Vol. 55 No. 48 Saturday, November 28, 2020 $1.25 Co-op City’s African-American Association’s Candidates’ Forum Special Election scheduled for Dec. 22, 2020 BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND After brief introductions from committee members of the African-American The African-American Association of Co-op City presented a forum for candidates Association and its president, Michelle Marbury, the forum began with candidates running during the upcoming special election to replace former councilmember having one minute and thirty seconds to introduce themselves. Candidates in at- Andy King. The special election will take place on Tuesday, December 22. tendance included Bernie Cylich, a Co-op City shareholder and write-in candidate; The virtual forum, which took place on Friday, November 20, over Zoom due and Pamela Hamilton-Johnson and Kevin Riley, who are currently on the ballot. to the COVID-19 pandemic, was attended by three candidates in an effort to win Candidate Neville Mitchell was unable to attend. over Co-op City voters. Bernie Cylich introduced himself as a leader in the Co-op City community for Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams videoed in, wishing everyone a great over 50 years and led the neighborhood in combating important issues, including deal of luck. He said, “This is a very important time… the Bronx is an extremely an historic rent strike. Pamela Hamilton-Johnson is a former Community Board important area for a lot of us. Let’s make sure we have important issues on the 12 member, president of her school board, and looks at herself as a “different” can- forefront…” didate. Her goal is to be the first woman and African-American woman in the seat. Shortly following was an introduction from Mayoral candidate Diane Morales, She said, “I want to advocate for the community, no strings attached.” Born and a lifelong New Yorker, educator, and advocate. (Continued on page 4) Vigilant Public Safety officers How the MTA budget cuts could affect you BY BRANDON ORTIZ thwart car thieves $12 billion in federal aid could mean the difference between avoiding drastic service changes and possible workforce cuts for the MTA. On Tuesday, Nov. 24, between 2 – 4 a.m., auto thieves removed two sets Should the MTA not receive the critical help it needs, the current version of the of tires from a 2019 and 2008 Acura in front of Truman High School on 2021 budget will have rippling effects for subway and bus riders across the city. Baychester Avenue (off property). Commuters who use any of the city’s bridges or tunnels would feel the effects as well. Public Safety became aware of these incidents when CCPD patrol Below are some of the proposals that could affect subway and bus riders: officers on routine patrol noticed a distraught female Eliminations of Time-Based passes: This proposal would either eliminate standing next to a third vehicle – a 2018 Honda the 7-day and 30-day passes entirely or keep the two time-based passes but increase Civic. The lug nuts on all four wheels had been re- the price of both. Notably, the base fare of $2.75 for the subway and local buses moved, however, the wheels were askew but would not change in either version of this proposal. intact. Evidently, the thieves were interrupted by Increase fines and tickets: Tickets and fines would increase to generate either a passing patrol vehicle, either CCPD or NYPD. a goal of 2% or 4% more revenue. Assistance was called on behalf of the victim and Elimination of Bus Coinage: Coins will no longer be accepted on buses in the wheels were refitted on her vehicle. All other preparation of touchless OMNY machines being implemented in buses. owners were contacted and NYPD was notified. Simplification of Reduced Fare ProgramApplication: This proposal would resume the Reduced Fare Program, which has been suspended during the pandemic. Additionally, the application process to qualify for the program would be simplified. US Secretary of Treasury and MTA (Continued on page 2) Chairman see different solutions to solve budget crisis Local elected officials react to passing of former Mayor David N. Dinkins BY BRANDON ORTIZ US Secretary of Treasury Steve Mnuchin gave some insight into how the federal Former NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins, the city’s first government may view the MTA budget crisis when he appeared last Friday on Black Mayor, passed away on Monday, November 23, CNBC’s “Squawk On The Street” with Jim Cramer. 2020 at the age of 93. Mnuchin was discussing the plausibility of another stimulus bill when the dire situation of the MTA was mentioned as a possible agency that could benefit from On January 1, 1990, Mayor Dinkins took federal government assistance. office as the 106th Mayor of New York City The MTA has asked for $12 billion in emergency grant aid to offset the after unseating former Mayor Ed Koch who consequences the pandemic has had on ridership. However, Secretary of Treasury served three terms in office. Mnuchin feels the MTA could borrow out of its problem instead. Following announcement of former Mayor “The MTA has a real revenue problem, obviously. And you know, the MTA Dinkins’ passing, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio would like to get grants from the government. They really don’t want more debt. posted on Twitter: “Chirlane and I are mourn- But again, the MTA can borrow in the market, they’ve borrowed some money ing a truly great man. David Dinkins simply from the facilities, they’ve borrowed money outside of the facilities,” Mnuchin set this city on a better path. He was my mentor, said when asked how the MTA should address their issues. “The markets are open he was my friend, and his steadfast commit- for them. And again, I don’t expect that to be a problem. But again, let me just ment to fight for that ‘gorgeous mosaic’ in- say, there is a big difference between grants and loans. And the areas of the economy spires me every single day. We’ll keep up his right now that are really hard hit, like the MTA, you know, they need to work with fight.” (Continued on page 4) (Continued on page 3) Former Mayor David Dinkins We wish our readers a Happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Please celebrate safely & responsibly. 2 Co-op City Times / November 28, 2020 Cuts (Continued from page 1) Increase “Green Fee” for Metrocards: The “Green Fee” for New MetroCards would increase above the current $1. Elimination of Single Ride Tickets (SRTs): Single Ride Tickets will either be eliminated entirely or have their base fare increased by $1. As for those who frequent any of the city’s bridges and tunnels, the below fare and policy change proposals could change those commutes: Increase crossing charges for E-ZPass passenger vehicles: This proposal would increase the crossing charges for passenger vehicles to a max of $6.70 for E-ZPass customers. Increase crossing charges for non E-ZPass vehicles: Tolls for bridges and tunnels will increase for non E-Zpass customers. Notably, the MTA’s press release did not give a specific amount for the potential fare increases. Additionally, different crossing charges may be in effect depending on the time of day or predesignated “Gridlock Alert Days.” The MTA also released a statement last week encouraging New Yorkers who are interested in having their voice heard on MTA fares and toll change proposals to register to speak at one of the eight virtual hearings the MTA plans to hold. Shareholders interested in registering can go online to new.mta.info/2020hearings. More information on the details of the meetings can be found at new.mta.info/2020hearings as well. Registration for all virtual hearings began on Monday this week and closes at 5 p.m. the day before each hearing. Currently, the schedule for the 2020 virtual public hearings is as follows: Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. Two satellite meetings are also scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contacting the Finance dept. Need to contact the Riverbay Finance Department? In addition to phone calls, you can also send an email to [email protected]. Co-op City Times / November 28, 2020 3 Thanksgiving Food Distribution Turkey Giveaway — Residents waited in line under the portico at Building 31 on Mon., Nov. 23, to receive turkeys courtesy of NY State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, along witjh the Riverbay Corporation. Food Distribution — Councilmember of District 16, Vanessa Gibson, and community leader, Kevin Riley, were in Section Five, where, in partnership with Eat Clean Bro, they distributed food to those who waited in the cold weather on Mon., Nov. 23. Photos by Toriea McCauseland Dinkins (Continued from page 1) Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also tweeted: “#RestInPeace Mayor David legacy. Today, while others may remember his distinguished and courtly demeanor, Dinkins, a New York City pioneer who opened the doors for all of us. As New York I will always remember a man, a Marine, a mayor and a friend who was deeply City’s first (and only) African-American mayor, he was a trailblazer who broke glass proud of his service to his city and country – and rightly so.” ceilings, inspired a generation of us to run for public office and mentored us to do the Rev.