Thursday, December 28, 2023

Governor Hochul Announces Funding to Support Safe and Affordable Homeownership for More Than 1,400 Households

A carpenter hammering on the roof at a construction site  

$46 Million in Grant Awards Will Help Low- and Moderate-Income Homeowners Make Repairs and Safety Modifications, Provide Downpayment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers

Complete List of Statewide Awards Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 1,400 households will benefit from more than $46 million in grant awards to support affordable homeownership. The grants will help low- and moderate-income families make repairs or safety upgrades to their homes, replace manufactured homes, and provide down payment assistance for first-time buyers.

“As housing costs continue to rise, this significant investment will help carve out a path to affordable homeownership for 1,400 New York families,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is using every tool at our disposal to address the state’s housing crisis, and we will continue to push forward on programs, strategies, and funding initiatives that put New Yorkers in safe, affordable homes.”

Today’s announcement complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

The grants – administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Office of Community Renewal – were awarded to nonprofit organizations and localities to help preserve affordable housing, support veterans and older New Yorkers, increase access to homeownership, and strengthen local economies.

HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Improving access to safe, secure, and affordable housing is important for every New Yorker, but especially for the most vulnerable populations in our communities – seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities. Thankfully, we have a variety of programs that are designed to provide them with the helping hand they need to make their homes safer or be able to afford new homes. We thank all of our local partners for their dedication in creating and preserving housing across New York and for helping those who need it most.”

A summary of awards by region is available in the table below:

Region 

Awards 

Proposed Units Served 

Capital Region 

$8,094,000 

236 

Central New York 

$4,183,870 

109 

Finger Lakes 

$2,788,000 

104 

Long Island 

$1,100,000 

45 

Mid-Hudson 

$3,125,000 

94 

Mohawk Valley 

$5,363,719 

191 

New York City 

$1,800,000 

70 

North Country 

$7,723,458 

155 

Southern Tier 

$8,180,490 

268 

Western New York 

$4,385,000 

129 

Grand Total 

$46,743,537 

1401 


The awards are made through State and federally funded programs including NYS HOME, NYS Community Development Block Grant, Access to Home, Access to Home for Heroes, Access to Home for Medicaid, Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement, and RESTORE. Each program accepts applications in an annual competitive funding round.

NYS HOME Program funds can be used to acquire and/or rehabilitate single-family housing, provide down payment assistance, replace dilapidated mobile and manufactured homes as well as provide tenant based rental assistance to households with incomes at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income.

NYS Community Development Block Grant Program provides federal funds to help localities with projects that improve communities and benefit their residents. Housing grants can be used for housing rehabilitation of owner-occupied or renter-occupied homes, down payment assistance for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers, and private water/wastewater system assistance for low- and moderate-income homeowners.

Access to Home program provides financial assistance to make homes accessible for low- and moderate-income persons with disabilities so that they can continue living safely and comfortably in their residences or return to live in their residences instead of in an institutional setting.

Access to Home for Heroes provides financial assistance to make homes accessible for low- and moderate-income veterans with disabilities.

Access to Home for Medicaid provides financial assistance to make residential units accessible for Medicaid-eligible persons with disabilities.

Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement program assists low- and moderate-income homeowners to replace dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes that are sited on land owned by the homeowner with a new manufactured, modular, or site-built home.

RESTORE provides financial resources to assist senior citizen homeowners with the cost of addressing emergencies and code violations that pose a threat to their health and safety or affect the livability of the home. Assistance for the cost of these critical repairs enables seniors to continue to live independently in their homes.


MAYOR ADAMS LAUNCHES EFFORT TO ENHANCE NIGHTLIFE SAFETY AND STRENGTHEN SMALL BUSINESSES, PHASING OUT ‘MARCH’ ENFORCEMENT

 

New “CURE” Process Prioritizes Education and Compliance Over Enforcement to Eliminate Outdated Tactics That Have Historically Harmed Local Businesses  

CURE Builds on Adams Administration’s Small Business Forward Initiative, Strengthens Trust Between Local Businesses, Law Enforcement, and Local Communities

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Edward A. Caban, New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim, and New York City Office of Nightlife (ONL) Executive Director Jeffrey Garcia today announced the launch of “Coordinating a United Resolution with Establishments” (CURE) — a new process for NYPD, SBS, and ONL to improve public safety responses to nightlife establishments and more equitably engage with nightlife business owners.

The new CURE process replaces the NYPD’s “Multi-Agency Response to Community Hotspots” (MARCH) — an initiative created by the Giuliani administration that conducted unannounced inspections of nightlife establishments in response to neighborhood complaints. The new CURE process requires precincts to establish direct, in-person communication with business owners and managers in conjunction with ONL, making them aware of potential violations and conditions of concern, and providing multiple opportunities for local business owners to correct issues before enforcement actions are taken. The transformative, engagement-first approach aligns with core pillars of Mayor Adams’ “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City's Economic Recovery,” augmenting the impact of other successful initiatives, such as “Small Business Forward,” that save small businesses time and money while upholding public safety and health standards.

“As mayor of the city that never sleeps, I know that this is a 24-hour city, and we need to support the nightlife businesses that keep this city vibrant. But noise, trash, and crime can disrupt local residents, and complaints can lead to unannounced inspections that shutter businesses — for a night, a week, or permanently. We must protect public safety, while ensuring businesses can remain open and New Yorkers can still dance in the dark, and that’s why we’re launching CURE: Coordinating a United Resolution with Establishments,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we are changing the way we engage with nightlife establishments by opening direct lines of communication with local businesses and giving them a chance to correct issues before enforcement takes place. New York City is the nightlife capital of the world, and this new initiative will help us protect public safety, ensure better quality of life, and keep business doors open for all to enjoy.”

“An engagement-first approach is the way forward for the NYPD and our partners as we address community concerns within New York City’s nightlife arena,” said NYPD Commissioner Caban. “By collaborating with our city’s many local business owners and managers, this new process will enable our police officers to build trust and strengthen relationships throughout the five boroughs and further the NYPD’s mission of preventing crime and disorder while enhancing quality of life.”

“Mayor Adams made it clear on day one: small businesses will drive our city’s economic recovery,” said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “I’m thrilled to see ONL’s years of hard work culminate in this announcement. This engagement-first approach in solving issues between nightlife establishments and the community will help more bars, restaurants, and nightclubs thrive while maintaining public safety. CURE is another promise fulfilled on the road to making New York City ‘City of Yes’ for all small businesses.”

 

“CURE is clear — it is a transformative moment for the nightlife community, and I am proud that the Office of Nightlife will be able to help even more with this new engagement-first approach. Public safety extends beyond law enforcement,” said ONL Executive Director Jeffrey Garcia. “A thriving nightlife industry keeps the lights on, with more eyes on the street. Most importantly, without worrying about unannounced multi-agency enforcement, nightlife venues will be set up to succeed and able to focus on what they do best: run their businesses and create more jobs.”

Under the former MARCH program, nightlife establishments — which include bars, restaurants, music venues, and dance clubs — could have faced unannounced, nighttime, multi-agency inspections led by the NYPD, and supported by a broad array of inspectors from the Fire Department of the City of New York, the New York City Departments of Buildings (DOB), the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA). Since 2020, 44 MARCH operations have included an average of 17 inspectors, resulting in major disruptions for local businesses and patrons. Just two MARCH inspections have been conducted since July 1, 2022.

CURE ensures that the only venues subject to significant enforcement action are those which have demonstrated a clear and intentional disregard for community concerns by failing to heed multiple opportunities for cooperation with the NYPD and non-enforcement personnel at ONL. The new initiative requires a series of steps to be taken at the precinct level in coordination with ONL, before inspections can be approved by the NYPD’s Patrol Services Bureau, including in-person daytime visits, written documentation of incidents of concern, and in-person meetings between business owners and local precinct officials.

In cases involving complaints from local residents, ONL’s Mediating Establishment and Neighborhood Disputes NYC free mediation program will be engaged to help improve neighborhood relations through the support of neutral, third-party mediation. The program is administered in partnership with the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.

As part of the new procedure, NYPD will not initiate city or state interagency inspections outside of the new CURE process. Only agencies relevant to issues observed at CURE-involved establishments may be included in joint-inspection operations with the NYPD, and only on an “as-needed” basis. This procedure does not limit NYPD from any necessary real-time response to address immediate public safety concerns. Furthermore, agencies that have previously participated in MARCH operations, such as the FDNY, DOB, DOHMH, DEP, and SLA will continue to maintain their regular independent inspection processes to maintain compliance and ensure safety.

“The FDNY is happy to participate in this new, more equitable process,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “Our fire inspectors will continue to inspect reports of dangerous establishments and keep New Yorkers safe.”

“Our city’s building code regulations for nightclubs and music venues are in place to keep New Yorkers safe while on the dance floor. This new interagency CURE program incentivizes venue owners to comply with those regulations and resolve any unsafe conditions as quickly as possible, which is music to our ears,” said DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo. “The Adams administration is rightfully prioritizing compliance with city regulations, giving owners the opportunity to bring their venues up to code before enforcement actions are taken, so these small businesses can keep the hits playing and the blacklights on.”

“Balancing the important reputation of New York as a vibrant, world-class city that is open for business with a high-quality of life for residents is at the heart of CURE and this strategy will help to ensure that only those businesses that willfully ignore community concerns are the subject of joint enforcement actions,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Thank you to our partners at NYPD, SBS, and ONL for their leadership on this important initiative.”

 

“Congratulations to the Office of Nightlife and everyone involved in successfully introducing the CURE approach to help enhance nightlife safety in New York City,” said Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman. “Making this change was a priority for ONL since its inception and throughout its five years at MOME, and we are so pleased to see it reach the finish line. Its establishment aligns with many of the office's efforts to make New York City's nightlife industry safer, more equitable, and accessible to all.”

 

"New York's vibrant nightlife establishments are cultural hubs and creative incubators, platforms where artists and performers can connect with audiences in new and exciting ways, and sanctuaries for communities of all kinds. In short, they're where a lot of New York City's creative mojo and community spirit are nurtured," said New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. "CURE promises to be a transformational reform effort, creating a healthier, more productive dynamic between the city and our nightlife community. A big congratulations to the NYPD, SBS, the Office of Nightlife, and the nightlife sector on rolling out this exciting new program. I’ll see you on the dance floor!"

 

“Whether it’s quality of life or public health and safety, we’ve long urged the City of New York to work collaboratively with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to address and resolve these issues instead of using unnecessary enforcement actions that jeopardize successful outcomes and erode trust between government, small businesses, workers, and customers,” said Andrew Rigie, executive director, New York City Hospitality Alliance, and chairperson, New York City Nightlife Advisory Board. “That’s why we look forward to working with Mayor Adams and the Office of Nightlife on this important transition from implementing the heavy-handed MARCH strategy to using the new CURE solutions in the city’s nightlife sector.”

 

“The MARCH raids directly impacted Friends and Lovers, a venue founded by Diana Mora, Nightlife United's Co-Founder,” said Varghese Chacko, founding partner and president, Nightlife United. “We're hopeful for the government's transition to a more collaborative process so local business owners will have a fair chance to remedy issues. Nightlife United is grateful to the Office of Nightlife for shepherding this critical change with all of the city agency stakeholders.”

 

“Our owners want to be good neighbors and community partners but it's too often the case that miscommunication and a lack of understanding lead to confrontation,” said Sandra Jaquez, president, New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association. “That's why we are thrilled to see this program—set up to bridge community and business during moments of conflict –come to fruition. We want to thank Mayor Eric Adams, SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim, and Executive Director for the Office of Nightlife Jeffrey Garcia for prioritizing mediation and collaboration over punitive measures. I'm confident that this program will improve community relations and help businesses alike.”

 

“As the architect of the repeal of the ‘cabaret law’ and the creation of the Office of Nightlife, I have witnessed and heard the challenges that arise when there’s a lack of synergy between local businesses, the community, and law enforcement,” said Rafael Espinal, executive director, Freelancers Union. “The initiatives announced today are taking significant steps toward reforming heavy-handed processes and building a framework that encourages collaboration that respects and supports our communities. I applaud the new Executive Director of Nightlife, Jeffrey Garcia for his pivotal role, Mayor Eric Adams, and SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim for their leadership. This is indeed a positive day for our city’s nightlife.

 

“Small restaurants, lounges, bars, and clubs have lost their businesses following MARCH operations under previous administrations,” said Fernando Mateo, former partner, La Marina. “When there were no options to help mediate these situations, any incidents were unfairly attributed to businesses in the community. I personally experienced these challenges at the hands of enforcement agencies, which resulted in my business being shut down and losing millions of dollars. This story was all too common in communities of color and we will not forget the damage that was caused. But we are moving forward — every department should have a leader with experience in the field, and Mayor Adams has gotten it right by bringing in Jeff Garcia to help set a new course.”

 

Housing Lottery Launches For 2072 Anthony Avenue In Tremont, The Bronx

 


The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2072 Anthony Avenue, a 12-story residential building in Tremont, The Bronx. Designed by Badaly Architects and developed by Arben Mitaj, the structure yields 111 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 110 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $72,000 to $167,570.

2072 Anthony Avenue in Tremont, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include garage with assigned parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations, bike storage lockers, package lockers, a shared laundry room, common area Wi-Fi, and a recreation room. Residences come with hardwood floors, air conditioning, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 29 studios with a monthly rent of $2,949 for incomes ranging from $101,109 to $146,900; 59 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,155 for incomes ranging from $108,172 to $165,230; and 22 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,773 for incomes ranging from $129,360 to $198,250.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than February 12, 2024.

Register Now for BRAC Winter 2024 Art Classes!

 

Register Now To Experience

10 Weeks of Art Classes!


Sign Up Now for Winter Session | Classes Start January 8


Classes run for 10 weeks

January 8 - March 25

Visit Education Page

WEEKLY ART CLASSES

(Full descriptions available at www.bronxriverart.org/education)



Children and Teen Classes (ages 7 - 17): $95 for 10 sessions

Child & Parent (child must be ages 6 - 12): $180 for 10 sessions

Young Adult and Adult Classes (18+): $120 for 10 sessions*


10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT IF YOUR REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 1ST

SNAP RECIPIENTS CAN USE "SNAP10" TO GET AN EXTRA $10 OFF CLASSES


*$50 materials fee for Adult Ceramics and all Pottery tickets due to rising supply and firing costs

Mondays

DRAWING I

Ages 7-12 (Parents Welcome) – 4 to 6pm


ABSTRACT PAINTING

Teens & Adults – 6:30 to 8:30pm

Tuesdays

CERAMICS

Ages 7-12 (Parents Welcome) – 4 to 6pm


POTTERY

Teens & Adults – 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Wednesdays

MANGA & CARTOONING

Ages 7-12 (Parents Welcome) – 4 to 6pm


DIGITAL ART & ILLUSTRATION

Teens & Adults – 4 to 6pm

Thursdays

PAINTING I

Ages 7-12 (Parents Welcome) – 4 to 6pm

Saturdays

DRAWING & PRINTMAKING

Ages 7+ – 10am to 12pm


CERAMICS

Ages 7+ – 11am to 1pm


DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Teens & Adults – 11am to 1pm


INTERMEDIATE PRINTMAKING

Teens & Adults – 12 to 2pm


POTTERY

Teens & Adults – 2 to 4pm


DRAWING II

Ages 11+ – 2 to 4pm


DIGITAL ART & ANIMATION

Ages 11+ – 2 to 4pm

Register for Afternoon, Evening, and Saturday Classes

FRIDAY THREE-HOUR WORKSHOPS

(Full descriptions available at www.bronxriverart.org/education)


Join us and relax at the end of the work or school week in our 3-hour art workshops, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, in a variety of topics and techniques for ages 12 and older. Most workshops are $15 per session. Figure Drawing is $20 and restricted to adults 18 and older. SNAP recipients can use "SNAP20" to get an extra $3 off workshops.

January 12 - One-Point Perspective Drawing with Jaron Newton

January 19 - Watercolor Painting with Jonathan Berry

January 26 - Figure Drawing with Douglass Guy (Ages 18 and Older)

February 2 - Abstract Painting with Marta Blair

February 9 - Printmaking with Tammy Wofsey

February 16 - Figure Drawing with Douglass Guy (Ages 18 and Older)

March 1 - Pastel Drawing with Gail Nathan

March 8 - Painting with Paper with Michele Brody

March 15 - Figure Drawing with Douglass Guy (Ages 18 and Older)

March 22 - Mosaic with Jennifer Tomaiolo

Register for Three-Hour Friday Workshops

TEEN PROJECT STUDIO +2.0

(Details and Application Link at www.bronxriverart.org/education-teen-project-studio)


Teen Project Studio + 2.0 is an intensive, eight-week interdisciplinary arts program for teens and young adults ages 14 to 25. This FREE program is limited to 15 students by application.


The Winter 2024 session will begin January 29, meeting Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This program is a unique opportunity to learn about the role of the visual arts in addressing environmental and social justice concerns. Taught by professional artists and designers, it is also an occasion to interact with fellow students with similar interests and an eagerness to learn and create together.


In this 8-week intensive, students will craft increasingly complex projects that aim to familiarize them with art production for community revitalization. You will also take field trips to museums, galleries, and artist studios.

Register for Teen Project Studio +2.0

NOTE: Classes may not run if there are less than eight registered students. If the class is canceled, you will be notified before classes start.


Covid-19 Protocols:

Vaccination is strongly recommended. If student is sick, must take a Covid test before attending class. If positive, cannot return for five days and must wear mask for ten.

Please ask us if you need tests, we have them available.

We appreciate your continued vigilance and cooperation.

Bronx River Art Center, Inc | 1087 East Tremont AvePO Box 5002Bronx, NY 10460


Wednesday, December 27, 2023

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary November 2023 Area Unemployment Rates

We Are Your DOL - New York State Department of Labor

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for November 2023. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.2% in October to 4.3% in November 2023. 


Local Area Unemployment Rates* (%)
November 2022 and November 2023
(Not seasonally adjusted)


local area unemployment rates

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, November 2022 versus November 2023. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000.

Rate of Unemployment by County of Residence
Employed, Unemployed, and Rate of Unemployment by Place of Residence for New York State and Major Labor Areas

Unemployment Rates By County,
New York State,
November 2023

Unemployment Rates by County

Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet

This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release.

State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model

Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Advantage of Regression Model

Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities).

Benchmarking of Estimates

Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.”

Changes in Methodology

Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates.

In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others.

Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries

The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem.

Jobs Data

Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, samples establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available.

The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.