Riverbay Summer Intern Positions Available (see page 8 for details)
Vol. 56 No. 23
Saturday, June 5, 2021
$1.25
Extended voting period ends in 2021 Board election Election results to be certified June 9
By ROZAAN BOONE The extended voting period in the 2021 Riverbay Board of Directors election ended yesterday, Friday, June 4, having finally surpassed the 4,998 ballots needed to make this year’s quorum. As of press time yesterday, YesElections reported that 5,067 ballots had been (Continued on page 9)
HCR approves parking & storage fee increases New rates effective July 1, 2021
By TORIEA McCAUSELAND NYS HCR has approved Riverbay’s application for increases in parking and storage fees included in the proposed Riverbay Corporation Budgets for fiscal years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. The proposals increase garage rates by 10%, hall closet rentals by 40%, and basement storage rates by 25%, and will be implemented on July 1, 2021. A 10% increase in garage parking, depending on space description, raises the cost by $1.10 to $10.40 per month. Transient parking goes up by .80 to $4.00 depending on time period. Forty percent increase in hall closet rentals raises the monthly charge between $3.84 to $10.40, and 25% increase in basement closet storage rentals increase the monthly cost between $10.25 and $17.75. The Riverbay Board passed Resolution #21-08 for the proposed budgets at its April 5, 2021 business meeting by a vote of 9-4, with one abstention approving the parking and storage increases as well as a 2% increase in carrying charges effective January 1, 2022. The increases in the parking and storage fees are earmarked for capital projects and will help to keep carrying charge increase to a minimal 2% effective next year, pending HCR approval. (See HCR letter dated May 26, 2021 on page 1.)
Co-op City households that meet criteria advised to apply for NYS Rental Assistance Program pending HCR determination By ROZAAN BOONE
Co-op City homeowners who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for the New York State Rental Assistance Program which began accepting applications on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 even though the program is currently only open to those who pay “rent,” including Mitchell-Lama rentals. Management has asked the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Co-op City’s state supervisory agency, for guidance since shareholders pay “carrying charges” and not “rent.” The agency is conducting a review of the program and has not yet made a determination, however, a handful (Continued on page 10)
Have you downloaded your Digital Vaccine Passport?
By BRANDON ORTIZ There is an alternative to carrying physical proof of COVID-19 vaccination and more than a million New Yorkers have already taken advantage of the option. Individuals who have been fully vaccinated or have had a negative COVID-19 test result can download New York State’s Excelsior Pass. The pass is a free and safe way to present proof of vaccination or test result digitally. Here are some quick facts about the pass and its purposes: • All data is kept confidential and secure. • Currently, passes are only available for those who have received their • • • COVID-19 vaccination or PCR/Antigen tests in New York. • An Excelsior COVID-19 Vaccination Pass is available 15 days after the final dose of the vaccine was administered and is valid for 365 days. (Continued on page 10)
New York Primaries on June 22 Mayoral Candidates on Ballot By TORIEA McCAUSELAND As New York City continues to recover a year after the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, civil unrest, and racial injustices, voting in this year’s primaries is more critical now than ever. Election Day is on Tuesday, June 22, for New York primaries, with early voting beginning on Saturday, June 12-Sunday June 20, 2021. City-wide Mayoral Primary: Who’s on the Ballot? Thirteen Democratic candidates are on the ballot for New York City’s mayoral primary election. Currently, eight top contenders – Eric Adams, Shaun Donovan, Kathryn Garcia, Ray McGuire, Dianne Morales, Scott Stringer, Maya Wiley, and Andrew Yang – are front runners for New York City mayor. All candidates have primarily focused on policing, racial inequalities, COVID-19, education, and so much more. More important Bronx and city-wide primary election races include: Bronx Borough President • Fernando Cabrera (D) • Nathalia Fernandez (D) • Luis R. Sepulveda (D) • Sammy Ravelo (D) • Vanessa L. Gibson (D) Public Advocate • Anthony L. Herbert (D) • Theo Bruce Chino Tavarez • Jumaane D. Williams City Comptroller • Michelle Caruso-Cabrera
(Continued on page 6)
