Three of Ten Nominees to The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government Rejected by the Independent Review Committee

A Independent Review Committee of fifteen leaders of New York's accredited law schools rejected three of the first ten nominees to the new eleven member Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, the body that will replace JCOPE. The Governor has three appointments, the Senate and Assembly majority each have two, the Senate minority, Assembly minority, Comptroller, and Attorney General each have one. 

The nomination of Gary Lavine, the only former JCOPE commissioner by Republican Senate minority Leader Richard Ott, the nomination of Robert Torres former State Supreme Court Judge by Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and the nomination of Emily Jane Goodman former State Supreme Court Judge by Democratic State Attorney General Letitia James were rejected by the panel to the new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. No approved names have been released yet.  

Ott, Heastie, and James can now either make new nominations to be reviewed by the Independent Review Committee or they could file court challenges of the rejection of their choices to the new Commission. It is unknown what will be done right now. 

The new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government was created during the final days of the state budget negotiations between Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat led state legislature in secret. The Governor and state legislature can overrule the Independent Review Committee that was set up, but it is unlikely to be done given the legislature and governor overruling the redistricting Independent Review Committee which caused a special master to draw new district lines after courts ruled the district lines unconstitutional.

NIDC Prepares Bronx Families for Back to School

 

Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. NIDC is proud to announce their Book Bag Giveaways! These events reflect NIDC’s commitment to support Bronx youth in achieving scholarly success. Bronx families had an opportunity to get a free backpack, full of school supplies, for each child in attendance. Events took place at P.S. 96, and Eastchester Garden Cornerstore (ECG). These events are made possible by elected officials, and community based organizations such as Bronx Rising, and NIDC. 

PS 96’s Book Bag Giveaway took place in PS 96’s school yard located at 2385 Olinville Ave, on August 27 at 1pm. It was made possible, in part, by donations from 80th District Leader Remy Salas. ECG’s Book Bag Block Party was hosted at the Eastchester Playground near 3016 Yates Ave, on September 3 at 12pm. 

The events were a reminder for the staff that their work makes a difference. “It was great seeing Bronx families receive a backpack, as a community member being hands on with the kids in and out of school makes me feel like I’m making a difference”.  Maya C. “It was great to be able to give back to the community by providing backpacks and school supplies. It was heartwarming, knowing that it took a burden off many families who might have financial issues”.  Angelique L. 

NIDC’s mission is to prepare youth for a successful future and help build thriving communities. Their youth development services include after school programs for students in grades PreK - 12, summer camp, nightly teen center, and support for Out-of-School Youth.  

Upcoming Events

Back-to-School with Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez

Friday, September 9, 2022
2:00 PM  4:00 PM

Bronx Park East & Waring Avenue 

Friends of Pelham Parkway National Clean Up Day

Saturday, September 17, 2022
11:30 AM  12:30 PM
Near the Rose GardenPelham Parkway North and Wallace Avenue

NIDC's 40th Anniversary Block Party

Sunday, October 2, 2022
12:00 PM  5:00 PM
Bronxwood Avenue and Allerton Avenue 

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - Welcoming September + Community Round-Up

 

Dear Neighbor,

This summer has been exciting, from family days to awarding community organizations with much-needed budget allocations. And while the summer days were long and draining for some, I am proud of all of you who have worked through the most challenging and fulfilling times.

One of my favorite parts of September is when we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate the unique and numerous traditions from the various Spanish-speaking countries, paying homage to the contributions and strides made by the Hispanic community. We’ve seen this in all forms, from civil rights movements to protests against local governments for inhumane living conditions and women’s reproductive rights, as well as newly established minority-owned businesses and scientific contributions. We celebrate the contributions that have left their mark, paving the way for future generations.

As our younger generations learn from their elders, we must continue to inspire and provide opportunities for all. Whether you are White, Black, Hispanic, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, European, Native American, Middle Eastern, or have another to identify, you are a part of this beautiful, growing blend of cultures that makes our community unique. Our schools are blended, and while students prepare for the new school year, teach them kindness and acceptance. It’s our responsibility to teach them that our neighborhoods are full of people from dozens of countries; remember, our children are our future.

In this week’s newsletter, you will find critical information regarding City initiatives, such as the Property Tax Rebates, Congestion Pricing (click here for our survey), and the Bruckner Rezoning Proposal, among others that are quickly approaching. You will also find a recap of recent events and information about upcoming community programs.

If you have questions about any of the resources below, you can reach out to my office Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at (718) 931-1721 or via email at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Mobile Office Hours

Join me and my team for Mobile Office Hours on Tuesday, September 6th at the Morris Park Library (985 Morris Park Avenue) from 3 PM to 5 PM to address any questions or concerns you may have. We’re here to help YOU make the most out of your community.

See you there!

Neighborhood Safety - Lithium Ion Batteries

In recent weeks, a lithium-ion battery fire killed two individuals at Jackie Robinson Houses in Harlem and injured two others, including a firefighter. This tragic event was preventable; unfortunately, these fires continue to occur across the City. It is evident that lithium-battery-related fires are very real, and the risks outweigh the advantages. We must work together to develop realistic solutions to reduce the risk of battery fires in our communities.

To address this public safety issue, I am partnering with my colleagues to address public education, the scope of the issue, safety standards for charging and storage, and infrastructure needs. Overall - we want to hear from YOU on what you want to see in your community regarding the electric transportation devices, such as e-bikes and scooters.

From now until September 6th, you can submit a public testimony by clicking here.

For more information on safety, please visit the FDNY website here.

Remembering Dominick Schiano Last Saturday, I joined the family of Dominick Schiano, as we honored his life and legacy as we unveiled Dominick Schiano Way. A true gentleman, community leader, and husband and father, Dominick worked to serve his family first and his community second, even during the height of the pandemic. Surrounded by his loved ones and community leaders, we debuted this token of gratitude to Dominick Schiano and his family.

LEGISLATIVE CORNER

A Message For Our Homeowners

New York City Council recently passed a law, which has been signed by Mayor Adams, indicating that eligible New York City homeowners will receive property tax rebates of up to $150.

The majority of eligible property owners have received their checks automatically and did not need to take any action. However, many property owners are unaware they may be eligible for this rebate, and we are working to ensure our residents have access to information to determine their eligibility.

Owners may be eligible for a property tax rebate if they own their home, it serves as their primary residence, and their household income is $250,000 or less. More information about the rebates is available at www.nyc.gov/propertytaxrebate.

Constituents who believe they meet the eligibility criteria but do not receive a check by the end of September can take the following steps by November 15, 2022:

1. Visit www.nyc.gov/dofsmartfile.

2. If you do not already have an account, select “Create Account” and log in.

3. Select “2022 - Property Tax Rebate Form.”

4. Complete the information and upload the documentation requested.

5. Remember to click “Submit.” The Department of Finance will notify property owners whether they are eligible for the rebate.

If you have any questions about the rebate initiative, please contact the Department of Finance via our online customer service portal, www.nyc.gov/dofcustomerservice, or call 311.

Bruckner Boulevard Rezoning Hearing

City Hall Testimony: You do not need to pre-register. If you wish to testify in person you can do so by simply coming to City Hall Wednesday morning, going through security at the intersection of Broadway and Murray Street, and heading to the Committee Room where the Sergeant of Arms will sign you in.

Zoom/Call in Testimony: You must pre-register. Please click here to pre-register.

Written Testimony: To submit written testimony email the Committee on Land Use at landusetestimony@council.nyc.gov.

If you require non-English language interpretation, please email translationservice@council.nyc.gov at least five days in advance of the hearing, and include the following information in your email:

• Name and date of the hearing

• Your full name, telephone number, and email address

Please be aware that members of the public are allowed 2 minutes to present testimony.

NYC Congestion Pricing

The MTA recently announced their draft Environmental Assessment for the ‘Central Business District Tolling Program,’ commonly known as congestion pricing. This program would call for tolls ranging from $9 to $23 to enter and travel through Manhattan, south of 60th Street by car. If you were unable to attend a hearing to testify, click here for a list of upcoming regional meetings and environmental justice public meetings

Previous hearings, meetings and video presentations explaining the project can be found on the MTA’s project website by clicking here.

Upcoming Regional Public Meetings (Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island)

• Thursday, September 23, 2021 (click here to view meeting)

• Thursday, September 30, 2021 (click here to view meeting)

Serving Our Seniors

PROTECTNG OUR SENIORS AGAINST DIGITAL MONEY TRANSFER FRAUD

In recent years, digital money transfers have been increasingly popular. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly our seniors, have been a victim of digital money transfer fraud. Scammers come in all forms, and can contact you requesting payment through a Wire Transfer or digital service such as Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle, which allow money to be sent instantly and are often difficult to recover and monitor. Below are a few tips on how to protect yourself from digital money transfer fraud.

There are many entities that will try scam you; you should never transfer money to:

• Anyone who claims to be from a government agency

• Any stranger, no matter what reason they give

• A telemarketer trying to sell you something

• Anyone claiming your account is compromised

• Unauthorized, unverified cryptocurrency sites or salespeople

• Anyone asking you to send money to yourself

To view the video on the risks of digital money transfers, please click here.

The Office of Cannabis Management Launches Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary Application

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management launched the Conditional Application Use Retail application on Thursday, August 25th. This is an exciting venture for our economy and fellow New Yorkers, interested in opening a cannabis dispensary.

I know many of you have questions about this initiative and I’m here to provide clarification for you.

• To be eligible New Yorkers must be justice involved and have experience running a small business. The CAURD license will authorize up to 150 of those entrepreneurs to be the first New Yorkers to sell adult-use cannabis sales.

• New York State knows the harms done to people, families, and communities by the over policing of marijuana. We are committed to repairing the harm. The CAURD license puts those convicted of marijuana related crimes and their close family members first in line to profit in the growing cannabis industry.

• We are planting the seeds of opportunity in New York State with the CAURD license. This is an opportunity for people, families, and communities impacted the most by cannabis prohibition to become leaders in the NYS cannabis industry.

• Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) applications opened August 25th; click here to file an application.

• New York Farmers are growing New York Cannabis – which will be ready for sale in NYS CAURD licensed dispensaries later this year.

City Parks Foundation

CityParks Green Girls Empowered by ING is a program that provides the opportunity to learn about our local environment as involved residents and is geared towards middle school and high school aged-girls. There will be a virtual orientation on September 22nd at 6 PM to learn about the Green Girls curriculum. CPF will introduce the Green Girls lesson format, the resources available, and how each lesson plan integrates STEM, experiential learning, and youth development concepts. Click here for more information and to register.

The It’s My Park Project is a program that provides volunteer opportunities for our youth to help care for parks by supporting beautifying a neighborhood green space! It’s My Park offers opportunities to give back by cleaning, painting, weeding, planting, and so much more. The program is open to individuals, groups, and corporate volunteering. For more information, click here to register.

The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park has brought enjoyment to thousands of people through its contemporary and creative marionette productions based on some of our favorite children’s classics. Wake Up, Daisy! debuted in February 2022 and has been extended through December 2022 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This is a great opportunity to bring the family out for a day in the City for a family outing. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Important Information - PARKS

Pelham Bay Park

After much time and planning, the New York City Parks Department has announced that Pelham Bay Park will experience a synthetic turf field and track reconstruction. It's anticipated for this project to be completed in November 2023, with an average construction time of 12-18 months. The Parks Department began construction in July 2022. For more information, click here.

Monkeypox in New York City

As of August 24th, there are 2,810 cases of orthopoxvirus/Monkeypox in New York City. This data includes confirmed and probable cases of those residing in NYC; cases of those who primarily reside outside of NYC are not included.

Most of these individuals have experienced mild illness, have not been hospitalized, and have recovered on their own. Even with mild illness, the rash and sores from Monkeypox can be itchy and painful. If you have a new or unexpected rash or other symptoms of Monkeypox, contact a health care provider.

Anyone can get and spread Monkeypox. The current cases are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, so this community is currently at greater risk of exposure.

Eligible New Yorkers who may have been recently exposed to Monkeypox can receive the FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of Monkeypox in people ages 18 and older. New York State has secured over 60,000 doses, and Governor Hochul spoke with the White House to request additional vaccines. Getting vaccinated after a recent exposure reduces the chance of you getting Monkeypox , and it can reduce symptoms if you do get it. You must take two doses of the vaccine, four weeks apart. Appointments are available online or by phone by texting MONKEYPOX to 692-692.

For updates on orthopoxvirus/Monkeypox, please visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene by clicking here.

MAYOR ERIC ADAMS DELIVERS REMARKS AT NEW YORK STATE FINANCIAL CONTROL BOARD MEETING

 

Mayor Eric Adams: Good morning as well. And I want to acknowledge the presence and thank a good friend, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Comptroller Brad Lander — city comptroller, and the private members, Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, Steven Cohen, and my longtime friend William Thompson. I want to thank you all. I want to thank the City Council for their partnership and the members of my team who are here with me today, both First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo and Budget Director Jacques Jiha.

 

The adopted plan follows the guidepost I set down in January. This includes promoting the city's economic recovery, building and maintaining budget reserves, achieving budget savings, using resources efficiently and lifting New Yorkers and working families. The bottom line is that we are boosting the recovery and increasing resiliencies like never before.

 

If we were to start with last year, fiscal year 2022 ended with a $6.1 billion surplus that we used to prepay current year expenses. As in the past, we used the gap closing strategy to balance the $101.1 billion fiscal year 2023 adopted budget. Our out year gaps are manageable, falling below the 20 year average as a percentage of city funds spending. Cautiously estimating, revenue is the cornerstone of our fiscal management strategy and protects the recovery by ensuring that we responsibly meet needs as they arise. At adoption, we adjusted our fiscal year 2023 revenue forecast upwards to reflect a $1.5 billion in additional tax revenue. This growth was driven by the impact of record level of Wall Street activity in 2021 on personal income taxes. We use these additional revenues to prepay expenses and reduce the current fiscal year budget year gap. They also were the key to strengthening our reserves. Our planning must recognize that we face uncertainty, and I just really want to emphasize that. We face uncertainty in the future.

 

I agree with my friends here today that building and maintaining budget reserves as a buffer against the unexpected is a critical priority. So at adoption, we partnered with the City Council to increase reserves by $2 billion, which is the largest single contribution to reserves in the city's history. There is now $1.9 billion in the rainy-day fund, $4.5 billion in the retiree health benefits trust, and $1.6 billion in the general reserves as well as $250 million in the capital stabilization reserve. The $8.3 billion we have set aside and reserved is a record level and exceeds 10% of city’s funds revenue for the first time, which is a benchmark recognized by rating agencies and fiscal monitors.

 

On top of building and maintaining reserves, we have remained committed to reducing headcount and achieving savings. Through our strict headcount and attrition management, we have reduced employee headcount to just under 304,000. This is 23,000 lower than the city's peak in September 2019. As I have made clear, I will keep pushing city government to be more efficient and use taxpayers’ dollars wisely.

 

In this budget cycle, we set aside additional resources to defray the cost of upcoming labor negotiations. By adding nearly $4.7 billion to the labor reserve across the financial plan, we have now funded 1.25 percent annual wage increase for city employees. Now, we are clear that this is the beginning, not an ending. However, while we are committed to paying fair wages, we will not make deals that the city cannot afford.

 

Further, as financial conditions have changed dramatically since the height of the pandemic, we have removed unallocated labor savings from the financial plan outyears. While this grows out years gaps, it more truly reflects the current financial condition that we are facing. On top of strong fiscal management, to fully recover we must make the city safer and cleaner and help members of our community who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

 

We're trying to bring New Yorkers back to this important level. We don't want to go back to the way it was. We want to take it to the place where it should be, a place where everyone across the five boroughs has opportunity and would thrive and prosper. To get this done, we made commitments to subway safety, expanded summer jobs and enrichment opportunities for youth, and are connecting even more at-risk New Yorkers with green jobs. Recognizing the importance of our human and legal services providers we were on the front lines during the pandemic — they were on the front lines during the pandemic, we baselined a contract adjustment. To help working families, we worked with the governor — and I want to thank you, governor, and the state lawmakers — to expand the New York City Earned Income tax revenue and credit and provided incentives for employers and property owners to create more childcare options citywide. And because vital public spaces are so important to the recovery, we made significant investments to keep our streets and parks cleaner, safer, and more inviting. These investments were made possible by our commitment to achieving budget savings and the prudent use of additional revenues.

 

To conclude, I'm proud to say that the city has met all requirements imposed by the Financial Emergency Act and that our financial plan advances the recovery, is fiscally responsible, and builds a stronger and more resilient New York. Rating agencies support our approach. In May, Fitch Ratings singled out our commitment to building and maintaining record levels of reserves and upgraded the city's ratings from stable to positive for the first time in more than a decade. And our economy continues to strengthen creating jobs at a quick pace. We have now recovered more than 80 percent of jobs lost in the height of the pandemic and expect a full recovery within two years.

 

So I want to thank you for this opportunity to speak with you today and for the important work for the city and the people of this city and the future. Thank you very much. Thank you, governor.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Former NYC Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz

 

Tina Forte To Visit The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization

You should know that Ms. Tina Forte will be among the most recent on the list of elected officials and Political Candidates who have paid a visit to the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization.  Ms. Forte, a successful entrepreneur in the Bronx, will address the Clergy members before the November 8^th General Elections.

 

This Thursday September 8^th, Ms. Tina Forte will be meeting with the Hispanic Clergy members at the Christian Community Neighborhood Church located at 1437 Longfellow Avenue, in the Bronx.

 

It is important that you know that Ms. Tina Forte is not only a successful Entrepreneur, but she is also a family woman, mother, and grandmother and she is the Republican Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 14^th Congressional District running to unseat Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (AOC).

 

Ms. Tina Forte is following last week's visit from Congressman Lee Zeldin and other Republican and Conservative candidates that have given the Hispanic Clergy the opportunity to dialogue with them and listen to their concerns. 

I am Reverend Ruben Diaz, and this is What You Should Know.

Former Employee of Telecommunications Company Charged for Large-Scale Mobile Phone Unlocking Scheme

 

 A former telecommunications company employee was charged for his role in a scheme to fraudulently unlock the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards of thousands of mobile phones, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Richard Forrest Sherman, 43, of previously of Salem, Oregon, and now Boerne, Texas, is charged by complaint with wire fraud conspiracy in Newark federal court. He was arrested today in Texas, had his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad in federal court in the Western District of Texas, and was released on $30,000 unsecured bond.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Sherman worked at a multinational telecommunications company. While there, he managed an account for a customer that received an exemption to unlock the SIM cards of mobile devices. Sherman exploited this exemption by creating a series of customer accounts within the carrier’s system to make the accounts look like an affiliate company of the customer that actually received the exemption. Sherman and others then submitted bulk unlocking requests through these fake affiliate accounts that Sherman set up before leaving the telecommunications company. 

Sherman, through his entities, received payment from others in exchange for causing the fake affiliate accounts to successfully send International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers in bulk to the carrier. The carrier, believing that the fake affiliate company was entitled to the unlocking exception, unlocked these IMEIs in bulk. Unlocking these IMEIs permitted others involved in the scheme to resell the phones for profit – the phones would have otherwise remained locked or required payment of a fee to be unlocked. Sherman set up the fake affiliate accounts in or around 2013; he and his conspirators exploited the fraud scheme until it was discovered in August 2020. 

The wire fraud conspiracy count is punishable by a maximum of 20 years and a fine of $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims, whichever is greatest. 

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service’s Seattle Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Canestrari, with the investigation leading to the charge.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Governor Hochul Announces Plans To Establish Caribbean Trade Office To Strengthen Economic Ties With New York State Businesses

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State will establish a Caribbean trade office to support and encourage new economic opportunities for New York businesses. This new foreign office will assist New York State companies with international sales and exporting their products and services to the Caribbean region. The Governor made the announcement at the West Indian American Day Carnival Association Breakfast.  

 "Today we are taking important steps to expand trade opportunities for New York State businesses in the Caribbean,"Governor Hochul said."This vibrant commercial region will help New York companies broaden and develop new partnerships as we begin a new and exciting chapter in our economic development relationship with this market."  

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, said,"The new Global NY office in the Caribbean will help New York State businesses realize their full potential in accessing new international markets for their goods and services. Expanding international export opportunities supports business growth that in turn boosts the economy and creates more good-paying jobs for New Yorkers." 

The Caribbean is a growing market for New York State businesses and communities, and New York is expanding its network of global office coverage to meet the additional demand. Qualifying New York State businesses interested in exporting can leverage the State's foreign offices for customized market intelligence and for assistance identifying potential sales partners or distributors in select countries. 

The new office will be established through Empire State Development's Global NY division, which helps New York businesses launch or expand their presence in the global marketplace and promotes access to international trade opportunities and resources. Other foreign offices include Africa, Canada, China, Europe, India, Israel, Mexico and South America. 

About Global NY 

Global NY, a division of Empire State Development, offers financial and technical assistance that can offset the costs of exporting for New York businesses and organizations looking to connect to the rest of the world. Available support includes grants and loans to help qualifying small and medium-sized businesses looking to start or increase their global exports and non-profit organizations that provide export assistance and trade education to New York State companies. For more information please visit www.esd.ny.gov/global-ny-export-assistance.  

This Labor Day, our work is far from over.

Happy Labor Day!

Today, we honor workers across the country, and all who have advocated for worker’s rights.

In the 118 years since the first Labor Day, generations of workers have organized and fought relentlessly for their rights. Their fight created workplace protections for all Americans that created safer working conditions, better working hours, and fair pay.

But our work is far from over.

Too many of our neighbors still lack basic benefits like paid sick leave and family leave — which is critical, especially during a pandemic.

That’s why my colleagues and I are fighting to expand labor rights and protect good working conditions for all.

That looks like fighting for a livable wage, passing the PRO Act to protect the right of unions to organize, enshrining paid family leave, taxing excessive CEO pay, and much more.

So today, and everyday, I am proud to represent the working families of the South Bronx, and I am committed to the success of America's workers. It's clear that when working families succeed, we all succeed.

Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day.

Congressman Ritchie Torres