Saturday, April 3, 2021

274 Day and Counting

 


I just don't get Albany. We have a governor who has been said to have killed innocent people in nursing homes, nine women have come forward to accuse him of conduct unbecoming an elected official, starved the city of vital vaccines, had his family and high rolling friends vaccinated when they shouldn't have been, and is in the middle of a book deal scandal, what more is needed to get this guy out?

I did nothing yet the U.S. Attorney investigated me finally saying there was not enough evidence to indict me, so I am clean as a new born baby. That is after they are washed and all the blood and whatever else is off them before being put in the nursery.


Permits Filed For 2570-2576 Young Avenue In Pelham Gardens, The Bronx 2570-2576 Young Avenue in Pelham Gardens, The Bronx

 

2570-2576 Young Avenue in Pelham Gardens, The Bronx via Google Maps2570-2576 Young Avenue in Pelham Gardens, The Bronx via Google Maps

Permits have been filed for four three-story residential buildings at 2570-2576 Young Avenue in Pelham Gardens, The Bronx. Located between Allerton Avenue and Mace Avenue, the adjacent lots are within walking distance of the Pelham Parkway subway station, serviced by the 5 train. Saman Rabbanifar under the Young Avenue Development LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 30-foot-tall developments will yield between 3,759 and 4,749 square feet, with 2,835 to 3,562 square feet designated for residential space. The buildings will each have three residences, most likely condos based on the average unit scope ranging from 945 to 1,187 square feet. The wood-based structures will also have cellars, basements, and three will have 30-foot-long rear yards. 2576 Young Avenue will have a 20-foot-long side yard.

Christian Lozada of CL Engineering P.C. is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program

 

Record High 269,527 Doses Administered Across New York State in the Last 24 Hours

More than 1.4 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker;

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 269,527 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours - a record high -, and more than 1.4 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. The week 16 allocation from the federal government is in the process of being delivered to providers. 

"Thanks to the hard work of our providers who work around the clock to get shots into people's arms, we are nearing 10 million total doses since the start of this unprecedented operation," Governor Cuomo said. "Our progress is significant, but we need to maintain it, which is why we are continuing our outreach in communities that need more accessibility and still relying on community leaders to help us address the skepticism. We are lucky to have a reliable partner in the White House, and as we receive more supply from the federal government, we are ready to expand this operation for universal eligibility which begins April 6."

New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

  • Doctor's letter, or
  • Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
  • Signed certification        

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11 AM today is as follows.                                

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN
Total doses administered - 9,925,232
Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 269,527
Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,454,072
Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 31.8%
Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 19.2%

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

4,540 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

913 Patients in the ICU; 565 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.02%

63 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Vaccinations for COVID-19 are progressing as fast as we can get shots in arms, and while that's good news, the pandemic isn't over and New Yorkers have to stay vigilant. It's critical that we continue washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing across the state to slow the spread and keep each other safe," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is expanding eligibility and opening new vaccination sites statewide with a particular focus on historically underserved communities, and we're holding fast to that commitment. However, New Yorkers should take continuing infections and new variants into account as we move forward toward the light at the end of the tunnel together."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

  • Test Results Reported - 257,646
  • Total Positive - 7,787
  • Percent Positive - 3.02%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 4,540 (-64)
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.59%
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 596
  • Hospital Counties - 51
  • Number ICU - 913 (+19)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 565 (+20)
  • Total Discharges - 162,936 (+590)
  • Deaths - 63
  • Total Deaths - 40,635

Cardinal Dolan Celebrates Holy Thursday with Blessing for New Yorkers; Presides at Opening of Low-Income Housing and Food Distribution in the Bronx

 


Cardinal Timothy literally jogged into the courtyard at 1932 Bryant Avenue on Holy Thursday to Bless and open the 319 unit low income housing building called Second Farms being in the West Farms area of the 17th Council District. Cardinal Dolan with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Councilman Salamanca and members of the construction team were on hand. This is the first of six new low income housing projects around the Bronx by Catholic Charities, that are on part of current or former Catholic Church property. 

Second Farms is made up mostly of low income housing with ten percent of the apartments that were set aside for homeless people. That would account for thirty-two  of the 319 apartments. One such now formerly homeless person Emily, thanked Cardinal Dolan, BP Diaz Jr., and the rest of the team for her new modern apartment.  


Cardinal Dolan was seated in the front row with Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz Jr.


Cardinal Dolan Blessed the newbuilding at 1932 Bryant Avenue, complete by Sprinkling some Holy Water on the building.


Cardinal Dolan holds the second box of food that was given out to each person, as Bronx BP Diaz Jr. places this first box into this woman's cart.


All the work of b\Blessing the new building and handing out boxes of food, did not stop Cardinal Dolan from stopping to bless people individually.


Friday, April 2, 2021



SPRING PLANT SALE

GrowNYC's Annual Spring Plant Sale, which we've been running since 1986, is a great way for community gardens, schools, block associations, churches, and any other group greening project to purchase vegetable, herb, and flowering plants grown by local Greenmarket farmers at wholesale prices.

Our Plant Sale takes place over 5 days in late April/early May - 3 days in Brooklyn and 2 days in the Bronx. 

The sale is pre-order only.
Orders must be placed by 5pm on April 9th, 2021.

Please read the instruction sheet first.

Our 2021 Plant Sale will have 2 pickup locations:

Domino Park (parking lot)
15 River St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
  • Thursday, April 29th from 12pm to 4pm
  • Friday, April 30th from 12pm to 4pm
  • Saturday, May 1st from 12pm to 4pm

Oak Point Property LLC
1 Oak Point Ave, The Bronx, NY 10474
  • Friday, May 7th from 12pm to 4pm
  • Saturday, May 8th from 12pm to 4pm


Plants are intended for neighborhood open space projects and can be re-sold as fundraisers for community, school, neighborhood orgs.

Plants are not intended for individual use.

Easter Bunny and Food Giveaway by Councilman Mark Gjonaj on Pelham Parkway

 


Councilman Mark Gjonaj brought the Easter Bunny visit Pelham Parkway South at Wallace Avenue this week. He also brought with him some gifts for the children, who picked out their favorite Easter Egg from the Easter Bunny's basket of eggs. 

That was not all, because after all the eggs were given to the children, it was time to give boxes of food to people during this pandemic and the food crisis that had developed. 


Councilman Gjonaj watches as an eighteen wheeler parked on the main road of the South side of Pelham Parkway to be unloaded for the food giveaway.


The pallets of boxed food were brought into the parkway island one by one.


The boxes of food were given out by Councilman Gjonaj and a couple of his helpers.

275 Days and Counting

 


Governor Andrew Cuomo is Corrupt. He lied about the Nursing Home COVID-19 deaths, nine woman have accused him of improper behavior, he held back COVID-19 vaccines while having friends and family vaccinated before their proper times, used government staff to help write hi book, and did I leave out anything? I on the other hand have been proved innocent by the U.S. Attorney who said there was not enough evidence to charge me with anything.

We need Governor Cuomo out, so I can start my campaign for governor, like I did with my presidential campaign.

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Comptroller Stringer to MTA: As Overnight Subway Cleaning Continues, Workers Must Be Paid Prevailing Wages

 

Comptroller informs MTA of his determination that Labor Law Article Nine applies to the cleaning of trains as well as subway stations

 New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Chairman & CEO Patrick Foye urging the MTA to ensure that the contractors providing subway cleaning services are paying prevailing wages and benefits to their employees. Highlighting concerns that these workers are not being paid what they are owed under the law, Comptroller Stringer is already investigating one contractor for underpayment of prevailing wages on a cleaning contract for subway train interiors. Comptroller Stringer informed the MTA of his determination that Labor Law Article Nine applies to the cleaning of trains as well as subway stations.

“For the past year, the employees tasked with disinfecting the subway have risked their lives keeping our massive transit system clean,” said Comptroller Stringer. “These essential workers have faced extraordinarily challenging conditions, often without sufficient supplies and protective equipment. It is critical and common sense that we pay subway cleaners every cent of wages that they are owed for their invaluable work. There will be no economic recovery for New York without a clean, safe, reliable subway system – and the MTA must not shortchange the very workers who are crucial to ensuring that millions of New Yorkers and our frontline workforce can use our transit system safely.”

In May 2020, Comptroller Stringer sent a letter to the MTA concerning the payment of prevailing wages to employees of NYCT contractors that perform the important task of cleaning and disinfecting subway stations and trains.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, TRUST FOR GOVERNORS ISLAND ANNOUNCE GOVERNORS ISLAND TO REOPEN ON MAY 1ST

 

Brooklyn ferries will serve two locations for the first time at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 and Red Hook’s Atlantic Basin on weekends
 
City to offer free ferry rides for residents of NYCHA, seniors, children, IDNYC holders, current and former military personnel and community organizations

 Mayor de Blasio and The Trust for Governors Island (The Trust) today announced the seasonal reopening of Governors Island on May 1st, 2021. Governors Island will return to its pre-pandemic season calendar, open to visitors every day from May 1st  through October 31th. In addition to daily Manhattan ferry service, for the first time Governors Island ferries will serve two Brooklyn locations for weekend service at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook, allowing easy access to the Island for a wider range of Brooklyn residents than ever before.
 
New Yorkers can visit the island to enjoy open space and car-free natural surroundings, unmatched views of New York Harbor and surrounding skylines, historic settings, dozens of free public art exhibitions, cultural programs and activities, and diverse selection of food and beverage vendors.
 
“Governors Island is one of New York City’s crown jewels. It’s the kind of beautiful, open public space that we will rely on to drive our recovery this spring and summer,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m grateful to the Trust for making the Island more accessible than ever this year, and the return of their full season will give more New Yorkers than ever a chance to enjoy everything the island has to offer.”
 
“We are thrilled to be able to open Governors Island for its full, six-month public season again this year, and with more access from Brooklyn than ever before,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “As the City reopens, Governors Island will provide an affordable destination for New Yorkers to enjoy open space, arts and culture, and everything that makes it such a remarkable place. One of the Trust’s main goals is to provide equitable access to the Island, and we’re proud to continue to deliver on that mission this year. We can’t wait to see everyone on the ferry.”

“I'm pleased to welcome visitors back to Governors this season,” said National Park Service Manhattan Sites Superintendent Shirley McKinney. “We will continue to allow self-guided public tours of the historic forts. Park Rangers will be on site to answer questions and provide information to our guests.”
 
“This year made clear how critical green spaces like Governors Island are to the health and well-being of our city,” said Merritt Birnbaum, Executive Director of the Friends of Governors Island. “Everyone needs the ability to escape the concrete jungle and recharge after such a hard winter, and we can't wait to welcome New Yorkers back to enjoy the spring blooms, fresh Harbor breezes and plenty of room to bike, stroll, picnic and relax. We're especially grateful to our volunteers and supporters who stepped up in big ways over the past year to ensure Governors Island remains a beautiful and welcoming place for everyone.”
 
VISITOR INFORMATION & FERRIES
 
Governors Island will be open daily between May 1st - October 31st from 10 AM - 6 PM on weekdays and 10 AM -7 PM on weekends and holiday Mondays including Memorial Day, July 5, Labor Day, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Governors Island ferries will run daily between the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan and Soissons Landing on the Island.
 
For the first time, Governors Island ferries will serve two Brooklyn locations this year: Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook. These routes will run directly to Governors Island from each location every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday all season long.
 
Visitors must reserve ferry tickets in advance of their trip to Governors Island, and face coverings are required. Tickets will be available soon through an online reservation system at www.govisland.org. Round-trip ferry tickets will cost $3 for adults. Governors Island ferries are always free for children 12 and under, seniors 65 and up, residents of NYCHA, IDNYC holders, current and former military servicemembers and Governors Island members. Ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all. There is no surcharge for bicycles or strollers at any time. The Trust will also offer waived fares for non-profit community-based organizations, youth camps, and senior centers throughout New York City. To inquire about group visits, organizations may email groupvisits@govisland.org.
 
NYC Ferry will offer additional connections to Governors Island’s Yankee Pier via a dedicated weekend shuttle from Wall Street/Pier 11. Ticketing information and full schedules will be available soon at www.ferry.nyc.
 
The Island’s food and beverage vendors will return on May 1st. For a full list of vendors, please visit govisland.org/visit-the-island/food.
 
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
 
Visitors can enjoy Governors Island’s over 120 acres of award-winning open space. The Island’s park offers rolling lawns and plenty of room for New Yorkers to spread out for picnicking and recreation, including over 7 miles of car-free bike paths. Hammock Grove’s 40+ public hammocks nestled into the foliage provide a relaxing retreat. The Hills feature unparalleled views of the Harbor and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty as well as the surrounding Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.
 
Activities, including bike rentals with Blazing Saddles and CitiBike, visits to the Governors Island National Monument, self-guided history tours, free kayaking, grill reservations and more will be available for visitors beginning May 1. More information on activities can be found at govisland.org/things-to-do.
 
ARTS, CULTURE AND EDUCATION
 
Ongoing Arts, Culture and Science Programs
Over two dozen arts, culture and education organizations will utilize space inside the historic houses of Nolan Park and Colonels Row this year to present a robust slate of ongoing free public programs, host artist residencies, engage visitors in special activities for all ages, and more. Ongoing public programs will include indoor and outdoor exhibitions, installations and interactive exhibits. The Urban Farm, home to GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden and Earth Matter NY’s Compost Learning Center and Soil Start Farm will also be open weekends from 12-4pm. Participating organizations are listed at govisland.org/things-to-do and programming schedules will be available soon.
 
Public Art Commissions and Installations
Public art installations including Rachel Whiteread’s Cabin and Mark Handforth’s Yankee Hanger will remain on view, as will Shantell Martin’s The May Room. The Trust will announce new commissioned public art installations and projects to debut on the Island in 2021 throughout the season.
 
LMCC’s Arts Center at Governors Island
Curated and programmed by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), the Arts Center at Governors Island will reopen to the public June 12 through October 31 with two large-scale, site-specific solo exhibitions; a participatory sculpture; and the return of the Take Care public programs series. Appropriate COVID-19 health protocols will be in place for visitors entering the Arts Center, with exhibitions and presentations free and open to all. More details about the 2021 season at the Arts Center will be announced soon on LMCC's website, www.LMCC.net.
 
SPECIAL EVENTS
 
Governors Island will host a limited calendar of socially distanced outdoor events in 2021. Dates and more details on these and other special events will be available at govisland.org as they are announced over the coming weeks and months. All events will adhere to the latest local, state and federal health and safety guidelines.
 

Statement From Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Production Issue

 

"We are closely monitoring concerning reports about a production issue at a Johnson & Johnson affiliated factory in Baltimore that may have impacted millions of doses. New Yorkers can rest assured that next week's allocation will not be impacted and all appointments scheduled at State-run mass vaccination sites will be honored. As we learn more information about potential impacts going forward, we will provide updates." 


276 Days and Counting

 


April Fool's, and I don't mean me. The state budget is not on time like we did here in NYC.


Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic March 31, 2021

 

4,651 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

899 Patients in the ICU; 533 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.80%

62 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"COVID-19 is still front and center in New York State, and although we continue to make progress vaccinating New Yorkers, it's still a time to practice safe behaviors and care about your fellow citizens. New vaccination sites are opening and eligibility continues to expand, but the infection rate is also a function of what we do to slow the spread," Governor Cuomo said. "Washing hands, wearing masks and socially distancing are important tools we can use to protect each other from this virus. We're going to defeat COVID and return to more fulfilling lives together, but in the meantime everyone needs to stay vigilant."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

  • Test Results Reported - 220,369
  • Total Positive - 8,382
  • Percent Positive - 3.80%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 4,651 (-64)
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.47%
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 602
  • Hospital Counties - 52
  • Number ICU - 899 (-4)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 533 (+10)
  • Total Discharges - 161,761 (+575)
  • Deaths - 62
  • Total Deaths - 40,513

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program

 

192,853 Doses Administered Across New York State in the Last 24 Hours 

More than 1.3 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days  

More than 30% of New Yorkers Have Received at Least One Dose 

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker;

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 192,853 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1.3 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. The week 16 allocation from the federal government is in the process of being delivered to providers.  

"Our providers are continuing to work around the clock to get more New Yorkers vaccinated, and we can support them by continuing to exercise safety guidelines - and by urging everyone who is currently eligible to make an appointment if they have not," Governor Cuomo said. "The vaccine works, but only if we take it, and we cannot afford to slow down because the footrace against the infection rate is still on. We will continue to work with local leaders to address hesitancy and to make sure our sites are accessible to everyone, while expanding our capacity in all corners of the state to get shots into people's arms."    

New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

  • Doctor's letter, or
  • Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
  • Signed certification        

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11 AM today is as follows. 

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN
Total doses administered - 9,421,951
Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 192,853
Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,392,202
Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 30.4%
Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 17.9% 

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis

 

Fulfills Key Component of Governor's 2021 State of the State Agenda 

Legislation (S.854-A/A.1248-A) Establishes the Office of Cannabis Management; Expands New York's Existing Medical Marijuana Program; Establishes a Licensing System; and Creates a Social and Economic Equity Program Encouraging Individuals Disproportionately Impacted by Cannabis Enforcement to Participate in Industry 

Tax Collection Projected to Reach $350 Million Annually and Potentially Create 30,000 to 60,000 Jobs

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.854-A/A.1248-A) legalizing adult-use cannabis, fulfilling a key component of his 2021 State of the State agenda. The bill signing comes after the Governor, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced this past Sunday, March 28, that an agreement had been reached on the legislation. The bill establishes the Office of Cannabis Management to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework that covers medical, adult-use and cannabinoid hemp. The bill also expands New York State's existing medical marijuana and cannabinoid hemp programs. The legislation provides licensing for marijuana producers, distributors, retailers, and other actors in the cannabis market, and creates a social and economic equity program to assist individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis enforcement that want to participate in the industry.

The development of an adult-use cannabis industry in New York State under this legislation has the potential to create significant economic opportunities for New Yorkers and the State. Tax collections from the adult-use cannabis program are projected to reach $350 million annually. Additionally, there is the potential for this new industry to create 30,000 to 60,000 new jobs across the State.

"This is a historic day in New York - one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State's economy, and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits." Governor Cuomo said. "This was one of my top priorities in this year's State of the State agenda and I'm proud these comprehensive reforms address and balance the social equity, safety and economic impacts of legal adult-use cannabis. I thank both the Leader and the Speaker, and the tireless advocacy of so many for helping make today's historic day possible."

"Today, New York stepped up and took transformative action to end the prohibition of adult-use marijuana," said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. "This legislation is a momentous first step in addressing the racial disparities caused by the war on drugs that has plagued our state for too long. This effort was years in the making and we have finally achieved what many thought was impossible, a bill that legalizes marijuana while standing up for social equity, enhancing education and protecting public safety. I applaud Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes for their commitment and leadership on this issue."

"Passage of this bill will mean not just legalizing marijuana, but also investing in education and our communities, and it brings to an end decades of disproportionately targeting people of color under state and federal drug laws," said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. "I thank Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes for her years of advocacy and efforts to make this bill a reality. My colleagues and I knew it was important to do this the right way - in a way that would include those targeted and frequently excluded from the process. Now, this legal industry will create jobs across our state, including for those who have had their lives upended by years of unjust drug laws."

"I'm extremely humbled, proud and honored to have passed the historic Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act with my partners in government Senator Liz Krueger and Governor Cuomo. This social justice initiative will provide equity to positively transform disenfranchised communities of color for the better," said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. "I believe this bill can serve as a blue print for future states seeking inclusive cannabis legalization. I would be remiss not to thank all of my family, colleagues, advocates and supporters over 8 long years."

The Governor has included legalizing adult-use cannabis in his last three budget proposals. 

The New York State Cannabis/Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act contains the following provisions: 

Establish the Office of Cannabis Management
The Office of Cannabis Management will be charged with enforcing a comprehensive regulatory framework governing medical, adult-use cannabinoid hemp. It will be governed by a five-member board, with three members appointed by the Governor and one appointment by each house. OCM will be an independent office operating as part of the New York State Liquor Authority.

Medical Cannabis
The legislation will allow people with a larger list of medical conditions to access medical marijuana, increase the number of caregivers allowed per patient, and permit home cultivation of medical cannabis for patients.

Adult-Use Cannabis
The legislation will create a two-tier licensing structure that will allow for a large range of producers by separating those growers and processors from also owning retail stores. The legislation creates licenses for producers and distributors, among other entities, and the legislation will implement strict quality control, public health and consumer protections. A social and economic equity program will facilitate individuals disproportionally impacted by cannabis enforcement, including creating a goal of 50% of licenses to go to a minority or woman owned business enterprise, or distressed farmers or service-disabled veterans to encourage participation in the industry.

The Bill implements a new cannabis tax structure that will replace a weight-based tax with a tax per mg of THC at the distributor level with different rates depending on final product type. The wholesale excise tax will be moved to the retail level with a 9 percent state excise tax. The local excise tax rate will be 4 percent of the retail price. Counties will receive 25% of the local retail tax revenue and 75 percent will go to the municipality.

Cannabinoid Hemp
The legislation permits the sale of hemp flower in the cannabinoid hemp program, and allows for smokeable forms only when adult use retail stores are operational.

Adult-Use Cannabis Tax Revenue
All cannabis taxes will be deposited in the New York state cannabis revenue fund. Revenue covers reasonable costs to administer the program and implement the law. The remaining funding will be split three ways:

  • 40 Percent to Education
  • 40 Percent to Community Grants Reinvestment Fund
  • 20 Percent to Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund

Municipal Opt-Out
Cities, towns, and villages may opt-out of allowing adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries or on-site consumption licenses by passing a local law by December 31, 2021 or nine months after the effective date of the legislation. They cannot opt-out of adult-use legalization.

Traffic Safety
The New York State Department of Health will work with institutions of higher education to conduct a controlled research study designed to evaluate methodologies and technologies for the detection of cannabis-impaired driving. After completion of the research study, DOH may create and implement rules and regulations to approve and certify a test for the presence of cannabis in drivers. 

The legislation includes additional funding for drug recognition experts and law enforcement to ensure safe roadways.

The use of cannabis by drivers will remain prohibited and will carry the same penalties as it does currently.

Personal Possession and Home Cultivation
The following conditions apply to growing cannabis at home and personal possession of cannabis outside the home:

  • Personal possession outside of the home: up to 3 ounces cannabis and 24 grams of cannabis concentrate
  • Home possession: amends limits of what is permitted in the home, which must be kept in a secure location away from children
  • Home grow: permitted under the bill subject to possession limits in 18 months after first adult-use sales begin for adult recreational use and subject to regulations of the Medical Program being promulgated no sooner than 6 months:
    • 3 mature plants and 3 immature plants for adults over 21
      • 6 mature plants and 6 immature plants maximum per household

Criminal Justice and Record Expungement
The cannabis penalty framework will be restructured to avoid the criminalization seen in prohibition. Reduced penalties will be implemented for possession and sale.

  • Creates automatic expungement or resentencing for anyone with a previous marijuana conviction that would now be legal under the law and provides necessary funding
  • Adds cannabis to the clean indoor air act which establishes a baseline on where cannabis can be smoked or vaped
  • Municipalities and local governments are permitted to make laws that are more restrictive than the CIAA. Contains various provisions to ensure that cannabis is treated as a lawful substance and to prevent discriminatory enforcement

Protections for the Use of Cannabis and Workplace Safety
Unlawful discrimination will be prohibited and workplace safety protections will be implemented.

Public Health and Education Campaign
OCM will establish a robust public health and education campaign and work with neighboring states and associations to coordinate actions and policies to protect regional health and safety. 

This legislation builds on years of work to understand and decriminalize cannabis for adult use. In 2018, the Department of Health, under Governor Cuomo's direction, conducted a multi-agency study, which concluded that the positive impacts of legalizing adult-use cannabis far outweighed the negatives. It also found that decades of cannabis prohibition have failed to achieve public health and safety goals and have led to unjust arrests and convictions particularly in communities of color. 

In 2019, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to decriminalize the penalties for unlawful possession of marijuana. The legislation also put forth a process to expunge records for certain marijuana convictions. Later that year, the Governor spearheaded a multi-state summit to discuss paths towards legalization of adult-use cannabis that would ensure public health and safety and coordinate programs regionally to minimize the cross-border movement of cannabis products.