New York City Council Releases New Report on City Employee Pay Equity, Legislation to Address Disparities

 

Council’s 2022 Pay Equity Report finds pay inequities remain, particularly among women, Black and Latino municipal workers

Speaker Adrienne Adams and the New York City Council today released its annual report on pay inequities within New York City’s municipal workforce, showing continued inequities. In conjunction with the release of the 2022 Pay Equity report, the Council also is holding a hearing on pay inequities in the City’s workforce and legislation to address them.

The 2022 report reveals two persistent, large pay gaps in the City’s municipal workforce – one between Black, Latino, and white employees, and another between male and female employees. The data confirms non-white employees and female employees predominantly occupy civil service titles with the lowest median salaries, and the same groups represent a much smaller proportion of employees who occupy civil service titles with the highest median salaries. This produces an ‘occupational segregation’ that results in pay disparities.

• Female municipal employees on average make 73 cents for every dollar made by male employees;
• Black city workers on average make 71 cents to every dollar for white employees;
• Latino workers on average make 75 cents to every dollar for white employees; and
• Asian employees on average make 85 cents to every dollar for white employees.

Furthermore, pay inequity is particularly higher among non-white female employees. Black and Latino women municipal employees make 69 cents to every dollar made by white male employees, and Asian women city workers make 82 cents for every dollar made by white male city workers.

While a small but significant pay inequity can be observed within the same civil service titles (Black, Latino and Asian city workers earn about 99 cents on every dollar for white workers of the same civil service title), the pay inequity is most pronounced for non-white female employees.  for non-white female employees. While Black or African American male employees make 0.9% less than white male employees with the same title, Black or African American female employees and Hispanic or Latina female employees make even less—1.4 percent and 1.3 percent less, respectively.

The full report is available here.

“We have long been aware that, even within our municipal workforce, pay disparity exists along racial and gender lines,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These pay inequities especially affect Black, Latina, and Asian women. As the most diverse and first women-majority Council, we will not rest until all New York City workers are valued equally with job salaries and opportunities for their contributions to our City regardless of gender or race.”

The pay equity report is the product of the Council’s innovative Pay Equity Law (Local Law 18 of 2019), which requires the Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics (MODA) to publicly report New York City municipal employee pay data publicly and provide the Council with direct access to the data to facilitate its own annual statistical analysis. It is the only such law of its kind in the City. The 2022 report builds on the analysis of the Council’s 2021 Pay Equity report.

The new legislation being heard at today’s hearing would require city agencies to include an analysis of compensation data and measures to address pay disparity and occupational segregation, as well as report on recruitment and retention efforts to expand diversity across city government. It would also amend the existing Pay Equity Law 18 of 2019 to require that agencies provide new categories of information to the Council for each City employee, expand the definition of ‘agency’ to capture more of the City workforce, and provide the Council with the pay and employment data year-round to provide more robust oversight over public municipal employee data. The three proposed bills will be heard at a Thursday oversight hearing of the Council’s Committees on Civil Service and Labor & Civil and Human Rights. Earlier this week, the Council announced legislation to improve the diversity, equity and inclusion practices at the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY).

The proposed legislation is as follows:

Introduction 515, sponsored by Speaker Adams, would require that the agencies include an analysis of compensation data and measures to address pay disparity and occupational segregation. The head of each agency would also be required to submit an annual report on the number of new full-time and part-time employees retained, promoted, terminated, or that resigned and their compensation. Finally, the bill would require the Equal Employment Practices Commission to conduct a comparable worth analysis annually and submit its findings to the Mayor and the Speaker of the Council.

Introduction 527, sponsored by Council Member De La Rosa, would require each city agency that requires applicants to take a civil service exam to report annually in order to evaluate and expand diverse recruitment and retention within City government. The bill would also require reporting on agency training programs to again evaluate recruitment efforts across City government. Finally, the bill streamlines existing requirements on the Department of Education’s responsibility as it pertains to the dissemination of information on civil service examinations to high school juniors and seniors.

Introduction 541, sponsored by Council Member Louis, would amend the existing Pay Equity Law by requiring the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to provide new categories of information to the Council for each City employee with respect to the reporting of employment data. This bill also expands the definition of agency to capture more of the City workforce. Finally, this bill will also provide the Council the pay and employment data year-round so the Council can provide more robust oversight over the Administration.

Comptroller Lander Sends Letter to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink Demanding Stronger Action Toward Net Zero Emissions Reduction Across Portfolio

 

Letter sent during Climate Week calls for BlackRock to better align their actions with their climate commitments, and their recognition that climate risk is financial risk.

Today, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander shared a letter to BlackRock, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink to express growing concern that BlackRock’s investment actions do not align with its climate commitments, and to request immediate action by BlackRock to address these contradictions. The letter follows BlackRock’s response to the Attorneys General from Arizona, Nebraska, Kentucky, and 16 other states regarding the criticism of their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policies.

 

BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world, and the largest for three of the New York City pension funds (Teachers’ Retirement System, New York City Employees’ Retirement System and the Board of Education Retirement System), managing approximately $43 billion of their investments.

 

The three Systems have set a goal to reach net zero portfolios by 2040 and have taken significant steps to reach that goal. The letter states that the three NYC Funds climate commitments can only be met with the active support of their asset managers, starting with BlackRock.

 

In the letter, Comptroller Lander writes, “If we do not find a way to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement, the harm will not only be measured in lives lost and people displaced; it will also be measured in trillions of dollars lost in our collective portfolios.”

 

The letter requests swift action from BlackRock, and asks the company to:

1. Publish an implementation plan that makes clear BlackRock’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire portfolio, with concrete steps that detail how it intends to reach science-based targets on a specific timeframe, and clear mechanisms to regularly report on Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions for all assets in BlackRock’s portfolio.
2. Provide a detailed approach to keeping fossil fuel reserves in the ground and phasing out high-emitting assets.
3. Support climate action through transparent corporate engagement that requires disclosure of climate-related lobbying, works to end lending and insurance for new fossil fuel supply projects, and pushes for science-based targets at portfolio companies.

Selected text of the letter is below. To read the letter in full, please click here.

 

“BlackRock has repeatedly and rightly recognized climate change as an investment risk. In your 2020 letter to CEOs, you name climate change as a “defining factor in companies’ long-term prospects,” and declared your “investment conviction that sustainability- and climate-integrated portfolios can provide better risk-adjusted returns to investors.” Your 2021 letter to CEOs committed to “supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner”—in line with BlackRock’s pledge as a signatory to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAMI)—and asked businesses to disclose how they are integrating their own net zero plans into their long-term business strategies.

 

“Unfortunately, despite these repeated proclamations, in its September 6 response to the attorneys general, BlackRock now abdicates responsibility for driving net zero alignment in its own portfolio by saying that it does not ask companies to set specific emissions targets, and that its participation in NZAMI does not mean BlackRock is setting or meeting any net zero targets. BlackRock even goes so far as to tout its continued investment in fossil fuels—without specific net zero targets or commitments or any plan for a phased transition away from the very investments that increase carbon emissions—as somehow a necessary part of a transition to a green economy. A net zero goal that is not backed by a firm commitment to follow through is at odds with the path our economy must take to limit global temperature rise below 1.5°, or even 2.0°C.

 

“The fundamental contradiction between BlackRock’s statements and actions is alarming. BlackRock cannot simultaneously declare that climate risk is a systemic financial risk and argue that BlackRock has no role in mitigating the risks that climate change poses to its investments by supporting decarbonization in the real economy. As a fiduciary cognizant of the risks of inaction, BlackRock must demonstrate a plan to use its position as the world’s largest asset manager, with all the corporate governance responsibilities that go along with that position, to move its portfolio companies to get their businesses in line with a net zero economy.”

…

 

“The Attorneys General from Arizona, Nebraska, Kentucky, and 16 other states who wrote to BlackRock on August 4, 2022, are waging a war of political distraction in the hopes of protecting the fossil fuel interests that have captured their states. We recognize the absurdity of Texas Comptroller Hegar’s recent directive to boycott BlackRock, which caters to short-sighted oil and gas interests, irresponsibly jeopardizes the returns of Texas pension funds, and potentially raises costs for Texas taxpayers. But political theater cannot and must not guide fiduciary actions.” 

…

“The scale of the climate crisis surpasses the ability of any one person, company, or country to address alone, and none of us will be spared its financial impacts. The global finance community has a critical role to play in addressing the climate crisis, and BlackRock, as the world’s largest asset manager, must begin to lead in deeds, not simply words. The fact that building and operating renewable energy has now become cheaper than burning fossil fuels is a testament to what the financial industry can achieve when it mobilizes its resources to address climate change. We must now take the next steps necessary to fulfill that potential and responsibility.”

Two Leaders And Member Of Rollin’ 30s Crips Gang Sentenced

 

“Big Homie” Randy Torres Oversaw Hundreds of Crips Members in the Eastern United States and, with Derrick Richardson, Participated in Murder of Nestor Suazo

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that defendants RANDY TORRES, a/k/a “Rico,” was sentenced to 39 and 1/2 years in prison and WALSTON OWEN, a/k/a “Purpose,” was sentenced to 39 and 1/2 years in prison today for their roles as leaders of the violent Rollin’ 30s Crips street gang.  DERRICK RICHARDSON, a/k/a “J-ROCC,” who served under Torres in the Rollin’ 30s Crips, received a sentence of 24 and 1/2 years in prison today for shooting and killing Nestor Suazo, 25, on September 19, 2015, in the Bronx, New York.  Richardson’s sentence was imposed to run concurrently with a previously imposed sentence of 11 years in prison for related Crips offenses.  United States District Judge Victor Marrero imposed today’s sentences.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Randy Torres and Walston Owen were leaders of a violent gang that terrorized the law-abiding citizens of the Bronx neighborhoods where the gang operated.  Under their leadership, two individuals were killed, and others were caught in the crossfire of the gang’s shootings.  One of those individuals, Nestor Suazo, was killed at Torres’s direction by Derrick Richardson.  Nothing can undo the trauma experienced by his family and the many others affected by the defendants’ crimes, but justice requires that those responsible be held accountable.  Today, Torres, Owen, and Richardson were rightly sentenced to decades in prison for their horrific crimes.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictments, other documents in the public record, and the evidence at trial:

From at least in or about 2009 up to and including in or about 2017, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, RANDY TORRES, WALSTON OWEN, DERRICK RICHARDSON, and others were members or associates of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Rollin’ 30s,” also known as the “Harlem Mafia Crips” or “Dirt Gang.”  In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Rollin’ 30s committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery; and they conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics.

TORRES, a “Big Homie,” described himself as “four levels from the top” of the Crips national leadership and oversaw the management of multiple Crips sets and hundreds of Crips members in New York City and elsewhere.  TORRES was employed as a maintenance worker in a Bronx elementary school during part of the offense and used the school and its gym to hold gang meetings where he handled gang business.  The evidence at trial showed that TORRES committed and ordered multiple acts of violence, including ordering a shooting in September 2015 that killed Nester Suazo, a/k/a “Smacc.”  The shooting was carried out by RICHARDSON, a soldier in the Rollin’ 30s who served under Torres.  RICHARDSON was captured on surveillance footage fleeing the scene of the murder and discarding the gun he used in the shooting.

OWEN was the leader of the “Stratford Avenue Rollin’ 30s,” a subset of the gang in the Bronx.  As the head of that set, Owen stored guns for the gang, collected money, issued directives to younger or less powerful members, and participated in numerous acts of gang violence, including committing a shooting in May 2015 that injured two innocent bystanders and ordering a shooting that resulted in the March 2015 Bronx murder of another innocent bystander, Victor Chafla.

TORRES and OWEN were convicted after trial before United States District Judge Victor Marrero in February 2022 of racketeering conspiracy offenses.  OWEN was also convicted of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses.  Those charges were brought in the case United States v. Torres, et al., 16 Cr. 809 (VM).  As part of that same case, RICHARDSON previously pled guilty in January 2019 before Judge Marrero to narcotics conspiracy and racketeering conspiracy.   In October 2021, RICHARDSON pled guilty in a related case to narcotics offenses in connection with Suazo’s homicide.  Those charges were brought in the case Unites States v. Richardson, 20 Cr. 299 (VM).

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Marrero sentenced Torres, 41, of New York, to three years of supervised release, Owen, 38, of New York, to five years of supervised release, and Richardson, 29, of the Bronx, New York, to three years of supervised release.

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

Governor Hochul Announces Actions to Prepare New Yorkers for Rising Global Energy Costs This Winter

 

Public Service Commission Chair Sends Letters to State Utilities Requesting Actions To Mitigate Fuel Supply Disruptions

Governor Convenes Fuel Providers in New York State to Ensure Adequate Supplies are Available

Tips for Consumers To Maximize Energy Efficiency, Affordability, and Comfort

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new State actions to prepare New Yorkers for rising global energy costs and supply issues expected this winter. At Governor Hochul's direction, Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian sent letters to Chief Executive Officers of New York State's largest utility companies, urging measures to mitigate the anticipated extreme commodity price increases over the winter and enhanced customer communications. The Governor also directed State agencies to convene fuel providers across the state to ensure adequate heating fuels are available this winter. New Yorkers can also take advantage of cost-efficient programs in anticipation of the winter to adopt energy efficiency and electrification solutions for homes and businesses.

"Just like the heat waves experienced earlier this summer, New Yorkers should be fully prepared this winter for rising global energy costs as temperatures drop and it takes more energy to heat their homes," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is working closely with partners across the state to make sure New Yorkers have access to assistance and programs that help manage these rising costs while keeping their homes warm during the colder months."

The global commodity costs of natural gas, heating oil, and propane have continued to rise, resulting in utility and heating cost increases, along with additional increases oil and gas prices. In his letter to utility companies, PSC Chair Christian is requiring that utilities enhance the reliability of the natural gas distribution systems during the upcoming winter heating season, which comes in response to the Governor's March directive for State agencies to find solutions to the expected increase in energy prices and potential supply issues related to home heating oil. Specifically, the state's utilities — including Con Edison, Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland, National Grid, NYSEG, RG&E, National Fuel Gas, and PSEG-LI — must undertake the following actions, among others, to mitigate the impact of potential oil supply disruptions:

1. Enhanced Communications: Utilities will immediately send letters to dual-fueled commercial customers, including interruptible customers, to advise them to fill their alternate fuel tanks now. 
2. Fuel Storage Inspections: Utilities will inspect the alternate fuel tanks of all dual-fuel customers where human needs are served (e.g. New York City Housing Authority housing, homeless shelters, schools, hospitals, etc.) by November 1 to ensure they have adequate supply on hand (full tanks or the equivalent of five days of supply) before the winter heating season begins. 
3. Alternative Supply Review: Utilities will review utility emergency plans to address alternate fuel supply disruptions during peak gas demand. If dual fuel customers cannot be served with natural gas and are unable to replenish alternate fuel supplies, the utility should be prepared to work with local and state government agencies to protect public health and safety when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. The plan should include the roles and responsibilities for setting up warming centers, providing hot meals, establishing lists of master plumbers in case pipes freeze in unheated buildings, and identify the company and other resources that might be needed.
4. Enhanced Coordination: In the event of an oil supply disruption, electric generators may have more difficulty procuring No. 2 Oil than home heating customers. Utilities are required to continue to have strong coordination with the New York Independent System Operator and major power generators to encourage the dual-fuel operators to fill tanks in advance of the winter heating season.  

PSC Chair Christian requested a response with recommendations for how each utility will execute on all of the actions by September 30, 2022.

New York State Public Services Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, "Global commodity prices are likely to stay inflated and rise during the winter heating season. It is therefore essential that utilities continue to have ongoing, robust communication with customers to help them access available assistance programs and be able to manage their energy costs. In preparation for this winter, utilities must also work with their "interruptible" customers, who by system design help to meet reliability needs during any periods of extreme cold weather by using alternate fuels."

In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an Enforcement Discretion letter to support efforts to address fuel supply and cost issues related to the new bioheating fuel law. The Enforcement Discretion letter alleviates the lack of compliant fuel, especially in northern regions of New York State, by providing a limited, one-year reprieve from the new bio-blending requirement. Enacted in late 2021, the new law establishes minimum levels of biodiesel in all heating oil for use in buildings to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.  

As energy prices rise during the winter months, New Yorkers can take the following steps to protect against higher energy costs:

• Apply for HEAP. Apply for HEAP. Beginning November 1, applications will be accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which can provide up to $976 to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. To qualify for heating assistance from HEAP, a family of four must have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,485, or an annual gross income of $65,829.
• Take immediate action to be more energy efficient. NYSERDA offers energy saving tips for residents and homeowners, as well as businesses that can lower energy usage. NYSERDA also offers a range of home energy efficiency programs that can help save energy and reduce costs over time. Income-eligible customers may qualify for reduced cost or free energy upgrades to their homes through EmPower New York and Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® programs. Homeowners should also check with their local gas and electric utility companies to access discounted products and services that can help them lower their energy costs all year long.
• Receive a customized list of energy-related assistance in the State. New York Energy Advisor can help income-eligible New Yorkers managers locate programs that help them spend less on energy and create healthier and more comfortable spaces. With the New York Energy Advisor, consumers answer simple questions and get connected with energy-saving offers in New York State. Sponsored by NYSERDA and utilities, qualified New Yorkers can get help paying utility bills, receive special offers on heating assistance, and more.
• Sign up for Community Solar. Community Solar allows New Yorkers, including renters, co-op and condo owners, and businesses to save money every month on their electric bills. Consumers can subscribe to a Community Solar project where available and start receiving credits on their electric bill for the clean energy produced by a solar farm. Find more information on how to sign up for a Community Solar project here.
• Get a free energy audit. Homeowners across New York are eligible for a free home energy assessment through NYSERDA's Residential Energy Audit Program. Home energy assessments are available both in-person and using remote technologies. Trained and qualified contractors who provide energy assessment services can help homeowners decide which energy improvements are worth investing in, install the improvements, and assist in connecting homeowners with NYSERDA's low-interest financing programs.
• Reduce your business or building's energy costs. Community Energy Advisors across New York State can help residents, businesses, and multifamily building owners reduce their energy use and costs.
• Join a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign. Participating in a campaign eases the process of replacing a community member's current heating or cooling system with clean heating or cooling technology by connecting members with pre-qualified contractors and outlining potential incentives, tax breaks, financing, and payment options. Experienced contractors can give a home or business owner a holistic assessment to determine if their home or business space will also benefit from weatherproofing upgrades that can further increase comfort and reduce energy bills. Visit NYSERDA to see if your community is participating in a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign.
• Know your rights and protections. The New York State Home Energy Fair Practices Act has comprehensive protections for residential customers regarding their utility services. These rights include the option to pay bills in installments, a cap on late fees, sufficient notice prior to shut-off of services, and protections for those on a fixed income or with medical conditions. Learn about these from the Department of Public Service at AskPSC.
• Consider bill payment options. When getting in touch with your utility provider, inquire about billing options that allow for deferred payments or "budget billing" options that balance out bills that are higher in one season and lower in another. This can structure your payments and make it easier to navigate costs.
• Better understand the energy management of your building. Put Energy to Work provides a deeper understanding of tools and programs for businesses that help in energy management for commercial and industrial buildings and includes resources that can increase profitability, create a competitive advantage, and achieve greater resiliency.

Visit NYSERDA for more information about the programs, funding and technical assistance available to assist homeowners, renters, and businesses manage their energy needs.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RELIEF CENTERS TO FURTHER SUPPORT ASYLUM SEEKERS ENTERING NYC

 

Centers to Provide Humanitarian Relief to Thousands of Asylum Seekers Arriving in NYC

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the city will open Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers to support the hundreds of asylum seekers arriving in New York City each day from Texas and other border states. As the number of asylum seekers sent to New York City continues to grow, these humanitarian relief centers will provide assistance to newly arriving individuals and families and ensure they continue to be connected to the full range of services and supports they need. Humanitarian relief centers will become the first touch point for arriving asylum seekers, helping people by immediately offering shelter, food, medical care, case work services, and a range of settlement options including through connections to family and friends inside and outside of New York City, in addition to, if needed, the possibility of direct referrals to alternative emergency supports or city shelter.

 

“More than 100 years ago, Ellis Island opened its doors to welcome in those ‘yearning to breathe free.’ Now, more than ever, it’s clear that we are again dealing with a humanitarian crisis created by human hands. While other leaders have abdicated their moral duty to support arriving asylum seekers, New York City refuses to do so,” said Mayor Adams. “This is not an everyday homelessness crisis, but a humanitarian crisis that requires a different approach. That’s why the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers will be the first touchpoint for asylum seekers that will provide them with a range of services and support as families determine their next steps. This emergency response represents what we know must be done during this humanitarian crisis, as we continue to seek assistance from our federal and state partners to continue this work. Like the generations that came to our city before, New York will provide the thousands now coming to our city with the foundation to build a better life.” 

A past example of what the outside of a Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center will look like. New York City’s setups will likely have some differences. Above and below.

 

“This is a humanitarian crisis that requires a new approach designed specifically to best assist those coming to our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers will have services tailored to the asylum seeker population, including providing settlement options, as well as legal information and health and safety supports. In this unprecedented time, we’re laser focused on supporting the parents, children and individuals who deserve compassion and support, and these centers are one piece of our work to do just that.”

 

“We need to assess and address asylum seekers’ needs as soon as they arrive, and connect them with services as quickly as possible,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks. “The relief centers will be a crucial piece of our overall response to help these asylum seekers get their necessary assistance.”

 

“As hundreds of migrants continue to enter New York City each day, we must take steps to ensure their health and safety as well as maintain our ability to provide essential services; that’s why we’re proud to announce the launch of the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers. These centers will provide services such as wellness checks and temporary shelter when individuals and families first come to the city,” said New York City Department of Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol. “This is a true interagency effort, and we look forward to continuing this work with our partner agencies to ensure asylum seekers are receiving the resources they need after a long and difficult journey.”

 

“The mayor has made it clear that New York City takes care of its own, and NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to step up, answer this humanitarian crisis and help those in need,” said Mitchell Katz, MD, president and CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H). “Once again we will show cities around this country the value of a municipal health care system, and our commitment to the health of all our patients regardless of their immigration status.”​

 

“NYC Health + Hospitals has always been committed to caring for all those who call New York City home. We are proud to now extend our mission to help all individuals and families seeking asylum by operating the city’s first Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers,” said Ted Long, MD, MHS, senior vice president, Ambulatory Care and Population Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “We look forward to working together, as one city, to ensure that all asylum seekers receive the proper welcome, care, and respect they deserve.”

​

NYCEM and H+H will operate the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers and partner with other city agencies, as well as contracted partners and providers, to provide comprehensive on-site services and referrals. Two humanitarian relief centers will open in the coming weeks: Orchard Beach will open first serving adults, and a second location is still being finalized. Additional humanitarian relief centers may be opened in the coming weeks, as needed. All humanitarian relief centers will be expertly designed and built climate-controlled, safe spaces.

 

To the extent possible, buses will arrive directly at Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers or be directed there from the Port Authority. Once arriving, all asylum seekers who want them will be provided with settlement options, as well as immediate health, safety, and legal information. Asylum seekers who do not or cannot find immediate housing will stay at humanitarian relief centers for approximately 24 to 96 hours (these times are subject to change depending on the situation). The additional assessment time will ensure asylum seekers understand their options and can get to their desired destination quickly and smoothly.

 

New Jersey Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Actions Related to Capitol Breach

 

Defendant, an Army Reservist, Used Tactical Hand Signals and Commands as He and Other Rioters Entered the Building

  An Army reservist from New Jersey was sentenced today to 48 months in prison on felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His and others’ actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Timothy Louis Hale-Cusanelli, 32, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, was sentenced in the District of Columbia.

According to the government’s evidence, Hale-Cusanelli drove to Washington on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021. He joined a mob of rioters that illegally breached a police line attempting to secure the Capitol grounds. He commanded others in the mob to “advance” on the Capitol, a command he continued once inside. Hale-Cusanelli was among the first rioters to enter the Capitol Building, moving inside shortly after the breach that took place at 2:12 p.m. at the Senate Wing Door. He made harassing and derogatory statements toward Capitol Police officers, saying that a “revolution” was coming. He remained in the building for approximately 40 minutes. Days after the incident, Hale-Cusanelli told a friend that being in the Capitol was “exhilarating,” he was hoping for a “civil war,” and that the “tree of liberty must be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

At the time of the Capitol breach, Hale-Cusanelli was enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Hale-Cusanelli worked as a contractor at a naval weapons station, where he had a “secret” security clearance, and has since been barred from the facility.

Hale-Cusanelli was arrested on Jan. 15, 2021. He was found guilty by a jury on May 27, 2022, of a felony charge of obstruction of an official proceeding, and four related misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol Building. At sentencing today, the Court found that Hale-Cusanelli obstructed justice during the trial, when he made certain statements under oath, and applied an enhancement to the sentence. Following his prison term, Hale-Cusanelli will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also must pay $2,000 in restitution.

The case was investigated by the Northeast Field Office of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the FBI’s Newark and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

In the 20 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 870 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 265 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Just Home Supportive Housing Development Coming To 1900 Seminole Avenue In Morris Park, The Bronx

 

NYC Health + Hospitals and the Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) recently announced Just Home, a forthcoming housing project for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers with life-threatening medical conditions. Located at 1900 Seminole Avenue in the Morris Park section of The Bronx, the initiative will create approximately 70 studio and two-bedroom apartments.

The existing property at 1900 Seminole Avenue currently sits vacant on the NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center campus. Tenants will have access to intensive on-site social services provided by licensed clinical social workers, peer workers, and specialists, as well as health services at Jacobi Hospital. The Fortune Society, a non-profit organization focused on individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, will act as the developer, manager, and social service provider for the project.

“New York City has a dire need for supportive housing for our most vulnerable citizens, and few are more vulnerable than those exiting the justice system with serious health conditions,” said HPD commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Fortune Society has a long, proven record of helping justice-involved New Yorkers reintegrate with their communities, while NYC Health + Hospitals has the expertise to ensure residents receive the level of care and attention we all deserve.”

Just Home will be modeled after The Fortune Society’s Castle Gardens, an 11-story mixed-use property at 625 West 140th Street in West Harlem. Opened in 2011, the 114 apartments at Castle Gardens were also envisioned as transitional supportive housing for formerly incarcerated adults. Today, the property provides features 63 supportive apartments for formerly incarcerated and formerly homeless individuals, 50 units of affordable housing for members of the community, and one apartment for a live-in superintendent.

The Just Home project will ultimately require a ground lease between NYC Health + Hospitals and Fortune. Following a public hearing, the ground lease will need to be approved by the NYC Health + Hospitals board of directors and the New York City Council. Stakeholders are currently contending with fierce backlash from local residents who fear how an influx in formerly incarcerated residents will impact the safety of the Morris Park neighborhood.

“Housing is foundational to a person’s well-being, especially for people in the process of reentry from prison or jail,” said Stanley Richards, deputy CEO, The Fortune Society. “We know from our decades of safely housing people with conviction histories that they can be good neighbors. The neighborhoods that are home to our developments can attest to that.”

The Fortune Society does not expect to open the property until 2025 at the very earliest.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Castle Gardens property and Just Home are two different ideas. Castle Gardens is for healthy people who have served their time and are on parole, while the other Just Home has to be on a hospital campus with people who have not fully served their time and have not been paroled, but will be in the program because of their health conditions, and the community will not know what crimes those people may have been convicted of. Just Home will also include inmates in jail waiting for trial who may have been seriously injured in their alleged crime. 

PUBLIC ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FAILURES TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

 

 As the 2022-23 school year is underway, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams highlighted the ways in which city schools are failing to meet the needs of disabled students, including legal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. At a hearing of the Committee on Education Wednesday, he discussed the consequences of both inadequate services and inaccessible infrastructure for students, and pushed for passage of his legislation to require the Department of Education to report annually on the degree to which indoor and outdoor school facilities comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The accessibility of our school buildings is embarrassingly lacking," said Public Advocate Williams, who himself went through public school with a disability, during the hearing. "For disabled students, picking a high school means not only considering their choices based on academics and their interests, but finding out whether they can fit into bathroom stalls, use water fountains, if they have access to an elevator, or whether the school can provide the services mandated by their IEPs. With their options drastically limited, it is no surprise that only 58 percent of students with disabilities graduated from high school last year, compared to 81 percent citywide."

He also highlighted insufficiencies in transportation to schools as well as remote options during the height of the pandemic, and demonstrated that the reporting required by his legislation would be an invaluable tool, saying "This information is critical for students with disabilities and their families when deciding which school to attend, and provides us with additional data to target needed accessibility upgrades in our school system."

The Public Advocate’s full statement to the committee is below.

STATEMENT OF PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS

TO THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

Good afternoon,

My name is Jumaane D. Williams, and I am the Public Advocate for the City of New York. I would like to thank Chair Joseph and the members of the Committee on Education for holding this hearing.

In the 2021-2022 school year, 20.6 percent of New York City’s more than one million students had a disability. Despite being legally mandated to provide disabled students with the services they required, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DOE) did not meet mandated accessible education requirements. The pandemic has made it even more difficult for disabled students to get the support that they need, especially for students of color and those who live in low-income communities.  

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disabilty status. In schools, compliance with the ADA includes permitting accommodations including accessible education services, transportation to and from school, additional services to address a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), extra time between classes, and modifying testing, as well as physical changes to buildings, including grab bars in bathrooms, installing ramps and elevators, and widening doorways.

The accessibility of our school buildings is embarrassingly lacking. While students without disabilities can attend their local zoned schools or another school of their choice, students with disabilities often must choose their school based on whether they can physically navigate the building. For disabled students, picking a high school means not only considering their choices based on academics and their interests, but finding out whether they can fit into bathroom stalls, use water fountains, if they have access to an elevator, or whether the school can provide the services mandated by their IEPs. With their options drastically limited, it is no surprise that only 58 percent of students with disabilities graduated from high school last year, compared to 81 percent citywide.

According to the School Construction Authority, 73 percent of DOE schools are accessible. However, this includes not only schools that are fully accessible, but also those that are “partially” accessible. A partially accessible school is not accessible if a student cannot fit their wheelchair through classroom doors or fit into the bathroom stalls. Likewise, a school may be classified as fully accessible for those with mobility disabilities, but unable to accommodate a student who requires accessible education services due to, for example, a lack of qualified staff. 

The DOE must also address and resolve the transportation issues that have students missing school because their seat on a bus is not confirmed or their travel companion has not been assigned. I know there are parents who have missed work to stay home with the student or have used their grocery money to pay for a cab to take the child to school. No family should have to pay out of pocket for their child to get to school simply because their child has a disability.

For these reasons, I have introduced Intro 0582-2022, which would require the DOE to report annually on the degree to which indoor and outdoor school facilities comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This bill would also make public the contact information for each school’s ADA coordinator, the protocol for requesting an accommodation, and information regarding the extent to which zoned schools have the capacity to accommodate students and employees with disabilities. This information is critical for students with disabilities and their families when deciding which school to attend, and provides us with additional data to target needed accessibility upgrades in our school system.

The education disruption of the pandemic and remote learning has been hard on all of our students, but especially those with disabilities. We must be doing everything we can to ensure that disabled students are provided with equitable, high-quality education with all of the supports they need to succeed and thrive. I look forward to working with the Committee on Education and the City Council to achieve this goal.

Thank you.