FORWARDING: WEATHER ADVISORY - DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS ADVISES PROPERTY OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, & CRANE OPERATORS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES DURING RAIN AND HIGH WINDS

 

The New York City area may experience severe weather, including potential intermittent wind gusts of up to 50 MPH, starting this morning, January 14th, and continuing into Monday, January 17th. Accordingly, DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.

The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action -- issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

Winds may reach higher speeds and last longer than forecast in certain areas of the city. Property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, including cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, hoists, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk. The Department suggests consulting a professional to advise how to secure construction sites and buildings.

To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

·         Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.

·         Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.

·         Store loose tools, oil cans, and extra fuses in a toolbox.

·         Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.

·         Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater.

·         Suspend hoist operations and secure exterior hoists when wind speeds reach 35 mph or greater unless manufacturer specifications state otherwise.

·         Brace and secure construction fences.

·         Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

Buildings Bulletin 2015-029 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites.

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

 

·         Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.

·         Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.

·         Close up and secure patio umbrellas.

·         Secure retractable awnings.

·         Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.

·         Take down tents or follow manufacturer’s instructions to secure them.

·         Check to ensure all gutters, roof drains, and down spouts are cleared of debris to allow for proper drainage.

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.

Department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and cannot be read to suggest that the Department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.

NYGOP Selects Nassau County to Host its 2022 Statewide Nominating Convention February 28th - March 1st

 

NYGOP Chairman Langworthy: We are Putting Together the Strongest Statewide Ticket Since 1994 That Will Restore Opportunity, Safety & Common Sense to New York

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“This convention will put a huge spotlight on how we plan to replicate Nassau’s victories statewide.”

 New York Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy today announced he has selected the Nassau Republican Party as its host for the 2022 statewide nominating convention that will be held February 28th-March 1st. 

Republican county chairs, committee members and grassroots activists from across the state will gather at the Garden City Hotel for the purposes of nominating candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and U.S. Senate. In addition to conducting official party business, the two-day affair will also feature social gatherings,  presentations led by the Nassau GOP host committee and remarks from local elected officials. 

Nassau County is home to a historic Republican resurgence where the Nassau GOP, led by Chairman Joe Cairo, orchestrated sweeping victories in last November’s local elections. Republicans took control of all countywide offices, ousting a sitting Democrat county executive, electing the first Republican district attorney in nearly four decades and electing a new Republican comptroller. Republicans also increased their majority in the county legislature and won key town and council seats. Winning this key suburban county is essential for any statewide candidate. 

“There is incredible energy and enthusiasm for this year’s convention, where we will officially kick off the 2022 election cycle and our mission to save New York State,” said New York Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy. “Everything we have been working toward has been to build the strongest ticket since 1994 that will restore opportunity, safety and common sense to our state. Voters are ready for change and we are going to offer them the solutions that will appeal to New Yorkers from every walk of life and political affiliation.” 

Chairman Langworthy continued, “There is no better place to host our convention than Nassau County. They sent shockwaves around the state last November with their tremendous Republican victories and their historic success is proof that our Republican message is resonating with a broad swath of voters. I’m thrilled that Chairman Cairo has agreed to host us. He is the ultimate strategist who is a key part of our team helping to lead our candidates to victory. This convention will put a huge spotlight on how we plan to replicate Nassau’s victories statewide.”

“I want to thank Chairman Langworthy for selecting Long Island as the site for the state Republican Nominating Convention,” said Joseph G. Cairo, Jr., Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Committee.  “We enjoyed some great victories in 2021, sweeping the countywide elective offices, increasing our majority in the Nassau Legislature, taking back townwide offices and council seats in North Hempstead, dominating in the towns of Oyster Bay and Hempstead, as well as winning convincingly in the city of Glen Cove.  I think that Long Island is a great place to host the state convention.”

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNAPOLI: STATE ENDS THIRD QUARTER OF STATE FISCAL YEAR ON SOLID FINANCIAL FOOTING

 

 Tax receipts for the first nine months of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 continue to exceed projections, totaling $84.4 billion. This amount is significantly higher than the most recent forecast by the Division of the Budget contained in the Mid-Year Update to the Financial Plan. While tax collections have exceeded forecast throughout the current fiscal year, December results are also affected by a newly established tax structure, the Pass Through Entity Tax (PTET). The PTET allows certain taxpayers to make state business tax payments that are deductible from federal taxes, rather than making state income tax payments that are not deductible from federal taxes. 

Tax receipts exceeded the latest Financial Plan forecast by $12.9 billion over the first nine months of  SFY  2021-22, according to the monthly state Cash Report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This includes the $10.2 billion collected from the PTET. However, taxpayers that remit PTET payments are expected to reduce their Personal Income Tax (PIT) payments by similar amounts. Since December results may not yet reflect these offsetting reductions to PIT receipts, they should be considered with a significant measure of caution during this transition period.

“Tax collections performed well in December, and the state’s economy and finances continue their recovery,” DiNapoli said. “But there is continuing uncertainty about the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 surge, economic risks, and the need for continuing financial support for those still struggling to find their footing. Also, December tax receipts were heavily influenced by the new tax structure created to mitigate the damaging impact of the 2017 federal cap on State and Local Taxes, which clouds our revenue picture during this transition period. As we begin the new budget season, I urge the Executive and the Legislature to proceed with caution.”

PIT receipts totaled $49 billion and continued to exceed Financial Plan expectations ($1.9 billion over most recent projections and $7.1 billion over initial projections) and to show year-over-year growth ($12.2 billion year to date). Withholding collections totaled $34.7 billion, 18.8% higher than last year, benefitting from an extra withholding day, as well as the continued benefit of increased tax rates.

Year-to-date, consumption and use tax collections totaled $14.8 billion, 23.1% or $2.8 billion higher than the same period last year, and $386.2 million higher than anticipated in the latest projections but $1.1 billion higher than initially anticipated. 

Business taxes totaled $18.3 billion, including $10.2 billion from the PTET. Excluding this new revenue source, business taxes were just under $2 billion higher than last year for the same period and $217.7 million higher than latest projections and nearly $1.5 billion higher than initially projected.

All Funds spending through December 31 totaled just under $141.5 billion, which was $14.3 billion, or 11.2%, higher than last year for the same period, primarily due to higher Medicaid and education costs. All Funds spending through the first three quarters was nearly $4.5 billion lower than the latest projections, and $5.9 billion lower than enacted projections, primarily due to lower than anticipated spending from the General Fund and federal funds. State Operating Funds spending totaled $73.9 billion, $10 billion, or 15.7% higher than last year and $1.7 billion lower than the latest projections. 

The state’s General Fund ended the third quarter with a balance of $30.7 billion, $15.2 billion higher than the latest projections and $14.1 billion higher than last year at the same time primarily due to the PTET, as well as higher than anticipated tax collections and lower than anticipated spending.

Report

December Cash Report

Related Report

Enacted Budget Financial Plan Report, State Fiscal Year 2021-22

Democratic District Leader Manny De Los Santos Earns Critical Support As Democratic Nominee For State Assembly in Washington Heights / Inwood District

 

Manny De Los Santos Favorite at County Committee for AD72

Democratic District Leader Manny De Los Santos has become the next Democratic Nominee for State Assemblyman in District 72, relacing former Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa, who has since been elected to the New York City Council, District 10. Now that the Democratic County Committee in Manhattan has designated him, De Los Santos will appear on the ballot of the upcoming Special Election on February 15^th, 2022.

About Manny De Los Santos' candidacy, New York City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa said, “having served this community as Assembly Member for the last 5 years, I know Manny De Los Santos will be a thoughtful leader who will consider the impact of the legislative process on our neighborhoods. He will be a staunch advocate for each and every one of our residents – especially the most vulnerable, so I am honored to have him as a partner in government.”

“Manny De Los Santos is a son of Washington Heights/Inwood, and he has dedicated his entire adult life to serving this community. I know he will work diligently in Albany to ensure we continue to protect tenants and prevent displacement, bring more resources for our schools, support small businesses and help us recover from the pandemic,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat.

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said, “The unprecedented times we are living, call for innovative leadership with deep knowledge of local communities, a proven record of community service, consistency, vision, compassion and integrity. And those are some of the qualities that Manny De Los Santos brings to the table. He will be a great asset in Albany for all residents of Upper Manhattan.”

Assembly Member Al Taylor said, “Manny De Los Santos' knowledge of Upper Manhattan, NYC and Albany, are essential for a successful and effective Assembly Member to succeed in Albany and deliver to constituents. I cannot think of a better prepared candidate to represent Assembly District 72 at the State Capitol than Manny, who is a bridge and coalition-builder, and will work with his colleagues in the Legislature to address the most pressing issues facing Upper Manhattan and all of New York. I look forward to working with Manny in the State Assembly”.

Manny De Los Santos, MSW is a former Community School Director with over 10 years of social work experience. He has served as President Northern Manhattan Democrats For Change, the grassroots club of Northern Manhattan. He was elected District Leader in 2009 representing the 72nd Assembly District. Manny was later elected to serve as State Committeeman in 2016. He was recently selected by City and State for their "40 Under 40 Rising Stars."

U.S. Citizen Charged with Conspiring to Provide Electronic Equipment and Technology to the Government of Iran

 

Defendant Allegedly Conspired to Illegally Export U.S. Goods and Technology Without Required Export Licenses

 A criminal complaint has been unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Kambiz Attar Kashani, a dual citizen of the United States and Iran, with conspiring to illegally export U.S. goods, technology, and services to end users in Iran, including the Government of Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).  Kashani was arrested yesterday in Chicago, Illinois, and had an initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Sheila M. Finnegan at the federal courthouse in Chicago.  The defendant was remanded pending a detention hearing.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Joseph R. Bonavolanta, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest.

“As alleged, Kashani orchestrated an elaborate scheme to evade U.S. export laws and use the U.S. financial system in procuring U.S. electronic equipment and technology for the Central Bank of Iran, which has been designated by the United States government as acting for or on behalf of terrorist organizations.  The defendant allegedly used two United Arab Emirates companies as fronts to procure items from multiple U.S. technology companies, including a company in Brooklyn,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Kashani’s arrest underscores the unrelenting resolve of this Office and the Department of Justice to prosecute those who seek to profit by compromising our national security.”

“We arrested Kambiz Attar Kashani for conspiring to deceive U.S. companies, including one headquartered in Massachusetts, by illegally exporting their highly sophisticated electronic equipment and technology to the Government of Iran. We believe Mr. Kashani profited financially by strengthening the economy of one of the world’s most infamous state sponsors of terrorism, while circumventing critical U.S. laws designed to protect our national security interests,” stated FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Bonavolonta.  “This case is another example of the FBI’s commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to protect American businesses and stop the illegal export of sensitive information and technology to nations that are hostile to the United States.”

As set forth in the complaint, Kashani conspired to illegally export goods and technology to the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), which the United States government recognizes is an agency of the Government of Iran.  The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has classified CBI as a Specially Designated National (SDN) signifying that CBI is acting for or on behalf of a terrorist organization.  According to the U.S. government, CBI has materially assisted, sponsored and provided financial, material or technological support, goods or services to Lebanese Hizballah, a terrorist organization, and to the Qods Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).  The IRGC is a branch of the Iranian armed forces and represents the primary means of the Government of Iran to direct and implement its global terrorism campaign.   

Kashani allegedly perpetrated the illegal transshipping scheme through two separate United Arab Emirates (UAE) front companies for which he acts as principal.  From around February 2019 through June 2021, Kashani and his co-conspirators used the two UAE companies to procure electronic goods and technology from multiple U.S. technology companies, including a company located in Brooklyn, New York, for end users in Iran, including CBI, without obtaining required OFAC export licenses.  Kashani and his co-conspirators intentionally concealed from the U.S. companies that they intended to send the items to Iran, falsely claiming that the UAE front companies would be the ultimate end users.   

The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant:

KAMBIZ ATTAR KASHANI
Age:  44
United Arab Emirates

Three Long Island Women Indicted for Assaulting a Delta Airlines Security Officer at JFK Airport

 

Victim was Struck with His Own Radio, Punched in the Face and Kicked by Defendants

 An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Jordan Nixon, Janessa Torres and Johara Zavala with assaulting an airline security officer in a jetway at John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK Airport”) on September 22, 2021.  The defendants were arrested this morning and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Melinda Katz, Queens County District Attorney, announced the arrests and indictment.

“As alleged, the defendants viciously assaulted an airline security officer by beating him to the floor with his radio and then kicking and punching him in the face and body while he was down,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “The extreme and aggressive behavior in connection with our air travel is out of control.  This Office has zero tolerance for violent conduct that threatens the safety of airline passengers and employees and will prosecute defendants who allegedly engage in such conduct to the fullest extent of the law.”  Mr. Peace also expressed his appreciation to the Port Authority Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.

“The FBI is the lead federal agency in charge of arresting those who assault, intimidate, or threaten flight crew, or endanger the safety of other passengers,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.  “Anyone who thinks they can get away with this type of unruly behavior should be reminded that their actions are criminal and can result in time behind bars as a result of federal criminal charges.  We are aggressively addressing this emerging threat and take all cases seriously.”

“The defendants allegedly attacked two airline employees, who were simply doing their jobs,” stated Queens District Attorney Katz.  “The friendly skies must not turn into chaos and turmoil because some passengers refuse to abide by the rules. Our airport personnel must be safe in order to keep the flying public safe.”

As alleged in court filings, the defendants refused to leave a jetway at JFK Airport after they were informed that they would be denied boarding for a Delta Airlines scheduled flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The defendants were belligerent, with one appearing to be visibly disoriented and possibly intoxicated, and another who was refusing to properly wear her mask.  The flight’s Gate Agent (“Employee 1”) notified the flight crew of the defendants’ belligerent conduct, and the captain of the flight and a member of the flight crew determined that the defendants should not be allowed to board the flight.  The defendants refused the request of an airline security officer (“Employee 2”) to leave the jetway and approached him while yelling and cursing.  One defendant struck Employee 2 repeatedly with his own radio, and he fell to the floor.  When Employee 1 tried to assist Employee 2, one defendant punched Employee 1 in the face.  All three defendants then punched and kicked Employee 2 in the face and body while Employee 2 was on the floor.  Employees 1 and 2 were later treated at a hospital for their injuries.

The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison.

The Defendants:

JORDAN NIXON
Age: 21
Bay Shore, New York

JANESSA TORRES
Age: 21
Central Islip, New York

JOHARA ZAVALA
Age: 44
Central Islip, NY

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 15, 2022

 

47,870 Positives Yesterday, Down from Surge-High 90,132 on January 7

Percent Positivity 14.62% Yesterday, Down from Surge-High 23.17% on January 2

12,169 New Yorkers Hospitalized Yesterday, Down 38 Hospitalizations From Day Before    

187 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"We are turning the corner on the winter surge, but we're not through this yet," Governor Hochul said. "Please keep getting vaccinated, getting the booster dose, getting our children vaccinated, and wearing non-cloth masks. Let's not undo all the hard work we've put in to bring the numbers down."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 327,427
• Total Positive - 47,870
• Percent Positive - 14.62%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 17.59%
• Patient Hospitalization - 12,169 (-38)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 1,843
• Patients in ICU - 1653 (+34)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 896 (+32)
• Total Discharges - 252,862 (+1,736)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 187
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 50,522

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 - 34,913,218
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 101,571
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 615,418
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 90.2% 
• 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) - 83.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 79.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 70.8% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 86.0% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.9%

Attorney General James Leads Multistate Coalition in Continuing Fight to End Facebook’s Illegal Monopoly

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a bipartisan coalition of 48 attorneys general from around the nation in continuing to fight to end Facebook’s illegal efforts to stifle competition and protect its monopoly power. Today, the coalition filed an appeal brief arguing that the district court’s ruling dismissing the states’ case was in error. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the court was wrong to dismiss their case as time-barred, and made additional legal and factual errors. Over the last decade, Facebook, now known as Meta, illegally acquired competitors in a predatory manner and cut or conditioned services to smaller threats — depriving users of the benefits of competition and reducing privacy protections and services along the way — all in an effort to boost its bottom line through increased advertising revenue.

“Mark Zuckerberg claims to be building the metaverse, but the actions of Facebook continue to cause significant harm to millions of consumers and many small businesses here in the real world,” said Attorney General James. “Time and again, the social media giant has used its market dominance to force small companies out of business and reduce competition for millions of users. We’re filing this appeal with the support of almost every state in the nation because we will always fight efforts to stifle competition, reduce innovation, and cut privacy protections, even when we face a goliath like Facebook.”

In December 2020, Attorney General James and the coalition filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to stop Facebook’s anticompetitive conduct. The company filed a motion to dismiss, which was granted by the court last summer. Today’s appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit asks the court to allow the coalition of attorneys general to move forward with their suit.

Separately, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also filed an amended complaint against Facebook in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In a ruling earlier this week, the court denied Facebook’s motion to dismiss the FTC’s complaint, allowing the FTC to proceed.