Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Chatuma Crawford

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Chatuma Crawford in Cicero, Onondaga County. Following a thorough investigation, including review of physical evidence, eyewitness accounts, crash reconstruction analysis, and body-worn camera (BWC) footage, OSI concluded that the officer involved in this case did not commit a crime.

In the evening of December 17, 2021, an off-duty police officer with the Town of Cicero Police Department (CPD) was driving with a passenger in an SUV on Northern Boulevard in Cicero. According to the officer, while he was driving in the left lane, he noticed that a car was stopped on the right shoulder of the road and that a person was standing outside the car on the driver’s side. After he passed the stopped car — while staying in the left lane — he hit something with his car. The officer stopped the car and immediately called 911. The officer and his passenger both later said they did not see anything in front of the car prior to impact. An off-duty member of the Syracuse Police Department, responding CPD officers, and paramedics performed life-saving measures, but Mr. Crawford was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Based on the medical examiner’s report and accounts from several witnesses, Mr. Crawford was dressed in all dark clothing and there were no streetlights along Northern Boulevard. The person the officer had seen standing outside the stopped car on the right shoulder of the road said that Mr. Crawford threw a cellphone in the street towards the left lane of traffic (where the officer was driving) and was walking towards the cellphone to retrieve it when he was struck. Based on the location of injuries to Mr. Crawford’s body, the medical examiner said it was likely that Mr. Crawford was bent over at the time of the collision. 

As part of the investigation, the New York State Police conducted a collision reconstruction that concluded that the officer was traveling at a reasonable speed, was not impaired, and that the lack of street lighting in addition to Mr. Crawford’s dark clothing contributed to the officer’s inability to see Mr. Crawford. 

The officer also submitted to an alcohol test following the incident, which was negative. 

Under New York law, proving criminally negligent homicide requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a person failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur; that the failure to perceive the risk was a gross deviation from a reasonable person’s standard of care; and that the person engaged in blameworthy conduct. In this case, there is no evidence that the officer was speeding or impaired, and therefore OSI concluded that criminal charges for the officer are not warranted.

RIKERS ISLAND INMATE INDICTED FOR THROWING MOP STICK INTO NYC DOC OFFICER’S FACE

 

Defendant Charged with Second-Degree Assault for Unprovoked Attack

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Rikers Island inmate has been indicted on second-degree Assault and additional charges for throwing a mop stick at a Department of Correction Officer’s face, narrowly missing his eye.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly unscrewed the mop head and used the stick as a javelin, throwing it at the Correction Officer who was behind a station window. The victim suffered an injury to his face that had to be surgically glued shut, along with significant bruising.”

 District Attorney Clark said defendant Nakim Williams, 29, was arraigned on December 28, 2022 on three counts of second-degree Assault, first and second-degree Promoting Prison Contraband, Obstructing Governmental Administration, and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Hornstein. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on March 16, 2023. 

 According to the investigation, on September 9, 2022, in the George R. Vierno Center, Williams allegedly removed a mop from a janitor’s closet and unscrewed the stick handle. A 56- year-old Correction Officer was making notes in a logbook at his station near the defendant when Williams allegedly took the mop stick and threw it through the station window, striking the victim in the head, causing a deep cut near his eye. He was treated at Mount Sinai Hospital for the laceration that required surgical glue closure. The victim also suffered bruising and pain.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Department of Correction Investigators Paul Smith and Walter Holmes, and Correction Officer Malik Staggers for their assistance in the investigation. 

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

DEC ANNOUNCES ADOPTION OF ADVANCED CLEAN CARS II RULE FOR NEW PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT-DUTY TRUCK SALES

 

All New Cars, Pickup Trucks, and SUVs Sold In New York To Be Zero-Emission by 2035

Requirements are Crucial to Help Implement Newly Finalized Climate Act Scoping Plan, Further Electrify Transportation Sector, and Improve Health of Communities

New York State Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today the adoption of new requirements to reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from the transportation sector. The Advanced Clean Car II regulations will require all new passenger cars and trucks sold in New York State to be zero-emissions by 2035. This step will accelerate zero-emission car sales, resulting in improved air quality statewide, particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by transportation-related pollution.

"Adopting Advanced Clean Cars II is a game-changing step for New York that will forever improve the health of our disadvantaged communities, and help bring about changes in zero-emission vehicle use here in the Empire State and across the country,” said Commissioner Seggos. “These requirements demonstrate New York’s commitment to, and Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership in acting on climate and laying a strong foundation of cutting greenhouse gases, reducing harmful pollution, and promoting the growth of the green transportation industry."

The Advanced Clean Cars II rulemaking supports New York's ambitious work of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels, as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). The regulation requires an increasing percentage of new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) each year, starting with 35 percent ZEV sales in model year 2026, leading to 100 percent ZEV sales by 2035. Advanced Clean Cars II also includes revised pollutant standards for model year 2026 through model year 2034 passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles with internal combustion engines. The regulation provides manufacturers with flexibility to meet the emission requirements and help advance a successful transition to cleaner vehicles.

Adoption of Advanced Clean Cars II is included among the recommendations in the Climate Action Council's recently released Scoping Plan and will be instrumental in achieving the greenhouse gas emissions reductions required in the Climate Act. On Dec. 19, New York State's Climate Action Council adopted the Scoping Plan, which outlines recommended policies and actions to help meet the Climate Act’s goals and requirements. The plan was the culmination of more than three years of collaboration, including contributions from the Council’s Advisory Panels and Working Groups, since the enactment of the Climate Act in 2019.

Reducing transportation-related emissions in this rulemaking will provide significant air quality benefits, including progress to reduce ozone, for many of New York's disadvantaged communities that are predominantly home to low-income Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and often adjacent to transit routes with heavy vehicle traffic. The newly adopted regulation will help health and pollution burdens affecting these communities.

Also announced today, New York State appliance and equipment standards under the Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2022 will be adopted on Jan. 1, 2023, to set minimum energy and water efficiency requirements for residential and commercial products that will save consumers $264 million annually on utility bills by 2035, with $85 million benefiting low- to moderate-income households. The standards ensure performance and quality to phase out poor, inefficient and wasteful products while reducing energy and water consumption to limit 807,000 metric tons and save more than 25 billion gallons in annual water by 2035 to help meet New York’s nation-leading emissions reduction goals under the Climate Act. 

The regulatory action announced today builds on New York's ongoing efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, including the adoption of the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation in December 2021. That regulation will drive an increase in the number of medium- and heavy-duty ZEV models available as purchase options for vehicle purchasers and fleets.

Both the Advanced Clean Trucks and Advanced Clean Cars II rules will provide the needed regulatory certainty to support a stable market for long-term vehicle purchasing decisions and the development of ZEV charging infrastructure.

New York is investing more than $1 billion in ZEVs of all weight classes over the next five years. Active light-duty vehicle initiatives include zero-emission vehicle purchase rebates through NYSERDA's Drive Clean Rebate Program, zero-emission vehicle and charging infrastructure grants through DEC's Climate Smart Communities Municipal Grant Program, as well as the "EV Make Ready" initiative, NYPA's EVolve NY charging infrastructure program, and DOT's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) charging infrastructure program to help expand electric vehicle use.

In addition to the Advanced Clean Car II regulations, New York incorporated California’s Heavy-Duty Low Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Omnibus and Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas standards under a separate rulemaking. The Heavy Duty Omnibus regulation requires medium- and heavy-duty engine manufacturers to sell new, cleaner vehicles (e.g., heavy-duty trucks) that meet more stringent NOx and particulate matter emissions standards, beginning with engine model year 2026. The regulation also includes revised test procedures and longer useful life and warranty requirements for applicable medium-and heavy-duty vehicles compared to current federal requirements. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized new clean-air standards for heavy-duty trucks beginning with the model year 2027. New York’s NOx emission standards for heavy-duty engines, when fully implemented, would be more stringent than the recently announced national standards.

DEC is implementing the regulations through an emergency rulemaking and also making the regulations available for public comment. Advanced Clean Cars II regulations will be available for public comment until March 6 and a virtual public hearing on the measure will be held on March 1. The Heavy Duty Omnibus regulation will be available for public comment until March 6 and a virtual public hearing will be held on Feb. 28. More details about the regulations, registering for the public hearings, and details on submitting public comments can be found in the State Register and on DEC’s website at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html#emergency

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.

Governor Hochul Announces Additional Reopenings of Major Western New York Highways in the Wake of Historic Snowstorm

 

Erie County Portion of I-190 and State Routes 5, 33, and 198 to Fully Reopen at 12 a.m. Tonight

All Major State Highways in Western New York Will Now be Open

State Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority Continue to Assist Local Municipalities with Snow Removal

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced that all major state highways in Western New York will reopen at midnight tonight following one of the most powerful winter storms to ever impact New York State. State Routes 5, 33, and 198, as well as the Erie County portion of Interstate 190 will fully reopen. Department of Transportation and Thruway maintenance forces, in coordination with first responders and local governments, have worked nonstop over the last few days to clear the local roads of snow and abandoned vehicles to ensure that these highways could reopen as quickly as possible. The openings come a day after the New York State Thruway (I-90), I-290, I-990, State Routes 400 and 219; and portions of I-190 in Niagara County and north of I-290 in Erie County reopened to vehicular traffic.  

"We are working around the clock to help Western New York recover from this historic winter storm, and we won't stop until the job is done," Governor Hochul said. "I am extremely grateful to all the highway maintenance workers, first responders and emergency service staff who continue to work tirelessly to help their fellow New Yorkers."  

State Department of Transportation and Thruway forces remain on the ground, plowing local roads across Western New York, as well as conducting snow blowing and load and haul operations. To date, the Department of Transportation has sent five waves of manpower and equipment, and mobilized contractor resources to help clear local roads and assist the City of Buffalo and local municipalities with snow removal. The Thruway Authority has also sent two waves of manpower and equipment to Western New York and will send more as conditions warrant.  

For all non-emergency service needs before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.  

MAYOR ADAMS APPLAUDS OPENING OF FIRST LEGAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY IN NEW YORK STATE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today celebrated the opening of the first legal cannabis dispensary in New York state, located in lower Manhattan.

“Today marks a major milestone in our efforts to create the most equitable cannabis industry in the nation,” said Mayor Adams. “The opening of the first legal dispensary in our state right here in New York City is more than just a promising step for this budding industry — it represents a new chapter for those most harmed by the failed policies of the past. The legal cannabis market has the potential to be a major boon to New York’s economic recovery — creating new jobs, building wealth in historically underserved communities, and increasing state and local tax revenue. At the same time, we will continue our efforts to educate unlicensed operators about the law and hold bad actors accountable. We are proud to celebrate this significant moment with Housing Works, lawmakers, and the advocates who made this day possible.”

 

“New York City's economy has reinvented itself as enterprising New Yorkers regularly embraced new industries and opportunities,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I am excited to see the state's first legal dispensary open in New York City, kicking off a new market for cannabis businesses to generate jobs and support economic development citywide. We must be vigilant to address the wrongs of past policies, ensuring that the communities that have been most impacted by the ‘War on Drugs’ benefit most from this growing industry. I appreciate all our city and state partners working together to achieve these aims with local organizations and businesses.”

 

“From day one, this administration has made equity a primary focus of New York City’s economic recovery, with small businesses at the heart of this effort,” said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “The cannabis industry has the potential to support up to 24,000 new jobs and generate over $1.3 billion in annual sales, and we have a responsibility to ensure that the seeds of this growing industry are planted in communities most harmed by the prohibition of the past. The Department of Small Business Services is proud to support the cannabis industry, and the many new licensed businesses that will take root across the five boroughs.”

 

“Congratulations to Housing Works Cannabis Co. for being the first legal adult-use dispensary in the state and our initial demonstration of New York’s equity-centered approach to building a thriving cannabis industry,” said Cannabis NYC Founding Director Dasheeda Dawson. “By supporting this legal cannabis business, our tax dollars are being reinvested into the communities disproportionately harmed during prohibition, and we are also contributing to sustainable funding to provide ongoing support of a non-profit organization providing lifesaving services to under-resourced communities. This is just the first historic milestone for New York City on our mission to becoming the number one global hub for cannabis industry excellence in education and equity across business, science, and culture. Cannabis NYC will continue to curate cannabis-specific resources and business services for all New Yorkers interested in cannabis-related entrepreneurship and workforce development, and we will hold the line on restorative justice and economic recovery goals while ensuring public health and safety. As we continue to build this new legal industry, Cannabis NYC is here to offer support and the necessary education.”

 

New Yorkers can learn more about Cannabis NYC online.

Nos Quedamos - Three Kings visit the South Bronx from Puerto Rico - January 6, 2023 at Hostos Center!

 

Join Nos Quedamos and Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture on January 6, 2023 at 7PM (450 Grand Concourse, Bronx) as we celebrate the magical tradition of the Adoration of The Magi (Epiphany) and welcome Los Tres Reyes Magos to the South Bronx, with a special musical journey directly from Puerto Rico in honor of the diaspora! Download Flier General, children/student, and senior tickets available. Special group rates also available. Click or Scan below for tickets. View / Purchase Tickets Click Map for directions.

Permits Filed For 195 East 163rd Street In Concourse, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story mixed-use building at 195 East 163rd Street in Concourse, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of East 163rd Street and Sheridan Avenue, the corner lot is a short walk south of the 167th Street subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Yoel Brody is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 60-foot-tall development will yield 11,364 square feet designated for residential space and an undisclosed square footage allotted for an ambulatory health facility on the ground floor. The building will have 18 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 631 square feet. The concrete-based structure will not have any accessory parking.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON ATF’S EFFORTS TO CLOSE GHOST GUN LOOPHOLE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took steps to close the ‘ghost gun’ loophole:

 

“The numbers don’t lie — the proliferation of ghost guns in New York City and in big cities across the nation is the fastest-growing gun safety problem facing our country. This year alone, the NYPD has recovered more than 430 ghost guns, the highest number in city history, and a staggering 2,400-percent increase from the 17 recovered in 2018.

 

“Our administration has taken aggressive action against ghost gun manufacturers, but the existing loophole that enables vendors to sell near-complete frames and receivers that are easily converted into operational and untraceable firearms is substantially undermining our efforts, taking lives, and helping criminals avoid prosecution.

 

“I applaud the Biden-Harris administration, and ATF specifically, for taking this commonsense step to regulate the sale of deadly weapons and close this longstanding loophole that has contributed to the increase in violent crime across the country. We know that nothing can bring back the victims of gun violence, but this action will help spare more families the heartbreak of losing a loved one to these deadly and untraceable weapons.”

 

Earlier this year, Mayor Adams spoke with ATF Director Steven Dettelbach about closing the ghost gun loophole.

 

This past summer, the City of New York filed a lawsuit against five companies that were unlawfully selling ghost gun kits to New Yorkers. Four of the companies agreed to stop their unlawful behavior, while the courts issued a preliminary injunction to stop the last company’s illegal behavior.