There was no update on COVID-19 for November 3, 2022 by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Thursday, November 3, 2022
MAYOR ADAMS EXPANDS EFFORTS TO CONNECT PATIENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS TO STABLE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, DELIVERS ON PROMISE IN HOUSING BLUEPRINT RELEASED EARLIER THIS YEAR
As Strategy to Good Health, ‘Housing for Health’ Initiative Will Focus on Four Strategic Areas: Navigation Services, Medical Respite Beds, Affordable Housing on Hospital Property, and Social Service Support for Patients in Permanent Housing
Program Will Leverage NYC Health + Hospitals Land to Create Nearly 650 New Affordable Homes Over Next Five Years
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz today announced ‘Housing for Health’ — a comprehensive initiative to serve the health system’s large patient population experiencing homelessness by connecting them to affordable homes and housing supports. Recognizing that the chronic health issues of unhoused individuals cannot be treated without stable housing, this initiative seeks to improve their health and wellbeing of New Yorkers by focusing on four strategic areas: Navigation services, medical respite beds, affordable housing on hospital property, and social service support for patients in permanent housing. Over the course of the next five years, the health system plans to leverage land to create nearly 650 new affordable homes, which will be situated near NYC Health + Hospitals facilities to deliver continuity of care for vulnerable New Yorkers with complex medical needs. This initiative delivers on multiple aspects of Mayor Adams’ “Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness” and builds on the health system’s commitment to a whole-person approach to health care.
“It’s time to look at the full picture of New Yorkers’ health challenges, and to treat these challenges holistically,” said Mayor Adams. “It’s not enough to care for unhoused New Yorkers in the emergency room and then discharge them if they have no home to recover and heal in. Adults experiencing homelessness have three times as many hospital and emergency visits compared to those with stable housing, so it’s time we finally break this vicious cycle. I am proud to announce our ‘Housing for Health’ Initiative that will connect NYC Health + Hospitals patients to permanent housing or medical respite beds and will leverage Health + Hospitals land to create 650 units of affordable housing over the next five years. We know housing is fundamental to health, and this program brings us one step closer to achieving a healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous New York City.”
“Housing is health care. For many New Yorkers, NYC Health + Hospitals serves as their health home base,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “It’s where they seek care, advice, and support in times of need. With this initiative, many New Yorkers will be able to come home to safe, stable, and affordable housing thanks to Health + Hospitals and its creative leveraging of existing land. Every New Yorker deserves a permanent home, and this initiative gets us one step closer to that goal.”
“Housing is fundamental to good health,” said Mitchell Katz, MD, president and CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension cannot manage their condition without a safe and stable place to live. Too often, our patients stay in the hospital for far longer than they should because they have nowhere else to go. Housing for Health is our investment in these patients’ health outside of the hospital walls: To a safe, stable place to live so they can focus on their health.”
“Repurposing health facilities, building on vacant land, expanding access to supportive housing, and bringing on new housing navigators are all key steps in ensuring that people going through our health system have access to housing on the back end,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “The Housing for Health initiative, a key feature of the Adams administration’s housing and homelessness blueprint shows how our approach to health has progressed over the years, and as we strive to house all New Yorkers, this new effort will ensure those living with chronic illnesses and those who need additional support are connected to resources, services, and the health care they need to stay housed.”
“When I first entered the shelter system a couple of years ago, I was emotionally drained and so stressed out that I couldn’t sleep,” said Jesus Cerda, resident of the T building. “I had a mental break down, and I ended up the Psychiatric Unit at Harlem hospital. When I was discharged, my caseworker told me that I qualified for an apartment at the T building. In July, I was finally able to move in, and I couldn’t be happier. Now I have my own studio apartment. It is truly a fantastic feeling to have tranquility, the ability to cook my own meals, and focus on my next steps in life. I finally feel happy and in control of my life.”
In addition to improving health outcomes, Housing for Health will also reduce reliance on expensive emergency and hospital care. Last year, NYC Health + Hospitals provided care for 43,500 single adults experiencing homelessness — six percent of the more than 725,000 patients served by the health system. Adults experiencing homelessness have three times more hospital and emergency department visits than the general population. Through Housing for Health, the health system will expand cross-sector collaborations with community-based organizations, government agencies, funders, and affordable and supportive housing developers and owners committed to improving individual and community health.
Since January 2020, more than 1,000 patients have already been served under the program (over 800 patients have been placed in medical respite beds and over 400 patients have been placed in permanent housing, some of whom were placed in medical respite beds before.) The expanded initiative was announced today at the T Building, a former tuberculosis hospital on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens that was converted into 200 apartments, 75 of which are supportive housing for patients of the hospital system formerly experiencing homelessness. The 125 other mixed-income units are affordable to households with incomes from 60 percent to 80 percent of Area Median Income. On-site case management — provided by the non-profit CAMBA and funded through the NYC 15/15 Supportive Housing Initiative — includes connection to medical, mental health and substance treatment, access to benefits, and financial literacy courses.
“Homelessness is a tragedy our city has long faced, but we can create change with the right team, collaboration and with resources,” said Talya Schwartz, MD, president and CEO, MetroPlusHealth. “We see patients overstay their time in acute and long-term care facilities because they do not have a safe and proper home to return to. Proper housing creates an opportunity for better health outcomes. For patients to live, heal, and thrive, we must support them and set them up for success.”
“Every New Yorker deserves safe, quality affordable housing, and we know, without question, that housing supports health and well-being,” said Leora Jontef, assistant vice president, Housing + Real Estate, NYC Health + Hospitals. “I’m proud that the nation’s largest public health system sees this connection and is taking action. Together with our colleagues across government and the non-profit and private sectors, we are bringing health care to the table to help deliver housing for vulnerable New Yorkers.”
Housing for Health Strategies
Housing Navigation Services: NYC Health + Hospitals counsels and helps eligible patients to access and apply for supportive, affordable, and market-rate housing, as well as rental subsidies. This resource is vital to navigating the New York City complex housing landscape. Over 400 people to date have been placed in permanent housing through this program. The city also plans to expand housing navigation support for patients by partnering with an experienced, community-based organization to provide services and help place even more patients into permanent homes.
Medical Respite Beds for Frail Patients: NYC Health + Hospitals funds the largest medical respite bed program in New York City. Its 51 medical respite beds in Manhattan and the Bronx offer social service support for medically frail patients who no longer need hospitalization but still require access to medical care. Medical respite services allow patients to rest, recover, de-escalate, and heal in a safe environment after a major health episode. The health system partners with two experienced nonprofit organizations — Comunilife and Institute for Community Living — which provide holistic care coordination, medically-tailored meals, and access to wound care and physical therapy. Patients also receive case management support to help identify future housing options.
Dedicate NYC Health + Hospitals Land for Affordable and Supportive Housing: NYC Health + Hospitals leases land for supportive and affordable housing developments for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, including seniors and those formerly experiencing homelessness. Recent projects include 89 supportive and affordable housing units on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull and over 200 affordable housing units to be built on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Morrisania. Overall, there are 1,600 apartment units on NYC Health + Hospitals land. Housing for Health plans to leverage additional land to create nearly 650 new affordable homes near NYC Health + Hospitals resources to deliver continuity of care for vulnerable New Yorkers.
Fund Social Support Services in Permanent Housing: NYC Health + Hospitals funds on-site social services to help patients stabilize and thrive in their new housing environment. Support services individualize support to ease the transition from homelessness to permanent housing, assistance with accessing benefits, connecting to local food pantries and employment services, and continued care coordination.
“Health and housing are inextricably linked, especially for those experiencing homelessness, so we’re proud to support the Housing for Health initiative led by NYC Health + Hospitals,” said New York City Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Permanent, affordable housing is essential to putting our unhoused neighbors on a path to wellness and stable living. We look forward to working with NYC Health + Hospitals to leverage public hospital land and connect more vulnerable New Yorkers to the housing they need and deserve.”
“This initiative exemplifies this administration’s continued commitment to prioritizing the expansion of holistic housing solutions to address the unique needs of our most vulnerable New Yorkers,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins. “As part of the city’s all-hands-on-deck approach to addressing homelessness, we are grateful for NYC Health + Hospitals’ incredibly vital role in our overall efforts to ensure the health and safety of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, as we strengthen access to care and stable housing for vulnerable communities citywide.”
“Affordable housing is becoming increasingly hard to find in New York City, and the global pandemic exposed the extent of the housing crisis hurting our most vulnerable communities,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “The Housing for Health initiative would provide a much-needed service for NYC Health + Hospitals’ patient population experiencing homelessness. I want to thank Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals for recognizing that stable housing plays a crucial role in the ability to treat chronic health conditions and working towards finding solutions that help improve health outcomes through social support services and permanent housing.”
“Supporting the health and welfare of New Yorkers, especially the most disadvantaged among us, is one of our primary responsibilities,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. “The Housing for Health initiative is the latest initiative from Mayor Adams that prioritizes vulnerable residents. Today’s announcement ensures patients experiencing homelessness will have the ability to connect to affordable housing, social and support services that will be vital to their recovery. This initiative will help thousands of New Yorkers and is a valuable step in achieving health equity across our city."
“As New York City continues to experience record levels of homelessness, the need for innovative and compassionate solutions is paramount”, said New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “Integrating supportive and permanent housing availability into NYC Health & Hospitals’ continuum of care is a timely step in the right direction.”
“I commend the efforts made regarding the Housing for Health initiative at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens,” said New York State Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman. “Not only will people experiencing homelessness have secured affordable housing, but it will also be convenient for them to seek treatment in proximity if they experience any ailments, especially for children. As winter nears, this is an effective plan to alleviate as much homelessness possible. People are in need of assistance, and we must provide them with the necessary resources to overcome any obstacles they are experiencing. Creating nearly 650 new affordable homes in the next 5 years will increase the morale of the community and provide a sense of hope for those facing this challenging situation.”
“The Housing for Health Initiative is just what the doctor ordered. It recognizes that we must proactively address the social determinants of health rather than waiting for people to become sick,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “When people have a roof over their heads, they are free from exposure to the elements, crowded and unsanitary conditions, and psychological stress stemming from homelessness. As a result, housed individuals are five times less likely to need inpatient hospital treatment, and have shorter hospital stays compared to the homeless. The mayor and NYC Health + Hospitals will tackle the intertwined challenges of housing and public health by constructing more affordable housing, helping people navigate housing programs, providing support services when they receive housing assistance, and offering respite beds. This investment is a prescription for better health as well as cost savings: studies find that housing the homeless creates a net savings of up to $29,000 per person per year due to fewer emergency room visits.”
“Our housing crisis is a public health crisis, and this program seeks to address the underlying cause of both,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “By expanding supportive housing, the city can help break the cycle of systemic homelessness and chronic visits to the emergency room as a path to social services. Housing stability and security will create a more thriving future for everyone who calls this city home.”
“Safe and stable housing is the foundation for healthy communities,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Connecting New Yorkers experiencing homelessness with affordable housing, medical services, and other supports will improve their health and well-being. I fully support expanding the Housing for Health Initiative to meet the needs of New Yorkers it can best serve, and look forward to helping ensure the necessary coordination occurs to achieve continued care that will maximize its impact for our city."
“For many years, our city’s public health system has been a champion of a holistic approach to healthcare, understanding that anyone’s wellbeing is directly affected by access to resources and stability around them. The Housing for Health initiative simply continues to build on this approach while specifically catering to the unique needs of those experiencing homelessness,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Important to note is that this initiative wisely repurposes underutilized land throughout our city to create affordable homes with valuable wraparound services and a direct connection to care for some of our city’s most vulnerable neighbors. Thank you to NYC Health + Hospitals and its leader Dr. Katz, as well as Mayor Adams, for their collaboration on this important work.”
“Homelessness is far from just a housing issue —its impacts on families experiencing housing insecurity and on our city as a whole are generational and intersectional. Arguably at the top of that list, however, is the often-overlooked impact of homelessness on one’s physical and mental wellness,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As our city faces dueling housing and health crises, innovative solutions to address both in one swoop have never been more important. I look forward to working with the Mayor’s Office, NYC Health + Hospitals and all our partners to make Housing for Health as successful as possible.”
“Housing for Health” provides a bold, comprehensive solution to New York City’s housing insecurity crisis through a partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals that allows them to extend patient and wellness care to patients experiencing homelessness,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “Not only will navigation services and medical respite beds be provided, “Housing for Health” goes further by placing them in housing on their property with wrap-around care and emergency room services to treat the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of their patients. I want to thank Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals for developing and implementing a creative and compassionate solution that provides our homeless population with the dignity and honor they deserve.”
"NYC H+H hospitals deliver healthcare to anyone who comes in seeking it, regardless of their ability to pay, immigration status, or any other consideration. That's out of a commitment to treating healthcare not as a commodity for purchase, but a basic human right that we must respect,” said New York City Councilmember Tiffany Cabán. “Housing too deserves the status of a public good, to be owned and controlled by the people who live and work here, rather than a ticket to windfall profits for billionaire real estate tycoons. Indeed, housing is healthcare. A comfortable, reliable home is an essential pillar of a safe, healthy, dignified life. Housing for Health is a step toward a safer, healthier city where New Yorkers' basic needs aren't exploited for profit by the rich but guaranteed by the public."
"Access to safe and stable housing and housing resources are vital to improving New Yorkers’ health outcomes,” said New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks. “Housing is one of the greatest crises plaguing our city, and this initiative will not only help address this crisis for NYC Health + Hospitals patients experiencing homelessness but will also assist with navigating the multitude of social services available to them. This is a prime example of meeting people where they are and working to find tangible solutions to the issues they face."
“I applaud efforts by Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals to connect patients experience homelessness to stable, permanent, affordable housing,” said New York City Councilmember Ari Kagan. “I strongly believe that the only way to solve our homelessness crisis is to create more affordable housing, to provide mental health services, treatment from substance abuse problems, as well as to offer employment training and other important support to New Yorkers who need them most. This is a step into the right direction, and we have to do more of that.”
“Housing is a human right, along with healthcare. We cannot advocate for a healthier city without acknowledging the existing crisis of lack of affordable housing, first. We commend Mayor Adams on announcing “Housing for Health”, aimed to alleviate emergencies experienced by our population of unhoused individuals across our city,” said New York City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan. “It is imperative that we provide all New Yorkers with access to truly affordable housing and healthcare."
“Currently, over 55,000 New Yorkers are experiencing homelessness, including over 17,500 children. The only sustainable and just way to address this epidemic is to provide safe, long-term housing alongside access to medical and mental health services, employment opportunities, and food assistance,” said New York City Councilmember Farah Louis. “The Housing for Health initiative takes a crucial step toward interrupting the cycle of housing insecurity, and I look forward to working with Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals to implement these services in District 45.”
“New York City must do everything it can to end and prevent homelessness,” said New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera. “We must implement long-term strategies that treat housing as healthcare and provide person-centered support to our most vulnerable neighbors. The Housing for Health Initiative proposed by Mayor Adams and Health + Hospitals will take a holistic approach to addressing shortcomings in the housing market and social service ecosystem.”
"We are experiencing one of the worst public health crises of our lifetime, which has been exacerbated by a lack of housing for our city's most vulnerable residents” said New York City Councilmember Lynn Schulman, chair, Health Committee. "This initiative by Mayor Adams will provide relief to those who are homeless, in need of affordable housing, and are most affected by chronic ailments. This could not come at a more critical time, as it has been proven that people who have access to housing experience better health outcomes."
“The foundation for a healthy home is a high-quality building,” said Martin Dunn, president, Dunn Development Corp. “Crumbling and under-utilized for decades, the T Building now provides beautiful homes for 200 low and middle-income families and formerly homeless adults. Dunn Development Corp. thanks NYC Health + Hospitals for placing this historic architectural gem into our stewardship and looks forward to continuing to serve the community.”
“CAMBA has worked hand in hand with the Housing for Health initiative as the inaugural social service provider for permanent housing,” said Sharon R. Browne, chief administrative officer, CAMBA/CAMBA Housing Ventures. “We applaud NYC Health + Hospitals for investing in these critical social services to support patients’ smooth transition into stable housing. CAMBA looks forward to continuing our close partnership to ensure New Yorkers receive the critical support they need not just be housed but to thrive in their homes and communities.”
“I would like to congratulate NYC Health + Hospitals for their Health for Housing initiative,” said Rosa M. Gil, DSW, president and CEO, Comunilife. “As a leading provider of supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS and Mental Illness, Comunilife understands that stable housing is a necessity for improving health outcomes for our most marginalized populations including the homeless. Since 2019 Comunilife has worked with NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull to provide supportive housing for formerly homeless adults living with mental illness and low-income community residents. As a result of this partnership, our clients have achieved housing stability and improved health. I know that the Health for Housing Initiative will achieve that same outcomes we have witnessed.”
“In our work together to provide medical respite beds to patients experiencing homelessness, we have seen that people can get better, if they have safe, stable housing that allows them to access medical care and case management services,” said Jody Rudin, CEO, Institute for Community Living. “The Institute for Community Living is proud to partner with NYC Health + Hospitals on the Housing for Health initiative and applauds the Adams Administration for embracing the housing as healthcare concept. This initiative will have a profound impact, creating affordable housing and helping New Yorkers live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
“The Richman Group is delighted to expand our partnership with the City of New York as part of NYC Health + Hospitals’ Housing for Health initiative,” said Kristin Miller, president, Richman Group Development Corporation. “We are especially pleased that CAMBA will be the onsite social service provider to help ensure that the residents we are serving have the support they need to make their new home a success in every way. At Richman, we are proud to be investing in not only building stronger communities with our residents but to also be contributing to their holistic well-being.”
“We applaud NYC Health + Hospitals’ efforts to expand housing opportunities for New Yorkers, especially those experiencing homelessness,” said Rachel Fee, executive director, New York Housing Conference. “We know housing is healthcare that can improve outcomes for residents. NYC Health + Hospitals’ housing initiatives continue to demonstrate that innovative solutions to meet the housing needs of our most vulnerable citizens are not just smart policy but are also achievable.”
“Health, like housing, is a foundational human right and the two are inextricably linked,” said Pascale Leone, executive director, Supportive Housing Network of NY. “The creation of 200 new affordable units, 75 of which are supportive and have wrap-around, community-based supports will allow our unhoused neighbors to attain their highest sense of well-being in a community they can now call home. The network is proud to be a partner in this comprehensive approach to addressing the complex health and housing needs of historically underserved New Yorkers.”
“With the Housing for Health initiative, NYC Health + Hospitals is leading the way in recognizing the health systems’ role in evaluating and connecting their patients' health outcomes to stable, quality housing,” said Patricia Hernandez, director, Metro Team, NY, NJ & PA, CSH. “CSH applauds NYC Health + Hospitals for serving as a national model of how health systems can help people achieve their highest level of health through quality housing.”
“The link between stable, affordable housing and public health is clear, and we know that our unhoused neighbors will never fully manage health issues without a permanent roof above their heads,” said Jolie Milstein, president and CEO, New York State Association for Affordable Housing. “We applaud this new initiative by NYC Health + Hospitals for their vision and leadership on this crucial issue, which is an example of the type of innovative solution New Yorkers deserve to solve our housing, homelessness, and health crises.”
“Access to stable, affordable, and appropriate housing is key to our individual and collective good health and is a right that everyone should enjoy. We applaud NYC Health + Hospitals’ investment in the Housing for Health initiative and for providing housing and medical respite care to their patients experiencing homelessness and housing instability,” said Bonnie Mohan, executive director, The Health & Housing Consortium, Inc. “Building connections between the health care and housing sectors is at the heart of the Consortium’s work and we have been proud to partner with our colleagues at NYC Health + Hospitals on our respective efforts to expand access to medical respite.”
“Safe, stable, affordable housing is essential to health,” said Kelly Doran, MD, MHS, director, Health x Housing Lab in the Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health. “People experiencing homelessness face multiple risks to their health and premature mortality. We applaud NYC Health + Hospitals for recognizing the health toll of homelessness in New York City and acting to provide evidence-based interventions including permanent supportive housing and medical respite.”
United States Attorneys Available To Receive Election Complaints
United States Attorneys Damian Williams and Breon Peace announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA David J. Kennedy has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of New York, and AUSA Erik Paulsen has been appointed to serve as the DEO for the Eastern District of New York. In their capacity as DEOs, these AUSAs are responsible for overseeing the Districts’ handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Williams said: “Free and fair elections are principal to democracy, and every vote counts. It is the solemn privilege of this Office to work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure that New Yorkers are able to exercise their inherent right to select their representatives unencumbered by unlawful intimidation or interference. We encourage anyone who finds their civic voting protections subject to hindrance to please contact the numbers below.”
United States Attorney Peace said: “The right of all citizens in the district to cast their votes and have their votes counted fairly and without interference, discrimination or threat of violence, is a cornerstone of our democracy and this Office will vigorously defend that right with the full force of federal law.”
The Department of Justice plays an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorneys Williams and Peace stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.”
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 8, 2022, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the United States Attorneys said that their Offices will be available to receive complaints at the following numbers through Tuesday, November 8, 2022:
(646) 369-4739 (for Manhattan, Bronx, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Westchester counties) and
(718) 254-7000 (for Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk counties)
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (212) 384-1000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
The United States Attorneys also noted that the following additional telephone numbers are available on Election Day for citizens to call for routine inquiries, such as where to vote or how late the polls are open, or to register complaints that may concern violations of New York State election laws:
IN NEW YORK CITY
City Board of Elections
Main Office (866) 868-3692
TTY #: 212-487-5496
IN COUNTIES OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY
County Boards of Elections
Dutchess (845) 486-2473
Nassau (516) 571-8683
Orange (845) 360-6500
Orange (Spanish language) (855) 331-2444
Putnam (845) 808-1300
Rockland (845) 638-5172
Suffolk (631) 852-4500
Sullivan (845) 807-0400
Westchester (914) 995-5700
Governor Hochul Announces Expanded Assistance for Income-Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries
Access to Newly Expanded Medicare Savings Program Benefits to Save Beneficiaries an Estimated Average of $7,000 Annually Starting In 2023
Objective Statewide Health Insurance Counseling Program Available to Help and Screen Beneficiaries During Medicare's Open Enrollment Between Now and December 7
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more New Yorkers will be eligible for additional financial assistance in 2023 through the newly expanded Medicare Savings Program. Adopted through the FY 2023 State Budget, the increased income-eligibility limits will help older adults and individuals with disabilities pay for health care costs, which is estimated to save them an average of $7,000 annually.
"We have an obligation to help older adults and individuals with disabilities to age within their community with dignity," Governor Hochul said. "By expanding eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program, we can ensure that a greater number of these New Yorkers aren't burdened by the cost of healthcare. I encourage all eligible beneficiaries to apply for this program so they can save money and improve their health care coverage."
Starting in January, the monthly income eligibility limits for the Medicare Savings Program will increase to an estimated $2,107 for an individual and $2,839 for a couple, based on the 2022 federal poverty level. New Yorkers can apply for this program throughout the year and during open enrollment, which started earlier this month and continues through December 7.
The expanded assistance goes into effect in 2023, but all beneficiaries should check to see if they are eligible under the new guidelines. Official income limits will be updated after the new federal poverty level goes into effect next year. Estimates indicate these benefits could save enrollees an average of over $7,000 annually based on the cost of the monthly premium and value of the Extra Help benefit, the federal Part D prescription drug subsidy program.
The Medicare Savings Program helps older adults and people with disabilities living on limited incomes by paying their Medicare Part B premiums - about $170 per month this year and $165 per month starting in 2023 - and automatically enrolls them in Extra Help. This financial assistance can be a lifeline for enrollees, allowing them to maintain their Medicare coverage, access needed care, and afford other necessities like food and rent.
Help is also available in every county through the statewide Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program, which is administered by the New York State Office for the Aging. This program offers free and objective counseling for Medicare beneficiaries needing assistance applying for the Medicare Assistance Program or any other Medicare-related question now that the federal Medicare open enrollment period is in effect.
A local counselor can be reached by calling the statewide helpline at 1-800-701-0501. Information about applying for this program can also be found online.
New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, "Along with our provider network last year, we assisted more than 16,000 beneficiaries with their application for Medicare Savings and other income-eligible programs, which helped to save them more than $48 million in Medicare and prescription costs. Thanks to Governor Hochul's commitment to helping older adults and individuals with disabilities, we are ready to provide even more support for New Yorkers struggling with healthcare costs and other expenses."
Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi said, "Starting in 2023, this historic change will help nearly 300,000 more New Yorkers access the vital benefits they need and help with the costs of daily living. It will directly increase an eligible person's social security income by paying the full cost of the Medicare Part B premium. Medicare fall open enrollment is the time that people with Medicare can make unrestricted changes to their coverage options and we encourage everyone to be screened for the Medicare Savings Program and apply when eligible."
STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF ERIC ULRICH AS DOB COMMISSIONER
The following is a statement from Fabien Levy, press secretary to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, on the resignation of New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Eric Ulrich:
“This morning, Eric Ulrich tendered his resignation as DOB commissioner in an effort to, in his words, avoid ‘unnecessary distraction for the Adams administration.’ We have accepted his resignation, appreciate him taking this step, and wish him well. We have no further knowledge of any investigation and, out of respect for his and his family’s privacy, have nothing further to add.”
“DOB First Deputy Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E. will serve as acting commissioner. We have full confidence in the team at DOB, and the agency remains fully operational. No city services will be impacted.”
Permits Filed For 261 Walton Avenue In Mott Haven, The Bronx
Permits have been filed for a 13-story mixed-use building with affordable housing at 261 Walton Avenue in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Located between East 138th Street and East 140th Street, the lot is near the 138 Street-Grand Concourse subway station, serviced by the 4 and 5 trains. Joshua Weissman of JCAL Development is listed as the owner behind the applications.
The proposed 142-foot-tall development will yield 181,092 square feet, with 161,974 square feet designated for residential space and 19,118 square feet for commercial space. The building will have 195 residences, with an average unit scope of 830 square feet. There will be 65 market-rate residences, with the remaining designated as inclusionary housing. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar.
Dattner Architects is listed as the architect of record.
Demolition permits were filed in September for the six-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.
Developers, City Officials Celebrate Grand Opening Of 425 Grand Concourse In Mott Haven, The Bronx
Developers, New York City officials, and community leaders recently joined to celebrate the grand opening of 425 Grand Concourse, a 26-story affordable housing property in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Dattner Architects and developed by Trinity Financial and local non-profit group MBD Community Housing Corporation, the 300,000-square-foot structure will yield 277 affordable apartments, an educational facility, a health clinic, a supermarket, and a community cultural space.
The project ranks among the largest Passive House buildings in New York City. Energy-efficient components include above-code insulation to improve temperature control throughout the year and high-efficiency ventilation, heating, and cooling systems. The ventilation systems help minimize airborne pollutants and circulate fresh air. The Passive House design also minimizes noise transmission outside the building, reduces utility costs, and helps enhance the daily life and health of occupants.
“425 Grand Concourse offers a roadmap for how developers can use Passive House design strategies and other energy efficiency tools to make affordable housing sustainable, more resilient, and to the greatest benefit of residents and the local community,” said Christoph Stump, vice president of design and construction at Trinity Financial. “Carbon neutrality and the long-term health of our cities depends on making our housing infrastructure as energy efficient as possible and eliminating on-site fossil fuel use, and we are hopeful that more and more developers will create such well-designed and highly efficient projects like 425 Grand Concourse.”
Available units range from studios up to three-bedroom floor plans and are designated for households earning between 30 and 130 percent area median income (AMI). A small portion of units are also reserved for formerly homeless individuals.
Tenant amenities include a third-floor gym and resident terrace with light landscaping and recycled plastic seating, a package room on the ground floor, shared laundry facilities on every level, multiple lounge and event spaces, and a 25th-floor terrace offering views of Manhattan and the surrounding neighborhood.
“Our administration is focused on creating affordable housing for New Yorkers that doesn’t just help those who move in but enhances the entire community, and 425 Grand Concourse does exactly that,” said New York City mayor Eric Adams. “Not only will this project create nearly 300 new affordable homes for Bronxites but it will also improve the environment locally as New York City’s largest Passive House-certified building, create economic opportunity for CUNY students through Hostos Community College, and ensure fresh food is accessible to members of the community with a supermarket.”
Hostos Community College, a branch of the nationally recognized CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs program, will occupy 29,000 square feet. Known as CUNY ASAP, the program helps low-income students earn an associate degree and supplements the cost of tuition, textbooks, and lab materials.
In an effort to reduce hospitalizations among low-income community residents, Damian Family Care Centers, a federally qualified health center (FQHC), will open a Mott Haven Family Health Center on the building’s ground floor. Services will include long-term primary and dental care with no insurance requirement.
“This building has given me and my daughter Isabella a chance to have a fresh start,” said Chastity, a resident of 425 Grand Concourse. “When I first arrived here, I was stunned. I couldn’t even speak. 425 Grand Concourse is a big step in revitalizing our Bronx community, and it’s helping many other families who have come from extreme adversities like me.”
Total construction costs hovered around $178 million. TD Bank is both the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and conventional equity investor. Redstone Equity Partners syndicated the tax credits, which were allocated by the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). JP Morgan Chase is the participating construction lender. New York City’s Housing Development Corporation (HDC) issued the tax-exempt bonds. HPD and HDC both provided subsidies.
The Bronx borough president’s office and the New York City Council supported the project with RESO A funds. In addition to $750,000 awarded through the Buildings of Excellence Competition, NYSERDA supported the project through its Multifamily New Construction Program with nearly $214,000 in funding.
“425 Grand Concourse is a prime example of the revitalization we are seeing in our borough,” said Bronx borough president Vanessa L. Gibson. “Not only will this building provide 277 units of affordable housing, but tenants will also get to enjoy a fitness room, community space, and other amenities in the largest passive house building in the nation. More energy-efficient buildings will help to achieve our energy goals while also ensuring residents living there will spend less of their income on energy costs. This level of quality affordable housing should be a standard.”