State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News

Seniors Wait for Affordable Apartments
While Many Lay Vacant for Years

The shortage of affordable housing is especially hard on elderly New Yorkers, but many of the units specifically designated for seniors, including ones for those who are homeless, are sitting vacant even though thousands are on waiting lists for them, according to an audit released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The audit examined whether the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the NYC Housing Development Corporation properly oversee the awarding of housing to seniors and a program that assists senior homeowners. “New York City’s affordable housing agencies need to make sure they are doing everything they can to place vulnerable seniors into available housing,” DiNapoli said. “Unfortunately, the audit found that there is more they can do to make sure those next in line are not passed over and that available apartments don’t sit vacant.”

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Now Is the Time to Expand Broadband in New York

New York State will get nearly $665 million in federal funding to invest in improvements to broadband, allowing the State to step up deployment of the highest-speed connections in every corner of New York, according to an analysis released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. “My office has been monitoring the State’s progress in making high-speed internet available to New Yorkers,” DiNapoli said. “Many parts of the State still lack the infrastructure to support high-speed broadband and this new federal funding will help remove that barrier. The pandemic exposed the struggles many families experienced when work, school, healthcare and commerce went online, and showed that reliable, high-speed internet is imperative for equality of opportunity. How New York utilizes this federal funding will set a critical path for our State’s digital future.”

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State Pension Fund Releases Annual Investment Return

State Comptroller DiNapoli announced that the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s investment return was -4.14% for the State fiscal year that ended March 31, 2023. The Fund closed the year valued at $248.5 billion.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• Dozens of senior apartments in NYC left vacant amid housing crisis, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli finds
  
  
• Audit: Many NY water providers fail to submit disaster plans
  
  
• DiNapoli: Broadband Funding Could Close the City Rural Divide
  
  

• Editorial: Give public access to contracts signed during emergencies

Tweet of the Week 
Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller 

 

Governor Hochul Warns New Yorkers of Potential Flooding Impacts as Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms are Expected Statewide this Weekend

 

Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Bring Potential for Flash Flooding; Parts of Capital Region, North Country and Mohawk Valley are Currently under a Flood Watch

Governor Urges New Yorkers to Monitor Weather Conditions and Develop a Plan in Event of Flooding

 Governor Kathy Hochul today cautioned New Yorkers as severe weather is expected to impact the entire state today through this weekend. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are in the forecast for upstate regions, with current flood watches in effect through Friday evening for parts of the Capital Region, North Country and Mohawk Valley. As thunderstorms are expected across the state this weekend - especially today and Sunday - bringing the potential for impacts in flood-prone areas, Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor their local forecast for the latest weather conditions and to sign up for emergency alerts.

"From unhealthy air quality to extreme heat, Mother Nature has certainly tested New Yorkers over the past several weeks and it looks like that trend will continue this weekend," Governor Hochul said. "Beginning today, much of the state should expect to see thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain through Sunday which may cause flash flooding, especially in portions of the North Country, Mohawk Valley and Capital Region. Our team is closely monitoring weather patterns and stands ready to assist any of our local partners, and I urge all New Yorkers to monitor their local forecasts, pay attention to alerts and plan accordingly."

State agencies and authorities are in constant communication with government partners throughout the state and are prepared to respond to any requests for assistance.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Rain and thunderstorms are likely to impact the entire state this weekend. We are keeping a close eye on conditions across the state but especially in areas of the North Country that flooded last weekend. Our State Fire and Emergency Management field staff are in touch with their local counterparts and ready to respond in the event of dangerous flooding."

A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for areas of Essex County and Clinton County in the North Country. Flood watches and advisories are currently in effect for Albany, Hamilton, Montgomery, Fulton, Warren, Washington, Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

State Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is monitoring weather and travel conditions, and coordinating any response needs with local governments. State Fire and State Emergency Management personnel are prepared to respond with personnel and resources, in the event of flash flooding.

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with more than 3,470 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). Crews are checking and clearing drainage structures to make sure they are free of debris and clogs.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,430 large dump trucks
• 319 large loaders
• 79 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 83 chippers
• 19 graders
• 17 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
• 14 tree crew bucket trucks

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority has 654 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 362 Large and Small Dump Trucks
• 59 Loaders
• 33 Trailers
• 6 Vac Trucks
• 12 Excavators
• 8 Brush Chippers
• 100 Chainsaws
• 23 Aerial Trucks
• 22 Skid Steers
• 83 Portable Generators
• 67 Portable Light Units

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring weather conditions. DEC personnel are actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather—including heavy rainfall and local flooding—and will work closely with state and local agencies to coordinate flood mitigation equipment including pumps and sandbags in the event mitigation is needed to protect homes, businesses, or infrastructure. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Response equipment is being fueled, tested and prepared for storm response use. State Parks has twelve sawyer crews available for deployment as needed. Park visitors should visit https://parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

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

Flash Flooding

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

Lightning

• Follow the 30-30 rule: If the time between when you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Seek shelter immediately. After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter.
• Lightning hits the tallest object. If you are above a tree line, quickly get below it and crouch down if you are in an exposed area.
• If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.

Tornado

• If outdoors and a Tornado Warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
• If at home or in a small building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
• If in a school, hospital, or shopping center, go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
• If in a high-rise building, go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use elevators - use stairs instead.

For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: https://www.dhses.gov/safety.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Summer Friday Schedule - The Bronx Chamber of Commerce offices will be closed for professional development on Fridays beginning 7/7/2023 through Labor Day. NYC Budget Trash Containerization goes into effect July 30, 2023, one-month cure period Upcoming Events City of Yes Informational Session, 7/11/2023 - virtual, 7:00pm - 8:30pm Chairman's Legislative Breakfast, 7/13/2023 - The New York Botanical Garden, 8:30am Summer BBQ Reception, 8/3/2023 - Pelham Bay Split Rock Golf Course, 6:00pm

NYC BUDGET PASSED SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE NETWORK FUNDED

Mayor Eric Adams and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced that they have reached an agreement on a $107 billion budget for the City’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), which will begin, July 1, 2023. . See below for highlights from the budget announcement from the Mayor’s press release. Click here to access the full text of the Mayor’s press release and click here to access the Council’s press release. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that funding for the Small Business Resource Network was restored during budget negotiations and that business development funding for small business improvement districts (BIDS), and BID Exploration and Formation was also restored in the FY24 budget. We extend our gratitude to our colleagues in government, the Five Chamber Alliance, and our Bronx Chamber legislative team.

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

Trash Containerization Rules Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the launch of the next two phases in getting bags of trash off of city sidewalks. First, the Adams administration is publishing a final rule mandating that all food-related businesses put their trash in secure containers. Second, the administration is starting the rulemaking process on a new proposal to expand the containerization requirements to all chain businesses with five or more locations in New York City. When both rules are implemented, they will cover 25 percent of businesses across the five boroughs and require approximately 4 million pounds of waste produced each day to be placed in secure containers. In May, DSNY proposed a rule requiring all food-related businesses – including restaurants, caterers, grocery stores, delis, and bodegas, among others – to put trash and compostable material into secure containers rather than directly on the street. There are approximately 40,000 food-related businesses in the five boroughs – 20 percent of all businesses in the city – and these business types were selected first because they produce an outsized amount of waste, especially waste that attracts rats. Later this week, that rule will be published in the City Record, and it will go into effect on July 30, 2023.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer BBQ Networking Reception August 3 at 6:00pm Pelham Bay & Split Rock, 870 Shore Road Bronx, NY Join Bronx Chamber members, elected officials, and friends for a Summer evening of networking, great food & drinks, and conversation. The evening includes live music, barbeque, dancing, and networking. Individuals wishing to golf before hand must contact Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course directly. Reserve Your Spot

Chairman's Legislative Breakfast - this event is now closed. July 13 at 8:30am The New York Botanical Garden, 2950 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY Open to Chairman, Corporate, and President's Circle Members This signature gathering is hosted by The Bronx Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The New York Botanical Garden and will host legislators and agency leadership to discuss the future of the borough’s economic development and New York City and New York State policies. This is a meaningful, timely, and purposeful gathering that will shape the future of business while also providing members an intimate and closed setting to speak with legislators. I hope that you will attend and share your thoughts on our future.

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