Tuesday, April 5, 2016
PEDESTRIAN PLAZA BILL AND LEGISLATION ON TAXIs/FHVs TO BE VOTED ON IN TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
On Wednesday, April 6th at 10:00 AM, the Council Transportation Committee will vote on the following bills:
- Proposed Int. No. 658-A - By Council Members Garodnick, Rodriguez, Chin, Constantinides, Rose, Espinal, Williams, Cabrera, Mendez, Rosenthal and Menchaca - A local law in relation to requiring information security and use of personal information policies for services licensed by taxi and limousine commission
- Proposed Int. No. 1080-A - By The Speaker (Council Member Mark-Viverito) and Council Members Garodnick, Rodriguez, Torres and Menchaca - A local law in relation to fare quotes for black car and luxury limousine service
- Proposed Int. No. 1092-A - By Council Members Lancman, Menchaca, Constantinides and Van Bramer - A local law in relation to the retirement of black cars
- Proposed Int. No. 1095-A - By Council Members Rodriguez and Constantinides - A local law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to a universal driver's license for taxicab and for-hire vehicle drivers
- Proposed Int. No. 1096-A - By Council Members Rodriguez, Constantinides and Van Bramer - A local law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to increasing penalties for accepting a passenger by street hail from a location where street hails are not permitted
- Proposed Int. No. 1109-B - By Council Members Johnson, Garodnick, Lander, Rodriguez, Torres, Chin and Cohen- A local law in relation to pedestrian plazas
When: Wednesday, April 6th, 10:00 AM
Where: 250 Broadway,14th Floor Committee Hearing Room
Assemblyman Crespo & Senator Klein Create Disaster Preparedness Program Via State Budget
Superstorm Sandy and extreme weather across New York leads to program which incentivizes disaster preparedness for property owners
With billions in damage to property across New York due to severe weather and with the limited resources of first-responders being put to their limit, New York State has adopted legislation proposed in 2014 by Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo and Senator Jeff Klein which will incentivize property owners to make their dwellings more resilient to natural disasters through a home safety and loss prevention course. This is also a win-win for insurance companies who provide homeowners with authorized courses in disaster preparedness as this would reduce claims on the company.
The 2016-2017 State Budget which was adopted yesterday included the original legislation (A.6846/S.1529) which was vetoed by Governor Cuomo last year. With over $30 billion in property damage due to Superstorm Sandy alone, it became clear that more needed to be done to help New Yorkers become better prepared and more resilient to a major natural disaster. Across the State, outbreaks of severe weather in the form of flooding and tornadoes have also inflicted millions in property damage.
The new law permits the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to provide an actuarially appropriate reduction in homeowner’s insurance premiums upon a homeowner’s completion of a home safety and loss prevention course. This new law establishes that:
• Applicants have the ability to submit a home safety and loss prevention course to DFS for review;
• DFS will examine the course to discern if it warrants an actuarially appropriate reduction in rates of a homeowner’s insurance policy; and,
• Once DFS approves the course and the insured (the homeowner) produces a completion certificate proving they have completed the approved course, the insurer can provide the actuarially appropriate reduction in rates of a homeowner’s insurance policy for a period of 3 years.
“I am proud to once again partner with Senator Klein to work on programs which will improve public safety, save lives and better prepare our residents to cope with natural disasters which we have seen cripple communities,” stated Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Insurance.
“In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which devastated homes in my district, it’s imperative that New Yorkers learn how to fortify their properties in the event of extreme weather. Through this new course, homeowners will develop ways to reduce the risk of property damage posed by natural disasters and in securing their homes, lessen danger to their families, while getting a discount on their homeowners insurance,” said Senator Jeff Klein.
This is the second bill of three proposed in a report released by Assemblyman Crespo in May of 2013 to improve public safety from growing severe weather threats. “Tornadoes Rising: The Increasing Rates of Tornadoes in New York State” highlighted the dangers facing most New Yorkers from severe weather.
The report compiled tornado data since 1950 and found that “Over the past 15 years 146 tornadoes have hit our State, accounting for 35% of the 407 tornadoes impacting New York since 1950. Data shows 69% of the 407 tornadoes occurring since 1986, increasing in frequency over the past decade. Tornadoes now pose a tremendous risk to all of New York’s more than 19 million residents.” It also found that “New York City alone has seen a more than 300% increase in tornadoes since 2002.” A full copy of the report can be found at:http://assembly.state.ny.us/
According to Crespo, “We know that most people have put their sole trust in first responders as their primary vehicle to deal with a disaster and this is unrealistic when a mass disaster impacts any locality. It is impossible for first-responders to respond to what would become an overwhelming number of calls for assistance. That is why this legislation incentivizes homeowners to make their homes more disaster resilient so they can stay at home and in safety until help can reach them. Disaster preparedness should become a household term and way of life.”
Monday, April 4, 2016
New York Hispanic Clergy Organization Annual Banquet to Be Held On April 16
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
New York Hispanic Clergy Organization Annual Banquet Will Be Held On April 16
You should know that on Saturday, April 16, 2016, the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization will be celebrating its Annual Banquet.
It is important for you to know that this Banquet will begin a 1:00PM and continue until 4:00PM, and will take place at Maestro’s Caterers, located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
Like every year for the past 27, Bishops, Pastors, Evangelists, Lay People and Community Leaders will get together with the Board of Directors to celebrate the biggest social gathering of the Evangelical Hispanic Community in the Metropolitan area.
You should also know that more than 800 people have already confirmed their attendance, and elected officials are also expected to attend and join in the recognition of five distinguished members of the Hispanic Clergy.
Reverend Luis Serrano, Chaplain of the New York City Police Department; Dr. Ariel Torres, Member of Radio Vision Cristiana International Board of Directors; Reverend Dr. Feliciano Espaillat, Community Dentist and Pastor; Dr. Julio Wally, Pastor of the Iglesia Alianza Cristiana Ebenezer; and Reverend Francisco Peralta, Assistant Pastor of Heavenly Vision Ministry in Bronx County will receive Certificates, Proclamations, and Recognition during the activity.
The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization’s Banquet will be presided by yours truly, and the press is welcome.
I am Senator Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
CarFreeNYC Shows Strength With Growing Support Across City
OVER ONE HUNDRED RALLY AT CITY HALL TO SUPPORT A CAR FREE NYC ON EARTH DAY
Rally Draws from Diverse Range of Prominent NYC Institutions & Officials to Stress Importance of Leaving Cars at Home This Earth Day
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams Issues Challenge to Fellow BP's, Saying Brooklyn Will Have Fewest Cars on Street this Earth Day
New York, NY - Over one hundred gathered on the steps of City Hall today to back a transformative initiative spreading across the globe: a Car Free Day, this time in New York City. The effort, kick started by NYC Council Transportation Committee Chair Ydanis Rodriguez, encourages New York drivers to leave their cars at home for at least one day this year: Earth Day, April 22nd.
Supporters included elected officials, companies and advocacy organizations from a wide variety of fields, all eager to take part in the discussion about the choices we can make as a city when it comes to transportation.
"New Yorkers who choose to drive don't often think twice about hopping in cars to get around, at least until they're sitting in the parking lot that is typical midtown traffic," said NYC Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. "This Earth Day, we can choose another way-to work, to school, to run errands or otherwise-and hopefully drive a discussion about how our choices impact our planet and our neighbors. We will see how lively our streets can be when filled with people rather than cars. We can also reaffirm that investments in mass transit pay major dividends from an economic and environmental perspective. I am so proud that this initiative has received the support of so many and we expect to have a real impact on April 22nd."
Single occupancy car usage is one of the least efficient ways of moving about a city rife with quality transportation options, not to mention the high costs of car ownership in New York City as compared to monthly MetroCards or a Citibike membership. Freeing up our streets can provide for cleaner air, causing less harm to our environment; allow for greater walkability and bikeability to promote active transportation; and will impress upon New Yorkers how our choices matter when it comes to how we move about.
At the rally, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams issued a challenge to his fellow Borough Presidents, including Manhattan BP Gale Brewer, who was present, that Brooklyn would be the borough to reduce car usage the most in the City; a challenge that Brewer accepted immediately.
#CarFreeNYC is also specifically geared toward those New Yorkers who don't live in transit rich areas as it will highlight the disparities in commute time for those living in transit deserts. This is an indicator which often holds a direct relationship to income and employment levels in New York and cities across the country. This is why it has garnered the support from Council Members representing districts with sparse transit such as Elizabeth Crowley and I. Daneek Miller.
"Our planet is the only one we have, and all of us have a role to play in preserving it for future generations," said Public Advocate Letitia James. "Any step that reduces carbon emissions brings us one step closer to finally tackling climate change. I look forward to doing my part and participating in Car Free Day on Earth Day, and thank Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez for creating this important initiative."
"Car-Free Day is a great way to show our commitment to a greener future on Earth Day," said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. "Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez has demonstrated a deep dedication to better connecting our city, with new and improved transportation options. I look forward to continuing to work with him to better connect our communities to emerging job centers."
"Manhattan is one of the most walkable urban environments on the planet," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "Working together, events like Car-Free Day can help us imagine a cleaner, safer city with more public transportation, more walking, more public space, and fewer cars."
"If we are to conquer our congestion challenges, we need to be bold," said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. If we are to make meaningful progress in the battle against climate change, we need to be aggressive. I applaud Council Member Rodriguez for his bold, aggressive push for a Car Free Day in New York City this Earth Day, a movement that asks all of us to rethink transportation and advance sustainable solutions. I will do my part to make sure Brooklyn is a leading force in this important moment for our planet."
Editor's Note:
The list of names who commented added up to 35. That would mean a little more than 65 others (probably mostly staff of those who commented) attended. Considering the Public Advocate, both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Borough Presidents, and a candidate for congress, not to mention all the others listed as giving comments for various groups or organizations, it seems that no one else was in attendance. This press release also came from City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez who was not listed as giving commentary.
Bronx Chamber of Commerce - The passing of Frank DeGrazio
Dear Members:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank DeGrazio, life partner of Kathy Zamechansky. Kathy has been an active member of the Board of Directors for many years.
Frank attended most of our Chamber events throughout those years. Frank passed away suddenly on Saturday evening.
Our sincere condolences go out to their families.
Wake
Wednesday, 4/6, and Thursday, 4/7, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Yannantuno Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home
584 Gramatan Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10552
Funeral
Friday, 4/8, 10:45 am
St. Claire's Church
1918 Rhinelander Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461
Burial
Woodlawn Cemetery
517 East 233rd Street
Bronx, New York 10470
Nunzio Del Greco
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Assemblyman Gjonaj & Senator Klein meeting with NYC Small Business Services April 6, 2016
Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj & Senator Jeff Klein invite you to a conversation with NYC Small Business Services
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Join us for an open discussion with NYC Small Business Services
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Tracey Towers
Community Center
40 West Mosholu Parkway South
Bronx, N.Y.
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