleepy animals during a nature presentation. My favorite part of Hibernators Weekend? I’m guessing it’s keeping on your cozy winter onesies—PJs are encouraged!

Sat, February 2

Groundhog’s Pancake Breakfast

Descend into Wave Hill’s snug underground building for a hearty hibernators’ breakfast. Feast on pancakes and waffles with tasty toppings, along with other scrumptious breakfast fare. Includes coffee, tea, orange juice and a hot chocolate bar. Gluten-free items available. Seating may be communal, so you’ll get to know your hibernating neighbors. Pre-purchased tickets required; $35 adults, $20 kids ages 3–12, ages 2 and under free. Wave Hill members receive a 10% discount. We will take reservations until noon on Wednesday, January 30, at 718.549.3200 x395 or by emailing wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com. Reservations will not be held without payment. Cancellations require 48 hours’ notice. Please note the breakfast will take place in a building that is not ADA-accessible. Snow date: Sun, February 3.

Ecology Building, 9:30AM–NOON

Sat, February 2

Family Art Project: Hibernation Station

Turtles and groundhogs and bats, oh my! Get to know your local hibernators through sleepy tales of the season, and fashion your own dreamy hibernator mask to parade around in. Choose from a bear, toad or groundhog, or draw inspiration from your favorite hibernating animal to design your own wearable mask. PJs are welcome! Hibernators Weekend event. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, February 2

In The Shop: 20% off Folkmanis hibernator puppets

Save 20% on your little one’s Folkmanis puppet. Hibernators Weekend event.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sat, February 2

The Hibernators Den

Cozy up in the hibernators’ reading nook with books, puzzles and puppets. Hunt for sleeping creatures in a self-guided game and mix up some hot chocolate to help you nap through winter. Hibernators Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 11AM–3PM

Sat, February 2

To Sleep or Not to Sleep: Winter Survival Strategies Nature Presentation

Discover the amazing, sometimes strange, adaptations that allow native amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds to survive harsh New York winters. Some remain awake and active, others migrate south or enter a state of suspended animation. Educators from Volunteers for Wildlife and their live animal-ambassadors reveal these survival strategies. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Hibernators Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 1:30PM

Sun, February 3

Family Art Project: Hibernation Station

Turtles and groundhogs and bats, oh my! Get to know your local hibernators through sleepy tales of the season, and fashion your own dreamy hibernator mask to parade around in. Choose from a bear, toad or groundhog, or draw inspiration from your favorite hibernating animal to design your own wearable mask. PJs are welcome! Hibernators Weekend event. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, February 3

In The Shop: 20% off Folkmanis hibernator puppets

Save 20% on your little one’s Folkmanis puppet. Hibernators Weekend event.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sun, February 3

The Hibernators Den

Cozy up in the hibernators’ reading nook with books, puzzles and puppets. Hunt for sleeping creatures in a self-guided game and mix up some hot chocolate to help you nap through winter. Hibernators Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 11AM–3PM

Sun, February 3

Hibernators Ball

Like the groundhog, many animals emerge from their dens to determine how long the deep, dark days of winter will last. They visit with friends and dance the afternoon away, getting good and tired. Don your PJs, jewels and animal mask to become your favorite hibernator and learn to waltz in majestic Armor Hall with musicians Jody Kruskal and Friends. Hibernators Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 12:30PM, 2PM

Sun, February 3

Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 1–3PM

Sun, February 3

Garden and Conservatory 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, February 4

Closed to the public.

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–4:30PM,  November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 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.

NEW YORK CITY ADVISORY COMMISSION ON PROPERTY TAX REFORM HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING

  On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, members of the New York City Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reform will hold a meeting with invited experts who will offer insight into the topic of incidence, or the tax burden throughout the City’s property tax system.  This meeting is open to the public.

The Advisory Commission, formed in late May by Mayor de Blasio and Council Speaker Johnson, is working to develop recommendations to reform New York City’s property tax system to make it simpler, clearer, and fairer, while ensuring there is no reduction in revenue used to fund essential City services.

WHO:             Members of the New York City Advisory Commission on Property Tax Reform and invited experts

WHEN:          Tuesday, January 22^nd, 10 AM to 12 PM

WHERE:       New York City Council

            250 Broadway, 16^th Floor Committee Room

            New York, NY 10007

Acting Public Advocate and NYC Council Speaker Corey - Stay Safe this Weekend - Winter Storm Watch for NYC

Dear New Yorker: 

There is a Winter Storm Watch in effect for New York City from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Temperatures will be dangerously cold and conditions outside will be hazardous. I urge all of you to stay safe and warm this weekend, and to check on any neighbors who might be in need of help. I also encourage you to use the Office of the Public Advocate as a resource during this storm and always - please see my website for more if you need help. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

*WHAT: Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 3 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch possible. Extremely low temperatures. 

*WHEN: From Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, with single-digit temperatures lasting into Monday. 

*ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Travel could be very difficult at any point during the storm. Rapidly falling temperatures Sunday afternoon into the evening could cause any standing water to quickly freeze over. Strong wind gusts Sunday afternoon into the night could bring down tree limbs and power lines.

*PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.

SAFETY TIPS:

• Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
• Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
• Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain, snow or dense fog.
• Drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
• Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they stop less quickly than other vehicles.
• Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
• Know your vehicle's braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.
• If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
• Try to keep your vehicle's gas tank as full as possible. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.  
• Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.  
• It is critical that households have working smoke alarms and that families practice their fire escape plan.
• Bring pets inside during winter weather.  

CODE BLUE:
A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. 

During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:

• Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.
• Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with each day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.
• Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.
• Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.

ELPFUL LINKS:

• NYC Severe Weather page
• NYC Emergency Management
• PlowNYC snow plow tracker
• National Weather Service
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Sign up for NotifyNYC mobile alerts
• Download the 311 ‘app’

Be aware and stay safe. As always in these situations, I will be sharing new information as it becomes available via Twitter and Facebook.

Corey Johnson Speaker of the New York City Council Acting Public Advocate for the City of New York