MAYOR ADAMS TAKES MAJOR STEPS TOWARDS TRANSFORMING NEW YORK CITY INTO SKATE CAPITAL OF EAST COAST

 

Adams Administration Launches Design and Public Engagement Phase for Four Major Skateparks, Part of $24.8 Million Initiative Announced in Mayor’s State of the City 

 

New Yorkers Invited to Join Community Input Meetings, Can Register Online 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue today took a major step towards transforming New York City into the skate capital of the East Coast. In partnership with local elected officials and The Skatepark Project — a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help underserved communities create safe and inclusive public skateparks for youth — the city has launched its design and public engagement process for four new and enhanced skateparks in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Mayor Adams announced a $24.8 million investment to build these skate parks as part of his State of the City address in January.  

 

“New York City is on a roll — jobs are up, crime is down, and these four new skateparks we’re building will help make this city a more livable place for New Yorkers, young and old, to get outside and get active,” said Mayor Adams. “We’re grateful to our partners — from local elected officials to community advocates to Tony Hawk and The Skatepark Project — and we’re excited to hear from community members from across the city so we can make sure that these skateparks deliver for our city.” 

 

“We're in a New York skate of mind,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “High-quality, safe public space is not a luxury, it's a right.  Public scoping is a critical part of the process to ensure that we deliver spaces that reflect the needs and wants of our city. So please, get involved, make your voice heard, and help us create the best possible projects that include safe infrastructure and green space in equal measure." 

  

“As more and more New Yorkers pick up skateboards and discover the thrill and community that come with this Olympic sport, it's vital that they have safe and accessible spaces to practice,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “By bringing four new skateparks to the Bronx and Brooklyn, we're ensuring New Yorkers of all ages have access to safe spaces to perfect their ollies and kickflips, free from the distraction of car traffic and enhanced with new greenery that the entire community can enjoy. As with all of our projects, our design of these skateparks will be guided by extensive community input, so please get involved and let us know what you want to see in your local skatepark!” 

  

“Let’s rock and roll, New York,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “These four skateparks will give New Yorkers of all ages and abilities new, beautiful outdoor spaces to build community and develop their skills. It’s a part of our broader mission to transform what it feels like outside in New York City, and we’ll continue adding high-quality public space wherever we can, in all five boroughs.” 

 

Skateboarding and other action sports are rapidly growing in New York City, even though there are not enough dedicated public spaces to safely accommodate them. These four new skateparks will provide anchor spaces for youth and adults to participate in all wheel sports, engage in community activities, and improve their mental and physical health, while delivering revitalized public spaces for all New Yorkers.   

 

The design and public engagement phase will begin with a series of four community input meetings — one for each skatepark. The meetings will take place over the course of the month of May and will give New Yorkers the opportunity to share their vision for the skate parks with the city. The meetings are open to the public. 

 

Brooklyn Skate Garden 

 

The Brooklyn Skate Garden will deliver a revitalized Mount Prospect Park, with new trees and native plantings surrounding and elevating contextual skate infrastructure seated in the middle of the cultural hub of Brooklyn, including near the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and farmer's market, as well as close to multiple bus and subway lines. The skate garden will ensure that Mount Prospect Park can be used in all the ways it is today — for picnicking, dog walking, and more, as well as be utilized as a cultural home for wheeled sports in Brooklyn. It will deliver more and better seating, wayfinding, and public space for all New Yorkers. The first community input meeting for the Brooklyn Skate Garden will take place online tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1st at 6:00 PM. 

 

Brower Park 

 

In Brower Park, the city will construct a brand-new 9,000-square-foot custom concrete skatepark, replacing the outdated modular skatepark currently there with new and exciting features for skateboard enthusiasts of different abilities and interests. This project will also enhance the surrounding park landscape with new pavements and seating for spectators and parkgoers alike. The first community input meeting for the Brower Park skatepark will take place online on Wednesday, May 8th at 6:00 PM. 

 

Bronx Park 

 

In Bronx Park, the city will reimagine and construct a brand-new, 6,000-square-foot custom concrete skatepark. The city will replace the outdated existing steel ramp currently present with new and exciting features for skateboard enthusiasts of different abilities and interests. The first community input meeting for the Bronx Park skatepark will take place online on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:00 PM. 

 

Soundview Park 

 

In Soundview Park, the city will construct a brand-new, 15,000-square-foot custom concrete skatepark, replacing an underutilized and worn-out sports court with new and exciting features for skateboard enthusiasts of different abilities and interests. This project will also enhance the surrounding park landscape with new security lighting, pavements, and seating for spectators and parkgoers alike. The first community input meeting for the Soundview Park skatepark will take place in person at PS 107 on Wednesday, May 29 at 6:00 PM. 

 

"I am excited to be working with Mayor Adams, NYC Parks, NYCEDC, and the Skatepark Project to bring a state-of-the-art skatepark to the Soundview community!” said New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias. “As a student who skateboarded to and from school and who is native to Soundview, I am incredibly proud to be supporting this investment in our backyard with $1.5 million through my local budget. This project is a huge investment in the future of the Bronx and our Bronx youth. Skateparks help to build and sustain healthy communities while also giving our young people the opportunity to practice a sport that provides exercise, time outside in our community, and a sense of self-esteem. After the COVID-19 pandemic, our young New Yorkers deserve safe spaces to meet and share experiences- and that is what we are building for them with this project.” 

 

CONSUMER ALERT: NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION RELEASES TIPS TO HELP AVOID MOVING SCAMS

 

Be Aware of Deceptive Business Practices That Can Cost Thousands of Dollars for Services Not Provided While Moving to a New Home

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection provides consumers with important tips to avoid scams when moving. Moving your belongings can be a stressful process, and unfortunately scammers use these situations to defraud consumers out of thousands of dollars by using deceptive business practices. 

“Moving to a new home can be very stressful if consumers don’t choose the right services to transport their personal possessions or verify that the company they plan to use is properly licensed by the State of New York,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “The NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers important tips for New Yorkers to avoid the signs of possible scams and to plan for a smoother and more secure moving experience.”

TIPS WHEN MOVING: 

Pay attention to bait and switch sales practices. This deceptive practice involves providing an initial misleading quote and then making last-minute changes to agreed-upon price quotes. Be wary of companies that offer instant quotes instead of gathering detailed information to provide an accurate estimate. When you receive a binding estimate, you cannot be required to pay more than that  the amount you agreed upon, unless you’ve requested additional services after.

Pay attention to deceptive business practices. Deceptive business practices include late deliveries with no advance notification, delivering damaged items, missing items, holding items hostage until consumers provide additional amounts of money or failure to fulfill any contractual obligations. Avoid dealing with any business that engages in these practices by doing general online research and learning your rights as outlined below.

Review all terms and conditions prior to loading. Before the movers have moved any of your items into the truck, meet with the company representative at your home to review material terms of the contract, most notably the cost and delivery terms.

Do general online research. Confirm that the moving company is an honest and reputable business with a physical address, has detailed contact information and is rated well by others in consumer reviews. Check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) National Consumer Complaint Database or the Better Business Bureau, which has a searchable database of consumer reviews.

Hire licensed or registered movers. Before hiring a moving company, confirm that it’s a government-regulated entity.

• Moves within New York State (NYS): All moving companies must be licensed in New York. The NYS Department of Transportation licenses companies for moves statewide. To ensure that your moving company has valid New York State operating authority, contact the NYS Department of Transportation at 518-457-6512 or e-mail nymoving@dot.ny.gov or for more information go to https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/osss/truck/moving. When checking on a mover, please provide their exact name, and if available, NYDOT number.
• Moving out of State: Make sure the mover is insured and registered with the federal government. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registers companies that meet legal and safety requirements for moves between New York and other states. You can look up whether an interstate moving company is registered through the FMCSA’s Mover Registration Search

Get multiple estimates. Plan to get estimates from at least three companies. Do not rely on any estimates provided over the phone or email without an additional inquiry on the number of items to be moved. Moving companies should gather detailed information about the number of items you need to move.

Pay attention to hidden or additional charges. Be wary of requests for large upfront payments or full payments in advance.

Never sign a blank or incomplete estimate. Unscrupulous movers could use the blank or incomplete estimate to change the terms of your move, including the cost, without your knowledge or consent.

Get written estimates and contracts. Moving companies should give multiple documents before, during and after your move with information on the requested services, cost calculations and other agreements between you and the movers. Make sure you understand which terms in these documents are estimates, which can change later and which are contractual agreements. Scammers might try talking you out of signing written contracts if for some reason items get lost or stolen.

Create an inventory of your belongings. Make a photo record and keep a written inventory of all your items. 

Know your rights. Insist the mover provide you with a Summary of Information booklet from the NYS Department of Transportation that describes your rights as a shipper. For interstate moves, the company is required to share the FMCSA’s guide, which includes details specific to interstate moves. Read these guides thoroughly to know your rights and responsibilities throughout the moving process. 

Learn more about hiring moving companies. Visit the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move website for more resources on interstate movers. See the NYS Department of Transportation’s website for more information on hiring movers within New York.

Try to resolve any disputes. If you have a dispute with an interstate mover, file a complaint with the FMCSA on their National Consumer Complaint Database. If the move occurred entirely in New York State, first notify the company in writing as soon as possible. If you can’t resolve the issue with the company and the dispute relates to the loss or damage of your goods, file a complaint with DCP. For all other moving disputes, file a complaint with the NYS Department of Transportation.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For other consumer protection tips and consumer alerts, consumers can visit the DCP website or follow DCP on social media via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Assemblymember Zaccaro Highlights 2024-2025 State Budget Victories

 

Dear Friends, 

A successful state budget should always include robust funding for worthwhile initiatives that power our state – schools, affordable housing, health care systems, environmental protection and more – while carefully safeguarding taxpayer dollars. The 2024-25 state budget does exactly that. 

New Enforcement Tools to Stop Illegal Smoke Shops

When I was elected to office, I made a promise to hear my community and pass legislation on issues that would benefit them. Targeting smoke shops that break the law and brazenly sell illegal cannabis has been a top priority for my office. 

Joining a bipartisan group of lawmakers and advocates from New York's cannabis industry at a rally in Albany in support of my bill A9520

I am proud to announce that New York will now have the power to revoke or suspend the tobacco, liquor, or lottery licenses of businesses that sell illegal cannabis. This new enforcement power enacted as part of the budget was first proposed in my bill A9520, gaining significant bipartisan support in the legislature and from New York's cannabis industry. Revoking tobacco, liquor, and lottery licenses for bad actors is a critical tool to stem the time of illegal and unregulated cannabis in our communities and this victory is the result of our hard work.

The state budget includes additional enforcement powers to combat the epidemic of illegal smoke shops:

• Allows the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to padlock illegal cannabis businesses. Egregious actors would be padlocked immediately; all others would be padlocked on second inspection. 
• To be considered an egregious actor, a store would have to be engaged in one or more of the following:
• Documented sale to minors
• Unlicensed processing of cannabis
• Violent behavior toward investigators that express an intent to not comply
• Reports of hospitalization due to consumption of their products
• Close proximity to houses of worship, schools or public youth facilities
• Sales of cannabis that has not been lawfully tested.

• Increases civil penalties for refusing to allow a regulatory inspection; the first refusal increases from $4,000 to $8,000 and a second or subsequent refusal increases from $8,000 to $15,000. 
• Requires that a landlord evict a commercial tenant if they operate a business that is customarily or habitually used for illegal cannabis sales.
  • If a landlord does not in good faith bring eviction proceedings, then an enforcement agency may bring eviction proceedings.
  • The civil penalty for knowingly permitting the violation to occur is $50,000 in New York City and five times the rent charged or collected if the violation occurs outside of New York City. 
• Establishes that mutilation or removal of a posted order while it is in effect shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 or a class B misdemeanor. 
• Amends the crime of obstructing governmental administration to include if a person damages or removes a padlock or other device with the intent to violate an order issued by a government entity.
• Allows cities and counties to conduct regulatory inspections of businesses not listed on OCM's directory of licensed cannabis businesses, establish a system for receiving complaints regarding businesses engaged in selling cannabis without a license, impose civil penalties of up to $25,000 for unlawfully selling cannabis, and seize illegal cannabis from businesses operating without a license. 

These new enforcement powers will yield serious, long-term consequences for businesses that blatantly circumvent the law. It is important these powers were included in the final state budget and I will continue to champion commonsense policies like these. 

Investments in Higher Education 

Speaking in support of increasing the Tuition Assistance Program eligibility threshold and more aid for our students

I have called for raising the income threshold for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to increase college accessibility for New Yorkers. Increasing the income threshold to $125,000, raising the minimum TAP award from $500 to $1,000 and extending part-time TAP to college students is the right move to support our students. Countless New Yorkers that will lead our state for generations to come will benefit from this long-overdue investment. 

This state budget also includes $206 million in funding for educational opportunity programs that are critical for students from disadvantaged backgrounds obtain a college degree and includes $4 million to support students with disabilities.  

Keeping higher education affordable is essential, and the final state budget provides vital support to CUNY schools so invaluable institutions will continue to educate the future role models and leaders New York for generations to come! Support for CUNY means:

• $40 million in additional capital funding.
• $40 million in additional general operating aid.
• An increase of $5.3 million in funding for CUNY community colleges.
• Provides $4 million for the CUNY Medical School.
• Allocates $3 million for nursing programs.
• Provides $2 million for mental health programs. 

Cracking Down on Retail Theft and Hate Crimes

When I meet with business owners in the Bronx and I ask them what are their top concerns and how lawmakers can help I hear the same response – stop retail theft. Small and large businesses have experienced a rise in retail theft and retail workers should not find themselves put in a dangerous situation yet sadly far too many are. The final state budget:

• Creates a new crime of Assault on a Retail Worker, a Class E felony and creates a new crime of fostering the sale of stolen goods, a Class A misdemeanor. 
• Provides $25.2 million in new funding to deploy a dedicated State Police team to build cases against organized retail theft rings and create a new State Police enforcement unit.
• Allocates $10 million in additional funding to district attorneys to prosecute property crime cases and $5 million in funding to build the capacity of local law enforcement efforts to combat retail theft.
• Establishes the Commercial Security Tax Credit Program that provides a $3,000 tax credit for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees whose retail theft prevention expenses exceed $12,000. 

Speaking in support of an Assembly resolution recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day

We must do within our power so no New Yorker ever lives in fear of persecution, hatred, or bigotry on the basis of their religion – or for any reason. Offenders who commit crimes motivated by the hatred of one's race, religion, sexual orientation, or nationality must be held accountable. The final state budget expands the number that offenses that can be charged as hate crimes and allocates $35 million in funding that will be used for the safety of organizations at risk of hate crimes. 

Helping New Yorkers Afford a Place to Live and Call Home

New York must continue to enact policies that provide assistance to tenants facing eviction and provide support to homeowners who face foreclosure. We must also fund programs and initiatives that encourage more housing. The final state budget:

• Includes $140 million for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
• Provides $80 million for Mitchell-Lama Preservation and Home Ownership.
• Secures $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP)
• Allocates $15 million in additional funding for Eviction Prevention Legal Services. 
• Provides $10 million for land bank operations and $40 million for the capital needs of land banks.

Enhancing Medicaid and Investing in Health Facilities of the Future

If we truly believe that our health is the most important thing in our lives then we must ensure not only that a patient's needs are met, but that the needs of New York's healthcare workers are met too. I have stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with these dedicated professionals since before I came to Albany and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon!

The final state budget will:

• Provides $800 million for financially distressed hospitals.
• Provides $350 million in funding for Hospital Medicaid repayment rates by an increase of roughly 3.5% as well as per diem increases for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Programs.
• Secures up to $400 million to keep SUNY's Downstate Medical Center operating through at least April 1, 2025 and establishes a 9-member advisory board, appointed by state and local leaders, that would set up long-term plans for the hospital.

The budget will also:

• Expands the Hospital Financial Assistance Law, which provides assistance to those who are unable to fully pay co-pays and deductible amounts.
• Secures $73.8 million for the improvement of Patient Centered Medical Homes
• Provides $19.9 million to expand access to primary care.

Addressing Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis

We all know someone in our lives who is impacted by the trauma of addiction, whether we are aware of it or not. This state budget will:

• Authorize $22 million in substance abuse disorder federal funding.
• Provides $3 million to restore vocational, rehabilitation, and job placement services for those recovering from and dealing with addiction.
• Includes $2.5 million for various Office of Addiction and Support Services (OASAS)
• Secures $2 million for Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialists (SAPIS)
• Provides $1.2 million for various programs treating co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

Investing in New York Families and the Next Generation

As a husband and father nothing is more important to me than my family. Keeping them safe, healthy and knowing all their needs are met are traits all parents carry. As a lawmaker I never forget the challenges faced by families and am unwavering in my support of commonsense policies and funding that will foster enduring familial bonds to last a lifetime. The final state budget will:

• Create a supplemental $350 million Empire State Child Tax Credit.
• Provides $280 million for workforce funding for the recruitment and retention of child care providers.
• Secures $60.2 million for various family's and children's services programs.
• Allocates $13.7 million to expand children's access to healthcare and includes an additional $13.6 million for the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) program.
• Secures $7.6 million to guarantee continuous Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility for children ages 6 and up. Such children can also remain enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plus regardless of changes of family income.
• Requires the new Family Child Care Networks Pilot Program (FCCNs) to make recruitment and expansion efforts in child care deserts a priority. 

There's never been a state budget where everyone got everything they wanted, and there's no exception here. But this is a strong, fiscally responsible budget that will do a lot of good for our families. As we move forward from here, I will never stop working to make New York the best state for the people I am honored to represent. 

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CURRICULUM ON HATE CRIMES AND THEIR IMPACT FOR NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the release of ‘Teaching About Hate Crimes and their Impacts,’ a series of hate crimes lessons designed to teach students in New York City public schools about hate crimes and bias incidents, as well as their impact on individuals and communities. As hate crimes continue to rise around the nation, with a particular influence on young people, the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC), with support from the New York City Department of Education (DOE), partnered with Facing History & Ourselves to develop the curriculum and provide training for educators.

 

‘Teaching About Hate Crimes and their Impacts’ includes five lessons that empower educators to enrich students’ understanding of diversity, sharpen critical thinking skills, and foster a culture of increased civic engagement — all of which are crucial skills for instilling social responsibility. Students will learn to identify motives and behaviors that cause hate crimes, examine the impacts of current hate crime trends on communities, and design initiatives that promote inclusion and collective action.

 

“Our children are at a breaking point, and investing in programming that fosters a greater understanding of diversity and the importance of inclusion is an important way to dam one of the many rivers that feeds the sea of hate,” said Mayor Adams. “Despite the uptick in hate crimes we are seeing across the city and nation — whether it be against someone’s religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, or anything else — we know that New York City is the greatest city in the world because of our extensive diversity. This curriculum builds on our ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ initiative and will help ensure that our school children are part of the solution to stamp out hate wherever it rears its ugly head.” 

 

The lessons are available to students in grades 6-12 and are offered as a virtual resource to the public on the OPHC and Facing History & Ourselves’ websites. Facing History & Ourselves has trained DOE’s educators on the hate crime curriculum with more training opportunities forthcoming over the next year.

 

The city legislatively mandates the OPHC to produce a hate crime curriculum for schools. ‘Teaching About Hate Crimes and their Impacts’ satisfies that mandate and reaffirms the Adams administration’s commitment to combat the rising number of hate crimes across the five boroughs. Facing History & Ourselves will regularly reexamine these lessons with the OPHC to offer updates and keep them current.

 

‘Teaching About Hate Crimes and their Impacts’ is one of the OPHC’ initiatives that combats hate, bias, and discrimination. In early 2023, Mayor Adams launched ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds,’ which aimed to bring 10,000 New Yorkers together to learn about common bonds, share cultures and traditions, and break down silos. In only 11 months, ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ surpassed the goal of bringing 10,000 New Yorkers together with the support of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and others.

    

“Hate has no home in our schools, and we are proud to partner with the OPHC in the fight against bigotry,” said DOE Chancellor David C. Banks. “We are educating our youth about the dangers of hate both to meet this challenging moment in our world and to build a brighter future for us all.”

 

“Cross-cultural literacy is essential to counteract hate and reduce bias incidents,” said Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) Director Deanna Logan. “This curriculum ensures our students receive that additional comprehensive education. We appreciate Mayor Adams’ leadership and support in the positive engagement of the youngest New Yorkers to promote learning and understanding as essential resources for public safety.”

 

“With bigotry and hate on the rise across the globe, including right here in our own community, it is more important than ever that we give teachers and students the tools to discuss these difficult topics in a thoughtful way,” said Pam Haas, executive director, Facing History & Ourselves. “Our experience with developing curriculum to combat bigotry and hate for nearly 50 years has shown that as students develop their knowledge and understanding, they exhibit greater empathy and choose to stand up.”

 

About OPHC

As part of the MOCJ, the OPHC takes a holistic approach to preventing hate crimes, developing and coordinating community-driven prevention strategies to address biases fueling such crimes, and fostering healing for victims and their communities.

 

About Facing History & Ourselves

Facing History & Ourselves uses the lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to bigotry and hate. Facing History & Ourselves’ classroom resources and professional development offerings examine racism, antisemitism, and prejudice at pivotal moments in history and helps students learn about the impact of choices made in the past and connect them to the choices they will confront in their own lives. Facing History & Ourselves believes understanding shared history and how it informs attitudes and behaviors allows participants to choose a world of equity and justice.