2019 Income Affidavits are due on FRIDAY, July 31, 2020 (See page 6 for more)
Vol. 55 No. 30
Saturday, July 25, 2020
New Coronavirus testing site opens in Co-op City
$1.25
Dreiser auditorium gets a new look
Renovations to be completed by September 2020
Members of Riverbay Board and Management, North Central Bronx Hospital, Health + Hospitals, and representatives from local and state government celebrate the opening of the new Coronavirus testing site in Co-op City with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Toriea McCauseland
BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
On the morning of Wednesday, July 22, shareholders lined up in anticipation of being one of the first to get tested at the new walk-in COVID-19 test site in Co-op City. The new official testing site is in Dreiser at the old pharmacy next to the supermarket and is officially open to the public seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vivian Bui, assistant site lead, told the Co-op City Times that patients would (Continued on page 2)
Phase 4 reopenings in NYC (See pg. 4)
DOH rules out Building 24 hot water system as source of recent Legionella cases BY ROZAAN BOONE
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene informed Building 24 residents this week that test results from the building’s hot water system show no sign of legionella bacteria growth. The tests were conducted after two Building 24 residents reportedly became sick with Legionnaires’Disease within the last 12 months. Since informing Building 24 residents in late June, the agency has been working with Riverbay Management to test the water in the building. “We were previously informed by NYC DOH that two residents of Building 24 had tested positive for legionella in the last 12 months,” said Riverbay Executive General Manager Bob Klehammer. “DOH issued water use restrictions for the residents and required that we do water testing per an approved sampling plan. On July 7th, 77 water samples were taken throughout the building from outlets in both apartments and the water distribution system. All 77 samples were analyzed by an independent lab, approved by DOH, and found not to contain any traces of the legionella bacteria. Therefore, DOH has issued a cancellation of its water use restrictions and there is no further action for us to take.” A DOH-issued letter was distributed to each Building 24 resident to inform them of the building’s status and also to advise them that the previous health guidance issued to those 50 and older, those who have chronic lung disease, have a weakened immune system or take medicines that weaken the immune system, can resume using the water as they normally would.
The brand-new Dreiser auditorium, featuring up-to-date technology and modern design, is set for completion by September 2020. Photos by Mark Warren
BY TORIEA McCAUSELAND
It’s been well over a year since the closing of the Dreiser auditorium. Construction on the site began early 2019 with asbestos abatement and creating a clean slate for what now is a brand-new auditorium – or as some have described it, a new state-of-the-art entertainment hall. Mark Warren, director of the Riverbay Construction department, previously told the Co-op City Times, “This renovation is going to be a highlight for the community.” It appears that Mr. Warren’s prediction was spot on. When the center is finally open for visitors post-Coronavirus pandemic, shareholders will be in awe at the new space, decked out with hanging chandeliers, a new proscenium-style stage, renovated patio, and, most importantly, air conditioning. Enclosing the stage are two large screens that everyone can view, no matter their location in the room. Architectural designs fill the ceilings along with wall-to-
MTA facing billions of dollars of debt
(Continued on page 3)
BY BRANDON ORTIZ
The MTA is lobbying to receive help from the proposed $3 trillion stimulus relief package still being debated in Congress. The debt, unlike any deficit the MTA has faced before, has climbed into the billions. According to a New York Times article published this week, the MTA expects $5.1 billion in lost revenue from fares and tolls during this current fiscal year. In the same New York Times article, Patrick J. Foye, the MTA chairman, spoke about the debt crisis, “There have been financial crises before, but never one where the deficits were measured in billions on top of billions on top of billions of dollars,” he said. “That’s why these unpalatable, unacceptable alternatives have to be considered.” In an effort to lighten the burden of the foreseeable debt, the agency could significantly reduce service, slash the transit workforce even more, scrap planned infrastructure improvements and raise tolls beyond scheduled increases, according to MTA officials. The MTA is hoping to receive $3.9 billion from the new potential stimulus relief package, which would cover its operating deficit until the end of this year. (Continued on page 2)