Governor Hochul Announces Regional Air Quality Health Advisories for Saturday July 1, Three-Day Statewide Advisory Ends

 

Air Quality Health Advisory Remains for the Adirondack, Upper and Lower Hudson Valley, New York City Metro, and Long Island Regions for Saturday, July 1

Hundreds of Thousands of N95-Style Masks Will Continue to be Available to the Public Statewide

Transit Authorities in Impacted Regions Will Keep Utilizing Public Address Systems, Bus Headway Signs, Social Media, and Other Electronic Signage to Deliver Air Quality Related Safety Information

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced regional Air Quality Health Advisories will be issued for regions in the eastern half of New York State, which continues to be impacted by smoke from Canadian wildfires as well as ozone in some areas. After three days, the full statewide Air Quality Health Advisory will end as conditions improve in Western New York, Central New York and the Eastern Lake Ontario regions. The Departments ofEnvironmental Conservation and Health are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for tomorrow, Saturday, July 1, for the Adirondack, Upper and Lower Hudson Valley, New York City Metro, and Long Island regions for smoke-induced PM2.5 pollution, and for ozone in the Lower Hudson Valley region. Air quality is forecasted to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' Air Quality Index on Saturday for PM2.5 the effected regions. Air quality is also forecasted to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' Air Quality Index on Saturday for ozone in the Lower Hudson Valley region. At this level, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. To learn more, see chart here.

"As we prepare to celebrate this holiday weekend, New Yorkers should continue to check the latest air quality in their region before heading outside," Governor Hochul said. "We remain committed to protecting public health and will continue to update New Yorkers to help everyone stay safe outdoors as conditions continue to change."

An Air Quality Health Advisory for particulate matter remains in effect all day Friday, with levels of air pollution that are 'Unhealthy' and 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' in regions statewide. An ozone advisory was also issued for the New York City Metro region today.

State Agencies are closely monitoring air quality statewide for impacts from fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, as well as ozone. State Agencies and Authorities continue to coordinate air quality monitoring, public awareness and education, mask distribution, and other efforts to prevent or limit exposure to elevated levels of smoke-driven air pollution.

The smoke plume is expected to be gradually pushed from southwest to northeast Friday night into Saturday. Current forecasts suggest elevated levels of smoke-enhanced PM2.5 will be limited with temporary periods of air quality that is 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' forecasted statewide.

For Sunday, current forecasts show some smoke will be recirculated through New York State due to smoke lingering in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Aged smoke is likely to be pulled north-northeast ahead of an approaching cold front, leading to slightly elevated PM2.5 AQI values.

While Air Quality Index levels are forecast to range from 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' to 'Unhealthy' for all during this time, DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories and corresponding guidelines based on 24-hour forecasts and one-hour values may exceed forecast values in these regions, with possible Unhealthy or Very Unhealthy hourly readings.

Large fireworks displays are expected to build upon elevated PM2.5 AQI levels near and downwind of launch sites and may be noted by the state's air monitoring devices.

Visit dec.ny.gov for updated forecasts and information about air quality index levels, and http://www.health.ny.gov/ for information on health risks and precautions related to air quality.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC will be closely monitoring conditions throughout the holiday weekend and will issue advisories as needed in close consultation with our expert meteorologists and partners at the State Department of Health. I encourage all New Yorkers to keep informed to make the best decisions to protect themselves and their families."

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "With unhealthy air over the eastern part of the state, and a summer holiday weekend upon us when many people spend time outdoors, it is important that everyone be aware of their local air quality and their personal risk. You can monitor your air quality with your phone weather app or at airnow.gov and if your air is unhealthy, limit your time outdoors, limit exertion, and it's also a good idea to have a quality mask with you. New Yorkers who are especially sensitive to elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, those over 65, pregnant people and those with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or asthma."

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Air quality remains a concern for us and we are closely monitoring the forecast. We want New Yorkers to be prepared this holiday weekend: know your risk and stay informed on the current AQI forecast for your community."

At the Governor's direction, more than one million high-quality N95-style masks have been distributed this month to help address air quality impacts.

In New York City this week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Port Authority, and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are distributing masks to commuters at major transit hubs and state parks.

Outside of New York City, the State is making hundreds of thousands of additional masks available at its regional stockpiles to county emergency managers for further distribution to the public.

Masks are available at the following locations:

• Grand Central Terminal
• Penn Station
• Fulton Center
• Jamaica Station
• Main Concourse of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, South Wing
• Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
• Grand Concourse, Bronx
• Shirley Chisholm State Park
• Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
• Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park
• Roberto Clemente State Park

Transit authorities across the state are utilizing public address systems, bus headway signs, social media and other electronic signage to provide air-quality related safety information directly to customers, including:

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• NassauTRANSIT
• Westchester County Bee-Line
• Capital District Transportation Authority

The New York State Department of Health is advising precautions as necessary. Steps for individuals to take to reduce risk, include:

• When AQI is greater than 100 ('Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'), New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and pregnant people.
• When AQI is greater than 150 ('Unhealthy'), all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors, especially pregnant individuals who may become short of breath more easily. In addition, some employees who are vulnerable should work indoors and camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level and follow AQI guidance.
• When AQI is greater than 200 ('Very Unhealthy'), vulnerable groups should avoid all physical activity outdoors, and reschedule or move activities indoors. All others should avoid long or intense outdoor activities.
• When AQI is greater than 300 ('Hazardous'), all New Yorkers should avoid outdoor physical activities.
• For people who spend time outdoors, when air quality is unhealthy, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended. A N95 or KN95 will work best.

To check your location's current air quality, go to http://www.airnow.gov/.

Governor Hochul announced on Wednesday that eight Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers have deployed to Quebec for approximately two weeks to assist with efforts to contain the ongoing wildfires. Earlier this week, Governor Hochul welcomed home eight Rangers deployed to Nova Scotia and Quebec.

Housing Lottery Launches For 1135 Teller Avenue In Concourse, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1135 Teller Avenue, an eight-story residential building in Concourse, The Bronx. Designed by Sion Consulting Engineering and developed by Gurwinder Singh of Kulwant Teller Inc., the structure yields 44 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 43 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $104,880 to $198,250.

 

Amenities include assigned parking spaces, recreation room, gated access, and an elevator. Residences are equipped with air conditioning, high-speed internet, intercoms, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 28 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,059 for incomes ranging from $104,880 to $165,230, and 15 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,599 for incomes ranging from $123,395 to $198,250.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 29, 2023.

Permits Filed For 2158 Aqueduct Avenue East In University Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 2158 Aqueduct Avenue East in University Heights, The Bronx. Located between West 181st Street and Clinton Place, the lot is near the 183rd Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Mendy Tessler is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 17,567 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 26 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 675 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar and eight enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

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

Registration Open for BRAC Summer 2023 Art Classes!

  

Enrich your Summer at BRAC

Register Now To Experience

5 Weeks of Art Classes!

Sign Up for Summer Session | Classes Start July 10

Classes run for 5 sessions

July 10 - August 1

Visit Education Page  Click Here to Register

SUMMER 2023 SCHEDULE

MONDAYS (July 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7)

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING for Children and Teens - 11am-1pm

TEEN PROJECT STUDIO +2.0 for Teens and Young Adults- 2pm-4pm (FREE CLASS by application CLICK HERE TO APPLY)

TUESDAYS (July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8)

CERAMICS HANDBUILDING for All Ages - 11am-1pm

POTTERY WHEEL THROWING for Teens and Adults - 2pm-4pm

PORTRAIT PAINTING for Teens and Adults - 2pm-4pm

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY for Teens and Adults - 2pm-4pm

WEDNESDAYS (July 12, 19, 26; August 2, 7)

MANGA AND CARTOONING for Children and Teens- 11am-1pm

WATERCOLOR PAINTING for Teens and Adults - 2pm-4pm

DIGITAL ART & ILLUSTRATION for Teens and Adults - 4pm-6pm

TEEN PROJECT STUDIO +2.0 for Teens and Young Adults -2pm-4pm (FREE CLASS by application)

THURSDAYS (July 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10)

PAINTING NATURE for Children and Teens -11am-1pm

DRAWING AND PRINTMAKING for All Ages - 2pm-4pm

POTTERY WHEEL THROWING for Teens and Adults - 4pm-6pm

FRIDAYS (July 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11)

SPECIAL THREE-HOUR FRIDAY WORKSHOPS - 11am-2pm

July 14 - Mixed Media & Abstraction

July 21 - Digital Illustration

July 28 - Paper Making

August 4 - Cyanotype

August 11 - Book Making

Children and Teen Classes (ages 7 - 19): $45 for five sessions.

Child & Parent (child must be ages 6 - 12): $77 for five sessions.

Young Adult and Adult Classes (20+): $58 for five sessions

BRONX SUMMER ART FOCUS: Participate every day!

Monday through Thursday in the 11am to 1pm classes and every Friday in the 11am to 2pm workshops for $240

Each Friday will have a different, three-hour workshop for all ages. Each workshop is $12.

Click Here to Register  Visit Education Page

Classes will be held on-site at the Bronx River Art Center, with sessions taking place within our well-ventilated open space studios. All materials will be supplied by BRAC.

Digital Illustration classes are offered in Hybrid Mode wherein students have the option to take the course remotely over Zoom or in-person at BRAC's Computer Media Lab.

NOTE: Classes may not run if there are less than eight registered students. If the class is canceled, you will be notified before classes start.

Proof of vaccination will be required upon entering building for first class. Negative tests required for under 12. Use of masks is required.

For general questions about classes, please email info@bronxriverart.org.

Bronx River Art Center, Inc | 1087 East Tremont Ave, PO Box 5002, Bronx, NY 10460

FORMER DOB INSPECTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO ACCEPTING $500 IN CASH TO OVERLOOK CONSTRUCTION WORK COMPLETED CONTRARY TO APROVED PLANS

 

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced that a former Construction Inspector with the City Department of Buildings (“DOB”) pled guilty to accepting a cash payment of $500 in exchange for approving construction work that did not follow the DOB-approved plans for the construction. This investigation began after DOI received allegations from a member of the public and DOB that the defendant had solicited cash payments in exchange for approvals of construction work he inspected. DOI investigated this matter with the office of Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz, which is prosecuting the case.

IAN CROOKS, 60, of Queens, N.Y., was arrested and charged on April 19, 2023 with Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and Official Misconduct, a class A misdemeanor. He was presented with a Desk Appearance Ticket to return for his arraignment in Queens County Criminal Court, where he pled guilty to Official Misconduct and was sentenced to a conditional discharge. Pursuant to the plea agreement, CROOKS resigned from DOB.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “The cornerstone of this former Buildings Inspector’s job was to ensure that completed construction work was consistent with the approved plans. This defendant not only failed to do his duty as an inspector, he accepted payment to ignore the rules. I thank the member of the public and the Department of Buildings for reporting this matter to DOI for investigation. DOB’s rules and approval process are intended to maintain the safety and structural integrity of construction work in this City and the corruption alleged here undercuts that important effort. I thank the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership on this investigation.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “The duties of a building inspector are critical – they ensure that our structures are safe and inhabitable. This man’s conduct undermined public confidence in government and its ability to competently and fairly protect and serve all New Yorkers. I applaud the Department of Investigation for its outstanding work on this case.” 

DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo said, “We have zero tolerance for this behavior at DOB, which is why our Office of Internal Affairs and Discipline immediately began working with the Department of Investigation to investigate this allegation and act upon it. Working together with our partners in law enforcement, we have made tremendous progress in promoting a safer construction industry and upholding the highest levels of integrity within the agency.” 

According to the criminal complaint, plans were submitted to, and approved by, DOB to replace rusted lintels above the front three windows at a residence located at 173-19 Jamaica Ave. in Queens. Lintels provide extra support for the top of windows and doors. A DOI undercover investigator posed as the property owner when the defendant inspected the work. The investigation found that the windows were filled with concrete blocks and mortar, which were not indicated on the approved plans and obstructed the view of the lintels. Despite this failure to adhere to the plans, on January 12, 2023, the defendant agreed to approve the work for $500 in cash provided by the DOI undercover investigator posing as the property owner. Once the defendant received the $500 cash payment he left the property.

The defendant was suspended from DOB upon his arrest on April 19, 2023. CROOKS began working at DOB as a Construction Inspector in 2017 and was receiving an annual salary of approximately $66,825 when he resigned pursuant to the guilty plea. 

Attorney General James Releases Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision Limiting LGBTQ+ Protections

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement in response to the 6-3 decision by the United States Supreme Court to allow a wedding web designer to discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals by refusing to provide services for same-sex weddings: 

“On this final day of Pride Month, the Supreme Court reminded all Americans that the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and dignity is very much ongoing. This disappointing decision to allow some businesses to ignore laws protecting LGBTQ+ couples from discrimination will have chilling effects. Once again, we have seen this court roll back the progress of the past and strip away rights and protections. I will always stand up and fight for the rights of all New Yorkers, because in our state we know that love is love.” 

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative LLC, et al. v. Elenis et al. ruled in favor of a Colorado web designer opposed to same-sex marriage. The web designer claimed a First Amendment right to an exemption from a Colorado state law that bars businesses from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the web designer, allowing the business to refuse to provide web design services to same-sex couples for their weddings.   

Attorney General James has been a leader on standing up for the rights of all New Yorkers, including historically marginalized communities. Earlier this month, Attorney General James sent two letters asking Target to reaffirm its support of the LGBTQ+ community after their removal of Pride merchandise from stores, one as part of a coalition of attorneys general, and one together with fellow New York elected officials. Last month, she co-led a multistate coalition in submitting comments in support of robust anti-discrimination protections for transgender students at the federal level. In April 2023, Attorney General James called out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for violating public university students’ right to privacy over his request for information on those receiving gender-affirming care. In March 2023, following a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-drag protests, rhetoric, and policies, Attorney General James hosted a first-of-its-kind Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon for families in New York City. Last December, Attorney General James led a multi-state coalition of attorneys general to support equal access to gender-affirming care in West Virginia. Attorney General James has led or co-led coalitions of attorneys general to challenge policies prohibiting transgender students from using bathrooms which correspond with their gender identity in Indiana, Florida, and Virginia.   

Governor Hochul Offers Safety Tips for the Upcoming July 4th Holiday

 

Multi-Agency Effort to Remind New Yorkers of the Dangers of Fireworks with Injuries on the Rise

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ State Office of Fire Prevention and Control Recommends Prioritizing Fire Safety if Handling Legal Sparkling Devices; Agency Recommends New Yorkers Attend Public Fireworks Displays to Avoid Injury or Unwanted Fires

New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection and the New York State Department of Health Recommend Food and Water Safety Tips

 Governor Kathy Hochul today reminds New Yorkers that the July 4th weekend typically sees a rise in sparkling device and firework-related injuries. Food-borne illnesses and water accidents are also more prevalent during the holiday time. Three state agencies offer their expertise to remind of the dangers to make for a safer, more enjoyable time for all.

“July 4th is a special time to gather and spend time with your loved ones and friends,” Governor Hochul said. “While celebrating Independence Day, I encourage everyone to follow these tips and to enjoy the holiday weekend. Please stay safe from the preventable: stay away from dangerous fireworks, exercise caution around water and don’t let food poisoning ruin your weekend.”

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection, along with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) and the New York State Department of Health are reminding New Yorkers to keep safe while celebrating Independence Day. Every year thousands of people — most of them children, teens and young adults — are injured while using fireworks and sparkling devices, and most of these injuries happen in the weeks surrounding July 4th. Across the United States, at least 11 people died in incidents involving fireworks in 2022, and an estimated 10,200 people were injured, with the majority of them – 73 percent – occurring during the weeks before and after the July 4th holiday. A 2021 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows a 25 percent increase in fireworks-related injuries between 2006 and 2021.

In New York State in 2021, there were 199 fireworks-related injury visits reported by emergency departments, with 142 of those visits reported between June 18 July 18. Additionally, 24 percent of the visits during that time period were by patients 18 years of age or under. Injuries to both children and adults include eye and ear damage, burns, puncture wounds, and permanent scarring.

Common causes of fireworks-related injuries are:

• A fast-fuse firecracker explodes before it can be thrown.
• A misguided rocket strikes a bystander.
• A curious youngster goes to investigate why a firecracker "failed" to explode.

While avoiding the use of illegal fireworks is the best way to prevent injury, the Department also recommends taking simple precautions while watching professional fireworks displays, including using earplugs to protect hearing, keeping a safe distance from the launch site, and leaving pets at home. If your pet is nervous around fireworks at home, please consult your veterinarian for ways to protect and comfort him or her.

FIREWORKS – WHAT’S LEGAL AND WHAT’S NOT IN NEW YORK STATE:

What’s Legal

• Sale of sparkling devices by registered sellers from June 1 until July 5 annually. Sparkling devices are ground-based or handheld sparking devices that produce a shower of colored sparks or colored flame, crackling or whistling noise and smoke. They do not launch into the air.
• Users must be 18 years or older to use sparkling devices.

What’s Not Legal:

• The possession and use of sparkling devices in cities with populations of more than one million people and where prohibited by local law. This includes New York City and the following counties: Albany, Bronx, Columbia, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange (prohibited in the Cities of Middletown and Newburgh only), Queens, Richmond, Schenectady, Suffolk, Warren and Westchester. The list of counties that prohibit the sale and possession of sparkling devices is ever changing; for compliance, please check with your local county sheriff’s office.
• Fireworks including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners, and aerial devices, are illegal statewide.

DCP and OFPC offered guidance to New Yorkers planning to use sparkling devices over the next week in celebration of the Fourth of July holiday:

• Children and sparklers are a dangerous combination. Never allow young children to play with or ignite sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never throw or point sparkling devices toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution or keep an approved fire extinguisher nearby during a display.
• Make sure the person lighting sparkling devices always wears eye protection.
• Light only one sparkling device at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Always use sparkling devices outdoors. Never light sparklers inside.
• Store sparkling devices in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• If you are impaired by alcohol, don’t use sparkling devices.
• Always wear eye protection when using sparkling devices
• Purchase sparkling devices and novelty devices from New York State registered retailers only

Sales of sparkling devices by certified permanent and specialty retailers can only take place during the year from June 1 to July 5 and December 26 to January 2. Sales of sparkling devices by certified temporary stands or tents can only occur from June 20 to July 5 and December 26 to January 2.

A list of registered sparkling device vendors appears here.

OFPC also encourages parents and guardians to provide children and teens with non-flammable alternatives to sparkling devices, which can be easily found at most retail stores.

Suggested items include:

• Glow Sticks
• Pipe Cleaner “Sparklers”
• Fairy Lights
• LED Items

New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez “The Fourth of July brings families and friends together to celebrate and enjoy the summer weather, but it is also one of the holidays with the highest number of accidents. When celebrating Independence Day this year, we encourage New Yorkers to understand which consumer fireworks are legal in New York State and how to use them safely.”

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Sparkling devices and illegal fireworks cause injuries and start unwanted fires every year. Put safety first while celebrating the holiday and choose the safest and most spectacular option: leave it to the professionals and attend the nearest public fireworks display.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “A holiday celebration should not end with a trip to the emergency department. While it can be fun and entertaining to make noise and watch the colorful displays produced by fireworks, I encourage all New Yorkers to make the safe choice and enjoy professional public fireworks displays instead of putting themselves, their loves ones and friends, and their communities at risk with illegal personal fireworks.”

The New York State Department of Health also reminds New Yorkers of food safety and water safety during our summer and holiday time.

Food safety is also a key component to ensuring an enjoyable holiday and some proven food preparation routines can help prevent potentially serious illness or even death. Always wash hands after handling raw meat and before preparing or serving ready-to-eat food. Meat should be cooked to the proper temperature to avoid illness from germs such as E-coli and salmonella, which can be present in undercooked meats such as chicken and hamburger.

Hot outdoor temperatures can also impact the safety of perishable foods. Refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours. If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, refrigerate it within 1 hour. The Department’s tips for food safety are available here and recommendations for those planning a barbecue are available here.

A day at the beach or in the pool can be a perfect way to enjoy summer and celebrate the holiday, as long as water safety is a priority. Each year, hundreds of New Yorkers drown or are hospitalized for severe injuries related to drowning. Some tips for safe swimming include never swimming alone, supervising children around water, avoiding drugs and alcohol while swimming, and learning basic swimming and water safety skills. Additional recommendations for water safety can be found here.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter and Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE SUPREME COURT ENABLING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS

 

 "A day after ignoring and exacerbating our country’s systems of discrimination with regards to race, the Court has further permitted and ingrained discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This ruling is a dangerous, regressive attack on the LGBTQ+ community, one which places the right to discriminate over the rights to love, and to exist. 

"Freedoms of faith and speech are not an excuse for inflicting targeted harm on people who have faced sustained bigotry and violence by the mere fact of their identity. The Court has now permitted laws to be made based on religious extremism and otherism that only inflicts harm.

"As Pride Month comes to an end, the conservative attacks on LGBTQ+ communities continue in legislative chambers and courts across the country, up to the highest levels. With many in this country intent on stripping away rights and protections in the name of protecting the status quo, systems of oppression, and powers in place, historically marginalized groups must stand together to protect the cause of justice and all who are denied it."