Governor Hochul Announces Siting Approval of New York's Largest Solar Facility to Date

 

500 MW Solar Electric Generating Facility in the Towns of Oakfield and Elba, Genesee County Will Produce Enough Electricity to Power 125,000 Homes

Decision Follows a Detailed Review and Robust Public Participation Process

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting has issued a siting permit to Hecate Energy Cider Solar LLC, to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain, and decommission a 500-megawatt solar facility in the Towns of Oakfield and Elba, Genesee County.  

"Today's announcement is a significant step in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and further cements New York as a national leader in the fight to combat climate change," Governor Hochul said. "This project brings New York closer to not just meeting but exceeding our goal of obtaining 70 percent of our electricity from renewable resources while creating well-paying green jobs - creating a greener, more prosperous Empire State for generations to come." 

Hecate Energy Cider Solar, the fifth major renewable energy facility approved by the Office of Renewable Energy Siting since 2020, is a milestone achievement as the largest solar facility approved to date in New York State. ORES's decision follows a detailed and transparent review with a robust public participation process to ensure the proposed facility meets or exceeds the requirements of Section 94-c of the Executive Law and its implementing regulations in a timely, cost-effective manner. 

This solar facility and other major renewable energy facilities permitted and currently under ORES review are vital to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's (CLCPA) aggressive carbon reduction and clean energy targets to combat climate change. Once completed, this solar facility is expected to generate enough clean energy to power more than 125,000 New York homes, which will result in a reduction of approximately 462,000 tons of CO2 annually. 

Office of Renewable Energy Sitting Executive Director Houtan Moaveni said, "Today's decision demonstrates the effectiveness and efficacy of the Executive Law § 94-c process to accelerating the development of large-scale renewable energy projects in New York State while ensuring the protection of the environment and consideration of all pertinent social, economic, and environmental factors. We look forward to working with all stakeholders as New York's nation-leading pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects are constructed in a timely and responsible manner." 

The project is expected to provide approximately $30 million in new revenue to the county, town and school district in property tax-type benefits to invest in infrastructure, additional services, and resources for residents. The solar facility is expected to create 495 well-paying jobs during construction and throughout operation while investing approximately $28.1 million in construction labor, creating employment opportunities for those in the construction trades, including equipment operators, truck drivers, laborers, and electricians. Hecate Energy provided $500,000 in intervenor funds to facilitate the participation of local agencies and community groups in the review of the facilities.  

New York's Nation-Leading Clean Energy Initiative

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.

About ORES

The Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES or Office) is the first-of-its-kind state agency dedicated solely to environmentally responsible and cost-effective siting of renewable energy facilities and was established by the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act in April 2020. The Office consolidates the environmental review and permitting of major renewable energy facilities to ensure that siting decisions are predictable, responsible, and done in a timely manner with input from local governments and host communities. On March 3, 2021, the Office adopted comprehensive regulations including a set of uniform standards and conditions to implement the Act. The Office is designed to enable New York to obtain 70 percent of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2030, as required under New York's nation-leading climate plan, enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. For more information on ORES, please visit www.ores.ny.gov.

Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Pandemic-Related Fraud Charges

  Melvin Ansong, age 26, of Corona, New York, pled guilty today to mail fraud, aggravated identity theft and wire fraud in connection with schemes in which he obtained more than $190,000 in unemployment insurance benefits and government-backed loans meant to provide relief from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, New York Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG); Matthew Scarpino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

In pleading guilty, Ansong admitted that he fraudulently obtained $165,182 in unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) in the names of 13 other people and an additional $18,480 in benefits from the Arizona Department of Economic Security in the name of another individual.  Ansong further admitted that he fraudulently obtained an $8,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by claiming that he owned a pet grooming company when in fact no such company existed.   

As part of his plea agreement, Ansong agreed to pay restitution in the amounts of $165,182 to the State of New York, $18,480 to the State of Arizona, and $8,000 to the SBA.

The mail and wire fraud convictions each carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.  The aggravated identity theft conviction carries a mandatory term of 2 years in prison, to be imposed consecutively to any other term of imprisonment.  Ansong is scheduled to be sentenced on October 28, 2022 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The case was investigated by USDOL-OIG, USPIS, and HSI, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office and the NYSDOL’s Office of Special Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

Tour Van Nest

 

Hello Bronx Residents and History Buffs!

This year, 2022, the Van Nest Neighborhood is chosen as one of the
Historic Districts Council's "SIX TO CELEBRATE"!
We are honored!

Please register to be a part of this Historic Districts Council's walking tour
honoring our truly historic community of Van Nest.

Their Tour Guide is our very own Richard Vitacco, President of the East Bronx History Forum.
Other details when registered.

Sunday, July 31, 2022

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

A Walking Tour of Van Nest in The Bronx

 

Sunday, July 31, 2022

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

 

The past and present of Van Nest is squarely tied into the railroad system of our nation. Whether it was the New Haven railroad in the mid to late 1800s or the New York Westchester and Boston at the turn of the 20th century, Van Nest has been and continues to be a transportation hub for this centrally located Bronx community. Van Nest is home to the temple of transportation in the East Bronx, East 180th Station, now a landmark NYC subway masterpiece, originally built for the NY Westchester and Boston. Aside from its glory days of transportation, Van Nest marked its success with an overflow of Italian immigrants in the early 20th century in addition to German, Jewish and Irish influences.

 

All of these cultures have clearly left their imprimatur on Van Nest in the form of Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches, such as Saint Dominic's, Our Lady of Solace, and St. Martha's, all of which are still active today. Some structures, like the Lutheran church and Jewish synagogue, have been repurposed to reflect its present-day Islamic and Hispanic occupants, respectively. In addition to its architectural wonders designed by Frank J. Helmle, Napoleon LeBraun, Anthony J. DePace and James E. Ware and Sons, Van Nest had its share of residents and personalities including world renowned German artist C. Paul Jennewein, U.S. general James Collins, and African-American driver of social change Stokley Carmichael.   

 

$15 Friend / Senior ; $25 General Admission

 

 

Because New York's Future
Should Include Its Past.

Attorney General James Ends Harmful Labor Practices at Top Title Insurance Companies

 

AmTrust and First Nationwide to Pay $1.25 Million for Violating Laws Meant to Protect Workers

 New York Attorney General Letitia James ended harmful corporate practices at two title insurance companies that have hurt workers and limited their earning potential. For years, AmTrust Title Insurance Company and First Nationwide Title Agency (together AmTrust), entered into illegal no-poach agreements with their competitors to thwart labor competition. As a result of an agreement secured by Attorney General James, AmTrust — a leader in the New York title insurance market — will terminate any existing no-poach agreements, pay the state $1.25 million, and cooperate with Attorney General James’ ongoing investigations in the industry.

“Workers should be free to make their own career choices without illegal corporate limitations,” said Attorney General James. “AmTrust's no-poach agreements made this impossible and denied workers access to a fair labor market. As we've shown through repeated action, my office will continue to protect workers and end illegal corporate practices that lead to lower pay and less advancement opportunity for hardworking New Yorkers. Anticompetitive behavior will not go unchecked in New York.”

AmTrust issues title insurance policies either through First Nationwide or through independent title insurance agencies that it appoints. Direct agents and independent agencies are competitors in the labor market and should compete for employees on the basis of salaries, benefits, and career opportunities. AmTrust’s “no-poach” policies prevented that from happening.

A “no-poach” policy is an agreement among two or more companies not to solicit, recruit, or hire each other’s employees. In a well-functioning labor market, employers don’t need no-poach agreements and, instead, compete by offering higher wages or enhanced benefits to attract the most valuable talent for their needs. No-poach agreements reduce competition for employees and disrupt the normal compensation-setting mechanisms, to the detriment of the affected employees.

Attorney General James’ investigation concluded that AmTrust entered into no-poach agreements with other title insurance companies, and that these agreements effectively stifled competition for employees between AmTrust and their competitors, potentially impacting New York workers. The investigation did not identify any procompetitive justifications for these agreements.

The agreement ensures competition in the labor market for workers. As a result of Attorney General James’ agreement, AmTrust has agreed to end all existing no-poach agreements and discontinue the practice of entering into no-poach agreements.

Today’s agreement builds on Attorney General James’ past efforts to protect workers and stop these harmful labor practices. In September 2021, Attorney General James ended the use of “no-poach” agreements by another top national title insurer, Old Republic National Title. In March 2019, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general from around the nation entered into an agreement with four national fast food franchisors — Dunkin’, Arby’s, Five Guys, and Little Caesars — that ended their use of “no-poach” agreements. Additionally, in July 2019, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission, urging collaboration between regulators to protect workers from anticompetitive labor practices, including no-poach agreements, that depress wages, restrict job mobility, and limit opportunities for advancement.

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers To Prepare for Severe Thunderstorms This Afternoon and Tonight

Western New York, Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier and Central New York Will Continue to See Heavy Rain, High Winds, Some Hail, and the Possibility of Isolated Tornadoes

State Agencies Have Prepared Emergency Assets at Governor Hochul's Direction 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers throughout Upstate New York to prepare for severe thunderstorms and high winds beginning late Sunday afternoon and into Monday. In addition to the ongoing Heat Advisory, the National Weather Service has forecast the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Central New York Regions as having an enhanced risk of being impacted by these storms. Forecasts in these regions are calling for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, hail and the possibility of isolated tornados. Locally heavy downpours may also produce minor flooding in low lying areas, as well as those with poor drainage. 

 In response, Governor Hochul has directed state agencies to prepare emergency response resources and personnel to ensure localities have necessary support in the event of a hard impact. New Yorkers are being encouraged to closely follow their local forecasts, check on neighbors and stay safe throughout the duration of the storms 

"While a heat advisory remains in effect until late this afternoon with heat values up to 97 degrees, strong thunderstorms are forecast to move across the State later today and tonight bringing much needed relief to New Yorkers who have battled high heat for the last several days," Governor Hochul said. "I have directed State agencies to prepare emergency response assets should our county partners need assistance. In the meantime, I ask New Yorkers to monitor these strong storms and prepare now in the event of a power outage." 

The storms will move from west to east throughout the afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front bringing relief from the stifling heat and humidity. On Monday, New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley will be at a slight risk of severe weather. Showers will diminish from west to east on Monday, and milder and drier weather is expected by Tuesday and Wednesday. 

For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.  

AGENCY PREPARATIONS 

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services 

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is monitoring weather and travel conditions, and will coordinate response needs with local governments. The State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets, and bottled water. 

Department of Transportation 

The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and is prepared to respond with more than 3,200 supervisors and operators. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:   

• 1,297 large dump trucks 
• 304 large loaders 
• 81 tracked and wheeled excavators 
• 72 chippers 
• 19 graders 
• 15 vacuum trucks with sewer jets 
• 14 tree crew bucket trucks 

Thruway Authority 

The Thruway Authority has 640 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, generators, pumps, and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway. 

During this heatwave, Thruway staff have been monitoring roadway conditions and performing wellness checks on disabled vehicles. 

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows: 

• 346 Large and Small Dump Trucks 
• 65 Large Loaders 
• 7 Vacuum Trucks 
• 16 Tracked and Wheeled Excavators 
• 8 Brush Chippers 
• 99 Chainsaws 
• 19 Bucket Trucks 
• 84 Portable Generators 
• 67 Portable Light Units 

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways. 

Department of Environmental Conservation 

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response. 

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings, and closings. 

New York Power Authority / Canal Corporation 

The New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation are monitoring conditions and preparing all assets for impeding weather. NYPA and Canals representatives will remain in close contact with state, county, and local emergency personnel as necessary. NYPA is prepared to send NYPA transmission and other personnel to assist if needed. The Canal Corporation will update the public as needed through its Notice to Mariners alerts. Members of the public may sign-up to receive these notices on the Canal Corporation website. 

Department of Public Service 

New York's utilities have approximately 6,400 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State, for the potential severe weather. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact. 

New York State Police 

State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested. 

Severe Weather Safety Tips 

Preparedness 

• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis. 
• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry. 
• Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated. 
• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place. 
• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water.
• Store drinking water in clean, closed containers. 
• Plan what to do with your pets. 
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and emergency cooking equipment available. 
• Keep your vehicle fueled or charged. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
• Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car. 

Have disaster supplies on hand, including: 

• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries 
• First aid kit and manual 
• Emergency food and water 
• Non-electric can opener 
• Essential medicines 
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards 

Flash Flooding 

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way. 
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately. 
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per   hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge. 

Lightning 

• Follow the 30-30 rule: If the time between when you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Seek shelter immediately. After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter. 
• Lightning hits the tallest object. If you are above a tree line, quickly get below it and crouch down if you are in an exposed area. 
• If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall. 

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page atwww.dhses.ny.gov/safety. 

Fairport Man Arrested, Charged With Attacking A Congressman Using A Dangerous Weapon

 

 U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that David G. Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a member of Congress using a dangerous weapon. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.     

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that on July 21, 2022, New York Congressman Lee Zeldin, a Republican candidate for Governor of New York, attended a gubernatorial campaign event in Perinton, NY. During the event, Congressman Zeldin was speaking from the bed of a flatbed trailer. Jakubonis walked onto the trailer, approached the Congressman, extended a keychain with two sharp points toward him and grabbed his arm. A struggle then ensued between Congressman Zeldin and Jakubonis and, as bystanders intervened, Jakubonis pulled Congressman Zeldin down onto the bed of the trailer, stating several times during the assault, “you're done.” Jakubonis was subdued and arrested.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marion W. Payson and is being held pending a detention hearing on July 27, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the U.S. Capitol Police, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Chad Beckett, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi. 

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

MAYOR ADAMS, NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ANNOUNCE $1 MILLION ANONYMOUS DONATION TO LAUNCH STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM FOR BEHAVIORIAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

 

As Largest Provider of Behavioral Health Services in NYC, Health + Hospitals Will Offer $30,000 to $50,000 in Debt Relief to Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, and Social Workers Who Commit to Serve for Three Years

 

New Yorkers Can Support Effort Through Donations as Program Expands

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the launch of a new student loan forgiveness program for behavioral health providers, funded by a $1 million contribution from an anonymous donor. The new program is designed to help attract and retain doctors, nurse practitioners, and other clinicians who care for New Yorkers with mental health or substance use needs as the U.S. faces a national mental health professional shortage. NYC Health + Hospitals will offer psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers between $30,000 and $50,000 of debt relief in exchange for a three-year commitment to serve the public health system.

 

NYC Health + Hospitals provides about half of all behavioral health services for children and adults in New York City. The loan forgiveness program will be available to eligible employees and new hires for the next year or until the $1 million donation has been distributed. Applications open tomorrow, Monday, July 25, 2022, and New Yorkers can support this effort by donating directly to NYC Health and Hospitals.

 

“The behavioral health professionals in our public health system work tirelessly to support the most vulnerable New Yorkers living with mental illness and alcohol and substance use disorders,” said Mayor Adams. “Too often, these health care workers graduate with crippling debt and have no choice but to work in the private sector to pay off their bills. Especially at a time when the nation is facing a shortage of these lifesaving practitioners, and simultaneously facing an increased need for these professional due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this loan forgiveness program will help us attract and retain top talent to continue serving New Yorkers across the city. I’m grateful to the anonymous donor for this generous donation, and I encourage other businesses and individuals to chip in if they are able to support this important cause.”

 

“As we continue to see an increasing number of New Yorkers struggling with mental health and substance use disorder, the essential services of our behavioral health team are needed more than ever,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “This donation will allow us to recruit and retain extraordinary clinicians to help address the ongoing mental health crisis.”

 

“This loan forgiveness program is a great way to invest in our mental health workforce,” said Dr. Charles Barron, deputy chief medical officer, Office of Behavioral Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “With less debt to worry about, our mental health teams can focus on doing what they do best: providing high-quality mental health support to New Yorkers.”

 

“We are tremendously grateful for our donor’s exemplary investment in this work,” said Deborah A. Brown, senior vice president for external and regulatory affairs, NYC Health + Hospitals, JD, MSW. “With this transformative contribution, we hope to inspire more philanthropic interest and create a steady pipeline of support for high-achieving behavioral health staff in the years to come.”

 

“Since very early in my educational trajectory, I stumbled upon a quote that read, ‘Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.’ This has been true to me, as my career as a clinical social worker with NYC Health + Hospitals has allowed me to fulfill my career objectives and gain tremendous pride in doing that as a public servant in my own city,” said Adriana Rodriguez-Boseman, clinical social worker, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Roberto Clemente Center. “However, the cost of these professional goals has come with a steep price tag. The future is always uncertain, but loan forgiveness will make these dreams a reality.”

 

“The nationwide shortage of health care workers has impacted facilities and providers all across the country, at a time when the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for services,” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “The anonymous donation announced today by Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals’ CEO Mitch Katz will help NYC Health + Hospitals recruit and retain behavioral health professionals, which is very good news for the people of New York City. Congratulations to Dr. Katz, and my sincere thanks to very generous anonymous donor.”

 

“If we want to meet the increased need for mental health services, particularly for underserved communities, we must talk about workforce development,” said Dan H. Gillison Jr., CEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Loan repayment can help lift the financial burden of mental health professionals, who are already at high risk for burnout, and create more opportunities for people from historically underrepresented communities to join the workforce. We applaud these efforts to increase the pipeline of practitioners and address the urgent mental health needs our communities are facing. If we want more mental health services, we must invest in the people who provide them.”

 

“Mental Health America is thrilled to see this announcement by Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals of a student loan repayment program for behavioral health professionals,” said Schroeder Stribling, president and CEO, Mental Health America. “We know that our urgent national mental health crisis is in part driven by the lack of qualified professionals to meet the level of need from individuals seeking help. This new student loan repayment program will create practical incentives and an equitable pathway for individuals looking to enter the profession. It will also increase the supply of diverse and culturally responsive providers available and ready to answer the call for all persons in need, regardless of their insurance status or other obstacles to access. We congratulate New York for leading the way with this innovative and important program.”

 

“Urban Resource Institute enthusiastically applauds the new NYC Health + Hospitals student loan repayment program that will be made available to psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other behavioral health professionals,” stated Nathaniel M. Fields, CEO, Urban Resource Institute (URI). “As a leading provider of social services, URI is keenly aware of the challenges facing the behavioral health sector, which have been exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19. This student loan repayment program will provide much-needed support to the clinicians who deliver vital services to their New York City clients, such as the homeless families and domestic violence survivors served by URI. We look forward to continued partnership with the Adams administration to attract and retain talented professionals in behavioral health fields.”

 

Early-career psychiatrists have on average $190,000 of medical school debt, psychiatric nurse practitioners have on average $56,000 of debt, social workers have on average $68,000 of debt, and psychologists have on average $80,000 of debt.

 

As part of the largest municipal health care system in the nation, NYC Health + Hospitals’ public hospitals and neighborhood health centers offer a wide variety of excellent mental health services to foster recovery from mental illness of all kinds. Additionally, NYC Health + Hospitals provides the highest-quality alcohol and substance use recovery programs as part of its behavioral and mental health services, with personalized, caring treatment plans that are effective for each patient.

 

New Yorkers who need support for mental health or substance use can call 844-NYC-4NYC for an appointment at NYC Health + Hospitals or contact NYC Well online.

 

Attorney General James Announces Arrest and Arraignment of Correction Officer on Murder and Manslaughter Charges

 

Dion Middleton Was Off-Duty When He Allegedly Fatally Shot an 18-Year-Old in the Bronx

 New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the arrest and arraignment of Dion Middleton, 45, of the Bronx, on charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Manslaughter in the First and Second Degrees in connection with the shooting death of Raymond Chaluisant, 18. Dion Middleton is a Correction Officer with the New York City Department of Correction (DOC).

Middleton was arraigned before Judge Jeffrey Zimmerman of Bronx Criminal Court. Judge Zimmerman set bail at $1 million bond or partially secured bond, with $500,000 cash or credit card alternatives.

“My office is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation of every case where an officer of the law may have caused a death,” said Attorney General James. “I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Chaluisant, and the people of New York have my pledge that we will work to see that justice is served.”

On Thursday, July 21, shortly after 1 a.m. during an encounter in the vicinity of the Cross Bronx Expressway and Morris Avenue in the Bronx, Middleton is alleged to have shot at a car in which Raymond Chaluisant was a passenger, killing Chaluisant. Middleton then left the scene and reported to work later that morning, where he was apprehended by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The OAG would like to thank NYPD and the Bronx District Attorney’s office for their partnership.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.