DOI ISSUES CALENDAR YEAR-END STATISTICS

 

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), released the agency’s year-end statistics for Calendar Year (“CY”) 2022, January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. In CY 2022, DOI: 

• Received approximately 12,580 complaints, an increase of about 3.5% from CY 2021. 

• Opened 940 investigations, about 46 more than in CY 2021. 

• Maintained an active investigative docket of 1,526 investigations, consistent with CY2021 figures. 

• Closed 837 investigations, consistent with CY 2021 figures. 

• Collected nearly $2 million for the City as a result of DOI investigations, $1.35 million more than in CY 2021. 

• Reached 46,869 City employees through our corruption-prevention module, webinars and in-person lectures, 18,680 more employees than in CY 2021. 

• Referred 384 investigations for criminal prosecution, a 13% decrease from CY 2021, when DOI referred 443 investigations. 

• Arrested 233 individuals, about 55 fewer than in CY 2021. 

• Issued 105 policy and procedure recommendations, approximately 96 fewer than in CY 2021. 

• Further decreased the backlog of background investigations by closing 928 investigations and reducing the backlog to approximately 910, down from the 2019 high of 6,500. 

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “These statistics reflect the realities of a post-pandemic New York City and an evolving criminal justice landscape. DOI has met those challenges by reprioritizing the agency’s docket to focus resources on investigations that will have the greatest impact. In 2023, as DOI marks its 150th year serving the people of New York City, we will continue to advance our mission through significant investigations that target corruption, fraud and financial abuse in municipal government – a mission that is critical to the City’s ability to use its resources efficiently.” 

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES LAWFUL ABSENCE PROTECTIONS NOW IN EFFECT

 

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today reminds New Yorkers that a new law is in effect that reiterates New York State’s commitment to protecting workers who take legally protected absences from work. The law, signed in November by Governor Kathy Hochul, clarifies that it is illegal for employers to threaten, penalize, discriminate, or retaliate against employees for using absences protected under federal, state, or local law, including time off covered by New York State Paid Family Leave and New York State Paid Sick Leave.

“This is a major victory for all workers across New York State,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Employees should not have to fear for their jobs when taking legally protected time away from work. This new law reassures our workforce that we value their work and their well-being.”

Under the new law, employers are specifically prohibited from assigning or deducting points under an absence control policy for using legally protected absences, including those related to sickness, disability, pregnancy, and caregiving obligations. Other examples of legally protected absences include domestic violence leave, jury duty leave, voting leave, and blood donor leave. Employers who violate this law face penalties up to $10,000 for initial violations and up to $20,000 for subsequent violations. Impacted employees may also be eligible to receive backpay and other damages.

The Department also reminds New Yorkers that it is illegal for employers to retaliate against an employee for asserting their rights under the labor law. Retaliation can occur in many forms, including dismissal from employment, reduction of hours, alteration of work schedule, pay reduction, disciplinary action, assignment to difficult duties, and more.

Workers who believe their employers have violated state labor law should report it to NYSDOL’s Division of Labor Standards at 1-888-52-LABOR or LSAsk@labor.ny.gov. In 2022, the Division of Labor Standards investigated more than 5,500 reports of labor violations related to COVID-19 and New York State Paid Sick Leave from workers across New York State.

For more information about this law and the state’s retaliation law, visit NYSDOL’s webpage.

 

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NYCHA Residents Join NYC Comptroller to Announce Audits of Repair Processes and Eviction Rates at the Housing Authority

 

Resident committee convened by Comptroller Lander announce new audits to assess the quality of work by NYCHA contractors and eviction rates at RAD/PACT developments

Residents of New York City Housing Authority developments joined New York City Comptroller Brad Lander to announce two audits selected by the Comptroller’s NYCHA resident audit committee. The Comptroller’s Bureau of Audit will review both the New York City Housing Authority’s repair process and the eviction rates at RAD/PACT developments. The committee, which is tasked with steering the Comptroller’s new “resident-powered” audit process, was first convened in the fall following a summer of roundtables and listening sessions throughout the five boroughs.  A livestream of the announcement is available here.

The audit of the repair process will analyze how NYCHA selects contractors hired to conduct repair work, the quality of work performed, and what kind of evaluations are done. In conversations with committee members and other residents closed repair tickets that did not result in completed repairs came up as a frequent problem. Auditors will assess the process for vendor selection as well as the oversight that NYCHA conducts to ensure timely and quality repairs. 

The second audit will look at eviction rates at RAD/PACT developments, how they have changed since RAD/PACT conversion, and whether the reasons for eviction are different than other developments. 

The Comptroller’s office has kept a close eye on NYCHA’s operational and management issues for years, putting the authority on a “watch list” to face more frequent scrutiny. In his first year in office, Comptroller Lander initiated the resident-powered audit process with the goal of incorporating resident voices and experiences into the oversight and accountability process to deliver change at NYCHA. Over the course of the next several months, the committee will provide the Comptroller’s office with feedback and input as they conduct these two audits.  

“Residents are the experts on what is broken in their homes, and their insight is an integral part of the oversight process to ensure that NYCHA is meeting its obligations. Problems with the repairs process and concerns about rising evictions rose to the top in our conversations, and our auditors will be diving in on the details to understand what’s happening and what needs improvement. I want to thank the committee for their thoughtful feedback and collaboration and look forward to continuing this work together to improve conditions at NYCHA,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. 

In December, Comptroller Lander announced the results of a survey conducted by his office to garner resident feedback and input in the audit process. Sanitation, safety, and repair tickets being closed before repairs were completed ranked highest amongst the nearly 800 respondents from across 132 developments and received in five different languages. The NYCHA resident committee discussed the results of the survey in the process of deliberating on priority topics for the Audit Bureau’s attention. 

Prior to today’s announced audits, the Comptroller’s office conducted two reviews in response to resident concerns. A quick response field review of building entry doors at NYCHA developments found that nearly 60% of residential building entrance doors were open and/or had broken locks. That number was up dramatically from 23.5% in a similar field review conducted in 2018. The office is also currently auditing rent calculations based on concerns raised at a Red Hook round table. 

“In order to deliver quality services, New York City agencies have a responsibility to collaborate with New Yorkers who interact with these services every day. Our new, resident-powered approach to auditing will help focus our independent and objective oversight on the issues that matter most to NYCHA residents. This is the first step towards bridging the gap between our community and government, and we look forward to continuing our work with the NYCHA resident committee throughout this process,” said Maura Hayes-Chaffe, Deputy Comptroller for Audit. 

“The residents of NYCHA need answers to these critical quality of life issues, that are depressing reminders of the struggles we face, including disproportionate rates of illnesses. The audits we have selected are important steps to finding solutions to these problems,” said NYCHA Resident Aixa Torres.

“As the RAD/PACT program continues to expand to NYCHA developments, we as residents want to ensure that there is accountability and oversight of this program. I am grateful to Comptroller Lander for creating the resident committee so that our voices are heard throughout this process. City resources must be directed towards robust outreach to tenants in converted buildings to learn more about their experiences of RAD/PACT,” said NYCHA Resident Brenda Temple.

“Achieving real progress for NYCHA residents must include a close look at how the authority is operating. I am proud to be a part of the resident committee on behalf of my community to provide insight on the impact evictions are having on residents. The commitment of Comptroller Lander and the audit bureau to reviewing the eviction rates at RAD/PACT developments is an important step toward change and accountability,” said NYCHA Resident Joveta Paige. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It has come to our attention that the RAD program can only be used if the building is 100% Section 8 tenants. That could be the reason for some evictions of tenants who are not Section 8. 

Governor Hochul Urges Caution in Advance of Winter Storm Expected to Bring Snow and Ice to Several Upstate Regions This Week

 

Up to a Foot or More of Snow Expected to Impact Travel in the North Country Beginning Wednesday Evening Through Thursday, With Areas Just North of I-90 in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region Seeing Up to Six Inches of Snow

Majority of State to Experience Flat Ice Accumulation Up to a Quarter-Inch As a Result of Sleet and Freezing Rain, Potential for Localized Power Outages in Western New York and Finger Lakes Regions as a Half-Inch of Ice Accumulation is Possible

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Monitor Weather Conditions, Take Necessary Precautions for Wednesday Evening and Thursday Commutes

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged caution as a winter storm is forecast to impact upstate regions beginning Wednesday afternoon, particularly in the North Country and parts of the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and Western New York, where snow or sleet is expected to slowly spread from the New York/Pennsylvania border northeast and reach parts of the North Country by Wednesday night. Some areas in the North Country could see up to a foot of snow, with up to 18 inches of snow possible near Ogdensburg, and many regions will experience ice accumulation up to a quarter inch, with potential for a half-inch in Western New York and the Finger Lakes, bringing the threat of localized power outages due to downed trees and power lines. Travel conditions in these regions are expected to begin deteriorating Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday. The most impactful weather is likely to occur Wednesday night through Thursday morning. Wet and heavy snow falling mixed with sleet and ice will impact commutes and potentially cause localized power outages. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor local weather forecasts, take precautions if commuting Wednesday and Thursday and to be ready for changing weather conditions.

"Most of Upstate New York is preparing for another winter storm that could bring a foot or more of snow in the North Country, and a wintry mix of ice and sleet that will impact travel Wednesday through Thursday," Governor Hochul said. "New Yorkers in impacted regions should take action now to prepare for the incoming snow and ice, as power outages and hazardous travel are a concern this week."

A number of Winter Storm Watches and Weather Advisories are currently in effect for the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Southern Tier, Western New York, Finger Lakes and Capital Regions through Thursday night. Some locations in the Watch area could see up to a foot of snow, especially in the Tug Hill area and southern Adirondacks, and between a quarter to a half inch of ice accumulation in several locations by Thursday. As the weather system moves west to east across the state, snow is expected to switch over to sleet and freezing rain in some places, with valley locations seeing more snow and freezing rain, and locations in higher elevations receiving just rain.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph are also expected on Thursday, which could cause additional travel and power impacts, especially in areas receiving ice accumulation. In New York City and Long Island, precipitation is expected to begin as (or quickly switch over to) rain with little snow or ice accumulation expected. For a complete listing of weather warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

According to the Department of Public Service, New York's utilities have approximately 6,900 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, wire guarding, response, repair, and restoration efforts for this week's winter weather event. This includes an additional 1,100 external line and tree FTEs secured by National Grid and an additional 300 external line and tree FTEs secured by NYSEG/RG&E. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

Safety Tips

Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• Do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating.

Power Outages

• Call your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

• Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
• O&R: 877-434-4100
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: 800-743-1701

Heating Safety

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
• Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation.
• Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
  • Follow the manufacturers' instructions.
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
  • Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
  • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
  • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

For more Winter safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety.

For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find DHSES on Facebook, on Twitter or visit dhses.ny.gov.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION, PUBLIC DESIGN COMMISSION

 

Stephen Chu, Mark Ginsberg, and Angie Master Have Been Approved by City Council and Will Join Landmarks

 

Bill Heinzen Will Serve as Mayor Adams’ Designee on Public Design Commission

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today appointed Stephen Chu, Mark Ginsberg, and Angie Master to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), and designated Bill Heinzen as his representative on the New York City Public Design Commission (PDC). Chu, Ginsberg, and Master have already been approved by the New York City Council and will join the commission for the next meeting this month.

 

LPC commissioners serve three-year terms. The PDC designee serves at the pleasure of the mayor.

 

“This diverse slate of appointees will bring to their work a wide range of perspectives and a shared commitment to our city’s built environment and public spaces,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City offers a unique blend of the historical and the cutting edge — no other city comes close. I am confident that this group of commissioners will be faithful stewards of both and help our city continue to recover and grow without losing sight of our past.”

 

“Every New Yorker deserves access to a built environment and public space that celebrates the richness of our city’s history, while also embracing our adaptive spirit,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I am certain these new appointees for the Public Design Commission and Landmarks Preservation Commission, who are respected and talented professionals in their fields, will bring dynamic skill sets and voices to the matters that come before them. I look forward to seeing their work play out in the future of our city’s skyline.”

 

“The mayor’s three appointees are committed to protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, culturally, and historically significant sites,” said LPC Chair Sarah Carroll. “They each bring significant expertise, experience, and a commitment to our city that will further LPC’s mission and help shape the city’s built environment.”

 

“PDC is thrilled to welcome Bill Heinzen to the commission,” said PDC Executive Director Sreoshy Banerjea. “His deep knowledge of New York City history, parks, culture, and the past projects of the Public Design Commission is invaluable to us. With the addition of his expertise and guidance, we continue to be excited to center design excellence in New York City’s built environment and public realm.”

 

“I am honored to join the Landmarks Preservation Commission and assist in the protection and preservation of New York City’s rich history of diversity and culture, while considering the present and future needs of our great city and its five boroughs,” said incoming LPC Commissioner Stephen Chu.

 

“It is an honor to serve on the Landmarks Preservation Commission,” said incoming LPC Commissioner Mark Ginsberg. “I look forward to helping preserve our past, while moving towards a low-carbon future and encouraging much-needed housing.”

 

“I am deeply honored to be nominated by Mayor Adams to serve as a commissioner of the Landmarks Preservation Commission,” said incoming LPC Commissioner Angie Master. “As the LPC Staten Island and real estate representative, I look forward to working collaboratively with the other commissioners to help preserve New York City’s many culturally, historically, and architecturally significant landmarked sites.”

 

 “The Public Design Commission has improved every corner of New York City through its review of public spaces, new and existing structures on city land, and public art,” said Bill Heinzen, special counsel, Office of the Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Mayor Adams’ designee on the commission, and I am excited to work with its dedicated commissioners and staff to further PDC’s mission to make the city even better with innovative, sustainable, and equitable design.”

Permits Filed For 1932 McGraw Avenue In Parkchester, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story residential building at 1932 McGraw Avenue in Parkchester, The Bronx. Located between Pugsley Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue, the interior lot is near the Parkchester subway station, serviced by the 6 train. Randylynn McManus under the 1932 McGraw Avenue LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 65-foot-tall development will yield 13,560 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 23 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 589 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, a 20-foot-long rear yard, and six open parking spaces.

Mastrogiacomo Engineering is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in April 2022 and the land is now vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Leader Of Sunset Trinitarios Sentented To Life In Prison For Racketeering, Including Ordering Multiple Murders

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EDIBERTO SANTANA, a/k/a “Flaco Veneno,” was sentenced to life imprisonment for leading the Sunset Trinitarios gang from at least 2010 through 2019 and, in that capacity, ordering multiple acts of brutal violence, including the March 13, 2011, murder of Dennis Marquez, age 16, who was stabbed to death in the Bronx; the October 23, 2013, murder of Michael Beltre, age 17, who was shot and killed in the Bronx; and the November 17, 2013, murder of Rafael Alam, age 22, who was shot and killed in the Bronx.  U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “While nothing can make whole the families and communities of Dennis Marquez, Michael Beltre, and Rafael Alam, we hope that today’s sentence is some measure of closure and justice for them.  We are committed to addressing gang violence in our communities and to holding accountable those who instigate such violence.”

SANTANA, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, previously pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy with murder as a special sentencing factor, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, and the New York City Department of Investigation.