Plastic bag ban takes Power plant readies storied Boiler 2 for use effect Sunday Vol. 55 No. 9
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Beginning tomorrow, Sunday, March 1, all plastic carryout bags will effectively be banned from distribution by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax. The new law means, at checkout lines, customers will have to bring their own bags or pay 5 cents for every paper bag used for their items. However, those who qualify for WIC or SNAP benefits would be exempt from this new fee, according to NYC.gov, the official website of the city of New York. This legislation was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last April and is aimed at reducing the harmful environmental impact of plastic bags. The issue of plastic bags affecting the environment had become so prevalent that Gov. Cuomo even created a task force in 2017 just to address the problem. In a final report, the task force notes: “Throughout New York State, plastic bags have become a ubiquitous sight on the landscape. They can be seen stuck in trees, as litter in our neighborhoods, floating in our waterways and as a general aesthetic eyesore of our environment. Singleuse plastic bags are a detriment to the health of communities and the environment alike.” The new legislation wants to push people toward using reusable bags and thus create less plastic waste. Shoppers should be aware, however, that stores will not be required to have bags for customers and some stores may not switch to paper bags entirely, instead only selling reusable bags for purchase. “Some bags are exempt under the law, such as a bag used by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs, and produce bags for bulk items such as fruits and vegetables,” as explained at NYC.gov. In Co-op City, local grocery customers should not expect bags to be readily available every time they visit the store. (Continued on page 2)
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BY BRANDON ORTIZ
Census outreach planned for Co-op City The Census Bureau, along with Riverbay Corporation, public officials, and community partners are joining together to get a complete count of Co-op City for the upcoming 2020 Census. The event tentatively scheduled for March 17, is geared to encourage residents to participate in the upcoming Census, educating and assisting those who may need help filling out their form. Linda Berk, Riverbay Board president, said, “The idea for the event is a program the Census recommends to many Complete Count Committees. It allows them to draw the community together with community leaders and trusted voices to make them aware the Census is coming. It also allows the CCC to share the message that the 2020 Census is easy, safe and important. Every community is informed of how the Census impacts their representation in Washington and the federal funding they receive.” An undercount in this year’s Census could mean a cut in federal funding for New York City and a possible loss of services for residents throughout the community – making it vital for everyone to participate. Riverbay Community Relations Director Michelle Sajous said, “I don’t think people realize that the police, fire departments, and various services – even as far as schools – are affected by the count. So, we really must get out there. (Continued on page 4) BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
This silver-colored tank will store steam produced by Boiler 2, the blue machine below, as part of the process by which Co-op City receives heat, hot water, air conditing and Photo by Brandon Ortiz electricity. The new boiler should be running soon.
When the complete chronicle of Co-op City is told at some far distant point in the future, it’s unlikely the tale of Boiler 2 and its years-long journey of yards instead of miles will be a major turning point in the complete canon. But, as it gets closer to the point of active service to the community, it doesn’t hurt now to commemorate Boiler 2 and what it took to get it where it needed to be. Co-op City power plant Asset Manager Anthony Ligato told the Co-op City Times this week Boiler 2 is inside and seated, and is currently in what’s called the pre-commissioning phase. “We’re pretty much on schedule right now,” Mr. Ligato said. “The installation is complete, now … the boiler is ready to go through the steps that will get it ready for commercial operation.” Before the boiler can be commissioned, that is, be brought into a state ready to make steam, Mr. Ligato said first the new pipes and other apparatus with which the boiler will interact had to be brought in and installed. There was also the permitting processes with the city departments of buildings, gas, plumbing and environmental protection to get through, and that process is complete. “Now we’re ready to bring in the team (Continued on page 2) to actually make steam,” Mr. Ligato said. BY JASON CHIREVAS
“SAFE RIVERBAY”
An explanation of Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. There are several known coronaviruses that infect people and these usually only cause mild respiratory diseases, such as the common cold. However, at least two previously identified coronaviruses have caused severe disease – severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Symptoms of the 2019-nCoV include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. There are currently no treatments or vaccines for this respiratory disease, so it is important to contact your doctor if you have traveled and are experiencing symptoms. Since it is cold and flu season, you may experience similar symptoms to the coronavirus. Unless you have traveled to the affected areas in the world, there is little concern for exposure to 2019-nCoV. As with all respiratory illnesses, it is good practice to wash your hands often, stay away from people who appear ill, or have been ill and, yes, stay home if you are sick. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www. Cdc.gov See page 11 for handwashing tips. —Riverbay Safety Department