4 Days and Counting

 

Only four days to go as your mayor. Here I am in the Bronx announcing my new Placard Patrol with Chief Chan as my henchman to give out tickets to cars with illegal placards. That lasted long, about one month until his squad was reassigned, and so was he. 

I got stuck with a lot of mandates from my predecessor Mayor Bloomberg, and I am going to stick incoming Mayor Adams with even more mandates that he will be stuck with. After the hurricane that devastated lower Manhattan years ago, I was suppose to do a lot of things, but I can blame not doing them on COVID-19. So Charlene make sure you took everything that was not nailed down.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION RELEASES CLIMATE RESILIENCE PLAN FOR FINANCIAL DISTRICT AND SEAPORT

 

Sets New York City on path to protecting Lower Manhattan from the deadly and costly effects of climate change

 Mayor de Blasio, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Mayor's Office of Climate Resiliency (MOCR) today released the Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan, a blueprint for comprehensive flood defense infrastructure to protect Lower Manhattan from the urgent threat of climate change. The plan, projected to cost $5 to $7 billion, reimagines the shoreline of Lower Manhattan and creates a resilient waterfront to withstand severe coastal storms and rising sea levels. Nearly one million people work in, live in, and commute through the low-lying Financial District and South Street Seaport neighborhoods. Illustrative images of the design proposal can be found here (credit: NYCEDC).

 

Protecting Lower Manhattan is imperative to New York City’s overall coastal resilience strategy.  It is one of the nation’s largest central business districts, with half of workers coming from the outer boroughs; a critical hub of the subways and PATH transit systems and the regional highway network; and an iconic destination for millions of visitors from around the US and the world. Using the New York City Panel on Climate Change 90^th percentile projections, by the 2050s rising tides are projected to flood the Financial District and Seaport monthly, then daily by the 2080s. Some level of frequent tidal flooding is likely to be seen as early as the 2040s.

 

 “This Plan for a protected and resilient waterfront in Lower Manhattan will help us fully confront the urgent and accelerating threat of climate change,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “A recovery for all of us must ensure families, businesses, and communities in Lower Manhattan are able to withstand extreme weather and rising sea levels, which this vision guarantees.”

 

To protect the area, which was hard-hit by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the master plan features a multilevel waterfront that extends the shoreline of the East River by up to 200 feet from its existing location. The upper level will be elevated by about 15 to 18 feet to protect against severe storms like Sandy, while doubling as public open spaces with sweeping views of the city and harbor. The lower level will be a continuous waterfront esplanade, raised three to five feet to protect against sea level rise while connecting New Yorkers to the water's edge. From now through 2100, if no action is taken, repetitive flooding is projected to cause up to $20 billion in estimated losses to the region. The master plan will safeguard Lower Manhattan in a time of rising sea levels and more frequent and intense coastal storms.

 

The master plan encompasses almost one mile of waterfront from The Battery to the Brooklyn Bridge. Notable features of the proposed plan include:

 

•    Floodwalls buried in the landscape that create a line of ridges along this waterfront, permanently protecting Lower Manhattan from coastal storms and creating new open spaces with expansive views of the harbor

•    Resilient stormwater infrastructure, including a new pump station along with green infrastructure

•    Resilient ferry terminals for Staten Island, Governors Island, and NYC Ferries, among other operators

•    Universally accessible entrances and pathways, designed to ensure people of all ages and abilities can get to and move around the waterfront

•    New public open spaces with playgrounds, plazas, lawns, seating, and cafes

•    Coves that promote habitat restoration and provide opportunities to learn about the ecology of the East River

•    Resilient piers for docking historic ships, bolstering the historic character of South Street Seaport 

 

The City has worked closely with the community to shape this plan. Through numerous public meetings and workshops, an online engagement portal, youth outreach with local schools, and other creative forms of engagement, the City incorporated feedback at every step along the way. To maximize outside input, the City also formed the Climate Coalition for Lower Manhattan, a group of local and citywide stakeholders chaired by Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at The Rockefeller Foundation, and Tammy Meltzer, Chairperson of Manhattan Community Board 1.

 

“NYCEDC and MOCR have envisioned a 21st-Century resilient waterfront that stands to be a model for other major cities,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “We’ve done years of work, and we have the innovation. There’s no doubt climate change is here. Sea levels are rising, and stronger, more devastating storms will only continue, which is why we must protect our coastline and safeguard our vulnerable historic Seaport area and Financial District. If we do not take action now residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure are put in jeopardy. We must rely on strong partnerships at all levels of government to help implement this plan.”

 

“The FiDi & Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan provides the vision and blueprint for a resilient waterfront that can withstand the impacts of future coastal storms and sea level rise,” said Jainey Bavishi, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency. ”The Master Plan is a product of years of collaboration between MOCR, NYCEDC, numerous City agencies, elected officials, technical experts and most importantly, community members. We must get to the work of implementation without delay.”

 

"New York City’s future depends on us planning for the effects of coastal storms and sea level rise in vulnerable places,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “This new master plan outlines a vision for transforming the shoreline in the Financial District and Seaport that prioritizes the need for public access and climate planning along Lower Manhattan's waterfront.”

 

Next year, the City will move forward with the next phase of design and engineering needed to apply for federal funding and obtain required permits from state and federal regulatory agencies. With funding and prioritization by the regulatory agencies, comprehensive flood protection could be in place by 2035. In October, Mayor de Blasio announced $110 million in City funding for Seaport Coastal Resilience, a new project to protect South Street Seaport—the lowest lying and most vulnerable part of the master plan study area.

 

The master plan was led by NYCEDC and MOCR in partnership with a host of City agencies. Technical and design support was provided by an interdisciplinary consulting team led by the Dutch engineering firm Arcadis.

 

The Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan is part of the larger Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency (LMCR) strategy, backed by over $900 million in City investments to protect Lower Manhattan from flooding. This includes active capital projects in Battery Park City, The Battery, and the Two Bridges neighborhood north of the Brooklyn Bridge. 

 

Housing Lottery Launches For Peninsula Building 1B In Hunts Point, The Bronx

 

The Peninsula aerial view, design by WXY Architecture + Urban Design

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Peninsula Building 1B, a 14-story mixed-use building at 720 Tiffany Street in Hunts Point, The Bronx. Designed by WXY Architecture + Urban Design and developed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the structure is the first of four new developments bringing 740 affordable units to the area. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 164 units for residents at 30 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $15,772 to $118,400.

Residents will have access to a wide range of amenities including an indoor community room with kitchenette, bike storage room, children’s playroom, shared laundry room, gym, and outdoor terrace. Rent includes heat and hot water, with tenants responsible for electricity.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are 18 units with a monthly rent ranging from $396 to $683 for incomes ranging from $15,772 to $44,400. At 40 percent of the AMI, there are 18 units with a monthly rent ranging from $549 to $949 for incomes ranging from $21,018 to $59,200. At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 18 units with a monthly rent ranging from $720 to $1,244 for incomes ranging from $26,880 to $74,000. At 60 percent of the AMI, there are 74 units with a monthly rent ranging from $908 to $1,570 for incomes ranging from $33,326 to $88,800. At 80 percent of the AMI, there are 36 units with a monthly rent ranging from $1,232 to $2,131 for incomes ranging from $44,435 to $118,400.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than February 21, 2022.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Access at MTA Bridges and Passenger Stations

 

Legislation S.4943B/A.6235 Requires the MTA to Develop a Plan to Promote Cycling and Pedestrian Access on Bridges and Passenger Stations 

 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation S.4943B/A.6235 which requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to develop a strategic plan to promote cycling and pedestrian access on its bridges and at its passenger stations and require the MTA to consider bicycle and pedestrian access in its capital plans. 

“Public transit in New York should be welcoming, safe and accessible for cyclists and pedestrians," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to sign legislation that will expand access to public transit, no matter how you choose to get around. This new law will make the MTA more walkable and bicycle-friendly, a major step in improving our transit system." 

Legislation S.4943B/A.6235 requires the MTA to make this plan to encourage cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges, bike parking at MTA subway and commuter rail stations, and bike access on board MTA equipment. Pursuant to the legislation, the Long Island Rail Road Commuter’s Council, the Metro-North Rail Commuter’s Council, and the New York City Transit Authority Council will study bicycle and pedestrian access and provide recommendations to the MTA regarding such. 

Albanian American Open Hand Association and Councilman Mark Gjonaj Toy Giveaway

 

Albanian American Open Hand Association and Councilman Mark Gjonaj Toy Giveaway

By Robert Press

Tuesday afternoon became a joyful time for many children who came to 2134 Barnes Avenue for the Albanian  American Open Hands Association and Councilman Mark Gjonaj Toy Giveaway. 

Hundreds of toys for boys and girls placed on tables by age group were waiting to go home with one of the many children who would get to take one home with them. 

First the children would meet Councilman Mark Gjonaj at the door where they would clean their hands with hand sanitizer, and then receive a candy cane. They would go down three stairs to find the toy they wanted, and then receive a hat and pair of gloves before being greeted by Santa Claus. There were also delicious Councilman Gjonaj doughnuts for all. 

To make sure the children's hands were clean, Councilman Gjonaj brought a big bottle of hand sanitizer and a bucket of candy canes.

Here one child points to the hand sanitizer leaking from the bottle.

Toys were set up on many tables for boys or girls, and by age group.

There were gloves and hats for the children courtesy of Councilman Gjonaj.

Santa is greeted by Violet Yueiiaj before he greets the children. 

This little girl was very happy to see Santa Claus.

Other children were happy to see Santa, and show off the toys they chose to go home with them.

Councilman Gjonaj, Miriam Quinn (sitting on Santa's lap, and Aleksander Nilaj of AAOHA.

Another photo with Santa, Councilman Gjonaj, AAOHA founder Aleksander Nilij and AAOHA volunteers. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW NYC FERRY LANDING IN THROGS NECK, THE BRONX

 

Extended Soundview Route from Ferry Point Park now connecting more Bronx Commuters to the Upper East Side, Midtown and the Financial District, as network expansion continues

 

NYC Ferry’s five-borough system has served over 21 million riders since its 2017 launch

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Rachel Loeb, President and CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today officially launched NYC Ferry service in Throgs Neck in the Bronx with the opening of a new landing at Ferry Point Park. The new facility extends the Soundview Route, which stops on the Upper East Side, in Midtown, and the Financial District. As of today, the route, now starts at the new landing in Ferry Point Park and continues to existing stops in Soundview, East 90^th Street, 34^th Street, Stuyvesant Cove, and Wall Street/Pier 11. From start to finish, the total traveling time is 60 minutes, shortening commutes for thousands of New Yorkers.

 

“The Throgs Neck ferry landing is a game changer for Bronx commuters,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Starting tomorrow, this landing will provide affordable, accessible, and time saving transport, expanding transit options for all New Yorkers, further connecting the five boroughs and building a recovery for all of us.”

 

“NYC Ferry has become an integral part of New York City’s transportation system less than five years since its launch, and today we’re excited to bring service to Throgs Neck to help Bronx residents reach their workplaces and other destinations faster,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “NYC Ferry ridership has outpaced expectations since the system first launched and ridership has recovered from the COVID crisis faster than any other mode of transit. We are proud this system is serving all five boroughs with safe, reliable, daily service, as we keep more New Yorkers with limited public transportation options moving.”

 

“The new NYC Ferry landing will expand access to Ferry Point Park and the Bronx waterfront while significantly improving public transportation options for the surrounding community,” said Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “We look forward to seeing New Yorkers use this new ferry stop along with the park’s new pathways and public parking spaces, for years to come.”

  

On the extended Soundview route, vessels will continue to run every 40 minutes during peak times, and every 60 minutes during off-peak weekday times. The winter weekend schedule has vessels arriving every 75 minutes, though this will be more frequent in future summer weekend schedules. Residents of Throgs Neck will be able to reach E. 90^th Street in 25 minutes and make the trip all the way to Wall Street/Pier 11 in 60 minutes, providing a one-seat ride that will cut many current commuting times by about 30 minutes. Detailed timetables for the Soundview route, along with a map of all NYC Ferry routes, can be viewed here.

 

The extension of the Soundview route is part of an announced NYC Ferry expansion plan that in August 2021 added the St. George route connecting Staten Island to Manhattan’s West Side, and will bring service to Coney Island, as well as year-round service to Governor's Island. 

 

The new Bronx landing is situated within Ferry Point Park, where a newly upgraded free parking lot is available to riders and park users. A small electric transit vehicle will be available, with preference to seniors and people with disabilities, to shuttle riders from the parking lot to the ferry landing.

 

“A thriving city requires us to consider new, alternative modes of transportation, as well as expansion to existing modes of transportation," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "Ferry service in Throgs Neck will provide commuters and visitors alike, an efficient and fun way to get from point a to point b and also explore The Bronx. I thank NYCEDC and the administration for their work to expand ferry service to Throgs Neck, and I look forward to seeing this service expand in the future."

 

“With the expansion of the Soundview ferry route into Ferry Point Park, commuters in the Northeast Bronx will now have faster and more reliable access to the Upper East Side, Midtown, and the Financial District without having to pay an exorbitant cost for convenience,” said Bronx Borough President-elect Vanessa L. Gibson. “This ferry line expansion is also another step forward towards decreasing transit deserts in our city and achieving greater transportation equity in our borough for residents that need it the most. I want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, and transportation advocates for their work on this project and I look forward to working with the new administration in pushing for more public transportation access in the Bronx.”

 

"The residents of the Eastern Bronx have suffered for years due to a lack of transportation access, and today the City finally delivers on its promise to increase ferry service within our community. It will also provide new transportation opportunities to residents that have struggled with hours-long commute rides into Manhattan,” said Council Member-elect, Marjorie Velazquez.

 

“This is a proud moment for the community of Throgs Neck! The NYC Ferry will take our residents to Manhattan in under an hour. Community Board #10 remains a transit desert and we could not be more grateful to have this wonderful addition to our transportation network. Thank you Mayor de Blasio and NYC EDC for this historic achievement for our community,” said CB10 District Manager Matthew Cruz.

 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 28, 2021

 

96,049 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

77 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

“With just three days left in the year, let's make a New Year's resolution to beat this pandemic in 2022," Governor Hochul said. “Let's start by celebrating New Year's safely this weekend. Before visiting friends and family, please get yourself tested and make sure you are vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. Please remember to wear a mask when gathering with others. If we all do what’s right, we can make 2022 a very different year from the hardships we've had to endure so far.”

Today's data is summarized briefly below.

· Test Results Reported – 210,996

· Total Positive – 40,780

· Percent Positive – 19.33%

· 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 13.36%

· Patient Hospitalization - 6,173 (+647)

· Patients Newly Admitted – 1,148

· Patients in ICU - 945 (+32)

· Patients in ICU with Intubation - 519 (+18)

· Total Discharges - 227,712 (+457)

· New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 77

· Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 48,150

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only. 

· Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 61,084

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

· Total vaccine doses administered – 33,229,440

· Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 96,049

· Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 680,721

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 88.7% 

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 80.4% 

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 82.7%

· Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 77.5%

· Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 69.5% 

· Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 83.4%

· Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.5%

Attorney General James Issues Warning to ClearMD Health to Stop Misrepresenting Turnaround Times for COVID-19 Test Results, Demands Refunds for Consumers Who Paid for Expedited Results

 

ClearMD Health Has Been Charging Consumers for Expedited COVID-19 Test Results, But Has Failed to Meet Promised Turnaround Times

ClearMD Health Letter Follows Similar Letters to LabQ, Labworq, and Sameday Health Last Week

  New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a warning letter to ClearMD Health — a private lab with a number of locations throughout Manhattan and one in Queens that advertises coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing — for not meeting promised turnaround times for test results. Numerous consumers have now passed the timeframe in which they were promised test results, even those who paid for expedited testing. Today’s letter notifies ClearMD Health that New York law prohibits false advertising and instructs the company to immediately update the company’s website and any signage at test sites to accurately reflect how long individuals can expect to wait before receiving COVID-19 test results. Attorney General James also demands refunds for all consumers who paid for expedited test results but did not receive them in the timeframe initially promised.

“What we’re seeing more and more are private labs and collection centers making false promises about turnaround times for COVID-19 test results when there is no way for them to keep up with the demand. What’s worse is that a number of these companies are charging New Yorkers for a ‘quick’ test result that is anything but that,” said Attorney General James. “ClearMD Health has been charging New Yorkers hundreds of dollars for expedited test results but has repeatedly failed to deliver on that promise. With COVID-19 positivity rates skyrocketing due to Omicron and New Yorkers gathering with loved ones for the holidays, companies need to stay true to their word and provide COVID-19 test results in the timeframes they are promising. ClearMD Health must immediately update its website and its signage and notify patients of the realistic timeline in which they will receive results, as well as provide refunds to every patient who paid for expedited test results but never received them in the proper timeframe. All New Yorkers who continue to see misrepresentations about COVID-19 test turnaround times are encouraged to file a complaint on my website right away.”

ClearMD Health offers free or low cost COVID-19 tests for those with insurance, as well as for CARES Act patients, and charges high fees for premium services, such as $498 for those seeking a two-hour result. The website promises “the fastest [test] turnaround time in New York – less than 24 hours,” with no mention of any fee. Additionally, ClearMD Health’s website guarantees “PCR results in as quick as 12-24 hours” and claims they can provide “COVID testing quick enough to keep up with the busiest of New Yorkers.” But the Office of the Attorney General has become aware of consumers who paid for expedited test results but did not receive their results in those guaranteed timeframes.

In addition to warning ClearMD Health to update its website and signage and to instruct its employees to provide accurate information concerning turnaround times, the letter issued by Attorney General James requests that ClearMD Health contact all of its customers who are currently awaiting COVID-19 test results to let them know when they can realistically expect to receive those results. Attorney General James also demands refunds for any consumer who paid for expedited test results but did not receive them in the timeframe originally promised.

Today’s letter follows three separate letters Attorney General James sent last week to LabQ, Labworq, and Sameday Health demanding that the companies take similar steps to update their websites and their signage, and to inform consumers about realistic wait times for COVID-19 test results.

Attorney General James asks any consumer who believes a lab or other testing facility is making misleading statements about their turnaround time for COVID-19 test results to file a complaint online with the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau or call the office at 1-800-771-7755.