FORMER NYPD POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED FOR 2019 FATAL SHOOTING OF FRIEND

 

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Second-Degree Manslaughter

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a former NYPD Police Officer has been sentenced to one to three years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree Manslaughter in the fatal shooting of his next-door neighbor in 2019. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The 21-year-old victim was friends with the defendant, and both were playing soccer video games when the defendant’s off-duty firearm went off, striking the victim. The defendant, who had been a NYPD Police Officer for approximately one year, initially told investigators the victim was playing with the firearm and accidentally shot himself. However, an autopsy showed the gunshot was not self-inflicted. Additionally, the defendant did not perform life-saving measures. His actions were reckless and inconsiderate.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Martinson Afari Yeboah, 30, who was assigned to Housing Police Service Area 7 in the Bronx, was sentenced today to one to three years in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree Manslaughter on October 20, 2021.

 According to the investigation, at about 5:25 a.m. on April 21, 2019, Yeboah, who was offduty, was in the apartment of the victim, Frederick Afoakwah on West Mosholu Parkway South, playing video games. The defendant’s off-duty firearm, a 9-mm semi-automatic pistol, discharged, striking the victim once in the neck. The victim’s father and cousin came out of their bedroom after hearing the shot and saw the victim dying in the living room. The defendant told them there was an accident and did not call 911 until the victim’s father urged him to.

 Instead of performing life-saving measures, Yeboah, who lived next door, went to his apartment, left his firearm there and changed his shoes. He then went downstairs to the lobby to wait for first responders. The victim was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

 The defendant’s employment with the NYPD was terminated after the incident.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Lieutenant Emanuel Vizzotti, NYPD Lieutenant John Dasaro, NYPD Detective James McDermott and retired NYPD Detective Clayton Barnett, all of the Force Investigation Division, for their assistance.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 14, 2022

 

49,027 Positives Yesterday, Down from Surge-High 90,132 on January 7

Percent Positivity 16.3% Yesterday, Down from Surge-High 23.17% on January 2

12,207 New Yorkers Hospitalized Yesterday, Down 245 Hospitalizations From Day Before    

177 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"We are appearing to turn the corner on the winter surge," Governor Hochul said. "This is no time to spike the football, we still need to remain vigilant. So let's continue to use the tools we know will help stop the spread and keep ourselves safe: get the vaccine, get the booster, wear a mask, and stay home if you're feeling sick. Let's continue to do the right thing and we will get through this together."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 300,868
• Total Positive - 49,027
• Percent Positive - 16.30%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 18.65%
• Patient Hospitalization - 12,207 (-245)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 1,737
• Patients in ICU - 1619 (+4)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 864 (+19)
• Total Discharges - 251,126 (+1,878)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 177
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 50,334

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 - 62,891

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 - 34,811,647
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 99,212
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 621,924
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 90.1% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 81.2% 
• 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) - 83.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 79.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 70.7% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 85.8% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.8%

‘Pharma Bro No More’: Attorney General James Scores Court Victory Against Convicted Criminal Martin Shkreli, Banning Him From Pharmaceutical Industry for Life, Ordering Him to Pay Nearly $65 Million

 

Shkreli and Vyera Pharmaceuticals Stifled Competition After Raising Price on Lifesaving Drug More Than 4,000 Percent

Pharmaceutical Companies on Notice That OAG Will

Vigilantly Pursue Actions to Protect Against Anticompetitive Conduct

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that a federal court ruled in favor of New York, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and six other states, finding that convicted criminal Martin Shkreli engaged in illegal and monopolistic behavior when he served as the CEO of Vyera Pharmaceuticals (previously known as Turing Pharmaceuticals). The court found that Shkreli violated both federal and state laws by engaging in anticompetitive conduct to protect monopoly profits on the life-saving drug Daraprim (pyrimethamine) — banning him for life from the pharmaceutical industry and ordering him to pay nearly $65 million. In January 2020, Attorney General James and the FTC filed a lawsuit against Vyera, Shkreli, and his business partner — Kevin Mulleady — for anticompetitive behavior that stifled competition and allowed the defendants to exorbitantly raise the price of Daraprim more than 4,000 percent overnight, to $750 per pill. Daraprim is used to treat the parasitic disease toxoplasmosis, and, until relatively recently, was the only approved source of this life-saving medication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

“‘Envy, greed, lust, and hate,’ don’t just ‘separate,’ but they obviously motivated Mr. Shkreli and his partner to illegally jack up the price of a life-saving drug as Americans’ lives hung in the balance,” said Attorney General James. “But Americans can rest easy because Martin Shkreli is a pharma bro no more. A federal court has not only found that his conduct was illegal, but also banned this convicted criminal from the pharmaceutical industry for life and required him to pay nearly $65 million. This is on top of the $40 million we’ve already secured from Vyera. The rich and powerful don’t get to play by their own set of rules, so I it seems that cash doesn’t rule everything around Mr. Shkreli. New Yorkers can trust that my office will do everything possible to hold the powerful accountable, in addition to fighting to protect their health and their wallets.”

Daraprim was, until recently, the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease which may pose serious and often life-threating consequences for those with compromised immune systems, including babies born to women infected with the disease and individuals with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Daraprim has been the gold standard for treatment of acute toxoplasmosis for decades — recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the HIV Medicine Association, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America as the initial therapy of choice for acute toxoplasmosis. Nevertheless, and despite being unpatented, a generic version of Daraprim was not sold in the United States until March 2020 — after New York and its co-plaintiffs filed their lawsuit against Shkreli and his co-conspirators.

Daraprim was cheap and accessible for decades. Then, in August 2015, Vyera purchased the drug, and increased the price dramatically overnight to a level that one former executive testified was “excessive”, “crazy” and “irresponsible.” Next, Vyera — under Shkreli’s control —altered its distribution and engaged in other conduct to delay and impede generic competition. The high price and distribution changes limited access to the drug, forcing many patients and physicians to make difficult and risky decisions for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.

The illegal scheme perpetrated by Vyera, Shkreli, and Mulleady involved restrictive distribution and supply agreements, as well as data secrecy, with the intent and effect of delaying entry by lower cost generic competitors.

In April 2020, the states of California, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia joined Attorney General James’ and the FTC’s lawsuit.

A seven-day trial took place in a Manhattan federal courthouse last month, where live testimony concerning the purpose and effects of Vyera and Shkreli’s anticompetitive scheme was provided by current and former Vyera employees, generic drug manufacturers, and experts. The court, today, issued a decision and order largely agreeing with the states and FTC, and provided relief sought — finding Shkreli liable on each of the claims presented in this action. Shkreli has been banned for life from participating in the pharmaceutical industry in any capacity, and is ordered to pay the plaintiff states $64.6 million in disgorgement.

In the months leading up to the trial, the court also issued several important rulings in favor of the plaintiffs, including a ruling addressing the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) ability to obtain equitable monetary relief when individuals or companies repeatedly or persistently commit illegal acts in the state. That ruling confirmed the OAG’s authority to seek disgorgement of ill-gotten gains — regardless of where obtained, when the conduct has a nexus to New York — in antitrust and other kinds of cases. 

Last month, Vyera and Mulleady entered into an agreement that, among other things, required the company to pay up to $40 million to offset ill-gotten gains and banned Mulleady from the pharmaceutical industry for seven years. 

Today’s court decision that Vyera and Shkreli’s conduct was anticompetitive and illegal, and its order banning Shkreli from the pharmaceutical industry and requiring a monetary payment reinforces and corroborates the agreement entered into in December with Vyera and Mulleady. In particular, the court’s conclusion that Vyera’s conduct to delay and thwart generic competition was illegal puts pharmaceutical companies on notice that such anticompetitive efforts violate the law. Similarly, the court’s decision to hold Shkreli liable in this anticompetitive scheme puts corporate executives on notice that the OAG is prepared to vigorously seek personal accountability for anticompetitive conduct that harms or impedes people’s access to affordable medicines. 

Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare Emergency Response Assets as Combination of Extreme Cold Weather and a Potential Snowstorm are Expected to Impact the State this Weekend

 

Low Temperatures Will Range From 10 Degrees in NYC, to 0 in the Capital Region and -20 in the North Country; Winds Expected to Gust Up to 25 MPH Across State

Wind Chill Warnings in Effect Through Saturday With Wind Chills as Low as -20 Degrees in Western New York and -40 Degrees in North Country and Along Lake Ontario

Low-Pressure System Moving Across the Country Could Deliver Heavy Snow and Wintry Mix Across State Sunday Night Into Monday Morning

 Governor Kathy Hochul today directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets as extreme cold temperatures and increasing winds push across the state today, dropping temperatures and wind chill values to dangerous levels tonight through Saturday. Wind chill warnings are in effect from 7 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday with wind chill values expected to drop as low as -20 degrees across Western New York and -40 degrees in the North Country and along Lake Ontario. Low temperatures will range from 10 to -20 degrees across the state. Emergency response officials are also monitoring a possible snowstorm that is forecast to begin Sunday evening and last into Monday, bringing heavy snow to several regions across the state and potential coastal flooding to parts of Long Island.

"New Yorkers should prepare now for a serious blast of arctic air tonight and Saturday," Governor Hochul said. "Temperatures and wind chill values like these can be both dangerous and damaging, so limit your exposure and layer-up if you must venture outside, especially our Bills fans in Orchard Park Saturday night. Our state's Emergency Operations Center is also monitoring the forecast for a possible snowstorm that could hit Sunday night and last into Monday, and we stand ready to assist local governments should they need help."

Wind Chill warnings and advisories are currently in effect across the State through Saturday morning.  A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for multiple counties in the Western NY, Finger Lakes, Central NY, Southern Tier, North Country, Mohawk Valley, Capital District, and Mid-Hudson regions. 

Forecasts call for a winter storm to impact the state on Sunday evening into Monday, but there remains uncertainty for precipitation types and amounts.  New Yorkers are encouraged to monitor the forecast as details become clearer over the weekend. For a complete listing of weather advisories in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

Safety Tips

Frostbite

• To avoid frostbite, stay inside during severe cold.
• If you must go out, try to cover every part of your body: ears, nose, toes and fingers, etc. Mittens are better than gloves. Keep your skin dry and stay out of the wind when possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids since hydration increases the blood's volume, which helps prevent frostbite. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes - caffeine constricts blood vessels and prevents warming of extremities, alcohol reduces shivering, which helps keep you warm, and cigarette use shuts off blood flow to your hands.
• If you suspect frostbite, until you can get indoors, don't rub or massage cold body parts. Drink warm liquids.  Put on extra layers of clothes and blankets.  Remove rings, watches, and anything tight.
• Once indoors, don't walk on a frostbitten foot - you could cause more damage. Get in a warm (NOT hot) bath and wrap face and ears in a moist, warm (NOT hot) towel.
• Don't get near a hot stove or heater or use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hair dryer. You may burn yourself before feeling returns.
• Frostbitten skin will become red and swollen and feel like it's on fire. You may develop blisters. Don't break the blisters. It could cause scarring.
• If your skin turns blue or gray, is very swollen, blistered or feels hard and numb even under the surface, go to a hospital immediately.

Hypothermia

• Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially in children and the elderly.
• Watch for the following symptoms: inability to concentrate, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and/or uncontrollable shivering, following by a sudden lack of shivering.
• If a person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately.
• Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets, and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.

Protecting Water Pipes

Prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment, or business by following these steps:

• When it's cold, let cold and hot water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall. Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
• If you plan to be away, have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).
• If pipes freeze, make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimizes damage to your home.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
• Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
• Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.

Be "Fire Safe"

Heating equipment is among the leading causes of home fires nationally and in New York State. Take a few simple steps to significantly reduce the possibility of experiencing a heating related fire. No matter how careful you are with home heating, you and your family should be prepared in case fire strikes:

• Buy and carefully maintain a quality smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
• Inspect your home to eliminate or control fire hazards.
• Install at least 5-pound A-B-C type fire extinguishers in the home and teach family members how to use them.
• Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
• Hold practice fire drills until all family members are thoroughly familiar with plan.
• If you have an older home, have the wiring checked by a qualified electrician to make sure it meets current building codes.
• Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected yearly for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks or mortar and any obstructions.
• Keep storage areas clean and tidy.
• Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources. NEVER keep gasoline in the house.
• Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.

Maintain and Inspect Home Heating Appliances

Proper maintenance and an annual inspection of heat pumps, furnaces, space heaters, wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connections by qualified specialists can prevent fires and save lives. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, venting, fueling, maintenance and repair. Review the owner's manual to make sure you remember the operating and safety features.

Space Heaters - Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from furniture, window treatments, bedding, clothing, rugs, and other combustibles. Avoid the use of extension cords with electric heaters. Always turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.

Fuel Burning Appliances - Inspect the shut off mechanism and wick for proper operation. Fill the tank with fresh fuel. Let the heater cool down before refueling. Adding fuel to a hot heater can start a dangerous fire.

Wood Burning Appliances and Fireplaces - Do not burn trash in the wood stove or fireplace. Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. Be sure the fire you build fits your fireplace or stove, don't overload it. Be sure wood stoves are installed at least 36 inches away from the wall. Keep combustible materials well away from the fireplace, stove and chimney. Keep the area around them clean. Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from leaving the fireplace and starting a fire. Never leave a fire unattended.

Chimneys - Creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires. A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable. An annual chimney inspection by a qualified chimney sweep can prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ashes - Keep wood stoves and fireplaces free of excess ash buildup. Excessive ash buildup prevents good circulation of air needed for combustion. When removing ashes, use a metal container with a tight-fitting cover. Always place ashes in an outside location away from structures. Ashes that seem cool may contain a smoldering charcoal that can start a fire.

Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon monoxide is produced anywhere that fuel is burned and is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.
• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and invisible killer, and the ONLY safe way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide alarm.
• Carbon monoxide alarms range in price from $20 to $50 depending on additional features.
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness.
• If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital.

Other Heating Safety Tips

• Make sure chimneys and vents are checked for blockages, corrosion, and loose connections.
• Open flues completely when fireplaces are in use.
• Use proper fuel in space heaters.
• Never burn charcoal or a barbecue grill inside a home or enclosed space.
• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, or vehicle
• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
• Never use the kitchen stove for heating a house.
• Never run a gas-powered generator in a garage, basement, or near any overhang on the home. Keep it at a distance.

Winter Driving

Transportation crashes are the leading cause of death and injury during winter storms.

Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra cautious while behind the wheel and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.

Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• Wet leaves on roadways can cause slippery conditions, making it important to drive at slower speeds when approaching patches of them.
• Make sure your car is stocked with blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick-energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.
• If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
• While driving, keep vehicles clear of ice and snow.
• Plan stops and keep distance between cars. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

MAYOR ADAMS STATEMENT ON INTRO 2443A-2021

 

“It is a top priority of the Adams Administration to find ways that ensure all neighborhoods are helping solve our city’s housing crisis, particularly those that are centrally located and well-resourced. That is why I have proudly supported the SoHo/NoHo rezoning for more than a year, and it is why I am proud the rezoning has become law.

 

“There was a small piece of legislation that passed at the same time as the rezoning that addresses recording requirements and fines related to Joint Living Work Quarters for Artists (JLWQA). We’ve been hearing concerns about that specific legislation, and are going to make sure that we can productively work together to improve it over the coming months. In order to do that together, today I will veto that legislation to give us time to continue to work on it with the City Council.

 

“We are still committed to increasing options for existing JLWQA owners by providing a legal pathway to residential use for non-artists in the neighborhood should they elect to legalize or sell, and to make sure windfall profits of those sales get invested back into the artistic legacy for SoHo and NoHo in perpetuity via the SoHo/NoHo Arts Fund. But we will take a little more time to make sure we are right-sizing any fines associated with this process and clarifying the associated enforcement mechanisms going forward.

 

“We are crystal clear in our 100 percent support of the SoHo/NoHo rezoning. We look forward to working with the City Council to build on this important legacy and make sure all neighborhoods are doing their part for fair housing and more equitable communities.”

Update on the Fatal Fire at 333 East 181st Street

 

The good news is that the death toll has been reduced by two people from nineteen to seventeen, nine adults and eight children. However fourteen people remain in various hospitals still in critical condition. Two sites, Monroe College located at 2501 Jerome Avenue West 190th Street, and the Bronx Islamic Center located at 371 East 166th Street are being used for drop off locations for donations of material goods.

Two bodies have already been buried, and on Sunday January 16th the remaining fifteen bodies will be brought to the Bronx Islamic Cultural Center located at 371 East 166th Street for a unified prayer service beginning at 10 AM for all fifteen victims. Eleven will then be buried here in this country, while the remaining four bodies will be flown to Africa for burial there. The public is invited to this prayer service, in which many elected officials have confirmed their attendance, many members of the media, Bronx and other residents of the city are expected. This will be the largest outpouring of respect for the Muslim community, and those who attend are asked to observe the culture by making no disturbances. The service is expected to end at noon, where the bodies will be transported for burial.

There was a press conference Thursday afternoon by City Council members Oswald Feliz, Pierina Ana Sanchez, and Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia to update what is going on. Councilman Feliz whose district the building that caught fire is in said that while some tenants of the higher floors of the nineteen story building are being let back into their apartments, others can stay in the hotels that have been provided until January 24th. Then the building should be in better shape allowing most residents back into their apartments. He said that people who do not want to go back will be given the option of different housing. 

There was a deadly fire three year ago when a small child turned on a stove burner, and smoke went throughout that building killing several people because the fire doors were not closed. At that time it was said that all fire doors in buildings would be inspected and fixed. I asked Councilman Feliz when the fire doors at 333 East 188th Street were inspected, and what the inspection report said. He said he would have to check the reports to know. As for the building, it was built in 1972 under federal guidelines that Fire Commissioner Nigro said were less stringent than New York City guidelines. 

The owners who bought the building two years ago, Camber Property Group, also own affordable and mixed income multifamily housing throughout the New York Metro area according to their website. 333 East 188th Street was a Mitchell Lama building that is being converted to a rental building. Reports of residents complaining of lack of adequate heat may be justified by the number of residents who used space heaters such as the apartment where the fire occurred, which had multiple space heaters that were left on overnight. 

Councilman Oswald Feliz, Councilwoman Perina Ana Sanchez to his right in the white coat, and Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia to his left in front of 333 East 188th Street. 

Thursday afternoon five days after the fire many windows are still boarded up, with residents of the top floors of the nineteen story building only allowed to go back to their apartments.

The memorial next to the building. 

Boxes of food were prepared outside the Bronx Islamic Cultural Center to be given out. The prayer service will be held here at 371 East 166th Street Sunday January 16th starting at 10 AM.

   

MAYOR’S FUND TO ADVANCE NEW YORK CITY PARTNERS WITH BANK OF AMERICA, THE MET COUNCIL TO IMMEDIATELY DISTRIBUTE $2250 TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IMPACTED BY BRONX FIRE

 

To provide immediate relief, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York, Bank of America, and the Met Council will provide pre-loaded gift cards to each impacted family

 

Additional funds raised by the Mayor’s Fund will be distributed in coming days to families and community based organizations

 Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City today announced the City will distribute $2250 gift cards to each household impacted by Sunday’s fire in the Bronx to provide immediate relief for families, for a total of $265,500. The Mayor’s Fund contributed $1000, Bank of America matched that donation plus an additional $50 to cover any ATM fees, and The Met Council donated $200 food cards, for a total of $2250 going to all 118 households affected.  

 

“The entire City of New York is grieving with the families impacted by Sunday’s fire in the Bronx. In a matter of days, we have received an outpouring of support and donations from across New York and across the country — this collective effort humbles us,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “The City is acting now to provide immediate relief to impacted families and we will continue to provide all of the support and resources we can to those affected. I’m grateful to Bank of America and the Met Council for their partnership and want all of our Bronx neighbors touched by this tragedy to know this: New York City has your back.”

 

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy," said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. "We hope this immediate cash assistance will relieve some of the immediate burdens facing our affected neighbors in the Bronx. I thank the Mayor's Fund and our agency partners for moving so quickly to support those in need." 

“In the days after the tragic fire in The Bronx, New Yorkers responded in overwhelming numbers to help their neighbors in need,” said Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, Co-Executive Directors of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “We are thankful to the thousands of grassroots donors from all five boroughs and from across the country, and for the generous support from our partners in the business, entertainment, and philanthropic communities.” 

 

“This outpouring of support shows how we come together to help our fellow New Yorkers in times of need, and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” said Rob Speyer Chair, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City Board of Advisors. “Thank you! Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Fund mobilized immediately, and organizations from all over the world responded to offer assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims of this unspeakable tragedy, and we will all continue to work diligently to support them.”

“Bank of America is committed to helping New Yorkers, and we felt the need to partner with the City of New York to help those impacted by the devastating fire in the Bronx,” said Jose Tavarez, President of Bank of America New York City. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to helping meet the basic needs – water, food & shelter – in the communities where we work and live.”

 

“Our hearts goes out to the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. That’s why we’re so grateful to partner with Mayor Eric Adams to provide immediate relief via Emergency Food Cards to families impacted by this devastating fire. These $200 food cards can be used in any grocery store or supermarket and will allow families to buy perishable and culturally appropriate items like halal meat, chicken and dairy that are difficult to donate in large quantities because of the lack of refrigeration at the distribution sites,” said David G. Greenfield, CEO of Met Council on Jewish Poverty. “The Jewish community stands united with Mayor Eric Adams and our fellow New Yorkers to do everything we can to help these families recover.”

 

“I’m grateful for the support and financial contributions from my friends and colleagues, but there’s still much more work for us to do," said Bronx Native and Grammy-nominated musician Fat Joe. "Many of these Bronx families lost everything, so it’s important that we continue to donate and help those in need.”

 

Since launching hours after Sunday’s tragic fire, the Bronx Fire Relief Fund has received thousands of grassroots donations from across the country and from partners in the business and philanthropic community. Bronx native and Grammy-nominated musician Fat Joe also helped raise awareness in the music and entertainment industry, leading to additional donations in the first days after the launch of the fund. To date, the fund has raised more than $2.2 million. To donate, please visit www.nyc.gov/fund. To provide immediate relief now, a portion of the total funds raised will be sent immediately to each household affected. The City’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) will distribute these cards directly to each household. For the remaining funds collected, The Mayor’s Fund will work with agency partners to assess outstanding needs and continue sending support directly to victims and local relief organizations.

 

The fund builds upon the strong initial support provided by first responders, city services and grassroots organizations. First responders from the Fire Department (FDNY), the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), and the American Red Cross provided critical assistance during and immediately following the fire.

 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bronx community that was affected by the East 181st Street fire," said Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. "We greatly appreciate the Mayor's Fund, Bank of America, and the Met Council for their partnership in supporting New Yorkers in need. CAU will continue to work on the ground with the interfaith community and our community-based partners to support the impacted families."

 

“The Public Engagement Unit works directly with communities, so we know how important it is to hear from survivors about their immediate needs, while also planning for long-term assistance” says Adrienne Lever, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit. “I am proud that our team is able to be part of this rapid response effort and provide some relief in this midst of this terrible crisis, and the City is committed to making sure the survivors get the longer term support they need.”

 

NYCEM established a service center at Monroe College open from 12-8pm on Thursday and Friday and from 10am-5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, where individuals can receive assistance with City services including housing, COVID-19 testing, food, burial assistance, and mental health support. In addition:

 

• The City will ensure all families impacted by the fire have access to safe housing.
• The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has trained mental health professionals on-site at all hotels and the Monroe College service center to provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and to provide referrals.
• The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) has coordinated an interfaith outreach response to connect clergy with impacted families.
• NYCEM and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) are ensuring interpreters are present to help individuals access services.

 

For local updates, individuals can text ‘181STFIRE to 692692 for updates and resources for victims. For information on the status of loved ones, call 311.

 

"In hard times, New Yorkers always come together and help their neighbors," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Following the horrific 5-alarm fire we saw this week, The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York acted immediately to not only collect funds for the impacted families, but to understand their specific needs. The news that each impacted household will receive pre-loaded gift cards immediately is a necessary step in helping these families get back on their feet. I thank the Mayor’s Fund, Mayor Adams, Bank of America and the Met Council for their partnership in making sure our Bronx families receive this direct support, and the thousands of New Yorkers near and beyond who contributed to the mayors fund to advance NYC.”

“We are still in shock by the devastating fire that occurred in the Bronx this Sunday. But we are thankful and grateful to everyone who assisted affected families during these challenging times. Our entire city was there for vulnerable families, and worked around the clock to make sure every family received the help they needed - food, clothing, housing, and financial assistance. I want to especially applaud the Mayor for the incredible leadership and support he provided every step of the way," said Council Member Oswald Feliz

New Yorkers interested in contributing to the fund can donate online: www.nyc.gov/fund, or by mailing a check, made payable to "The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City" indicating that donations are for the Bronx Fire Relief Fund in the memo field or in a note enclosed with the check:

 

Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City
253 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

New York's Prison Population Continues Decline, But Share of Older Adults Keeps Rising

 

New York State Comptroller DiNapoli Urges Policymakers to Examine Safely Reducing Number of Incarcerated Individuals

 The state’s prison population declined by half from March 2008 to March 2021, but the population of individuals aged 50 and above grew slightly, according to a follow-up report by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. No age segment under the age of 50 showed an increase.

The number of older incarcerated individuals has grown from 7,511 in March 2008 to 7,586 in March 2021. As a percentage of the state’s shrinking prison population, however, the older population has doubled. Nearly 1-in-4 (24.3%) of the state’s 31,262 incarcerated individuals were 50 and above in March 2021. Thirteen years earlier, just 12% of the then prison population of 62,597 were 50 and over. The share who are at least 60 years old nearly tripled from 2.7% in March 2008 to 7.9% in March 2021.

“The safe and efficient operation of the corrections system is critically important to protecting public safety, providing incarcerated individuals with opportunities to find success upon release and ensuring wise use of public resources,” DiNapoli said. “Since our initial 2017 report detailing the rise in the number of aging incarcerated individuals, we found that despite reductions in the overall size of the population, the share of older prisoners is increasing. In the months ahead, policymakers should examine opportunities to reduce the population of incarcerated individuals 50 and over where public safety would not be compromised.”

Factors Contributing to Population Change

At least two trends may explain the net gain in older prisoners: one is the rise in the number of admissions of older individuals to Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) prisons for a new offense or parole violation, which increased by an average of 3.5% per year from 2008 to 2020. The average age of incarcerated individuals under custody in New York state prisons was 40.3 years in March 2021, an increase of 4.1 years, or 11.4%, since March 2008. The number and the percentage of older individuals released from prisons to parole supervision under DOCCS jurisdiction also rose. 

The state’s prison population has been trending downward for years. The decline has resulted from various factors such as reduced admissions and releases to parole supervision, early release of certain individuals during the COVID pandemic and reforms to the Rockefeller Drug Laws in 2009. The most recent state report on the impact of the 2009 reforms shows significant declines in felony drug arrests (-41.7%), indictments (-42.6%) and prison time (-32.9%) from 2010 to 2019.

In addition, Raise the Age legislation enacted in 2017 and fully implemented in 2020 removed all individuals under the age of 18 from DOCCS prisons to facilities operated by the state Office of Children and Family Services. State prisons housed over 200 sixteen-and-seventeen-year-olds in March of 2008, but only 26 in March 2020.

Cost of Medical Care

Overall health care costs for the state prison system have averaged about $350 million per year since State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2012-13, peaking at just under $400 million in SFY 2016-17. Costs have trended significantly lower since, likely due in part to declines in the state prison population. Over the same period, health care costs for each incarcerated individual have averaged about $7,380 per year, 29% higher in SFY 2020-21 than they were eight years ago. DOCCS pays almost all the health care costs of incarcerated individuals in state prisons.

DOCCS has acknowledged the potential of higher medical costs for aging incarcerated individuals in testimony to the state legislature but has not provided specific information about those costs. DiNapoli said DOCCS should take the necessary steps to collect and share this information with policymakers to allow for more informed choices about the best way to address this challenge.

Report

New York State’s Aging Prison Population: Share of Older Adults Keeps Rising