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Wednesday, February 23, 2022
BRONX BBOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON TO HOST A PUBLIC HEARING ON FY`23 BRONX BUDGET PRIORITIES
Attorney General James and Mayor Adams Take Down Eco-Yogi Slumlords Who Ran Unlawful Short-Term Rental Operation, Illegally Evicted Tenants
Landlords to Surrender $2 Million Property That Will Turn Into Affordable Housing
$2.25 Million Settlement Results From First Enforcement of Unlawful Eviction Law in New York City, Represents Largest Settlement Against Illegal Short-Term Rental Operator
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Mayor Eric Adams today shut down a Brooklyn-based slumlord and scored a victory for tenants’ rights after a group of tenants were subjected to unlawful evictions in July 2020. Attorney General James and Mayor Adams announced a settlement against Gennaro Brooks-Church and Loretta Gendville — the owners of 1214 Dean Street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn — for illegally evicting tenants in 2020 and running an unlawful short-term rental operation for four years across nine Brooklyn buildings. Today’s $2.25 million settlement agreement compels the owners to forfeit their $2 million property, which will be converted into affordable housing for New Yorkers. The legal actions — coordinated jointly between the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the city’s Law Department, the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE), and Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) — represents the first-ever enforcement of the unlawful eviction law in New York City.
“During a period of unprecedented global struggle, Brooks-Church and Gendville callously forced New Yorkers from their homes,” said Attorney General James. “We have long seen these types of harmful housing scams, especially in Central Brooklyn, where people make a business out of unfairly and inhumanely pushing others out of their homes. Let this serve as a warning: Any landlord who mistreats and tries to unlawfully evict renters will face the full force of my office and the law. We will continue to work closely with Mayor Adams and other government partners to ensure individuals like these can no longer terrorize New Yorkers.”
“These landlords may have been sending a loving and peaceful message out publicly, but they were kicking tenants to the curb privately,” said Mayor Adams. “Safe, affordable housing is not only vital to the city’s survival and public safety but is a basic human right, which is why my administration will never hesitate to stand up for tenants who are illegally harmed. Today’s settlement sends a clear message to slumlords everywhere in the city: Cruel and illegal behavior will not be tolerated, and, as long as I am mayor, you will never get away with putting tenants at risk. I thank Attorney General James for her continued partnership and fighting every day to protect New York City’s tenants.”
The global settlement stemming from the city’s lawsuits and the investigations by the OAG and the city requires landlords Gennaro Brooks-Church — a self-proclaimed “green builder” — and Loretta Gendville — the owner of a Brooklyn-area yoga studio and a separate retail store that sells both maternity and workout clothes — to take the following steps:
- Transfer 1214 Dean Street — which is valued at more than $2 million — to an entity designated by the city for use as affordable housing;
- Pay $125,000 to the OAG, to be put toward Attorney General James' Affordable Housing Fund;
- Pay $125,000 to the city of New York for substantial penalties;
- Agree to a permanent injunction against further illegal short-term rental activity anywhere in the city; and
- Comply with laws governing rentals in New York state pursuant to a written agreement with the OAG.
Simultaneously, the landlords have settled the lawsuit brought by former tenants of 1214 Dean Street by providing them with a substantial recovery for the damages and trauma they suffered from the unlawful eviction. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will work with an entity designated by the city to rehab the property for affordable housing.
“The Adams administration will not tolerate tenant harassment,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “We will go to bat for tenants, protect our housing stock, and create the affordable housing New Yorkers need and deserve. Safe, affordable housing is a top priority for this administration, and our work on this case shows it. Thank you to all of the tenant advocates and community members who worked so hard on this case.”
Attorney General James began an investigation in July 2020 following an illegal eviction incident at the 1214 Dean Street property. In coordination with the city of New York, Attorney General James found that from January 2016 through at least the summer of 2020, Mr. Brooks-Church and Ms. Gendville ran an illegal short-term rental operation generating $1.4 million by placing 83 different listings on Airbnb. The scheme deceived nearly 5,600 guests, and prevented 14 homes across nine Brooklyn buildings from housing permanent tenants. In July 2020, the landlords used threats and force to push out at least four tenants at 1214 Dean Street — removing their tenants’ possessions and changing the locks without providing keys to the tenants. These actions violated the law prohibiting property owners from engaging in “self-help evictions” — also known as lockouts — and circumvented the statewide moratorium on evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city became aware of the landlords’ illegal behavior via social media on July 7, 2020. Within three days — on July 10 — the city's Law Department sent a cease-and-desist letter to the landlords. On November 17, 2020, working closely with the OAG and MOPT, the Law Department’s Tenant Protection Unit brought its first lawsuit under the city’s Unlawful Eviction Law. The following month, on December 16, OSE filed a lawsuit targeting the illegal short-term rentals, which did not include 1214 Dean Street. Four of the former 1214 Dean Street tenants — now represented by counsel from TakeRoot Justice — brought an action for damages based on their unlawful eviction. Additionally, the OAG began an investigation of possible state law violations.
If the terms of the agreement are not met, Attorney General James reserves the right to pursue civil action.
“These defendants must pay a heavy price for their illegal actions,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Georgia M. Pestana. “This settlement demonstrates that New York City will not tolerate the forcible and illegal eviction of tenants — especially during a pandemic — or the loss of homes for New Yorkers to a ring of illegal short-term rentals. This is the first lawsuit brought by the law department’s Tenant Protection Unit under the city’s Unlawful Eviction Law, but owners who engage in this type of illegal activity will be sorely mistaken if they think it will be the last.”
“By operating dozens of illegal listings on Airbnb, these landlords took homes away from would-be residents of Brooklyn neighborhoods from Carroll Gardens to East New York to the detriment of permanent renters in need of a home,” said OSE Executive Director Christian Klossner. “But this settlement with the city and the state ensures they will not be able to do so in the future.”
Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $65 Million in Federal Emergency Home Heating Aid
Second Round of Emergency Home Heating Aid Available for Struggling Households Facing Heating Emergencies Amid Statewide Surge in Energy Costs
More than $25 million in Emergency Assistance Distributed Since Jan. 3
State Agencies Continue Robust Public Awareness Efforts to Connect Eligible New Yorkers with Assistance
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $65 million in funding remains available to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating source amid fuel price increases this winter. Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Home Energy Assistance Program is now accepting second emergency benefit applications for those New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits and are facing a heating emergency.
"Energy prices remain at sky-high levels, putting a tremendous burden on struggling New Yorkers trying to pay their energy bills during these cold winter months," Governor Hochul said. "With just a few more weeks of winter left, this second round of emergency assistance will provide critical relief for low- and middle-income households, helping New Yorkers in need when the temperatures dip to frigid levels."
Income qualifying households that have exhausted the available regular HEAP benefit and the first emergency benefit may now apply for a second round of assistance, provided they are facing either a heating utility shutoff, or an electric utility service disconnection that will impact their primary heating equipment. Also qualifying are households that have exhausted their heating fuel supply or have less than one quarter of a tank of oil, kerosene, or propane; or that have less than a 10-day supply of other heating fuels.
Demand for heating assistance through HEAP has been high so far this winter season. More than 1.4 million regular benefits totaling $212 million have been issued since the program opened in October, with an additional 28,000 emergency benefits totaling $25 million provided since January 3.
To qualify, applicants must meet HEAP eligibility criteria and income guidelines, which vary by household size. For instance, a family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249 or an annual gross income of $62,983.
Last fall, the New York Public Service Commission projected increases in supply prices this winter, with the cost of natural gas—used both to heat homes and generate electricity—rising sharply and sometimes more than doubling the cost of the supply component of customer electric and/or natural gas bills. These bill increases are being driven by a global increase in natural gas commodity prices due to higher domestic usage resulting from colder-than-normal weather, increased economic activity, and increased international demand.
In response to the anticipated spike in energy prices, the emergency benefit amount per household was increased by at least 32 percent, and upward of 42 percent, depending on the type of heating fuel used for the household. The period to apply for both the regular and emergency benefit was also extended to April 29.
In October 2021, Governor Hochul announced $373 million for home heating aid to assist New Yorkers during cold weather months and since January 3, 2022, more than $25 million in Emergency Assistance has been distributed to New Yorkers. This February, Governor Hochul announced that $65 million in funding remains available to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating source amid fuel price increases in the third month of winter.
Additionally, back in November, Governor Hochul launched a digital media campaign designed to raise awareness of the various state programs available to help struggling New Yorkers pay heating and utility expenses to avoid potential service interruptions during the cold weather months. The campaign also provides tips and best practices to help contend with higher-than-average home heating costs.
Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A list of local offices by county can be found here. Residents outside of New York City may also apply online for regular heating assistance benefits. New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information here.
Since the fall, the state Department of Public Service has been conducting outreach to alert the public of projected cost increases this winter. Last month, the agency conducted a series of virtual workshops with other state agencies to publicize financial assistance programs such as HEAP; utility energy affordability programs; weatherization measures; and other actions consumers can take to be energy efficient.
NYS Office of the Comptroller Dinpoli - Green Economy Boosts Job Growth in New York
State Must Fund More Training and Development Programs
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today released a report showing that New York’s environment and sustainability initiatives are creating new green occupations, as well as creating additional demand for existing occupations and changing the skills required to fulfill others. In total, these occupations made up over 17% of all jobs in the state pre-pandemic. He urged the state to fund more educational and workforce development programs to grow the green economy and help bolster New York’s pandemic recovery.
“Climate change is driving a concerted effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency. To be successful, we need trained individuals who can fill these jobs,” DiNapoli said. “The workforce impact goes beyond just wind and solar jobs as many established occupations are seeing an increased demand for skills that are useful for responding to climate change. We need to prepare our workforce to meet those challenges.”
DiNapoli’s report found that the number of jobs influenced by the green economy in New York exceeded one million in 2019 and 2020. New York efforts to promote sustainability, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and the Reforming the Energy Vision, not only encourage the creation of new jobs related to clean energy and energy efficiency, but they can also affect employment more broadly, requiring new skills in existing occupations and increasing demand for others.
“This important new report underscores why New York’s climate law has been called the most ambitious in the world,” said Peter M. Iwanowicz, executive director of Environmental Advocates NY. “Our laws will zero-out climate pollution, improve public health, clear the air of the pollution that is making far too many sick and, as this report demonstrates, create hundreds of thousands of good jobs in the emerging green economy that is New York’s future. We appreciate Comptroller DiNapoli’s efforts to shine a light on this important issue.”
“New York continues to set the standard for fighting climate change and creating green jobs that power a clean energy innovation economy,” said Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “As we continue to strive toward major goals in the CLCPA, Comptroller DiNapoli has highlighted a path with this Green Jobs report that can increase and sustain good-paying jobs, including many union jobs, here in New York by investing in and training the next generation for the opportunities the green economy will create. As members of the New Yorkers for Clean Water and Jobs Coalition, we know investing in the environment will result in a stronger, more sustainable economy.”
“We applaud Comptroller DiNapoli for raising awareness to ensure we are creating good jobs as the green economy grows,” said Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO. “We agree with the need for adequate funding to make educational and workforce training available. The report also points out that labor standards like project labor agreements on construction, Buy American for the supply chain, and labor peace for operations and maintenance have been enacted for renewable energy projects. Now, we need to ensure those protections on projects moving forward so we can achieve a just transition as we address climate change here in New York State.”
“New York has positioned itself as the new frontier for good, middle-class careers in the sustainable economy, and that doesn’t just happen on its own. It takes thoughtful and deliberate policy ensuring that renewable energy and sustainable projects are governed by essential labor standards that uplift our workforce,” said Gary LaBarbera, president of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council. “We applaud New York’s elected leadership, policymakers, and industry advocates for their continued commitment to working with the Building and Construction Trades Council to develop a best-in-class, trained workforce to lead the sustainable projects that will help New York meet its ambitious climate goals, create family-sustaining careers, and pave the way to New York’s future.”
“As New York State moves towards a cleaner and greener economy, it is essential that the state help address business' need for innovative and skilled employees,” said Heather Briccetti Esq., president & CEO of The Business Council of New York State. “We agree with Comptroller DiNapoli that this is a tremendous opportunity for our education and workforce development systems to partner with businesses that will build New York's future.”
Based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wages Statistics reports and the Occupational Information Network definitions of green jobs, DiNapoli’s report found:
- Of the 1.7 million green jobs in New York in 2019 (17.3% of New York’s employment), almost 85% were in existing occupations facing either increased demand (37.5%) or the need for new or updated skills (46.8%). Examples include electricians, carpenters, mechanics, and software developers, operations managers, maintenance and repair, and construction laborers.
- New and emerging jobs, which include those in the solar industry, recycling, water and energy, were 15.7% of all green jobs in the state, up from 9.7% in 2015.
- Between 2015 and 2019 green jobs grew by 13.2%, more than twice the rate of total job growth in New York (6%). The number of jobs in new and emerging occupations grew by 82.5% during this time. Increased demand and enhanced skills occupations grew more slowly, at rates of 9% and 3.3%, respectively.
- Green jobs constitute a smaller share of state employment in New York than the national average (18.8%), and the state trails neighboring states such as Pennsylvania (20.9%) and New Jersey (18.5%), as well as the large states of Illinois (21.4%) and California (18.2%).
- The number of green jobs declined by 31.9% in 2020, more sharply than total employment, largely because of the economic disruption caused by the pandemic.
While most programs to implement the CLCPA are still in the design stage, achieving the goals of the act will require significant changes in homes, businesses, transport and infrastructure that will shape economic activity and jobs. To further support workers, the State Fiscal Year 2021-22 Enacted Budget established prevailing wage, project labor agreement, and minority and women owned business requirements for certain projects. The Offshore Wind Training Institute launched in 2021 through a partnership between Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, funded with $20 million in state funds.
DiNapoli recommended that policymakers ensure opportunities are available for New Yorkers seeking to upgrade their skills or take on new career paths, as well as identify actions to increase workforce training and educational measures. In addition, the state should bolster support to businesses to help with the transition to a green economy, including providing access to the resources needed to provide their employees with the training and skill development needed. DiNapoli called on the state Department of Labor to include green jobs in its “Future of Work” occupational outlook and toolkit.
Report
Green and Growing: Employment Opportunities in New York’s Sustainable Economy
JOINT STATEMENT FROM PUBLIC ADVOCATE WILLIAMS AND COMPTROLLER LANDER ON MAYOR'S RECENT APPOINTMENTS
"We are deeply concerned about the message that the mayor is sending by appointing leaders who have histories of disparaging the rights, and even the humanity, of LGBTQ New Yorkers and of working to criminalize abortion. LGBTQ immigrants in NYC need to know that they can turn to city agencies for help. Especially at this moment, people in New York City need to know that their city will wholeheartedly defend their right to reproductive health care.
"All New Yorkers need to know that their leaders view them as fully equal people and will work every day to protect their rights. Apologies and redress for past harm are important, as is meaningful, demonstrable growth. At the same time, it’s critically important that concerns about the people hired to serve our city are heard, acknowledged and meaningfully addressed, not dismissed.
"This is a city that holds dear the values of equality and dignity. Those are the values that we will hold this administration accountable to."
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Andrew Kimball to Serve as EDC President and CEO
Lindsay Greene to Serve as Brooklyn Navy Yard CEO
Anne del Castillo to Continue Serving as MOME Commissioner
Clare Newman to Continue Serving as Trust for Governor’s Island President and CEO
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today unveiled multiple new members of his economic development team at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The team — which will be led by Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer — includes several new appointments, as well as a handful of previously announced appointments. Collectively, they will be focused on building an equitable recovery across all sectors of the city’s economy and bringing New York City back following COVID-19.
Andrew Kimball will serve as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Lindsay Greene will serve as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Anne del Castillo will continue to serve as commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), and Clare Newman will continue to serve as president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island.
“New York City is the economic engine of the nation and is going to lead this economic recovery, which is why we will need proven leaders who have a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape of this city, and a track record of ‘Getting Stuff Done,’” said Mayor Adams. “Each member of this diverse group of individuals truly knows the communities they serve, and has the skills, the talent, and the emotional intelligence to shepherd an inclusive and equitable economic recovery for all New Yorkers. Appointing a team like this is how we bring back our city stronger than ever.”
At NYCEDC, Kimball will be responsible for delivering on the mayor’s economic development vision, creating good jobs in burgeoning fields, such as cybersecurity and life sciences, and creatively using the city’s assets to promote equitable growth. Kimball previously served as CEO of Industry City.
At the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Greene will be the first Black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the role. As CEO, Greene will oversee the workforce development and urban manufacturing campus, which is home to more than 500 businesses and 11,000 employees. Greene will deepen and expand the Navy Yard’s mission, investing in the jobs of the future and creating pipelines for underserved communities to fill these jobs. Greene previously served as chief strategy officer of the NYCEDC.
At MOME, del Castillo will be a crucial partner for the city’s creative economy, from the film sector to the nightlife industry. She will also work with partners in and out of government to aid its recovery, as it was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Del Castillo was first appointed as commissioner in 2019.
As president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island, Newman will build on the remarkable transformation of the island as a world-class public space, with a focus on ensuring all New Yorkers can enjoy the cultural, programmatic, and natural treasures the island has to offer.
“Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, we are fighting every day to drive a recovery for all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer. “That is why I am so thrilled that we are appointing visionary leaders like Andrew Kimball, Lindsay Greene, Anne del Castillo, and Clare Newman, whose depth of expertise is matched only by their commitment to New York City bouncing back better than before, with a stronger, more equitable, and more resilient economy.”
“New York City has everything we need to recover from the pandemic-induced economic downturn and to build a truly vibrant, inclusive, economic future — an unmatched spirit, an invaluable workforce, and now, a vision that can and will become a reality,” said Andrew Kimball, incoming president and CEO, NYCEDC. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Torres Springer, and all in both the public and private sectors who share that vision of New York City.”
“The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a job and manufacturing center rich in history and brimming with the promise of the future,” said Lindsay Greene, incoming CEO, Brooklyn Navy Yard. “I am grateful to Mayor Adams for the opportunity to lead the Yard through its next phase, with a focus on building local businesses, creating pathways for worker advancement, and ensuring that the people shaping the inventions, tools, and companies of the future are as diverse as our great city. The success of the Yard comes from its workers, tenants, and neighbors, and I look forward to a continued strong partnership with local residents and leaders, elected officials, and the people working across the campus to cement the Brooklyn Navy Yard as an inclusive economic hub.”
“I am honored to be re-appointed by Mayor Adams to continue the important work of recovering and strengthening New York City’s media, entertainment, and nightlife sectors,” said MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “These industries are vital to our vibrant culture and economy — generating $150 billion and 500,000 jobs pre-pandemic — and define our city as a global capital.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our city by stewarding Governors Island, a unique and treasured resource for all New Yorkers,” said Clare Newman, president and CEO, Trust for Governors Island. “I look forward to working under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams and Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer to increase access to this vibrant destination for open space, arts, education, and history, and to create a global center for education and research that will develop equitable solutions to the climate crisis for our urban environments.”
“Frontline communities that have endured historical trauma have been further destabilized by the disparate health impacts of COVID-19 and economic instability,” said Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director, UPROSE; and co-chair, Climate Justice Alliance. “These contemporary challenges demand visionary leadership grounded in community priorities with the ability to operationalize the just transition our communities deserve. Lindsay Greene's appointment as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard is cause for celebration for all of us!”
“I’m pleased to hear Mayor Adams has appointed Andrew Kimball as president & CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation,” said Al Wiltshire, former president and board member, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. “For years Andrew has worked tirelessly to foster the development of meaningful relationships, which have provided countless opportunities for workforce development in the communities he has been devoted to. Furthermore, Andrew has been a beacon of light in promoting M/WBE contracting. To those ends, Mayor Adams could not have made a better choice.”
“Andrew Kimball’s deft leadership and transformative approaches to economic development and area revitalization are known quantities to us at CUNY,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “The meaningful collaborations he forged with the University — as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and Industry City, respectively — have benefited our students and their communities immensely. These include employment opportunities for CUNY students with Brooklyn Navy Yard-affiliated companies; the unparalleled location of Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema on the Steiner Studios film lot in the Navy Yard; and the Innovation Lab at Industry City, which provides career training and job placement services and includes New York City College of Technology as a founding partner. Andrew’s presence at NYCEDC’s helm will enhance job opportunities for CUNY’s students and energize New York City’s recovery across the five boroughs. We congratulate Andrew and applaud Mayor Adams on the appointment.”
“Andrew was one of the first people I met in government who had the vision and understanding to realize how important advanced manufacturing could be to the Navy Yard and to New York City,” said David Belt, co-founder, New Lab. “While a tough negotiator, Andrew was always fair, always straight up, and always practical, and we got the deal done. He has an ability to navigate complexity and not lose focus on what is important. We are lucky to have him serve the city as CEO of the NYCEDC. Great pick by Mayor Adams.”
“Andrew Kimball’s ability to see what's possible and generate creative solutions to complex problems make him the right leader at the right time at NYCEDC,” said Liliana Polo-McKenna, Ed.L.D., former CEO, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow. “Having worked with Andrew at the Innovation Lab at Industry City for several years, I can attest to his commitment to seek out and listen to multiple perspectives, while remaining laser-focused on supporting and creating avenues for economic access and mobility. He is someone who gets the big picture and also deeply values understanding what that looks like on the ground. He is a great choice.”
“Having worked closely with both Andrew Kimball and Anne del Castillo over the years, I am pleased to see that they will continue their incredible success in Mayor Adams’ administration,” said Doug Steiner, chairman, Steiner Studios. “Andrew recognized early on that film and TV production could be a huge economic driver for New York and serve as the catalyst for putting the Brooklyn Navy Yard on the map. He knows his way around city government, and because he’s well-liked and respected, he knows how to ‘Get Stuff Done.’ The same way he transformed the Navy Yard, he then did in the private sector at Industry City. I think the world of him, and I know that his heart is in public service. Anne took the New York City film and television business to a whole other level. There are three times the amount of production here now than there was when she started. I’m looking forward to her continuing that trajectory. Kudos to Mayor Adams for both of these stellar appointments.”
“Anne del Castillo has been a marvelous champion for the work that makes our city vibrant, and I’m delighted her leadership will continue in Mayor Adams’ administration,” said Ruth Dickey, executive director, National Book Foundation. “We are lucky to have her breadth of experience and creative thinking in this role, and I look forward to working with Commissioner del Castillo and the city to celebrate the critical role that books and publishing play in making New York an incredible place to live, work, and visit.”
“We’re thrilled that Mayor Adams is keeping Anne del Castillo on as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment because her experience and expertise will be essential in ensuring our city is the media and entertainment capital of the world as we recover from the pandemic,” said Andrew Rigie, executive director, New York City Hospitality Alliance.
“I commend Mayor Adams for reappointing Anne del Castillo in her role as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment,” said Michael Royce, executive director, New York Foundation for the Arts. “Commissioner del Castillo's leadership in the arts and entertainment industry broke new ground when she came into office by creating innovative opportunities for artists, and I look forward to her continually inspiring all of us in the cultural sector with her accessible, inclusive, and smart leadership.”
“Anne has been an incredible source of information and a major thought leader and partner for the New York film and television community,” said Flo Mitchell-Brown, chairperson, New York Production Alliance. “During the pandemic, much has been required of Anne and her team and they have risen to the occasion. Not only has New York production come back, but programs aimed at making our industry strong and inclusive going forward continue to grow. We are excited to continue working with Anne building on such a strong foundation.”
“The Motion Picture Association is pleased that Anne del Castillo has been reappointed as commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment,” said Vans Stevenson, senior vice president for state government affairs, Motion Picture Association. “While the pandemic has posed significant challenges to streaming, television, and motion picture production, Anne has been a tireless champion for our industry at MOME. We look forward to working with Anne and all city officials to achieve the mayor’s goal of continuing to grow the production industry in New York City.”
“Silvercup is thrilled to congratulate Commissioner del Castillo on her reappointment to head the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment,” said Kris Bagwell, executive vice president and general manager, Silvercup Studios. “Anne has done a phenomenal job helping our industry adapt and thrive in challenging times. We look forward to continuing to grow the city’s film and television workforce alongside her and Mayor Adams in the years to come.”
“RPA is delighted with Clare Newman’s reappointment to lead The Trust for Governors Island,” said Tom Wright, president and CEO, Regional Plan Association (RPA). “Since incubating the Governor's Island Alliance in 1995, RPA has played a pivotal role in creating the Governors Island National Monument and turning the island into a great civic space that is open to all. In the face of the climate crisis, we look forward to continuing to partner with the Trust as it establishes the Center for Climate Solutions and becomes a leader for urban climate research, green jobs training, and resiliency. We have great confidence in Clare as an innovative leader who will lead this important initiative and help advance critical and equitable climate solutions that will impact us all.”
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 22, 2022
COVID-19 Hospitalizations Now Under 2,500, Declined by Over 1,000 In Past Week
Daily Statewide Positivity Under 2.5% for Past Four Consecutive Days
32 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.
"While students are off for midwinter break, I encourage parents and guardians to take advantage of this time to consult with their pediatricians and make a plan to get their kids vaccinated and boosted," Governor Hochul said. "More than 1.6 million children in New York State have already received the vaccine. The vaccine is doctor-approved and our best tool to stop the spread of COVID-19, so there's no reason to delay any further."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 72,884
- Total Positive - 1,619
- Percent Positive - 2.22%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.08%
- Patient Hospitalization - 2,461 (-61)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 213
- Patients in ICU - 426 (-14)
- Patients in ICU with Intubation - 239 (0)
- Total Discharges - 284,069 (+192)
- New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 32
- Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,525
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 - 68,895
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 - 36,734,435
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 14,105
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 199,295
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.5%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.8%
- 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) - 85.4%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.1%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.1%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.9%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.9%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.6%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.2%
MAN SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FATALLY STABBING HIS ELDERLY UNCLE FOR LOTTERY WINNINGS, THEN KILLING A FAMILY FRIEND IN HER WORKPLACE WHILE HE WAS ON THE RUN FROM POLICE
Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Two Counts of First-Degree Manslaughter
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a man has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree Manslaughter for fatally stabbing his 73-year-old uncle in his South Bronx apartment in June 2018, and for fatally stabbing a woman in a security firm office in the Wakefield section of the Bronx a month later.
District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant mercilessly killed his elderly uncle, who had been battling cancer, and had won the lottery, for only a few dollars. Exactly a month later, the defendant went to the workplace of a woman considered to be a family friend and fatally stabbed her. The defendant’s actions left a child without a mother and a husband without a wife. I hope today’s sentence brings some sense of relief to the families of the victims.”
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Idris Abdul Muhaymin, 49, originally from Georgia, was sentenced today to 24 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of firstdegree Manslaughter on January 4, 2022.
According to the investigation, Muhaymin went to the home of Owen Dillard, 73, at 352 Beekman Avenue on June 11, 2018. The defendant demanded money from the victim, who had recently won the lottery. Muhaymin then put Dillard in a chokehold and stabbed him multiple times with a sharp object. The victim sustained wounds to his head and neck and was pronounced dead at the scene. Video surveillance shows the defendant entering and leaving the victim’s home. He took a few dollars from the victim.
On July 11, 2018, while the defendant was on the run from authorities, Muhaymin entered MNI Security Specialist Inc., at 888 East 233rd Street where the second victim, Wanda Rios, 45, worked. Video surveillance shows the victim, who was a family friend of Muhaymin, letting the defendant into the establishment. The defendant stabbed her repeatedly with a sharp object, causing her death. He fled the scene with electronic equipment. The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Javier Cordero of the 40th Precinct, NYPD Detective Robert Connor of the 47th Precinct, and NYPD Detective John Ferretti and NYPD Detective Sean O’Leary, both of Bronx Homicide, for their assistance in the case.