DEC ANNOUNCES $3.375 MILLION IN CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANTS

 

Record Funding Amount for 51 Land Trusts to Protect Open Spaces, Improve Water Quality, and Support Local Economies

Grants Leverage an Additional $2.7 Million in Community Contributions and Private Support

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced $3.375 million in Conservation Partnership Program grants, the largest amount of funding for this program to date, for 51 not-for-profit land trusts across the state. The announcement, made during New York State’s Earth Week celebration, includes 80 grants funded through New York's Environmental Protection Fund and will leverage an additional $2.7 million in private and local funding to support projects that protect water quality and farmland, boost public access for outdoor recreation, and conserve open space. The Land Trust Alliance administers the Conservation Partnership Program in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“DEC is proud to partner with the Land Trust Alliance for this $3.3 million grant announcement, which supports land trusts across the state managing forests, conserving agricultural lands, restoring coastal and wetland areas, and bolstering essential projects in our fight against climate change,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Thanks to Governor Hochul and legislative leaders, the State’s record-high Environmental Protection Fund is making historic investments in local land trusts and community partners, sustaining their work to protect and preserve New York’s natural areas now and for future generations.”

Among the many environmental victories in the enacted 2022-23 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders increased the New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to $400 million, the highest-ever level of funding in the program's history. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers.

“The people of New York need and love open spaces for the many health, recreation, and economic benefits they provide,” said Meme Hanley, the Land Trust Alliance’s New York program manager. “These grants will leverage the strengths of the State’s land trust community to protect treasured local outdoor places and help provide important climate benefits. On behalf of the Land Trust Alliance, I applaud Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Assemblyman Steve Englebright, and Commissioner Seggos for their work to ensure New Yorkers enjoy clean water, healthy food, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity."

The $3.375 million in Conservation Partnership Program grants, and $2.7 million in private and local funding, will increase the resilience of State lands to the changing climate and contribute to climate solutions by storing carbon. Natural climate solutions will have a significant role in addressing risks associated with climate change. Since the Conservation Partnership Program's inception in 2002, the program has awarded 1,077 grants totaling more than $25 million to 92 land trusts. Cumulatively, the State's investment has leveraged $26.5 million in additional funding from local and private sources.

The grant awards announced today range from $3,750 to $100,000.

Capital Region - total $832,237

• Agricultural Stewardship Association: Capacity Grant $50,000; Transaction Grants $18,346
• American Farmland Trust: Catalyst Grant $57,870
• Capital Roots: Capacity Grant $50,000; Transaction Grant $24,262
• Columbia Land Conservancy: Catalyst Grant $100,000
• Huyck Preserve and Biological Resource Station: Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $50,000
• Lake George Land Conservancy: Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $20,130; Transaction Grant $27,540
• Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy: Capacity Grant $45,860
• Northeastern Cave Conservancy: Transaction Grant $8,229
• Rensselaer Land Trust: Capacity Grant $50,000
• Rensselaer Plateau Alliance: Professional Development Grant $100,000; Transaction Grant $50,000
• Saratoga PLAN: Professional Development Grant $100,000
• Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park: Catalyst Grant $80,000
  

Central New York - total $102,223

• Cazenovia Preservation Foundation: Capacity Grant $22,158; Transaction Grant $38,600
• Finger Lakes Land Trust: Transaction Grant $32,000
• New York Agricultural Land Trust: Capacity Grant $9,465
  

Finger Lakes - total $337,200

• Ducks Unlimited: Catalyst Grant $50,000
• Finger Lakes Land Trust: Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $98,000
• Genesee Land Trust: Capacity Grant $9,200; Professional Development Grant $100,000
• The Nature Conservancy: Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $80,000
  

Long Island - total $225,000

• Henry L. Ferguson Museum: Catalyst Grant: $35,000
• North Shore Land Alliance: Stewardship and Resource Management Grants $90,000
• Peconic Land Trust: Stewardship and Resource Management Grants $100,000

Mid-Hudson - total $743,592

• Catskill Center for Conservation and Development: Transaction $9,715
• Dutchess Land Conservancy: Catalyst Grant $13,500
• Esopus Creek Conservancy: Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $3,750
• Hudson Highlands Land Trust: Capacity Grant $18,000; Transaction Grant $50,000
• Kingston Land Trust: Transaction Grant $50,250
• Mianus River Gorge Preserve: Professional Development Grant $80,000; Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $22,000; Transaction Grant $48,000
• Mohonk Preserve: Capacity Grant $50,000; Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $40,000; Transaction Grant $22,500
• North Salem Open Land Foundation: Capacity Grant $10,620
• Northeastern Cave Conservancy: Transaction Grant $11,600
• Putnam County Land Trust: Capacity Grants $21,375
• Teatown Lake Reservation: Capacity Grant $27,302
• The Trust for Public Land: Transaction Grant $48,750
• Wallkill Valley Land Trust: Professional Development Grant $67,500
• Westchester Land Trust: Transaction Grants $100,000
• Woodstock Land Conservancy: Catalyst Grant $29,930; Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $18,800
  

Mohawk Valley - total $88,079

• Otsego Land Trust: Capacity Grant $39,920; Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $32,452
• Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust: Transaction Grant $15,707
  

New York City - total $155,252

• Brooklyn Queens Land Trust: Capacity Grant $34,450
• Green Guerillas: Stewardship and Resource Management Grants $45,802
• Open Space Institute: Catalyst Grant $75,000
  

North Country - total $444,572

• Adirondack Land Trust: Capacity Grants $29,000; Transaction Grant $75,000
• Champlain Area Trails: Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $23,500; Transaction Grant $33,240
• OBI Land Trust: Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $35,782
• Thousand Islands Land Trust: Capacity Grant $50,000; Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $98,050
• Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust: Professional Development Grant $100,000
  

Southern Tier - total $23,180

• Genesee Valley Conservancy: Transaction Grant $11,680
• Southern Tier Land Conservancy: Capacity Grant $11,500

Western New York - total $423,665

• Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust: Capacity Grants $63,366
• Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy: Capacity Grants $51,024
• Grassroots Gardens WNY: Professional Development Grant $100,000
• The Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York: Stewardship and Resource Management Grant $59,275
• Western New York Land Conservancy: Catalyst Grant $100,000; Transaction Grant $50,000

A detailed breakdown of these grants is available on the DEC website.

This year's grantees include 35 accredited land trusts that have secured independent verification that their work and operations meet high standards for land conservation, stewardship, and nonprofit management. Accredited grantees include Adirondack Land Trust, Agricultural Stewardship Association, Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, Champlain Area Trails, Columbia Land Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Dutchess Land Conservancy, Finger Lakes Land Trust, Genesee Land Trust, Genesee Valley Conservancy, Grassroots Gardens WNY, Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Huyck Preserve and Biological Resource Station, Lake George Land Conservancy, Mianus River Gorge, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, Mohonk Preserve, North Salem Open Land Foundation, North Shore Land Alliance, Open Space Institute, Otsego Land Trust, Peconic Land Trust, Putnam County Land Trust, Rensselaer Land Trust, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Saratoga PLAN (Saratoga Preserving Land and Nature), The Nature Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land, Thousand Islands Land Trust, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, Wallkill Valley Land Trust, Westchester Land Trust, Western New York Land Conservancy, and Woodstock Land Conservancy.

New York's investment in land conservation and open space supports local businesses, saves taxpayer dollars, and protects public health. The Trust for Public Land found that every $1 invested by New York's EPF generated $7 in total economic benefits from enhanced tourism, reduced government costs and improved public health.

About the Land Trust Alliance

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents more than 950-member land trusts and their 6.4 million supporters nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C. More information about the Alliance is available at the Land Trust Alliance website.

VACCINE OUTREACH PROGRAM REACHES 50K IMMIGRANT NEW YORKERS

 

 NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro today announced that its vaccine outreach program has reached over 50,000 immigrant New Yorkers across the city.  

 

As of April 2022, 97% of adult New Yorkers 18 and over have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, but only 44% have received a booster dose. Among Latinx and Black New Yorkers, 27% and 25%, respectively, have received a booster dose. The booster dose provides important protection against the Omicron variant and its subvariant BA.2.   

 

“The way forward and out of the pandemic is for everyone to get vaccinated and boosted,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “The more of us protected against COVID-19, the quicker we can get through this pandemic. But communities of color are lagging other communities in booster rates and now is the time to double down and ensure we take all the necessary steps to avoid another wave. We have the resources available, so New Yorkers shouldn’t hesitate another minute.” 

 

“We know that our greatest tool to fight the virus is to get vaccinated and to get boosted.  The cooperative work highlighted with this benchmark of reaching 50,000 people demonstrates the importance of partnerships with CBOs doing the work on the ground every single day to reach the children, families, and communities served by their programs,” said Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom.  “There is still much more to do to reach New Yorkers that are yet unvaccinated, but the strength of our approach in closing that gap lies with partnerships just like this one. Thank you again to MOIA, H+H, and all the CBO partners.” 

 

“Vaccines continue to be one of our most important tools against COVID-19,” said NYC Care Executive Director Jonathan Jimenez, MD. “We must continue to accompany New Yorkers and overcome barriers to vaccination, especially in communities most affected by this pandemic. I applaud the crucial work these organizations have done and continue to do.” 

 

"As vaccination remains key to the recovery of our city, MOIA will continue to ensure immigrant communities are included in the City’s outreach efforts,” said Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “We thank these organizations who have been critical to the City’s effort in reaching immigrant New Yorkers.” 

 

The targeted outreach effort was originally launched in October 2021 to reach undocumented New Yorkers who live outside of the 33 neighborhoods identified by the NYC Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity as hardest hit by COVID-19. The effort conducted outreach in 15 languages and worked with the following community-based organizations (CBOs) below to reach immigrant communities: 

• African Refuge 

• Sauti Yetu 

• BronxWorks 

• New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) 

• Arab American Family Support Center 

• Mixteca 

• Voces Latinas 

• DSI International 

• Mexican Coalition 

• Brighton Neighborhood Association 

• Make the Road New York 

• African Communities Together 

• Caribbean Women’s Health Associations 

• Worker’s Justice Project  

• Asian American Federation 

 

About NYC Care 

NYC Care is a health care access program that provides comprehensive and low or no-cost health care services through NYC Health + Hospitals (NYC H+H) for New Yorkers who cannot afford or are ineligible for health insurance. NYC Care provides a membership card, 24/7 customer service, access to comprehensive and affordable health care services, like primary care, mental health services, and sexual and reproductive health care, low-cost medications 24/7, and member materials in multiple languages – regardless of your immigration status or ability to pay. Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) to learn more and sign up today – privacy and confidentiality guaranteed. NYC Care became available at NYC Health + Hospitals locations in the Bronx starting in August 2019. NYC Care is now available in all five boroughs. 

 

About NYC Health + Hospitals 

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NYCHealthSystem or Twitter at @NYCHealthSystem. 

 

About the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs  

The NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) promotes the well-being of NYC’s immigrant communities by advocating for policies that increase justice, equity, and empowerment. MOIA leads, supports, and manages programs that help to successfully include immigrant New Yorkers into the civic, economic, and cultural life of the City. For more information on all MOIA services and the City’s many resources for immigrant New Yorkers, go to nyc.gov/immigrants; call the MOIA hotline at 212-788-7654 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday or send an email to AskMOIA@cityhall.nyc.gov; and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Statement from Attorney General’s Office in Response to Donald J. Trump’s Attacks

 

Today, New York Attorney General Letitia James' office released the following statement from Delaney Kempner, Director of Communications, in response to Donald J. Trump’s continued baseless attacks on her office and its ongoing, legal investigation:

“Like all Americans, Donald J. Trump is entitled to defend himself in court. However, this attorney general will not be bullied or intimidated by the former president. The courts have ruled time and time again that the office’s investigation into Mr. Trump and his financial dealings is legitimate and lawful, and Attorney General James will continue to follow the facts and the law wherever they may lead. Nothing will dissuade her from pursuing justice.”

Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare Emergency Response Assets Ahead of Late-Season Winter Storm

 

Winter Storm Warnings in Effect Throughout Central New York, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier Regions

Higher Elevations to See Heaviest Snowfall with Up to Foot of Snow for Parts of Central NY and Mid-Hudson Regions

Snowfall Rates of 1-2 Inches Per Hour Anticipated Through Tuesday Morning in the North Country

New Yorkers Urged to Prepare for Potential Downed Trees and Power Outages; Use Caution During Tuesday Commute

 Governor Kathy Hochul today directed State agencies to prepare emergency response assets as a late-season winter storm system is expected to bring snow and rain to several parts of the state beginning Monday evening and continuing through Wednesday morning. Winter Storm Warnings for heavy snow are currently in effect across areas with higher elevations in the Central New York, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier regions, which includes the Catskills. These areas are expected to see the heaviest snowfall with up to a foot of heavy, wet snow expected in parts of Central New York and the Mid-Hudson regions, as well as potential snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour in the North Country. Given the potential impacts of this system, New Yorkers should prepare for potential downed tree limbs and power outages in the areas of the heaviest snowfall, even if surface accumulations are minimal. Governor Hochul is also urging New Yorkers to use caution during the Tuesday morning commute.

"As New Yorkers, we know all too well that Winter can last beyond March, and this week we're preparing for a storm expected to bring up to a foot of snow in some parts of the state, making for a messy commute on Tuesday," Governor Hochul said. "State agencies are ready to respond to this late season storm system and we are urging New Yorkers to keep an eye on the forecast for local impacts and take precautions if traveling on Tuesday."

Parts of Central New York and the Mid-Hudson regions are expected to see up to a foot of snow by Wednesday morning. The Mohawk Valley Region could see up to seven inches of snow, and a general 2-5 inches of snow is expected for parts of the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York. The Capital Region and Finger Lakes regions are expected to receive two inches or less of snow, and the New York City and Long Island regions are expected to receive a few inches of rain from the weather system. Downed tree limbs and power outages are possible in regions of heaviest snowfall, even if surface accumulations are minimal.

Multiple weather warnings, watches, and advisories have been issuedacross the state in advance of the winter weather system. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Although we're more than halfway through April, snow is never out of the question in upstate New York. Our teams are fully prepared to handle this storm and will work with our local partners to make sure they have all the resources and support they need. While this storm isn't anything new for New Yorkers, we should all remain vigilant over the next 24 hours, check your local forecast, leave plenty of room Tuesday morning if you are traveling, and remember to check on friends and loved ones."

Safety Tips

Winter Travel

The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms are transportation-related crashes. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.

Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• Wet leaves on roadways can cause slippery conditions, making it important to drive at slower speeds when approaching patches of them.
• Make sure your car is stocked with blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick-energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.
• If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
• While driving, keep vehicles clear of ice and snow.
• Plan stops and keep distance between cars. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

For more safety tips, please visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDERING GIRLFRIEND

 

Defendant Seen Pushing a Shopping Cart Dripping Blood; Victim’s Body Was Never Found 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty by a jury of second-degree Murder for stabbing his girlfriend to death.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant killed his girlfriend and disposed of her body like garbage. Although her remains were never recovered, a jury listened to the facts of the case and found the defendant guilty. I hope this sentence brings some solace to the victim’s family.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Miguel Bonilla, 49, was sentenced today to 25 years to life in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy. The defendant was found guilty of second-degree Murder after a jury trial on January 31, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on August 9, 2016, the victim, Juana Alvarez, 52, was reported missing. It is believed she lived with her then-boyfriend Miguel Bonilla and her dog. On August 22, 2016, the defendant was arrested for not paying his subway fare. In a statement to police, he confessed to stabbing his girlfriend and disposing of her in a dumpster. The investigation led detectives to an upstate landfill, but the body was never located. A search warrant of the victim’s home found traces of her blood in the apartment. Detectives also obtained surveillance video showing Alvarez walking her dog walking outside the building daily until July 27, 2016, the last time she was ever seen. Two days later, the defendant was captured on video pushing a shopping cart dripping with blood.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Albert Crawford of the Arson and Explosion Unit (formerly of the 44th Precinct), and Detective John Entenmann of the Crime Scene Unit, as well as retired NYPD Detective Sean O’Leary of Bronx Homicide for their investigation.

MAYOR ADAMS, SANITATION COMMISSIONER TISCH ANNOUNCE $11 MILLION COMMITMENT FOR NEW STREET CLEANING INITIATIVES

 

Part of Earth Week Commitment to Getting Stuff Done for NYC Neighborhoods and Planet

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced an $11 million investment in cleaner streets and improved mobility for DSNY. As part of an effort to make New York City streets cleaner, alternate side parking will be fully restored beginning July 5, 2022, and in an effort to reduce New York City’s carbon footprint, funding for year-round protected bike lane cleaning will make biking an even more reliable mode of transportation for New Yorkers. This $11 million commitment will appear in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) executive budget to be released later this month.

“We’re no longer just going to talk about cleaning up our streets or taking steps to fight climate change, but we’re going to actually put really money behind these initiatives and lead by example here in New York City,” said Mayor Adams. “To begin Earth Week, we’re committing $11 million to cleanliness and expanded mobility so that our city can come back stronger than ever. This announcement includes items that have been talked about for years, but we’re finally ‘Getting Stuff Done’ for our neighborhoods.”

 

“Environmental justice begins at the street level, and clean streets are vital to vibrant neighborhoods and our city’s economic recovery,” said DSNY Commissioner Tisch. “The nearly 10,000 DSNY employees — and I’m proud to count myself as one of them — are excited to be getting more of the tools we need to do our job of keeping the city healthy, safe, and clean.”

 

“Today’s announcement is a great way to kick off Earth Week by delivering cleaner and more efficient streets to New Yorkers,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “I thank Mayor Eric Adams for his leadership on climate and sustainability matters and look forward to New Yorkers enjoying clear bike lanes and cleaner streets. And I welcome new Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch as DOT continues our partnership with DSNY."

 

Today’s $11 million investment includes:

 

• A full restoration of alternate side parking (ASP), to allow DSNY’s mechanical brooms to do their jobs. Mechanical brooms are the city’s most effective tools for street cleaning — sweeping litter from along the curb on thousands of miles of New York City streets. ASP had been partially suspended as a COVID-19 pandemic measure, and this restoration is not only part of a return to normal, but to the high level of street cleanliness New Yorkers expect and deserve.
• Funding for both equipment and personnel to perform year-round street cleaning on protected bike lanes and other narrow infrastructure. DSNY will begin piloting sweeping operations this summer using a fleet of 10 Micromobility Operations Machines (MOMs), similar to the ones used to plow bike lanes effectively during winter 2021-2022. DSNY will have several dozen of these units in two different sizes by the end of next year.

 

“It's critical that we support a plan that keeps our streets clean and safe, supporting micromobility and helping reduce the reliance on fossil fuel burning cars,” said Julie Tighe, president, New York League of Conservation Voters. “The New York League of Conservation Voters is excited to see this new investment to keep bike lanes clean so more riders can take advantage of reliable transportation that helps keep our city healthier and safer, and we thank Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch for their leadership.”

 

“We applaud the New York City Department of Sanitation’s commitment to deploy new bike-lane sized sweepers this year,” said Eric McClure, executive director, StreetsPAC. “The significant investment in more nimble sweepers is critical for keeping up with the building of more safe, physically protected bike lanes, coupled with the full restoration of alternate-side parking, will go a long way toward giving New Yorkers the clean streets and sidewalks we all deserve. Kudos to Commissioner Tisch and Mayor Adams for this investment in cleaner and safer streets.”

 

Each of these initiatives builds on existing work by DSNY, and takes services for New Yorkers to a new level. During the partial ASP suspension, DSNY and the City Cleanup Corps continued to sweep the streets as effectively and as fully as possible. This announcement will facilitate that work further. Similarly, the MOMs street sweeping program follows a successful implementation of these devices for plowing — often simultaneous with car-lane clearance.

 

Permits Filed For 53 East 177th Street In Mt. Hope, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story mixed-use building at 53 East 177th Street in Mt. Hope, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of Walton Avenue and East 177th Street, the lot is within walking distance of the Tremont Avenue subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Mike Schwartz is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 84-foot-tall development will yield 52,359 square feet, with 50,520 square feet designated for residential space and 1,838 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 81 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 623 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have open space but no accessory parking.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed for the parking lot on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

MAYOR ADAMS, FORMER MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCE ‘SUMMER BOOST NYC’ PROGRAM TO SUPPORT 25,000 NYC STUDENTS

 

Program Will Provide Summer Learning and Enrichment for 25,000 Charter School Students

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg today announced the launch of ‘Summer Boost NYC’ — a new Bloomberg Philanthropies program that will support summer learning at public charter schools in New York City for approximately 25,000 K-8 students who have fallen behind and face significant learning gaps that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For two years, in-person learning disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying social- and health-related effects have resulted in significant learning loss, particularly for students of color from low-income families.

“Whether at a district school or a charter school, every young person should be invested in, and this $50 million investment will do just that,” said Mayor Adams. “Many of our sons and daughters had disrupted learning during the past two years because of the pandemic and deserve an opportunity to learn during the summer. This investment will give young New Yorkers in the program the chance to grow, to learn, and to explore their talents and imagination. I want to thank Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies for creating the Summer Boost NYC program, continuing to make massive investments in our children, and showing an entire nation how to make our schools work for everyone. With their support, we are ensuring no young person is left behind.”

 

“After two years of school closures and inadequate remote instruction, students across the U.S. have suffered unprecedented learning loss,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP; and 108^th Mayor of New York City. “The harm has fallen heaviest on the children who were already too far behind, especially low-income Black and Latino students. That could have devastating effects on their chances for graduating high school and going to college or beginning a career. Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks deserve credit for recognizing the crisis and taking immediate action by expanding Summer Rising across the city. The private sector and philanthropic groups also have a duty to step in and do what they can to help get kids back on track. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. This summer is a valuable opportunity to make up for lost ground, and we’re not going to let it slip by.”

 

“It is essential that every child in New York City has a safe and supportive place to grow this summer,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “I thank Mayor Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies for their generosity and for helping to lift up our youngest New Yorkers.”

 

A private study from McKinsey found that the pandemic fed the ongoing educational crisis already facing many students of color from low-income families in New York City. Unless urgent action is taken, some of these students may never catch up and their future higher education, employment, and wage-earning opportunities will be severely impacted. Recently, New York City expanded its Summer Rising program for 2022 and now serves 110,000 students in grades K-8 — up more than 10 percent from last year. Summer Boost NYC builds on the city’s Summer Rising initiative by aiming to support students at charter schools — which 14 percent of New York City public school students attend — expanding much-needed summer school programs to more than 135,000 students.