Housing Lottery Launches For 855 East 167th Street In Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 855 East 167th Street, an eight-story residential building in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Designed by Sion Consulting Engineering, the structure yields 30 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are nine units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $66,858 to $187,330.

855 East 167th Street in Crotona Park East, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include a garage with assigned parking spaces, elevator, and a virtual doorman. Residences come equipped with name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes, intercoms, and air conditioning. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are four one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,950 for incomes ranging from $66,858 to $156,130 and five two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,100 for incomes ranging from $72,000 to $187,330.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 13, 2022.

Council Speaker Adams and CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez Launch Program to Re-Engage Thousands of Former Working-Age Students towards Gaining Degrees That Increase Earning Potential

 

Proposed by Speaker and funded in city budget due to Council’s advocacy, $4.4 Million CUNY Reconnect program aims to start by bringing back 10,000 working-age students who left CUNY without degree

 The City University of New York is launching an initiative this fall semester to re-enroll thousands of New Yorkers, who earned some college credits but left school before completing a degree. The $4.4 million CUNY Reconnect pilot program was funded in the Fiscal Year 2023 city budget at the behest of advocacy by the New York City Council and will seek to help these former students secure degrees or other credentials that improve their economic mobility and advance the city’s post-pandemic recovery. The program was envisioned by the Center for an Urban Future’s research and first proposed by Speaker Adams at the Association for a Better New York’s Power Breakfast and in her State of the City address.

CUNY Reconnect plans to begin by enrolling 10,000 returning students, starting in this fall semester. CUNY estimates that there are approximately 700,000 working-age New Yorkers, who have earned credits and could return to finish their degrees or earn certificates that would help them enhance their careers. This includes students who left college during the pandemic, as well as those who withdrew years or even decades ago. The initiative will also conduct outreach to students who graduated from high school during the pandemic and were unable to attend college because of personal circumstances.

“Expanding opportunities for working New Yorkers is critical to supporting our communities and advancing our local economy,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “CUNY Reconnect, which I highlighted in my 2022 State of the City address, is an innovative initiative that can help working-age New Yorkers increase their earning potential by returning to earn a degree. CUNY Reconnect is designed to create economic opportunities for New Yorkers, especially Black and Latina women and other women of color who disproportionately comprise students with college credits but no degree. The Council championed this $4.4 million pilot initiative in the city budget that will serve thousands of returning students this fall, and hopefully tens of thousands more in future expansions. I thank CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez for his partnership, the Center for an Urban Future for their important work to advance this idea, and my Council colleagues for their commitment to supporting advancement opportunities for New Yorkers.”

 

“We know how hard it is to restart a college education. By recruiting former college students and making it easier for them to return to school, CUNY Reconnect will help working adults obtain the education they need for better-paying jobs, which will fuel the city’s economic recovery from the pandemic,” said Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Returning to college after a significant break can be daunting, but by creating a welcoming and personalized readmission process, we can ease that transition for many thousands who stand to benefit and put them on the pathway to life-changing opportunity. We thank Speaker Adams and the City Council for their partnership in creating and funding a bold initiative that can help so many New Yorkers as well as the city itself.”

Attorney General James Successfully Defends New York’s Gun Control Laws

 

Federal Judge Dismisses Gun Lobby’s Challenge to New York’s New Gun Laws, Clears the Way for Gun Safety Regulations to Take Effect

 New York Attorney General Letitia James successfully defended New York’s gun control laws from baseless attacks by the gun lobby. A federal judge in the U.S. Northern District Court of New York denied a motion for a preliminary injunction by Gun Owners of America, clearing the way for the newly passed Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) to take effect on September 1. Attorney General James released the following statement in response to the decision in the case Antonyuk v. Bruen: 

“As gun violence continues to impact communities across the country, today’s decision is a victory in our efforts to protect New Yorkers. Responsible gun control measures save lives and any attempts by the gun lobby to tear down New York’s sensible gun control laws will be met with fierce defense of the law. We will continue to defend the constitutionality of our laws to protect all New Yorkers,” said Attorney General James. 

The CCIA was passed during an extraordinary session of the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Hochul earlier this summer, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. The legislation strengthens requirements for concealed carry permits, prohibits guns in sensitive locations, allows private businesses to ban guns on their premises, enhances safe storage requirements, requires social media review ahead of certain gun purchases, and requires background checks on all ammunition purchases to protect New Yorkers. The CCIA goes into effect on September 1 after Attorney General James successfully defended its constitutionality.  

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Dismissal of Preliminary Injunction in Antonyuk v. Bruen

 

"The court dismissed the case and denied the motion for a preliminary injunction. It is a just and right decision, and our smart, sensible gun laws will go into effect as planned on September 1 to keep New Yorkers safe."

Bronx Gang Member Admits To 2017 Murder

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that NYSHIEM SPENCER, a/k/a “Willy,” pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer Willis to charges relating to his involvement in a shooting on October 31, 2017, in the vicinity of the Soundview Houses in the Bronx, New York, which resulted in the murder of Luis Vargas, 16 years old, and injuries to two other individuals, including a 15-year old child.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “On October 31, 2017, Nyshiem Spencer opened fire in the courtyard of the Soundview Houses and killed Luis Vargas, who was 16 years old.  Spencer also shot and injured two other people in the courtyard, including a 15-year old child.  Today’s guilty plea shows that we will vigorously investigate and hold accountable those who are responsible for shootings and acts of gang violence in our community.  I commend the extraordinary efforts of our law enforcement partners, who worked tirelessly to investigate Luis Vargas’s murder.”

According to the allegations in the Superseding Information and other filings and statements made in court:

NYSHIEM SPENCER was a member and associate of the Monroe Houses Crew, a racketeering enterprise which operates principally in the James Monroe Houses in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx.  In order to enrich the enterprise, preserve and protect the power of the enterprise, and enhance its criminal operations, Monroe Houses Crew members and associates committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics; committed robberies; engaged in fraud; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.

On October 31, 2017, SPENCER carried out a shooting targeting rival gang members in the courtyard of the Soundview Houses, which resulted in the murder of Luis Vargas, age 16.  Two other individuals, including a 15-year old child, were injured during the shooting.          

SPENCER, 21, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in furtherance of a murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which was brandished and discharged, which carries a maximum prison term of life and a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years.  

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  

SPENCER is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Analisa Torres on March 7, 2023.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and New York City’s Department of Investigation.

DEC Finalizes Regulation to Expand, Improve Wild Turkey Hunting

 

Changes Create a New Hunting Opportunity on Long Island and Modernize Hunting Regulations

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced changes to wild turkey hunting regulations that will provide hunters additional hunting opportunities. The finalized regulation establishes a spring turkey season in Suffolk County in 2023, with a season limit of one bearded bird, and makes #9 shot legal for hunting turkeys statewide during the fall and spring seasons.

 

“Wild turkeys are a conservation success story in New York and across the United States,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Thanks to DEC’s careful management and restoration programs and the work of our conservation partners since the 1960s, sizable populations of turkeys can now be found in every region of the state. This new regulation will increase opportunities for New York turkey hunters and supports ongoing effective management of this game bird.”

 

Since the 1990s, the turkey population on Long Island has grown to more than 3,000 birds. In 2009, modern turkey hunting on Long Island began with a five-day fall season and a one-bird bag limit. After DEC established this season and later a two-day, youth-only spring season, area turkey populations continued to increase. Current turkey populations support additional hunting opportunities in the form of a spring season from May 1 through 31, with a bag limit of one bearded bird. 

 

For most turkey hunters, the new spring 2023 season will be the first spring turkey hunting opportunity on Long Island. Spring turkey hunting on Long Island will begin in May 2023 in Suffolk County, Wildlife Management Unit 1C.

In addition, following a public comment period earlier this year, DEC is modernizing statewide turkey hunting regulations by changing the minimum shot size from #8 to #9 for turkey hunting statewide. The change was necessitated by advances in shotshell technology. Previously, shot sizes smaller than #8 (larger number indicates smaller size) were prohibited because they lacked the kinetic energy downrange to humanely harvest a turkey. Modern shotshells use heavier metals such as tungsten alloy, tungsten-iron, or bismuth, maintain enough energy to humanely harvest a turkey, and perform as well or better than many traditional turkey loads. Changes to shot size restrictions apply to both fall and spring seasons and go into effect on Sept. 1, 2022. 

  

For more information about turkey hunting, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8366.html

Governor Hochul Announces New York State Landmarks to be Lit Purple and Silver in Recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day

 

Lighting Honors Those Lost to Overdose, Overdose Survivors and Providers Who Assist People Struggling with Addiction

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 14 landmarks and bridges across New York will be illuminated in purple and silver today in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. The event, recognized around the world, focuses on ending overdose and stigma, remembering those who have died, and acknowledging the grief of family and friends left behind.

"Like far too many New Yorkers, I have dealt with the devastating impact of addiction and substance use, having lost a family member to an overdose," Governor Hochul said. "As we illuminate our state landmarks in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, I urge all New Yorkers to join us in honoring overdose survivors, remembering those who lost their struggle with addiction, and celebrating health care providers who support people battling addiction."

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "On International Overdose Awareness Day, we reflect on the lives lost to substance use disorder, comfort those who grieve, and honor the compassionate providers who care for those suffering from addiction. New York continues to face a serious public health crisis as we see more overdoses from fentanyl, heroin and other opioids. Earlier this month, I issued a standing order allowing pharmacies across the state to dispense life-saving Naloxone without a prescription."

Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can be easily administered, can reverse an opioid overdose and is responsible for preventing thousands of overdose deaths. The medication blocks the effects of opioids and allows a stricken individual to regain consciousness and resume breathing. Dr. Bassett's pharmacy standing order makes it easier for families and the community to obtain Naloxone, leading to more opportunities for persons struggling with substance use to receive services and support.

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, "This day is a reminder of the toll that addiction can take on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. As we observe International Overdose Awareness Day it is important to recognize those who have been affected and to offer our support. It is also a time to renew our strong commitment to working together to stop overdose deaths across New York State. As part of this effort, OASAS is continuing our efforts to bring life-saving services to all areas of the state, so that anyone who has been impacted by this disease is able to find the help and support that they need."

These 14 landmarks and bridges will be illuminated in purple and silver:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA Long Island Rail Road - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal

On September 14 and 15, 2022, join New York State's second annual statewide Overdose Awareness Days co-sponsored by the State's Department of Health and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. You can learn more here about the event.

Commissioner Seggos and Feeding New York State Announce One-Million-Pound Milestone in Ongoing Food Waste and Donation Initiative

 

Major Milestone in Food Donation Helps Families in Need 

New Assistance Program Unveiled to Further Increase Food Scraps Recycling and Divert Food Scraps from Landfills

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Feeding New York State, the state association of New York’s 10 Feeding America member food banks, today announced that a total of one million pounds of food was donated to hungry New Yorkers as part of the ongoing implementation of the State’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. This significant milestone is one of several benefits of the law as DEC builds on efforts to reduce waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling, while providing quality food to New Yorkers in need.

“DEC’s food waste recycling efforts are making a difference both in the lives of those in need and in the ongoing fight against climate change,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Governor Kathy Hochul’s ongoing support of this and other initiatives to help ensure families have access to quality food complements DEC’s work to reduce greenhouse gases from landfilled waste and achieve the State’s ambitious climate goals. I congratulate Feeding New York State, our food scrap providers, and all our partners for helping meet our goals and strengthen communities.”

Feeding New York State Executive Director Dan Egan said, "We in New York live with a paradox of food supply. New York's farms and processors create enough high-quality food to feed everyone, and our food is so abundant that we throw out 40 percent of all of it. At the same time, three million New Yorkers live in fear of hunger. Our hungry neighbors live in every part of the state. Hunger in the midst of plenty is unjust. It is economically unsound. It is environmentally absurd. Thankfully, Feeding New York State, in partnership with DEC and Feeding America, is rescuing this perfectly good, wasted food and getting it to the people who need it. In the first seven months of the Food Donations and Food Scraps Law, Feeding New York State food banks have rescued one million pounds of perfectly good food, keeping it out of landfills and providing it to our neighbors. In New York, no one should go hungry."  

The New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law continues to see more food managed sustainably and diverted away from disposal from the state’s largest food-related businesses. As outlined in the draft Scoping Plan for the State’s climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), the release of methane from the breakdown of organic waste in landfills is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emission in the waste sector. Actions to reduce landfilling of these organics are critical to achieving New York’s climate goals.

Feeding New York State received funding from DEC through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to embark on a mission to dramatically increase food donation from large food businesses beginning in October 2021. In under a year since this work started and barely eight months since the law took effect, Feeding New York State surpassed one million new pounds of food donated due to their efforts and ongoing compliance with the law. 

DEC today also announced a new agreement with the Center for EcoTechnology (CET) to provide additional technical assistance to businesses interested in sustainably managing excess food and food scraps to further reduce the amount of wasted food. Nearly $1 million will help fund a three-year effort to help businesses, municipalities, and composting and other organics recycling facilities increase the amount of food scraps that are recycled.

CET will help develop methods to reduce the amount of food wasted, create solutions to realize potential monetary savings to their purchasing costs, and implement food scraps collection and recycling programs. CET will also assist composting and anaerobic digestion facilities with improving operations and potentially expanding to incorporate more food scraps. Additionally, CET will assist in the development of expanded markets for the resultant compost or digestate.

CET President Ashley Muspratt said, “We’re so thrilled to see New York’s bold and multi-pronged commitment to wasted food reduction and it’s an honor for CET to be an implementing partner. We’re excited to share our decades of practical experience helping to bolster wasted food diversion marketplaces through direct assistance to wasted food generators, food rescue organizations, and organics processors operating in the state.”

The CET assistance and Feeding New York State support both come from the EPF. Among the many environmental victories in the enacted 2022-23 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders increased the EPF to $400 million, the highest-ever level of funding in the program's history. This boost includes an increase of $500,000 for organics recycling that is part of a total increase of $3.7 million for municipal recycling over last year's budget. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers.

More information on the Feeding New York State milestone can be found at https://feedingnys.org.

More information on the CET technical assistance program and other DEC efforts to increase food donation and food scraps recycling can be found at https://www.centerforecotechnology.org/nywasteassistance/.