This innovative and timely New York City Program was brought to our community due to the hard work of community members, local businesses, KRVC, Community Board 8 and our dedicated local elected officials. We are looking forward to spending Sundays serving, enriching and building our special community! Join us to celebrate Riverdale! |
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Kingsbridge-Riverdale- Van Cortlandt Development Corporation |
Johnson Ave |
W 235th St |
W 236th St |
BX |
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Montague St BID |
Montague St |
Clinton St |
Pierrepont Pl |
BK |
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Prospect Heights NDC |
Vanderbilt Ave |
Pacific St |
Park Pl |
BK |
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Sunset Park BID |
5th Ave |
45th St |
47th St |
BK |
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Bistro Les Amis |
Spring St |
Thompson St |
W Broadway |
MN |
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New York Koreatown Association |
W 32nd St |
5th Ave |
Broadway |
MN |
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Gramercy Neighborhood Associates |
E 18th St |
Park Ave S |
Irving Pl |
MN |
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Zouk LTD DBA Palma |
Cornelia St |
Bleecker St |
W 4th St |
MN |
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303 Canary LLC |
Broome St |
Forsyth St |
Eldridge St |
MN |
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Chinatown BID/CCBA |
Pell St |
Bowery |
Mott St |
MN |
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Times Square Alliance |
W 46th St |
6th Ave |
7th Ave |
MN |
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La Contenta |
W 11th Street |
5th Ave |
6th Ave |
MN |
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il Buco |
Bond St |
Lafayette St |
Bowery |
MN |
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KC Gourmet Empanadas |
Ave B |
E 3rd St |
E 4th St |
MN |
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Columbus Amsterdam BID |
Amsterdam Ave |
W 97th St |
W 110th St |
MN |
Multi-Agency Task Force Conducted 835 Compliance Checks Tuesday Night, Observed 41 Additional Violations
During Coronavirus Public Health Emergency, 64 Businesses' Liquor Licenses Have Been Suspended
549 Charges Filed and Processed During Pandemic, Updated List of Suspensions and Charges Available Here
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state has suspended liquor licenses for 7 bars -- five in New York City, one in Westchester County, and one in Erie County -- after finding egregious violations of pandemic-related Executive Orders. On Wednesday night, the state's multi-agency task force, led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority, conducted 835 compliance checks and documented violations at 41 establishments. Since Monday, the task force has completed 1,966 compliance checks and observed 96 violations, for a non-compliance rate of almost 5%. Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license.
"The rising rate of infection among young people and the issue of crowded bars is not unique to New York -- the World Health Organization has warned about it, states all across the country are dealing with it, and even the President has said young people should avoid bars -- but we are taking decisive action in the Empire State to make sure it does not undermine our progress against the coronavirus," Governor Cuomo said. "Last night, our task force observed violations at 41 more establishments downstate, and today we are suspending 7 bars from across the state that have flouted coronavirus-related rules. The State Police and State Liquor Authority are doing their jobs -- and we need local governments to step up and do theirs."
State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said: "We will continue to hold licensees accountable for protecting New Yorkers' health and safety in bars and restaurants. New Yorkers have sacrificed to bend the curve of coronavirus, and at a time when dozens of states are seeing cases surge, we all have a shared responsibility to keep this virus at bay."
Last night, state investigators observed violations at 41 establishments, and formal charges are being prepared. The geographic breakdown of observed violations from last night includes:
Seven establishments were issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board following a meeting on July 30th:
"Atlantic Bar" at 84 Croton Avenue in Ossining
The SLA received a referral from the Village of Ossining Police Department regarding an incident at the establishment on July 24th. On that date, officers observed several patrons congregating outside, with the front door to the business locked. Officers had the owner open the front door, where they observed numerous patrons inside drinking and mingling with no facial coverings and no food being served.
"The Village Line" at 1809 Kenmore Avenue in Kenmore
On July 24th, in response to complaints that the premises does not serve food, an SLA investigator entered the tavern and observed three patrons seated at the bar drinking alcohol without food. After requesting a menu from an employee, the investigator was told he could go next door for pizza and bring it back to the bar -- an admission that no food was available. The tavern was charged with violating Executive Order 202.52 for serving alcohol without food, in addition to a charge of "non bona fide" for not having food available, which has been a requirement of all licensed taverns dating back to 1964.
"Hi Life Bar & Grill" at 477 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan
On July 29th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed patrons seated and being served inside, under a permanent structure, in violation of the NYS Department of Health's interim guidance for outdoor service.
"Bar Tabac" at 128 Smith Street in Brooklyn
On July 24th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed seven employees without facial coverings, including the premises' manager, a bartender, the host, and four members of the kitchen staff. The licensee was well aware of the requirements, with prior violations of the Governor's Executive Orders in June.
"Republic" at 33-29 Astoria Boulevard in Astoria
On July 24th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed the premises open and operating at 12:30 am, in violation of New York City's 11 p.m. curfew for outside service, and with a large number of patrons consuming alcohol and smoking hookah on the sidewalk, interspersed with seated patrons, all directly in front of the premises.
"Kabu Bar Lounge" at 85-09 Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights
On July 24th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed 25 patrons standing, drinking and congregating in front of the premises, ignoring social distancing regulations, and being served by a waitress without a facial covering. Kabu Bar Lounge is a repeat offender, with pending charges for EO violations on June 26th and 30th.
"Lalile Steakhouse" at 91-01 91-05 Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst
On July 25th, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed at least 17 patrons standing and drinking in front of the premises, without facial coverings or observing social distancing guidelines. The SLA also has a referral from the NYPD describing a large number of patrons drinking in front of the premises after New York City's 11 p.m. curfew for outside service on July 18th, including patrons drinking, standing, and congregating.
The emergency suspensions were ordered by Chairman Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan and Commissioner Greeley Ford at a special meeting of the Full Board on July 30th conducted by a digitally recorded video under social distancing guidelines.
After state investigators observe violations, formal charges are then filed and fines may be issued. Emergency Summary Suspensions are imposed when the SLA finds the continued operation of a licensed business threatens public health and safety. Suspension orders are served immediately and remain in effect indefinitely, with the maximum penalty including the permanent revocation of the license and fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Licensees subject to an emergency suspension are entitled to an expedited hearing before an SLA Administrative Law Judge.
New York Adopts Standard for 1,4-Dioxane at a Maximum Contaminant Level of 1 part per billion
State Also Achieves Among the Lowest Standards set for PFOA and PFOS at a Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 parts per trillion
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State has adopted a first-in-the-nation drinking water standard for emerging contaminant 1,4-Dioxane, setting the maximum contaminant level of 1 part per billion for 1,4-Dioxane. The Governor also announced maximum contaminant levels for emerging contaminants PFOA and PFOS in New York's drinking water, which are among the lowest in the U.S. for PFOA and PFOS at 10 parts per trillion. These announcements follow a public comment period and approval by the Public Health and Health Planning Council.
"While the federal government continues to leave emerging contaminants like 1,4-Dioxane, PFOA and PFOS unregulated, New York is leading the way by setting new national standards that help ensure drinking water quality and safeguard New Yorker's health from these chemicals," Governor Cuomo said. "The environmental movement was founded in this great state and we will continue to move forward to protect our most precious resources for generations to come."
The new regulations require public water systems in the state to regularly test and monitor for these chemicals, regardless of size. All three contaminants have been detected in drinking water systems across the country, yet remain unregulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is responsible for setting regulatory limits under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
In lieu of federal action and as part of the State's commitment to ensuring clean drinking water for all New Yorkers, the Drinking Water Quality Council was established as part of the 2017-2018 Executive Budget to provide recommendations to the New York State Department of Health to address emerging contaminants in drinking water resulting from decades-old industrial pollution in communities statewide. The Council's scientific review of PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4-Dioxane was part of its first directive to set standards for these man-made, emerging contaminants, which are persistent in the environment and have been detected in drinking water systems nationwide. The Council's members, comprised of academic scientists, engineers, public water system professionals, and experts from the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, followed the available science regarding potential health impacts and technology available to remove these chemicals when recommending the standards for adoption.
Per New York's rulemaking process, the amended regulations were published in January in the New York State Register for a 45 day public comment period. The proposal garnered more than 2,000 comments for consideration. In response to comments received, DOH drafted modifications to the proposed regulations that would establish a deferral process for public water systems who proactively tested to come into compliance with the proposed MCLs, without being issued a violation notice. Following today's PHHPC approval, and once approved by the Commissioner of Health, the final regulations will be published in the State Register. Once published, systems serving 10,000 people or more will be required to begin testing within 60 days, within 90 days for systems serving between 3,300 to 9,999 people, and within six months for systems serving less than 3,300 people.
New York Attorney General Letitia James reached an agreement with former multinational internet technology company, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), resulting in $1.85 million in recovered funds, with nearly $1 million earmarked for New York state. The investigation revealed that the company violated state and federal law by improperly processing Medicaid claims for services rendered as a part of New York’s Early Intervention Program, the statewide program for infants and toddlers under the age of three who might have a developmental delay or disability.
“It is unconscionable that a company would be so irresponsible to cut corners on a program dedicated to our youngest New Yorkers in need of help and end up diverting hard-earned taxpayer dollars from where they need to go,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “On my watch, illegal schemes at the expense of taxpayers — or our children — will not go unchecked. My office will continue to hold providers and their agents who fail to appropriately and responsibly administer Medicaid programs in New York state accountable.”
CSC, now known as DXC Technology, violated the U.S. and New York State False Claims Act between 2009 and 2013. As part of this agreement, CSC admitted that it performed insurance-claims-handling and -processing services on behalf of New York City regarding the City’s administration of the Early Intervention Program, which resulted in payments to the City that Medicaid would not otherwise have made. Specifically, CSC admitted that it utilized two coding mechanisms for their billing submissions that resulted in Medicaid making improper payments to the City. The investigation was triggered by a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the qui tam provisions of the federal and New York False Claims Acts, which allow people to file civil actions on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. The whistleblower in this case will receive $416,250 of the settlement proceeds from New York state and the federal government, combined. The state of New York will receive $989,565.
The investigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort among the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza today announced health and safety protocols, including guidance for testing and tracing, for schools for the start of the 2020-21 school year. These protocols will apply to all school communities and will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We are doing everything in our power to keep kids healthy while ensuring they are getting the education they deserve. These rigorous test and trace protocols will keep our students and staff safe as we start off this new school year,” said Mayor de Blasio.
“New Yorkers did the incredibly difficult work reducing the risk posed by COVID-19, and as a result we’re in a better position than any other city in the country to safely resume in-person education under the current conditions and with clear, consistent health protocols,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “The safety and health of our school communities is always our first priority – before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic – and we will remain vigilant in monitoring health conditions this fall while driving toward academic excellence for every student.”
In preparation for the start of school, the DOE is purchasing large orders of hygiene supplies on behalf of schools. These supplies include, but are not limited, to, facial coverings for students, teachers, and staff; disinfectant; hand sanitizer; and electrostatic sprayers. School leadership and facilities staff in every school are reviewing school space and making necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure safe conditions for in-person student learning this fall.
All staff members will be asked to take a COVID-19 test in the days before the first day of school. School staff will have priority access for free testing at 34 city-run testing locations, with tests provided with expedited results. This testing is also available for families citywide.
When school buildings reopen, all schools will be required to enact precautions to prevent, identify, and address the spread of COVID-19. Daily precautions include:
· An isolation room for students with symptoms with a dedicated staff member or health professional,
· Physical distancing and required facial coverings,
· Cleaning throughout the day and nightly disinfecting, and
· Clear communication with families and school community.
If a student or teacher is feeling sick, they are required to stay home and, if their symptoms are consistent with COVID-19, are asked to get tested. If a student begins experiencing symptoms in school, they will be isolated and monitored by a dedicated staff member until they are picked up by their parents or guardians. Staff members who become symptomatic at school are asked to immediately leave the building.
Whether symptoms begin at home or in school, there will be a clear flow of information to facilitate fast action and prevent spread. A positive case can be reported to a school by a staff member, a parent, or a student. A positive confirmed case will trigger an investigation by the NYC Test + Trace Corps and DOHMH to determine close contacts within the school. Schools will communicate to all families and students within school any time a case is laboratory confirmed.
The DOE is working in tight coordination with DOHMH and the NYC Test + Trace Corps to identify, isolate, and prevent spread of COVID-19. In the event that there is a laboratory- confirmed case in a school, all students and teachers in that class are assumed close contacts and will be instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days since their last exposure to that case. Additionally, DOHMH and NYC Test + Trace Corps will begin an investigation into the risk of exposure to the school community and work with the DOE to issue clear guidance and decisions for next steps based on the outcome.
For the potential investigative conclusions outlined below, all decisions to quarantine classrooms or close schools will depend on the facts of each investigation.
Conclusion of Investigation | During Investigation | Post Investigation |
1 confirmed case | Close Classroom, transition to remote learning | Classroom remains closed for 14 days; students and staff in close contact with positive case self-quarantine for 14 days.
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At least 2 cases linked together in school, same classroom | Close Classroom, transition to remote learning | Classroom remains closed for 14 days; students and staff in close contact with positive cases self-quarantine for 14 days
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At least 2 cases linked together in school, different classrooms | Close school building, transition to remote learning | Classrooms of each case remain closed and quarantined, additional school members are quarantined based on where the exposure was in the school (e.g., the locker room)
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At least 2 cases linked together by circumstances outside of school (i.e., acquired infection by different setting and source) | Close school building, transition to remote learning | School opens post investigation, classrooms remain closed for 14 days |
At least 2 cases not linked but exposure confirmed for each outside of school setting | Close school building, transition to remote learning | School opens post investigation, classrooms remain closed for 14 days |
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Link unable to be determined | Close school building, transition to remote learning | Close school for 14 days |
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Whenever a student is isolating or quarantining at home, the expectation is that they continue engaging with learning remotely if they are feeling well enough. If a school is closed, the school will communicate by 6 P.M. on the night before about the status of opening the next morning, based on the status of the investigation. A school building will not reopen without confirmation from public health experts that it is safe.
While developing this reopening plan to submit to New York State, the Department of Education consulted with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), NYC Health + Hospitals, the NYC Test + Trace Corps and labor officials.
These protocols center the health of our students and staff at the very core of this school year, while pursuing the resumption of in-person learning and educational services. The City will continue to closely monitor health conditions, and if community transmission begins to rise across the boroughs, a decision may be made to close all schools and switch to full-time remote learning.
