Governor Cuomo Announces Results of Impaired Driving Crackdown

 

 3,262 Tickets Issued for Impaired Driving During STOP-DWI "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign

116,292 Tickets Issued for Other Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations

Fatal Impaired Driving Crashes Decreased More Than 19 Percent in New York State from 2010 to 2019

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 3,262 tickets for impaired driving during the STOP-DWI "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, which ran from August 19 through September 7. During that time, officers also issued 116,292 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations, such as speeding and distracted driving.

"New York has zero tolerance for impaired driving and the results show reckless motorists will be caught and will be held accountable," Governor Cuomo said. "Our message is simple: drive sober or plan for a safe ride home. Impaired driving puts you and all those sharing the road at risk - it's just not worth it."

The STOP-DWI "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, supported by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), occurs multiple times throughout the year to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. According to data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College, New York's efforts to reduce impaired driving are succeeding. Fatal crashes involving an impaired driver have decreased more than 19 percent from 2010 to 2019.  

Attorney General James' Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit Releases Report on Investigation into the Death of Dwayne Pritchett

 

  Attorney General Letitia James’ Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit (SIPU) today released its report into the death of Dwayne Pritchett. After an exhaustive investigation, SIPU did not find criminal culpability on the part of the members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) who were involved in the incident. The chief impediment to any criminal charges in connection with Mr. Pritchett’s death is that the precise legal cause of his death is unknown, as the medical examiner determined there were several contributing factors. In addition, it was impossible for SIPU to conclude if any officers were engaged in potentially criminal conduct, due to the absence of body-worn cameras or other video footage, and a sole, inconsistent witness account, among other issues.

However, the officers’ alleged conduct during and after the incident raised serious concerns, and SIPU has provided a number of recommendations to ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, and training are implemented and followed in the future. SIPU has also made a referral to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) to investigate the police conduct and determine whether discipline is necessary.

“Dwayne Pritchett’s death was a tragedy and we send our condolences to his family and loved ones,” said Attorney General James. “Despite a lengthy, exhaustive, and comprehensive investigation, the facts and circumstances surrounding his death and encounter with police remain frustratingly unclear. In the absence of conclusive answers about the precise cause of death, and a lack of definitive evidence, it is impossible to determine whether a crime was committed, and if so, by whom. We do believe that the actions of some of the responding officers were concerning and must be addressed immediately. The NYPD must implement our recommendations, and we trust the CCRB will take the additional action it deems appropriate.”

FOLLOWING AN ALL-OUT PUSH, INCLUDING A PERSONAL CALL TO SECRETARY ESPER, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $9 MILLION DOD FUNDING FOR WATERTOWN YMCA COMMUNITY CENTER, BOOSTING DOWNTOWN WATERTOWN, FORT DRUM, AND REGIONAL ECONOMY

 

 Jefferson County Applied For $9M Grant From DoD To Convert Vacant Building In Downtown Watertown Into YMCA Community Center; Schumer Has Been Fighting To Secure The Funding Since June

Senator Says Funding Will Revitalize Regional Economy And Improve Quality Of Life For Fort Drum Military Families

Schumer: DoD Funding For Watertown YMCA Will Boost Jefferson County Economy

 After his personal call to Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper earlier this month, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced $9 million for the City of Watertown’s YMCA community center project in downtown Watertown. The funding will come from the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot (DCIP) grant program, and will contribute to the conversion of a currently vacant building in the city’s downtown into the YMCA’s newly planned community center. The project will provide a year-round community space for Fort Drum’s military families, in addition to bolstering downtown Watertown.

“The YMCA plus Watertown plus Fort Drum is a winning formula for a healthier and more vibrant Watertown region. As New York recovers from the effects of the COVID pandemic, this project and the YMCA will be integral to rebuilding a sense of community promoting public health and boosting the economy,” said Senator Schumer. “I am thrilled to announce this funding and commend the Jefferson County IDA and YMCA for putting together a strong, winning proposal. The new YMCA community center in Watertown will improve the quality of life Fort Drum’s families and community residents and energize the city’s downtown."

On his call to Secretary Esper on September 4, Schumer noted on the call that the new community center would align with the DCIP program’s mission of improving the quality of life for military families and enhancing infrastructure in communities where military bases are located. The center will be especially integral to maintaining the health and community of Watertown and Fort Drum during Upstate New York’s harsh winters. Schumer also wrote Secretary Esper in June to advocate for the funding.  

The project has been a top priority for the City of Watertown, has the support of local officials, including the Jefferson County legislature and top economic development officials, and has the complete backing of Fort Drum. The completed community center would consist of a six-lane lap pool, a separate full-size recreational pool, three exercise rooms, an arts/multipurpose room, two indoor tennis courts and a community kitchen.

NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES NEARLY $1.9 BILLION IN LOST WAGES ASSISTANCE PAID TO NEW YORKERS, STATE APPROVED BY FEMA FOR 3 ADDITIONAL WEEKS OF BENEFITS

 

This Week, New York State Paid nearly $1.9 Billion in Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Benefits to 2.26 Million New Yorkers  

FEMA has Approved New York for Three Additional Weeks of LWA Benefits, for the Weeks Ending 8/23, 8/30, and 9/6 — Retroactive Benefits Paid Starting Next Week 

New York has Paid Over $44.5 Billion in Benefits During Pandemic Emergency, Representing More Than 21 Typical Years’ Worth of Benefits

  The New York State Department of Labor today announced that New York has paid nearly $1.9 billion in Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) benefits to 2.26 million New Yorkers this week, representing retroactive payments of $300 for the weeks ending August 2nd, 9th, and 16th. In total, New York State has now paid $44.5 billion in benefits to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic — representing more than 21 typical years’ worth of benefits paid in just six months. 

In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved New York for the second and final round of LWA funding. This round of funding provides three additional weeks of Lost Wages Assistance benefits, paid retroactively for the weeks ending August 23rd, August 30th, and September 6th. New Yorkers will begin to receive these payments next week.  

“Over the last six months, we have moved heaven and earth to connect millions of New Yorkers with their benefits, including nearly $1.9 billion in Lost Wages Assistance payments distributed just this week,” State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said “While plagued with administrative roadblocks, the federal lost wages assistance program is now finally providing unemployed families with much needed support — and it is unconscionable for the Federal government to once again cut Americans off from this support. Leaders in Washington D.C. must pass a comprehensive package that supports unemployed families and the state and local governments that are hurting from this pandemic. Anything less is simply unacceptable.” 

An estimated 2.3 million New Yorkers are eligible for the second round of LWA payments for the benefit weeks ending August 23rd, August 30th, and September 6th. They include: 

• Approximately 2.1 million who are pre-qualified for the LWA program because they have previously indicated that their unemployment was connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. These New Yorkers will receive an email and text message informing them they are pre-qualified and do not need to take any further action.
   
• Approximately 157,000 who are eligible for one or more LWA payments for the weeks ending August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, and/or September 6^th but have not submitted a certification indicating they are unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as required by the federal government. These New Yorkers have already received a secure DocuSign email from NYS DOL with a link to certify or can call 833-491-0632 to certify via automated phone system.

• Approximately 23,700 who are eligible for one or more LWA payments for the weeks ending August 23rd, August 30th, or September 6th but were not eligible for the earlier weeks’ payments because they were not unemployed during the first three weeks of August. These New Yorkers will receive a secure DocuSign email from NYS DOL on September 18th with a link to certify or can call 833-491-0632 to certify via automated phone system. 

New Yorkers who are pre-qualified for the second round of LWA benefits or who must certify and submit their certification by 5pm on Tuesday, September 22nd, will receive their payments next week. Those who submit their certification at a later date will be paid on a rolling basis. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES REOPENING OF INDOOR POOLS AT 33 PERCENT CAPACITY

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio today released the following statement on the return of indoor swimming pools:

 

“As New York City continues its gradual reopening and economic recovery, we’re proud to announce we are ready to reopen indoor pools. Swimming pools are a community anchor, an exercise center, and an oasis in their neighborhoods—both literally and figuratively. New Yorkers have worked hard to fight back COVID-19. As transmission rates remain low, we’re proud to offer more ways to slowly return to business as usual.”

 

Indoor pools will be allowed to reopen on September 30^th, subject to strict occupancy limits at 33 percent of capacity. Standard Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspections will continue to promote compliance with all New York State regulations. New Yorkers who see crowding or other unsafe conditions in indoor swimming pools are urged to report to 311.

Virtual Wave Hill

 

As we soak up the last days of summer in the gardens, we're also looking towards fall! We have some exciting news and virtual programming coming up the next few months, like the return of onsite Family Art Project! Check out what's new below. 

And a friendly reminder: Wave Hill is open Wed through Sun from 10AM to 5:30PM. Wave Hill House and Glyndor Gallery are also open with reduced hours and limited capacity. The Cafe is open for grab-and-go snacks and beverages. Our shuttle service is still suspended due to social distancing guideless. Advanced reservation is required. Reserve yours here. 

September Salute to the Bees

Our annual Honey Weekend moves online this year to celebrate the hard-working pollinators in our yards, gardens and natural areas. Throughout the month of September, we're offering virtual activities and information you can access on-demand as well as live virtual programs with experts.

Local honey, beeswax products and candle-making supplies are available by mail through The Shop at Wave Hill. And if you plan to visit the garden, take a self-guided tour of pollinator-friendly plants or just enjoy the gardens in their fall glory.

Fall Exhibitions

The first of our Fall 2020 exhibitions have been installed and we are thrilled to be reopening Glyndor Gallery to the public. Visit wavehill.org for most up-to-date hours and visitor policies so you can see these works in person.

Family Art Project

The Family Art Project team is thrilled to be able to begin to welcome families back onsite--carefully–in October, with projects closely tuned to the season. We’ll be exploring plant myths, what it means to love the land and giving special attention to Indigenous People’s Day (October 12) and Remembrance Day for Lost Species (November 30).

As always, the program will be offered Saturday and Sunday mornings, from 10AM to 1PM. While art-making is still the focus, it will be a little more structured than usual, and storytelling will be on hiatus until it is safe for us to offer it again. To assure that we all feel safe and welcomed, special rules will be in effect: 

• Family Art Projects will happen outdoors.
  
• Masks and social distancing are required. 
• The location will be the Conifer Slope, just outside the side entrance to the Family Art Project. Please enter from the roadway that runs along the front of Wave Hill House and the lawn leading down to the Conifer Slope.
• The number of families able to participate at any given time will be limited to about five. If you arrive and capacity is full, program staff will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session.
• Shine only. Check the website the morning of for the status of the day’s program.

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS: Special restricted hours as New York City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic: 10AM–5:30PM, Wednesdays–Sunday.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Back to School Giveaway - Friday, September 18

For more information, call 718-991-3161 

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION RELEASES MAYOR’S MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020

 

The de Blasio administration today released the Mayor’s Management Report for Fiscal 2020, an analysis of City agencies’ performance from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. The MMR presents more than 2000 indicators from 45 City agencies that measure the City’s performance in providing services to New Yorkers.

 

“Every year, the Mayor’s Management Report holds us accountable and tells New Yorkers how we’ve performed for them,” said Mayor de Blasio. “This data tells the story of how the City has delivered, despite a year unlike any other. As trust in government becomes more important than ever, we’re proud to maintain our commitment to open access and transparency.”

 

“The Mayor's Management Report is an important opportunity to examine how our City is doing so that we can see what's working and what isn't, especially as we respond to the COVID-19 crisis with the upcoming fiscal constraints," said Jeff Thamkittikasem, Director of the Mayor's Office of Operations. “At Operations, performance and project management are core aspects of our work. I'm proud of the work done on this year's report, and proud of the progress we will continue to make as a City.”

 

This year, in addition to other chapters highlighting inter-agency collaboration on initiatives such as ThriveNYC or Vision Zero, the MMR has a short chapter on the City’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

 

The MMR, which grew out of the 1970’s fiscal crisis, is a national model for holding City government accountable. Both MMR and Preliminary Mayor’s Management Report (PMMR), which covers the first four months of the fiscal year and is released in January, are mandated by Section 12 of the New York City Charter.

 

To view this year’s report, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/mmr.

 

Key improvements include:

 

SAFER CITY

 

Vision Zero/Street Safety

 

DOT

• Citywide traffic fatalities decreased 3.2% from 218 to 211.
• Traffic fatalities (bicyclist/pedestrians) decreased 5.8% from 137 to 129.
• Overall traffic crashes decreased 27.8% from 223,471 to 161,249.
• Bicycle lane miles installed for the year increased 22.1% from 67.5 to 82.4.

 

Construction Safety

 

DOB

• Construction-related accidents decreased 18.6% from 625 to 509.
• Construction-related injuries decreased 17.3% from 646 to 534.
• Construction-related fatalities decreased 27.3% from 11 to 8.
• Violations issued increased 19.9% from 80,874 to 96,969.

 

Crime

 

NYPD

• DWI-related fatalities decreased 15% from 20 to 17.
• Grand Larceny decreased .8% from 42,956 to 39,524

 

Fire Safety

 

FDNY

• Civilian fire fatalities decreased 20.9% from 67 to 53.
• Structural fires decreased 0.8% from 26,207 to 25,993.

 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS

 

DOHMH

• Syphilis cases decreased 2.5% from 1,974 to 1,925.
• New HIV diagnoses (CY Preliminary) decreased 20.0% from 1,917 to 1,533.
• Adults who smoke (CY) decreased 0.9% from 12.8% to 11.9%.

 

ThriveNYC

• ThriveNYC and DVS launched Mission: VetCheck in which volunteers from the veteran’s community were trained to make supportive check-in calls to veterans; over 12,800 calls to veterans were made between April and the end of June 2020.
• Requests from veterans, family members and caregivers that resulted in a successful connection to care, services or resources (with DVS) increased from 504 in FY19 to 1,402 in all of FY20.

 

MORE SUSTAINABLE AND LIVABLE CITY

 

Zero Waste

 

DSNY

• Tons of refuse disposed decreased by 1.1% from 3.248M tons to 3.204M tons – significant drop toward meeting 3.150M tons goal
• Curbside and containerized recycling diversion rate increased 0.4% from 18.1% to 18.5%.

 

Housing

 

HPD

• Housing starts under Housing NY (HNY) (units) increased 18.6% from 25,321 to 30,023.
• Preservation starts under Housing NY (units) increased 45.4% from 16,180 to 23,520.

 

DOHMH

• Supportive housing units available to persons with serious mental illness increased 5.5% from 9.1 to 9.6.

 

NYCHA

• Applicants placed in public housing increased 5.8% from 3,147 to 3,330.
• Applicants placed through Section 8 vouchers increased 49.0% from 2,438 to 3,632.

 

Quality of Life

 

DEP

• DEP Water main breaks decreased 19.2% from 459 to 371.
• DEP Street cave-in complaints received improved by 18% from 3,767 to 3,104.

 

DOT

• DOT Streets maintained with a pavement rating of "Good" increased 0.2% from 71.6% to 71.8%.
• DOT Pothole work orders decreased 11.2% from 42,960 to 38,151.

 

Sustainability

 

DCAS

• Citywide fleet size decreased 0.8% from 30,755 to 30,502.
• Electric vehicles in the citywide fleet increased 3.2% from 2,662 to 2,747

 

EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOLS

 

DOE

• Major felony crimes in schools decreased 35.1% from 444 to 288.
• Other criminal activities in school decreased 36.5% from 1,537 to 976
• Other incidents in schools decreased 30.7% from 4,202 to 2,912.

 

IMPROVING SERVICES AND BUILDING POTENTIAL

 

ACS

• Child protective specialist caseload decreased 29.0% from 10.5 to 7.5.

 

HRA

• Child support collected increased 3.9% from $780.8 to $811.1.

 

SBS

• MWBEs that were certified increased 10.7% from 9,063 to 10,034.
• MWBEs awarded City contracts increased 0.7% from 1,528 to 1,539.
• Unique businesses and customers served by SBS increased 6.6% from 21,069 to 22,460
• MWBEs awarded contracts after receiving procurement and capacity building assistance increased 3.3% from 1,022 to 1,056.

 

DHS

• Adult families entering the DHS shelter services system decreased 22% from 1,433 to 1,118.
• Families with children entering the DHS shelter services system decreased 15.7% from 11,965 to 10,087.
• Single adults entering the DHS shelter services system decreased 3.9% from 21,122 to 20,296.