Governor Cuomo and Attorney General James Protect Thousands of Homeowners by Stopping Tax Lien Sale

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James released the following statements regarding the Governor's Executive Order stopping New York City's annual tax and water lien sale in an effort to protect homeowners as the COVID-19 public health crisis continues.

"COVID-19 caused enormous disruption in the daily lives of New Yorkers, including their ability to keep a roof over their head," Governor Cuomo said. "The tax and water lien sale was delayed in May in recognition of this hardship, and given the current economic climate it makes sense to delay it again so that homeowners aren't facing further uncertainty. This measure is part and parcel with our ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers weather the ongoing public health emergency."

"As the economic impacts of COVID-19 rage on, the tax lien sale puts an unnecessary financial burden on New York's homeowners, and especially communities of color," said Attorney General James. "It is the responsibility of government to relieve the financial hardships of the people wherever possible, not exacerbate them. I am proud that my office worked with Governor Cuomo and his team to take immediate action to protect hardworking homeowners during this stressful time."

As New Yorkers are still facing significant financial burdens due to the pandemic, including these homes in the tax lien sale will only exacerbate the economic crisis and result in homeowners — mostly in communities of color — potentially losing their homes during this time.

NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for August 2020

 

For the month of August 2020, there was a 166% increase in the number of shooting incidents across the city (242 v. 91) as the number of shootings rose in all boroughs except Staten Island. The number of people murdered citywide increased to 53 v. 36 (+ 47%) for the month, while the number of robberies increased to 1,276 v. 1,226 (+4%) and the number of burglaries increased to 1,310 v. 1,076 (+22%) citywide. Overall crime for August 2020 increased to 9,093 v. 9,033 (+0.7%).

The NYPD’s efforts to address the surging violence includes shifting officers to areas experiencing upticks in shootings, collecting timely intelligence about crime and criminal conditions and addressing them in real time, a combination of short and long-term investigations to root out the persistent drivers of violence, and having officers engage with residents at the grassroots level through Neighborhood Policing to focus on the problems and solve them locally.

The NYPD continues to take illegal guns off New York City streets. In August 2020, gun arrests increased with 359 gun arrests compared to 357 in August 2019.

“Despite all the continuing challenges, our NYPD officers are undaunted,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “The work of our officers represents the best of the policing profession and it continues as they increasingly engage with all of our community partners to protect life, prevent crime and build safer neighborhoods.”

Key highlights from this month's crime statistics:

• Murder is up +34% (291 v. 217) for the first eight months of 2020 when compared to the first eight months of 2019.
• There were 242 citywide shooting incidents in August 2020, compared to 91 shooting incidents in August 2019, a +166% increase. Year-to-date, through August 31, there is a +87% spike in citywide shooting incidents (1,014 v. 541).
• Burglary increased +22% (1,310 v. 1,076) in August and is up +42% (9,942 v. 7,008) year-to-date through August 31.
• For the month of August, rape decreased by -22% (126 v. 162). Rape continues to be underreported. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, please come forward. The NYPD Special Victims Division's 24-hour hotline is 212-267RAPE (7273).
• Year-to-date, through August 28, citywide hate crimes declined -37% (182 v. 288).

Statistics on Index Crimes

	August 2020	August 2019
Murder	53	36
Rape	126	162
Robbery	1,276	1,226
Assault	2,027	1,987
Burglary	1,310	1,076
Grand Larceny	3,218	3,902
G.L.A.	1,083	644
TOTAL	9,093	9,033	+60	+0.7%

 

Additional Statistics For July 2020

	August 2020	August 2019	+/-	%
Transit	110	206	-96	-46.4%
Housing	476	464	+12	+2.6%
Shooting Incidents	242	91	+151	+165.9%

August Rape Breakdowns

CompStat Year	Count	Occurred Same Year	Occurred Previous Year	Occurred 2 Years Prior	Occurred 3 Years Prior	Occurred 4 Years Prior	Occurred 5+ Years Prior
2020	127	97	9	4	3	3	11
2019	162	127	8	7	3	3	14
2018	168	132	13	7	4	4	8
2017	125	106	8	1	1	1	8
2016	144	131	2	1	1	2	7
2015	146	136	4	1	2	1	2

Hate Crimes Statistics Summary from January 1, 2020 – August 30, 2020

These statistics represent the time period between January 1, 2020 – August 30, 2020 for the respective years of 2019 and 2020.

Motivation	2020	2019	+/-		%
Asian	3	3	0	0.0%
Black	27	26	1	+4%
Ethnic	0	4	-4	-100%
Gender	6	11	-5	-45%
Hispanic	0	4	-4	-100%
Muslim	2	10	-8	-80%
Other Corona	22	0	22	--
Other	17	11	6	+55%
Semitic	71	152	-81	-53%
Sexual Orientation	13	35	-22	-63%
White	10	24	-14	-58%
Religion	11	7	4	+57%
Disability	0	1	-1	100%
Total	182	288	-106	-37%

Attorney General James Renews Suspension of State Debt Collection for Sixth Time as Coronavirus Continues to Impact New Yorkers’ Wallets

 

New Yorkers with Student and Medical Debt Referred to AG’s Office

Will Have Payments Automatically Frozen Through October 4, 2020

  

  New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the state will tomorrow again renew, for the sixth time, an order to halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York that has been specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection for an additional 30-day period. In response to continuing financial impairments resulting from the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the OAG will renew orders again tomorrow, Saturday, September 5, 2020, through Sunday, October 4, 2020. After this period, the OAG will reassess the needs of state residents for another possible extension. Additionally, the OAG will accept applications for suspension of all other types of debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG for collection.

“Although New York has made tremendous strides in curbing the coronavirus, too many New Yorkers are still suffering from the financial impact of this pandemic,” said Attorney General James. “By again renewing the suspension of state student and medical debt collection referred to my office, we are helping to ease the burden faced by so many individuals and families across our state. I will continue to do everything in my power to protect the safety and financial wellbeing of New Yorkers, as we continue to recover and rebuild from the economic fallout of this crisis.”

Millions of New Yorkers, like Americans across the nation, have been impacted — directly or indirectly — by the spread of COVID-19, forcing them to forgo income and business. Since COVID-19 began to spread rapidly across the country in mid-March, tens of millions of residents across the nation have filed for unemployment, including nearly 3.6 million in New York state alone. In an effort to support many New Yorkers economically impacted during this difficult time, Attorney General James will tomorrow renew an order — first made in March and renewed in April, in May, in June, in July, and in August — to ease the financial burdens for many workers and families by halting the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG for collection through October 4, 2020.

The OAG collects certain debts owed to the state of New York via settlements and lawsuits brought on behalf of the state of New York and state agencies. A total of more than 165,000 matters currently fit the criteria for a suspension of state debt collection, including, but not limited to:

• Patients that owe medical debt due to the five state hospitals and the five state veterans’ homes;
• Students that owe student debt due to State University of New York (SUNY) campuses; and
• Individual debtors, sole-proprietors, small business owners, and certain homeowners that owe debt relating to oil spill cleanup and removal costs, property damage, and breach of contract, as well as other fees owed to state agencies.

The temporary policy has also automatically suspended the accrual of interest and the collection of fees on all outstanding state medical and student debt referred to the OAG for collection, so New Yorkers are not penalized for taking advantage of this program.

New Yorkers with non-medical or non-student debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG may also apply to temporarily halt the collection of state debt. Individuals seeking to apply for this temporary relief can fill out an application online or visit the OAG’s coronavirus website to learn more about the suspension of payments. If an individual is unable to fill out the online form, they can also call the OAG hotline at 800-771-7755 to learn more.

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR MURDER AND KIDNAPPING

 

Defendant Allegedly Killed Girlfriend, Assaulted Another Woman; Deceased Victim Abandoned, Her Decomposed Body Found A Month Later 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on Murder, Manslaughter, Kidnapping and additional charges for killing his girlfriend after holding her, and the mother of his child, and his toddler son hostage for 48 hours. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant beat his current girlfriend, and the mother of his child, for two days with his three-year-old son present. The mother and child escaped, but the defendant’s girlfriend was left to die in the apartment and her extensively decomposed body was not found until a month later. We will seek justice for the deceased victim who was so callously abandoned, and for the victims who survived this ordeal.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Anthony Portis, 31, of 240 West 167 Street, was arraigned on first and second-degree Murder, first and second-degree Manslaughter, three counts of first-degree Kidnapping, two counts of second-degree Kidnapping, first-degree Burglary, two counts of second-degree Burglary, third-degree Burglary, second-degree Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child before Honorable George A. Grasso, Supervising Judge for Bronx Criminal Court. Remand was continued and the defendant is due back in court on November 18, 2020. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charge.

According to the investigation, on March 2, 2020 the defendant allegedly went to the building of the mother of his child, Nzingha Keyes, 26, at 652 East 187 Street. The defendant was in the hallway with neighbors and his girlfriend, Dominique Ben-David, 22, when Keyes arrived with the three-year-old boy. Portis allegedly pushed them and Ben-David into Keyes’ apartment and refused to let them leave the residence for two days. Throughout the 48 hours, the defendant allegedly beat and strangled Keyes, who was pregnant, and brutally beat Ben-David. On March 4, 2020, Keyes fled the apartment with the child as the defendant slept and did not report the incident to police until later.

On April 10, 2020 detectives went to the apartment, to speak with Keyes about Portis. When detectives approached the apartment, they saw the door was open and noticed the odor of a decomposing body. Detectives entered and discovered the body of Ben-David.

According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Ben-David suffered two fractures to each side of her neck. The cause of death was classified as homicidal violence.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Andrew Nash and Octavia Signor of the 48th Precinct Detective Squad, and NYPD Detective John Ferretti of the Bronx Homicide Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Comptroller Stringer: Stop Astoria Fossil Fuel Powered Peaker Plant

 

Comptroller pens letter to NYSDEC opposing NRG Energy’s proposals for Astoria power plant, with aim of protecting the well being of Astoria residents and the environment

Stringer calls on DEC to require the project undergo a full environmental review

Comptroller Stringer: “Instead of doubling down on fracked natural gas, I believe we must commit to a future powered by innovative, clean energy technologies that can transform the Astoria waterfront into a hub of sustainability.”

  Today, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Division of Environmental Permits expressing opposition to NRG Energy’s Astoria Replacement Project — a fossil fuel initiative that would pose environmental risks to the local Astoria community and undermine the fight for a more sustainable city. The letter called on the DEC to ensure that the project undergoes a thorough environmental impact assessment that assesses how the plant would be compatible with the State and City’s ambitious climate goals. Comptroller Stringer noted in the letter that the proposed plant would run on fracked gas — posing a direct threat to the health and well being of local Astoria residents and the broader climate.

The letter recommended that NRG undertake a comprehensive review of non-fossil fuel project alternatives that would improve local air quality, and provide strong, resilient power supply to meet demand. The Comptroller highlighted how a mix of renewables such as wind, solar, and battery storage systems could help power the energy grid and provide a model for how to retire other peaker plants across the city and state.

Comptroller Stringer also noted that the proposal comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed stark disparities in health care and disease burden on low-income communities of color — communities that have been disproportionately impacted by air pollution and thus at greater risk from COVID-19. The letter called on any environmental review to include an analysis of the proposal’s impact on air pollution and the need to properly retrofit the existing plant to mitigate air pollution if the project does not move forward.

The full text of the letter can be found below and here.

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $5 MILLION IN FEMA FUNDING FOR NEW YORK FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREPAREDNESS

 

AFG Program Designed To Protect Firefighters Responding to COVID-19

SAFER Program Strengthens New York’s Emergency Response Preparedness Through Hiring and Retention of Firefighters 

  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $5,046,694.73 in federal funding to bolster New York’s firefighter force and to provide essential PPE for firefighters responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“From the peak of the pandemic to normal times, our brave firefighters are always on the front lines, risking their lives to protect their communities,” said Senator Schumer. “These courageous first responders deserve all the federal support possible to help them do their jobs. I’ve fought my whole career to bring more federal resources to support our heroic firefighters, and I’m proud to deliver this funding so New York’s fire departments have the critical PPE, training, and support they need as they keep New Yorkers safe during the pandemic.” 

“New York’s first responders have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe throughout the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As we enter fire season amidst a global pandemic, we must ensure our fire departments have the resources needed to hire and retain firefighters, and to keep them protected with essential PPE. I will always fight to secure the resources our fire departments need to stay safe as they enter the line of duty.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) - COVID-19 Supplemental Program awarded New York State $4,406,589.73 to provide essential PPE, training, and supplies for firefighters responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, New York State received $640,105 from FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which was designed to strengthen the nation’s emergency response and preparedness for fire-related hazards by maintaining 24-hour fire department staffing. 

In recent letters, Senator Schumer pushed for AFG - COVID 19 supplemental funding for the Owasco and Howlett Hills Fire Departments, which were awarded $436,952.38 and $171,238.10 respectively, and Senator Gillibrand successfully pushed for the City of Troy to receive $34,374.55 in Round 11 of the competitive FY 2020 AFG-S announcement

Funding Recipients Listed Below:

Capital Region

North Granville Hose Company - North Granville, NY	$82,000.00	SAFER
Rockwood Garoga Lassellsville Volunteer Fire Company – St. Johnsville, NY	$26,000.00	SAFER
City of Troy - Troy, NY	$34,374.55	AFG COVID-19
Town Of Broome Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. - Middleburgh, NY	$133,333.33	AFG COVID-19
Granville Rescue Squad Inc - Granville, NY	$45,933.33	AFG COVID-19
Hebron Volunteer Fire Company - Salem, NY	$100,000.00	AFG COVID-19
North Granville Hose Company - North Granville, NY	$70,714.29	AFG COVID-19
Ghent Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1, Inc. - Ghent, NY	$495,714.29	AFG COVID-19

Central Region

Village of New York Mills - New York Mills, NY	$39,655.00	SAFER
Owasco Fire Department - Auburn, NY	$436,952.38	AFG COVID-19
Howlett Hill Fire Department Inc - Syracuse, NY	$171,238.10	AFG COVID-19
Town Of Binghamton Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. - Binghamton, NY	$603,090.91	AFG COVID-19
Village of Endicott – Enidcott, NY	$2,749.52	AFG COVID-19

Western Region

Adam's Fire Co Inc - North Tonawanda, NY	$194,140.00	SAFER
Miller Hose Company Inc - Newfane, NY	$44,749.00	SAFER
City of Buffalo - Buffalo, NY	$417,245.79	AFG COVID-19
Village of Delevan - Delevan, NY	$28,092.38	AFG COVID-19
Town Of West Seneca Fire District 6 - West Seneca, NY	$167,857.14	AFG COVID-19
Town Of Niagara Active Hose Co. Inc. - Niagara Falls, NY	$95,238.10	AFG COVID-19
Alfred Station Fire Co Assoc - Alfred Station, NY	$95,304.76	AFG COVID-19
Cambria Volunteer Fire Co – Lockport, NY	$38,901.00	SAFER

Hudson Valley Region

Village Of Woodbury - Highland Mills, NY	$146,660.00	SAFER
Garrison Fire District - Garrison, NY	$78,328.57	AFG COVID-19
Milan Volunteer Fire Department, Inc - Red Hook, NY	$36,673.76	AFG COVID-19

Long Island Region

Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corp - Mineola, NY	$275,796.58	AFG COVID-19
Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corp - Mineola, NY	$119,047.62	AFG COVID-19
Wading River Fire District -           Wading River, NY	$244,571.43	AFG COVID-19
Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department – Long Beach, NY	$41,500.00	SAFER
Floral Park Centre Fire Co Inc – Floral Park, NY	$26,500.00	SAFER

New York City Region

Richmond Engine Co #1 - Staten Island, NY

$3,000.00

AFG COVID-19

Finger Lakes Region

Benton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. - Penn Yan, NY	$166,666.67	AFG COVID-19
Village of Honeoye Falls - Honeoye Falls, NY	$152,285.71	AFG COVID-19
Village of East Rochester - East Rochester, NY	$277,000.00	AFG COVID-19
The Perinton Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. - Fairport, NY	$45,909.09	AFG COVID-19
Byron Fire Department #1, Inc - Byron, NY	$76,138.10	AFG COVID-19

North Country Region

Alexandria Bay Volunteer Fire Department - Alexandria Bay, NY

$33,333.33

AFG COVID-19

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Over $5 Million Dollars, and only $3,000.00 for New York City. Couldn't you two U.S. Senators do any better for New York City?

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES DELAY OF TAX LIEN SALE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 25, 2020

 

Delay gives New Yorkers more time to pay debt or enter payment plans with the Department of Finance

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Finance Commissioner Jacques Jiha announced today the postponement of the annual tax lien sale until September 25, 2020 to give New Yorkers additional time to pay debt or enter into payment plans. The City will continue its outreach efforts to affected homeowners. 

“COVID-19 has hit the pocketbooks of New Yorkers hard, and we’re doing whatever we can to give New Yorkers some relief,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Postponing the lien sale will allow New Yorkers more time to work with the City on their best path forward.”

 

The lien sale is administered by the NYC Department of Finance, which sells overdue property taxes, water and sewer charges, and other property charges to a non-profit trust. The agency sends out four warning notices to property owners starting three months prior to the sale, alerting them that the property is at risk of being on the lien sale list. More than 80 percent of owners pay the full amount owed, enter into payment plans, or obtain an exemption that removes them from the at-risk pool. DOF also advertises at risk properties and conducts extensive outreach to property owners at risk of having their liens sold, often partnering with community groups and elected officials to reach as many property owners as possible.

 

The sale was originally scheduled to occur in May 2020, but it was previously postponed until September 4, 2020 as the City focused its efforts on the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

Property owners who are facing hardships making their property tax payments can take advantage of several existing DOF programs. These include exemption programs to lower the amount of taxes owed, standard payment plans, or a new Property Tax and Interest Deferral (PT AID) program, for those who qualify. DOF also provides a monthly property tax billing service to facilitate budgeting for property owners billed on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. More information on those programs can be found on the agency’s website.