AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR ADIRONDACKS, CENTRAL NEW YORK, EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO, AND UPPER HUDSON VALLEY REGIONS OF NEW YORK STATE

 

In Effect for Tuesday, July 18, 2023

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Adirondacks, Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Upper Hudson Valley regions for Tuesday, July 18, 2023.  

The pollutants of concern are: 

• Fine Particulate Matter
  

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

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

FINE PARTICULATE MATTER

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

• use mass transit instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, people are strongly advised to carpool only with members of their households;
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation.

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

The Tuesday, July 18, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consists of:

• Upper Hudson Valley, which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties;
• Adirondacks, which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Warren counties;
• Eastern Lake Ontario, which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; and
• Central New York, which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates. 

Colorado Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization

 

 Davin Daniel Meyer, 18, of Castle Rock is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and made his initial appearance in federal court today.

According to court documents, Meyer was arrested on Friday, July 14, as he attempted to board an international flight at the Denver International Airport. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Meyer pledged an oath of allegiance to the leader of ISIS, and intended to travel to serve as a fighter for ISIS in Iraq.

The FBI Denver Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Hindman for the District of Colorado is prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On Intention To File For Contempt And Seek A Court-Appointed Receiver To Address Conditions On Rikers Island

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced his Office’s intention to seek the appointment of a receiver to address the ongoing risk of harm to both incarcerated individuals and Department of Correction (“DOC”) Staff.

In 2015, the United States entered into a consent decree with the City of New York and the DOC to address violations of the constitutional rights of incarcerated individuals at Rikers Island (the “Consent Decree”).  The Consent Decree required DOC to develop and implement a wide range of reforms to reduce the level of violence in the jails and ensure the safety and well-being of people in custody as well as corrections officers.  Over the past eight years, this Office has worked diligently with the Monitor appointed pursuant to the Consent Decree and all parties to address the ongoing unsafe conditions on Rikers Island.  After multiple remedial orders and an Action Plan that has been in place for over a year, on July 10, 2023, the Monitor found that despite some progress in certain areas, DOC has not made “substantial and demonstrable progress in implementing the reforms, initiatives, plans, systems, and practices as outlined in the Action Plan” and “there has not been a substantial reduction in the risk of harm currently facing incarcerated individuals and Department staff.”  In light of these findings, this Office has decided to pursue contempt proceedings and seek additional relief from the Court, including the appointment of a receiver, to address the ongoing risk of harm to both incarcerated individuals and DOC staff.  If appointed, the receiver would report to the Court and have independent authority to take necessary steps to comply with core provisions of the Consent Decree and other Court-ordered relief. 

Governor Hochul Announces Fare Free Bus Routes Included in MTA Pilot

 

Pilot Program Adds One Fare Free Bus Route in Each Borough; Routes Include Bx18 A/B, B60, M116, Q4 LCL/LTD, and S46/96

Selected Routes Serve 43,900 Weekday Riders

FY 2024 Budget Makes Additional Investments in Transit, Including Increased Subway Service During Weekday Midday, Weeknights, and on Weekends

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the MTA will begin its fare free bus pilot on five routes, one in each borough, that will now collectively serve 43,900 daily weekday riders by late September this year for a period of six to 12 months. Routes were chosen based on a variety of factors, including ridership, fare evasion, service adequacy, equity for low-income and economically disadvantaged communities, and access to employment and commercial activity.

"The MTA is the lifeblood of New York City, and I’m proud of the tremendous progress we’ve made in returning ridership to pre-pandemic levels," Governor Hochul said. "By establishing these fare free bus pilot routes, we are expanding access to public transportation across the city and improving transit equity to better serve all New Yorkers.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “We have championed innovation and creative thinking across the transportation network and look forward to seeing how New Yorkers respond to this pilot program. I want to thank Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for providing funding that makes it possible to launch this limited experiment.”

New York City Transit President Richard Davey said, “Our team worked hard to ensure the five routes that were chosen for this pilot will benefit New Yorkers who rely on buses to get them where they need to go. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and ensuring mass transit remains a safe and affordable option for the millions of riders who use it.”

This comes weeks after the first phase of previously announced weekend service increases on the G, J and M lines. These enhancements were made possible by a $35 million contribution from the FY 2024 New York State Budget to increase subway service. The multi-phase approach will increase service across several train lines during weekday midday, weeknights, and weekends, and the second phase will begin next month, where additional midday and weekend service will be added. In addition to the increased service, a second R211 train was put in service on the A line last month.

Buses on routes included in the pilot program will be clearly marked “Fare Free” with green and black destination signage, digital signage onboard buses, decals inside the bus and covers on farebox and OMNY readers. The pilot will not include free transfers to other buses or subway lines.

The bus routes included in the six to 12 month pilot are:

Bx18 A/B: Operating daily during daytime hours between Undercliff Avenue or Sedgwick Avenue and Grand Concourse/E 170 Street, the Bx18 A/B bus route travels along Macombs Road, Tremont Avenue, Undercliff Avenue/Sedgwick Avenue, 168 Street and 170 Street. It serves Morris Heights, Highbridge and Mount Eden neighborhoods and connects to the 4, B, D trains and several other bus routes. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center and Bronx Community College.

B60: The B60 bus route operates between Williams Avenue/Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie and Williamsburg Bridge Plaza. The route operates primarily along Rockaway Avenue and Wilson Avenue and serves the Canarsie, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, Bushwick and Williamsburg neighborhoods. It makes connections to the 3, C, L, G, J, M, Z trains and several other bus routes. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhul.

M116: This bus route operates daily during daytime hours between W 106 Street /Broadway and E 120 Street/Pleasant Avenue. The route primarily operates along 116 Street, Manhattan Avenue and W 106 Street and serves the Harlem, East Harlem and Morningside Heights neighborhoods. The route makes connections to the 1, 2, 3, 6, B, C trains and several bus routes. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University and the East River Plaza Mall.

Q4 LCL/LTD: The Q4 LCL/LTD bus route operates between the Jamaica Ctr-Parsons/Archer E, J, Z subway station and Linden Boulevard/235 Street. Some buses operate as Limited-Stop during morning and afternoon rush hours on weekdays. The route primarily operates on Linden Boulevard, Merrick Boulevard and Archer Avenue and serves the Jamaica Center, South Jamaica, St. Albans and Cambria Heights neighborhoods. It makes connections to the E, J, Z trains, the St. Albans Long Island Rail Road station and several bus routes. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include Jamaica Center, York College and the St. Albans VA Hospital.

S46/96: Operating between South Avenue, West Shore Plaza Shopping Center and the St. George Ferry Terminal, he S46 local route operates at all times and the S96 Limited route operates on weekdays only in the peak period, peak direction. The route primarily operates along Castleton Avenue, Victory Boulevard, Walker Street/Brabant Street and South Avenue. It serves the St. George, Tompkinsville, West New Brighton, Port Richmond, Elm Park, Arlington, Bloomfield and Chelsea neighborhoods and makes connections to the SIR and Staten Island Ferry. Major employers and institutions covered on the route include the NY Empire Outlets, Richmond University Medical Center, West Shore Plaza and the Forest Promenade Shopping Plaza.

Carpenters Recruit Apprentices

 

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the New York City District Council of Carpenters will conduct a recruitment from August 16, 2023 through August 15, 2024 for 25 Carpenter (Piledriver/Dockbuilder) apprentices; 20 Linoleum, Resilient Tile, and Carpet Layer apprentices; 10 Cabinet Maker apprentices; and 10 Millwright apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Applicants must attend an in-person information session at the New York City District Council of Carpenters Training Center (NYCDCC Training Center), 395 Hudson Street (Clarkson Street entrance), New York, New York 10014. Information Sessions will be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., excluding the months of December and January, for all trades during the recruitment period. There will be no admittance after 9 a.m. Off-site information sessions and virtual information sessions may be added if necessary. In order to receive an application, applicants must provide government-issued picture identification.

Please note, spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. At the conclusion of the information session, a passcode will be given which is required to complete an online application.

Applicants must sign in during the in-person information session. Failure to sign in will disqualify the individual from further consideration. Applicants will receive a passcode during the in-person information session, which will allow them to access the application online. Applications are only available online during the recruitment period at www.nyccarpenterstrainingcenter.org

 Completed applications must be submitted and received through the website portal at www.nyccarpenterstrainingcenter.org within 60 days from the date of the information session. Failure to comply will disqualify the individual from further consideration.

Applications that comply with the previous application steps will receive a confirmation letter and will be scheduled for an interview at a future date and will be provided with an instruction sheet and a list of original documents that will be required if they are accepted into the program. Applicants that do not arrive on time to their scheduled interview will be disqualified from further consideration.

As apprentices are requested by signatory contractors, the top-ranking candidates will be required to attend an orientation. Applicants must arrive on time to the orientation with proper documents. All applicants must bring originals of all the verification documents. Those that do not comply will be disqualified from further consideration. A conditioner offer of employment will be made to all attendees of the orientation.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 17 years old at the time of application.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must be physically able to perform the work of the trade without posing a direct threat to the safety of themselves or others.
• Must be physically able to perform the work of a Carpenter which may include:
  • Working on scaffolds and in confined spaces.
  • Working under conditions of inclement weather, such as rain, snow, cold, heat and direct sunlight.
  • Performing constant repetitive motions.
  • Climbing and working from heights.
  • Lifting items weighing a minimum of 50 pounds.
  • Standing and stooping for prolonged periods of time.
• Must pass a substance abuse screening, at the expense of the sponsor, within 48 hours of selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship, at a designated collection site designated by the JATC. Applicants that do not pass the substance abuse screening will be notified and disqualified from further consideration.
• Must be able to read, hear and understand verbal instructions and warnings in English.
• Must provide proof (detailed examples) of any trade-related experience, certification, or education, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have the legal right to work in the United States. Proof will be required after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must have reliable means of transportation to and from various job sites and classes at the approved school.
• Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.  

For further information, applicants should contact New York City District Council of Carpenters at (212) 727-2224. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers)

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State Tax Receipts Exceeded Updated Projections in First Quarter

 

State tax receipts totaled $27.6 billion through the first quarter of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023-24, $450.8 million higher than estimates released in the Division of the Budget’s (DOB) Enacted Budget Financial Plan. However, collections were $6.8 billion lower than last year through the quarter ending in June 2022, according to the monthly State Cash Report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“State revenue collections performed better than the Division of the Budget’s current estimates for the first quarter, but the economy is sending mixed signals that cloud the state’s fiscal outlook,” DiNapoli said. “While inflation has eased and hiring has held up, consumer spending has slowed in recent months and some tax collections are showing signs of weakness. My office will continue to closely monitor economic conditions and what it means short- and long-term for our state’s finances.”  

Personal income tax (PIT) receipts totaled $14.5 billion, $128.4 million below DOB’s financial plan projections through the first quarter. PIT receipts were $7.1 billion lower than the same period in SFY 2022-23, reflecting, in part, the impact of slower income growth and financial market volatility in 2022 on collections from returns in April and May.

Year-to-date consumption and use tax collections totaled $5.4 billion which were 5.9%, or $302 million, higher than the same period last year, but $9.5 million lower than DOB anticipated. Sales tax receipts, the largest share of these taxes, increased by $288 million, or 6.2%. Business taxes, which include collections from the pass-through entity tax (PTET), totaled $6.7 billion, $123 million lower than through June in the prior fiscal year, but $628 million higher than financial plan projections. 

All Funds spending through June totaled $58.6 billion, which was $9 billion, or 18.3%, higher than last year for the same period, largely reflecting higher Medicaid costs. All Funds spending through June was $292.5 million lower than DOB projected, largely due to lower than anticipated spending from capital projects funds. State Operating Funds spending totaled $30.4 billion, $3 billion, or 11.1% higher than last year and $694 million lower than projected. 

The State’s General Fund ended June with a balance of $44.2 billion, $1.3 billion higher than DOB projected and $387 million higher than last year at the same time primarily due to higher than anticipated tax collections and lower than anticipated spending.

Report

June Cash Report

FORWARDING: NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE URGE NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AND PREPARE FOR POOR AIR QUALITY

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, together with NYC Emergency Management, today issued an advisory alerting New Yorkers to prepare for potential deteriorations in air quality. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s projected forecast places the Air Quality Index (AQI) at a level potentially unhealthy for at risk groups, with conditions anticipated to persist for the initial part of the upcoming week. Monday’s AQI of 120 indicates the necessity for targeted populations—specifically children, older adults, and individuals of all ages with respiratory or cardiac conditions—to exercise additional caution. With an AQI within the range of 101-150, these sensitive groups may experience adverse effects due to reduced air quality. When the AQI goes over 150, all New Yorkers should begin to take precautions. 

 

While forecasting smoke conditions over the next few days presents a formidable challenge, indications suggest that smoke originating from regions north of the city is likely to impact air quality across the metropolitan area significantly. In light of this, NYC Emergency Management, the agency coordinating the city's response to such environmental risks, is advocating for New Yorkers to increase their vigilance. 

 

“We have a robust infrastructure in place and stand fully prepared to respond to air quality conditions," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. "While our teams work tirelessly behind the scenes, we urge all New Yorkers, especially those in high-risk categories, to adopt precautionary measures to safeguard their health. Alongside these actions, let us remember the power of community resilience. Times like these underscore the vital importance of looking out for one another, particularly for those of us who are more vulnerable to health risks.” 

 

“While we may see fluctuation in the air quality in the coming days, we also have tools and guidance to help us navigate conditions,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Pay attention to airnow.gov, listen to your body and take action if you’re feeling the effects of poor air quality.” 

 

NYC Emergency Management is proactively promoting a broad range of preventative measures. These efforts include distributing masks available at local public libraries, FDNY firehouses, and NYPD precincts, and urging New Yorkers to subscribe to the Notify NYC alert system. While Notify NYC remains a crucial conduit for relaying emergency communications about air quality conditions, it is complemented by coordinated efforts with community and faith-based leaders, and the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). Another specialized tool in the agency's communication strategy is the Advance Warning System, a communication tool for organizations that serve people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. In addition to these measures, public-private partnerships are being leveraged to enhance communication effectiveness. The Strengthening Communities plan is also being deployed, leveraging an extensive network of 35 community groups that have strategized communication plans for emergencies. Each of these diverse initiatives is a critical component of the agency's comprehensive strategy, purposefully designed to provide residents with the necessary tools and information to safely navigate this week’s anticipated conditions. 

 

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and NYC Emergency Management, in concert with a broad spectrum of critical City agencies are committed to a strong interagency collaboration to ensure that all New Yorkers stay safe, informed, and prepared amidst any potential environmental shifts affecting the city's overall health.  

 

Safety Tips 

• Full guidance from the NYC Department of Health is available at https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/eode/aqi-guidelines-general.pdf 
• The best way to limit exposure to poor air quality is to reduce time outside and limit strenuous activities. The threshold to take these actions, depends on your individual level of risk.
• Call 911 if you or someone you’re caring for has trouble breathing.
• Monitoring air quality conditions and being prepared. Visit the EPA’s air quality website airnow.gov or download the AirNow mobile app.
• Now is a good time to pick up a mask, in case air quality deteriorates. The city is already making masks available at FDNY firehouses and NYPD precincts and is looking to expand supplies to more vulnerable communities.
• When air quality is poor, wearing a high-quality mask (e.g., N95) can reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. We will continue to communicate with New Yorkers about air quality through the summer. The situation will change regularly but we can be prepared for the months ahead.
• The City will provide alerts if conditions deteriorate further (e.g., AQI above 200), but warnings sent by your body are equally important. New Yorkers should listen to their body. Reactions to poor air quality can include watery eyes, scratchy throat, headaches, or shortness of breath.
• If you feel any of these conditions, go indoors and limit time outside.

New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or download the free app for your Android or Apple device. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.   

PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF NYPD COMMISSIONER CABAN

 

"I wish Commissioner Caban much success in his new role – that he can help the NYPD play its role in producing true, lasting, equitable public safety, operating with transparency and accountability. It is significant that the department will now be led by its first-ever Latino commissioner, and I know this appointment will be meaningful for many in the representation it provides and the message it sends, especially to aspirational young people.

"As I have always said, it’s important to see the diversity of New York’s people and communities represented in leadership. It is even more important to ensure that the concerns of those communities are met by leaders. At an important time in the discussion of policing and public safety, including around continued questions of over-policing in Black and Brown communities and increasing stops, I look forward to working with the Commissioner, and remain committed to more equitable efforts that recognize policing is one piece of what is needed to help New Yorkers be and feel safe."