MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL “TRICK-OR-STREETS,” EXPANSION OF CAR-FREE STREETS ACROSS FIVE BOROUGHS

 

Open Streets, Plazas, and Additional Corridors Will Go Car-Free on Dates Throughout October 

 

City-Hosted “Trick or Streets” Events Will Expand Public Space for New York City Youth 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the return and expansion of “Trick-or-Streets” for its second installment, following its successful launch last year. Throughout October, the city will activate Open Streets, plazas, and other corridors to celebrate Halloween and expand access to safe, car-free pedestrian space. Additionally, at 15 premier locations in all five boroughs, DOT and its partners will host festive Halloween programming at events throughout the month. 

 

“‘Trick-or-Streets’ was a hit last year, and we’re excited to bring it back so New York City youth can safely enjoy Halloween,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration has been relentless in our efforts to be creative in maximizing and utilizing the city’s public space, allowing communities to come together in ways they never could before. We encourage anyone interested in hosting a ‘Trick-or-Streets’ event to apply to join the program, and we look forward to working with you to deliver the safest and most fun Halloween the city has ever seen.” 

 

“Our Open Streets are a ‘treat’ to us all, and we’re excited to continue this holiday tradition with our community partners,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Having a designated safe place for families to celebrate costumes and candy is now another reason to be in New York City.” 

 

“After a remarkably successful inaugural ‘Trick-or-Streets’ last Halloween, we are proud to bring this event back this year with even more holiday spirit. Open Streets has led to many great programs, ranging from the transitioning of temporary open spaces to permanent plazas, to bike boulevards, and now to the annual Halloween tradition of ‘Trick-or-Streets,’” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “This event gives New Yorkers the opportunity to safely enjoy the holiday along a wide variety of safer, shared community spaces, and I wish all of New York’s ghouls and goblins a wonderful and safe night of tricks and treats!” 

“Trick-or-Streets” logo. Credit: New York City Department of Transportation 

In 2022, for the first time ever, DOT activated nearly 100 Open Streets, plazas, and other corridors on Halloween night, so New Yorkers could enjoy a safe, car-free, trick-or-treating experience.  

 

This year, also for the first time ever, DOT is producing 15 premier events at Open Streets and plazas in all five boroughs. Programming will include special performances, festive activities, expanded public space for trick or treating, and more. A full list of participating locations will be available online later this month. Open Streets partners, plaza partners, and community-based organizations can apply to join the “Trick or Streets” program online by October 18. 

 

The initial set of “Trick or Streets” premier events will take place at the following times and locations: 

 

Saturday, October 14 

•   West 12th Street, from Surf Avenue to Dead End (Brooklyn), 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, sponsored by HONK NYC! and the Alliance for Coney Island 

 

Saturday, October 21 

•   5th Avenue, from Douglass Street to DeGraw Street (Brooklyn), 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, sponsored by HONK NYC! and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District 
•   Parkside Avenue and Ocean Avenue (Brooklyn), 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, sponsored by HONK NYC! and Flatbush Avenue/Parkside Empire Merchants Association 

 

Friday, October 27 

•   Lafayette Street, from Spring Street to Kenmare Street (Manhattan), 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, sponsored by Mov!ng Culture Projects and Osteria Morini 

 

Saturday, October 28 

•   Audobon Avenue, from West 186th Street to West 188th Street (Manhattan), 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, sponsored by Connectemos and The Horticultural Society of New York 
•   West 186th Street, from Audubon Avenue to St. Nicholas Avenue (Manhattan), 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, sponsored by Connectemos and The Horticultural Society of New York 

•   Fordham Plaza at Webster Avenue (Bronx), 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, sponsored by The Bronx is Reading 
•   Troutman Street, from St. Nicholas Avenue to Irving Avenue (Brooklyn), 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, sponsored by Mov!ng Culture Projects and Bushwick Foundation for Artists and Merchants 
•   Beverley Road, from Church Avenue to East 2nd Street (Brooklyn), 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, sponsored by HONK NYC! 
•   Beverley Road, from Church Avenue to East 2nd Street (Brooklyn), 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Trick-or-Streets Brooklyn ride sponsored by WE Bike NYC! 

 

Sunday, October 29 

• Frederick Douglass Boulevard, from West 112th Street to West 120th Street (Manhattan), 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM, sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance 

 

Tuesday, October 31 

•   Dyckman Street, from Broadway to Seaman Avenue (Manhattan), 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM, sponsored by Dyckman Gardens 

•   Evelyn Place, from Aqueduct Avenue East to Grand Avenue (Bronx), 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, sponsored by HONK NYC! and I Am My Community 
•   Jackson Avenue, East 149th Street to Pontiac Place (Bronx), 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, sponsored by Street Lab and The Horticultural Society of New York 
•   Minthorne Street, from Bay Street to Victory Boulevard (Staten Island), 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, sponsored by The Angiuli Group 

 

Saturday, November 4 

•   Fordham Plaza at Webster Avenue (Bronx), 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, sponsored by The Bronx is Reading 

  

The city will also release a schedule of activities for Dia De Los Muertos/Day of the Dead to take place in early November in Times Square Plaza. 

 

“I’m so thrilled to collaborate with the Department of Transportation to host our ‘Authors & Writers Out Loud’ event at Fordham Plaza on October 28th during Bronx Night Market for ‘Trick or Streets’ that will include story time readings, author talks, and our fan favorite ‘trick or treat, give me something good to read’ book giveaway,” said Saraciea J. Fennell, founder, The Bronx is Reading. “It’s going to be a fun-filled day, and the entire community is invited!” 

 

“The Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance is pleased to be participating in DOT’s ‘Trick-or-Streets’ celebration,” said John Lynch, co-president, Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance (FDBA). “For three summers, FDBA has sponsored one of the city’s largest Open Streets programs on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, which is known as ‘The Gateway to Harlem’ and ‘Harlem’s Restaurant Row.’ The corridor is home to many minority-owned and small businesses that drive the neighborhood’s economy and employ numerous community residents. Halloween provides an opportunity to bring together people of all ages from all over New York — costumed or not! — to enjoy a safe and joyous celebration. Our numerous restaurants will offer Halloween specials, and our businesses will welcome all trick or treaters.” 

 

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Improving Alcoholic Beverage Laws for Consumers and Small Business Owners

Legislation S.5731/A.6941 Allows for the Retail Sale of Beer on Sundays

Legislation S.2854/A.7305 Expands Hours of Operation for Liquor and Wine Stores on Sundays

Legislation S.6443/A.6135 Lengthens the Duration of a Brewer’s License

Legislation S.3364A/A.2902 Authorizes the Use of a Pressurized Mixing and Dispensing System

Legislation S.3567A/A.6050A Permits the Sale or Promotional Gifting of Certain Complementary Products for Wine and Spirits

Legislation S.6993A/A.7688 Relates to Licensing Restrictions for On-Premises Alcohol Consumption for Manufacturers and Wholesalers of Alcoholic Beverages at Specific Locations

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a package of legislation that will improve New York's laws related to alcoholic beverages in an effort to expand options for consumers and support New York's small businesses in the alcoholic beverage sector.

"Across New York, breweries, distilleries and other alcoholic beverage businesses are creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity,” Governor Hochul said. “I'm proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sales of alcoholic beverages in New York.”

Legislation S.5731/A.6941 allows for the sale of beer, mead, braggot and cider on any day of the week including Sundays. Legislation S.2854/A.7305 allows liquor and wine stores to expand their Sunday hours so that they may open at 10am and close at 10pm. Legislation S.6443/A.6134 extends the length of validity of a brewer’s license from one year to three years. Legislation S.3364A/A.2902 allows for businesses to prepare and keep drinks containing alcohol in pressurized dispensing machines. Legislation S.3567A/A.6050A allows retail stores to sell complementary gift and promotional items related to wine and spirit sales. Legislation S.6993A/A.7688 adds parcels of land to the list of premises which are exempt from the provisions of law which generally restrict manufacturers/wholesalers and retailers from sharing an interest in a liquor license.

This legislation package builds upon Governor Hochul’s efforts to address outdated laws in New York regarding alcohol and its sales throughout the state. As part of the FY 2023 Enacted Budget, alcohol to-go was established as law, allowing take out drinks. Last year, Governor Hochul also signed legislation to allow catering establishments to apply for off-premises licenses to serve liquor at event locations, supporting caters and small businesses in the hospitality industry.

State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan said, “We applaud the continued efforts by our Governor and the Legislature to help small businesses succeed and protect public safety by addressing antiquated liquor laws. With this legislative package, our licensed businesses will grow economically and face less governmental burden and legislative restraint.” 

Investment Banker Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

 

Defendant Concealed over $5.1 Million in Offshore Accounts

A U.S. citizen residing in the Principality of Monaco pleaded guilty to tax evasion for concealing from the IRS over $5,130,000 in income derived from a real estate transaction and securities investments in offshore bank accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Stephen L. Schechter was a licensed U.S. investment banker, U.K. corporate finance advisor and owner and operator of a U.S.-based financial investment advisory firm.

In 2002, Schechter formed an entity called Charles Penn Longview (CPL) in the British Virgin Islands. In June 2004, Schechter opened a Swiss bank account in the name of CPL at what ultimately became known as Piguet Galland & Cie SA. In doing so, he and his bank relationship manager concealed Schechter's U.S.-citizenship status in bank documents. Until it was closed around January 2013, the account generated interest and dividends that Schechter never reported to the IRS as income.

In June 2011, Schechter sold a Monaco apartment for approximately €14,000,000, which he deposited into his CPL account at Piguet. He subsequently used the sale proceeds to purchase $8,856,691 in various securities, on which he earned interest, dividends and capital gains. Schechter never disclosed the income from the sale of the Monaco apartment or the securities bought from sale proceeds to his tax return preparer. Schechter knew that, as a U.S. citizen, he was obligated to report and pay taxes on his income, even if he earned it abroad and lived outside the United States.

Schechter later opened another CPL bank account at UBS Monaco SA, closed his account at Piguet, and transferred the balance of approximately $10.2 million into the new UBS Monaco account, further earning undisclosed interest and dividends until 2017.  

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required annually to file a FinCEN Form 114 – Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) – if the combined balance of all foreign accounts they own, have a financial interest in or signature authority over is more than $10,000 at any point during that calendar year. However, Schechter did not file FBARs reporting his Piguet or UBS Monaco accounts.

Schechter is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

A Message from State Comptroller DiNapoli on Israel

 

Condemning the Terrorist Attacks on Israel

This week has been difficult for our world. My heart goes out to those in Israel and elsewhere who have lost loved ones to the atrocities committed by Hamas. The terror attacks have been horrifying and devastating. New York and I stand with our ally in these dark days as the people of Israel defend their nation. Unity is what brings us through such difficult times. We pray for the Jewish people, those being held hostage, those with family in the region and for a secure Israel.

Special Bond With Israel

New York has many ties to Israel, and that includes our State's pension fund, which has long been one of the leading purchasers of Israel Bonds. This week we purchased $20 million in Development Corp for Israel Bonds, which support infrastructure and other improvements there. We invest in Israel because we have confidence in its spirit of innovation, the tenacity of its people and the strength of its economy. The pension fund now has $267.8 million invested in Israel Bonds and approximately $1.5 billion invested in Israel across our portfolio. 

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Wall Street’s First Half Profits of

$13B Down 4.3% From Last Year 

In the wake of record profits in 2020 and 2021, Wall Street has kept pace with pre-pandemic levels, with first-half 2023 profits of $13 billion, according to State Comptroller DiNapoli’s annual report on the performance of New York City’s securities industry. The first half of the year profits were down 4.3% from the same period in 2022.

“The securities industry’s two years of record profits helped stabilize New York’s economy in difficult times,” DiNapoli said. “Since then the industry has maintained profits consistent with pre-pandemic levels. But these are volatile times in America and globally, and Wall Street’s relatively stable profits and employment levels could change quickly. Further declines could weaken New York’s tax revenue from the securities industry and have repercussions for our State and City budgets.”

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With Us

State Comptroller DiNapoli sat down with longtime, nationally recognized journalist Gerson Borrero to discuss his journey as a little boy from Ponce, Puerto Rico to New York City, his rise in English-and-Spanish-language media, and his views on immigration in America today.

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Mobile Sports Betting Adds to State Revenue, But Calls to Problem Gambling Hotline Rise as Gaming Expansion Continues

State collections from the taxes on mobile sports betting totaled $727.4 million in State Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and have continued to grow in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. With the legalization of mobile sports betting, the New York State Gaming Commission noted a 26% increase in problem gambling-related calls to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports from 2021 to 2022.

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Huntington Man Charged With Stealing Over $56,000 in State Pension Payments

State Comptroller DiNapoli and Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the arrest of former Town of Huntington employee Moses K. Johnson, 63, of Huntington, for allegedly stealing his mother’s public pension payments following her death in April of 2021.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• State comp­troller predicts drop in Wall Street profits for 2023

• Wall Street Powers Through Trouble, Sees Employment Rebound
  
  
• Comptroller: More money, more problems since NY legalized mobile sports betting
  
  
• Editorial: Connecting New York
  
  
• Cybercrime on 'critical infrastructure' increasing, report says

 Post of the Week 
Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller