STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA CALLS ON STATE LEGISLATURE TO CRACK DOWN ON VULTURE FUNDS

With only 4 days left in session, Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement in support of the Champerty Bill S5623 / A5290:

“As a Puerto Rican born and raised on the island, I know the damaging impact that vulture funds have on our community. New York has the power to close the legal loopholes that allow predatory “investors” to purchase debt for the sole purpose of litigating with the indebted nations and small islands like Puerto Rico to amass millions in wealth while austerity measures force schools and hospitals to close. That's why I’m calling on my colleagues in the state legislature to pass the Champerty Bill, sponsored by Senator Liz Kreuger and Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas before this legislative session ends. It would be a disservice to Puerto Ricans on the island and in the diaspora across New York if we delay legislation that would address the needs of millions of community members living under the predatory practices of vulture funds. 

“The Champerty Bill is a critical first step to immediately combat unsustainable debt. The ‘Not a Game, It’s People’ campaign, led by Latino, immigrant, and community organizations of color, has been leading the fight to stop greedy vulture funds from preying on countries across the world by developing groundbreaking legislation like the Champerty Bill and my sovereign debt model law bill, S5542. New York has a responsibility to extend protections that would end the plundering of Puerto Rico and other countries by passing these bills and demanding full accountability for these predators on behalf of those directly impacted by this crisis.”

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY METRO, AND WESTERN NEW YORK

 

In Effect for Friday, June 2, 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 Long Island, New York City Metro, and Western New York regions for Friday, June 2, 2023.  

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone 

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 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. 

OZONE 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere. 

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor. 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available. 

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

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 
• 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. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up for DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

The Friday, June 2 Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Long Island, which includes Suffolk and Nassau counties; New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties; and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

Governor Hochul Celebrates the Beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month

 

Issues Proclamation and Delivers Message in Celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Raising LGBTQ+ Progress Flags Across New York State

State Landmarks to Be Lit on June 1 and June 23 to 30

New Exhibits to Open at the New York State Capitol Spotlighting The Legacy of New York LGBTQ+ Activists

 Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and delivered a message celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in New York State. Additionally, LGBTQ+ progress flags will be raised across the state, state landmarks will be illuminated in the colors of the LGBTQ+ pride flag, and a new exhibit in the State Capitol spotlighting the legacy of New York LGBTQ+ activists will open during Pride Month.

"Pride Month is a time when we celebrate and continue to uplift the rights of the LGBTQ+ community here in New York State," Governor Hochul said. "Every New Yorker, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, deserves to feel safe, heard and valued by their state government. This month and every month after this, the State of New York will stand with and support the LGBTQ+ community."

Governor Hochul also announced that the progress pride flag will be flown at State Parks across New York to mark the start of Pride Month. In addition, the flag will be raised at the State Capitol, Plaza and Governor's Mansion on June 1.

The flag will also be flown at the following State office buildings for the duration of Pride Month:

• 44 Holland Avenue, Albany
• 50 Wolf Road, Albany
• 328 State Street, Schenectady
• 625 Broadway, Albany
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• Hampton Plaza
• Harriman Campus
• New York State Capitol
• Ten Eyck
• Binghamton State Office Building
• Dulles State Office Building
• Henderson-Smith State Office Building
• State Preparedness Training Center (Oriskany)
• Homer Folks Facility
• Senator John H. Hughes State Office Building
• Utica State Office Building
• Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building
• Eleanor Roosevelt State Office Building
• Hudson Valley Transportation Management Center
• Perry B. Duryea State Office Building
• Executive Mansion

The following State landmarks will be illuminated in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple tonight:

• 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
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Lake Placid Olympic Center
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station (**will illuminate pink, white, and light blue)
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall

Governor Hochul also announced the June 7 opening of "In the Footsteps of Heroes," an exhibition that highlights the LGBTQ+ rights movement in New York from past to present— from forerunners to the future. Alongside the pioneers in this exhibit are examples of today's newest leaders and organizations building on the work of their elders. Whether it be an emerging director changing the face of leadership, a business owner addressing the needs of their community, or an organization made to confront social and healthcare concerns as a result of COVID-19, advocates today strive to create a more equitable New York for the LBGTQ+ community.

In December 2022, Governor Hochul signed a legislative package to address health care disparities in the LGBTQ+ community. By allowing runaway and homeless youth under 18 to make their own health care decisions (legislation A.9604/S.8937) and better equipping nurse and home health aides to work with LGBTQ+ populations (legislation A.1880A/S.2534A), these new laws expanded protections in health care settings for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. The Governor also signed legislation that requires that any insurance policy that provides coverage for prescription drugs includes coverage for the cost of PrEP and PEP — two important tools for preventing the spread of HIV.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY HALL, MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS TO BE LIT IN RAINBOW COLORS IN HONOR OF PRIDE MONTH

 

City Hall Also Flying Pride, Philly Pride, and Transgender Flags on Portico

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that City Hall and other municipal buildings will be lit in rainbow colors tonight to honor the start of Pride Month. In addition, City Hall will fly the Pride flag, the Philly Pride flag, and the Transgender flag on the portico throughout the month of June to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in New York and across the country.

 

“This Pride Month, we want to send a clear message to the LGBTQ+ community that New York City hears you, sees you, and embraces you,” said Mayor Adams. “Pride is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action, and, as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, New York City has an obligation to continue to lead the way in ensuring New Yorkers of every identity feel the safety and support of a loving community. We stand alongside our LGBTQ+ family today and every day to proudly reflect on the enormous strides we have made in securing equal rights, while also noting how far we still must go.”

 

In addition to City Hall, the following city buildings will be lit up in rainbow colors to recognize Pride Month at sundown:

• Bronx County Courthouse
• The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building
• Spring Street Salt Shed

Husband-and-Wife Team of Licensed Immigration Attorneys Prepared Fraudulent Asylum Affidavits and Coached Clients to Lie Under Oath

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ILONA DZHAMGAROVA and ARTHUR ARCADIAN were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil for their roles in an immigration fraud conspiracy.  DZHAMGAROVA, a leader of the scheme and an immigration lawyer, was sentenced to two years in prison, and ARCADIAN, also an attorney, was sentenced to six months in prison. 

According to the Indictment, other documents filed in this case, and statements made in open court:

Between November 2018 and December 2021, ILONA DZHAMGAROVA, an immigration attorney, ran the Dzhamgarova Firm, an immigration services firm based in Brooklyn, New York.  The Dzhamgarova Firm worked with clients — primarily aliens from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States — seeking visas, asylum, citizenship, and other forms of legal status in the United States.  Among other things, the Dzhamgarova Firm advised certain of its clients regarding the manner in which they were most likely to obtain asylum in this country, fully understanding that those clients did not legitimately qualify for asylum.  The firm also prepared and submitted to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) clients’ fraudulent Form I-589 asylum applications, asylum affidavits — statements of an asylum applicant’s personal history and claimed basis for asylum, often including allegations of past persecution — and related supporting documentation.  Members and associates of the firm also coached certain clients to lie under oath during interviews conducted by USCIS Asylum Officers and provided legal representation to their clients during various immigration proceedings.

Among other things, DZHAMGAROVA advised clients to seek asylum by falsely claiming that they were members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community who suffered persecution in their native countries, when DZHAMGAROVA fully understood that these clients were not members of that community and suffered no such persecution.  Additionally, DZHAMGAROVA and her husband, ARTHUR ARCADIAN, also an attorney, prepared and submitted clients’ fraudulent asylum applications and affidavits to USCIS, under penalty of perjury, fully understanding that these documents at times contained material falsehoods.  DZHAMGAROVA, ARCADIAN, and others, including co-defendant Igor Reznik, also coached certain clients to lie in asylum interviews conducted by USCIS asylum officers and represented these clients as they lied under oath during immigration proceedings.

The Dzhamgarova Firm also employed writers, including Reznik, who knowingly concocted and drafted clients’ fraudulent asylum affidavits so that they could be submitted as part of clients’ asylum applications.  These affidavits, which were designed to support clients’ persecution claims, conveyed narrations of clients’ personal histories that were filled with falsehoods, including events and incidents of alleged persecution that were fabricated by Reznik and his co-conspirators. 

DZHAMGAROVA, 46, and ARCADIAN, 44, both of Brooklyn New York, previously pled guilty on January 25, 2023, before Judge Vyskocil to immigration fraud conspiracy.  As part of their sentences, DZHAMGAROVA was sentenced to two years of supervised release, ordered to forfeit $540,000, and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine, and ARCADIAN was sentenced to two years of supervised release, ordered to forfeit $1,500, and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

Reznik, 41, of New York, New York, who also previously pled guilty to immigration fraud conspiracy, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Vyskocil on June 7, 2023. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force, USCIS’s New York Asylum Office and Fraud Detection and National Security Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations.  Mr. Williams thanked United States Customs and Border Protection for its assistance.

Governor Hochul Announces NY Green Bank Has Surpassed $2 Billion in Financial Commitments

 

NY Green Bank Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of Supporting Building Decarbonization, Clean Energy, Energy Storage, and Sustainable Transportation

Investments Expected to Mobilize Up to $5.5 Billion and Reduce Emissions in Support of Nation-leading Climate Goals and an Equitable Clean Energy Transition

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced NY Green Bank, a division of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the largest green bank in the country, has surpassed $2 billion in cumulative financial commitments in support of the State's transition to clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary. The state-sponsored financing entity has a growing portfolio of transactions supporting building decarbonization, clean energy, energy storage, sustainable transportation, and other sustainable infrastructure, which are expected to mobilize up to $5.5 billion in public and private investments. These investments advance the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce emissions 85 percent by 2050 with commitments in a variety of sectors supporting the Climate Act goal to ensure at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of benefits from clean energy investments be directed to Disadvantaged Communities.

"New York is proud to be home of one of the nation's leading green banks which has been instrumental in providing early support for clean energy sectors, including community solar, energy storage and building electrification," Governor Hochul said. "The NY Green Bank surpassing $2 billion in financial commitments highlights the state's commitment to a renewable and clean energy transition that will create a greener New York for all."

NY Green Bank reached self-sufficiency earlier than expected in July 2017 with revenues exceeding operating expenses. Projects supported by NY Green Bank to date are estimated to result in lifetime reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 41 million metric tons, the equivalent of taking more than 416,600 cars off the road for 24 years.

NY Green Bank President Andrew Kessler said, "NY Green Bank is proud to kick off the celebration of our 10-year anniversary by sharing that we have exceeded $2 billion in investments for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure across the state including meeting our investment goal three years ahead of our target. This significant accomplishment reinforces NY Green Bank's critical role in advancing the State's ambitious climate goals by addressing funding gaps and animating private sector activity in clean energy markets."

As of May 2023, NY Green Bank has completed 123 transactions which serve to address financing gaps by creating replicable and scalable precedents that draw private and institutional lenders and investors into less familiar asset classes and project types. Their completion of some of the earliest transactions in the community solar market is a leading example of how NY Green Bank has worked to expand private sector activity in this important asset class.

Recent key transactions include:

• The Arlington at Poughkeepsie - $21 million construction-to-term loan to support the first phase of development of the rehabilitation and electrification of a former school into a new all-electric development with apartments and commercial space in Poughkeepsie, New York.
• Frederick Samuel Apartments in New York City - $12 million to finance predevelopment expenses associated with the rehabilitation of the New York City Housing Authority's (NYCHA's) Frederick Samuel Apartments located in Harlem, New York. This transaction was NY Green Bank's first predevelopment loan for a NYCHA Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) project and will contribute to the preservation of 664 units of affordable housing across 40 buildings.
• Hecate Energy LLC - $60 million participation in a $250 million term loan that will finance the development of solar and battery storage projects across New York State. By supporting Hecate's growth throughout the State, this transaction builds a strong precedent for further financings of large development pipelines.
• Sunrun Inc. - $19 million additional commitment in support of a $160 million revolving credit facility to finance the purchase of eligible solar and storage equipment. This innovative loan product provides access to capital earlier in the residential solar and storage project lifecycle to support solar/renewables development and growth in New York State.
• Tenet Energy, Inc. - $10 million revolving warehouse facility for EV loans originated in New York State, helping to make electric vehicles more affordable for New Yorkers, while establishing a precedent for capital market participants seeking to expand their sustainable transportation activity.

Public commitments include: $100 million for building electrification and energy efficiency projects in buildings located in and/or serving disadvantaged communities; $150 million for clean energy improvements in affordable housing properties; $200 million toward energy storage-related investments; and $100 million in financing to help clean transportation businesses locate or expand in New York State, with a goal to achieve these investment targets by 2025.

NY Green Bank will continue its 10-year anniversary celebration throughout 2023 by sharing market sector case studies from key transactions in the past decade on social media and highlight regions of the state where investments are providing benefits to communities. Please visit NY Green Bank's website to learn more about its mission, recent transactions, and clean energy financing products.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues fostering a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation's most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2021 and a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York's climate action with nearly 400 registered and 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State's largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution interventions and combat climate change.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Tonight! Financial Literacy - Networking - Drinks - Great Food

 

When: Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 5:00pm Where: Fokkus Room & Cocin 138 West Fordham Road Bronx, NY 10468 Registration: This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Councilmember Pierina Sanchez - District 14, and NYC Department of Small Business Services for an evening on financial literacy and tips on how you can make smart decisions to benefit your bottom line. The evening will feature food, drinks, and conversation as well as a deep dive into financial decision making, business advice, and how emerging professionals can build wealth with strong financial planning. Panelists include: Quincy Luzunaris Founder | President at Kredit Koncepts kreditkoncepts.com Quincy has been educating people on the concepts of credit repair, credit building and financial freedom for over 13 years. His store front is located on Castle Hill. He currently spends a lot of time working with local bronx schools teaching kids about financial literacy and financial freedom.   Chris Munoz Founder | President at Level Up Enterprises Is a community leader and financial educator. Through his online ecosystem built on the discord platform he has over 2500 members and 50k+ social media following. He teaches financial literacy through educating others on how to participate in the stock market and other investment opportunities via technology. - Also Works for Microsoft, creates trading bots and business automations. (Digital entrepreneur)    Miguel Matos Founder | Founder of Tax Focused Collab The importance of financial literacy in navigating one of the complex tax environments NYC. Miguel is an expert on tax strategies & small business compliance issues. John Cerini Founder | Bronx Tax Man Corporation John has an extensive background in the financial world as an Insurance Broker, Tax Preparer and Real Estate Broker and a Notary Public. John offers Auto, Home and Life Insurance through Capital Shield Agency. Capital Shield is licensed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. Through Capital Shield, John represents great insurance companies such as Travelers, Progressive, Stillwater, Kingstone and more. John has over 30 years’ experience and will highlight the importance of financial literacy in navigating one of the complex tax environments NYC expert on tax strategies & small business compliance issues.

Register - Click Here

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches For Bronx Point Phase 1 At 575 Exterior Street In The South Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Bronx Point Phase 1, a 22-story mixed-use building at 575 Exterior Street in the South Bronx. Designed by S9 Architecture and developed by L+M Development Partners, Type A Projects, and BronxWorks, the structure yields 542 residences, 56,000 square feet of community facility space, 12,000 square feet of retail space, and will serve as the home of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 432 units for residents at 30 to 120 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $18,515 to $198,600.

Amenities include a 24-hour attended lobby, elevator, bicycle storage, shared laundry room, gym, community center, children’s playroom, and outdoor terrace. There are also educational and community facilities available to residents, including the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are 17 studios with a monthly rent of $465 for incomes ranging from $18,515 to $32,040; 32 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $591 for incomes ranging from $23,178 to $36,030; 16 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $700 for incomes ranging from $27,772 to $43,230; and 16 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $800 for incomes ranging from $32,092 to $49,650.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 21 studios with a monthly rent of $866 for incomes ranging from $32,263 to $53,400; 43 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,092 for incomes ranging from $40,355 to $60,050; 22 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,301 for incomes ranging from $48,378 to $72,050; and 22 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,494 for incomes ranging from $55,886 to $82,750.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are 46 studios with a monthly rent of $1,466 for incomes ranging from $52,835 to $85,440; 50 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,842 for incomes ranging from $66,069 to $96,080; 33 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,201 for incomes ranging from $79,235 to $115,280; and 33 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,534 for incomes ranging from $91,543 to $132,400.

At 120 percent of the AMI, there are 25 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,166 for incomes ranging from $77,178 to $144,120; 36 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,892 for incomes ranging from $102,926 to $172,920; and 20 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,332 for incomes ranging from $118,903 to $198,600.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than June 30, 2023.