NYCHA Miscalculated One-in-Five Rent Increases, New York City Comptroller’s Review Finds

 

Auditors reviewed rent calculations for tenants in the Red Hook East and Red Hook West Developments between October 2021 and October 2022.

The Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander found that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) miscalculated one-in-five sampled rent adjustments at the Red Hook East and Red Hook West developments. The review followed complaints from tenants at the developments of improperly calculated rent.

“NYCHA tenants repeatedly raised concerns with the calculation of their monthly rent, so our audit team went to investigate. We found issues with the calculations that led to some tenants overpaying and NYCHA losing out on rental income. Our public housing system has a duty to provide decent, affordable housing for New Yorkers, and it can only do that successfully with strong oversight and management that guarantees accuracy and fairness,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.

Monthly rent for NYCHA residents is generally set at either 30% of the household’s adjusted gross income (after subtracting allowable deductions) or the flat rent (the maximum amount charged per household based on the number of bedrooms), whichever is lower. NYCHA residents submit income documentation on an annual basis that the agency then uses to calculate eligibility and appropriate rents. The rent calculation processes are handled by each development’s management office. NYCHA uses Siebel System to maintain information and documentation provided by residents and third parties which are used to support rent calculations. Siebel is also used to generate the Public Housing Lease Addendum and Rent Notices after the completion of the recertification process.

Between October 2021 and October 2022, 32% (853) of the 2,692 units at Red Hook Houses saw rent increases. At a roundtable with Comptroller Lander and in survey responses as part of the resident engagement plan for NYCHA audits, residents raised concerns about the accuracy of rent calculations. To investigate, the Comptroller’s Office auditors reviewed income documentation and rent calculations for a sample of 102 units at Red Hook Houses.

The review found that:

• NYCHA miscalculated one-in-five (19%) sampled rent adjustments in the Red Hook East and Red Hook West public housing developments in 2022.
• Of the 102 apartments sampled, NYCHA overcharged three households by a total of $439 in monthly rent and undercharged 17 households by a total of $1,395 in monthly rent.
• NYCHA’s data management platform generated incorrect public assistance amounts on rent notices sent to the tenants.
• Auditors were unable to verify rent calculations for nine apartments due to a lack of supporting documentation.

The Comptroller’s Office made four recommendations, which NYCHA has agreed to address:

1. Review the rent calculation for the apartments that were either overstated or understated and determine if corrective action should be taken.
2. Provide periodic training to staff to ensure adherence to the Management Manual, so they are able to accurately verify and input household incomes and deductions for Siebel to calculate the monthly rent amount; and generate HUD’s Enterprise Income Verification report and confirm the tenants’ incomes through independent sources.
3. Test rent calculations across the system after every recertification.
4. Conduct a system review of Siebel to ensure that it properly generates the correct amount on Rent Notices for Public Assistance Income for each qualified household member.

Full Report: Letter Report on the Review of the New York City Housing Authority’s Calculation of Rent Increases for Public Housing Tenants at the Red Hook East and Red Hook West Developments

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Air Quality Issues

 

Governor Hochul: "I would call this, what we're experiencing right now with the sub-standard air quality, a crisis. It is also a dangerous situation. We've been monitoring this for well over a week since the fires started in Eastern Canada. And I would say over the last 48 hours, it has gotten significantly worse."

Hochul: "And the bottom line is this: If you can stay indoors, stay indoors. This is detrimental to people's health. In New York State, we have over 1.4 million people who already have asthma. And when the air quality is bad, it's a significant risk for these individuals as well as seniors, children."

 I want to first of all give a brief public health update on what is an emergency situation, an emergency crisis. I would call this, what we're experiencing right now with the sub-standard air quality, a crisis. It is also a dangerous situation. We've been monitoring this for well over a week since the fires started in Eastern Canada. And I would say over the last 48 hours, it has gotten significantly worse.

The haze and the smoke from the fires, you could feel it even sitting indoors here, it's clogging much of our air. In fact, it's almost impossible to see the sunset or see the sky, and it's something I'm a little more accustomed to from Western New York when every day looked like this - you know, the Bethlehem Steel Plant. But we have not seen anything like this since the 1970s.

So, New York City and Syracuse were among the worst places on the entire planet yesterday. And normally our air quality index is around 50. In New York State over the last 24 hours, and we just got these numbers in, the index hit - my numbers this morning were 200. We have updated information, it's now 400. The index hit 400 in parts of our state. That's an 800 percent increase.

So the DEC has been issuing air quality health advisories in nearly every region. The air quality index is unhealthy in New York City Metropolitan Area, Central New York, and Eastern Lake Ontario. It's also unhealthy for sensitive groups in Western New York, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.

And earlier today, after consulting with the Department of Health, we recommended that all outdoor school activities be postponed. And we've been in touch with the school leaders in Rochester, Syracuse, and New York City, and I commend them for canceling outdoor activities today. But we're also recommending that school districts in the unhealthy areas also cancel activities as well.

And the bottom line is this: If you can stay indoors, stay indoors. This is detrimental to people's health. In New York State, we have over 1.4 million people who already have asthma. And when the air quality is bad, it's a significant risk for these individuals as well as seniors, children. And you think about all the people that may be still experiencing the effects of COVID, long COVID, you know, compromising their respiratory system. And New York was the epicenter of the COVID pandemic, and this is an issue that is affecting people's ability to breathe.

So we're encouraging people to check the air quality in their zip code. They can go to airnow.gov. And again, we're trying to encourage everyone to stay [inside] and stay hydrated. Take frequent breaks. Also, if you have a mask - the N95 is considered to be effective in protecting people from this. So that's what we're dealing with.

I also recommended some time ago to have DEC send support to Eastern Canada. We have expert firefighters here. It's not something that is foreign to us. We wanted to send our resources. We have a couple of individuals up there now, fire rangers and experts for wildfires. And we're expecting them to ask us for even more. We put in the offer, and we'll be expecting to send more individuals up there very soon.

This is expected to go for the next few days. There was some thought yesterday that this would abate by Friday. I just received an update minutes ago that that is not expected. So people need to prepare for this over the long haul. And again, we can all feel it. It is an effect - one of the collateral damages of climate change. It's an environmental crisis, and I just want to make sure all New Yorkers are aware of this. You may not see it. You may not even feel it. But it is having a negative effect on everyone. So please take precautions throughout our state.

Bronx Man Convicted Of 2018 Murder During Which He Shot The Victim’s Five-Year-Old Son

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Suave,” was found guilty at trial of the October 23, 2018, murder of Jaquan Millien in connection with a drug trafficking crime.  RODRIGUEZ shot and killed Millien in the Butler Houses in the Bronx, New York.  During the shooting, RODRIGUEZ shot Millien’s five-year-old son, who was with his father at the time.  Thankfully, his son survived.  The verdict followed a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

According to the evidence presented in court during the trial:

Between in or about 2012 and in or about 2018, JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ conspired with others to sell marijuana in an apartment building located at 1408 Webster Avenue (the “Apartment Building”).  In connection with his narcotics dealing, on or about October 23, 2018, RODRIGUEZ followed Jaquan Millien and his son into the Apartment Building and into a stairwell.  RODRIGUEZ then fired multiple shots, killing Jaquan Millien and hitting Millien’s son in the arm.

RODRIGUEZ, 31, of the Bronx, New York, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute for remuneration, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of using a firearm to commit murder during a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the judge.  RODRIGUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced on September 19, 2023.

Mr. Williams thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work on the investigation.

 

CITY OF NEW YORK TO SUE 30 NEW YORK COUNTIES FOR ILLEGALLY WALLING OFF THEIR BORDERS TO ASYLUM SEEKERS

New York City Seeks to Invalidate Unlawful Executive Orders Seeking to Prohibit City from Providing Temporary Housing to Small Number of Asylum Seekers During Statewide Emergency

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix today announced that the City of New York is filing suit against more than 30 New York localities that issued unlawful emergency executive orders (EO) intended to prohibit New York City from arranging for even a small number of asylum seekers to stay in private hotels within their jurisdictions — at the City of New York’s expense — amidst a major humanitarian crisis and statewide emergency. New York City has had more than 74,000 asylum seekers ask for shelter since last spring and has opened up more than 160 sites to handle the influx of migrants. While many elected officials, community groups, and faith institutions have worked to welcome the small number of arrivals in each locality — in most cases less than ¼ of one percent — at least 30 local jurisdictions across the state have filed EOs to wall out asylum seekers. In today’s suit, New York City is asking the court to declare each of these EOs null and void and to stop the counties from taking any steps to enforce them any longer.

 

“Since this crisis began, New York City has — virtually on its own — stepped up to provide shelter, food, clothing, and other services to asylum seekers arriving in our city. We are doing our part and will continue to do our part, but we need every locality across the state to do their part as well,” said Mayor Adams. “We have repeatedly sounded the alarm that our shelter system is at capacity and that we are out of space. While many communities have been overwhelmingly supportive and enthusiastic about welcoming these new arrivals to their cities and towns, some elected officials have attempted to build metaphorical walls around their localities with unlawful executive orders. This lawsuit aims to put an end to this xenophobic bigotry and ensure our state acts as one as we work together to manage this humanitarian crisis fairly and humanely, as we have done from the beginning and as we will continue to do.”

 

“The relatively low number of individuals lawfully placed in these upstate jurisdictions reflect a small but significant step that will assist the City of New York in handling this growing humanitarian crisis,” said Corporation Counsel Hinds-Radix. “These counties have attempted to close their doors instead of lending their assistance to New York City’s reasonable and lawful efforts to address this crisis. We are asking the court to declare these executive orders null and void, in order to provide asylum seekers shelter during these unprecedented times.”

 

Since April 2022, large numbers of individuals and families seeking asylum in the United States have arrived and then were sent to New York City as they seek temporary housing assistance. Many entered the United States at the southern border and were bused, flown, or transported by other means to the five boroughs, even though they have no friends or family in the area and no resources of their own. The large number of arrivals has strained the City of New York’s capacity to provide a temporary place to stay for those who need it.

 

In response to this emergency, New York City has embarked on a herculean effort to provide temporary shelter to those in need who are found in its jurisdiction. As of June 4, 2023, more than 74,000 asylum seekers had arrived within the five boroughs seeking shelter, and currently, more than 47,200 asylum seekers remained in shelter provided by the City of New York, with hundreds more arriving every day. Over the last year, New York City has opened up more than 160 emergency sites to provide temporary shelter or respite to asylum seekers. The number of intakes per day across the City of New York’s different intake systems has surged from 200-300 to as many as 600-900 individuals in some weeks in May. The City of New York is constantly searching for additional locations for temporary shelter and has reviewed more than 3,000 locations for possible shelter.

 

The crisis has already moved beyond the bounds of New York City: On May 9, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide emergency, recognizing the burden imposed on the entire state as it handles an unprecedented numbers of asylum seekers. The executive order acknowledged that there is “already a large-scale humanitarian crisis and emergency,” which the governor expected to worsen in the coming days.

 

As a part of its massive response, the City of New York has sought to utilize hotel rooms outside of the five boroughs to provide temporary housing assistance for a small number of asylum seekers, with New York City covering the cost of those hotels and of providing services to the individuals, as authorized by state law and regulation.

 

According to today’s suit, the more than 30 localities listed as defendants implemented executive orders prohibiting hotels, all private businesses, in their jurisdictions from providing temporary housing assistance to asylum seekers and/or working voluntarily with “foreign” municipalities — including New York City — to do so. Rockland and Orange counties were the first to issue EOs to keep asylum seekers out, and the two counties followed their orders by suing to prevent New York City from using available hotel rooms to temporarily shelter asylum seekers. The City of New York’s lawsuit alleges that all of these EOs are premised on baseless claims of a “public safety” emergency arising from the prospect of a small number of asylum seekers temporarily being provided with available hotel rooms in these jurisdictions at New York City’s expense. The lawsuit also alleges that the executive orders are an unlawful attempt to prevent New York City from responding to a statewide emergency and humanitarian crisis, as recognized by Governor Hochul in her executive order.

 

The City of New York is asking the court to declare all the executive orders null and void and to enjoin the counties from taking any steps to enforce them.

Partnerships for Parks - Get involved in your local park and more!

 

Get Involved with Your Park Know a local park that needs some love? Interested in helping out? This introductory workshop will show you how! Learn to volunteer in local parks or green spaces on your own or create a community group that can expand your efforts.  At this webinar you will learn how to: Beautify your neighborhood by leading an "It's My Park" project Connect with NYC Parks to benefit a green space Sustain a local park over the long term Traducción en español disponible/ Bilingual webinar in Spanish/English Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm REGISTER NOW Bringing Art to Local Parks: The NYC Parks Art in the Parks Program Bring art installations to your local park! Back by popular demand, NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program joins us to discuss how to navigate the public art process to enrich your neighborhood park. You will see highlights from past installations and hear from a local artist who has displayed their work through the Art in the Parks program. At this webinar, we will discuss: An overview of the public art process Community experiences with Art in the Parks The diversity of art showcased citywide Featured speakers: Elizabeth Masella, Senior Public Art Coordinator, NYC Parks Traducción en español disponible/ Bilingual webinar in Spanish/English Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 1:00 pm - 2:30pm REGISTER NOW Soil Health and Compost Basics with NYC Parks GreenThumb Partnerships for Parks and NYC Parks GreenThumb bring you a two-part learning series on soil vitality and its impact on plants. Plant health is directly linked to the health of the soil it’s growing in. If we take care of the soil, the soil will take care of our plants and crops.  Featured speakers: Makela Elvy, Urban Garden Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension Adder Chu, Education & Events Coordinator, NYC Parks GreenThumb Traducción en español disponible/ Bilingual in Spanish/English Part 1: Thursday August 3, 2023 from 12:00 pm - 1:30pm via Zoom MORE INFO/REGISTER Part 2: August 5, 2023 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Rodale Pleasant Park, East 114th Street in Manhattan MORE INFO/REGISTER City Parks Foundation 830 5th Avenue New York, NY 10065

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) - Bronx River Sounds 2023 brings Jazz to the Bronx this weekend!

 

Bronx River Art Center Presents its 20th Annual: Bronx River Sounds Performing Arts Festival *** Roots of Rhythms: Celebrating our Caribbean Diversity *** This weekend:  Friday, June 9 - Santi DeBriano and Akestra Bembé Panamanian Jazz Saturday, June 10 - Valtinho Anastacio Duo Brazilian Jazz *** We’ll be raising the roof in the heart of the Bronx with Jamaican Reggae; Puerto Rican Salsa and Plena; Afro-Cuban, Panamanian and Brazilian Jazz; African rhythms from Mali and more! June 6, 2023 Bronx, NY…..BRAC's Annual "Bronx River Sounds Performing Arts Festival continues this weekend June 9th with Santi DeBriano and his “Akestrea Bembe” followed on Saturday, June 10th by Valtinho Anastacio.   Both shows are at 7:30. Doors open at 6:30 for cocktails in our Art Gallery or backyard terraced garden. Seating is by first come, first serve so come early and chill out before the shows so you're first in line for the best seats in the house. Next, stay on board for the next two weekends at BRAC's “House of Jazz in the Bronx” for an immersive and diverse tropical Afro-Caribbean experiences with a New York City vibe. Join us for any, or all, of these engaging and inspiring performances of Caribbean rhythms and sounds by some of New York’s most talented musicians and composers gracing the world stages today. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for Seniors, and $10 for students, with a special 10% discount for BRAC members and registered students in our Education program. Click here for tickets Artists performing this Weekend, June 9 & 10: Photo: Santi DeBriano Santi DeBriano and his “Akestrea Bembe” Santi Debriano is acclaimed as one of the most interesting and original voices on the international jazz scene today. As a soloist, he has performed at many of the world’s most renowned festivals and concert halls, often presenting his own bands and compositions. At BxRS Performing Arts Festival he will be playing with his large band, Santi Debriano's Arkestra Bembe with five horns and four rhythm section playing his original compositions and arrangements. The Arkestra’s debut performance was at the Hamptons Jazz Festival in July 15, 2021. Their recording, Ashanti, was released in February 2023 on Jojo Records. He has realized concerts and albums with such diverse jazz masters as Kenny Clarke, Mal Waldron, Archie Shepp, Kirk Lightsey, Chico Freeman, Arthur Blythe, David Murray, Attila Zoller, Lee Konitz, Oliver Lake, Baikida Carrol, Cecil Taylor, Sam Rivers, Hank Jones, Elvin Jones, Randy Weston, Roy Hanes and many others. Photo: Valtinho Anastacio Valtinho Anastacio is an international percussionist and vocalist who creates, teaches, and performs powerful and metaphorically expressive “Brazilian Jazz” music. Many people describe him as “just like a jewelry box filled with magical sounds”. He describes his musical message as “being beyond time and space, cutting edge in universal musical mind and vision”. Anastacio is a highly respected music education instructor, lecturer, and professor all over the world.  Come for the Best Afro-Caribbean Music this Summer!!! Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 June 2nd - 24th, 2023 Program Schedule (all showtimes are 7:30-8:45 pm unless otherwise noted) Friday, June 9 - Santi DeBriano and Akestra Bembé - Panamanian Jazz Saturday, June 10 - Valtinho Anastacio Duo - Brazilian Jazz Friday, June 16 - Victor Santos y Ocho con Clave - Old School East Harlem Salsa Saturday, June 17 - Will Calhoun and Euphonious Ensemble - Afro-Futurism Jazz Friday, June 23 - Kinto Zonó - Bomba y Plena Saturday, June 24 - Yacouba Sissoko - Kora Music of Mali The 2023 Bronx River Sounds Performing Arts Festival is co-produced by Will Calhoun, Ron West and BRAC’s ED, Gail Nathan. It is supported by a New York City Coalition of Theatres of Color Council Initiative. BRAC's Performing Arts Space is situated on the ground floor of our recently restored 18,000 sq. ft. building with an open-air garden attached and adjacent to the newly completed Bronx River Greenway. BRAC is a jewel in the heart of the Bronx that brings art education, artist studios, contemporary art exhibitions and a cutting edge performing arts program to the communities of the Bronx and beyond. It's an inviting and affordable venue conveniently located one block from the #2 and #5 subway lines (East Tremont/West Farms Sq. Station), and at a transportation hub for six bus lines. BRAC is also easily accessed by car from the Cross Bronx Expressway, Bronx River Parkway, and the Bruckner Expressway to Sheridan Blvd, with a public parking facility adjacent to the building. Admission: Indoor concert seating: $20.00 Adults Garden Terrace seating (with live streaming): $8.00 Discounts: Seniors $15, Students $10, BRAC Members and registered Students 10% discount Click here for tickets Or contact us at info@bronxriverart.org for further information.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES “COMMISSIONER FOR A DAY” TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE CITY GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP

 

Over 60 Senior Administration Officials and Agency Heads to Be Paired with Young People to Offer Hands-On Experience in Government and Civic Engagement

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the city’s inaugural “Commissioner for a Day” initiative that will provide young people from across the five boroughs with the opportunity to experience the inner workings of city government and civic engagement from members of the Adams administration. Over 60 agency heads and senior leaders in the administration will be paired with a New Yorker between the ages of 13 and 24 for half a day, where they will attend meetings, learn about policy, and, after, hear directly from Mayor Adams.

 

“Thanks to all participating in ‘Commissioner for a Day,’” said Mayor Adams. “By shadowing a commissioner or senior member of this administration, young New Yorkers are seeing what it takes to run the greatest city in the world. This is where leadership begins, and I hope every young person is inspired to go into public service in the years to come. There is no higher calling than serving your fellow New Yorkers, and today I’m proud of every participant for coming in to see for themselves how we do it.”

 

“The young people attending ‘Commissioner for a Day’ represent the next generation of New York City’s changemakers, eager to learn firsthand about civic engagement and creating change within our city,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “Our mayor, myself, and leaders across the administration are opening our doors to engage with young people, learning from and with them, all in an effort to show the importance of city government. I am confident that among our over 70 participants we’ll find future commissioners, government officials, and even chief of staffs in the making.”

 

“‘Commissioner for a Day’ is a one-of-a-kind engagement initiative that gives young people — many of whom have been impacted through the criminal justice system, are living in foster care, or who otherwise have not been afforded these kinds of leadership development opportunities — the tools they need to exercise their civic muscle, sharing their insights with and learning from city government’s most powerful leaders,” said New York City Chief Engagement Officer Betsy MacLean. “As the city’s first-ever chief engagement officer, I am proud to lead this initiative and set an important precedent about who’s at the table as we work together to shape our city’s future.”

 

“Commissioner for a Day” is led by the Office of Engagement and the city’s chief engagement officer. Participants were nominated by the New York City Administration for Children Services, the New York City Department of Education, the New York City Department of Homeless Services, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and the New York City Police Department. The program intentionally sought out a diverse group of participants, including young people in foster care and probation, as well as those who are justice-involved and those currently experiencing homelessness.

 

UPDATED AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY METRO, LOWER HUDSON VALLEY, UPPER HUDSON VALLEY, EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO, CENTRAL NEW YORK AND WESTERN NEW YORK

In Effect for Wednesday, June 7, 2023

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York and Western New York regions for Wednesday, June 7, 2023.  

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter 

The advisory will be in effect from 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

FINE PARTICULATE MATTER

Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g. vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy saving and pollution-reducing steps:

1. use mass transit instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities.
2. conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
3. turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
4. use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
5. close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
6. limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
7. set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
8. purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
9. reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up for DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

The Wednesday, June 7, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Long Island which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties; New York City Metro which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties; Lower Hudson Valley which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties; Upper Hudson Valley which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties;  Eastern Lake Ontario which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; Central New York which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates counties; and Western New York which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.