COMMISSIONER TISCH LAUNCHES NEW PATROL BOROUGHS BRONX NORTH AND BRONX SOUTH

 

Restructuring to Deliver Nearly 200 More Cops, Specialized Units, and Leadership Directly into Bronx Communities

Announcement Builds on the Progress Made in the Bronx with Major Crime Down More Than 15% in April and 11% Year-to-Date

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced the implementation of the Bronx’s new two-borough patrol structure – the first division of the borough into separate patrol commands in NYPD history. The Bronx will now operate under Patrol Borough Bronx North (PBXN) and Patrol Borough Bronx South (PBXS), creating a more focused and effective approach to fighting crime across the borough. The new structure will deliver nearly 200 more cops, create the physical space for new commands, and modernize systems across the department, including CompStat. PBXN and PBXS will each have dedicated personnel and specialized units, including homicide squads, evidence collection teams, Neighborhood Safety Teams, narcotics teams, and auto crime units. The restructuring builds on the NYPD’s successful strategy to drive down crime in the Bronx, with major crime down more than 15% in April and 11% year-to-date.

“Today is long overdue for the residents of the Bronx, for the officers doing this work, and for a borough that has carried one of the heaviest public safety burdens anywhere in this city,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “For years, the Bronx continued operating under a single patrol borough command while the demands placed on this borough continued to grow. The creation of Bronx North and Bronx South is one of the most significant operational changes to policing in the Bronx in decades, and it is about equity, ensuring that Bronx residents receive the same level of oversight, resources, and operational support that communities in other boroughs have had for years. This restructuring will bring more specialized units, more oversight, and nearly 200 additional cops into Bronx communities. And importantly, this is not a response to failure — it is a decision to build on success. The Bronx is already leading the city in crime reduction, and this restructuring will strengthen the precision policing strategies driving those historic declines.”

“Our city is experiencing historic declines in crime and violence, and the creation of a second command center in the Bronx will help us build on that progress,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “I want to thank the men and women of the New York City Police Department and Commissioner Tisch for their partnership and continued hard work to keep New Yorkers safe. Alongside an Office of Community Safety focused on preventing violence before it happens by connecting New Yorkers to the support they need, we are taking a whole-of-government approach to public safety.”

“Since taking office, I have committed over $3 billion to reduce crime and keep New Yorkers safe. Through common-sense reforms, strategic investments, and enhanced collaboration, crime is down across New York City — proof that smart, targeted enforcement works,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “I’m grateful to Commissioner Tisch and the NYPD for working to sustain this progress and doubling down on efforts to keep New Yorkers in every borough safe this summer.”

The Bronx handles the highest volume of police work anywhere in New York City. Last year alone, the Bronx received nearly one million 911 calls – the most calls for service citywide – while continuing to operate under a single patrol borough structure. The creation of Bronx North and Bronx South will allow the NYPD to deploy resources more effectively, strengthen borough-level oversight, and tailor policing strategies to the specific needs of individual communities. The Bronx now joins Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan in operating under a North/South patrol borough structure.

Assistant Chief Benjamin D. Gurley will oversee Bronx North, and Assistant Chief Brian C. Hennessy will oversee Bronx South. Bronx North will be headquartered at the current 48th Precinct and will be comprised of Precincts 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, and 52. Bronx South will be headquartered at the newly renovated former 40th Precinct, and will be comprised of Precincts 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45.

This announcement comes as major crime in the Bronx is down for the month of April and year-to-date, with a 15.5% and 11% decrease, respectively. The Bronx had its fewest murders in recorded history for the month of April with four. Shooting incidents were down 58% in April, the second fewest in recorded history for the borough and only two behind the record set in April 2018. Shooting victims declined a whopping 65% in April as well. Year-to-date, murders are down more than 15%, shooting incidents are down 9%, and shooting victims are down 9.5%. At the end of April, the NYPD dismantled a major auto theft ring in the Bronx that stole more than $1 million in auto parts. Since that takedown, the Bronx has experienced a dramatic decrease in auto crime. In the first two weeks of May, tire and rim thefts were down 76% compared to the first two weeks of April.

Assistant Chief Benjamin D. Gurley joined the NYPD in March 2000 and began his career on patrol in the Bronx’s 41st Precinct. In August 2023, he was promoted to his current rank of assistant chief and appointed commanding officer of Patrol Borough Bronx. Assistant Chief Brian C. Hennessy joined the NYPD in August 1998 and began his career in Queens’ 111th Precinct and later served as the commanding officer of the Bronx's 40th Precinct. In December 2024, he was elevated to his current rank of assistant chief and appointed commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens North.

“Public safety remains one of the most important priorities for our borough, and today's announcement represents a significant step forward in ensuring every neighborhood in our borough receives the attention, resources, and support it deserves,” said Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The creation of Patrol Borough Bronx North and Patrol Borough Bronx South will strengthen the NYPD's ability to respond more effectively to the unique needs of our communities, while bringing additional officers and specialized units directly into our borough. We thank and recognize the hard work and dedication of our NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, our NYPD officers, community partners, Cure Violence organizations, clergy leaders, and residents who continue working together to keep our neighborhoods safe. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and through continued collaboration, communication, and investment, we can continue building stronger relationships between law enforcement and our communities while ensuring Bronx families feel safe, supported, and protected.”

“Having two NYPD patrol borough commands adds essential resources to improve public safety throughout the entire Bronx,” said District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “Additional police officers will help prevent crime and strengthen community ties, and localized investigators will enhance already exceptional crime-solving. I look forward to this new strategy and continued partnership with Commissioner Tisch and the excellent men and women of the NYPD who serve our great borough. We must stem the violence that plagues the Bronx.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The people of the Bronx deserve not to be placed in a Mason/Dixon North/South police precinct division, but the 200 extra police officers should be split between two new police precincts. 

The Bronx has more crime than the borough of Queens which has 16 police precincts and 600,000 more people. The 47th Precinct in the Bronx has more reported crime than the entire borough of Staten Island which has four police precincts. 

Mayor Mamdani don't go back in time to the North and South era, give the people of the Bronx what they deserve, and that is at least two new police precincts.

Two Defense Contractors Arrested for Bribery and Major Fraud Conspiracy Scheme Affecting Department of War Technology Innovation Contracts

 

The Justice Department announced criminal charges against Leonard Pick, 62, of Palm Beach Shores, Florida, and Brian Kent, 59, of Tampa, Florida, for orchestrating a bribery and major fraud conspiracy that corrupted the competitive procurement process for a Department of War technology innovation lab in the Pacific. The defendants’ alleged conduct specifically affected the construction and operation of the U.S. Army Pacific Command’s Hawaii-Pacific Innovation Campus, which was intended to be a hub for testing new technologies for the Department of War.

The indictment, filed in the District of Hawaii on May 14 and unsealed, alleges that, from January 2021 to October 2022, Pick and Kent conspired to bribe a U.S. Army employee with approximately $1.25 million over five years and fraudulently inflated government contracting costs to include the U.S. Army employee’s bribe payments. The indictment further alleges that, from approximately September 2020, up to and including October 2022, defendant Kent further defrauded the government by inflating government contract costs to include approximately $680,000 in payments intended for and sent to Kent’s personal consulting business.

“When defense contractors obtain government-funded work through bribery and fraud, they rob our military and the American people of the benefits of a fair, competitive procurement process,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel W. Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its partners in the Procurement Collusion Strike Force will vigorously prosecute those that seek to profit at the expense of American taxpayers.”

“Government contracts must be awarded based on fair competition, not secret bribes hidden in inflated costs,” said Acting Director of Criminal Enforcement Paul V. Courtney of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Those who corrupt the procurement process and defraud the American taxpayer should know this: we will find you, prosecute you, and hold you accountable.”

“Corruption in our military procurement processes harms honest companies seeking to compete fairly, steals from our taxpayers, and erodes faith in our government institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “We remain committed to holding accountable in federal court any defense contractors who attempt to undermine fair competition through bribery and corrupt practices.”

“The criminal conduct uncovered in this investigation represents a profound betrayal of the public trust,” said Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office. “The defendants used bribery and fraud to obtain significant defense contracts, prioritizing personal profit over national security. Let this serve as a clear warning — the FBI and our federal partners will aggressively pursue and hold accountable anyone who attempts to corrupt government procurement processes for personal gain.”

“Those who scheme for ill-gotten profits through unscrupulous and shady dealings should take heed of these very serious charges,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley A. Newell of the Department of War, Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Transnational Operations Field Office. “Swindling the American taxpayers through corruption and fraud will never be tolerated by the dedicated professionals of DCIS and our partner agencies.  We are steadfast in our commitment to ensure the integrity of the U.S. military procurement system and hold those who threaten it accountable.”

“Those who attempt to corrupt government processes for personal gain undermine public trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bjornstad of the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General Western Investigations Division. “GSA OIG special agents will continue working with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate those who abuse positions of trust and responsibility.”

Defendants Pick and Kent are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and major fraud against the United States, one count of bribery, one count of major fraud against the United States, and one count of wire fraud. Kent is also charged with a second count of major fraud against the United States. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit bribery and major fraud is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for bribery is 15 years in prison and a fine of either $250,000 or three times the monetary value of the bribe, whichever is greater. The maximum penalty for major fraud against the United States is 10 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The fines may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fines. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

These indictments result from ongoing federal investigations into fraud and collusion in the defense contracting industry in Hawaii. The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigative Division, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Trial Attorneys Nolan Mayther, Andrew Schupanitz and Kylie McLaughlin, and Senior Litigation Counsel Mikal Condon, are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.  

Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Bravo Nondo

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released footage from a dashboard camera that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Bravo Nondo, who died on December 18, 2025 following a motor vehicle incident involving an off-duty New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer in Nanuet, Rockland County.

At approximately 4:40 a.m. on December 18, an off-duty NYPD officer driving in his personal car was merging onto the New York State Thruway southbound at Exit 14 and fatally struck Mr. Nondo, who had gotten out of a stopped car. Mr. Nondo was pronounced dead at the scene. The off-duty officer was treated at a local hospital but had no significant physical injuries.

The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released footage from a dashboard camera that captured the incident. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime. 

Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing. 

Comptroller Mark Levine Issues First-of-Its-Kind Report on AI’s Potential Impact on the New York City Economy and Finances

 

Urges Increasing the Rainy Day Fund to 16% of Tax Revenues as Possible Economic Shocks and Loss of Revenue Threaten Vital City Services

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine today issued a new report that examines the possible impacts artificial intelligence (AI) could have on New York City’s economy, providing the first local assessment of how this rapidly advancing technology could profoundly impact jobs, wages, tax revenue, and key industries. Comptroller Levine said the risk posed by AI in the next few years requires the City to bring the Revenue Stabilization Fund (the “rainy day fund”) to 16% of tax revenues. Currently the rainy day fund and the Retiree Health Benefit Trust hold 8.5% of projected Fiscal Year 2026 tax revenues.  

“There is no city in America more exposed to both the promise and peril of artificial intelligence than New York City. AI is already having an impact on our economy and we cannot afford to sleepwalk into this new age,” said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine. “The enormous uncertainty that AI presents to our local economy is no excuse to not prepare. My commitment as comptroller is to help New York City understand and shape the most dramatic technological revolution in our lifetimes.”

The report maps a range of scenarios that illustrate the economically transformative potential of AI’s adoption. The scenarios are based on Moody’s Analytics reports and on original work. The first, with a 35% probability of occurring, is an AI-empowered economy that would boost productivity with limited economic disruption. The remaining scenarios are AI falls flat (25%), which would be marked by the AI investment boom fizzling out and markets retreating; job replacement (20%) where automation displaces workers faster than new jobs emerge; and a productivity boon (15%) where AI drives broad growth, wages and prosperity. The fifth scenario, an AI shockwave (5%), would result in rapid AI disruption and captures more adverse negative impacts on white-collar jobs.

The range of possible outcomes underscores the need for New York City to prioritize strengthening its rainy day fund and developing contingency plans to prepare for disruptions to the job market and revenue losses. This will ensure it can be a true fiscal shock absorber that preserves core social services and sustains some additional needs of New Yorkers.

In April, Comptroller Levine issued a series of recommendations to bolster the City’s reserves, so they can properly cover expenses during an economic downturn. To meet the potential revenue losses during a recession, the Comptroller urged the fund’s balance sit at 16% of tax revenues – based on the impact of past economic contractions. The recommendations also called for stronger governance on when the funds can be used.

You can read the full report, AI and New York City’s Fiscal Future, by clicking here: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/ai-and-new-york-citys-fiscal-future 

Governor Hochul Highlights New Figures Showing Substantial Reduction in Overdose Deaths in New York State Through 2025

Provisional Numbers show Overdose Deaths in NYS Fell for Third Year in a Row

CDC Data indicates Opioid-Related Deaths Down Nearly 52 Percent Since 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted new provisional figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Vital Statistics System, which show a substantial reduction in overdose deaths in New York State from 2022 through 2025. The annual number of drug fatalities fell for a third year in a row and decreased by 44.9% in New York. That’s more than 5,000 lives saved. The largest reductions were seen in opioid-related deaths, which are down 51.9% since 2022.

“As Governor, I have been committed to reversing the opioid and overdose epidemic by making historic investments in prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and Recovery services and supports,” Governor Hochul said. “I am very pleased that over the past three years, we have seen a decline in overall overdose deaths. However, the hard work continues. We will continue our focus on removing health disparities and responding to new substances that are emerging in the illicit drug supply. Every overdose that occurs is one too many and addressing these public health challenges requires an ongoing and dynamic response.”

The three-year decline in fatal drug overdoses reflects the ongoing work of New York State, under the leadership of Governor Hochul, to expand and enhance services in all regions of the state. The Governor has taken significant steps to ensure that all New Yorkers can access the help and support they need and has directed millions of dollars to support a wide range of programs.

The Governor’s 2027 Executive Budget proposal continues this work, including new budget initiatives to further support the addiction workforce, as well as youth-focused initiatives such as a youth-led prevention campaign, additional young adult recovery residences and expansion of youth support services at recovery centers.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website. Important harm reduction resources can be found on the New York State Department of Health’s new Overdose Free Generation webpage. 

Mayor Mamdani Announces 1,000 Affordable World Cup Tickets for New Yorkers

 

$50 seats and free round-trip buses to World Cup games available exclusively for New York City residents  

  

Announcement made in Harlem’s Little Senegal, the heart of New York's West African soccer community

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced that the City of New York, in partnership with the NYNJ Host Committee, has secured 1,000 affordable tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ for New Yorkers at $50 per seat, including free round-trip bus transportation to MetLife Stadium. 

The Mayor made the announcement in Little Senegal, surrounded by Harlem residents, African community leaders and elected officials wearing jerseys representing tournament nations with deep roots in New York City.

“A World Cup is coming to our backyard, and we want to ensure working-class New Yorkers have the opportunity to be part of it,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We sat down with the Host Committee to make certain this tournament belongs to the people who make this city what it is. Today, 1,000 New Yorkers are going to get into those stands for fifty dollars and a free bus ride. I’m proud that New York City is leading the way.”

The program covers the five group stage matches and two knockout round matches — with approximately 150 tickets allocated per game. New York City residents aged 15 and over may enter a lottery for the chance to purchase tickets, with winners selected randomly.

Entry opens at www.regnyctix.com on Monday, May 25th at 10 a.m. and closes Saturday, May 30th at midnight. New Yorkers may enter once per day, with a daily cap of 50,000 entries. Winners will be notified Wednesday, June 3rd, and may purchase up to two tickets each.

To prevent scalping, tickets will be nontransferable and distributed directly to winners at the official boarding location on the day of each match. Free round-trip transportation from the pickup location to the NYNJ Stadium will be included for every winner.

“This program exists because the Mayor was determined to make sure working New Yorkers would be in the stands when the World Cup comes home to New York,” said NYC World Cup Czar Maya Handa. “A kid in the Bronx, a security guard in Queens, a restaurant worker in Brooklyn or Staten Island — they are going to walk into the stadium this summer because their city fought for them to be there.”

Today’s announcement reflects months of collaboration between the Mamdani administration and the NYNJ Host Committee to create a program centered on affordability and accessibility for New York City residents. The Mayor has been a consistent advocate for ensuring New Yorkers can be part of this historic moment, and through close coordination with all partners, a dedicated allocation of reduced-price tickets was made possible as part of today’s announcement.

“Mayor Mamdani has been unwavering in his commitment to making sure New Yorkers could be part of this historic moment in a real and meaningful way,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee. “From the beginning, we pushed for a program that prioritized affordability and access for New Yorkers and worked closely together to help make that possible. The World Cup will bring the eyes of the world to our region, and it was important to all of us that the people who define New York City could experience it firsthand.”

The Mayor chose Harlem — the historic heart of the City’s West African community — as the site of today's announcement.  

Wave Hill Weekly Events (May 21 – May 28) | Escape the City: Arts, Crafts & Tours

 

We make our way through the seasons change with temperatures rising, rain falling, and sunnier days to come. In the meantime, the gardens continue to flourish. Make your way past the conservatory and follow the path to our Dry Garden, where you’ll find lush greenery and violet blooms that brighten up the grounds. Embrace a change of scenery from the tall, slate-shaded buildings of the city to the vibrance of Wave Hill!

Nature & Wellness

Garden Highlights Walk

Sun, May 24, 1:00PM – 1:30PM 

Free with admission to the grounds    

Registration not required.   

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide; each walk varies with the Guide leading it.

Art

Public Gallery Tour

Thu, May 21, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Sat, May 23, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.   

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture, and site. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.  

Family

Family Art Project: Barking up a Wave Hill Tree

Sat, May 23, 10:00AM – 1:00PM  

Sun, May 24, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.

Visit some of Wave Hill’s treasured trees and enjoy a tactile experience by making rubbings of their textured bark. Then, frame and decorate your designs to take home a reminder of our woodsy friends. At 11:30am families can enjoy a story time program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. 

Special Events

Memorial Day: Wave Hill is Open

Mon, May 25, All Day   

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.

Enjoy the holiday Monday in the gardens! 

HOURS STARTING MARCH 15: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday  

Shuttle Service free from Subway and Metro-North, Saturday–Sunday

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

NYC DEP Unveils "Drippy" New Water Drop Mascot to Promote NYC Tap Water, Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship

 

Friendly New Character Was Designed by Students and Faculty at the Fashion Institute of Technology

Drippy Will Appear at Schools, Community Events, and City Celebrations Across the Five Boroughs

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) unveiled “Drippy,” the agency’s new official mascot—a cheerful, shimmering blue water drop designed to help New Yorkers learn more about the City’s world-renowned drinking water, conservation efforts, and environmental stewardship.

“I am thrilled to welcome Drippy to the DEP team! Drippy will help teach New Yorkers all about water—how it travels, the many ways we use it, and the everyday actions we can all take to protect it,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “We’re excited for all the smiles, learning, and water‑saving fun ahead. Big thanks to our partners at NYC Public Schools, FIT, and DDC for bringing Drippy to life.”

Drippy was created through a partnership between DEP, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the NYC Department of Design and Construction’s Town+Gown program.

“Visual storytelling is one of the central tenets of the Illustration BFA program at FIT so when we were asked to create a visual story of the water treatment system of NYC we needed a character to represent water itself,” said Chair Dan Shefelman, Illustration & Interactive Media, FIT. “The SUNY FIT Illustration BFA program's partnership with NYC DEP is one of our proudest accomplishments. The idea of a drop of water traveling through the system evolved through the creative process after spending time touring the incredible Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Drippy came to life through the creative efforts of our undergraduate students under the guidance of faculty and Illustration MFA students. We are very excited to see Drippy literally come to life as the new NYC DEP Mascot.”

“Bringing ‘Drippy’ to life would not have been possible without the amazing collaboration with FIT and DEP within our Town+Gown: NYC program, a unique community-university partnership,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa. “DDC manages a $34 billion portfolio that includes upgrading the City’s water system, and we know how important it is to save water and protect this critical infrastructure. We are not only building but—with our partners—we are also educating New Yorkers of all ages in innovative ways.”

Drippy debuted today at Archer Elementary School in the Bronx, helping teach fifth grade students about New York City’s unique water cycle, the different types of water infrastructure that keep the city running, the importance of water conservation, and the everyday steps residents can take to protect vital natural resources and the environment.

“What better way to close out this school year’s Climate Action Days than by introducing Drippy to the scholars of Archer Elementary,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “The interactive coloring books and hands-on learning allow students to explore the full story of New York City’s water system in a fun and engaging way. From where our drinking water comes from, to how wastewater is treated and the impact of stormwater, we are empowering our young New Yorkers to become the next generation of NYC's climate leaders.”

Today’s event coincided with the final Climate Action Day of the school year for NYC Public Schools. Climate Action Days provide hands-on, solutions-focused learning opportunities centered on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and climate awareness.

Drippy was created as part of DEP’s expanded public outreach and environmental education efforts. Throughout the summer, Drippy will appear at events and locations across the five boroughs, helping inspire kids, families, residents, and visitors to learn more about New York City’s water system and the important role DEP plays in protecting public health and the environment.

“Drippy represents something every New Yorker relies on every single day—clean, safe, reliable drinking water,” said DEP Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs Beth DeFalco. “We wanted a mascot that could connect with kids, families, and visitors in a memorable way while highlighting the incredible work DEP employees do to deliver more than 1 billion gallons of water each day.”

DEP first partnered with FIT’s nationally recognized Illustration BFA and MFA programs on Drippy’s Water Adventure, an interactive 40-page coloring and activity book that follows Drippy and friends through New York City’s water journey—from mountain reservoirs to homes, treatment plants, and local waterways.

As part of today’s event, Drippy joined students in cleaning a neighborhood catch basin and distributed copies of the coloring book. A digital version of the coloring book is available on DEP’s education webpage, and educators can request printed copies through DEP’s Education Team.

About the Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million people in New York City. The water comes from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles north and west of the city and includes 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. DEP also maintains approximately 7,000 miles of water mains and aqueducts, 7,500 miles of sewer lines, 96 pump stations, and 14 wastewater resource recovery facilities. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X and Instagram.

About New York City Public Schools

New York City Public Schools is the largest public school system in the United States, serving approximately one million students across more than 1,600 schools throughout the five boroughs. Through sustainability initiatives and climate education programming, NYC Public Schools are helping prepare students to become future environmental leaders.