Governor Cuomo Announces 1,222 Tickets Already Issued by State Police in 2020 Under "Operation Hardhat," Exceeding Totals for All of 2019

 

Initiative between NYSP, Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority Aims to Keep Highway Workers Safe in Construction Work Zones

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Police have already issued 1,222 tickets during Operation Hardhat, an initiative between State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority, to crack down on work zone violations and highlight the importance of safe driving when encountering construction, maintenance and emergency operations along state highways. With at least three months left in the construction season, this total already surpasses the 1,048 tickets issued by State Troopers during all of 2019. 

"Through Operation Hardhat, we continue to aggressively crack down on work zone violators who put our highway workers in harm's way," Governor Cuomo said.  "Essential transportation projects and ongoing maintenance activities to keep our highways safe are underway across New York State, and for the safety of our highway workers everyone is obligated to follow the speed limit in work zones and eliminate distractions on the road."  

Already in 2020, New York State Police have conducted 37 separate details at DOT and Thruway-operated work zones beginning in July that are expected to continue through November. A total of 1,222 tickets have been issued, including:

• Speeding - 432
• Seatbelts - 112
• Cell Phone - 192
• Move Over - 68
• Failure to Obey Flagger - 2
• Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device - 10
• DWI - 1
• Unsafe lane change - 2
• Other violations - 403

Additional "Operation Hardhat" enforcement details are currently being scheduled with State Troopers patrolling active highway work zones throughout at locations along interstates and other state highways where maintenance and construction activities are underway.

Under "Operation Hardhat" State Troopers are present within the work zones, dressed as highway maintenance workers, to identify motorists who disobey flagging personnel, speed through the work zone or violate the state's Move Over Law, which applies to both emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Additionally, the State Department of Transportation has already partnered with five local law enforcement agencies on separate "Operation Hardhat" initiatives in 2020, including the Utica Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Livingston County Sheriff's Office, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, and the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office.  Separately, these operations have resulted in 180 tickets issued to motorists, including tickets for speeding, seatbelt violations, cell phone/electronic device use, expired inspections, among other violations.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "I can't thank our partners in law enforcement enough for the work they are doing to keep our DOT workers safe in highway work zones.  At its core 'Operation Hardhat' is an education campaign designed to increase driver awareness as to the consequences of not following the rules of the road in a work zone.  Our DOT workers will continue to be out there on our roadways working on projects large and small in the coming months - working to make New York's transportation system safer.  We need all motorists to remember that our team works to keep you safe, so please, keep them safe - slow down and move over." 

Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, "All we ask for is your undivided attention and a moment of your time so maintenance workers can go home unharmed at the end of their shifts. Thank you to our partners at the State Police for patrolling the Thruway and enforcing our work zones speed limits to protect the men and women of the Thruway Authority. These crews work hard every day so that drivers have a safe roadway to get to and from their destinations."

State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said,  "The New York State Police are committed to highway safety, and the safety and well-being of highway and construction workers as they improve the roadways of our state. Drivers should be aware, we will continue to aggressively enforce vehicle and traffic laws during this busy construction season. We ask all motorists to drive safely by obeying posted speed limits, moving over, and being cognizant of workers and equipment in highway work zones."

DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "We want to ensure that our highways are as safe as possible for everyone, especially those workers doing maintenance, construction, or emergency operations. Avoid a senseless and preventable tragedy by obeying the speed limit and moving over when you encounter emergency vehicles and maintenance crews. A moment of inattention could lead to lifelong consequences—it's just not worth it."

Motorists are reminded to Move Over a lane, if safely possible, or slow down significantly whenever encountering roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT. 

United States Settles Suit Against Two Additional Responsible Parties For The Release Of Mercury In The Village Of Rye Brook

 

Defendants Agree to Pay $142,653 in Clean-up Costs and Accept Responsibility in Consent Decree

  Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Peter D. Lopez, Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced today that the United States has filed a civil lawsuit against CYTEC INDUSTRIES, INC. (“Cytec”) and KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION d/b/a NATIONAL GRID (“National Grid”) (collectively, the “Defendants”), and has simultaneously filed a consent decree settling the lawsuit.  In the complaint, brought pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601-9675 (“CERCLA”) – commonly known as the Superfund statute – the United States alleged that the Defendants arranged for the disposal or treatment of mercury by Port Refinery, Inc. (“Port Refinery”), a mercury refining business in the Village of Rye Brook, New York, which led to releases of mercury into the environment.  Through the lawsuit, EPA sought to collect the costs that it has incurred since April 2004 in connection with its clean-up of mercury at the Port Refinery Superfund Site (the “Site”) in the Village of Rye Brook in Westchester County, New York.  The consent decree, which provides for a combined payment of $142,653 by the Defendants, has been lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days, after which it will be submitted for the Court’s approval.

Acting United States Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “Both Cytec and National Grid contributed to contamination in a residential community by arranging for the treatment or disposal of toxic mercury, and now they are each paying a share of the costs they have imposed on the community.  This Office will continue to hold responsible parties accountable for their share of the costs at the Site.”

Regional Administrator Peter D. Lopez said:  “These companies sent mercury-containing materials to this site where they were improperly handled, resulting in mercury being released into the environment and putting people in the area at risk.  Thankfully, EPA was able to take action to address the risk, and this settlement holds the companies accountable, ensuring that taxpayers don’t bear the full burden of the cleanup at this site.”

As alleged in the complaint filed yesterday in White Plains federal District Court, each of the Defendants arranged for the sale and transport of used or scrap mercury, or mercury-containing products, directly or indirectly to Port Refinery.  Port Refinery then processed these materials as part of a mercury refining business it operated out of a residence in Rye Brook, New York.  Port Refinery’s treatment and processing of the scrap mercury sent by the Defendants and other parties led to extensive releases of mercury, a hazardous substance, requiring two separate clean-up actions by EPA.  In connection with the second clean-up, which began in 2004, EPA has incurred costs at the Site for a variety of investigative and removal activities, including, among other things, excavating and disposing of more than 9,300 tons of mercury-contaminated soil from the Site.

In the consent decree filed yesterday, the Defendants admit and accept responsibility for the following:

• EPA has determined that from the 1970s through the early 1990s, Port Refinery engaged in, among other things, the business of mercury reclaiming, refining, and processing.
• Port Refinery operated in the Village of Rye Brook out of a two-story garage bordered by private residences on its south, east, and west sides.
• EPA has determined that Port Refinery took virtually no environmental precautions or safety measures during its mercury refinement process.
• EPA has determined that Port Refinery released a significant amount of mercury into the environment, contaminating the Site.
• EPA has determined that mercury from the Defendants’ mercury-containing products was comingled at the Site and contributed to the mercury released into the environment.
• Defendants delivered materials containing scrap mercury to Port Refinery during its period of operations.

Pursuant to the consent decree, the Defendants will pay a total of $142,653 in costs incurred by EPA, consisting of $93,076 to be paid by Cytec, and $49,577 to be paid by National Grid.

This lawsuit is the United States’ fifth lawsuit against responsible parties to recover clean-up costs for the second clean-up at the Site.  Prior to this settlement, the United States had recovered $827,229 from other responsible parties.  The United States is continuing to pursue its claims against additional potentially responsible parties.

The consent decree will be lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days before it is submitted for the Court’s approval, to provide public notice and to afford members of the public the opportunity to comment on the consent decree.

Governor Cuomo Announces 20 Straight Days with COVID-19 Infection Rate Below 1 Percent

 

0.95 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

4 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

SLA and State Police Task Force Visits 1,092 Establishments; Observes 2 Establishments Not in Compliance

Confirms 791 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 432,131; New Cases in 46 Counties

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State's rate of positive COVID-19 tests has been less than 1 percent for 20 straight days. The governor also updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.  

"We're closely monitoring the state's COVID-19 data every day, and the continued 20-day streak with an infection rate below 1 percent is good news. However, I urge New Yorkers not to get complacent, particularly as we move into the fall season," Governor Cuomo said. "COVID-19 is still a real threat, and it's the actions each of us take—wearing masks, socially distancing and washing our hands—that make the difference in our ability to fight this virus. Congratulations to New Yorkers—stay with it and stay New York Tough." 

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 1,092 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 2 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. A county breakdown of yesterday's observed violations is below: 

• Queens - 2  

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Patient Hospitalization - 490 (-2)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 73 
• Hospital Counties - 32
• Number ICU - 126 (-10)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 52 (-2)
• Total Discharges - 74,850 (+59)
• Deaths - 4
• Total Deaths - 25,309 

California Mother And Son Arrested For Operating A $5 Million Mortgage Modification Fraud

 

  Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced today that EVA CHRISTINE RODRIGUEZ and SERGIO LORENZO RODRIGUEZ, mother and son, of Orange County, California, were arrested and charged with wire fraud offenses in connection with a fraudulent foreclosure rescue scheme that took in more than $5 million in prohibited advance fees from thousands of financially distressed homeowners.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, Eva Christine Rodriguez and Sergio Lorenzo Rodriguez preyed on vulnerable homeowners at risk of foreclosure by making false and misleading promises that they knew they would not or could not keep.  They allegedly continued to do so even after they were barred from the debt relief industry by a federal court in California.  They now face serious criminal charges.”

USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett said:  “Loan Modification Scams are a cruel fraud targeting very desperate homeowners faced with losing their homes. While a loan modification may appear to be a lifeline, these scams often become a nightmare. This is allegedly what happened to victims who did business with Eva and Sergio Rodriguez. Postal Inspectors remain on alert for fraud scams targeting consumers, bringing fraudsters to justice worldwide.”

According to the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:    

From approximately March 2014 through April 2018, EVA CHRISTINE RODRIGUEZ and SERGIO LORENZO RODRIGUEZ (the “Defendants”) owned and/or managed a series of mortgage modification companies through which they perpetrated a scheme to defraud and attempt to defraud financially distressed consumers who were facing or were at imminent risk of foreclosure through deceptive marketing practices.  Those companies were National Servicing Center, American Home Servicing Center, National Advocacy Center, National Advocacy Group, and Capital Home Advocacy Center (collectively, the “Companies”).  Among other ways, the Defendants charged desperate homeowners thousands of dollars in prohibited advance fees by tricking them into believing that they had been pre-approved by their lender or servicer for a mortgage modification; falsely represented prohibited advance fees to be closing costs or other non-prohibited costs; fraudulently claimed that the Companies achieved success rates of 95 percent or higher for mortgage modifications; and made empty promises of a no-risk money back guarantee.  As a result of their intentional misrepresentations, and misrepresentations that they encouraged their subordinates to make, the Defendants induced thousands of homeowners to pay an aggregate of more than $5 million in prohibited advance fees to the Companies, including a large number of consumers who were ultimately denied mortgage modifications or who received modification offers that were less favorable than they had been led to expect at the time they paid advance fees.

In February 2018, the Federal Trade Commission brought a civil lawsuit against EVA CHRISTINE RODRIGUEZ and SERGIO LORENZO RODRIGUEZ, among others, in federal court in Santa Ana, California.  That civil action resulted first in a temporary restraining order and then a permanent injunction barring EVA CHRISTINE RODRIGUEZ and SERGIO LORENZO RODRIGUEZ from marketing and selling all debt relief products and services.  As alleged in the Complaint, the Defendants flouted those judicial orders by having a relative create another mortgage modification company named 1st Premier Asset Solutions, which the Defendants operated using aliases and some of the same deceptive practices. 

EVA CHRISTINE RODRIGUEZ and SERGIO LORENZO RODRIGUEZ will be presented in federal court in Santa Ana later today.

EVA CHRISTINE RODRIGUEZ, 65, of Laguna Hills, California, and SERGIO LORENZO LAWRENCE, 46, of Laguna Niguel, California, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.  Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the USPIS and thanked the Federal Trade Commission and the United States Trustee for Region 5 for their assistance.

This case is being handled by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Lai is in charge of the prosecution.

If you believe you are a potential victim of this fraud, please contact Postal Inspector Brandy King-Gonzalez of the USPIS at bnking-gonzalez@uspis.gov, or (212) 330-5252.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $977 THOUSAND IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO INVEST IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGHOUT UPSTATE NEW YORK

 

USDA Funding Will Be Used To Invest In Regional Economic Development And Infrastructure In 20 Rural Counties Across Upstate; Create 323 Jobs

Lewis, Rensselaer, Putnam, Columbia, Schoharie, Sullivan, Orange, Delaware, Ulster, Suffolk, Dutchess, Essex, St. Lawrence, Washington, Warren, Oneida, Fulton, Montgomery, Herkimer, Hamilton Counties Will Each Receive Thousands Of Dollars To Improve Their Communities 

Senators: USDA Funding Will Deliver Critical Economic Revitalization For Upstate NY

  U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $977,097 in federal rural development funding allocated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development as part of the Community Facilities Grants, Economic Impact Initiative Grants, and Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants programs. The federal funding will be used to invest in regional economic development and infrastructure in order to improve community support in Upstate New York and is estimated to create 323 jobs.

“Regional economic development and infrastructure is critical in supporting rural communities, and this federal funding will allow counties across Upstate New York to improve their ability to deliver state-of-the-art community services,” said Senator Schumer. “We must ensure that our communities have the tools they need to rebuild from the COVID crisis, especially in rural areas that depend on community resources. I am proud to announce this federal investment and will continue fighting to ensure rural communities across Upstate New York have the resources they need to improve their regional services.”

“Our rural economies depend on thriving businesses to drive growth and create meaningful jobs in our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As New York communities rebound from this crisis, we must invest in local businesses to ensure they have the resources needed to recover. I will keep fighting in the Senate for the resources needed to stimulate New York’s economy and ensure rural communities are stronger than ever before.”

The funding will go towards supporting small businesses, conducting sustainability research, helping SUNY Cobleskill outfit its farm product development center, funding vocational training, and providing pro bono legal services to rural farms. Specifically, Lewis County, Rensselaer County, Putnam County, Columbia County, Schoharie County, Sullivan County, Orange County, Delaware County, Ulster County, Suffolk County, Dutchess County, Essex County, St. Lawrence County, Washington County, Warren County, Oneida County, Fulton County, Montgomery County, Herkimer County, and Hamilton County will be receiving funding.

A breakdown of the $977K and its intended uses appears below:

LOCALITY	RECIPIENT	AMOUNT	JOBS CREATED	INTENDED USE
Sullivan County	Visitors Association In Sullivan County	$99,800.00	90	Will be used to purchase various office equipment for a small business incubator.
Sullivan County	Visitors Association In Sullivan County	$99,995.00	48	To conduct up to twelve workshops for small businesses in Sullivan County, NY.
Sullivan County	Visitors Association In Sullivan County	$99,038.00	12	This Rural Development investment will be used to conduct a feasibility study to rebuild the county for a sustainable future.
Oneida, Fulton, Montgomery, Herkimer, Schoharie, Hamilton Counties	Research Foundation For SUNY/Cobleskill	$92,520.00	20	Completing the outfitting of its farm product development center.
Essex, Washington, Warren Counties.	Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance, Inc	$99,528.00	24	Fund vocational training for TiAlliance's Trade Education Access Program.
St. Lawrence County	St. Lawrence County IDA	$57,000.00	12	Fund tractor trailer training at the State University of New York (SUNY) Canton.
Essex County	Essex Co. IDA	$300,000.00	53	Facilitate the startup, expansion, and retention of business activity within Essex County NY.
Rensselaer, Putnam, Columbia, Schoharie, Sullivan, Orange, Delaware, Ulster, Suffolk, Dutchess Counties	Pace University	$29,266.00	57	Funds will be used to provide pro bono legal services and legal training programs for small and emerging private rural farm, food, and beverage businesses.
Lewis County	Lewis County Development Corporation	$99,950.00	7	Funds will be used in expanding their creamery operation.

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $950K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

 

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $965,000 in federal funding awarded through the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) COVID-19 Recovery Assistance. This funding will support programs designed to reinvigorate regional economies that have been impacted by widespread business closures and economic stagnation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“In these trying and unprecedented times, the federal government should do everything in its power to support economic development and put local economies on track to recovery,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will fast-track that process, while supporting businesses and communities all across Upstate. I will continue to fight for and make sure that local New York economies have the tools and support they need to bounce back from this crisis.”

“Our regional economies depend on thriving businesses to drive growth and create meaningful jobs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As New York State reopens, we must invest in our local businesses to ensure they have the resources needed to recover from the pandemic’s economic disruptions. I will keep fighting in the Senate for the resources needed to stimulate the economy and ensure New York communities are stronger than ever before.”

The EDA awards for the University of Rochester (U of R) and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York (SUNY) are made as part of the agency’s COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Project. This funding supports the EDA university centers located at U of R and SUNY as they expand their programming to help communities and businesses recover from the pandemic. The EDA award for the Hudson Valley Regional Council, Inc. will allow for the development and implementation of an economic recovery and resiliency plan to help the region rebound from the economic impact of COVID-19.

Recipient	Region	Funding
University of Rochester	Finger Lakes	$265,000
The Research Foundation  for the State University of New York	Capital	$300,000
Hudson Valley Regional Council, Inc.	Hudson Valley	$400,000

 

Celebrating 50 Years August 2020 DOE Outdoor Learning Survey for Principals On Monday, Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza  announced permission for schools to include outdoor  learning in their reopening plans. Outdoor learning is optional and allows the use of  outdoor space for classes, especially those that require  additional spacing per public health guidance. Outdoor space can include on-site school yards,  public parks, adjacent streets, and previously approved  Play Streets. Schools in the 27 neighborhoods most impacted by  COVID and schools with no outdoor space on-site will  receive priority. Representatives from DOT, NYPD, DSNY, FDNY,  Parks, and the DOE will oversee the approval process. The Department of Education sent a survey to all  principals to collect information on outdoor learning  needs for the upcoming school year. Surveys are due on Friday, August 28th in order to  receive a response by Friday, September 4th. Surveys  submitted after the 28th will be considered on a rolling  basis. If your school is considering outdoor learning and  needs additional help with planning, please know  we are here as a resource. Every NYC school voice counts! Visit grownycdistancelearning.org  for more resources.  ‌  ‌  ‌

GrowNYC | PO Box 2327, New York, NY 10272

PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE MAYOR'S FAILURE TO ADOPT A SAFE SCHOOLS STRATEGY

 

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams issued the following statement on the city's school reopening strategy as the Mayor continues to push for in-person learning to resume on September 10. He will join a press conference with the Alliance for Quality Education and other education advocates this morning to further explain his opposition.

"The Mayor and Chancellor got an assignment five months ago: to develop and implement a strategy for schools in the fall that would be educationally sound, scientifically supported, and centered on the safety of students and staff. Failure to deliver on that charge, while holding to the same deadline, has put teachers, administrators, students and parents in a near-impossible situation.

"The plans and modifications coming from this administration at this late stage are strategies that could possibly have been effective if considered and collaborated on months ago, with adequate input and adequate funding. Now, they come amid rising opposition from parents, teachers, administrators and medical professionals, and would place an additional and undue burden on those same groups. In the midst of a city and state budget crisis, they risk compounding existing inequities. And they demonstrate a reality we all know to be true but which some won't admit - the city is not prepared to resume in-person learning on the arbitrary date of September 10th, and the prudent course of action is to open remotely while critical infrastructure is put in place, before phasing in in-person learning with effective safety measures. Yes, the city's strategies could come together in the next two weeks - but the possibility is, at the least, remote."