Attorney General James Provides Tips to Homeowners on Hiring Snow Removal Contractors

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert providing New Yorkers with tips on hiring snow removal contractors in the aftermath of heavy snowfall across the state. New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley are experiencing record snowfall and blizzard-like conditions that have resulted in over a foot of snow in some areas. Attorney General James is offering homeowners tips on hiring snow removal contractors and reminding New Yorkers to be wary of and report price gouging to her office.

“As we dig out from this blizzard, many homeowners across the state may look to hire help to clear the snow around their houses and driveways,” said Attorney General James. “It has been a long time since parts of our state have experienced heavy snowfall like this, and I encourage New Yorkers to follow these tips to stay safe and ensure they receive the services they are using their hard-earned money to pay for.”

As New York homeowners begin clearing their driveways and properties, Attorney General James is providing New Yorkers with the following tips on hiring snow removal contractors, such as snowplows and snowblowers:

• Use a snow removal contractor that has been in business for a few years or that comes recommended by friends and neighbors. 
• Check to see if your local government requires snow removal contractors to be licensed. If so, use a contractor who is licensed. 
• Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau online.
• Do not pay for the full service via Zelle or any electronic instant payment method until the work is complete, and pay by check or with a credit card to have proof of payment. 
• Get a signed contract that has the name, address, and telephone number of a snow removal operator. Do not accept a post office box address.
• Obtain proof of identity of the contractor. Ask to see the contractor’s driver's license and copy down the address and identification number. 
• Write down the license plate number of the vehicle that plows your driveway. 
• If you have special requirements, ensure those are detailed in the contract (for example, if you are an emergency responder who must have your driveway plowed by 7:00 a.m. to get to work, make sure that is included in the contract). 

New Yorkers should report potential concerns with snow removal contractors or price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Announces Nearly $21 Million for Community Outreach Programs That Work to Reduce Gun Violence and Save Lives Across New York State

Community-Based Organizations and Hospitals Receive Grants to Support SNUG Street Outreach, Case Management and Social Work Teams that Interrupt Violence and Provide Services and Support in 14 Communities

Announcement Follows Governor Hochul’s Recent Report of Record-Low Gun Violence Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $21 million to support SNUG Street Outreach programs, an evidence-based violence prevention initiative that works to reduce gun violence and save lives in 14 communities across New York State. These grants allow community-based organizations and hospitals to employ outreach workers, hospital responders, social workers and case managers who are credible messengers and work with individuals at highest risk of gun violence, connecting them with support and services to interrupt cycles of harm, promote healing and increase opportunity.

“I am proud to continue investing in SNUG and the community-based partners who are doing this lifesaving work every day,” Governor Hochul said. “SNUG is helping keep neighborhoods safer, supporting families in the aftermath of violence and creating real opportunities for young people to thrive. These teams are making a meaningful difference in communities across New York, and we will continue to build on that progress.”

The funding announcement follows Governor Hochul’s recent report that 2025 marked record-low levels of gun violence across New York State. Data released earlier this month show that the 28 police departments participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative reported 491 shooting incidents with injury in 2025, the fewest since the state began tracking that metric in 2006. The Governor’s FY27 Executive Budget proposal sustains unprecedented support for SNUG and other gun violence prevention initiatives in communities that account for roughly 90 percent of violent crimes involving firearms and 85 percent of violent crimes outside of New York City.

Shooting incidents with injury declined 16 percent last year compared to2024. The number of individuals shot decreased 22 percent, from 723 in 2024 to 566 in 2025, while fatalities from gun violence fell 23 percent, from 116 to 89.

Administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), SNUG is a key component of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to address the causes and consequences of gun violence and other crimes, alongside the GIVE initiative, the state’s nationally recognized Crime Analysis Centers Network and Project RISE (Respond, Invest, Sustain, Empower). The SNUG Street Outreach program takes a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying sources of conflict, interrupting transmission and supporting individuals, families and communities affected by violence.

Community-based organizations and hospitals will receive $20.9 million to fund staff, programs, services, equipment, and technology during the 2026 calendar year. SNUG employs 176 full-time and 46 part-time personnel who work in specific neighborhoods in Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch and Yonkers. DCJS tracks shooting data in these “SNUG zones” and last year, those zones collectively reported a significant, double-digit decrease in shooting victims, individuals killed by gun violence and shooting incidents with injury when compared to 2024.

SNUG outreach workers, social workers, case managers and hospital responders serve neighborhoods disproportionately affected by gun violence and are embedded at trauma centers in Albany, Buffalo, the Bronx and Rochester to support individuals and families in the aftermath of violence and connect them to ongoing services in their communities.

SNUG staff are credible messengers who live in the communities they serve, many with lived experience of violence. They work with teens and young adults to defuse conflicts, prevent retaliation after shootings, support families and connect participants to education, employment and other services. Programs also partner with community and faith leaders and local businesses to host anti-violence events, job fairs and other neighborhood activities that promote safety and healing.

The following organizations and hospitals will receive funding and support from DCJS to administer SNUG programs:

New York City and Long Island

• Bronx – Jacobi Medical Center: $2,781,137
• Hempstead – Family and Children’s Association: $1,190,580
• Wyandanch – Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk: $762,683

Hudson Valley

• Mt. Vernon – Family Services of Westchester: $1,109,075
• Newburgh – Regional Economic Community Action Plan: $917,953
• Poughkeepsie – Family Services Inc.: $1,101,943
• Yonkers – Yonkers YMCA: $941,123
• Westchester Medical Center: $250,000

Capital Region

• Albany – Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region: $1,863,270 and Albany Medical Center: $267,315
• Troy – Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region: $887,017

Central New York

• Syracuse – PathStone Corp: $1,820,189

Mohawk Valley

• Utica – Integrated Community Alternatives Network: $813,610

Finger Lakes

• Rochester – PathStone Corp.: $2,039,184 and Rochester General Hospital: $580,930

Western New York

• Buffalo – Erie County Medical Center: $2,864,635
• Niagara Falls – Community Missions of Niagara Frontier: $ 694,280

Comprehensive training, site visits and support from DCJS set SNUG apart from other community-based violence interruption programs across the state and country. New staff must complete 40 hours of training and new supervisors complete 32 hours of management training. All staff must also complete 40 hours of professional development training annually. This ongoing training and support help ensure that the program operates consistently across all SNUG sites despite being operated by different community-based organizations and hospitals.

MTA - PSA Newsletter 15 (February 2026)

 

Welcome to the Penn Station Access quarterly newsletter. MTA’s Penn Station Access Project will bolster equity, regional connectivity, and reliability by upgrading Amtrak’s existing Hell Gate Line and providing four new accessible Metro North stations in the East Bronx with service to New York Penn Station. For past newsletter issues, click here. For updates on specific areas along the project corridor where work will take place, sign up here. See the latest MTA project schedule announcement here.

Para obtener más información sobre los hitos recientes del proyecto y el trabajo próximo, haga clic aqui.

Cable pulling at Parkchester Van-Nest Substation, January 2026 

PSA Progress: A Year in Review

The Penn Station Access Project enters 2026 with strong momentum following a productive year of construction in 2025. Thousands of feet of new track and drainage systems were built, overhead catenary system (OCS) and signal power work continued to advance, all underground utilities for the new Co-op City substation were installed, and all site work associated with the new signal infrastructure at both Bronx and Gate Interlockings was completed.

In January, the project entered a critical construction phase to replace the Pelham Lane Bridge. The project was granted extended track outages which restrict trains to a single track allowing crews to safely work on an interlocking between two adjacent interlockings. After the track outage began, two of the three existing bridge spans were demolished one track at a time, then cranes were used to lift the new pre-cast bridge sections into place on top of the foundations and columns, and finally crews reconstructed the tracks above. The new bridge structure is designed to be more resilient, by using durable materials that can withstand increased train traffic.

Cast-in-place substructure and precast superstructure for new Pelham Lane Bridge, January 2026

Upcoming Activities

Construction will continue at all four PSA stations throughout spring 2026.

Parkchester Van-Nest: With the headhouse structure in place, welding of the entrance structure completed, and about 75% of the main entrance area walls formed, the next phase of work will focus on installing utilities, drilling for the elevator piston well, setting metal deck, and installing the roofing and curtain wall. The installation of the center-island platform and Unionport Road entrance foundations are also set to begin this spring.

Hunts Point: Work on the north entrance plaza foundations and utility work is scheduled to be completed in the spring.

Morris Park: Crews will soon begin the south entrance steel erection, with large cranes hoisting steel beams into place. At the north entrance sanitary and storm piping will be wrapped up in early spring, and elevator pit construction and steel erection will begin after catenary structure demolition in the area.

Co-op City: Steel erection at the east and west entrances will commence after completion of overhead signal cable relocation, which includes installation of a new cable, cable trough, and removal of the existing cable. This work started in late January is anticipated to be completed by late spring.

Laying tracks near Parkchester Van-Nest, January 2026 Carol Wynperle, Project Director Meet the Team: Carol Wynperle Carol brings 27 years of experience in the construction industry to her current role as Project Director for WSP on the Penn Station Access project. Carol is responsible for managing contract delivery and building consensus among various project agencies and stakeholders. Her experience includes leading some of New York’s most significant, multi-phase infrastructure projects including the MTA Park Avenue Viaduct Replacement project, the NYSDOT Kosciuszko Bridge Replacement project, and the preliminary design of LaGuardia AirTrain. Since joining the PSA project team last year, Carol has led the charge to move the project forward efficiently and she is thrilled to see how much the team accomplished in 2025. She is excited to see the upcoming completion of Pelham Lane Bridge and Bronx Interlocking, which are major milestones for the project. When Carol has a moment to relax, you can find her on the water; she is an avid sailor and rower and loves to spend time enjoying the outdoors. PSA Outreach Team and model bridges at steMTA event with PS 160, February 2026 Community Corner: steMTA Events To close out 2025, we visited Bronx Community Board 2 on November 12th, Bronx Community Board 9 on December 4th, and the BWCC convened on December 2nd for a project update. We started the new year off with a presentation on January 5th to a joint meeting of Bronx Community Board 11 Parks, Recreation, Sanitation & Environmental Protection and Transportation Committees and on February 11th we visited Community Board 10 to discuss project progress. On February 13th, we explored how STEM concepts can come to life through hands-on bridge building activities with 4th and 5th graders at PS 160 in Co-op City. We are looking forward to more events this spring!  Contact Us Web: mta.info/project/penn-station-access Email: PSAOutreach@mtacd.org | Hotline: 347-263-7837

MAYOR MAMDANI ANNOUNCES LIFT OF TRAVEL BAN; NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO OPEN FOR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION TUESDAY

 

Hazardous travel advisory remains in place through midnight tonight  

TODAY, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani updated New Yorkers on the City’s response to historic winter weather conditions. New York’s travel ban has come to an end as of 12 p.m. on Monday, and all New York City Public Schools will be open for in-person instruction on Tuesday.   

  

While the travel ban has been lifted, the Mayor is still urging New Yorkers to stay off the roads and stay indoors. Drivers should exercise caution as conditions remain slick and icy and take public transportation whenever possible. New York remains under a local state of emergency, and a blizzard warning is in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday.  

  

“New York City continues to meet the urgency of this historic blizzard, and we will not stop until the storm has passed and our city is fully up and moving again,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Though the travel ban has lifted, conditions on the road are still icy and dangerous, and we encourage New Yorkers to take public transportation if needed, stay indoors when possible and stay informed through Notify NYC.”   

 

As of earlier Monday afternoon, this storm has dropped 16 to 19 inches of snow on most parts of our city, with parts of Eastern Staten Island reporting over 24 inches of snow. As of 12:30 p.m., the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has spread roughly 50 million pounds of salt and plowed over 99.5% of city streets at least once. Updates on the City’s plowing efforts can be tracked at PlowNYC.  

 

Despite the active blizzard, DSNY was able to clear over 1,600 crosswalks, 419 fire hydrants and almost 900 bus stops overnight, and even more this morning. In addition to DSNY, the Department of Transportation has cleared over 1,300 sheltered bus stops so far.  

 

The forecasts show the worst has passed, conditions have begun to moderate and the coastal flood warning that had affected parts of the city expired at 5 a.m. But there is still more to come. Light snowfall is expected to continue through the afternoon.  

  

Total storm snowfall is currently projected to be around 19 to 21 inches citywide.  

  

Warming Centers:   

  

The City has deployed 22 warming buses citywide. Additional warming spaces are available at 11 NYC Health + Hospital facilities and 13 school locations. New Yorkers should contact 311 or visit a LinkNYC kiosk for the nearest site.  

  

Department of Social Services (DSS) continues to operate under enhanced continuous Code Blue protocols, and that Code Blue has been extended through Wednesday morning. During Code Blue, shelters operate under an open-door policy. Outreach teams are connecting unsheltered New Yorkers to safe, warm spaces. During a Code Blue, 311 is routed to 911 so first responders can mobilize quickly to reach the person in need. New Yorkers should call 311 if they see anyone in need of assistance.  

  

DSS has expedited the opening of 100 low-barrier stabilization beds to increase shelter capacity in smaller settings for New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness who may be resistant to congregate settings. DSS is working to ensure multiple options for shelter are available to vulnerable New Yorkers during this weather emergency.  

  

The City has directed all hospitals to exercise heightened caution when discharging patients, particularly vulnerable patients, during the cold weather. The City has also directed shelters and safe havens to monitor the areas around their buildings for any New Yorkers in need.  

  

NYC Health + Hospitals has deployed WARM (Winter Access, Relief and Medical) ambulettes and mobile units. The mobile warming outreach initiative provides clinical consultations and distributes essential supplies including blankets, warm clothing, socks, warm meals, and water. The units also drive unsheltered New Yorkers to a warm place of their choosing, including shelter and warming locations.   

  

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS):   

  

Over 8,000 facilities staff across NYCPS continue to prepare school buildings for safe use tomorrow, including removing snow and ice, checking heating systems and backup power readiness and confirming that emergency supplies are in place.    

  

School buses are preparing to operate tomorrow, ensuring students are able to travel to and from school safely.   

  

Communications are being made to families, educators and school communities through emails, SMS messages, social media and website postings.  

  

Expedited Land Use Review Procedure Launches For 351 Powers Avenue In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

The City’s first Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP) has launched for 351 Powers Avenue in Mott Haven, The Bronx, initiating a streamlined public review process for the disposition of City-owned land that would create approximately 84 affordable homes. The Department of City Planning will also begin review of a proposal for the City to acquire a parcel adjacent to Saw Mill Creek Marsh Park on Staten Island to support ongoing restoration and conservation efforts. Both applications will proceed under ELURP, which shortens public review to 90 days from roughly seven months under the standard process.

Approved by voters in November, ELURP is designed to expedite modest housing and climate resiliency projects. The Mamdani administration has also advanced the Affordable Housing Fast Track initiative, aimed at accelerating review for affordable housing proposals in the 12 community districts that produced the least affordable housing over the past five years. The City Planning Commission has proposed a methodology to identify eligible districts and ensure broader geographic distribution of affordable housing development.

The proposed development at 351 Powers Avenue would deliver income-restricted apartments for low-income New Yorkers, including about 30 units set aside for formerly homeless residents. Plans also call for a ground-floor workforce development training center, a theater, and indoor and outdoor recreational space. The project aligns with the mayor’s Land Inventory Fast Track (LIFT) Task Force, established by Executive Order 04 to identify City-owned sites capable of supporting at least 25,000 new homes by July 1.

Transit nearby 351 Powers Avenue includes the 6 train at Cypress Avenue and East 143rd Street–St. Mary’s Street stations, as well as the 2 and 5 trains at 3rd Avenue–149th Street.

Pelhm Parkway Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting March 10th 7PM.

 

Our confirmed special guest for Tuesday March 10 PPNA Meeting will be NeighborHood Shopp with a presentation: This meeting they will focus on the signs of Elder Abuse/ Violence Intervention & Prevention Program.Event will be held at Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway South,Bx NY 10461.

Starting time is 7 pm sharp. Please join us for this special meeting. Plus updates from ALL our elected officials representatives.

Romanian National Pleads Guilty to Selling Access to Networks of Oregon State Government Office and Other U.S. Victims

 

A Romanian national pleaded guilty in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office in 2021 and other cyber attacks on U.S. victims.

According to court documents, Catalin Dragomir, 45, formerly of Constanta, Romania, sold access to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June of 2021. During the sale of access to the computer, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer. He also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the U.S., causing losses of at least $250,000.

Dragomir was arrested in Romania in Nov. 2024 and extradited to the United States in Jan. 2025.

Dragomir pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining information from a protected computer and one count of aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for obtaining information from a protected computer, to be followed by a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Portland Field Office is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State Preparations Ahead of Severe Winter Storm

All Non-Essential State Employees in Blizzard Warning Areas Directed To Stay Home and Work Remotely on Monday

State of Emergency Declared as of Saturday for Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and Contiguous Counties

Blizzard Warning Expanded To Include Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess and Ulster Counties; Previously Issued for Long Island, New York City and Southern Westchester County; Winter Storm Watches Issued for Parts of the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley

18-24 Inches of Snow Forecast for Long Island and New York City; 12-18 Inches Forecast for the Hudson Valley; 8-12 Inches Forecast for the Capital Region; Widespread 1-6 Inches Forecast for Rest of State

Beginning 4 p.m. Today, Empty and Tandem Tractor Trailers Banned on I-84 and All Roads South of I-84; Other Commercial Vehicles Restricted to Right Lane Only

Motorists Should Monitor and Follow Local Travel Bans Currently in Place

Wind Gusts Have Potential To Reach 65 MPH, Which Could Lead to Whiteout or Even Blizzard-Like Conditions Making Travel Dangerous, Especially in New York City and on Long Island

Governor Activates 100 Members of the National Guard To Support Response Operations and Local Partners Across New York City, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley

Long Island Rail Road Service To Be Suspended Starting at 1 a.m. Monday

Strong Winds Paired With Wet, Heavy Snow Could Also Lead to Power Outages

More Than 6,000 Utility Workers on Standby Across the State To Engage in Damage Assessment, Response, Repair and Restoration Efforts

New Yorkers Throughout Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley Should Avoid Travel Sunday Through Monday and Stay Home; Employers Encouraged To Allow for Remote Work

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on ongoing State preparedness efforts ahead of a severe winter storm set to impact the state and directed all non-essential employees to telecommute on Monday. Yesterday, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency in Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Greene, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties, and activated the New York National Guard as a blizzard is forecast to hit the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island, and severe winter weather conditions are expected throughout the rest of the Hudson Valley.

Forecasts now indicate 18 to 24 inches of snow with winds potentially gusting at more than 65 mph on Long Island and in New York City. The Hudson Valley is forecast to see 12 to 18 inches of snow, while the Capital Region could see 8 to 12 inches. Other areas statewide will see totals from one to six inches of snow. These blizzard conditions will create extremely dangerous travel conditions, coastal flooding and the potential for power outages.

Beginning Sunday, 100 members of the New York National Guard with 25 vehicles will be staged across the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island to support Downstate response operations and local partners. Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center was activated Sunday morning.

Severe winter weather conditions have shifted northward overnight, leading to upgraded warnings and watches across the southeastern part of the state. Blizzard Warnings are in effect for Westchester, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Suffolk, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for Greene, Schoharie, Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer, Otsego, Delaware and Sullivan Counties. A Winter Storm Watch is also in effect for Chautauqua County. 

New Yorkers should take this storm seriously, prepare now, monitor local forecasts and stay home throughout the duration of the storm. Governor Hochul directed all non-essential State employees who live or work in counties with an active Blizzard Warning to stay home on Monday and work remotely, where feasible. Private employers are also strongly encouraged to allow employees to work remotely on Monday.

Long Island Rail Road service will be suspended effective 1 a.m. Monday, with the suspension expected to last through the morning rush. Metro-North Railroad will run hourly service on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines and weekend service on the Connecticut and Wassaic branches. Subway service changes and delays are expected overnight Sunday into Monday, as express tracks are used to store trains underground during heavy snowfall. MTA paratransit services will be suspended starting at 9 p.m. tonight. MTA bus service will continue to run, but road conditions may impact service.

All empty commercial vehicles and all tandem tractor trailers will be banned from travel on I-84 and all roads south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads. All other commercial vehicles will be restricted to the right lane on I-84 and all roadways south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads in Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties. These restrictions will begin at 4 p.m. today and end when conditions allow.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones, and register for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.