Donald #Trump Makes Republicans Squeamish

Donald #Trump For President

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWD)- It isn't often that I get to comment on debates, because here in the Bronx political debates are something of a rarity. I say that referring to this year's slaughter of insurgent candidates who tried to run for Judicial Delegates and/or Alternates by the Bronx Democratic County organization.

I am not anti County organization, and in fact I happen to like the new Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marco Crespo a lot and believe that he will do a much better job than his predecessor who I have already forgotten. However, as we see and hear in business competition is good for the consumer, but bad for those in business. It is also true that in a democracy (such as we are told we are living in) that primaries are good for the voters, because they will be given a choice and know that they have to go to the polls and vote for the person or people they want elected. 

This could be the reason voter turnout is so low here, the fact that people have lost confidence in the editorial system. People say there is only one choice in Bronx local elections (the Democrat), and the Bronx Democratic County organization challenges all challengers to the incumbents whether they are good or bad elected officials. That statement can be said because the election lawyer for the Bronx Democratic County organization the last 5 or 6 county leaders has been “King” Stanley Schlein who has knocked out more opponents than any boxer, including many of them put together. 

It appears that this seems to be true of the Republican National Committee during their first Presidential Debate. No true Republican wants Donald Trump to be the nominee of the Republican Party. This was seen in the very first and only question asked of all the candidates, if they would support the Republican Party nominee even if it was not yourself. All other questions were aimed at the only one person to answer true that he might not, Donald Trump. Every other question was asked only of one candidate, and when it came to Donald Trump it looked like the moderators (Conservative Fox Broadcasting) were waiting for Trump to miscue which he did on several occasions. 

To me it appeared as the debate went on it was to be a coming out party for Jeb Bush. I am sure that while Donald Trump will soon falter in the polls the candidate that gains the most will be Jeb Bush. One can Monday morning quarterback the debate and say that Donald Trump was looking past the debate in answering Miss Kelly's questions, and he was thinking of the Democratic candidate that everyone knows will be Hillary Clinton. Obviously either Trump or his advisers made a big mistake that may be fatal to his campaign, which has already been taken care of by some Republicans distancing themselves from Donald Trump. It looks like we will have a Bush - Clinton battle for the White House, and I for one hope that there is a third candidate in the race named Donald Trump. 

Check my Blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for photos of several events that took place last week including the swearing in of the new Executive Board of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. It great to see the unemployment rate keep shrinking due to the BCC, BOEDC, Bronx BP Diaz Jr., and the many other factors that are creating the new jobs for the 'New Bronx'

Lastly, I have been told by a few people that a certain 'Hired Mercenary' has a face book page where he is reproducing this column (in whole or in part) complete with his photo at the end and comments. I have not approved any other use of this column except in this newspaper the Bronx News or Co-Op City News or on the Bronx News website. I do not even reproduce this column on my own blog, and do not give permission for anyone else to do it. So if you see this on any facebook page it is an illegal reproduction which most likely is not the original column it was written as. 

If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

BRONX NEWS: Gentles Beats Puppy to Death

BRONX NEWS: Gentles Beats Puppy to Death: Gentles Beats Puppy to Death BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced a man convicted of the December 2012...

Gentles Beats Puppy to Death

Gentles Beats Puppy to Death

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced a man convicted of the December 2012 beating death of a 4-month-old puppy has been sentenced to one year behind bars. 

Last month, a Bronx Supreme Court jury found 29-year-old Dwayne Gentles guilty of a single count of: overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance, a Class-A misdemeanor (agriculture & markets law 353).

Supreme Court Justice Miriam Best sentenced Gentles to the maximum allowable by law, one year. She also signed an order forbidding Gentles from owning any animals for the next year.

The puppy named Brandy sustained repeated and eventually fatal injuries during her short life with Gentles in the Soundview section of the Bronx. 

During trial, witnesses testified to hearing the little pit bull’s endless whimpers at 456 Commonwealth Avenue, the building Gentles shared with several members of his family. But by four days before Christmas, the dog could not walk, and she was barely conscious. Gentles brought Brandy to one vet and then to a veterinary E.R., where doctors advised she be humanely euthanized.        

  

The case was reported to the ASPCA, whose forensic veterinarian Dr. Robert Reisman testified that Brandy had suffered injuries both fresh and weeks, if not months, old – 13 broken ribs in varying stages of healing, two broken femurs, one of which was fractured in two places, broken teeth and a jaw fracture that prevented the dog from eating. 

The animal was emaciated and flea-ridden, and had internal injuries as well, found to be from blunt force trauma. Before her euthanization, two veterinarians also observed severe neurological trauma.

District Attorney Johnson also wishes to thank the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division for its help, as well as veterinarians from Banfield Pet Hospital and Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners.

#NYPD #BronxDA #AnimalCruelty #ASPCA 

BRONX NEWS: Did Fight Over Woman Lead to #BronxZoo Crash?

BRONX NEWS: Did Fight Over Woman Lead to #BronxZoo Crash?: Did Fight Over Woman Lead to #BronxZoo Crash?   By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Two men were injured after a high-speed ch...

Did Fight Over Woman Lead to #BronxZoo Crash?

Did Fight Over Woman Lead to #BronxZoo Crash?

 By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Two men were injured after a high-speed chase ended in a horrific collision between an automobile and a motorcycle-- apparently sparked over the attention of a woman.

Unfortunately, neither the NYPD or the FDNY has any record of the incident that created gridlock in the area for much of the morning commute.

Witnesses reported the incident along East Fordham Road, east of Southern Boulevard, at the entrance to the Bronx Zoo at 5 a.m. on August 6.

One witness who declined to be identified, stated, "A small white car was lying upside down and there were emergency vehicles all around it at the entrance to the Bronx Zoo."

The motorcycle apparently hit a wall and was unrecognizable from the impact, the engine to the car popped out of the vehicle-- witnesses say it was a miracle that anyone survived.

According to the unidentified NYPD tow truck operator who removed the vehicles, who claimed the motorcycle was stolen and it's driver was fleeing from the man in the automobile.

The tow truck driver reported, "They were both arrested. They were fighting over a girl and this guy got mad and tried to run him over for being with his girlfriend."The tow truck driver then offered, "You can have all of my girls."

Chris Cruz drove past the scene on his scooter, an activity he has enjoyed for the last 45-years. Looking out over the wreckage, Cruz remarked, "They're driving very crazy now and the ones who often pay are the innocent people."

Now looking at the onlookers, drivers slowing down to take a look at the crash-site, Cruz added, "I hope people learn a lesson seeing this."

Both victims were reportedly taken to Jacobi Hospital and were expected to survive.

Repeated inquiries to the NYPD, the NYPD's Highway Patrol, the FDNY and the Bronx District Attorney's office produced no record of the incident.

Less than 24-hours later a bicyclist was reported struck by a vehicle a few hundred yards away, along Pelham Parkway at the entrance to the Bronx River Parkway-- and no record of that incident could be provided by officials.   

#BronxZoo #Crash

BRONX NEWS: Why NY Pol Abandoned #Obama on Iran Nuke Deal

BRONX NEWS: Why NY Pol Abandoned #Obama on Iran Nuke Deal: Why NY Pol Abandoned #Obama on Iran Nuke Deal By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Rep. Eliot Engel, Co-op City’s rep...

Why NY Pol Abandoned #Obama on Iran Nuke Deal

Why NY Pol Abandoned #Obama on Iran Nuke Deal

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Rep. Eliot Engel, Co-op City’s representative in the House of Representatives, has joined Sen. Charles Schumer in opposing the Iran nuclear deal that the Obama Administration recently negotiated.

Engel, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House, and Schumer, who seems poised to be named the Minority Leader of the U. S. Senate, are among Jewish representatives in Congress who have announced their strong opposition to the Iran deal.

Schumer was the first Democrat in Congress to announce his opposition to the deal, saying that it puts the U. S. and its allies in jeopardy because the safeguards it requires are inadequate.

In return for having Iran agree to some inspections of its nuclear facilities, the U. S. and its allies have agreed to lift sanctions against Iran.

The lifting of the sanctions will allow Iran to get access to up to $100 billion in frozen assets and sell oil to the West, making it possible for the Islamic state to be more successful in exporting terrorism, Engel and Schumer have argued. 

The White House, with President Obama leading the way, has insisted that the Iran deal is an alternative to constants wars and hostilities between the U.S. and its allies and the Islamic state.

Schumer, for his part, has stated that the agreement with Iran will make it easier for the Islamic state to “pursue its nefarious goals.”

CNN reported that Engel came out in opposition to the Iran deal “despite a one-on-one meeting with Obama.”

Engel told USA Today that his decision to oppose the Iran deal was a very difficult one “because this is a Democratic administration and a President I’ve worked with.”

Co-op City’s Congressman, who represents a local constituency that is counted among Obama’s most reliable strongholds, stressed, “The main part (about the agreement) that I find most objectionable is you look at Iran’s behavior these past years when they had no money and they were still a leading sponsor of international terrorism.”

Engel, pointing to Iran’s support of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Assad regime in Syria, and the rebels in Yemen, asked, “Can you imagine how much more destructive that they can be if they are awash in cash?”

#EliotEngel #Iran #NukeDeal #Obama

BRONX NEWS: Gas Station Stickup Caught on Camera

BRONX NEWS: Gas Station Stickup Caught on Camera: Gas Station Stickup Caught on Camera BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) - A gas station bandit was caught on camera and cops are hoping the...

Gas Station Stickup Caught on Camera

Gas Station Stickup Caught on Camera

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- A gas station bandit was caught on camera and cops are hoping the video will lead to his arrest.

At around 10 p.m. on August 9, the man entered the Third Avenue gas station, pulled out a gun and demanded cash. The bandit made off with $968 in cash. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

#NYPD #GasStation #Stickup

BRONX NEWS: Soda Jerks Caught on Camera Ripping off Coke

BRONX NEWS: Soda Jerks Caught on Camera Ripping off Coke: Soda Jerks Caught on Camera By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) - Police are trying to find a pair of soda jerks who ripped of...

Soda Jerks Caught on Camera Ripping off Coke

Soda Jerks Caught on Camera

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) - Police are trying to find a pair of soda jerks who ripped off a Coke delivery truck.

Cops say the pair struck at 9:30 a.m. on July 27 when a Coca-Cola delivery truck was parked in front of a store at 940 East 163rd Street. As the driver made his delivery, the duo took several cases of soda off the truck.

The criminal masterminds were caught on surveillance tape. Including the camera inside a laundromat which appears to show the thief trying to sell the cans of coke to workers there.

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male between the ages of 35 and 45. He is 5 foot 6 and was seen wearing a black t-shirt, black jeans, and black sneakers. The other suspect is described as a Hispanic male between the ages of 35 and 45. He is 5 foot 6 and was seen wearing blue jean shorts, a red t-shirt, black/white sneakers with a black doorag tied to his head.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

#NYPD #Coke #CocaCola #CaughtonCamera

BRONX NEWS: Protest Haiti at Maestro’sHaiti Immigration Cri...

BRONX NEWS: Protest Haiti at Maestro’s Haiti Immigration Cri...: Protest Haiti at Maestro’s Haiti Immigration Crisis Comes to the Bronx Angry Demonstrators Protest Visit by Dominican Republic Foreign M...

Protest Haiti at Maestro’s

Haiti Immigration Crisis Comes to the Bronx

Angry Demonstrators Protest Visit by Dominican Republic Foreign Minister

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- A pair of very vocal and infuriated demonstrators protesting the Dominican Republic's new and controversial policy towards migrant workers of Haiti, came to the Bronx to heckle the Dominican Republic's Foreign Minister, who was invited to speak at breakfast hosted by a local group in Morris Park.

Dahoud Andre of Brooklyn and Bronxite Vilcere Romulus stood on the sidewalk outside of Meastro's catering hall on Bronxdale Avenue on August 7, to protest the visit by Andres Navarro Garcia, who spoke at the breakfast hosted by the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization (NYHCO.)

In a brief statement announcing the breakfast, Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., a Reverend and President of the NYHCO, explained, "It is a great opportunity for us Hispanic ministers, evangelists and missionaries to hear directly from the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic and about the new plan of immigration affecting the Haitian community and other communities that have been established by the administration of President Danilo Medina."

With Haitian flags draped across their shoulders, Andre and Romulus each held up signs, one read, "Boycott Tourism in the Dominican Republic," another demanded, "Full citizenship for Dominicans of Haitian descent," as they chanted slogans about racism to guests as they arrived.

Calling the new policy of the Dominican government, a form of ethnic cleansing, Andre, a host of a local Haitian radio program and a member of the International Campaign to End Apartheid in the Dominican Republic claimed, "It's a very serious issue. It's very sad that you have black politicians in New York who we believe are taking money from the Dominican government to be given this platform to spew lies." 

"From it's inception," Andre continued, "The Dominican Republic has sought to distance itself from it's neighbor in Haiti and blackness."

Andres claims the revolt began when the new legislation was passed, legislation that they claim will affect hundreds of thousands of migrant workers from Haiti and the unrest has escalated after several incidents including the revocation of Citizenship of a Haitian-born Dominican who had been practicing law in the Dominican Republic for 30-years, and the February lynching of a Haitian man in Santiago, the Dominican Republic's second largest city.

Pointing out similarities with the current atmosphere in the United States, Andre explained, "It's the same reality that Dominicans are taking rickety boats to Puerto Rico to eventually get to the U.S., you would have a policy where the children of undocumented immigrants would be thrown out, the Dominican community here would rise up against this."

Asked what he would say to the NYHCO, Ardre added, "As Hispanics they understand the reality of undocumented migrants, like Hispanic migrants in this country and the same way that they would like to see undocumented migrants from the Dominican Republic treated in the United States, is the same way we would like them to treat Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic."

Senator Ruben Diaz declined to make a statement on the event or the protest, but his Chief of Staff Ann Noonan stated, "I'm not sure about that... I would just say in regard to the protesters is that everybody has a right to freedom of speech and everyone has a right to do that."

Attempts to reach the Manhattan office of the Consulate of the Dominican Republic were unsuccessful.    

#Haiti #DominicanRepublic #Immigration

BRONX NEWS: Let #PuertoRico File for Bankruptcy- BP, Pols Say

BRONX NEWS: Let #PuertoRico File for Bankruptcy- BP, Pols Say: Let #PuertoRico File for Bankruptcy- BP, Pols Say  BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued a letter, ...

Let #PuertoRico File for Bankruptcy- BP, Pols Say

Let #PuertoRico File for Bankruptcy- BP, Pols Say 

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued a letter, in conjunction with over 100 elected officials from across the nation, demanding immediate action from Congress to enact legislation that will allow the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to enter bankruptcy.

The letter can be read here:http://on.nyc.gov/1Wh8Vdz.

“The interests of the Puerto Rican community, whether they are in Puerto Rico, New York, New Jersey, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida or anywhere else are American interests. Congress has an obligation to act and pass legislation that seeks to amend the Federal bankruptcy code and provide Puerto Rico, and its related power authorities and municipalities, access to Chapter Nine Bankruptcy protections,” states the letter.

The magnitude of debt owed by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its associated debt issuing authorities is at a critical juncture. Congress’ failure to address this crisis presents a substantial threat not only to the economy of Puerto Rico, but the United States economy as a whole.

“I am appreciative that so many elected officials from across the United States understand the need for federal action to address Puerto Rico’s ongoing debt crisis and were willing to join forces with my office to push Congress on this issue,” said Borough President Diaz. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to advocate for a remedy to the crushing fiscal crisis facing the commonwealth.”

List of elected officials signing the letter:

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

NYS Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie

NYS Senator Jeffrey Klein

NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito

NYC Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz

Hudson County NJ Board of Chosen Freeholders Chairman E. Junior Maldonado Chairman

Mayor of Hartford, CT Pedro E. Segarra

Mayor of Yonkers, NY Mike Spano

Mayor of New London, CT Justin Finizio

Mayor of Paterson, NJ Jose ‘Joey’ Torres

NYS Senator Tony Avella

NYS Senator David Carlucci

NYS Senator Leroy Comrie

NYS Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz

NYS Senator Martin Dilan

NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat

NYS Senator Michael Gianaris

NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton

NYS Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson

NYS Senator Brad Hoylman

NYS Senator Liz Krueger

NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery

NYS Senator Kevin Parker

NYS Senator Jose Peralta

NYS Senator Bill Perkins

NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera

NYS Senator Diane Savino

NYS Senator Jose M. Serrano

NYS Senator Toby Stavisky

NJS Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez

NJS Senator Nellie Pou

NJS Senator M. Teresa Ruiz

Florida State Senator Darren Soto

NYS Assembly Member Thomas J. Abinanti

NYS Assembly Member Carmen Arroyo

NYS Assembly Member Michael Blake

NYS Assembly Member Michael Benedetto

NYS Assembly Member Marcos Crespo

NYS Assembly Member Maritza Davilla

NYS Assembly Member Michael DenDekker

NYS Assembly Member Erik Dilan

NYS Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz

NYS Assembly Member Herman D. Farrell

NYS Assembly Member Mark Gjonaj

NYS Assembly Member Deborah Glick

NYS Assembly Member Richard Gottfried

NYS Assembly Member Latoya Joyner

NYS Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh

NYS Assembly Member Charles Lavine

NYS Assembly Member Guillermo Linares

NYS Assembly Member Shelley Mayer

NYS Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley

NYS Assembly Member Francisco Moya

NYS Assembly Member Felix Ortiz

NYS Assembly Member Amy Paulin

NYS Assembly Member Victor Pichardo

NYS Assembly Member Diana Richardson

NYS Assembly Member Jose Rivera

NYS Assembly Member Annette Robinson

NYS Assembly Member Robert Rodriguez

NYS Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal

NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright

NYS Assembly Member Luis Sepulveda

NYS Assembly Member Michael Simanowitz

NYS Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon

NYS Assembly Member Aravella Simotas

NYS Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages

NYS Assembly Member Matthew Titone

NYS Assembly Member David Weprin

NYS Assembly Member Keith Wright

Connecticut Representative Angel Arce

Connecticut Representative Juan Candelaria

Connecticut Representative Matt Lesser

Connecticut Representative Jason Rojas

Connecticut Representative Christopher Rosario

Connecticut Representative Edwin Vargas

NJ Assembly Member Carmelo Garcia

NJ Assembly Member Annette Quijano

NYC Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo

NYC Council Member Fernando Cabrera

NYC Council Member Andrew Cohen

NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides

NYC Council Member Laurie Cumbo

NYC Council Member Inez Dickens

NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm

NYC Council Member Rafael Espinal

NYC Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland

NYC Council Member Dan Garodnick

NYC Council Member Vanessa Gibson

NYC Council Member Corey Johnson

NYC Council Member Andrew King

NYC Council Member Karen Koslowitz

NYC Council Member Rory Lancman

NYC Council Member Brad Lander

NYC Council Member Stephen Levin

NYC Council Member Mark Levine

NYC Council Member Alan Maisel

NYC Council Member Carlos Menchaca

NYC Council Member Rosie Mendez

NYC Council Member I. Daneek Miller

NYC Council Member Annabel Palma

NYC Council Member Antonio Reynoso

NYC Council Member Donovan Richards

NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

NYC Council Member Helen Rosenthal

NYC Council Member Ritchie Torres

NYC Council Member James Vacca

NYC Council Member Jumaane Williams

Detroit City Council Member Raquel Castaneda-Lopez

Philadelphia Council Member Maria Quinones Sanchez

Philadelphia Council Member Blondell Reynolds Brown

Massachusetts State Representative Marcos Devers

#PuertoRico #Bankruptcy

BRONX NEWS: Teen Wounded in Co-op City Shooting

BRONX NEWS: Teen Wounded in Co-op City Shooting: Teen Wounded in Co-op City Shooting By David Greene   BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Police are looking for the gunman who shot and ...

Teen Wounded in Co-op City Shooting

Teen Wounded in Co-op City Shooting

By David Greene

 

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Police are looking for the gunman who shot and wounded a teenager on a basketball court in Co-op City.

 

According to police officials, a 15-year-old male was shot one time in the vicinity of 120 Donizetti Place at 9:15 p.m. on August 9.

 

EMS confirmed that the unidentified victim was transported to Jacobi Hospital in stable condition, but could not immediately say where on the body the young victim had been shot.

 

Police have not yet made and arrest in the case, but continue to investigate the incident.

#NYPD #CoopCity

BRONX NEWS: New Bill Hopes to Curb Future Legionnaires’ Outbre...

BRONX NEWS: New Bill Hopes to Curb Future Legionnaires’ Outbre...: New Bill Hopes to Curb Future Legionnaires’ Outbreaks BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Mayor de Blasio, New York City Council Speaker Melis...

New Bill Hopes to Curb Future Legionnaires’ Outbreaks

New Bill Hopes to Curb Future Legionnaires’ Outbreaks

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Mayor de Blasio, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and New York City Council Members announced a proposal for legislation to regulate cooling towers in order to protect New Yorkers and reduce the risk of future Legionnaires’ outbreaks.

 

The legislation is the first in the nation to provide for detailed requirements and oversight, including mandatory registration, testing and inspections of cooling towers, and sanctions for failure to comply with new standards. Its provisions are designed to ensure adherence to industry standards for maintenance, cleaning and testing for microbes, and reporting of samples that present a serious health threat to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

 

“We are confident the Legionnaires’ outbreak in the South Bronx has been contained, and are working with our partners in the City Council to protect the entire city in the long-term through stringent new regulations for building owners,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New York is the first major city in the nation to propose new registration, inspection, and enforcement standards for the cooling towers which harbor Legionnaires’ bacteria. This action reflects our chief priority: to safeguard the health of New Yorkers.”

 

“This legislation will create new registration, maintenance and inspection requirements for cooling towers and will give the City the information and tools it needs to enforce them. The City, under Dr. Mary Bassett, and state and federal governments, have all been working together during this outbreak and this legislation is a critical part of our efforts to proactively combat such outbreaks in the future,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

 

“Our city must do everything we can to fight the Legionnaires’ outbreak, which is why legislation requiring regular inspections and testing of cooling towers is extremely important. Without proper maintenance, cooling towers can accrue an overgrowth of legionella, causing what has proven to be a fatal outcome for far too many New Yorkers. As Chair of the Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee, I am proud to work with our administration to solve this crisis, and look forward to discussing this legislation during tomorrow’s hearing,” saidCouncil Member Jumaane D. Williams.

 

“We must do all that we can to prevent outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “By proposing unprecedented standards and oversight for cooling tower inspections, we are leading the way in reducing the risk of future outbreaks. This legislation is an important step we can take to further protect the health of New Yorkers.”

 

“This strong proposal will greatly help reduce the risk of another mass outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City,” said Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler.

 

“The Department launched an online cooling tower registration portal over this weekend and we are encouraging all property owners and managers to register their unit. Signing up takes only a few moments and will help our public health officials fight back against Legionnaires’ disease.”

 

In advance of the legislation, the City has developed a registration database for buildings with cooling towers and evaporative condensers in order to make sure they are properly maintained and cleaned. Voluntary registration can be done online at NYC.gov/buildings. The Department of Buildings will provide assistance to property owners during the voluntary registration sign-up period.

 

The proposed legislation will require the following:  

 Registration and Certification

 Registration of cooling towers with the Department of Buildings prior to initial operation.

 Registration of existing cooling towers with DOB within 60 days of the law taking effect.

 Annual certification to DOB by owners or operators that cooling towers have been inspected, tested, cleaned and disinfected in accordance with DOHMH regulations.

 Notification to DOB within 30 days of removing or permanently discontinuing cooling towers, with a statement that the cooling tower was cleaned and sanitized in compliance with DOHMH requirements.

Maintenance, Inspections and Testing of Cooling Towers

 Development of a maintenance program and plan that is in accordance with the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard by building owners.

 Inspections and testing of cooling towers by qualified persons on a quarterly basis when a building’s cooling tower is in use, and within 15 days before the initial use during any year. Inspections must include a test for the presence of microbes in the water of the cooling tower. 

 Establishment of acceptable methods of testing and laboratory analysis by DOHMH rule, including the acceptable methods of cleaning and disinfecting cooling towers, the levels of microbes in cooling towers that require mitigation to prevent health risks, and the levels of microbes that present a serious health threat and require immediate reporting to the Health Department, and cleaning and disinfecting.

Enforcement

 Failure to register, notify discontinuance of use, or submit annual certification to the Department of Buildings shall be a major violation, punishable by a penalty to be established by DOB rule.

 Health Department will inspect cooling towers and levy significant penalties for violations. In cases where an owner fails to disinfect or otherwise remediate as ordered, the Health Department will clean the tower and bill the owner.

Reporting

 DOHMH, in collaboration with DOB, would be required to provide an annual report for the next 10 years that includes data on compliance with this law.

 DOHMH would also be required to provide recommendations concerning the expansion of these requirements to other water systems and equipment and the need for changes or updates to the maintenance and planning standards referenced in the law.

 

 

BRONX NEWS: Bank Robbery Shocks Riverdale

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Haití Crisis Inmigración Viene al Bronx Los manifestantes protestan Angry Visita de República Dominicana Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores

BRONX NEWS: Haiti Immigration Crisis Comes to the Bronx: Haiti Immigration Crisis Comes to the Bronx Angry Demonstrators Protest Visit by Dominican Republic Foreign Minister By David Green...

BRONX NEWS: Haiti Immigration Crisis Comes to the Bronx

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