Bronx Council for Environmental Quality - The Harlem River, the Land and the Watershed 2016

   The time has come to get ready for the DEP to study our river!

We need people to participate from the North, the Central and the South part of the Bronx Harlem River.  Please stop by, break bread, and listen to how you can participate and encourage others to participate in the upcoming planning and construction of standard infrastructure and Green Infrastructure that will help relieve flooding, clean the waterways, and improve our waterfront / greenway.

That is at  the BCEQ Mini Water Conference is on Thursday, October 20.  Please attend to learn about the River, the Land and the Watershed.  Refreshments will be served, courtesy of Con Edison

Thursday, October 20:  Harlem River: Clean Water Quality/Quantity Program & Breakouts

•           Location: New Settlement School, 1501 Jerome Ave. (at  172nd Street), Bronx, NY 10452

•           Schedule & Participants:

• COMMUNITY EVENT: 6:00-8:00pm Open To The Public
• Bronx Council for Environmental Quality (BCEQ) Mini Water Conference on the Harlem River: Clean Water Quality/Quantity Program & Breakouts
• Sponsored by: Harlem River Working Group, BCEQ, Friends of Van Cortlandt Park, Storm Water Infrastructure Matters (SWIM) and NYC Parks.
• Topic:  Community Meeting and Breakouts for Harlem River Watershed Parks and Natural Resources Management Plan for the Bronx side of the Harlem River Watershed/Sewershed: Vision and Goals

This qualifies for the

BCEQ Board of Directors October Meeting:

NOTE CHANGE OF DATE AND DAY

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING OF PROGRAMING AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO INMATES

Also signs package of legislation that builds upon the City’s goal of cutting emissions by 80 percent from 2005 levels by 2050

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today held public hearings for, and signed, seven pieces of legislation into law – Intros. 899-A, 1014-A, 1064-A, 1144-A, 1183-A, measures aimed at increasing reporting and transparency in programing and services for inmates; and Intros. 1277-A and 642-A, designed to align the City of New York’s energy code with recent amendments to the 2016 New York state energy code and increasing the ratio of biodiesel in heating oil.

“It is our job to ensure that the jails in this City treat those who have been placed in them as fairly as possible,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “By reporting on what changes we are implementing, what proposals are actually working and what we can still do better, we are taking a big step today towards building critical and meaningful jail reform for the City of New York.”

“I would like to thank City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for her leadership and Council Member Elisabeth Crawly, the sponsor of bill 1064-A, for her support of these initiatives. I would also like to thank Council Member Gibson, sponsor of 899-A; Council Member Johnson, sponsor of 1014-A; Council Member Cumbo, sponsor of 1144-A; and Council Member Cohen, sponsor of 1183-A,” said Mayor de Blasio.

“Updating the New York City Energy Conservation Code, mandating graduated transitions to cleaner heating oil, and shoring up procedures at our Department of Correction facilities all share one key element – they are measures that will expand upon our shared goal of making New York City a more sustainable and forward-thinking place to live,” said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Our infrastructure is aging, and it is imperative to put standards in place that will see updates being carried out with careful consideration of environmental impacts. Just as important is paying attention to the impacts being wrought on those who enter our incarceration centers. The Council is proud to be leading the way on this legislation, and I thank Mayor de Blasio and my fellow Council Members for their partnership on these essential initiatives.”

The first bill, Intro. 899-A, will increase the transparency to procedures and reporting for the Rikers Island nursery program. This bill defines many aspects of the nursery program at Rikers, such as the terms child, nursery, staff, and use of force. Additionally, this bill requires that the child and mother will be housed in the nursery unless the warden of the facility denies the child admission to the nursery. Finally, the law stipulates that the Department of Correction must release an annual report on their website including the total number of children admitted to the nursery, the daily population of children in the nursery, the total number of applicants to the nursery, the rate of incidents involving use of force, and the number of both accepted and denied applicants to the nursery; if they were denied, where they were placed.

The second bill, Intro. 1014-A, requires the Department of Correction to post on its website an annual report regarding mentally ill inmates. This law defines an eligible inmate as an inmate whose period of confinement is 24 hours or longer and receives no less than two visits from mental health staff. Additionally, this law also clearly states that the DOC must post an annual report, permanently accessible through the DOC website, regarding mentally ill inmates and recidivism, with information on the number of inmates released by the department into the community, the number of eligible inmates released into the community, the number of MH eligible inmates released into the community who were eligible during the report period and how many of these inmates returned into custody within one year of being released.

The third bill, Intro. 1064-A, requires the Department of Correction to evaluate programs it utilizes. Specifically, this bill requires the evaluation of inmate programing and structured services offered to inmates, submitting an annual summary of each evaluation. This summary will include: the amount of funding received, estimated number of inmates served, a brief description of the program being offered and include a comparison between the current year and prior five years.

The fourth bill, Intro. 1144-A, requires the use of trauma-informed care in city correctional facilities. This bill defines the terms trauma-informed, staff and the words training, reporting and usage. This bill requires the department to monitor the use of trauma-informed care and provide trainings to all appropriate staff. Additionally, the guidelines for use of trauma-informed must be consistent with standards developed by the The fifth bill, Intro. 1183-A, requires arrestee health screenings and the exchange of health information of inmates in the custody of the Department of Correction. This bill defines arrestee under custodial arrest by the Police Department, while also requiring a medical treatment report when an arrestee is treated by a health care provider while in custody; this report must include a brief description of the arrestee’s medical condition and the arrestee’s name and other identifying information. Additionally, this bill adds a new chapter which includes definitions of arrestee, health care provider, health evaluation and inmate. This bill also stipulates that DOHMH, or its designee, is to oversee a medical or mental health screening, to then be provided to New York City Health + Hospitals along with any other relevant medical records.

“With these laws, the City Council recognizes the hard work of our dedicated officers, such as expanded training in trauma-informed care, and their improved delivery of care and services to our many populations, including pregnant women. We thank the Council for its support of our staff and for its efforts to involve the citizens of our great city in our reform agenda establishing a culture of safety for staff and inmates,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte. substance abuse and mental health services administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. An annual report of the number of employees trained, a description of the guidelines and any programs utilizing trauma-informed care, beginning in 2018 and every year afterward.

The sixth bill, Intro. 1277-A, will conform the New York City Energy Conservation Code to recent amendments in the 2016 New York State energy code. This bill makes various technical corrections as well as updates to align with new changes adopted by New York State to its energy code. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Jumaane Williams.

“Cleaning our energy sources is vital to improving our air quality and meeting our climate targets,” said Daniel Zarrilli, Senior Director of Climate Policy and Programs and Chief Resilience Officer for the NYC Mayor's Office. “Today's local law updates ensure that our buildings continue using ever cleaner fuels and are more energy efficient to help meet our ambitious OneNYC goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.”

The seventh bill, Intro. 642-A, sets new deadlines and milestones for the percentage of required biodiesel in heating oil by volume. Additionally, the bill requires that a survey will be published by 2020 examining compatibility matters; a separate report will be presented to the Mayor and Council Speaker in 2023, which would re-assess the availability of biodiesel supply to meet future demand. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Costa Constantinides.

HPD And HDC Announce A New Housing Lottery For Affordable Apartments In Crotona Park East, Bronx

NEW HOUSING LOTTERY FOR MORE THAN 70 AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS IN 

CROTONA PARK EAST IS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

The lottery is for 1776 Boston Road, a mixed-income development affordable to a wide range of incomes including individuals earning just $28,355 annually

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Vicki Been and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin today announced the opening of the Housing Connect lottery for 72 affordable apartments at 1776 Boston Road in the Crotona Park East section of the Bronx.

“Each new lottery offers eligible New Yorkers fairly offers a chance at securing a high quality, affordable home,” said HPD Commissioner Vicki Been. “This new building in Crotona Park East will reach families at a range of incomes ensuring the diversity that makes our communities so vibrant.  We encourage all those seeking affordable housing to register on NYC Housing Connect and learn more about the opportunities available and how to apply.”

“I am pleased to join HPD in announcing the latest Housing Connect lottery to bring greater affordability to more than 70 households in Crotona Park East,” said HDC President Eric Enderlin. “Not only is this new development within easy access to public transit, educational facilities, medical centers, retail and other services, it will provide its own onsite community facility and commercial space adding to the vibrancy of the area.  High Hawk Apartments at 1776 Boston Road will truly be a great place to live and we encourage all applicants to visit nyc.gov/housingconnect to review this and other affordable housing developments accepting applications.”

1776 Boston Road is currently under construction. Once complete, it and will be an eight-story building with one studio apartment, 16 one-bedroom apartments, 47 two-bedroom, and 8 three-bedroom apartments. The building will feature security cameras, bicycle storage, a community room, and an outside recreation area. Fifty percent of the apartments will have a preference for residents of Bronx Community Board 3. A percentage of units will be set aside for mobility and vision or hearing impaired applicants.

The rents range from as low as $788 a month for a studio apartment to $1,683 a month for a three-bedroom apartment.

In order to be eligible to apply, individuals earning as little as $28,355, two-person households earning just $30,412; three- and four-person households earning just $36,549; and five- and six-person households earning as little as $42,378. All eligible income ranges for one- to six-person households and all application information for 1776 Boston Road can be foundhere. The application deadline is December 16, 2016. Eligible applicants who have been selected can expect to start moving into their new homes as early as April 2017.

More information on all available apartments and instructions on how to apply to the City’s affordable housing lottery are available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, and Spanish on the NYC Housing Connect website here: NYC Housing Connect.

Learn more about the affordable housing lottery process and other available housing lotteries by visiting the links below:

• For a summary of affordable housing resources visit: How to Find Housing
• Learn What to Expect when you apply
• For more information on Income Guidelines
• Find out what happens After you Apply

Since its 2013 launch, NYC Housing Connect has simplified the city’s housing lottery process. The website allows New Yorkers to fill out a single online profile, which can be used to apply to multiple new housing lotteries. That profile can be saved and edited, eliminating the need to fill out individual paper applications for upcoming lotteries.

This month, Mayor de Blasio announced changes to the City’s marketing guidelines designed to ensure that City-assisted affordable housing reaches the New Yorkers who need it most. Important changes to the policies include ending developers and leasing agents’ ability to deny applications based solely on credit scores; new standards for homeless shelter referrals to account for special challenges faced by these households; strictly limiting the ability of landlords to deny an applicant based only on their exercising due process rights in housing court; and imposing limits on personal assets. This changes are the most recent in a series of adjustments by the de Blasio Administration to increase information accessibility and transparency to the housing lottery process.

Registered applicants are notified via email when new lotteries are posted to the Housing Connect site. Instructions on how to submit a paper application are also available, and listed in each housing lottery advertisement. Applicants may not submit both a paper application and a web application for the same project.

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING TO HOST FREE LEGAL SERVICE MOBILE UNIT ON NOV. 22

   New York Council Member Andy King is hosting a free civil legal services mobile van in front of his district office, 940 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The mobile legal help center is a partnership between the New York Legal Assistance Group and the New York State Court's Access to Justice Program. The program will provide free civil legal assistance to Bronx residents.

Lawyers will be on hand to provide assistance in various areas, including: domestic violence/family law; orders of protection/emergency orders of protections; divorces; custody/visitation; child/spousal support, and immigration.

The van provides on-site, high-level technology allowing it to function as a full-service office. Private meeting rooms inside the van are available.

Space is limited and appointments are required. To set up an appointment, phone King’s office at718-684-5509.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, SL GREEN, LOCAL OFFICIALS BREAK GROUND ON NEW OFFICE TOWER, $220 MILLION IN TRANSIT UPGRADES FOR RIDERS AT GRAND CENTRAL

New model in Midtown East secures new investment in public transit as city grows

   Mayor Bill de Blasio joined SL Green and local officials today to break ground on a new office building and $220 million in transit improvements to Grand Central Terminal. The upgrades are part of a new development model, secured by the de Blasio Administration, Council Member Dan Garodnick and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. The approach demands more of developers, securing private investment in better commutes and reducing congestion as Midtown East grows. ‎

“The new office building, transit upgrades at Grand Central and expanded pedestrian space are what I call smart growth. We demanded and secured private investments into important City infrastructure that put hundreds of thousands of straphangers first. This strategy helps to keep our city competitive while improving the lives of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Grand Central’s Lexington Line stop is the second busiest in the city, with 154,000 riders each day. With the unprecedented $220 million public infrastructure investment, One Vanderbilt will transform the commuting experience and reduce overcrowding. Specifically, this package of infrastructure upgrades will add more staircases to ease crowding on the 4-5-6 subway platforms, a renovated subway mezzanine and new exits directly to street level. When completed in 2020, the upgrades will increase the Lexington Avenue line’s capacity by an extra train per hour in each direction – or 2,200 riders.

One Vanderbilt, the 1,401-foot-tall commercial office building rising a block west of the E. 42nd Street station, will include a new transit hall and waiting room in the base of the building, a new 14,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza on Vanderbilt Avenue, and enhanced access into and out of the Grand Central complex for riders of the city subway system, Metro-North and future Long Island Rail Road East Side Access.

The City’s proposed 78-block Greater East Midtown rezoning plan, which encompasses the area surrounding Grand Central Terminal, will enter into public review by the end of the year. Building on a vision process led by Manhattan Borough President Brewer and Council Member Garodnick, the proposal couples strategies for promoting office development with specific transit and public realm improvements as well as support for landmarks that distinguish this iconic district. Like the proposed rezoning, the construction and infrastructure improvements announced today will play a leading role in keeping New York growing and competitive.

SL Green will make improvements to Grand Central Terminal, create a block-long public plaza, and also build a public waiting area for commuters on the ground floor of the new building. The access upgrades include:

• Refurbish Grand Central’s crumbling subway mezzanine.
  • More connections from mezzanine directly to streets (reducing crowding at existing exits).

• Approximately 2/3 of the $220 million in public infrastructure funding will go to enhancing connections and circulation spaces along the Lexington Avenue 4/5/6 subway line.

o   New exits at ends of both 4-5-6 platforms.

o   More room on 4-5-6 platforms, by narrowing obstructions.

o   Narrowed staircases.

o   Narrowed columns.

• Reduced overcrowding will allow for one additional train per hour in each direction – making room for 1,100 more riders each hour in each direction.
• Direct connections from the new tower to subway, MetroNorth and future LIRR.
• A 4,000-square-foot public transit hall on the ground floor of One Vanderbilt.
• Vanderbilt between 42nd and 43rd will become a pedestrian plaza in the heart of Midtown.
• The upper floors of the tower cannot be occupied until transit work is complete.

The project means important and permanent boosts to private and union jobs, and tax revenue for the City. It represents 5,200 construction jobs. Once complete, the tower will be home to 8,000 workers, 190 of them with permanent union jobs. TD Bank, the anchor commercial tenant, will also have retail space in the building.

Marking the beginning of construction, the mayor today joined Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Council Member Dan Garodnick, SL Green Chief Executive Officer Marc Holliday, and Gregg Gerken, Head of Commercial Real Estate at TD Bank, among others at an on-site groundbreaking ceremony.

Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) Associates, One Vanderbilt will encompass an entire city block, bounded by Madison and Vanderbilt Avenues to the west and east, and East 43rd and East 42nd Streets to the north and south. Standing 1,401 feet tall, the building’s tapered form pays tribute to New York’s iconic skyscrapers, while its sharp lines and bold angles will punctuate Manhattan’s skyline with a 21st century articulation. At its base along 42nd Street, the building will set back at an angle to permanently reveal Grand Central’s majestic Vanderbilt cornice – a view which has been obstructed for nearly a century.

Expected to achieve the highest possible LEED certification, the tower will offer 1.7 million square feet of Class A office space across 58 floors, featuring column-free floors and views through floor-to-ceiling windows. One Vanderbilt will also offer tenants floor to ceiling slab heights ranging from 14’6” to 20’, a 30,000 square foot tenant-only amenity floor and world-class dining.

State Lawmakers Demand Department of Education Release Information Regarding Efforts to Increase Diversity in Specialized High Schools

Senators Jeff Klein, Tony Avella and Assemblymembers Jeffrey Dinowitz and Walter Mosley have called on the DOE to increase diversity in New York City’s specialized high schools.

Specialized high schools in the NYC DOE offer extensive programs for academically gifted students.  Attendance at these specialized schools is determined by an admissions test, the SHSAT, that often requires preparation in order to attain the scores needed for acceptance or time allocated to attend the limited test dates offered.

Often, additional resources are needed to excel in this admission test such as afterschool test prep, practice testing, and special tutoring. A lack of these resources in underrepresented communities as well as the limited availability of tests dates may contribute to the huge disparity in the racial demographics of these specialized high schools. This year, only 11 percent of students enrolled at these specialized high schools were African-American or Latino, despite these groups representing 68 percent of students enrolled in schools citywide. In addition, there were much fewer African American and Latino students who took the SHSAT at all, indicating that a lack of availability of the special admissions test might also be a source of the problem.

To combat this growing racial disparity in the city’s most prestigious schools, state lawmakers have taken action. Senators Jeff Klein, Tony Avella and Assemblymembers Jeffrey Dinowitz and Walter Mosley have secured  $1.75 million for the 2017 fiscal year to implement a number of proactive, targeted initiatives to increase the number of students from underrepresented communities in the specialized high schools. In addition $250,000 was specifically given to the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation to expand their proven Middle School STEM Pipeline program. New York City has pledged a further $ 15 million to develop additional programs to address this problem over the next four years.

The DOE has posted general overview of potential programs and initiatives to expand diversity and address this problem on their website, yet a detailed, comprehensive update on the DOE’s programmatic efforts-to-date has not materialized.

“While I strongly support continuing the use of an objective test free from political and outside influence in determining the admissions to our specialized high schools, I recognize that the severe underrepresentation of African American and Latino students is a very serious problem. The state funding we worked so hard to secure this past March to help address this terrible inequity will address this problem. But we want details now as to how this funding will be spent and we want to make sure that there is no further delay on tackling this issue,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

"I'm proud that the Independent Democratic Conference led the way in the legislature to fight for funding that will increase diversity in our specialized high schools through active outreach and free test preparation in underrepresented areas. By providing these crucial resources, we ensure that our students, no matter what block or borough they reside in, all have an equal opportunity to grow and achieve a first-rate education. We urge the Department of Education to put to use every penny state legislators worked so hard to secure to see black and Latino children in our state gain entrance into our elite high schools, and we demand the administration lay out a clear plan for the Assembly's funds which have not been spent," said Senator Klein.

"African Americans and Latino's are severely underrepresented in New York City's specialized High Schools. Last March my colleagues and I were able to secure $2 million for programs meant to help raise those numbers throughout the five boroughs. Today, many parents and advocates are left unsure of where the city's Department of Education (DOE) is in the process of installing these potential diversity programs. Since then a substantial amount of time has passed, and we are asking the DOE to update the public on the spending plan for these funds, so that we can be assured there is not further delay in addressing this very serious and urgent matter," said Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley.

"Making the grade to gain entrance into one of New York City's specialized high schools should be attainable for every student, which is why, in an effort to increase diversity in these esteemed schools, the Independent Democratic Conference fought to bring $2 million in funding to things like free test prep and outreach coordinators to help students in underrepresented areas achieve. The Assembly also fought to allocate funding to increase diversity in our prestigious high schools, but the Department of Education has failed to spend money intended to help our children succeed. We now want answers on how and when these funds will be spent to ensure that every student has a fair chance at an excellent education," said Senator Avella.

Part of the intent of funding these new proactive programs to foster diversity and improve outreach was to create a partnership with the DOE. In the spirit of that partnership and in an effort to communicate a plan with the parents, advocates, and alumni inquiring about the status of these schools, Assemblyman Dinowitz, Assemblyman Mosley Senator Klein and Senator Avella formally request that the details of the DOE’s plan of action and efforts to date regarding this serious matter be made available forthwith.

NEW YORK CITY RECEIVES TRUE PERFECT SCORE FOR LGBT INCLUSIVITY BY HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN 5TH YEAR IN A ROW

New York City earns 116 out of 100 points with bonus points for trans inclusive workplace policies and additional City services for LGBT communities, including LGBT youth, elderly and homeless, those with HIV/AIDS, and transgender individuals

New York City is 1 of 11 cities to receive a true perfect score and its fifth year in a row receiving a top 100 score

    New York City received a true perfect score, 116 out of 100 points, this week for LGBT inclusivity by the Human Rights Campaign. The group issued its 5th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which examines the laws, policies, and services of municipalities and rates them on the basis of their inclusivity of LGBT people who live and work there. New York City has received 100 points every year, as a result of a combination of standard and bonus points, since the index was first published in 2012. This year, New York City is 1 of 11 cities to receive a true perfect score, earning 100 standard points and an additional 16 bonus points.

“New York City prides itself on being an inclusive city for all, regardless of who they love or how they identify,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Over the last few years, my Administration has worked hard to ensure that every New Yorker is safe and respected and that they receive the benefits and services they need to live full and dignified lives. We are honored to receive this perfect score and are committed to continuing the fight for equality for every community across this great city.”

"New York City is the birthplace of the LGBT rights movement and has long been a haven for those who have sought a more welcoming place to live, love and work," said First Lady Chirlane McCray, co-Chair of the Commission on Gender Equity. "I am proud of this honor, which reflects the tremendous progress that has been made. But we will continue to strive for more equitable workplaces, housing, and healthcare until every LGBT New Yorker is fully included in our city. And we will keep fighting until every LGBT New Yorker can live with authenticity and without fear of violence, economic consequences or judgment."

“From equal access to bathrooms for transgender New Yorkers to anti-bullying programs in our schools, New York City is truly an inclusive city for LGBT communities,” said Commissioner and Chair of the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Carmelyn P. Malalis. “At the NYC Commission on Human Rights, we fight every day to ensure that LGBT New Yorkers can be themselves, free from discrimination and hate. While we welcome this perfect score, we know that more needs to be done to ensure that every New Yorker receives the same opportunities and respect as everyone else.”

“Inclusion and diversity are what make New York City great, and they’re what make New York City’s workforce great. All municipal employees, regardless of sex, gender or sexual orientation, should be treated equally and empowered to succeed. The Commission on Gender Equity applauds the leadership of dozens of City offices and agencies that pride themselves on welcoming, inclusive workplaces,” saidAzadeh Khalili, Executive Director of the Commission on Gender Equity. 

In addition to the 100 standard points awarded based on a city’s LGBT inclusive laws and policies, the Municipal Equality Index provides up to 20 bonus points. According to the Human Rights Campaign, bonus points are awarded for essential programs, protections, or benefits that are not attainable or very difficult to attain for some cities; therefore, cities with the item are rewarded, but cities without it are not penalized. Bonus points are also awarded to cities that offer an inclusive workplace to LGBT employees and targeted services for vulnerable LGBT populations. 

This year, in addition to a perfect 100 score for LGBT employment benefits, non-discrimination policies for City employees, including a strong non-discrimination ordinance for city contracting, trans inclusive health care, and LGBT leadership, the Human Rights Campaign awarded the City 16 bonus points in a number of different categories, including:

·           2 out of 2 bonus points for trans inclusive workplace policies.

·           12 out of 12 bonus points for enforcement the NYC Human Rights Law, one of the strongest in the nation, as well as providing additional City services to LGBT youth, homeless and elderly, HIV/AIDS population, and transgender individuals.

·           2 out of 2 bonus points for having openly LGBT and elected leaders.

·           New York City was not eligible to receive the remaining 4 bonus points for “City Tests Limits of Restrictive State Law” since New York State does not have a restrictive LGBT law.

New York City has long lead the nation in the fight for and advancement of LGBT rights, a fight that continued this year. Since the Human Rights Campaign issued the 2015 Municipal Equality Index:

·           New York City became the first city to launch a citywide media campaign, including public transportation ads and digital videos, to reaffirm trans and gender non-conforming individuals’ right to use single sex facilities in June 2016.

·           Mayor de Blasio signed an Executive Order requiring all agencies to post the new policy on transgender restroom access and train all frontline and supervisory staff on the policy and trans inclusion.

·           Mayor de Blasio banned all non-essential City travel to the states of Indiana, North Carolina and Mississippi to stand in support of LGBTQ communities facing discrimination at the hands of local elected officials in March 2016.

·           The NYC Commission on Human Rights and the LGBT Center launched a Citywide Trans 101 Workshop to educate City agencies, individuals, employers, housing providers and businesses on the cultural competencies of working with transgender communities.

·           NYC Commission on Human Rights implemented new legal enforcement guidance on discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression, making it one of the most protective and comprehensive in the nation in December 2015. The guidelines spell out that trans and gender non-conforming individuals have the right to equal access to public facilities, regardless of gender identity or expression, under the law.

·           The Department of Education created the position of liaison for LGBTQ students in January 2016.

·           The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit in conjunction with other agencies, hosted the Transgender Economic Empowerment Forum to inform trans and gender non-conforming New Yorkers of their rights and resources in the workplace in November 2015.

The 2016 Municipal Equality Index rates a total of 506 cities from every state in the nation, which is an increase of more than 98 cities rated from 2015. See New York City’s 2016 scorecard here.

"New York City receiving a perfect score on HRC's Municipal Equality Index highlights our commitment to supporting the rights of all New Yorkers," said Council Member James Vacca. "With pockets of hostility percolating up throughout the country, New York City remains a bastion of openness and inclusivity. I'm proud that our city continues to set the standard of what it means to support the LGBT community."

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

A.G. Awards $12.6 Million in Local Grants to Help Communities Combat Zombie Homes

This week Attorney General Schneiderman awarded $12.6 million in grants to 76 New York cities, towns and villages to address the problem of vacant “zombie” homes that invite crime and reduce property values. The Attorney General’s Zombie Remediation and Prevention Initiative has already helped dozens of communities remediate these homes statewide. This new funding will give municipalities the resources they need to track and remediate these homes, while ensuring that bank-owned properties are maintained in accordance with NY law. 

Enforcing State Diversity Laws in Major Rochester Construction Project

The Attorney General reached settlements with five Rochester construction firms that lied about meeting state diversity requirements in order to win contracts on the $1.2 billion Rochester Schools Modernization Program – the largest public project in the city’s history. State and local law require contractors to meet certain diversity standards to level the playing field for women and minority owned businesses that have been historically shut out of government contracts. Due to their false claims of hiring minority and women-owned subcontractors, the firms will pay a total of $825,000 in fines.

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website atag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755.