Permits Filed For 2017 Grand Concourse In Tremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a nine-story residential building at 2017 Grand Concourse in Tremont, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of Bush Street and Grand Concourse, the lot is within walking distance of the Tremont Avenue subway station, serviced by the B and D train. Justin S. Stein under the Home Builders 1 L.P is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 89-foot-tall development will yield 26,239 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 34 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 771 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar but no accessory parking.

Curtis + Ginsberg is listed as the architect of record.

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

Leaders Of One Of The Largest No-Fault Insurance Frauds In New York History Sentenced To 15, 12, And Seven Years In Prison

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that PETER KHAIMOV, ALEXANDER GULKAROV, and ROMAN ISRAILOV were sentenced to 15 years, 12 years, and seven years in prison, respectively, by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe for crimes related to their orchestration of a $40 million fraud targeting No-Fault automobile insurance companies.  KHAIMOV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced on June 11, 2024.  GULKAROV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced on June 20, 2024.  ISRAILOV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced on May 23, 2024. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Peter Khaimov, Alexander Gulkarov, and Roman Israilov organized one of the largest No-Fault insurance frauds in New York history, stealing $40 million through their operation of sham medical clinics and pharmacies.  By posing as legitimate medical providers, they exploited the system, prescribed unnecessary treatments, and jeopardized patient care.  This case exemplifies our relentless pursuit of justice against those who think they can outsmart the system, and I commend the FBI and our dedicated team of prosecutors for their outstanding work in dismantling this massive fraud operation.” 

According to the Indictment, the Informations to which KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV pled guilty, their plea agreements, and statements made in court:  

New York and New Jersey No-Fault insurance laws require a driver’s automobile insurance company to pay automobile insurance claims automatically for certain types of motor vehicle accidents, provided that the claim is legitimate and below a particular monetary threshold.  Pursuant to these requirements, insurance companies will often pay medical service providers directly for the treatment they provide to automobile accident victims without the need to bill the victims themselves.  This process resolves automobile claims without apportioning blame or fault for the accident, thereby avoiding protracted disputes and the costs associated with an extended investigation of the accident. 

From 2014 through 2021, KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV (collectively, the “Clinic Controllers”) conspired to unlawfully own, run, and profit from medical clinics and pharmacies in the New York area.  KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV knew that clinics and pharmacies are unable to bill insurance companies for No-Fault benefits if the medical facilities are controlled by non-physicians.  They nonetheless agreed to submit bills to insurance companies falsely representing that the clinics were owned and operated by licensed medical practitioners, and for medical practitioners to lie under oath during Examinations under Oath (“EUOs”) about the ownership, control, and finances of the clinics.  KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV unlawfully obtained from insurance companies at least $40,000,000 as part of the scheme.

In connection with the scheme described above, KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV also arranged for medical practitioners, including physicians, to prescribe unnecessary medical treatments (including MRIs, EMG/NCV testing, spinal injections, and computerized radiologic mensuration analysis), unnecessary durable medical equipment (including cervical home traction devices and lumbar back support), and medically unnecessary medications (including prescription strength painkillers, topical creams, and topical gels).  KHAIMOV and GULKAROV received kickbacks from MRI facilities, pain management doctors, and other specialized care providers, who performed these unnecessary medical treatments.  KHAIMOV and GULKAROV further personally arranged for the unnecessary medications to be filled at pharmacies under the control of the conspirators.  

GULKAROV also overbilled insurance companies for treatments provided by medical practitioners.  In connection with the scheme, GULKAROV owned and operated a billing company, which submitted bills to insurance companies overstating the amount of time that practitioners spent treating patients.  The billing company also used improper, unlisted billing codes to bill insurance companies in excess of what is permitted under No-Fault regulations.

The Bribery Scheme

KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV further agreed to pay bribes in connection with the above-described scheme.  From at least 2014 through November 2019, they agreed with others to pay bribes to hospital employees, 911 dispatchers, and other individuals for the confidential names and numbers of motor vehicle accident victims.  As part of the scheme, KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and others provided approximately $150,000 for the creation of a call center that called victims and lied to them to induce victims to receive medical treatment at, among other places, clinics controlled by KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV.  KHAIMOV and GULKAROV further personally paid the operation of the call center hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in cash.

As part of the bribery scheme, KHAIMOV also personally attempted to recruit others to disclose confidential names and numbers of motor vehicle accident victims.  These people included, among others, a hospital employee.  KHAIMOV was ultimately unsuccessful because these other individuals refused to provide confidential information.

As part of the scheme, GULKAROV arranged for an New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) officer to provide confidential information from NYPD servers.  In particular, this officer sent GULKAROV over 400 photos of confidential NYPD motor vehicle accident reports using the encrypted messaging application, WhatsApp.  GULKAROV then re-transmitted the reports to others so that they could call patients, lie to them, and direct them to clinics controlled by KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV.

Money Laundering and Obstruction Conduct

KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV laundered the proceeds of the bribery and healthcare fraud from the bank accounts of the medical clinics and pharmacies to personal accounts using a variety of methods.  Among other things, KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV agreed to have medical practitioners sign blank checks from the clinics’ bank accounts, which KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV used to pay personal expenses such as luxury vacations around the world, expensive meals, jewelry, and parties.  GULKAROV also used the blank checks to pay for hundreds of thousands of dollars of construction-related expenses for a three-story, multimillion dollar home in Queens, New York.

KHAIMOV, GULKAROV, and ISRAILOV arranged for checks from the clinics’ bank accounts to be cashed at shell companies under their control or the control of co-conspirators.  Over two dozen of these shell companies were opened by foreign nationals, who entered the country on tourism visas, opened bank accounts for the shell companies, provided the debit cards to the co-conspirators, and then left the country.

KHAIMOV and GULKAROV additionally agreed to use the Wisnicki & Associates and Wisnicki Neuhauser (collectively, the “Wisnicki Firm”) to launder proceeds from the No-Fault scheme.  KHAIMOV and GULKAROV wrote over $150,000 in checks to the Wisnicki Firm from the No-Fault clinics’ bank accounts.  The Wisnicki Firm did not provide any legal services to the No-Fault clinics.  Instead, the Wisnicki Firm used this money to purchase real estate for KHAIMOV and another individual.  The conspirators deducted the payments to the Wisnicki Firm on the clinics’ tax returns as legal expenses.

In addition, GULKAROV engaged in a multi-month obstruction scheme beginning in February 2021.  In February and March 2021, the Government served grand jury subpoenas on the medical practitioners involved in the No-Fault scheme.  GULKAROV immediately contacted at least half-a-dozen of his co-conspirators and ordered them not to speak with law enforcement.  In return, GULKAROV gave his co-conspirators money to pay for attorneys.  GULKAROV also obtained the phones of multiple practitioners and deleted his communications with them from their devices. 

Thereafter, on or about April 1, 2021, the Government served a grand jury subpoena on the Wisnicki Firm for documentation surrounding the $150,000 in payments made from the clinics to the Wisnicki Firm.  GULKAROV agreed with others that the Wisnicki Firm would fabricate retainer agreements for transmission to the grand jury.  The fabricated retainer agreements, which were backdated to 2016 and 2017, falsely represented that the No-Fault clinics had retained the Wisnicki Firm for legal services.

During the following months, in or about April and May 2021, GULKAROV approached multiple medical practitioners and ordered them to sign the backdated, fabricated retainer agreements.  The medical practitioners complied.  GULKAROV also provided these medical practitioners with checks, written from the Wisnicki Firm, returning the purported “retainer fees” paid to the Wisnicki Firm.  GULKAROV ordered the medical practitioners to deposit the checks, withdraw the money in small cash increments, and return the cash to GULKAROV.  At least one medical practitioner complied.

Lastly, in or about early 2022, KHAIMOV approached a cooperating witness (the “CW”), who was the registered owner of one of KHAIMOV’s pharmacies.  KHAIMOV drove to the CW’s house and began honking his car horn outside.  The CW came out, at which point KHAIMOV told the CW that he heard the CW was speaking with law enforcement.  KHAIMOV instructed the CW to stop doing so.

KHAIMOV, 44, GULKAROV, 37, and ISRAILOV, 42, all of Queens, New York, were each sentenced to three years of supervised release, respectively, and they were each ordered to forfeit money judgments of $40,000,000.  The Court deferred determination of restitution.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Doctor Convicted of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances

A federal jury convicted a Maine doctor for unlawfully distributing controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Merideth Norris, 53, of Kennebunk, distributed controlled substances to patients at her practice without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Norris prescribed controlled substances despite the fact that some of these patients suffered from opioid use disorder, tested positive for addictive substances that were not prescribed to them, or appeared to be diverting the drugs into the community. Norris was warned about her prescribing on numerous occasions, including by way of pharmacists who refused to fill prescriptions she wrote and letters from an insurance company covering one of her patients. Walmart pharmacies also issued a “central block,” or a nationwide ban, on filling prescriptions written by Norris. When asked by Maine’s Board of Osteopathic Licensure (the “Board”) to justify her prescribing, Norris submitted an incomplete patient file to the Board, and otherwise deceived the Board about her prescribing practices.

The jury convicted Norris of 15 counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Division; Assistant Administrator Thomas Prevoznik of the DEA’s Diversion Control Division; and Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Boston Region made the announcement.

The FBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

The Fraud Section partners with federal and state law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country to prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

Anyone needing access to opioid treatment services can contact HHS-OIG’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7 National Helpline for referrals to treatment services at 1-800-662-4359. 

RIKERS ISLAND INMATE INDICTED FOR PREDATORY SEX ASSAULT OF TRANSGENDER INMATE IN JAIL

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Rikers Island inmate has been indicted on Predatory Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Act, Sexual Abuse and other related charges for allegedly attacking a transgender inmate in a Rikers Island jail who he threatened with a makeshift ice pick.  

District Attorney Clark said, “Sexual violence against any person in jail will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. Allegedly wielding a sharp weapon, this defendant gave the victim a deranged choice—be stabbed or sexually assaulted. He will face justice for this brutal crime.”

New York City Department of Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie said, “The allegations laid out in the indictment, if true, are reprehensible and the defendant should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. DOC has a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment against any person who works, visits, or is in custody in any of its facilities. I want to thank the investigators on my team for working on this case and the Office of Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark for their assistance.”

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Kelvin Williams, 34, was indicted on Predatory Sexual Assault, first-degree Criminal Sexual Act, first degree Sexual Abuse, third-degree Criminal Sexual Act, Sexual Misconduct, Forcible Touching, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, third-degree Assault, and third-degree Sexual Abuse. He was arraigned on June 18, 2024, and remanded by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera. He is due back in court on September 17, 2024.

According to the investigation, on the evening of May 12th, 2022, the defendant allegedly attacked a transgender person in custody in her cell at the Anna M. Kross Center detention facility. Video surveillance captured the defendant walking back and forth in front of the victim’s cell until he entered and allegedly brandished a makeshift ice pick and gave the victim the choice to be stabbed or sexually assaulted. The defendant then forced the victim to engage in oral and anal sex. 

District Attorney Clark thanked Department of Correction Special Intelligence Unit -PREA Investigator Clark Orellana, Investigator Connor Olsen, Deputy Director Ingris Martinez and Correction Intelligence Bureau Investigator Jeffrey Rios, and Investigator Walter Holmes for their diligent work in the investigation. 

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

Governor Hochul Announces $97.7 Million to Support Enhancement of Alternative Transportation Options in Local Communities

Funding Supports Construction of New Sidewalks, Shared Use Paths, Bus Shelters and Other Improvements to Facilitate Environmentally Friendly Modes of Travel

Projects Advance New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Goals

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $97.7 million in funding has been awarded to more than 30 communities across New York State for projects that promote alternative, environmentally friendly modes of travel, such as walking, biking or riding mass transit. The funding will support initiatives that improve access to the transportation system for all users and advance New York State’s nation-leading agenda to fight climate change by constructing new sidewalks, shared use paths and other enhancements that facilitate the use of non-motorized modes of travel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The awards were made available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and are being administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.

“Since my first day in office, I have invested in expanding multi-modal travel options for New Yorkers across the State,” Governor Hochul said. “By giving communities the tools they need to expand alternative modes of travel, we are helping to reduce emissions while creating a healthier and more vibrant transportation system that benefits all New Yorkers.”

The Transportation Alternatives Program focuses on transportation related projects which provide infrastructure to improve sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle safety, enhancements in access to public transportation, safe routes to schools for students and their parents, and the creation of trailway networks.

The $97.7 million in TAP awards were distributed throughout the state to 13 separate towns, 10 villages, five cities, and two counties, among others. The types of projects were broken into four categories:

• $57.8 million to improve sidewalks, pedestrian, and bicycle safety
  The awards will allow for infrastructure improvement projects to help create ADA compliant sidewalks, connect activity centers and communities for pedestrians, and improve bicycle safety on local roads.
• $21.2 million to create and expand trailway networks
  The awards will help to construct shared use paths and improve trail connections and infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles and improve the overall safety of trailway options.
• $17.3 million to provide safe routes to schools
  The awards will expand the number of safe routes to schools to foster a safer, healthier, and more accessible environment for children, families, and other pedestrians.
• $1.3 million for bus shelters and transit enhancements
  The awards will help build bus shelters to increase mobility options and improve transit access for pedestrians.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

Governor Hochul’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. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), New York is on a path to achieving its mandated goal of a zero-emissions 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 ramp-up of clean energy and the creation of more than 150,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector. New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050 while meeting a goal to deliver 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities and advancing progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs in end-use savings. The CLCPA scoping plan provides the framework for how New York State will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors, including the transportation sector, increase renewable energy use, and ensure all communities equitably benefit from the clean energy transition.

TAP Awarded Projects:

Capital Region - $4.3 million

• $1,481,600 to the Village of Altamont for sidewalk installation and improvement on Maple Avenue and Bozenkill Road.
• $1,626,720 to the Town of Malta for a pedestrian and bike pathway along Route 9.
• $1,193,187 to the Town of North Greenbush for sidewalk construction on U.S. Route 4.

Central New York - $7.9 million

• $803,898 to the Village of Solvay for Empire State Trail improvements as well as repairs on Belle Isle Road.
• $3,146,400 to the City of Syracuse sidewalk improvements in the Inner Harbor area.
• $3,944,000 to the City of Syracuse for the construction of a physical separated shared use path on the West Side Trail.

Finger Lakes - $10.3 million

• $1,153,534 to the City of Batavia to install sidewalk connecting the Jackson Street elementary school with Batavia Middle School.
• $3,475,945 to the Town of Livonia for the construction and extension of sidewalks on Big Tree Road.
• $679,511 to the County of Monroe for the construction of a mobile traffic safety education facility to encourage participation in Safe Routes to School.
• $3,970,400 to the City of Rochester for traffic calming and pedestrian safety at 12 priority intersections.
• $1,090,557 to the Town of York for sidewalks, mid-crossings, signage, and tree plantings approaching the intersection of Stare Routes 63 and 36.
• $5,000,000 to the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to resurface and repair culverts along seven miles of trail from State Route 5, south to the York Landing parking lot.

Long Island - $6.9 million

• $4,028,800 to the Village of Garden City to build or reconstruct pedestrian curb ramps to ADA standards at targeted locations.
• $2,947,840 to the Town of Southampton enhance pedestrian infrastructure along a two-mile segment of Nyack Road.

Mid-Hudson - $28.5 million

• $1,088,499 to the Town of Crawford to remove and replace sidewalks and crosswalks to meet all ADA requirements on State Route 52 and Seybolt Lane.
• $3,859,742 to the Town of Greenburgh for pedestrian improvements including sidewalks, ramps, and crosswalks, along Old Army Road.
• $2,341,220 to the Town of Greenburgh for sidewalk construction on State Route 100A between Knollwood Shopping Center and Greenburgh Health Center.
• $1,472,000 to the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson to construct new sidewalk sections on Rosedale Avenue, add catch basins, and rehabilitate the staircase connecting Rosedale Avenue to Hamilton Avenue via Prescott Place.
• $1,224,480 to the Town of Mamaroneck for improvement to Colonial Avenue to provide a safe route for elementary school children and parents.
• $5,000,000 to the Town of New Castle for an off-road multi-use trail (ChapLine) connecting Chappaqua Crossing to a bike easement in Chestnut Oaks.
• $1,600,000 to the Village of Rhinebeck for safety upgrades and trail connections for users of all abilities.
• $3,878,789 to the Village of Sleepy Hollow for the installation and construction of sidewalks, curbs, ramps, and historic signage from the public visitor center to Devries Park.
• $1,715,270 to the Village of Wesley Hills for the installation of ADA compliant sidewalks Willow Road to Lime Kiln Road.
• $5,000,000 to the City of Yonkers completely rehabilitate South Broadway, replacing sidewalks, paving roads, installing new lights and trees, and creating new bike lanes.
• $1,361,120 to the Rockland County Highway Department to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety at key intersection in the Town of Stony Point.

Mohawk Valley - $6.7 million

• $1,498,624 to the Town of Kirkland to construct a pedestrian bridge, two trailheads with parking, and a 10-goot wide, 4,600-foot section of the proposed Phase 2 of the Kirkland Trail.
• $4,613,276 to the City of Utica – Engineering Department for the construction of seven blocks of new pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, reducing Broad Street from four to two lanes to accommodate bike lanes, center medians, and multi-use sidewalks.
• $589,760 to the Capital District Transportation Authority to design and construct an intersection improvement in Amsterdam to better manage pedestrian safety and access to transit.

New York City - $5 million

• $5,000,000 to the New York City Department of Transportation on safety improvements near six schools in disadvantaged communities.

North Country - $3.1 million

• $1,192,458 to the Town of Long Lake for the construction and replacement of sidewalks along Main Street.
• $1,948,000 to the Clinton County Planning Department for rehabilitation and refurbishment of the Keeseville Swing Bridge to preserve a historic transportation structure that provides a pedestrian path over the AuSable River.

Southern Tier - $7.9 million

• $4,112,000 to the Village of Dryden to construct new sidewalks along Mott Road, North Road, State Roue 13, Enterprise Drive, Ellis Drive, Freeville Road near the Dryden Middle and High Schools, and Union Street near the Elementary School.
• $1,146,400 to the Town of Ithaca to construct a multi-use trail and lighting along East Shore Drive from the intersection with Cayuga Street to the intersection with James L. Gibbs Drive.
• $2,656,000 to the Village of Trumansburg to construct a new sidewalk system along Main Street near the Trumansburg Central School District.

Western New York - $16.8 million

• $2,785,194 to the Town of Hamburg for a new comprehensive multimodal system including the construction of new sidewalks, bike lanes, and crossings along South Park Avenue.
• $3,392,800 to the Village of Lancaster to fill in the gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle network along Central Avenue.
• $5,000,000 to the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to construct and improve culverts in key drainage locations parallel to State Route 19/19A and construct a continuous trial in sections previously lost.
• $695,767 to the Seneca Nation of Indians to build six bus shelters on the two Seneca Nation’s residential territories: the Allegany and Cattaraugus Territories.

AS HEAT CONTINUES INTO THE WEEKEND, NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE URGE NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS

 

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23 

 Cooling centers are open across the city, including, on Sunday, up to 45 NYC public schools as part of whole community approach. Each school will have the capacity to host and cool several hundred New Yorkers 

To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder 

New Yorkers should also take advantage of additional cool options such as museums, movie theaters, coffee shops, or a neighbor, friend, or family member's home

New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23. Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast throughout weekend, with heat index values in the upper-90s to 100 across the city. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will also be possible each afternoon and evening through early next week. These may bring localized heavy downpours and gusty winds; however, flooding is not anticipated in NYC at this time. In addition, there is an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect until 11 P.M. today for ground-level ozone pollution. Finally, beach-goers are urged to exercise caution at Atlantic-facing beaches this weekend due to a high risk of life-threatening rip currents. 

“New Yorkers, as we brace for high temperatures this weekend let’s prioritize safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak heat, and looking out for one another,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This year, we have expanded the number of cooling centers available to the public and I encourage anyone looking for a place to beat the heat to take advantage of them or visit one of our city’s beaches. To find your local cooling center, visit our “Cool Options” map at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311. Let's stay prepared and safe.” 

“As the summer is officially underway and bringing in high heat, I urge all New Yorkers to take precautions,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Limit strenuous outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing. Beat the heat by turning on your air conditioner or visiting a Cooling Center. New Yorkers can also stay cool by visiting a museum, house of worship, movie theater, publicly-accessible atriums and lobbies, or other cool spaces. High heat can be dangerous, look out for another, especially older adults, children, and anyone with chronic health conditions. Learn the signs of heat stroke.”  

“Heat is dangerous but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “So, remember to stay hydrated, stay cool, listen to your body and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Last but not least check in on vulnerable individuals, especially older, relatives, neighbors and friends, as well as those with chronic and mental health conditions.” 

“As always, our schools stand ready to assist the city in any emergency,” said Chancellor David C. Banks. “I am deeply appreciative of our incredible facilities staff and School Safety Agents who will be on hand to open the schools and ensure they are prepared to welcome back students on Monday.” 

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner. 

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will continue to remain open throughout the five boroughs. Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages this weekend. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. This year's newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat. 

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and its pool are open, and all sprinkler systems are operating at all state parks in New York City. 

During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 and redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter. 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT 

• Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events. 
• Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours. 
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.  
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.  
• Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.  
• Eat small, frequent meals. 
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
• Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.  
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below. 
• Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.  

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS 

• Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has: 
• Hot dry skin 
• Trouble breathing 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911. 

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE 

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. 
• Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. 
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse. 

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE 

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly. 

Use “spray caps” to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one. 

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS 

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death: 

• Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.” 
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home. 
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running. 
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. 
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean. 
• If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running. 
• Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity. 

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.