NYPD Announces Increased Transit System Deployments

 

Integrated Approach to Surge NYPD Assets on Trains and Throughout the City’s Subway System

 Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell announced a set of innovative deployment strategies to reimagine the NYPD’s robust coverage of the city’s subway system across all of its portals, platforms and trains.

The new initiatives redefine the mission for officers and surge their ranks – beyond the additional layers of NYPD presence already in place throughout the transit system. The measures deploy officers to move cohesively through the entire system – particularly on subway cars, to engage with riders and to observe and document all they see to create timely, intelligence-driven responses.

“Safety throughout the subway system remains a top priority for the NYPD,” said Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell. “This comprehensive new approach is centered on having more police officers on train cars talking with riders and listening to them because NYPD officers do not just respond to crime in our city – they prevent it and deter it.”

Under the initiative being rolled out today, hundreds of additional NYPD officers from the Transit Bureau will work in tandem with Patrol Service Bureau officers and other personnel to be present across the subway system, from both their street-side and underground positions. Special units will continue to augment this coverage as well, in each sector, on each tour, every day.

These officers will focus on engaging directly with riders with the mission of driving down crime upticks and also improving the ridership experience.

Department commanders will wield overtime strategically, with an imperative to flood those zones most acutely in need or more uniformed presence. Those commanders will also be directing the patrols from the above-ground precincts to integrate the coverage of transit stations in their areas of responsibility. Officers in some administrative jobs will be flexibly shifted into underground deployments when necessary.

All told, the measures put riders at the forefront of the NYPD efforts and present a new vision of operating in the days and months ahead.

Governor Hochul Announces Nominations to MTA Board

 

Governor Hochul today announced Janno Lieber has been nominated to serve as Chair and CEO of the MTA Board and Elizabeth Velez has been nominated to serve on the MTA Board.

"As Governor, my first duty to New Yorkers is to ensure that those who serve our state are experienced, committed, and ready to tackle the challenges we face," Governor Hochul said. "Janno is leading the MTA forward with expert management and vision, and Elizabeth will bring a wealth of invaluable knowledge and expertise to our challenges together. These are strong, competent leaders who will help steer the MTA through this critical time. We will continue to make appointments that ensure our transit system delivers for riders."

"I am honored and grateful to be nominated by Governor Hochul, who has been a supporter from day one of a smart transit system that serves all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with the governor, her team and our partners in the legislature to ensure that subways, buses and commuter railroads continue to be an engine fueling the region's economic recovery," Janno Lieber said. "Elizabeth Velez has a deep understanding of the value of transportation to New Yorkers, will be an excellent addition to the board and I'm eager to work with her on important issues facing the MTA, including a historic capital program that will modernize and expand the transit network and provide enhanced equity and accessibility to New Yorkers in the years ahead."

"I am thrilled to be nominated by Governor Hochul to the MTA Board," Elizabeth Velez said. "The MTA is a crucial connection point for New Yorkers throughout our city. With the impending influx of infrastructure dollars, the MTA is central to not only improving essential transportation, but also to creating opportunities both in workforce and procurement that affects our communities."

Janno Lieber will be nominated to serve as Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board. He has been Acting Chair and CEO since July 2021.

In his role at MTA Construction and Development, Mr. Lieber oversaw the agency's $55 billion five-year capital program, including State of Good Repair investments in infrastructure and facilities of New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and MTA Bridges and Tunnels. He is responsible for upgrades to signals and other major systems, system expansions, and mega-projects such as East Side Access, the second phase of the Second Avenue Subway and the Third Track expansion of the Long Island Rail Road main line. He is also responsible for upgrading and professionalizing the MTA's project management capacity and for integrating real estate planning and economic development into MTA infrastructure projects.

From 2003 to 2017, Mr. Lieber served as President of World Trade Center Properties LLC, where he was responsible for managing all aspects of the Silverstein organization's efforts to rebuild the World Trade Center site, including planning, design, and construction issues; business, financing, and legal matters; and public affairs, government, and community relations.

Earlier in his career, he held positions in the administrations of President Bill Clinton and NYC Mayor Ed Koch and worked as an attorney in private practice.

Elizabeth Velez will be nominated to serve on the MTA Board. She is currently the President of the Velez Organization, a second generation construction firm started in

1972 by her father, Andrew Velez. To her credit are hundreds of projects which have come to fruition under her direction, including over 600 units of housing made affordable by State and Federal grants in the Bronx and Harlem, and over ten billion dollars of significant educational, healthcare and large-scale projects throughout New York.

She is a Trustee of Boricua College; an accredited private institution serving primarily Latinas through three campuses in New York. She serves on the advisory boards of numerous New York City and New York State agencies, industry non-profits, and groups supporting mentorship and scholarships for youth. She is a member of the Board for Catholic Charities and the New York City Police Foundation. She is currently serving as a Commissioner of the New York City Property Tax Reform Commission. Following Hurricane Maria's disastrous landfall, Elizabeth was appointed to the NY Stands with Puerto Rico Recovery & Rebuilding Committee, the NY Memorial Commission for Hurricane Maria, and has spearheaded numerous workforce and economic development programs - including a satellite corporate office in Ponce Puerto Rico. On the international front, Ms. Velez is Co-Chair of Iran 180 - an organization that advocates for human rights and the end to Iran's nuclear threat. She is a contributor to media outlets such as Matter of Fact TV with Soledad O'Brien, Fox News Latino, The Daily News, The Wall Street Journal, El Diario La Prensa, Hispanic Business, ENR, City & State and Crain's New York Business. She is an outspoken advocate for diversity and empowerment of women, and a sought after speaker on women's leadership and work/family balance issues. In addition to numerous awards and recognition, Ms. Velez was recognized by City & State as one of the "Manhattan Power 50".

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli - NYC's Restaurant, Retail and Recreation Sectors Continue to Struggle During Pandemic

 

New York City’s restaurant, retail and recreation sectors continued to struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic, even before the latest surge in cases, with 169,700 fewer jobs in November than from two years ago, according to a report released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The losses accounted for 41% of total private sector jobs lost in the city during the pandemic.

Permits Filed For 2385 Tiebout Avenue In Fordham, The Bronx

 

2385 Tiebout Avenue in Fordham, The Bronx 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 2385 Tiebout Avenue in Fordham, The Bronx. Located between East 184th and East 187th Streets, the lot is near the Fordham Road subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Artan Prelaj is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 75-foot-tall development will yield 23,838 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 38 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 627 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 68-foot-long rear yard, and 11 open parking spaces.

Fred Geremia Architects & Planners is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in July 2021. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Governor Hochul Announces New Guidance on COVID-19 Booster Doses

 

Booster Shots Now Recommended for 12-15 Year-Olds, Along with Previously Authorized 16+ Age Group    

Announces Plan to Require Health Care Workers Receive COVID-19 Booster Dose Within Two Weeks of Becoming Eligible  

New Nursing Home Visitation Rules to Protect Vulnerable New Yorkers - Negative Tests and Surgical Masks Required

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new guidance recommending booster doses for all New Yorkers ages 12 and older. The guidance, following action by the CDC, recommends that people, including the newly authorized 12-15 year-old age group, who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should receive a booster dose at least five months after their second dose; the previous recommended interval was at least six months. In addition, moderately to severely immunocompromised 5-11-year-olds can receive an additional primary dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine 28 days after their second dose. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children ages 5-11.    

Additionally, the CDC today recommended the same change to a five month booster interval for the Moderna vaccine, which is only authorized for people 18 years and older.

"As we continue to battle this winter surge, I strongly recommend that all New Yorkers ages 12 and older get boosted as soon they are eligible," Governor Hochul said. "With boosters now available for all adolescents, I especially urge parents and guardians to get their children in this age group a booster dose as soon as eligible. A booster dose will provide greater protection against severe outcomes from COVID-19 and help keep our kids healthy, protected, and safe."  

Governor Hochul additionally announced her plan to require that all covered health care workers previously required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination under the Department's August 26th Emergency regulation must also now receive a COVID-19 booster dose within two weeks of becoming eligible, absent a valid medical exemption. Consistent with the August 26th Emergency Regulation, there is no test-out option. Following review and approval by the Public Health and Health Planning Council at their emergency meeting on Tuesday, the emergency regulation will be filed with the Department of State (DOS). Regulations are effective upon the filing with DOS. 

The Governor also announced new rules for nursing home visitations. Starting Wednesday, all visitors must wear "surgical"-type masks and must present upon entry a COVID negative test taken within 24 hours of their visit. Governor Hochul further noted that 952,000 tests and 1.2 million masks are being delivered to nursing homes late this week into next. 

On January 5, 2022, the CDC endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice's (ACIP) recommended expansion of booster dose eligibility for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 to individuals ages 12 through 15. CDC now recommends that all adolescents ages 12 through 17 should receive a booster dose five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. This followed the CDC's updated recommendations that severely immunocompromised 5-11 year-olds receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second dose, and that people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series should get a booster dose at least five month after the second dose, instead of six months.   

New York State Department of Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Booster doses are a critical tool in our continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am grateful that they are now available for all New Yorkers 12 years of age and older. Data show that people who are vaccinated and boosted are more protected against serious illness from COVID-19, and we continue to urge all those eligible to act now. Do what you can to stay healthy and out of the hospital by getting vaccinated and boosted and wear a mask. If you have questions, talk to your health care provider or vaccine administrator."  

All state mass vaccination sites are now offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for New Yorkers 12 years of age and older, as well as third doses for immunocompromised people 5 years and older. For more information on boosters and additional doses, see the State's dedicated page here.  

Release of BWC Footage from a Police-Involved Firearm Discharge that occurred November 24th, 2021 in the confines of the 48th Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing today body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on November 24th, 2021, in the confines of the 48th Precinct.

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here

MAYOR ADAMS NOMINATES SYLVIA HINDS-RADIX AS CORPORATION COUNSEL

 

 Mayor Eric Adams today nominated Sylvia Hinds-Radix as the City’s Corporation Counsel. She has most recently served as an Associate Justice of the New York State Appellate Division, Second Department — a position she was appointed to in 2012 — and in 2020 was designated a member of the New York State Constitutional Bench. Hinds-Radix will be the first Caribbean-born woman to serve as Corporation Counsel in New York City’s history. As Corporation Counsel, she will lead the Law Department, which is primarily responsible for providing legal representation to the City, the Mayor, other elected officials, and City agencies in all affirmative and defensive civil litigation. Hinds-Radix also conducted the Mayor’s swearing-in ceremony at the Times Square New Year’s Celebration.

 

“The Law Department plays an indispensable role in providing the legal architecture needed for the administration to carry out its vision. Sylvia Hinds-Radix has not only the brilliant legal mind, but also the emotional intelligence needed to lead the department as our next Corporation Counsel. I congratulate her on her history-making appointment,” said Mayor Eric Adams. 

 

“I am honored to have been nominated by Mayor Eric Adams to undertake this tremendous responsibility of representing the people of this great City, as New York City’s Corporation Counsel. At this particular time in our history, with all of the challenges that we are facing, I look forward to ensuring that fairness and justice is carried out for the residents of the City of New York,” said Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix. 

 

Prior to her appointment to the Appellate Division, Hinds-Radix served as Administrative Judge for Civil Matters in the Second Judicial District for three and a half years.  In her capacity as Administrative Judge, she oversaw both the New York State Supreme Court, Civil Term and the New York City Civil Court, which also encompasses the Housing Court of the City of New York. Hinds-Radix was elected to the Supreme Court, Kings County in November of 2004 and served as a New York City Civil Court Judge, from 2002 through 2004, spending her first year in the Criminal Court of Kings County. She began her legal career at District Council 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services. Hinds-Radix earned a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts, a Masters from Long Island University, and a J.D. from Howard University School of Law. She was born in Barbados. 

 

Under the City Charter, the nominee for Corporation Counsel must be confirmed by the City Council.

 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 7, 2022

 

106,978 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

155 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

Governor Announces New Daily COVID-19 Hospitalization Data

New Data Shows Number of COVID-19 Positive Hospitalizations Admitted for COVID-19 / COVID-19 Complications vs. Non-COVID-19 Other Reasons

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

"My administration is hard at work making testing, vaccines, boosters and masks more widely available in to fight this winter surge," Governor Hochul said. "While we are prepared to deal with whatever comes our way using the tools we know are effective, it will take a concerted effort on the part of every New Yorker to beat this pandemic and protect our loved ones. Get your vaccine if you haven't yet and the booster if you have, mask up, exercise caution while in indoor public spaces and we'll make it through this - together." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 377,160
• Total Positive - 82,094
• Percent Positive - 21.77%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 22.36%
• Patient Hospitalization - 11,548 (+364)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 2,058
• Patients in ICU - 1449 (+45)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 704 (+9)
• Total Discharges - 240,003 (+1,661)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 155
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 49,185
  
  
  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 - 61,859
  
  
  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 - 34,189,723
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 106,978
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 538,240
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 89.6% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 80.8% 
• 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) - 83.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 78.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 70.2% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 84.9% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.2%