Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Permits Filed for 2123 Glebe Avenue in Westchester Square, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 13-story mixed-use building at 2123 Glebe Avenue in Westchester Square, The Bronx. Located between Waterbury Avenue and Lyon Avenue, the lot is near the Castle Hill Avenue subway station, serviced by the 6 train. Moses Freund of The Vaja Group is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 132-foot-tall development will yield 113,620 square feet, with 75,297 square feet designated for residential space, 30,758 square feet for commercial space, and 7,565 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 111 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 678 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and 77 enclosed parking spaces.

S. Wieder Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment In Unprovoked Attack On 81-Year-Old Woman

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced the indictment of HANSEL ESPARRAGOZA, 37, for punching an 81-year-old woman in the face while she was walking her son’s dog in an unprovoked attack on the Upper West Side. ESPARRAGOZA is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Assault in the Second Degree and one count of Assault in the Third Degree. [1]   

“As alleged, Hansel Esparragoza punched an 81-year-old woman in the face in an unprovoked attack, causing her to lose consciousness and fall to the ground,” said District Attorney Bragg. “New Yorkers deserve to be safe when they are going about their daily lives walking through their neighborhoods, and we will continue to prosecute those who threaten their safety. I hope the victim continues to heal from this assault.”

According to court documents and statements made on the record, on September 13, 2024, at approximately 7:09 p.m., an 81-year-old woman took her son’s dog out for a walk in her neighborhood. 

After ESPARRAGOZA walked by the woman, who was stopped on the sidewalk of 66th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, he turned around and approached her from behind, punching her in the face with so much force that she lost consciousness immediately. The victim fell to the ground and as she fell, she hit her face on the building’s exterior wall. 

ESPARRAGOZA continued walking down the street after the assault. Bystanders called the police while the victim lay motionless on the sidewalk. Police officers arrived and took the woman to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital where she was treated for a fractured nose and concussion. The victim has complete amnesia regarding the incident. 

ESPARRAGOZA was apprehended in a Staten Island deli after the employee recognized the defendant from news articles reporting the incident. 

Assistant D.A. Hunter Carrell (Trial Bureau 70) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. David Hammer (Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau 70) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Nicholas Caniglia of the 20th Precinct Detective Squad. 

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

Owner And Senior Executive Of New York Contracting Company Plead Guilty To Paying Kickbacks To Obtain Construction Contracts From A Fortune 500 Company

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TROY CARUSO, the owner and chief executive officer of a commercial construction and contracting company headquartered in New York, New York (the “Contracting Company”), and JOHN NOLAN, a senior executive at the Contracting Company, pled guilty Friday, November 1, 2024, to conspiring to commit honest services wire fraud in connection with their scheme to pay kickbacks to a senior project manager at a Fortune 500 real estate services firm in order to obtain contracting work.  CARUSO and NOLAN pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who is scheduled to sentence CARUSO on February 12, 2025, and NOLAN on February 13, 2025. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Corruption has no place in our business landscapeTroy Caruso and John Nolan sought to exploit the system for their own benefit, but today’s outcome shows that integrity will prevailThis Office is dedicated to ensuring that the integrity of our contracting processes is upheld, and we will relentlessly pursue those who engage in such dishonest schemes.” 

According to the documents filed in this case, including the Indictment and the plea agreements of CARUSO and NOLAN, and statements made in Court: 

From at least in or about February 2021, up to and including in or about September 2023, CARUSO and NOLAN agreed to pay, and did pay, kickbacks to an employee of a global and publicly traded commercial real estate services company (the “Real Estate Firm”) in exchange for assistance and preferential treatment so that the Contracting Company would be awarded projects managed by the Real Estate Firm (the “Kickback Scheme”).

In or about March 2021, CARUSO and NOLAN were introduced by an individual (“CC-1”) to a senior project manager at the Real Estate Firm (“CC-2”).  CC-2 managed the process by which contracting companies bid for, and were awarded, contracts to work on construction projects for various of the Real Estate Firm’s clients. Beginning in or about March 2021, because of the Kickback Scheme, CC-2 took a series of actions CC-2 otherwise would not have taken to ensure that the Contracting Company was awarded a pre-construction contract and a construction contract relating to a certain project (“Project-1”), which was managed by the Real Estate Firm on behalf of its client, a health services business that provides hospital, medical, and other health services to patients.  For example, CC-2 ensured that the Contracting Company was on the Real Estate Firm’s “bid list” so that it could submit bids relating to Project-1 that it otherwise could not have submitted.  CC-2 also provided non-public information to CARUSO and NOLAN about the bidding process, and recommended the Contracting Company for both the pre-construction contract and the construction contract relating to Project-1.  As a result of the Kickback Scheme and CC-2’s actions, the Contracting Company was awarded the pre-construction and construction contracts for Project-1, the latter of which was valued at approximately $3.55 million (to be paid to the Contracting Company).

In exchange for CC-2’s assistance and preferential treatment, CARUSO and NOLAN agreed to pay kickbacks to CC-2 in the amount of approximately one percent of the construction value of any project managed by the Real Estate Firm that resulted in a contract award to the Contracting Company.  Accordingly, CARUSO and NOLAN agreed to pay CC-2 approximately $35,500 for Project-1, and ultimately paid CC-2 approximately $33,000 in kickbacks for CC-2’s assistance on Project-1.  Most of these payments were made in cash at locations around New York City.  CARUSO and NOLAN also paid CC-1 approximately $15,000 for CC-1’s assistance in the Kickback Scheme, which included connecting CC-2 with CARUSO and NOLAN.

CARUSO and NOLAN attempted to obtain additional contracts from the Real Estate Firm, with CC-2’s assistance as part of the Kickback Scheme.  Between in or about 2022 and in or about 2023, in exchange for CARUSO and NOLAN’s promise of payment for any contract awarded to the Contracting Company, CC-2 provided CARUSO and NOLAN with assistance relating to two additional construction projects managed by the Real Estate Firm that did not result in contract awards to the Contracting Company.

CARUSO, 57, of Smithtown, New York, and Ludlow, Vermont, and NOLAN, 43, of Brooklyn, New York, each pled guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the defendants’ sentences will be determined by a judge. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents and the Task Force Officers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Williams also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in the investigation. 

Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction and to Destroy an Energy Facility in Nashville

 

Skyler Philippi, 24, of Columbia, Tennessee, was arrested by federal agents and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility.

“As charged, Skyler Philippi believed he was moments away from launching an attack on a Nashville energy facility to further his violent white supremacist ideology – but the FBI had already compromised his plot,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This case serves as yet another warning to those seeking to sow violence and chaos in the name of hatred by attacking our country’s critical infrastructure: the Justice Department will find you, we will disrupt your plot, and we will hold you accountable. I am grateful to the public servants of the FBI for their extraordinary work on this case and for the work they do every day to keep our country safe.”

“Those fueled by hate and inspired to violence by racial or ethnic bias pose a grave threat to our national security,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As alleged in these charges, Skyler Philippi, a man dedicated to white supremacist ideology and the destruction of our critical infrastructure, planned to attack Nashville’s power grid using a drone carrying an explosive device. Thanks to brave work by the FBI, his scheme was thwarted. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and hold accountable those who seek to wage such hate-fueled violence, which has no place in America or anywhere else.”

“Driven by a racially motivated violent extremist ideology, the Defendant planned to attack the power grid with a drone and explosives, leaving thousands of Americans and critical infrastructure like hospitals without power,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI’s swift work led to the detection and disruption of the defendant’s plot before he could cause any damage. We are committed to holding accountable anyone who threatens the security of our critical infrastructure or seeks to harm American communities through domestic violent extremism.”

“Dangerous threats to our critical infrastructure threaten every member of this community and will not be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We will always work with our law enforcement partners to identify and stop any and all efforts to wreak this kind of havoc and will not hesitate in prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent of the law.”

“As alleged, the defendant in this case conducted extensive research into explosive devices and potential targets to launch an attack against critical infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI is committed to doing everything in our ability to detect, disrupt, and deter attacks by domestic violent extremists, and will continue to pursue those who look to commit acts of violence in furtherance of their ideological beliefs.”

Beginning in June 2024, Philippi told a confidential human source (CHS) about his desire to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA facility located in or around Columbia, Tennessee. In July 2024, Philippi told another CHS about the impact of attacking large interstate substations and said that attacking several substations would “shock the system,” causing other substations to malfunction. Philippi researched previous attacks on electric substations and concluded that attacking with firearms would not be sufficient. Philippi, therefore, planned to use a drone with explosives attached to it and to fly the drone into the substation.

In September 2024, Philippi drove with undercover employees (UCEs) of the FBI to an electric substation previously researched and targeted by Philippi, and Philippi conducted reconnaissance of the substation. While driving, Philippi ordered a plastic explosive composition known as C-4 and other explosives from the UCEs. Philippi later purchased black powder to be used in pipe bombs, which Philippi intended to use during the attack on the substation. Philippi texted the CHS: “if you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis.” Referring to the substation, Philippi stated, “Holy sh**. This will go up like a fu**in fourth of July firework.” Philippi talked about operational security, including the need for disguises, the use of leather gloves (because latex and nitrile gloves can transfer fingerprints), wearing shoes that are too big, the need to burn their clothes after the attack, and not bringing smartphones on the night of the attack.

On Nov. 2, 2024, Philippi participated in a Nordic ritual, which included reciting a Nordic prayer and discussing the Norse god Odin. Philippi told the UCEs that “this is where the New Age begins” and that it was “time to do something big” that would be remembered “in the annals of history.” Philippi and the UCEs drove to the operation site. The UCEs moved to their assigned positions as lookouts for Philippi. Law-enforcement agents arrested Philippi. When he was taken into custody, Philippi was at the rear of the vehicle, with the drone powered up, and the explosive device was armed and located next to the drone.

Philippi is charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Nashville Field Office is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - You're Invited: Annual Celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage


 

2024 VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE (VNNA)–NOV 6–MONTHLY MEETING

 

VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE
NOVEMBER MONTHLY MEETING
WEDNESDAY, NOV 6, 2024
7:00 PM
MONSIGNOR FIORENTINO APTS
1830 AMETHYST STREET
GROUND FLOOR, COMMUNITY ROOM
BRONX, NY 10462

BRING A FRIEND! BRING A NEIGHBOR!

11.6.2024 VNNA flyer.jpg
Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance

New England Doctor Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution Conspiracy

 

A New England doctor pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally distribute controlled substances. This is the first joint prosecution of a doctor by the Justice Department’s New England Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.

“The defendant, a medical doctor based in New England, prescribed drugs to vulnerable patients in exchange for cash, knowing the patients were diverting the drugs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The cases brought by the New England Strike Force, including today’s conviction, demonstrate the Criminal Division’s commitment to holding accountable medical professionals who endanger local communities by putting profits above their patients’ wellbeing.”

“When we announced the creation of the New England Strike Force, we said we would be focusing on medical professionals who put profits over their patients,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont. “Khan is an example of that — a bad apple in a profession that takes an oath to uphold ethical standards and treat patients as you would want to be treated. Putting profits over patients is a severe violation of that oath, and, in this case, a violation of federal criminal law. This guilty plea is another step in holding Khan liable for his illegal conduct.”

According to court documents, Adnan S. Khan, M.D., 48, of Grantham, New Hampshire, conspired with others to illegally distribute controlled substances through his business, New England Medicine and Counseling Associates (NEMCA), which operated a network of clinics in New England that purportedly provided clinical treatment services for persons suffering from substance use disorder. Khan and a co-conspirator prescribed controlled substances to NEMCA patients despite knowing that their patients were diverting the prescriptions. Khan admitted that he and others required cash for purported office visits to received controlled substance prescriptions and falsified medical records to justify his illegal prescribing practices.

During the conspiracy, Khan emailed a co-conspirator a Justice Department press release  announcing the creation of the New England Strike Force, a law enforcement partnership whose purpose is to identify and prosecute health care fraud and other criminal schemes impacting the New England region. In response, the co-conspirator stated that it is “clear that [references in the release to] ‘making profit off of patients’ is geared towards folks like us. Curious where this will lead.” Khan then emailed NEMCA staff and stated that “there is a new task force…[for the New England states] on the lookout for medical professionals who are prescribing scheduled meds irresponsib[ly], etc.” Khan warned his staff that “[i]t is not a matter of if someone from such a task force will visit NEMCA but rather a matter of time.” Khan then ordered his staff “NOT to engage or discuss anything [with the  New England Strike Force] about NEMCA, what we do, what we offer, fees, etc.”

“Rather than providing responsible addiction treatment to his patients, Khan ran his medical practice with the corruption and recklessness of a common drug dealer,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “His actions put patients and the community at risk. Today’s guilty plea is the result of a coordinated effort with our law enforcement partners as we continue our fight against addiction and the opioid epidemic.”

“Khan and his co-conspirator exploited vulnerable patients and cashed in on the very dependencies he was entrusted to treat,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office. “Today’s plea proves he is no better than a street level drug dealer motivated by pure greed as opposed to the oath he took to ‘first, do no harm’ to his patients. The FBI will continue to work with our partners on the New England Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify and bring to justice any practitioner looking to line their pockets in complete disregard for patient welfare and viability of our healthcare framework.”

“Our communities deserve honest and trustworthy medical practitioners,” said Acting Diversion Program Manager George J. Lutz Jr. of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s New England Field Division. “Individuals betraying this trust through the illegal prescribing of controlled substances will be fully investigated by the DEA. Today’s guilty plea reinforces the value of the coordinated efforts with our law enforcement partners working alongside prosecutors to hold corrupt and reckless practitioners accountable for their actions.”

“So many Vermonters have been impacted by the opioid epidemic, which is why we must hold bad actors accountable, particularly physicians who use their prescribing power and their positions of authority to profit from their patients’ pain and suffering,” said Vermont Attorney General Charity R. Clark on behalf of the office’s Medicaid Fraud & Residential Abuse Unit. “I am proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice in this effort.”

Khan and a co-conspirator required patients — many of whom were economically disadvantaged — to pay $250 cash in exchange for drug prescriptions, despite many of these patients’ having health care benefit coverage. If a patient could not afford the full cash payment, Khan would lower the dosage of that patient’s prescription. Khan then used funds that he earned from these patients to, among other things, purchase an airplane and multiple properties in New England. Khan would also personally deposit the cash that he received from patients, including deposits in excess of $10,000, at his bank.

Khan also admitted that he and a co-conspirator discussed their concern that, because pharmacies were no longer willing to fill the prescriptions, NEMCA might lose “dishonest” patients who were “selling their meds.” Khan said that their “honest patients” were “the smaller part of [NEMCA’s] clientele” and advised a co-conspirator that “it’s the diverters [of the drugs that] we need to try to figure out a way to retain.” A co-conspirator emailed Khan, suggesting that they give $100 “scholarships” to patients who owed them money. Khan responded he was “[s]tuck on ‘who’ should get them. S[******] patients owe me so much that $100 won’t even put a dent on their account and they probably won’t appreciate it. Maybe the borderline ones who are just over the $250 threshold? They would probably get on their knees in gratitude.”

Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to illegally distribute controlled substances. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled on a later date. Khan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

As a condition of Khan’s release, he is prohibited from writing prescriptions for controlled substances.

The HHS-OIG, FBI, DEA, and Vermont Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Thomas D. Campbell and Danielle H. Sakowski of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Gilman for the District of Vermont are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section partners with federal and state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country to prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75% of its funding from HHS-OIG under a grant award totaling $1,229,616 for federal fiscal year 2024. The remaining 25%, totaling $409,870 for federal fiscal year 2024, is funded by the State of Vermont.

Anyone needing access to opioid treatment services can contact HHS-OIG’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 National Helpline for referrals to treatment services at 1-800-662-4359.

Monday, November 4, 2024

Georgia Poll Worker Arrested for Making Bomb Threat to Election Workers

 

A Georgia poll worker was arrested today for mailing a letter to the Jones County Elections Superintendent threatening poll workers.

According to the criminal complaint, Nicholas Wimbish, 25, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was serving as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office on Oct. 16 when he allegedly had a verbal altercation with a voter. Later that evening, Wimbish conducted online research to determine what information about himself would be publicly available. The following day, Wimbish mailed a letter addressed to the Jones County Elections Superintendent, purportedly from a “Jones County Voter.”

The letter was allegedly drafted to make it appear as if it came from the voter, such as by stating that Wimbish had “give[n] me hell” and that Wimbish was “conspiring votes” and “distracting voters from concentrating.” The letter threatened that Wimbish and others “should look over their shoulder,” that “I know where they go,” that “I know where they all live because I found home voting addresses for all them,” and that the “young men will get beatdown if they fight me” and “will get the treason punishment by firing squad if they fight back.” Further, the letter threatened to “rage rape” the “ladies” and warned them to “watch every move they make and look over their shoulder.” The letter concluded with a handwritten note, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe.”

Wimbish is charged with mailing a bomb threat, conveying false information about a bomb threat, mailing a threatening letter, and making false statements to the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia made the announcement.

The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.

Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by PIN and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

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

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT HOTEL WORKERS AND GUESTS, STRENGTHEN TOURISM INDUSTRY

 

Intro. 0991 Establishes Licensing Requirements and Safety Standards for Hotels in New York City 


New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed legislation to create safer hotels for employees and visitors alike and bolster the city’s tourism industry. Intro. 0991 will set new, stronger standards around safety, staffing, and cleaning in the city’s hotels, as well as licensing requirements to help enforce worker and guest protections. The legislation builds on the tourism industry’s economic resurgence under the Adams administration, with New York City estimated to see 64.5 million visitors in 2024 and the highest tourism levels in the city’s history in 2025. 

  

“Our top priority from day one has been to keep people safe, and that includes protecting workers and tourists at our city’s hotels. That’s why we are expanding protections for the working-class New Yorkers who run our hotels and the guests who use them,” said Mayor Adams. “The Safe Hotels Act ensures that our hotels are safe, healthy, and clean, and that our tourism industry can thrive and create jobs across the city. This is a win for working people, the tourism and hotel industry, and all New Yorkers and guests.” 

  

“Since we came into office, we’ve been laser focused on supporting the recovery of our $74 billion tourism economy,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “That includes attracting visitors from around the globe back to the five boroughs and supporting the hotel and hospitality industries that make New York City the best city in the world. The Safe Hotels Act will help us ensure the safety of our 62 million tourists as well as our city hotel workers. In partnership with the hotel industry, we are committed to creating a streamlined application process for qualified hotel license applicants so that the operations of this critical industry are not disrupted.” 

  

“The hotel industry has always been vital to the success of New York City, providing tens of thousands of workers with stable employment and consumers with places to stay while they enjoy our city,” said New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “We are committed to creating a culture of compliance with our city’s laws and protecting New Yorkers and tourists in the marketplace.” 

  

Intro. 0991 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — takes several steps to keep New York City hotels safe, healthy, and clean. Hotels must receive a license from the city and ensure that staff — including front desk staff at all hotels and security guards at large hotels — are on-site whenever a guest is staying at the hotel. The legislation also requires hotel operators to train employees on recognizing human trafficking and equip employees with panic buttons. Finally, it requires hotels to clean guest rooms every day unless a visitor declines the service. 

  

The legislation builds on the tourism industry’s powerful resurgence under the Adams administration, with tourism estimated to break record levels by next year. Last year, the tourism industry generated $74 billion in economic impact for New York City, with more than $48 billion coming from direct spending, supporting over 380,000 leisure and hospitality jobs — roughly 9 percent of the city’s workforce — and thousands of small and minority-owned businesses.  

  

The legislation comes as New York City and New Jersey prepare to host the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final and seven other matches throughout the tournament at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey in 2026, with more than 1 million tourists anticipated to come to the region for the tournament. FIFA World Cup 26™ matches played at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), including the final, are projected to generate over $2 billion in economic impact alone for the New York City/New Jersey region and are anticipated to support over 14,000 jobs.  

  

Intro. 0991 also builds on recent achievements in reducing crime across New York City. The New York City Police Department recently announced the ninth straight month of declines in overall crime in the five boroughs, with a 3.1 percent drop in major offenses compared to the same month last year. 

  

NYC Board of Elections Nine day totals for Early Voting by Borough


Early Voting Check-Ins

General Election 2024

 

October 26, 2024 - Day 1

 

  • Manhattan - 38,237
  • Bronx - 16,462
  • Brooklyn - 40,289
  • Queens - 31,671
  • Staten Island - 13,486

 

*Unofficial as of Close of Polls 140,145



October 27, 2024 - Day 2

 

  • Manhattan - 71,321
  • Bronx - 27,581
  • Brooklyn - 77,033
  • Queens - 58,078
  • Staten Island - 23,847

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 257,860



October 28, 2024 - Day 3

 

  • Manhattan - 106,870
  • Bronx - 40,217
  • Brooklyn - 115,286
  • Queens - 87,174
  • Staten Island - 35,718

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 385,265



October 29, 2024 - Day 4

 

  • Manhattan - 136,206
  • Bronx - 50,830
  • Brooklyn - 150,805
  • Queens - 112,350
  • Staten Island - 45,287

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 495,478



October 30, 2024 - Day 5

 

  • Manhattan - 164,107
  • Bronx - 61,851
  • Brooklyn - 184,649
  • Queens - 137,617
  • Staten Island - 54,168

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 602,392



October 31, 2024 - Day 6

 

  • Manhattan - 190,542
  • Bronx - 70,962
  • Brooklyn - 218,775
  • Queens - 160,179
  • Staten Island - 60,944

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 701,402



November 1, 2024 - Day 7

 

  • Manhattan - 222,810
  • Bronx - 83,536
  • Brooklyn - 259,716
  • Queens - 189,523
  • Staten Island - 70,574

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 826,159



November 2, 2024 - Day 8

 

  • Manhattan - 250,553
  • Bronx - 96,436
  • Brooklyn - 296,623
  • Queens - 216,931
  • Staten Island - 79,466

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 940,009



November 3, 2024 - Day 9

 

  • Manhattan - 282,533
  • Bronx - 113,955
  • Brooklyn - 345,840
  • Queens - 255,102
  • Staten Island - 91,898

 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 1,089,328