DEC ENCOURAGES OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS TO PURCHASE NEW RECREATION-THEMED TRAIL SUPPORTER PATCHES

 

Patch Sales Enhance and Maintain Non-Motorized Trails throughout New York

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the release of the latest New York State Trail Supporter Patches. The 2022 patches consist of five designs that resemble the international symbols for some of New York State’s most popular outdoor recreation activities – cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and biking. Each patch will be available individually for a limited time; however, the entire series can be purchased at any time.

"New York State residents and visitors can show their love for New York's premier recreational trails by purchasing this year’s trail supporter patches, starting with the seasonally appropriate cross-country skiing patch,” Commissioner Seggos said. “All funds received will support projects to increase public access to outdoor recreation opportunities."

The public can purchase a Trail Supporter Patch for $5 (or the full series for $25) at any sporting license sales outlet, or online at the DECALS website.  The proceeds from patch sales go into the Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation, Trail Maintenance, and Development account to help maintain and enhance DEC’s non-motorized recreation trails throughout the state.

Since its introduction in 2007, patch sales have funded a variety of projects including the construction of a boardwalk and pit privy in Texas Hollow State Forest, foot bridges on the Northville-Placid Trail and at the Catskill Visitor Center, an accessible horse mounting platform at Brookfield horse assembly area, and multiple lean-tos in the High Peaks Wilderness. Patch funds were also used to purchase materials for the new mountain bike trails at Elm Ridge Wild Forest and to maintain the Otter Creek horse trails. For more information on the Trail Supporter Patch visit DEC's website.

DEC remains committed to promoting opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the state and is actively working with partner organizations and tourism promotion agencies to highlight and encourage sustainable recreation and responsible use on State lands. DEC's 'Love Our New York Lands' campaign was launched in response to the steady increase in the number of visitors to state lands, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the decade prior, as more and more New Yorkers and visitors from other states and countries discovered the natural beauty of New York State. For details and more information, visit the Love Our New York Lands page on DEC's website.

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS “SMALL BUSINESS FORWARD” EXECUTIVE ORDER TO REFORM SMALL BUSINESS VIOLATIONS

 

Reforms will reduce fine schedules and allow for warnings for first-time violations

 Mayor Eric Adams today signed the “Small Business Forward” Executive Order to reform existing business regulations, ensuring local businesses face fewer needless fines and penalties. The Executive Order builds upon Local Law 80 and calls on the Department of Buildings, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Fire Department, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to review business regulations with the goal of reducing fine schedules and allowing for cure periods or warnings for first-time violations.

 

“Our small businesses have been through so much during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “The last thing they need to deal with are unnecessary fines. We’re cutting the red tape and bringing real relief to the entrepreneurs who have made their dreams a reality and keep our local economy strong.”

 

“New York City is open for business,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, we’re going to drive real change that cuts red tape and allows small businesses across the five boroughs to power our economic recovery. I look forward to working with my colleagues across government to deliver on this mayoral priority.”  

 

“With this Executive Order, New York City is being decisive and focusing on what municipal government can do right now to help our small businesses,” said incoming Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services Kevin D. Kim. “This EO makes it clear to every City agency that we, as a city, must work together to reduce unnecessary fines on small businesses for them to thrive. Ultimately this EO will save small businesses millions of dollars and countless hours of dealing with red tape and bureaucracy. By setting a goal of reforming fine schedules and working with businesses who are issued first-time violations, we are implementing smart policy that will help small businesses get back on their feet. Thank you to Mayor Adams for making small businesses a top priority from day one.”

 

“My in-laws have been small business owners in New York City for 50 years, surviving recessions, hurricanes, blackouts, 9/11, and now a pandemic,” said Joanne Kwong, president and second-generation owner of Pearl River Mart, the longtime Asian American emporium. “For those of us still standing, we’ve made it through the worst but still need support and partnership from government to recover. We are incredibly heartened by Mayor Adams’ commitment to small business and feel hopeful for a new year, new mayoralty, and reenergized New York City.”

 

The Executive Order will require:

- Within three months, each Agency will identify the 25 violations that are responsible for the greatest number of summonses and fines issued to small businesses and submit the following:

   - Recommendations for which violations should be reformed via a) elimination, b) fine schedules scaled back, c) allowance of a First Time Warning, and/or d) allowance for a Cure Period for first-time violations.

    - If no reform action is recommended for a violation, provide an explanation as to why the status quo should be maintained (e.g. serious health or safety risk)

    - Identify the necessary actions for reform (e.g. rule-making, City legislation, State legislation, etc.)

- All enforcement agencies should immediately review and update their violation tracking systems, inspection procedures and trainings, and the language on their summons tickets in order to ensure that they are prepared to introduce cure periods and first-time warnings for violations in compliance with this EO.

- The establishment of an Inter-Agency Working Group - which includes each enforcement agency and to be chaired by a Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development and the SBS Commissioner - to review Agency submissions and oversee the ensuing business regulatory reform process.

 

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and our neighborhoods – and we must do what we can to help them succeed through difficult times,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “Reducing barriers to their thriving businesses is critical for our city’s economy and the pocketbooks of New Yorkers.”

 

“Throughout the pandemic, small businesses have suffered despite larger businesses bringing in record profits,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “I’m grateful that Mayor Adams is taking steps to reduce burdensome fines, bureaucracy, and hurdles that our local small businesses face. Local business is the backbone of so many neighborhoods across the city, and I’m glad that city government will work together to support them.”

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated our small businesses and we must do all that we can to support them as these unprecedented hardships continue," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L Gibson. "Our Bronx small businesses and entrepreneurs, who have been forced to adapt due to the extremely changing landscape created by the COVID-19 pandemic, are an essential component of our borough's recovery and make up the vibrant culture of The Bronx. I have been a long-time champion for small businesses. During my tenure in the City Council, I was a prime sponsor of Intro. 2233, which provided small businesses relief from violations including certain sanitation, health transportation, consumer affairs, noise control and building violations. Protecting vulnerable local job-creators, while preserving employment opportunities for our hard working residents and providing them with the necessary resources to recover, is more important than ever. I applaud Mayor Adams for putting this new Executive Order into action that will give our business owners clarity, and allow them to operate with less fear and look forward to working with this administration in my new role to continue fighting for our businesses.”

  

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND STAFFING SHORTAGES

 

 "Amid the ongoing pandemic, it's critical that students in our city have the ability to effectively learn in a safe environment. Many students, parents, teachers and staff are concerned that those standards may not be adequately met at this moment, as both the preliminary attendance numbers and anecdotal evidence across the city show. As we approach what may be the Omicron variant's peak, with increased hospitalizations across the state, questions of increased safety risk and educational effectiveness continue to be raised.

"As we push forward we must do so recognizing, responding, and adapting to the scale of the issue. We needed mandatory testing – which the city does have the authority to implement – prior to returning to classrooms, and we need it even more urgently now. Expanded vaccination efforts in schools are also essential.

"It’s crucial that we have all the tools we need to meet this surge. Prior to the winter break, the previous administration had refused to establish the infrastructure needed for a potential temporary remote shift or even a remote option, despite nearly two years of calls to at least have a plan in place. Now, the new administration needs to prepare immediately to have these measures available, and when the situation on the ground and in our classrooms calls for it, be unafraid to use them. We must continually remember that the results of whatever action we take will not be felt for days, and act accordingly to mitigate harm."

A Message from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

 Dear Bronxites,

I want to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy new year! Last week I took the oath of office to be your 14th Bronx Borough President.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were not able to celebrate together as a community, but stay tuned for an upcoming event in which we are able to gather and celebrate this historic election together.

In the coming weeks and months ahead, my team and I will put forth our blueprint and our vision for this great borough, prioritizing issues that we know matter to you and your family, such as education, higher education, economic development, food insecurity, healthcare, housing, job creation, public safety, supporting our small businesses, seniors, veterans and youth. 

I look forward to working with all of you and traveling to every corner of The Bronx over the next several weeks and months, discussing issues and priorities that matter to you and your family.

Stay tuned for our announcements and be sure to follow me on social media:

Facebook: BronxBP

Twitter: BronxBP

Instagram: BronxBPGibson

For now, during this new year, new season and new chapter, I say thank you for the opportunity to serve, I look forward to a fruitful and productive year.

Sincerely,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

UPDATED PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR MAYOR ERIC ADAMS FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022

On Tuesday, Mayor Adams will visit Woodhull Hospital to deliver remarks. This event is open press. There will be Q-and-A. 

 

After, the Mayor will thank nurses working the night shift. This event is closed press.

 

  

Approximately 9:30 PM – Delivers Remarks and Holds Q-and-A

Woodhull Hospital

760 Broadway

Brooklyn, NY 11206

Mayor Adams, How many times have you visited Woodhull Hospital while you were Brooklyn Borough President?

Come to the Bronx at night to visit Lincoln Hospital. 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 3, 2022

 

26,814 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

103 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.                

“Let’s celebrate the first day of school in 2022 by ensuring we are taking the proper precautions to keep them open through the rest of the year,” Governor Hochul said. “We know how to overcome this winter surge: Get the vaccine, get the booster, mask up, get tested and stay home if you're feeling sick. If we don't use these tools, many more in our communities will get sick."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 223,153
• Total Positive - 51,698
• Percent Positive - 23.17%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 21.49%
• Patient Hospitalization - 9,563 (+790)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 1,637
• Patients in ICU - 1,208 (+75)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 597 (+30)
• Total Discharges - 234,358 (+935)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 103
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 48,689
  
  
  The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only. 

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 61,514
  
  
  This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

• Total vaccine doses administered - 33,793,621
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 26,814
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 660,230
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 89.2% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 80.6% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 82.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 78.1%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 69.8% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 84.0% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.8%

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine - A Day 1 plan to slow omicron

 

Today was my first full day in the Manhattan Borough President’s office. I couldn’t be more excited to get down to work, and to take on the challenges looming ahead—in affordable housing, climate, transportation, and more. 

But first we need to manage covid to the point where it’s no longer a crisis. 

Omicron is surging in NYC. Cases are now above 40,000 per day.  Hospitalizations have passed 5,000 for the first time since spring of 2020. 

We need to act now to slow this wave, to protect hospitals, and support people who are sick. 

Today I released a 16-point plan to take on covid in NYC.  You can read about it in the graphic below, here in the Daily News, or on Twitter. 

I’ll be fighting hard in the days and weeks ahead to implement these policies. It is critical that we get beyond the omicron wave as quickly as possible, so that we can turn to the important work of bringing about Manhattan’s comeback. 

Stay safe, 

Mark

TWO NEW DINOWITZ LAWS EXPAND ACCESS TO COURT SYSTEM FOR NEW YORKERS

 

The two measures will expand access to jury trials for misdemeanors and will expand admissibility of certain statements in court proceedings.

 A pair of bills from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz to reform the New York State court system have been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The first bill (A4319) will take effect on July 1, 2022, and removes a fifty-year old section of law that denied New York City residents the right to a jury trial in cases where the charge carried a penalty of imprisonment for up to six months. The second bill (A8040) will take effect immediately and will bring New York’s hearsay exception into consistency with the Federal Rule of Evidence. Both bills were carried by State Senator Brad Hoylman in the State Senate. 

The expansion of jury trial access follows a New York State Court of Appeals decision (People v. Suazo, 2018 NY Slip Op 08056, November 27, 2018) that held a noncitizen charged with a B misdemeanor (which carried a penalty of deportation if he were convicted) was entitled to a jury trial under the Sixth Amendment of the United State Constitution. Class B misdemeanors in New York may carry a sentence of up to three months in jail if convicted. This Court of Appeals decision highlighted a geographical disparity in access to jury trials, which were already guaranteed to defendants outside of New York City regardless of the potential sentence. Under the new law, all New Yorkers now have the right to a jury trial for misdemeanor charges, although defendants retain their option under existing law to waive that right in favor of a bench trial. This legislation passed the Assembly by a margin of 148-1 and the State Senate by a margin of 63-0.

 

The relaxation of hearsay statements to allow a party’s agent or employee to testify in contexts where such a statement was made within the scope of an employment or agency relationship that existed at the time of the statement is a change first requested by the Chief Administrative Judge upon the recommendation of his Advisory Committee on Civil Practice. Prior analysis of several Appellate Division cases indicated that there was an overly strict view on who had speaking authority, resulting in a tendency to only allow high levels of management – even if the statement made relates to an activity that the lower-level person was directly tasked with handling. The new law allows New York courts to accept hearsay statements that are generally admissible in Federal court. This legislation passed the Assembly by a margin of 110-39 and the State Senate by a margin of 47-16.

 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “New Yorkers deserve to have unfettered access to our court system, and these two laws help move us closer to that goal. Our core principles of justice require that everyone have access to a trial by jury of their peers and that everyone has a right to present evidence on their own behalf. I am proud to have pushed these two reforms across the finish line, and am thank you to Governor Hochul for signing them into law.”