Governor Hochul Cautions New Yorkers of Potential Weather Impacts in New York City, Hudson Valley and Capital Region

Thunderstorms and Heavy Downpours Possible with Flash Flood Watch in Effect for Orange, Rockland and Sullivan Counties

DEC and State Parks Preparing for Potential Shoreline Impacts As Significant Swells from Hurricane Larry Also Expected to Reach East Coast  

 Governor Kathy Hochul today cautioned New Yorkers of potential weather impacts as thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain are expected in New York City, Hudson Valley and Capital Region areas of the state later this afternoon and continuing through this evening. The main threats from these storms are damaging wind gusts and additional rain in areas that recently experienced flooding, especially urban, low-lying, and poor drainage areas. Brief, isolated tornadoes may also occur as the weather system moves west to east across the state.

Governor Hochul has also directed state agencies to monitor and prepare for coastal impacts as Hurricane Larry, currently spinning east of Bermuda, is expected to cause significant swells along the East Coast of the United States, which could impact New York's shorelines later this week.

"We witnessed the painful devastation left by the remnants of Hurricane Ida and, out of an abundance of caution, we are now keeping a close eye on this week's storms and any potential impacts they may cause across New York," Governor Hochul said. "I am urging New Yorkers to prepare for any inclement weather that may head our way and monitor local forecasts."

Flash flood watches have been issued for Orange, Rockland and Sullivan counties from this afternoon through late tonight. Slow moving thunderstorms could move across portions of the southern Catskills today and have the potential to produce heavy rainfall.  Some locations could see 1 to 2 inches of rain in a short period of time. The combination of saturated ground conditions and heavy rain could lead to rapid runoff and flash flooding. For a complete listing of weather advisories, watches, and warnings in your area, visit the National Weather Service website.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Larry is not expected to have any direct impacts to New York, though given the size of the hurricane, swells will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions on the east coast. Governor Hochul has directed several state agencies to monitor any coastal impacts.

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center remains activated for the response to the devastating remnants of Hurricane Ida and is closely monitoring weather conditions across the state. The Division will coordinate any necessary response operations and remain in contact with localities throughout the week.

Department of Environmental Conservation 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is closely tracking the storm for potential impacts on New York's coastline and will conduct post-storm coastal inspections to assess erosion and possible impacts to projects currently underway. In addition, based on the storm's path, DEC will determine the need for closing certain areas to shellfish harvesting. Additional preparations will take place if the path of the storm is expected to change.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 

State Park lifeguards regularly monitor beaches for hazardous conditions. Swimming is now prohibited due to rough surf at Jones Beach, Robert Moses, and Hither Hills State Parks. In addition, State Parks staff will be fortifying a protective sand 'berm' from the East Bathhouse to the West Bathhouse through the Central Mall, at Jones Beach State Park, as well as preparing sandbags if needed at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills State Parks.

For more information on Hurricane Larry's path and forecasted impacts, visit the National Hurricane Center website here.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The MTA is taking all necessary precautions to protect its transportation network against heavy rainfall while continuing to provide safe service for customers. With the storm forecast to affect the lower Hudson Valley, the MTA is focusing attention on Metro-North Railroad and working closely together as always with its other agencies to monitor conditions and coordinate with local partners to develop precautionary plans should service be impacted.

On the subway, maintenance personnel will inspect track drains in flood-prone areas, and check and stage track pumps and storm boxes. The MTA encourages customers to take extra precautions when traveling. This includes allowing for extra travel time, taking extra caution when walking on platforms and stairs, watching for slippery conditions and being mindful for overhead foliage or wires.

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

The Port Authority is monitoring weather conditions across all its facilities. The agency will be issuing regular travel alerts and updates as necessary. Travelers using Port Authority airports are asked to call ahead to their carriers for flight status in the event of severe weather conditions. For the latest information about all Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PA alerts or download one of the PA mobile apps.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Prepare for severe weather:

• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
• Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

Have disaster supplies on hand, including: 

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page at www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/index.cfm.

Attorney General James Announces Conviction of Former Fugitive Dentist for Medicaid Fraud

 

Dawer Nadi Receives 4 and 1/3 to 10 Years Imprisonment Sentence and Ordered to Pay More Than $27,000 in Restitution After Second Conviction for Fraud and Related Crimes

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the conviction and sentencing of Dawer Nadi, 63, of Long Island, for defrauding New York state by submitting false Medicaid claims for dental services after his dental license was revoked. Nadi was convicted last month of grand larceny, unauthorized practice of dentistry, and several counts of filing false Medicaid claims, and sentenced today to 4 and 1/3 to 10 years imprisonment and ordered to pay $27,768.42 in restitution. Nadi’s New York dental license was revoked in January 2011, following a previous conviction from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in March 2005 for fraudulently overbilling Medicaid for dental services. Today’s sentencing concludes an investigation started by the OAG's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) in 2011 upon learning that Nadi continued to practice dentistry notwithstanding the revocation of his license. He was arrested last year after being a fugitive since 2012.

“Dawer Nadi’s illegal practices put the health and safety of New Yorkers at risk, while cheating our state in the process,” said Attorney General James. “For years, Nadi used New York’s Medicaid program as his personal piggybank and provided dental services without a medical license. He attempted to evade accountability, but today, the justice system has finally caught up with him. On my watch, no one will be allowed to line his own pockets with public funds, and we will fight tooth and nail for the wellbeing of all New Yorkers.”

Following his first conviction in 2005, Nadi was barred from participating as a health care provider in the Medicaid program — a sanction known as “exclusion” — and was prohibited from receiving payment for treating Medicaid patients. At the time, Nadi agreed to pay the state restitution totaling $400,000 for the false claims he filed, but that debt remains unpaid. In January 2011, based on the 2005 conviction, Nadi’s license to practice dentistry in New York state was revoked and he was prohibited from practicing dentistry altogether.

In early 2011, OAG detectives learned that Nadi was still practicing dentistry on Long Island and treating Medicaid patients. A subsequent investigation led to Nadi’s arrest later that year and his indictment in 2012. After his arrest, Nadi fled to Afghanistan where he set up a dental practice. While an arrest warrant was issued for Nadi, the United States does not have an extradition treaty with Afghanistan and Nadi remained a fugitive until last year. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread worldwide, Nadi left Afghanistan and attempted to re-enter the United States. He was arrested on March 21, 2020 upon his arrival at JFK International Airport, and thereafter arraigned on the 2012 indictment.

Today, before the Honorable John B. Collins in Suffolk County Supreme Court, Nadi was sentenced on his conviction after a jury trial of: Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony; Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a class E felony; and eight counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, all class E felonies. The court imposed a sentence of 4 and 1/3 to 10 years imprisonment and ordered the defendant to pay $27,768.42 in restitution.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE CALLS FOR FEDERAL FUNDS TO HELP ADDRESS BASEMENT APARTMENTS AFTER MEETING WITH FLOOD VICTIMS

 

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement after meeting with victims of Hurricane Ida flooding in Queens today and ahead of an appearance by President Biden at the site of the disaster.

"As I spoke to New Yorkers again today who were devastated by last week's flooding - still grieving, still reeling from the scope of the damage - it was clear that while this disaster was natural, the reasons for much of the devastation it wrought were systemic, exacerbated by a failure to adapt our infrastructure or policies to the realities of both the climate crisis and the housing crisis.  

"So much of the loss our city saw last week, losses that many New Yorkers will feel for months and years to come, was suffered in basement apartments. Basement units are a critical component of meeting the need for housing stock in our city, but it is just as critical that government acts quickly to legalize, regulate, and protect these units and the countless tenants who call them home - including with proper warnings in times of crisis. The Mayor's announcement that he will not further penalize homeowners and their basement tenants with fines at this time is an essential preliminary step, and I appreciate his receptiveness to that need.  

"I am grateful that President Biden has issued a major disaster declaration and is providing the aid that designation entails. Right now, the focus is rightly on recovery - but in the immediate future, we need to direct attention and resources toward prevention, toward upgrading our infrastructure and protecting our neighbors and our homes. With the federal government allocating additional resources to our city and state in disaster response, it is crucial that funds be distributed to homeowners in order to legalize their basement units while maintaining lower rents for tenants who have already lost so much."

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's Hurricane Ida Aftermath Resources

Dear Friends,

I hope you and your families are continuing to do well. Hurricane Ida brought historic flooding last week with torrential downpours, major roadways and airports were impacted, power outages and fourteen individuals were killed by the storm. If you have been impacted by the Hurricane Ida, please find below the various resources available to you and your loved ones or call our office for assistance at 718-931-1721. Visit NYC.gov/Ida for more information. Sincerely, NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj

 

120 Days and Counting - Murder is down, Except in the Bronx

 

I had my City Hall in the Bronx in August. The murder rate in the city was down from from 58 in 2020 to 53 this year or a drop of 8.6 percent. Keep up the good work Commissioner Shea and the NYPD. So far citywide there have been 304 murders in 2021, and that is 3 less than there were for the same period in 2020. 

In the Bronx however the murder rate went up from 15 August 2020 to 24 in August 2021 or an increase of 60 percent, and the total for the year in murder in the Bronx went up from 75 in 2020 to 105 so far in 2021. In all of 2020 there were 111 murders in the Bronx, and with four months to go we will surpass the 2020 total very soon. It is quite possible the we could come close to the number of murders in the Bronx in 1998 which was 166 murders in the Bronx, according to the Comp Stat figures the police Department keeps.  

I can't understand that. The Bronx only has about 18 percent of the city's population, but has over 35 percent of the city's murders, then again under Mayor Bill de Blasio the Bronx has over 37 percent of the homeless population, with little if any of the services they need. Let me send more homeless people to the Bronx, this time to the East Side of the Bronx where there have not been any. Anyone, do you have any thoughts on why the murder rate is so high in the Bronx?

NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for August 2021

 

Murder, Shooting Incidents and Overall Crime Declines Compared with August 2020

 For the month of August 2021, the number of murders and shooting incidents in New York City declined compared with August 2020. Murder decreased by 8.6% (53 v. 58) while shooting incidents decreased by 30.7% (167 v. 241). Overall crime in the city decreased by 5.4% (8,824 v. 9,330) in August. While the department made 343 gun arrests for the month of August 2021, a 6.3 % decrease compared with last August, gun arrests for the first eight months of 2021 have increased by 37% (3,025 v. 2,208) compared with gun arrests through August 2020 and are up 30.3% (3,025 v. 2,321) compared with the number of gun arrests through August 2019.

In August 2021, the decrease in overall index crime in the city, compared with August 2020, was driven by a 27.2% decrease in burglary (998 v. 1,371), and a 10.9% decrease in robbery (1,156 v. 1,298). For the month of August, Grand Larceny Auto decreased by 5% (1,022 v. 1,076), while the crime of grand larceny posted a 4.1% increase (3,422 v. 3,287) compared to the previous year.

The crime reductions of August deepen those experienced in June and July, reflecting the NYPD’s relentless focus on precision policing to reduce violence across New York City. In fact, the number of overall index crimes reported in the city through the end of August is the lowest tally for the first eight months of any calendar year since the start of the modern CompStat era nearly three decades ago.

Our NYPD officers have made consistent progress in curtailing gun violence, anchored by the department’s continuing to build strong long-term cases against those who carry out violence using firearms. For the month of August, the number of shootings declined in every borough of the city except Staten Island, where the number remained constant (2 v. 2), compared to the previous year. As we have repeatedly said, there is more work to do to continue driving down the kind of violence that tears at the fabric of our city. Our officers relentlessly work to connect those who commit violent acts with their crimes and thus boost our ability to clear cases and ensure a measure of justice for victims. As the court system expands its operational capacity, the NYPD and its prosecutorial partners will continue presenting long-term case investigations that expressly hold accountable these drivers of violence.

Integral to the department’s steady public safety strategy is working with community partners, addressing local concerns and implementing intelligence-driven plans. Every act of violence that occurs is analyzed in real time by NYPD commanders who remain flexible in their deployment of officers to violence hotspots as well as their strategic use of overtime to increase police presence at critical times. The NYPD spares no resource and monitors every emerging crime trend to best utilize its committed personnel and to ensure offenders face meaningful criminal justice consequences.

“Every day, our Police Department, and our hardworking men and women who make it up, are continuing to develop better ways to police, encouraging better community relations and ensuring community safety for all,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “Our city’s common future depends on this unwavering commitment to safety, fairness, intelligence-driven policing, targeted deployments, and state-of-the-art training – all with the continuing aim of reducing the damaging impact of criminality and violence in New Yorkers’ lives.”

Statistics on Index Crimes

	August 2021	August 2020	+/-	%	YTD 2021	YTD 2020	+/-	%
Murder	53	58	-5	-8.6%	304	307	-3	-1.0%
Rape	141	130	+11	+8.5%	986	994	42	4.4%
Robbery	1156	1298	-142	-10.9%	8229	837	-144	-1.7%
Fel. Assault	2032	2110	-78	-3.7%	14495	13853	+672	+4.9%
Burglary	998	1371	-373	-27.2%	7673	10097	-2424	-24.0%
Grand Larceny	3422	3287	+135	+4.1%	22890	22507	+383	+1.7%
G.L.A.	1022	1076	-54	-5.0%	6376	5435	+941	+17.3%
TOTAL	8824	9330	-506	-5.4%	60953	61486	-533	-0.9%

Here are the Bronx murder rates which was up 60% for August 2021, and Year to date which is up 40% for the year 2021 so far. 

CompStat Bronx Report Covering the Week 8/30/2021 Through 9/5/202

Murder - 28 Day - 2021 2020  Chg - 24 - 15 60.0% increase.

Murder - Year to Date*-  2021 2020 Chg - 105 - 75 40.0% increase.

Representative Adriano Espaillat Hosts 20th Anniversary 9/11 Blood Drive

 

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will host a community blood drive from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT at the Adam Clayton Powell Office Building, #508 Harlem State Office Building, located at 163 West 125^th Street in honor of the heroes and victims who lost their lives on September 11.

"September 11th serves as a reminder to each of us and our allies around the globe of the tragic loss of the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans and our strength as a nation to stand united in the face of terrorism," said Rep. Espaillat.

"As our nation will soon mark the 20th year since the attack, we remember and will never forget the lives lost that fateful day and the lives that have been impacted since. I am grateful to the American Red Cross of the Greater New York Region for collaborating in today's blood drive for residents throughout New York's 13th congressional district and encourage all who are eligible to participate.

"As we honor the lives we lost and reflect on the memories of that fateful day, our nation is forever grateful for the strength and bravery of the individuals who helped their fellow New Yorkers, colleagues at the Pentagon, and fellow passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, and we vow to never forget their sacrifices that continue to impact our nation still today."  

To make an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

About blood donation 

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements. 

 

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. 

 

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to give blood. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility. 

 

Blood drive safety 

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. 

City of New York Receives Funding from Con Edison to Install Fast Electric Vehicle Chargers

 

Funding Will Help Support the Installation of  100 Fast Chargers to Power City Vehicle Fleet, Public Use   

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and Con Edison today announced, on World Electric Vehicle Day, that Con Edison has awarded an initial $250,000 to the City of New York towards a portion of its planned installation of 100 fast electric vehicle chargers. The fast chargers will service City of New York fleet vehicles and at least 10 will be available for public use. The funding from Con Edison, part of its PowerReady program, provides incentives to offset the cost of electric infrastructure associated with installing level-2 and DC fast electric vehicle chargers. The funding announced today will reimburse costs for 15 fast chargers across six locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Fast charging is up to seven times faster than level 2, or slow charging, and the use of these chargers will extend charging capabilities for City trucks and emergency vehicles. The funding announced today is the first award out of a total of $1.3 million in awards DCAS could potentially receive from Con Edison to support 39 of the City of New York’s 100 fast chargers. Ninety of these fast chargers have been placed in operation so far in the last year.   

   

The City of New York’s municipal vehicle fleet includes 2,350 on-road electric vehicles and 796 off-road electric and solar units, and the entire fleet will be all-electric by 2040. To support this transition, the city currently has 1,061 electric vehicle charging ports to service its fleet. This network is the largest charging network in New York state and includes level-2 chargers, level-3 fast chargers, a mobile charger, and the nation’s largest network of 89 free-standing solar charging carports. The award from Con Edison will support the completion of the City’s first 100 fast chargers as well as help DCAS further expand the charging network.   

   

“The climate crisis is real and it’s urgent, and that’s why the City of New York is transitioning to an all-electric municipal vehicle fleet by 2040,” said Lisette Camilo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “To achieve this ambitious goal, investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure are crucial. We thank Con Edison for its ongoing partnership in building a more sustainable future for our city.”   

  

“Con Edison is making it easier for our customers to switch to electric vehicles, and we applaud the City of New York for its early leadership in EV adoption and plans to take its fleet all-electric by 2040,” said Raghusimha Sudhakara, Director of Electric Vehicles and Demonstration Projects, Con Edison. “Our PowerReady program is the second largest of its kind in the nation supporting EV charging infrastructure, and will play a vital role in delivering the clean-energy future New Yorkers want and deserve.”  

 

"Investing in electric vehicle infrastructure is critical to the decarbonization of our transportation system and the health and safety of all New Yorkers," said Ben Furnas, the Director of the NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Sustainability. "Con Edison's ongoing partnership with the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services will advance the building of fast chargers across the city, reduce climate-changing greenhouse gases, and accelerate our transition away from fossil fuels."  

  

“The City of New York operates the largest electric vehicle fleet and electric vehicle charging network in New York state,” said Keith Kerman, NYC Chief Fleet Officer and DCAS Deputy Commissioner. “And these efforts have only just begun. We thank Con Edison for their technical, on the ground, and financial support as we continue to expand our charging network to meet the requirements of an all-electric fleet of over 30,000 units by 2040.”   

  

Con Edison’s PowerReady Program will cover as much as 50% to 90% of the installation cost for the electric vehicle chargers. The New York Public Service Commission issued an order in July 2020 approving the EV PowerReady Program to help New York meet its emissions reduction targets by supporting increased adoption of electric vehicles through statewide deployment of more than 50,000 electric vehicle charging plugs by the end of 2025. In total, $290 million in funding is available under the program.   

   

The City of New York also participates in Con Edison’s SmartCharge program that incentivizes electric vehicle charging during non-peak hours. The City has received $77,000 in support from this program since 2017.