The Bronx Democratic Party - Statement from Chairman Marcos A. Crespo

Statement from The Bronx Democratic Party Chairman Marcos A. Crespo

“When I announced back in February my intentions not to seek re-election, I confirmed that I would finish the session calendar and see the Bronx Democratic Party through the primary elections. And now that the voters have spoken, I want to congratulate all the Democratic winners, wish them immense success in November and announce that I will step down as Chair of the Democratic Party in The Bronx to coincide with my official resignation as a Member of the NYS Assembly effective today.

I'm proud of all we have accomplished over the last five years thanks to the work of talented and committed staff and volunteers. We supported the election of young, dynamic, and diverse progressive elected officials. We made history with the first black female District Attorney in the state of New York. We also strengthened the judiciary by supporting and electing dozens of women of color to the bench. The Party has become more inclusive, and the community now has a more welcoming space for larger gatherings and political activities with our newly built out headquarters.

The Bronx continues to be the epicenter of tremendous growth and improvements, but much work remains. Our beloved borough still has an arduous road ahead to address the long-standing socioeconomic disparities that were so aggressively exposed with the COVID-19 pandemic. But I have full trust and faith in our voters, I believe they have made great choices in this election cycle, and I am certain that the collective wisdom and experience of these elected Democrats will steer the party into the future with success. 

Once again, to every colleague, District Leader, State Committee Member, community partner, financial supporter, Democratic voter, even our opponents, I say thank you for the opportunity to work together. The Bronx will always be my home, but I look forward to the next generation of leadership continuing the fight to uplift every resident and make life better every day for our great Borough.”

OPEN RESTAURANTS MEET OPEN STREETS: MAYOR DE BLASIO COMBINES POPULAR PROGRAMS TO EXPAND OUTDOOR DINING OPTIONS

Mayor de Blasio today combined two popular programs, Open Streets and Open Restaurants, by announcing expanded seating options for restaurants on select restaurant corridors throughout the five boroughs. By July 4^th, 10-20 corridors citywide will be open to pedestrians and approved for expanded street dining. Another 10-20 corridors will be approved starting Friday, July 17^th. Restaurants on these corridors will go farther away from the curb than other Open Restaurants participants, and the rest of the streets will be open to pedestrian traffic.

BIDs and community-based organizations can apply starting on DOT’s website starting Monday, June 29^th. The City will quickly review applications and consult with elected officials and Community Boards to ensure optimal safety and appropriate design.

“New Yorkers have earned as much open space as we can give them – and combining our popular Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs will give them more options than ever,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Restaurants will be invaluable partners as we fight back COVID-19 and rebuild our local economy, and we can’t wait to work with them throughout the reopening process.”

“Today’s announcement brings an exciting new opportunity for restaurants to expand their use of streets across the City — and reach even more customers,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “With more than 5,000 Open Restaurants now signed up, some BIDs and neighborhood organizations have made a compelling case about the need to grow outdoor dining to even more of the street. But make no mistake, devoting entire streets to open-air dining is a big change — and we will make sure that these streets remain safe and passable for emergency vehicles.”

“New York City is defined by our creativity and innovation,” said Anne del Castillo, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. “Expanding Open Streets to support our local restaurants and bars is a creative way to use our public spaces to help stabilize beloved businesses, and keep our city strong.”

“This is a great new model that really addresses all the needs to get New York back on its feet safely and still make room for a magical summer,” said Ariel Palitz, Senior Executive Director of the Office of Nightlife at the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. “We’re hearing it across the city, restaurants and residents are excited about the possibilities that come with expanding Open Streets and Open Restaurants.”

The first tranche of corridors, which will be open for street dining starting July 4th weekend, will focus on streets that are already participating in the Open Streets program and/or corridors with organizations that have worked with DOT on street closures in the past. The second tranche, which will be operational starting Friday, July 17^th, will include additional applicants such as ad hoc groups of restaurants that coordinate through a single entity acting as a partner organization.

The hours of operation for this new expanded seating option for restaurants will be from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday nights, and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Expanded seating will last until Labor Day.

NEW YORK CITY PREPARES FOR PHASE 3 OF RE-OPENING

  Mayor de Blasio announced additional guidance and assistance for businesses that can re-open in Phase 3, including personal care services and indoor dining. Because of the hard work of New Yorkers in flattening the curve and following health guidance, Phase 3 is  projected to begin on July 6th.   To protect workers and help businesses safely enter Phase 3, the City will also distribute an additional 2.5 million face coverings to businesses citywide.

"New Yorkers have shown incredible resilience during this crisis, and it’s because of their hard work that we are on track for Phase 3 on July 6th," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We are offering businesses across the City assistance so they can re-open safely and get New Yorkers back to work." 

HELP FOR WORKERS AND BUSINESSES

Guidelines for businesses reopening can be found here. Questions concerning reopening procedures should be directed to the City’s Small Business Services hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC. Over 17,000 calls have been made to the hotline so far. 

SBS has already distributed five million face coverings to business, and will continue to distribute 2.5 million more. If you are a small business with fewer than 100 employees looking to secure free face coverings for your employees, find a distribution site here.

Workers can call the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection at 311 or 1-212-436-0381 with questions about reopening, health and safety guidelines for the workplace, or to report an employer that is not following reopening requirements. 

BioReference Covid-19 Testing is Fraud - Do Not Get Tested By BioReference See Below Why. The DOI Needs to Investigate This.Fraud

I received this from BioReference telling me I did not have the COVID-19 test done that I scheduled. The test was was done on May 16, 2020.

Dear New Yorker,  Our records show that you previously signed up for a  NYC COVID-19 antibody survey appointment but were  unable to attend that appointment. The City is now  scheduling appointments for five (5) new antibody  survey sites starting on Friday, June 26, 2020.To sign  up for an appointment, visit the link below. Regards,  NYC & BioReference Laboratories

BioReference did a COVID-19 Anti Body test on me May 16, 2020 at its 3rd Avenue site in the Bronx, so why are they telling me I did not have the test done.

When I went to get my results four days after I had the test done, I would of had to agree to an agreement that included becoming a patient of BioReference, that BioReference could not keep your personal information secure since third parties are used and given the results of the test, that the agreement could be changed at any time, and there was a paragraph about payment of services. This tet is listed as costing $82.00 on BioReferences website.

I would not agree to BioReference's terms thus I did not get my result. 

Being a reporter who gets to question Mayor de Blasio, I asked him why I could not get the results, and what third parties are involved that receive ones personal information. 

I was told the third party is probably the Department of Health, and the mayor's office would assist in getting my result. 

The mayor's office failed at getting my test results, each attempt said I would have to agree to BioReference's terms, which I will not. 

Since it was mentioned that the Department of Health would be one of the third parties that receives my test results, I have sent a Freedom Of Information Letter to the NYC Department of Health for my BioReference test results. 

I had the test done at my doctors office recently and the test said I have plenty of anti bodies, which could be the reason I got over the Coronavirus quickly. I would still like to see how accurate the BioReference test results are.

Above - One of BioReferences employees checked you in at the entrance to the site.

Below - The area where my blood was drawn for the COVID-19 test. 

These photos are proof that I had the test done, so why is BioReference saying I didn't? For another $82.00?

Governor Cuomo Announces Hospitalizations Drop below 1,000 for First Time since March 18

Down from Peak of 18,825

Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier Will Enter Phase IV of Reopening Tomorrow

1.1 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

17 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

Confirms 749 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 390,415; New Cases in 45 Counties

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that COVID-19 hospitalizations have dropped below 1,000 for the first time since March 18. Yesterday, there were 996 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in New York State. This is down from a peak of approximately 18,825 hospitalizations on April 12. Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country and the Southern Tier will enter Phase IV of reopening tomorrow, June 26. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are available at forward.ny.gov.

"After three months of New Yorkers working hard, doing the right thing and taking this seriously, the state has its lowest COVID-19 hospitalization rate since this started," Governor Cuomo said. "Facts are facts, even in this crazy political environment, and what we're saying in New York is we did the right thing. New Yorkers have been locked up and closed their businesses. We have the virus under control finally. We had to flatten the curve. We don't want to go back."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 996 (-75)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 68 (-29)
• Hospital Counties - 32
• Number ICU - 270 (-20)
• Number ICU that are intubated - 167 (-23)
• Total Discharges - 70,010 (+110)
• Deaths - 17
• Total Deaths - 24,800

No. 205: Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in New York EXECUTIVE ORDER

No. 205

E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R

QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVELERS ARRIVING IN NEW YORK 

WHEREAS, the State of New York has successfully slowed the transmission of COVID-19;

WHEREAS, the State of New York has gone from having the highest infection rate to one of the lowest in the country and is one of only a few states reported to be on track to contain COVID-19; 

WHEREAS, the Governor has undertaken a cautious, incremental and evidence-based approach to reopening the State of New York;  

WHEREAS, other states that may have taken a less cautious approach are experiencing an increased prevalence of COVID-19;

WHEREAS, New York must work in conjunction with its neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut, in light of the significant risk posed to the health and welfare of all residents by the further spread of COVID-19 to the tristate area, to protect the progress made; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York, in particular Article IV, section one, I do hereby order and direct as follows:

The commissioner of the Department of Health to issue a travel advisory to be communicated widely at all major points of entry into New York, including on highway message boards and in all New York airports, that:

All travelers entering New York from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10% test positivity rate, over a seven day rolling average, will be required to quarantine for a period of 14 days consistent with Department of Health regulations for quarantine. 

The Commissioner may issue additional protocols for essential workers, or for other extraordinary circumstances, when a quarantine is not possible, provided such measures continue to safeguard the public health. 

The criteria and the protocols will be coordinated with New Jersey and Connecticut Commissioners of Health, in order to ensure that the tristate area is protected from community transmission of COVID-19, while permitting free travel between and among the states. 

The Commissioner of Health in New York shall make public the impacted jurisdictions on its website and such travel advisory will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on June 25, 2020, until rescinded by the Commissioner.

Any violation of a quarantine or isolation order issued to an individual pursuant to the Commissioner of the Department of Health's travel advisory by a local department of health or state department of health may be enforced pursuant to article 21 of the public health law, and non-compliance may additionally be deemed a violation pursuant to section 12 of the public health law subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000.  

G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this twenty-fourth day of June in the year two thousand twenty. 

BY THE GOVERNOR    

     

Secretary to the Governor

Members Of The Mac Baller Brims Gang Charged With Murder

  Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Raymond P. Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), today announced a Superseding Indictment in United States v. Lawrence, et al. 19 Cr. 761 (JPO).  In the initial indictment, unsealed on October 24, 2019, 13 defendants were charged in connection with the activities of the Mac Baller Brims gang that operated in and around the Mount Hope section of the Bronx between 2017 and 2019.  In the Superseding Indictment, defendants DERRICK CASADO, a/k/a “Big Bank,” a/k/a “Papa D,” and CARLOS ROSARIO, a/k/a “Baby Bottle,” a/k/a “Carlito,” a/k/a “Barlito,” a/k/a “Barlos,” are charged with offenses relating an October 5, 2019 robbery in Manhattan, during which ROSARIO shot and killed Jonathan Rodriguez, 27.  A racketeering conspiracy charge was added against defendant JUAN TEJEDA, a/k/a “Gotti.”  The case is proceeding before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As charged in the Superseding Indictment, Carlos Rosario and Derrick Casado were responsible for the murder of Jonathan Rodriguez.  This is one of many acts of violence alleged to have been committed by members and associates of the Mac Baller Brims gang.  Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners at the NYPD, HSI, and DEA, Rosario and Casado now face federal charges for murder.”

Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “Today’s indictment reflects our continued focus on keeping criminal gangs off the city’s streets.  I thank our NYPD detectives, agents, and prosecutors for their sustained work on this case.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said:  “Members of the Mac Baller Brims allegedly brandished firearms and fired those guns in order to preserve their territory and protect their illicit business.   As alleged, in this case, gang members Derrick Casado and Carlos Rosario are charged with murder, after having shot and killed Jonathan Rodriguez in a Manhattan robbery.  HSI New York’s strong partnerships with the NYPD and DEA, and the continued collaboration in criminal investigations, has led to the arrest of these two individuals and they will now face the consequences for their alleged deadly act.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond P. Donovan said:  “With many acts of violence alleged to be committed by members of the Mac Baller Brims Gang – none were as savage as the murder of Jonathan Rodriguez.  Gang violence threatens the safety of New Yorkers and puts communities in the crosshairs of drug trafficking and drug-related crime.  I applaud our partners at the US Attorney’s Office, the NYPD, and HSI for their diligent work.”

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment[1]:

The Mac Baller Brims was a criminal enterprise, and its members and associates committed numerous acts of violence, including shootings, in and around the Bronx.  They engaged in such acts to preserve and protect their power, territory, and profits, and to promote and enhance the gang and its criminal activities.  Members of the gang also enriched themselves by committing robberies and by selling drugs, such as crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, including in New York and in Maine.  While conducting their drug business, members and associates of the gang used, carried, and possessed firearms, and members of the gang brandished and fired those guns on multiple occasions since 2017.

On October 5, 2019, CASADO and ROSARIO robbed two victims in the vicinity of 20 East 116th Street in New York, New York, and in the course of that robbery and the immediate flight therefrom, ROSARIO shot and killed a third victim, Jonathan Rodriguez.  The Superseding Indictment charges CASADO and ROSARIO with one count of assault in aid of racketeering, and aiding and abetting the same; one count of brandishing a firearm, and aiding and abetting the same; one count of murder in aid of racketeering, and aiding and abetting the same; and one count of murder through use of a firearm, and aiding and abetting the same.  CASADO and ROSARIO face a maximum sentence of life in prison.            

In addition, the Superseding Indictment charges JUAN TEJEDA with conspiring to conduct and participate in the conduct and affairs of the Mac Ballers enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity.  The maximum sentence for this charge is life in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of the NYPD, HSI, and DEA on this investigation.

The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment, and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.