Vol. 55 No. 28
Saturday, July 11, 2020
COVID testing site coming to Co-op City July 22 as city urges testing and tracing expansion
$1.25
Carrying Charge Increase Delay President’s Message
Linda Berk
BY ROZAAN BOONE
Earlier this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans to implement a “hyperlocal plan” to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus as Phase 3 re-openings continue into its second week and more and more New Yorkers begin venturing outdoors. The mayor stated that resources and supportive services will be deployed to local neighborhoods where health data show low testing rates and a high percentage of positive tests. However, all New Yorkers, whether they exhibit symptoms or not, or are in a high-risk category, are being urged to get tested. The city is offering both COVID-19 and Antibody tests free of charge. In addition to a number of city hospitals and mobile testing sites that currently offer the tests, at least 25 pop-up sites will be added throughout the five boroughs in the coming weeks, one of which will be in Co-op City. Mayor de Blasio said: “Widespread testing and tracing is the key to re-opening our city safely, but that only works if we have the participation of all of our (Continued on page 5)
President
It is not every day the Board gets to give shareholders the good news of delaying an upcoming carrying charge increase. However, the pause from the pandemic has reduced expenses to the corporation and therefore, it only makes sense to pass that good position on to shareholders. As shareholders, you should know that this delay in increase is only GOOD news. There is no hidden threat of a carrying charge increase next year because of the delay. I want to clarify this because, in disappointment, I read where a Board member implied (Continued on page 2)
Funeral services for Brandon Hendricks-Ellison to be held July 15
Brandon Hendricks-Ellison
Funeral services for 17 year old Brandon HendricksEllison, nephew of Riverbay General Manager Noel Ellison, will be held on Wednesday, July 15, at First Baptist Church in Bronxville, NY where family members will gather to say their final goodbyes to their loved one. To ensure social distancing, and recognizing that Brandon was highly regarded and loved by many, the service will be streamed on Councilman Andy King’s “KingTalk” on FacebookLiveStream starting at 1 p.m. on July 15. To tune in, go to https://www.facebook.com/ AndyKingDistrict12. Brandon Duran Hendricks-Ellison was born on July 7, 2002 in Bronxville, New York to Eve Hendricks and Kevin Ellison. Although he was their only child together, Brandon was blessed to have two sisters, Tanya Hendricks of the Bronx, New York and Morgan Ellison-Jones, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brandon grew up in the Morrisania section of the Bronx, New York where he was educated in the New York City Charter and Public School systems and was in the final stages of selecting a college at which
2020 Census: 100% is Co-op City’s goal Complete the Census now by phone, mail, or online BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
As the Census announces their upcoming Push Week, Co-op City shareholders are reminded that although the community is doing well in terms of responses, we are not quite there yet and still need those who have not yet completed the form to do so at their earliest convenience as we continue to aim for 100 percent participation. According to the Census’ announcement on Thursday, July 9, Push Week is a week-long competition from July 27 to August 2, in which the goal is to “Push others to push 2020 Census self-response rates.”
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to matriculate. He graduated from Metropolitan Soundview High School of the James Monroe Educational Campus two days before his premature death on June 29, 2020. While at Monroe, Brandon played for the school’s varsity basketball team where he served as team captain during his junior and senior years. As the starting point guard, he helped lead the team to the city’s High School Basketball playoffs three straight seasons. Brandon also excelled in his academic endeavors, winning numerous student athlete awards for his scholastic achievements. In the classroom, Brandon was known to quickly grasp his lessons and volunteer to help classmates fully comprehend the assignments. By all accounts, Brandon was a great kid. Smart, kind, loving, respectful and attentive to others. A true bright light, his secret weapon and most endearing gift was a disarming smile that he used to his full advantage. Indeed, from an early age, he could melt your heart when flashing those pearly whites, whether on purpose or, as was often the case, unintentionally. (Continued on page 5)
Urgent Reminder: Masks are still required when going outdoors
New Co-op City street sign
BY BRANDON ORTIZ
Shareholders are reminded that advancing closer to a complete reopening does not also mean an abandonment of the recommendations from immunologists and health experts that have, so far, helped slow the spread of COVID-19 in New York City. Walking around the city and even in Co-op City, some shareholders seem to have thrown caution to the wind and are not abiding by the health and government guidance to wear a mask or other face covering when leaving their homes, to enter stores, and here on our own property to enter the elevators and laundry rooms and even while out on the greenways. (Continued on page 5)
NYC Department of Transportation has installed a Stop sign at the corner of Asch Loop and Aldrich Street in Co-op City. Drivers, please stay alert when driving in the area and be prepared to stop. Photo by Toriea McCauseland