Stringer Proposes First-Of-Its-Kind “Bike to School” Plan for High School Students
Yesterday, City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D) proposed a bike-to-school plan to encourage safe and eco-friendly transit options for New York high school students on their commutes to and from school.
His plan would build 1.5 miles worth of protected bike lanes around 50 NYC high schools within a year. It would also provide free Citi Bike memberships for low-income students. With his plan, Stringer hopes to compensate for citywide reductions in bus and subway service, reduce crowding in school buses and facilitate social distancing.
“Reimagining our streets is not a job we can postpone until after the pandemic,” said Stringer. “Congestion is soaring, bus speeds are falling, and New Yorkers are concerned for the quality of life in their neighborhoods. We should rethink our transportation strategy and encourage sustainable alternatives both now and in the years ahead,”
Chin Announces Funding to Upgrade NYCHA Senior Center
Yesterday, Councilmember Margaret Chin (D-Battery Park City, Chinatown) joined Smith Houses residents and Hamilton-Madison House staff to announce long-awaited funding to renovate the NYCHA senior center at 50 Madison St.
The center has served as a community hub and a sanctuary in times of crisis since its construction in the 1950s. The City Council has allocated $2 million to provide it with upgrades, including ADA accessible elevators and bathrooms.
“The 50 Madison community center in Smith Houses has seen a lot, and served as a sanctuary to residents in crises like the fire at St. James Place, 9/11, and Superstorm Sandy,” said Chin. “Hamilton-Madison House staff and volunteers have never stopped working. These local heroes continue to work in the frontlines of senior services, food access, and recovery efforts, and we must continue to stand by them. I am endlessly inspired by the partnership and community in District 1, and I’m proud to have invested in critical upgrades to this center to help even more people.”
Johnson Calls for Indoor Dining to Return to NYC
Last Wednesday, Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) released a statement advocating for the return of indoor dining to New York City.
As of now, NYC is the only city in New York to not allow at least some form of indoor dining. Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) has voiced reluctance to let it follow the rest of the State, given its population density and previous status as a COVID-19 hotspot.
However, Johnson insists that the City’s restaurant owners shouldn’t have to wait any longer.
“This is crucial for restaurant owners, who have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic and the resulting drop in tourism,” said Johnson. “Summer is winding down, and they need to begin planning for the colder months. Of course, we will continue to monitor the City’s COVID-19 rates, just as we must for all of our businesses. We know that the restaurant industry employs many New Yorkers, including many immigrants. Its health and well-being are imperative to our City.”
Cuomo Denounces Trump Admin for Cutting Funding to NYC
Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) released a statement following news that the Trump Administration is cutting more federal funds to New York City.
Earlier that day, it was announced that FEMA will no longer be covering the cost of disinfecting New York’s schools and subways or for providing PPE to essential workers.
“By quietly changing FEMA policy to no longer fund personal protective equipment or disinfection efforts for the MTA and schools, the President is telling essential workers that he does not value their safety or their sacrifices over the last six months,” said Cuomo. “Make no mistake, this is just another attempt by President Trump to hurt New York. We won’t be bullied. The subways, buses, and schools have never been cleaner – and despite the federal government’s negligence, the state will continue to work with the MTA and school districts to ensure transit workers, riders, teachers, students, and all New Yorkers remain safe.”
