City Issues Clarification on Open Storefronts Program

By SÍLE MOLONEY

As reported by Norwood News, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Emergency Executive Order 157, which created the Open Storefronts program on October 28, 2020. Open Storefronts is a free program that allows existing ground-floor storefront businesses to use a portion of the sidewalk and roadways to display merchandise, sell goods, and more from October 30 to December 31, 2020. On Nov. 12, the City issued some further guidance to clarify the situation regarding the program for existing Stoop Line Stand licensees. Stoop Line Stand licensee businesses can continue to operate under existing regulations, without participating in

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Candidate for New York City Council’s 14th District, Adolfo Abreu, announced Nov. 14, his campaign’s endorsement from the New York City Democratic Socialists (NYC-DSA), a self-described, people-powered force for working-class communities and democratic socialism across the five boroughs. Since announcing his candidacy in August, Abreu has also received the endorsement of Tenants PAC and, according to his campaign, continues to garner support from an array of community leaders and activists. They say he is well-positioned to be the front runner in this race. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of NYC-DSA,” Abreu said via a written press release.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery announced on Oct. 25 that there were multiple top-prize winning tickets sold for the Oct. 24 TAKE-5 drawing. The tickets were sold in the Bronx, Hampton Bays, New Rochelle and on Staten Island. The tickets were sold at the following locations: Randall Petroleum LLC located at 1264 Randall Avenue in the Bronx, which sold 1 prize winning ticket worth $15,616.50 A Plus a Discount Inc. located at 1277 Bay Street in Staten Island, which sold 1 prize winning ticket worth $15,616.50 King Kullen #47 located at 52 East Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays, which sold

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Robert Golightly, 79, who was reported missing in the 42nd precinct. Golightly was last seen leaving his home at 1223 Simpson Street in the East Bronx on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at approximately 7 a.m. He is described as male, Black, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 170 pounds, has brown eyes and black/gray hair. He was last seen wearing a brown coat and blue jeans. A photo of Golightly is attached and available at the NYPD. Anyone with information with regard to this missing person is asked to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Shantia Brown, 15, who was reported missing on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 in the 43rd precinct. Shantia was last seen on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at around 12.45 in the afternoon leaving her home at 420 Howe Avenue in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx. She is described as female, Black, 5 feet, 15 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, and has black eyes and black hair. Her clothing description at the time of her disappearance is unknown. A photo of Shantia is attached and available

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City area may experience severe weather, including potential wind gusts up to 40 MPH, starting, Sunday, Nov. 15. Accordingly, the City’s Department of Buildings is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment. The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action, issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary. Winds may reach higher speeds and last longer than forecast in certain areas of the city. Property owners

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced on Nov. 13 the start of DEC’s annual Arbor Day Original Artwork poster contest. Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. Each year, DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program commemorates Arbor Day with a poster contest that invites the public to submit original photos and artwork that celebrate the immeasurable value of trees—ecologically, environmentally, aesthetically, and socially. “Trees are a renewable resource that provide food, shelter, scenic beauty, and countless other benefits that enhance our quality of life,” Seggos

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Joseph A. Downes, 27, in the 47th precinct. Photographs of Downes are attached. He was last seen on Friday Nov. 7, 2020, at his home at 1405 Needham Avenue in the East Bronx, at around 10 p.m. He is described as a male, Black, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in ascertaining the whereabouts of a 58-year-old man reported missing on Monday, November 9, 2020 in the 42nd precinct. James Jones, 58, of 1455 Fulton Avenue, Room 208 in the Bronx was last seen at his home at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Jones is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. A photo is attached and available at the NYPD. Anyone with information with regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS