Friday, July 31, 2020

Partnership For Parks IMP-ACT DAY


Now more than ever, we need community support to keep our parks clean, green, and vital. Join us to make an IMP-act on August 8th or apply for a matching fund grant to care for your local park. Also, check out SummerStage Anywhere for live performances and more all summer.

IMP-ACT DAY

As the city recovers from COVID-19, emerging from the epicenter of this global pandemic, we face the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and a new wave of challenges. With the Parks budget cut by 14%, we need community support to ensure our parks can thrive.

We invite you to take action by joining us on It’s My Park IMP-act Day!  After a five-month suspension of It’s My Park—our signature service program engaging volunteers in local parks across the city—on Saturday, August 8th, we will welcome back dedicated community groups and new volunteers alike at beautification projects across the city, ushering in a new way of working with your community in your local greenspace safely. Find a project below.  

Can’t volunteer on August 8th? Contact us to join a project, volunteer as a group, or lead your own project as we continue to reopen It’s My Park, or find out about ways to engage with us online.

FIND A PROJECT

PFP CROWDFUNDING CHALLENGE

Planning for the future of your park? The Partnerships for Parks Crowdfunding Challenge provides up to $2,500 in matching funds to approved community projects that are hosted through an ioby crowdfunding campaign.

Projects benefiting an NYC green space—including parks, community gardens, street trees, and green streets—are eligible to have their ioby crowdfunding campaign matched. If approved, Partnerships for Parks contributes one dollar for every dollar raised up to $2,500. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis so apply now!

APPLY

#SUMMERSTAGEANYWHERE

Join us for Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage Anywhere, a free digital series highlighting genres that deeply represent New York City: Contemporary Dance, Global, Indie Rock, Latin, Hip Hop, and Jazz.  

From Brazilian pop star Pabllo Vittar to indie darling Waxahatchee to jazz saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and more, join us on the SummerStage social channels (Facebook, InstagramYouTube, Twitch). Tune in for live performances, one-on-one interviews, arts programs for families, exclusive DJ sets, and more this summer! 

VISIT SUMMERSTAGE ANYWHERE
Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to transform these spaces into dynamic community assets.

KRVC - Open Streets Sundays on Johnson Avenue!


Open Streets Sundays to Riverdale!

Join us for the first one this Sunday, August 2nd.

Email Tracykrvc@gmail.com for more information


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! 

This Sunday, August 2nd will feature live music by Sinuhé Padilla Isunza from 2-6pm.

Sinuhé is a Mexican musicologist, producer, composer, and artistic director. With more than 25 years of teaching and research experience, he's led and collaborated in multiple compelling artistic and social projects around the traditional and contemporary Afro-Amerindian music scene. A path that has allowed him to inspire and encourage community-based fandango projects in many cities including New York, Philadelphia, Barcelona, Buenos Aires,  Bello Horizonte, Montreal, Albuquerque, Miami, among others.

We will also feature local artists at this weekend's event and KRVC will be giving out free face masks.  Join us!

NEW YORK CITY LAUNCHES NO-PENALTY SIGN INSPECTIONS


City restarts annual no-penalty deck, porch and retaining wall inspections

  The de Blasio Administration today announced the start of a new No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program and the return of the annual No-Penalty Deck and Porch and Retaining Wall Inspection Programs. These initiatives allow small business owners and homeowners to obtain free inspections of the relevant structures, without risk of penalty, to determine if they comply with City safety regulations. Rather than penalize small businesses and homeowners, these initiatives will help New Yorkers comply with the regulations and proactively maintain their properties, saving them time and money by fixing potential problems before they occur.
 
“Our small businesses are the core of our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “That is why we want to work with them to help them keep their businesses safe, and instead of just giving them a fine or violation.”
 
"We want to ensure all New Yorkers' homes and businesses are safe, and that is why we are re-launching these no-penalty inspections," said Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin. "With everything our City has gone through these last several months, we want to make sure we are helping as much as possible rather than penalizing. I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of this great program."
 
“Making sure your home and property are in good shape is essential to keeping your loved ones and neighbors safe,” said Buildings Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca. "Putting off needed home repairs or keeping up a sign that is out of compliance might seem harmless in the short run, but it could end up costing a lot more than you bargained for. We're pleased to offer these programs to help small businesses and property owners comply with the regulations that keep us all safe."
 
No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program
 
Beginning July 31st until September 15th, 2020, the Department of Buildings will start accepting business accessory sign inspection requests from small business owners. For the first time, DOB is offering to inspect business signage at no cost and without penalty. During the inspection, DOB's team will come out and verify that business accessory signs comply with City regulations and are safely installed. Small business owners can take advantage of these no penalty inspections and avoid issues later by bringing their signs up to code if any deficiencies are found. Those interested in the No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program can contact 311 to set up an appointment.
 
As part of a moratorium from February 9, 2019 until February 9, 2021, the Department will not issue violations for business signs that existed on or before February 9, 2019, unless the sign is not eligible for the moratorium for reasons such as being an imminent threat to public health or safety. Businesses are encouraged to contact 311 to have their signs inspected to determine whether they comply with applicable regulations before the end of this moratorium to potentially avoid receiving future violations for signs that are not in compliance. DOB will continue to respond to 311 complaints about signs to determine whether a business’ sign is compliant or eligible for this moratorium. Visit our site for more on the Business Accessory Sign Moratorium 
 
No-Penalty Deck and Porch and Retaining Wall Inspection Programs
 
Beginning July 31st, and also ending September 15th, homeowners and property owners can also contact 311 to request a free DOB inspection of their decks, porches, or retaining walls as part of the annual No-Penalty Deck and Porch and Retaining Wall inspection initiatives. By law, homeowners must properly maintain any deck, porch, or retaining wall on their property, and ensure that these structures comply with City regulations. Over time, weather and shifting soil can cause these household structures to deteriorate, and periodic maintenance of these structures is critical to preventing accidents. During the scheduled inspection, a Buildings inspector will look for potential dangers, such as cracking, rotting, bulging, leaning, and conditions that could lead to structural failure. 
 
The Department first launched the No-Penalty Retaining Wall Inspection Program in 2005 and later added the No-Penalty Deck and Porch Inspection Program in 2010. Since the start of these initiatives, the City has dealt with over 1100 properties across the five boroughs, helping to prevent structural failures and saving money for homeowners. New Yorkers concerned about the safety and stability of any of these structures in their neighborhood are also urged to contact 311 to report any unsafe conditions.
 
“SBS is committed to helping our small businesses get back on their feet. The Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program not only saves business owners time by providing them with the education to remain in compliance with City rules leading up to the moratorium, but it also saves them money by helping them avoid costly fines which may have resulted from non-compliance.  We look forward to working with our colleagues at the Department of Buildings on launching an initiative that puts small businesses first,” said Jonnel DorisCommissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES MORE LOCATIONS FOR WEEKEND EXPANSION OF OUTDOOR DINING


New plaza seating locations opening this weekend in four boroughs

Mayor de Blasio today revealed 15 more locations for expanded weekend outdoor dining options, under an initiative that combines the popular Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs. Today’s announcement brings the citywide total to 62 participating streets.
 
The program expands restaurant seating options onto car-free streets on weekends for select corridors throughout the five boroughs. Most new locations will begin the evening of Friday, July 31st. In addition, Pell Street in Chinatown will add seating to the existing outdoor dining space on nearby Doyers Street, while Mott Street will become a shared street to help activate the new restaurant seating areas unveiled on Wednesday.
 
The City also announced new seating opening this weekend in four outer-borough pedestrian plazas. New plaza locations opening in this round – with exclusive seating, collective dining, and open public seating – include Fowler Square and Old Fulton Plaza in Brooklyn, along with Myrtle-Cooper and Douglaston in Queens.
 
“New Yorkers deserve more public space in our ongoing fight against COVID-19, and we’re proud to offer more places to get a safe outdoor meal on the weekends,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With two extra months of outdoor dining now approved, restaurants will have more chances than ever to get back on their feet. We’re excited to build on our popular Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs, and we look forward to expanding this idea even further.”
 
"As we continue to expand Open Streets: Restaurants, New Yorkers across the five boroughs will be able to enjoy these transformed streets in a safe, socially distanced manner," said Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin. "Thanks to the tireless work from DOT, other partner agencies, local BIDS and community groups, restaurants can continue to find creative ways to serve their customers, while thousands of New Yorkers get back to work."
 
“The last two weekends, New Yorkers have been inspired to visit some of their favorite restaurants as they safely dine outdoors on car-free streets,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We are pleased today to welcome a diverse array of new streets and plazas — from Kingsbridge in the Bronx to Chinatown in Manhattan. Mayor de Blasio’s vision has re-imagined street space to revitalize a critical industry, and I want to thank the teams from DOT, our sister agencies, BIDs and other community groups who have worked so hard to put that vision into place. Go out and eat well!”
 
New locations include: 
 

Kingsbridge-Riverdale-

Van Cortlandt

Development Corporation

Johnson Ave

W 235th St

W 236th St

BX

Montague St BID

Montague St

Clinton St

Pierrepont Pl

BK

Prospect Heights NDC

Vanderbilt Ave

Pacific St

Park Pl

BK

Sunset Park BID

5th Ave

45th St

47th St

BK

Bistro Les Amis

Spring St

Thompson St

W Broadway

MN

New York Koreatown

Association

W 32nd St

5th Ave

Broadway

MN

Gramercy Neighborhood

Associates

E 18th St

Park Ave S

Irving Pl

MN

Zouk LTD DBA Palma

Cornelia St

Bleecker St

W 4th St

MN

303 Canary LLC

Broome St

Forsyth St

Eldridge St

MN

Chinatown BID/CCBA

Pell St

Bowery

Mott St

MN

Times Square Alliance

W 46th St

6th Ave

7th Ave

MN

La Contenta

W 11th Street

5th Ave

6th Ave

MN

il Buco

Bond St

Lafayette St

Bowery

MN

KC Gourmet Empanadas

Ave B

E 3rd St

E 4th St

MN

Columbus Amsterdam BID

Amsterdam Ave

W 97th St

W 110th St

MN


The first round of Open Restaurant locations, announced July 2
nd, focused on streets that were already participating in the Open Streets program, and on corridors represented by organizations that have worked with DOT on street closures in the past. The second tranche, announced July 17th, added 26 new locations. Today’s expansion comes after the Mayor announced that the City would extend in-street dining through October instead of ending it by Labor Day, giving more than 9500 participating restaurants two extra months to serve diners in safe, socially distant outdoor spaces. 
 
The hours of operation for this new expanded seating option for restaurants will be from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday nights, and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
 

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Governor Cuomo Announces Suspension of Liquor Licenses for 7 Bars in New York City, Westchester, and Erie County After Egregious Violations of Coronavirus-related Regulations


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:

  • The Bronx -- 5
  • Brooklyn -- 2
  • Manhattan -- 20
  • Queens -- 11
  • Nassau - 3

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.

Governor Cuomo Announces First in the Nation Drinking Water Standard for Emerging Contaminant 1,4-Dioxane


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.  

Attorney General James Secures $1.85 Million Following Medicaid Fraud by Global IT Company


Computer Sciences Corporation Used Statewide 
Children’s Program to Misappropriate Taxpayer Funds

 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.