CM King Focus of Council Ethics Probe
On Wednesday, the City Council’s ethics committee met to reveal harassment allegations against Bronx Councilman Andy King. According to the panel, King, who represents Co-op City and Baychester, asked a female staffer to smile more and invited her to a winter ball where allegedly said he hoped she would wear a beautiful gown. King allegedly also asked for her personal phone number.
The ethics committee opened an investigation into the staffer’s complaint in December, but until Wednesday had kept its contents secret. The panel reviewed a preliminary report on the allegations Wednesday and will hear more information at a future meeting, said committee chair Steven Matteo (R-Staten Island).
If King is penalized he could face fines, sanction or possibly expelled from the city council.
Schumer: Bipartisan Funding Bill Is A Major Win For New York
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced today that he successfully negotiated a bipartisan and historic agreement that will significantly increase federal investments on key priorities for New York State. As the Senate Democratic Leader, Schumer led the effort in securing an increase in funds for programs that will help middle-class New Yorkers, all the way from upstate Buffalo to the east end of Long Island. Specifically, the bipartisan budget deal will boost funds towards necessary programs that help in the fight against opioid and mental health epidemics, aid in the rebuilding of our crumbling VA hospitals, invest in community health centers, and bolster critical infrastructure. Schumer noted his push to secure a new law that will create a special commission to solve the multiemployer pension crisis currently impacting thousands of New York Teamsters.
BP DIAZ IDs HOUSING UNITS FOR PRESERVATION IN JEROME AVENUE REZONING (Flickr)
Diaz Releases Affordable Housing Blueprint for Jerome Avenue Re-zoning
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued a report identifying more than 2,000 units of affordable housing that must be preserved as part of the proposed rezoning of the Jerome Avenue corridor.
The report, titled “Zoned-In: A Housing Preservation Blueprint for the Jerome Avenue Corridor,” identifies 2,075 units across 45 buildings within a ¼ mile radius of the area proposed for rezoning around Jerome Avenue by the de Blasio administration.
The report uses a formula based on building violations, demographics and development subsidies to identify units that meet the criteria for further preservation. It can be read in full here.
Where In The World Is Michael Blake?
Minneapolis, Minnesota is where the peripatetic Bronx lawmaker and DNC vice-chairman will address the 2018 Cohort of New Leaders Council Twin Cities at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center today at 5:30pm CT.
Dinowitz-Rivera Anti-Smoking Bill Passes Senate Health Committee
An anti-smoking bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffery Dinowitz and backed by Sen. Gustavo Rivera, will ensure New Yorkers visiting public libraries are not exposed to second-hand smoke by prohibiting smoking within 100 feet from library entrances or exits. This bill now moves to the floor of the Senate for a floor vote.
Diaz Celebrates Dominican Heritage
Tonight, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will host his annual Dominican Heritage Celebration at Grand Slam Banquet Hall, honoring individuals who have contributed to the growth and promotion of their community and culture.
This year honorees include Fausto B. Pichardo, Assistant Chief of the Patrol Services Bureau of New York City Police Department; Hon. Carmen De La Rosa, New York City Assembly Woman; Estela Vazquez, executive vice president of 1199; and Rodolfo Fuertes, entrepreneur in the supermarket and Real Estate industry. Yisel Tejada, Investigative reporter for Noticias Univision 41, is tonight’s emcee.
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