State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli - This Week: Housing Cost Burdens for NYers Among Nation’s Highest

 

Housing Cost Burdens for New Yorkers

Among Nation’s Highest

Almost three million New York households are dealing with housing costs that consume more than 30% of their household income, with 1 in 5 households experiencing a severe cost burden of more than 50% of their income going to pay for housing, according to a report by State Comptroller DiNapoli. This is the third report in the State Comptroller’s “New Yorkers in Need” series. Previous reports focused on poverty trends and food insecurity.

“For too many New Yorkers, finding and keeping an adequate and affordable place to live has become more and more difficult,” DiNapoli said. “Rising costs are stretching household budgets and forcing trade-offs with other essentials, like food and health care. The consequences of housing insecurity are wide-ranging and while low-income renters are the most cost-burdened, these financial pressures are increasingly felt by middle class households. Action is needed by all levels of government.”

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"New Yorkers in Need" Series:

Prior Reports:

New Yorkers in Need: Food Insecurity and Nutritional Assistance Programs

New Yorkers in Need: A Look at Poverty Trends in New York State for the Last Decade

State Pension Fund Valued at $259.9 Billion at End of Third Quarter

The estimated value of the New York State Common Retirement Fund was $259.9 billion at the end of the third quarter and investments returned an estimated 6.18%.

“The markets have seen an improvement over the past quarter, but some volatility remains,” DiNapoli said. “Economic opinions are mixed about the year ahead and uncertainty persists. Still, thanks to our prudent management and long-term strategy, our pensioners and members can remain confident that their pension benefits are safe.”

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NY Common Retirement Fund Announces New Measures to Protect State Pension Fund From Climate Risk and Invest in Climate Solutions

The New York State Common Retirement Fund will restrict its investments in eight integrated oil and gas companies, including Exxon Mobil Corp., after a review of the companies’ readiness to transition to a low-carbon economy.

“The New York State Common Retirement Fund is a recognized leader in addressing climate-related investment risks and pursuing opportunities in the growing low-carbon economy,” DiNapoli said. “Climate change is an increasingly urgent risk facing all investors, and I am determined to protect the state’s pension fund by keeping it at the forefront of efforts to mitigate risks to our investments. This reduces our fund’s exposure to fossil fuels. Consistent with my fiduciary duty to maximize investment returns for the benefit of our members and retirees, these actions should help accomplish the goals of our Climate Action Plan.”

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DiNapoli Releases Report on NYS Executive Budget

After the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the State’s finances have stabilized, and the Division of Budget is now forecasting reduced budget gaps. In his report assessing the proposed Executive Budget, DiNapoli identifies positive developments, as well as risks and challenges.

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Pennsylvania Man Who Impersonated Deceased Father to Steal $194K in NYS Pension and Social Security Payments Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

A 57-year-old man stole $110,897 in pension benefits from the New York State and Local Retirement System and $83,188 in Social Security benefits. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and Social Security fraud charges in February.

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Audits

• New York State Dental Insurance Program
• Department of Health
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• New York Racing Association
• New York City Department of Education
• New York City Department of Buildings
• New York City Department of Social Services

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• New report from state comptroller finds severe housing costs burden New Yorkers 

• PA Man Sentenced for Stealing $194K in Dead Dad’s NY Pension 
  
  

• New York State Retirement Fund Posts 6.18% Quarterly Investment Return
  

• New York's finances stabilized since pandemic and budget gaps reduced, but challenges remain, comptroller report says

Post of the Week

Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller 

MAYOR ADAMS MAKES FOUR NEW JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced four judicial appointments to Family Court, Criminal Court, and Civil Court. Specifically, Mayor Adams appointed two Family Court judges, one Criminal Court judge, and one interim Civil Court judge. 

 

“Public safety and justice go hand in hand, and the judges I’m appointing today will help us deliver both for New Yorkers as we build a more prosperous city for all,” said Mayor Adams. “I’m grateful for the work they’ve done throughout their illustrious careers, and I’m looking forward to their continued service.” 

 

“The city’s judiciary plays an essential role in ensuring our justice system is fair and effective,” said City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg. “We thank these talented and dedicated judges for their service.” 

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Family Court: 

 

Judge Michael Liddie was appointed as a Family Court judge in January 2024. After graduating from law school, Judge Liddie joined the John Jay College of Criminal Justice as director of the Rikers Island Extension Associate Degree Program and served as a deputy labor designee before establishing his own solo practice. He maintained his practice for approximately 12 years before joining the New York City Department of Correction as an agency attorney and then as executive agency counsel. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Liddie served with the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services as a senior policy advisor to the deputy commissioner of facilities management.  

 

Judge Rantideva Singh was appointed as a Family Court judge in January 2024. Prior to attaining his law degree, Judge Singh was a police officer with the New York City Police Department. Judge Singh began his legal career as a document review and real estate attorney before joining public service as an agency attorney supervisor for the New York City Department of Homeless Services. Thereafter, he joined the New York City Administration for Children’s Services as an agency attorney, after which he served as an administrative law judge for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. He has also served as an immigration judge for the U.S. Department of Justice in the Executive Office for Immigration Review and as an administrative law judge for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. He later returned to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, where he continued to serve as an administrative law judge. Judge Singh was serving as a court attorney referee presiding in Surrogate’s Court, Kings County prior to his appointment to the bench.  

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judge to Criminal Court: 

 

Judge Samuel David was appointed as a Criminal Court judge in January 2024. Prior to attending law school, Judge David worked as a program associate at Human Rights Watch in Washington, D.C. After graduating law school, he served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Virginia A. Phillips in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Thereafter, he briefly worked as a commercial litigation associate with King & Spalding LLP. For 17 years, Judge David served with the New York County District Attorney’s Office with assignments in Trial Bureau 80 and the specialized Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Units. He has served as deputy bureau chief of Trial Bureau 50 and, most recently, prior to his appointment to the bench, he was the chief of Trial Bureau 80.  

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judge to Civil Court: 

 

Judge Julieta Lozano was appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in January 2024 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Judge Lozano was a former Queens County assistant district attorney. She has also served in the Office of the New York Attorney General, Criminal Prosecutions Bureau within the Division of Criminal Justice, and later as chief of the Environmental Crimes Unit She eventually became the deputy attorney general of the Division of Criminal Justice before joining the State of New York Executive Chamber as assistant director of policy and then assistant secretary for the environment. Judge Lozano briefly joined a private firm before returning to public service with the New York County District Attorney’s Office in the Major Economic Crimes Bureau. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she held titles including deputy bureau chief and special assistant U.S. attorney, and bureau chief of the Major Economic Crimes Bureau.   

 

Housing Lottery Launches For 2976 Third Avenue In Melrose, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2976 Third Avenue, a 15-story residential building in Melrose, The Bronx. Designed by SRA Architecture & Engineering and developed by ACHS Management Corporation, the structure yields 69 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 21 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $61,715 to $198,250.

2976 3rd Avenue via NYC Housing Connect

2976 3rd Avenue via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, garage, a shared laundry room, gym, outdoor areas, and a doorman. Units come with open layouts, spacious living rooms, and large bedrooms. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove, heat, and hot water.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are seven studios with a monthly rent of $1,800 for incomes ranging from $61,715 to $146,900; ten one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,250 for incomes ranging from $77,143 to $165,230; and four two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,600 for incomes ranging from $89,143 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 April 17, 2024.

Attorney General James Warns Law Firm to Immediately Stop Trying to Profit Off of Uber and Lyft Drivers

 

New York City Law Firm Held and Hines Is Attempting to Get Uber and Lyft Drivers to Pay to Receive Restitution Won by AG James

New York Attorney General Letitia James sent a cease-and-desist letter to New York City-based law firm Held & Hines LLP (Held & Hines), warning the firm to immediately stop its attempts to get Uber and Lyft drivers to pay a fee for their settlement funds secured by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Held & Hines has been sharing deceptive posts on social media and in rideshare driver chat groups representing that the firm will help drivers claim their share of the settlement funds for a 15 percent fee to be taken out of the amount due to each individual driver. In reality, the process to receive settlement funds is simple and does not require legal representation. Drivers will be able to start submitting claims to receive settlement funds on March 1, 2024.

In the cease-and-desist letter sent to Held & Hines, Attorney General James ordered the firm to immediately stop soliciting Uber and Lyft drivers in connection with the OAG settlements and disable the website it created for this unnecessary service. Held & Hines must also disclose any executed retainers with drivers to OAG and ensure those agreements are voided. 

“Asking hardworking drivers — many of whom are immigrants and people of color — to pay a fee for their rightfully earned wages is unacceptable,” said Attorney General James. “Held & Hines is trying to get rideshare drivers to pay for an unnecessary service, but we will not allow them to get away with it. Uber and Lyft drivers should only trust settlement information from my office, settlement administrator Rust Consulting, and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance. I encourage anyone with knowledge of others attempting to charge drivers for their settlement payments to reach out to my office.”

In various posts and messages, Held & Hines encourages drivers to pay the firm in order to get their funds. Held & Hines’ actions have caused considerable confusion and distrust among the driver community and could result in drivers giving up a significant portion of the settlement funds to which they are entitled. These posts are deceptive and misleading, in violation of laws designed to protect New Yorkers from fraudulent business practices such as false advertising. As drivers do not need legal representation to receive their settlement funds, OAG also asserts that the firm’s actions may violate the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit lawyers from charging or collecting excessive fees for services. 

In November 2023, Attorney General James announced two landmark settlements with rideshare companies Uber and Lyft. The settlements will return $328 million in back pay to drivers and institute a minimum driver “earnings floor,” paid sick leave, proper hiring and earnings notices, and other improvements in drivers’ working conditions. More than 100,000 rideshare drivers throughout New York stand to receive settlement funds under these historic settlements. Drivers will be able to start submitting claims to receive settlement funds on March 1, 2024. Rust Consulting, Inc. (Rust) is the official settlement administrator, and will be sending notices to eligible drivers on March 1, 2024. Drivers must file claims by May 30, 2024. Payments will be made by check, Venmo, or Paypal and sent out within 30 days of filing.

The OAG warns drivers to beware of anyone who offers to help file a claim for the Uber and Lyft settlements. Instead, drivers can contact Rust or NYTWA for assistance and more information.

1. Rust (Uber): 1-800-625-2332 | info@ubernyagsettlement.com | UberNYAGSettlement.com  
2. Rust (Lyft): 1-800-433-5314 | info@lyftnyagsettlement.com | LyftNYAGSettlement.com
3. NYTWA: 718-706-9892 | media@nytwa.org

The OAG thanks NYTWA for bringing this matter to the Labor Bureau and for their ongoing partnership in defending the rights of New York rideshare drivers.

The East Bronx History Forum is pleased to announce it will be holding its 182nd meeting on Wednesday, February 21st at the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum at 7:30 pm.

 

The East Bronx History Forum is pleased to announce it will be holding its 182^nd meeting on Wednesday, February 21^st at the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum at 7:30 pm. Location is 895 Shore Road. This is the last remaining 19th country estate in Pelham Bay Park. It is operated by the Bartow-Pell Conservancy and is a proud partner member of the Historic House Trust and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

​Let’s time-travel into the rural Bronx when homes were illuminated by candles and oil lamps as horses galloped along country lanes. You are invited into the home of Maria and Robert Bartow. Explore their 19^th century lifestyle as you enter their elegantly appointed home inspired by the popular Greek Revival style of the period. Learn how they lived and entertained their influential neighbors and learn about the fascinating historical events they witnessed while raising their seven children. Don't miss this specially curated tour led by BPC board members Carswell Rush Berlin and Joseph Cordasco.

​Carswell Rush Berlin is a New York City-based private dealer of American antique furniture and decorative accessories of the Classical period 1800–1840, serving private clients, museums, and the design trade for more than thirty years.

​Joseph Cordasco is a former educator with thirty-seven-years of experience in public and private education. Beginning as a teacher and then as an acting assistant principal with the New York City Department of Education, he became the principal of a large and diverse elementary school in the late 1980s. He currently enjoys volunteering in his community andchairs the Education Committee on the board of the Bartow-Pell Mansion and Museum.

​As always, the EBHF meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit our website BronxNYC.com, as well as our Facebook and Instagram pages. Save the date and join us as we immerse ourselves in a bygone era.

We hope you will join us.

Dorothy A. Krynicki 

Secretary, East Bronx History Forum

Photo credit: Noel Sutherland