BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON RELEASES STRATEGIC POLICY PLAN OUTLINING BLUEPRINT FOR THE BRONX

 

As mandated by the New York City Charter, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson laid out a bold and sweeping 4-Year Strategic Policy Statement with a focus on equity and access. The report outlines her vision to address the long-term challenges facing the Bronx with comprehensive policy goals and a strategy to execute them.

In January, Vanessa L. Gibson was sworn in as the Bronx’s 14th Borough President, the first African American and woman to serve in this role. This 223-page report is the product of her years of experience serving as a New York State Assembly Member and New York City Council Member. In collaboration with the 12 Bronx Community Boards, and targeted discussions with stakeholders representing various neighborhoods throughout the Bronx, the report is the culmination of their discussion aimed at seeing Bronx residents empowered and uplifted.

“We are at a critical turning point in the Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “After enduring a global pandemic, we understand now more than ever the policy failures from the past that contributed to years of disinvestment in our borough and continue to have an adverse effect on the health and well-being of our communities. This is the time to be bold. We need creative solutions to address the issues impacting our residents and families and I believe my strategic policy plan does just that. It is a blueprint for how we move forward.”

She continued, “Working together with an energized leadership at all levels of government, we have an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past by ensuring our most vulnerable communities finally receive the necessary resources and support they deserve. We will no longer accept being the first in everything bad and the last in everything good.”

The Strategic Policy Plan begins with an Executive Summary and is divided into 4 sections beginning with, “The Office of the Bronx Borough President,” outlining the role of her Office in City government. The other sections are “The Bronx: Who We Are,” that provides an overview of the Bronx’s 1.4 million residents, followed by “The Bronx: Where We Live,” and the “The Bronx: How We Thrive,” that addresses Economic Development, Education, Health, Environmental Justice, Public Safety, Waste Management and Digital Equity.

“I am thankful to serve as Borough President for such a time as this and look forward to building, collaborating and creating new approaches, initiatives and partnerships that strive to improve our beloved Borough of the Bronx. The time is now. We are ready to lead. Ready to work. Ready to see the transformative change that the Bronx needs and deserves.”

For a full copy of the report, click here.

Release of BWC Footage from a Police-Involved Firearm Discharge that occurred May 21 2022 in the confines of the 43rd Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing today body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 21, 2022, in the confines of the 43 Pct Precinct.

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here

Council Approves Legislation to Address Gun Violence, Support Language Access at Abortion Providers, Prevent Opioid Overdoses in Bars and Clubs

 

Includes bill officially designating geographic boundaries of Times Square as ‘sensitive area’ by law

 The Council approved two bills to address gun violence, as well as legislation to support expanded language access at abortion providers and prevent opioid overdoses at bars and clubs. Introduction 602-A, sponsored by Speaker Adrienne Adams, defines the geographical boundaries of the Times Square area – now classified by State law as a “sensitive area” where licensed individuals are restricted from carrying concealed weapons.  The New York State Legislature recently amended statewide firearm regulations to establish schools, government buildings, places or vehicles used for public transport, religious institutions, and Times Square as such areas. It permitted the City to determine and identify the exact location. The law became necessary after the United States Supreme Court struck down the New York State law that place strict restrictions on who could carry concealed firearms. The boundaries, as defined by the bill, largely follow the area identified as Times Square by the official NYC Tourism website. It covers the area bounded by W. 40th Street to W. 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue to Eighth Avenue; and parts of Ninth Avenue and the Port Authority Bus Terminal are included, which include several well-known restaurants, hotels and theaters.

“As soon as the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Bruen v. New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, I called on our partners in the State Legislature to enact legislation that would limit the locations where a person can carry a weapon, including in the Times Square area,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The State acted swiftly and responsibly, convening a special session a week later to directly address this issue. This legislation will help to prevent increased gun violence in our city, as we protect Times Square – the “Crossroads of the World.”

Introduction 518-A, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu, requires the Mayor’s Office for Criminal Justice (MOCJ) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to conduct a study on reducing the flow of illegal firearms into the city and submit an annual report to the Speaker and Mayor. This report will include information regarding each illegal firearm seized in New York City. More particularly, the report will include: (i) whether the firearm was connected to a crime; (ii) where the firearm originated; (iii) the date the firearm was seized or surrendered and the date the firearm was last sold legally; (iv) the location of the fire seizure; (v) the type of firearm; (vi) the manufacturer or importer of the firearm; (vii) whether the firearm was a ghost gun or a firearm created using a three-dimensional printer; (viii) the dealer of the firearm and whether such dealer was licensed; and (ix) whether the firearm was registered in any registry, including the national firearms registration and transfer record.

“From Buffalo, NY to Uvalde, TX to shootings in NYC, recent headlines have highlighted the pervasive and brutal nature of gun violence. We have worked hard to ensure that the laws of New York limit the sale and purchase of dangerous weapons in our state. However, these critical protections have not stopped dangerous, out-of-state guns from infiltrating our communities and ruining countless lives. Today’s bill targets the source of the weapons that end up in our city illegally and promotes cooperation between states to stop these guns at ports of entry,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “By marching, holding hearings, hosting press conferences, meeting with advocates, and discussing with key stakeholders, we created a high-impact bill that has widespread political and community support. We are particularly grateful to Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety for advising on this legislation. While Republicans continue to tear down common-sense gun safety provisions, New York City is sending a strong message to the entire country that we won’t let partisan politics get in the way of strong public safety measures. We are proud to see our legislation pass today and know that these steps, along with a focus on youth programming, mental health support, and environmental design, are key to developing a city-wide strategy to meaningfully and permanently restrict the flow of dangerous weapons into our communities.”

Introduction 458-A, sponsored by Speaker Adams, would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to create resources in all designated citywide languages for a potential patient of an abortion provider. The bill would also require DOHMH to survey abortion providers in the city to assess the availability of language access services for abortion, the demand for such services, and any challenges for implementation. DOHMH would be required to report its findings to the Speaker and the Mayor with recommendations, including any role the City can play in assisting abortion providers with language access services, and the feasibility of providing a City grant program.

“Language access is critical and a priority of this Council, and nowhere is that more important than in health care,” said Speaker Adams. “I am proud to support expanded language access services for abortion providers, and this Council will continue working to make abortion and all essential health care services accessible in New York City.”

Introduction 56-A, sponsored by Council Member Chi Ossé, would require DOHMH to create a Nightlife Opioid Antagonist Program to help prevent opioid overdoses in nightlife establishments. The program would permit nightlife establishments in the City to request and retain opioid antagonists (like Narcan) on premises, free of charge, for administration to patrons, staff or individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. This bill would also require DOHMH to offer free resources and training to staff of participating nightlife establishments on the administration of opioid antagonists.

“This is an overdue measure that will, simply, save lives,” said Council Member Chi Ossé. “Each overdose death is a preventable tragedy; we do not accept them here in New York City. I am proud to partner with Council Member Powers in this necessary bill and thrilled to see it become law. New York City became safer today.”

Land Use

1859 Strang Avenue – Strang Avenue LLC requests approval for a zoning map amendment to change the project area which is zoned R4 and R4-1 to contain a C2-3 commercial overlay. These actions will facilitate the construction of a new single-story commercial retail development and include 12 accessory parking spaces, in Council Member Kevin Riley’s district

Halletts North Rezoning – Astoria Owners LLC seeks a zoning map amendment from M1-1 to R7-3/ C2-4 and related zoning text amendments, waterfront authorizations, and a city map amendment to facilitate a new mixed-use development on the waterfront of the Halletts Point peninsula in northwest Queens. It will include a projected 1,340 housing units, 335 permanently affordable units under Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH), 525 parking spaces, 525 bicycle spaces, 1,800 square feet of commercial use, 21,500 square feet of community facility space and approximately one acre of open space, including a waterfront esplanade. The Council is modifying the application to map MIH Option 3 (the “Deep Affordability” option) and to amend the site plan to restore the pedestrian walkway to its regulation width of 10 feet, in Council Member Tiffany Cabán’s district. 

Finance

• A pre-considered resolution that approves an exemption from real property taxes for property located at 3300 Palmer Avenue in the Bronx in Council Member Kevin Riley’s district. The project consists of 2 buildings with 135 units. The tax exemption will replace a soon-to-expire 421-A exemption and will keep all units rent restricted for 40 years. The AMIs will range from 75% to 100%.
• A preconsidered resolution that approves an exemption from real property taxes for property located at 1700 Harrison Avenue in the Bronx in Council Member Piereina Sanchez’s district. The project consists of 1 building with 79 units. Currently less than half the units are rent restricted and with this tax exemption all of them will be. The AMIs will range from 50% to 80%.
• And another preconsidered resolution that approves an exemption from real property taxes for an affiliated property located at 1730 Harrison Avenue in the Bronx in Council Member Sanchez’s district. The project consists of 1 building with 77 units. Less than half the units in this building are currently rent restricted and with this tax exemption all of them will be. The AMIs will similarly range from 50% to 80%.

Rules

• Sarah Carroll, for re-appointment as Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission
• Gail Benjamin, for appointment as a member of the New York City Planning Commission
• Anthony Crowell, for appointment as a member of the New York City Planning Commission
• Milton Williams, for appointment as a member of the Conflict of Interests Board
• Elisa Velazquez, for appointment as a member of the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission
• Technical correction related to Rasmia Kirmani-Frye’s appointment as a member of the New York City Planning Commission

Luchese Crime Family Soldier and Five Others Charged in Connection with Operating Long-Running Illegal Gambling Business

 

Charges Against Luchese Crime Family Solider Anthony Villani Include Racketeering and Money Laundering for Operation That Brought Millions in Profits

 In federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging six defendants for their roles overseeing and operating a large-scale illegal, online gambling business under the protection of the Luchese organized crime family.  In operation for more than 15 years, the gambling business known as “Rhino Sports,” utilized an offshore website and dozens of bookmakers in the New York area to take millions in illegal sports bets. 

Four of the defendants, Luchese crime family solider Anthony Villani and associates Louis Tucci, Jr., Dennis Filizzola and James Coumoutsos, were arrested at their residences in the New York area, and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon by United States Magistrate Judge Roanne L. Mann.  A fifth defendant, bookmaker Michael Praino, was arrested in West Palm Beach, Florida and will make his initial appearance tomorrow morning in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges. 

“As alleged, this conduct demonstrates how members of La Cosa Nostra continue to engage in illegal gambling operations and money laundering money-marking schemes that lead to threats of violence against anyone who stands in their way and has resulted in millions of dollars in profits to the Luchese crime family,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “These charges illustrate this Office’s continued commitment to rooting La Cosa Nostra out of New York.” 

Mr. Peace thanked the New York City Police Department, New York State Police, and the Westchester County Police for their assistance in the investigation.

"Members of the mafia are not giving up the tried and true methods of criminal behavior, even in the face of the burgeoning world of legal gambling. As we allege, a Luchese soldier and other family members ran an illegal gambling operation and offered their clientele the same twisted customer service: do what they say or face terrifying consequences. One thing these criminals can bet on - the FBI will continue our pursuit," stated Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.

 As alleged in the indictment and court filings, defendant Anthony Villani, an alleged Luchese solider, oversaw a large-scale illegal gambling business called Rhino Sports (the “Gambling Business”).  The Gambling Business was in continuous operation from at least 2004 through December 2020.  During that period, the Gambling Business was hosted online using offshore servers in Costa Rica and employed local bookmakers to pay and collect winnings in cash.  Records obtained from the Gambling Business’s website indicated that Villani’s illegal gambling operation regularly took bets from between 400 and 1,300 bettors each week, most of whom were based in New York City and the metropolitan area.  As alleged, Villani’s bookmakers regularly included members and associates of the Luchese crime family and other La Cosa Nostra families.  As part of the scheme, Villani employed co-conspirators Louis Tucci, Jr. and Dennis Filizzola, as runners to assist in operating the business. Villani is alleged to have received more than $1 million annually from the business.  During law enforcement searches related to this matter in December 2020, agents recovered over $407,000 in cash from one of Villani’s residences, as well as brass knuckles and gambling ledgers.

The unsealed indictment charges Villani with racketeering in connection with participation in various criminal schemes, including illegal gambling, money laundering and attempted extortion.  As one part of the money laundering, Villani and co-defendant Filizzola used gambling proceeds to purchase U.S. Postal Service money orders disguised as rent payments to a property owned by Villani.  Further, between April 2020 and October 2020, Villani is alleged to have attempted to extort an individual identified as John Doe in the indictment, including by telling John Doe: “I’m telling you right now, you don’t get this money – [expletive] run away.” 

Governor Hochul Announces MTA Metro-North Railroad Breaks Pandemic-era Ridership Record for Second Time in Two Weeks

 Metro-North Carried 180,200 Riders on Tuesday, September 13, Topping Previous Record Set Wednesday, September 7

New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road Yesterday Reached Second Highest Ridership Since Pandemic Began

See Day-by-Day Ridership Data for MTA Agencies Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Metro-North Railroad carried record pandemic-era ridership yesterday with 180,200 riders, or 68.6 percent of the pre-pandemic average, topping Metro-North's previous record, set on Wednesday, September 7, of 179,600. Metro-North ridership on the four weekdays after Labor Day was the highest four-day streak since COVID began, with an average weekday ridership of 171,000 or 65.1 percent of pre-pandemic average.

"Our record-breaking ridership numbers are the latest indicator that New York's post-pandemic comeback is gaining momentum in New York City and the Hudson Valley," Governor Hochul said. "Having more New Yorkers use our public transit is not only good for the economy, but also great for the environment, and this latest milestone is an encouraging sign for what's to come."

Metro-North President and Long Island Rail Road Interim President Catherine Rinaldi said, "We are seeing a healthy return of riders across all railroad travel markets, an indication that more and more riders are finding that the commuter railroads are a fast and easy way to travel in our region - even more so with the launch of our new Train Time app that puts ticketing, hyper-granular real time train information and live interactive customer service in one place."

Additionally, Ridership numbers on New York City Transit and the Long Island Rail Road were also high. Subway ridership reached 3.61 million on Sept. 13, the second highest number since the pandemic began in New York in March 2020. Buses carried approximately 1.42 million riders on the same day. LIRR carried 200,200 riders or 69 percent of pre-pandemic ridership, its second-highest ridership of the pandemic and second only to the record set on Wednesday, Sept. 7, of 204,000.

The MTA continues to encourage ridership with fare discounts rolled out earlier this year. Both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North rolled out fare offerings including a 10 percent discount for monthly passes, and a new 20-trip ticket tailored for the hybrid work schedule. The new 20-trip ticket saves riders 20 percent on regular peak one-way fares. For commuter rail riders traveling within the five boroughs the MTA also expanded City Ticket, which offers a reduced, flat fare of $5.00 for rail travel within New York City on weekends, to include all weekday off-peak trains.

Comptroller Lander Joins State Treasurers’ Letter Opposing Anti-ESG Legislation

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander signed a letter with 13 state treasurers in response to recent legislation aiming to curb consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in investing.

 Several states in our country have started blacklisting financial firms that don’t agree with their political views. West Virginia, Idaho, Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida have created new policies and laws that restrict who they will do business with, reducing competition and restricting access to many high quality managers. This strategy has real costs that ultimately impact their taxpayers.

These blacklists are a backlash response on behalf of political and corporate interests seeking to interfere with the progress made by those of us who believe in collaboration and engagement. We work towards developing common goals, along with other investors and enlightened companies throughout the world. Our joint efforts have resulted in increased corporate responsibility, transparency, disclosure, and long term positive outcomes for the funds that we oversee, with greater benefits to employees and customers alike.

The blacklisting states apparently believe, despite ample evidence and scientific consensus to the contrary, that poor working conditions, unfair compensation, discrimination and harassment, and even poor governance practices do not represent material threats to the companies in which they invest. They refuse to acknowledge, in the face of sweltering heat, floods, tornadoes, snowstorms and other extreme weather, that climate change is real and is a true business threat to all of us.

We disagree.

Disclosure, transparency, and accountability make companies more resilient by sharpening how they manage, ensuring that they are appropriately planning for the future. Our work, alongside those of other investors, employees, and customers have caused many companies to evolve their business models and their internal processes, better addressing the long term material risks that threaten their performance.

The evolving divide suggests that there will be two kinds of states moving forward: states focused on short term gains and states focused on long term beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.

This type of short term thinking imposes an ideological screen on an investment manager’s ability to perform or whether an investment banker can compete for the opportunity to underwrite debt. This screen negatively impacts competitive costs, and increases potential risks that will be left for others to deal with in the future. In the case of state and public pension funds, these losses will be borne by the taxpayers and that means all of us.

Working toward long term success means every investment manager should be considered without an ideological or political screen. Companies should be challenged to think about the implications of predictable risks and use those insights gained to evolve their business models and seize opportunities.

Today stakeholders, customers and employees are more diverse and informed. Companies that acknowledge these changes, and incorporate strategies to capture this reality are more innovative, creative and more financially successful, consequently better investments for long term investors. Organizations that recognize the threat of climate change are already working toward reducing their carbon footprint, while the automobile manufacturers have begun rapid movement to electric vehicles. Engaged investors are working with the fossil fuel companies to help them effectively manage the energy transition, supporting their efforts to seize new opportunities in renewable energies. Doing otherwise would be a huge risk to them and their investors.

States that focus solely on the short term will fail to compete over the longer time horizon that is necessary for them and their pension funds to succeed. They will miss potential growth because their focus is on preserving the status quo. And they will suffer from possible suits or challenges that longer term players will avoid due to more rigorous oversight.

What has truly made America great in the past is how we Americans face risk and opportunity with courage and conviction. We seize the moments with eyes open to what the future can be and create ways to turn events to our advantage.

As we watch other states using blacklists to obstruct the free market, we want to make it very clear that we are in it for the long term.

Signed,

Henry E. M. Beck, Maine State Treasurer

Zach Conine, Nevada State Treasurer

Colleen C. Davis, Delaware State Treasurer

Tim Eichenberg, New Mexico State Treasurer

Michael W. Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer

Sarah A. Godlewski, Wisconsin State Treasurer

Deborah B. Goldberg, Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General

Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller

Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer

Seth Magaziner, Rhode Island General Treasurer

Beth Pearce, Vermont State Treasurer

Michael J. Pellicciotti, Washington State Treasurer

Tobias Read, Oregon State Treasurer

David L. Young, Colorado State Treasurer

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Meeting

Tuesday night September 12th was the return of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association with founder and former President Edith Blitzer sitting in the audience, not up front running the meeting. Ms. Blitzer stepped down as the president at the June PPNA meeting with Mr. Steven Glosser taking over as the new President of the organization. Ms. Blitzer however remains on the executive board of the PPNA.

The guest for the meeting were various officers of the 49th Precinct. Youth Coordination Officers Fernandez (sector B) and Officer Wroten (sector C), Crime Prevention Officer Mederos, Community Affairs Officer Powers, and Detective Sturdivant who stood in for Captain Kentish who could not make the meeting. The YCO Spoke about the Explorer program for youth under eighteen years of age. Next was Crime prevention Officer Mederos who had many tips for the audience including not to use the post office on White Plains Road and Arnow Avenue as it appears mail from inside the post office is disappearing, and the postal police are investigating. He added that the case load is at over 5,000 complaints to date this year while there are only fourteen detectives in the precinct to investigate them, and one detective is assigned to special cases only. 

Community Affairs officer Powers was next saying that while he is new to the position of community affairs that he has been in the precinct for over nine years. Last was Detective Sturdivant who said when asked about illegal cannabis sales in and outside a certain store on White Plains Road he said the police department is no longer in charge of street vendors, and that it was the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) who were. He added that he will be retiring soon from the NYPD. He also said that while he has the rank of Detective he is not on the precinct roster as a detective. Representatives from Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, Councilwoman Velazquez, and Assemblywoman Fernandez spoke about events and other items their respective offices were doing. 

(L - R) PPNA Secretary Louis Lutnick, Treasurer Elio Morales, President Steven Glosser, YO Officer Fernandez, and YCO Officer Wroten.

Detective Sturdivant standing next to PPNA President Glosser is speaking with Community Affairs Officer Powers seated with Crime Prevention Officer Mederos standing in back of Officer Powers.

Jason Santiago of congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez's office.

Jacqueline Crossan of Councilwoman Velazquez's office.

MAYOR ADAMS, NYCEM, MOIA OPEN RESOURCE NAVIGATION CENTER TO SUPPORT NEWLY ARRIVED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES SEEKING ASYLUM

 

Asylum Resource Navigation Center Will Provide Information, Range of Services to Asylum Seekers Arriving in New York City 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol, and New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro today announced the opening of New York City’s first Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center. The center — operated by Catholic Charities of New York through a city contract — will support individuals and families who have arrived in New York City on or after January 1, 2022. The center will serve as a central place where newly arrived asylum seekers will receive free and confidential help accessing a variety of important services and resources that will help them integrate and thrive in New York City.   

“Our city continues to welcome the thousands of families who have arrived in New York City in the last few months, but, today, we are announcing a one-stop-shop for those seeking asylum to receive free and confidential help accessing the important services and resources that will help them integrate and thrive in New York City,” said Mayor Adams. “The city and the community-based organizations we’ve partnered with on the ground have been working around the clock to provide assistance to the more than 11,000 individuals who have entered the city in the last few months. The Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center will streamline city and non-profit services into a central place for families to access everything from health care to education to jobs to immigration legal services so that they can build a life in New York City.”  

“Whether it is legal assistance, medical care, school enrollment, or housing support, the Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center and the teams there will support people arriving in New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Thank you to our government and nonprofit partners for all the work they have done and will continue to do to help all the children, families, and individuals seeking asylum.”                                                                                                                                                           

“These asylum-seekers have been through a grueling journey. It is not only our responsibility as a city to help them adjust and regain their livelihoods, but it is an important investment in the future of New York City. The Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center plays a pivotal role in connecting them to the resources they need to build stable lives in our communities,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “In New York City, we will continue to support asylum-seekers and ask that our fellow New Yorkers continue to welcome them with open arms just as we have done for generations of immigrants.”  

“Throughout New York City’s history we have welcomed immigrants who in return have made this the greatest city in the world. Today, we continue to honor this legacy by meeting asylum seekers who have gone through an arduous journey with open arms,” said New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Manuel Castro. “This Navigation Center is a key part of our asylum seeker response which looks to connect families and individuals to the resources they need to successfully integrate into our communities and pursue their American Dream.”  

“New York City continues its tradition as a welcoming portal for those fleeing danger in their own countries and seeking protection and opportunity in the United States,” said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan. “Catholic Charities is proud to once again be at the heart of a welcoming New York, now, serving thousands of those seeking asylum from Venezuela and other countries. We are committed to our newest neighbors, helping them to become contributors to the vibrancy and economy of New York City.”   

“The American Red Cross is pleased that our facility can serve as the Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center for people arriving in New York City,” said Mary Barneby, regional CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York. “While the Red Cross is not offering services for asylum seekers at this time, we know the Red Cross symbol on the side of our building is a universally recognized sign of hope around the globe. We are grateful to the City of New York and to the many partners who will provide assistance via this center”  

The center — located in the American Red Cross of Greater New York headquarters — will open weekdays to provide individuals and families with in-person support, in Spanish and in other languages, as well as information on resources and services available. New York City government agencies and community-based organizations will be on-site to help with case management and connect families and individuals to critical services, including:  

• Health care services directly and through referral, 
• Health insurance enrollment,  
• Mental health counseling,  
• School enrollment, and 
• Immigration legal services, among other services.  

Services will be available to visitors by appointment. Community-based organizations and city shelter caseworkers will schedule appointments for asylum seekers. The city will provide asylum seekers with information about the Resource Navigation Center as they arrive by bus, as well as in shelters and through community-based organizations. In the following weeks, the city will release information about citywide satellite sites where asylum seekers can access the similar or additional services throughout the five boroughs.   

Since this spring, the city has experienced a surge in people seeking asylum arriving from border states. Many have entered the city’s shelter system, while others have found housing through family members, friends, or sponsors. Additionally, community groups have helped reticket individuals to their final destinations outside of New York City. The city estimates that more than 11,600 asylum seekers have gone through the intake process in the last few months and more than 8,500 asylum seekers, mostly families with children, are currently in the city’s shelter system. 

Services at the Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center are free, completely confidential, and provided by trusted professional contractors and city agencies required by law to keep information confidential. To protect client confidentiality, members of the media will not be allowed to enter the facility.