MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES 100 DAYS OF GETTING STUFF DONE FOR NEW YORKERS

 

First 100 Days Include Significant Steps Towards Creating a Safer and More Just City, Supporting Vulnerable New Yorkers, Building an Inclusive Economy, Fueling Job Growth for Young People, Investing in Infrastructure, and Expanding Opportunities for Students

 On his 100^th day in office, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released a list of key accomplishments, demonstrating ways in which his administration has worked to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers. Since being sworn in on January 1^st, Mayor Adams has focused on delivering results and addressing the most pressing challenges facing New York City.

 

“When I became mayor, I made a simple promise to New Yorkers to ‘Get Stuff Done,’ and we’ve done just that over the last 100 days,” said Mayor Adams. “Since January, my administration has lived up to our promise to New Yorkers, addressing the issues that matter the most to our city’s residents, from fighting the epidemic of gun violence to giving our kids and youth access to better jobs and educational opportunities. Our work is far from over, but we will continue to push forward an agenda that meets the needs of each and every New Yorker every single day.”

 

Highlights from Mayor Adams’ first 100 days in office include:

 

Making New York City Safer and Protecting New Yorkers’ Quality of Life:

 

• Launched a nine-point Subway Safety Plan that expands response teams and mental health services, adds trained clinicians to connect people with resources, and directs New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers to enforce MTA rules. Uniformed officers are deployed into the transit system daily, conducting station inspections and platform patrols. More than 256,000 subway inspections were conducted between January 6 and April 9.

 

• Created a Blueprint to End Gun Violence that refocuses the NYPD on the individuals responsible for the majority of shootings in the city and the sources of guns in the five boroughs, empowers violence interrupters, provides jobs and enrichment programming for at-risk youth, expands mental health care, and improves collaboration between the city, state, and federal government.

 

• Launched the first wave of Neighborhood Safety Teams focused on combating gun violence, which in their first three weeks of operation made 132 arrests and recovered more than 25 guns. Of those arrested, 73 were previously arrested on a serious criminal charge, 20 have some involvement with a gang or crew, and 21 are on parole or probation.

 

• Implemented a new Citywide Crime and Quality of Life Enforcement Initiative focused on the 17 precincts that account for almost half of the city’s shootings. Under the initiative, Neighborhood Safety Teams will work seamlessly with neighborhood and youth coordination officers, as well as with the field intelligence officers who focus on identifying the locations and individual drivers of violent crime in each command.

 

• Advanced the Gun Violence Strategies Partnership, which facilitates real-time communication and information sharing across law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies at the city, state, and federal level, focusing on the worst gun offenders in New York City.

 

• Launched a multi-agency initiative aimed at the revitalization and restoration of the 125^th Street corridor, to address concerns voiced by local merchants and commerce organizations regarding deteriorating social conditions.

 

• Kicked off Saturday Night Lights, a youth development initiative that provides free sports programs for over 3,000 young people every Saturday night at 106 gyms across the city.

 

• Launched a series of new initiatives with the White House and the U.S. Department of Justice dedicated to tackling the gun violence crisis, including a major commitment of federal resources.

 

• Signed an executive order increasing coordination between Fire Department and Department of Housing Preservation and Development inspectors to identify safety violations earlier and increase fire safety compliance.

Supporting Vulnerable New Yorkers:

• Connected more than 300 unhoused New Yorkers to shelter during just the first month of targeted subway outreach.

 

• Opened over 400 total safe haven and stabilization beds since January 1st, expanding high-quality shelter access and services for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

 

• Partnered with New York state to launch Safe Options Support Teams, trained mental health staff that will help bring unsheltered New Yorkers into stable housing.

 

• Completed the first portion of an enhanced effort to connect New Yorkers living on the streets and experiencing homelessness with social services and clean up public spaces across the five boroughs.

 

• Surged resources to the city’s Tenant Helpline and launched a campaign to help protect tenants from eviction.

 

• Provided financial relief to New Yorkers impacted by the Twin Parks fire.

 

• Fought for a change to state law that would restore access to the federal tax deduction for New York City personal income taxes for approximately 100,000 New Yorkers.

 

• Filed a city lawsuit against a building owner who has amassed more than 1,900 violations across 15 buildings he owns throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. The suit seeks to compel property repairs or impose civil penalties.

 

• Announced settlements in cases targeting an illegal hotel operator on the Upper West Side and a slumlord in Crown Heights, paving the way for the creation of affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers.
  
  

Getting New Yorkers Back to Work With an Inclusive Economic Recovery:

 

• Released Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery, with more than 70 concrete initiatives, including:

 

• Major new capital investments in the Hunts Point Terminal Market and surrounding community to support modernization of critical food supply facilities and help the neighborhood thrive.

 

• Providing small businesses much-needed relief by cutting opening times in half, suspending the city’s 25 percent surcharge on liquor licenses, streamlining inspections, and reforming licensing requirements.

 

• Launching the Small Business Opportunity Fund to meet the financing needs of historically underserved local businesses and entrepreneurs.

 

• Strengthening the city’s commercial corridors across the five boroughs by investing in small Business Improvement Districts, merchant associations, and public realm improvements.

 

• Reforming and expanding the city’s Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) program to increase the number and size of city contracts going to M/WBE firms, help these firms grow, and support M/WBEs that have not sufficiently benefited from this program.

 

• Expanding the city’s tourism marketing campaign to show the world that New York City is open, vibrant, and ready to welcome visitors again.

 

• Delivered raises for essential gig workers, many of whom are immigrants, and all of whom helped New Yorkers get around the five boroughs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

• Announced a new lease with the local, women-owned New York Embroidery Studio that will create 500 new jobs at the Brooklyn Army Terminal to manufacture sustainable personal protective equipment for frontline health care workers nationwide and deliver an estimated $73 million in economic output.

 

• Announced a partnership that will create new jobs for New Yorkers, expand Brooklyn’s footprint in the fashion industry, and provide a boost to New York’s economy as part of the development of the Made in NY campus at Bush Terminal in Sunset Park.

 

• Launched the inaugural cohort of the Founder Fellowship program, providing urban tech startup founders from underrepresented backgrounds — Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), as well as women — with the resources to build and scale their companies in New York City.

 

• Announced that jetBlue is bringing 5,000 new jobs to the city and offering a new travel incentive to bring tourists to the five boroughs.

 

• Launched “Get Local NYC” — a new five-borough tourism marketing campaign that will encourage visitors to explore all of New York City and support small businesses as the city emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and the tourism industry begins its rebound.

 

• Launched the first phase of the City Agencies Revitalizing the Economy (CARE) strategy to catalyze investment in underserved neighborhoods and broke ground on the largest commercial building at Broadway Junction in East New York — bringing more than 1,000 jobs and needed social services to the community.
  
  

Creating Opportunities for Young People and Countering the Impacts of the Pandemic on Students:

 

• Through the distribution of more than 20 million home tests and contract tracing, successfully kept schools open with positivity rates approximately 50 times lower than when Mayor Adams took office.

 

• Announced funding for a record 100,000 summer youth employment opportunities.

 

• Expanded the Summer Rising program — New York City’s largest summer program ever — to 110,000 elementary and middle school students to provide fun, full-day, culturally-relevant, hands-on learning — NYC’s largest summer program ever.

 

• Expanded funding for the Fair Futures program, which provides coaching and tutoring for youth in foster care.

 

• Committed to connect every young person on probation aged 21 and under with a credible messenger mentor — someone with experience in the justice system who is committed to preventing others from following in their footsteps.

 

• Announced nine new Family Enrichment Centers, where families and children can connect with neighbors, volunteer their time, and access resources and supports.

 

• Announced a new vocational training and apprenticeship program that will provide professional opportunities to youth, ages 16 to 24, in foster care.
  
  

Protecting New Yorkers from COVID-19 and Building a Healthier and More Sustainable City:

 

• Launched a new color-coded system that tracks COVID-19 alerts and keeps New York City residents apprised of risks.

 

• Began expanding the doula program citywide and launched the Midwifery Initiative and the Maternity Hospital Quality Improvement Network.

 

• Announced the creation of a COVID-19 Center of Excellence in Bushwick to provide care to recovering COVID-19 patients and comprehensive ambulatory services.

 

• Expanded the groundbreaking lifestyle medicine services to six public health care sites across New York City.

 

• Committed nearly $33 million in resources to support safety net hospitals.

 

• Made COVID-19 antiviral treatments available for free at-home delivery.

 

• Announced a new Food Distribution Program, which will include fresh fruits and vegetables for the first time in emergency food distributed to food pantries and soup kitchens across the five boroughs.

 

• Announced that the city will open wellness rooms at two NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health clinics, providing support and resources to city health care workers.

 

• Announced the transformation of the city-owned South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, helping to support 13,000 local jobs and meet a climate goal of 100 percent clean electricity by 2040.
  
  

Investing in Infrastructure to Build a More Accessible, Livable City:

 

• Committed to improving 1,000 intersections to increase safety with better traffic signals, raised crosswalks, and other expanded pedestrian space and visibility measures.

 

• Provided $75 million to expand and make Fair Fares discounted MTA rides program permanent.

 

• Began breaking ground on over 100 paused park projects this spring, with a focus on sustainability improvements and targeting underserved neighborhoods.

 

• Kicked off the city’s work to harden 20 miles of protected bike lanes.

 

• Announced a curbside secure bike parking pilot to be tested through an innovative concession agreement at five high-profile locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

 

• Announced the completion of a $50 million project, under budget, delivering more than six miles of new sewers and water mains to alleviate flooding of homes and streets in Rochdale.

 

• Consolidated all city technology agencies under a single authority to streamline operations — fostering interagency cooperation and better supporting innovation in the city.
  
  

Permits Filed For 3831 Carpenter Avenue In Williamsbridge, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story mixed-use building at 3831 Carpenter Avenue in Williamsbridge, The Bronx. Located between East 220th and East 221st Streets, the lot is one block from the 219th Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Alban Haxhari of KGCJ Development Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 56-foot-tall development will yield 17,776 square feet, with 17,560 square feet designated for residential space and 216 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 30 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 585 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, a 35-foot-long rear yard, and nine open parking spaces.

Node Architecture Engineering Consulting is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in January for a two-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Statement on New York State Budget for SFY 2022-23

"The passing of the state budget is welcome news. While jobs are rebounding in many industries, our economic recovery lags the nation, and risks have expanded as the budget process has unfolded, with growing geopolitical uncertainty surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and persistently high inflation. In addition, New Yorkers continue to grapple with the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic. "I am pleased to see the budget will provide tax relief and support to help middle-class New Yorkers and small businesses, boost wages for health care workers, make green investments and extend relief programs to assist those affected by the pandemic. "While it’s good news the budget maintains a commitment to building up reserves, many new programs will add recurring spending, and it is yet unclear to what extent they are supported by recurring revenues. Using temporary federal relief aid to fund new spending programs could create a “fiscal cliff” in the future. We must remember this influx of federal funding is finite. Bolstering state savings through the formal rainy day fund reserves is essential for sustaining services that New Yorkers rely on and improving the state’s long-term fiscal standing. "My office will analyze the final enacted budget and release a detailed analysis in the coming weeks."

Senior Leader Of Massive No Fault Automobile Insurance Bribery Scheme Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison

Jelani Wray Paid Bribes To 911 Operators In Exchange For Confidential Accident Victim Information, Directed Accident Victims to an Illegal Medical Clinic that He Operated, and Received Millions of Dollars in Compensation for his Role in the Scheme. 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JELANI WRAY, a senior leader of a conspiracy in which he and his co-conspirators bribed 911 operators, medical personnel, and police officers for the confidential information of tens of thousands of motor vehicle accident victims, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison.  WRAY was sentenced by United States District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.  He previously pled guilty on October 12, 2021, to making payments of bribes and gratuities to an agent of a federally funded organization. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jelani Wray and the other leaders of this scheme brazenly exploited New York’s no fault automobile insurance laws by lining their pockets with millions of dollars in illegal profits.  In the process, they corrupted 911 operators, hospital workers and police officers; injured accident victims by depriving them of a choice in medical providers and attorneys, lying to them, and subjecting these victims to unwanted medical treatments; and caused licensed drivers in the state of New York to suffer higher insurance premiums by enabling the submission of millions of dollars in false medical reimbursement claims.  Wray and his coconspirators will now pay for their crimes, and this Office will never stop pursuing those who seek to profit by corrupting our public institutions.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment, the Superseding Information, court filings, and statements made in court:

JELANI WRAY was one of several leaders of a massive no fault automobile insurance scheme spanning New York and New Jersey from at least in or about 2013 through in or about 2019.  As part of the scheme, WRAY personally bribed and arranged for others to bribe 911 operators, medical personnel, and police officers for the confidential information of tens of thousands of motor vehicle accident victims.  Using this information, WRAY and his co-conspirators contacted victims, lied to them, and steered them to clinics and lawyers handpicked by WRAY and his associates.  These clinics and lawyers then paid WRAY and his associates kickbacks for these referrals, which they distributed to coconspirators as payments and bribes.

 Specifically, in approximately 2013, while WRAY was working as the manager of a medical clinic, WRAY and a coconspirator, ANTHONY ROSE, a/k/a “Todd Chambers,” reached an agreement that for each patient ROSE sent to the clinic, WRAY would pay him approximately $2,000 to $3,000 in illegal referral fees.

Thereafter, in or about 2016, WRAY began to recruit and acquire his own “lead sources,” which were individuals willing to sell the confidential information of motor vehicle accident victims.  From approximately 2016 through in or about December 2017, WRAY bribed at least five NYPD 911 operators to provide him with the names and numbers of motor vehicle accident victims.  WRAY then transferred this information to an illegal call center that was operated by ROSE and funded in part by WRAY.  ROSE’s call center called the unsuspecting accident victims, lied to them, and then steered them to particular clinics and lawyers that were part of ROSE and WRAY’s illegal referral network.  The clinics and lawyers then paid ROSE and WRAY kickbacks by cash and check.  WRAY also similarly recruited attorneys and clinics to participate in this portion of the scheme.

Among other things, WRAY concealed his bribery of the 911 operators by providing them with prepaid “burner” phones, using encrypted messaging applications to communicate with them, and by assigning them code names.  ROSE and WRAY also received further kickbacks for steering accident victims to a particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facility.  In addition, in or about 2017, ROSE, WRAY, a paralegal (“Paralegal-1”), and a physician (“Physician-1”) agreed to open a medical clinic in the Bronx (“Clinic-1”). WRAY funded Clinic-1, steered accident victims to Clinic-1, and exercised substantial control over its medical operations, which is illegal under New York law, because WRAY is not a physician. 

WRAY received millions of dollars in illegal profits from his involvement in the various aspects of this scheme.  In addition to his prison sentence, WRAY, 37 of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to forfeit $2,200,000 and pay a fine of $250,000.

The United States Attorney’s Office charged JELANI WRAY and 26 other defendants in November 2019.  All 27 defendants admitted guilt; 25 of 27 defendants pleaded guilty and the remaining two defendants had their prosecutions deferred.  WRAY is the sixteenth defendant to have been sentenced; ten defendants have been sentenced to serve time in prison.  The principal aspects of each defendant’s sentence are reflected in the chart below.  To date, the defendants have also been ordered to pay approximately $5 million in forfeiture from this scheme. 

Mr. Williams praised the work of the FBI, the New York State Police, the New York City Police Department, the New York City Department of Financial Services, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. 

Defendant	Age	Hometown	Principal Aspects of  Sentence
JELANI WRAY, a/k/a “Lani,” a/k/a “J.R.”	37	Brooklyn, NY	7 years prison 3 years supervised release $250,000 fine $2,200,000 forfeiture ordered
NATHANIEL COLES, a/k/a “Nat”	69	Cortlandt Manor, NY	5 years prison 3 years supervised release $100,000 fine $2,594,000 forfeiture ordered
ANTHONY ROSE, Jr., a/k/a “Sean Wells”	34	Cambria Heights, NY	2 years prison 2 years supervised release $69,000 forfeiture ordered
CHRISTINA GARCIA, a/k/a “Cindy”	37	Jersey City, NJ	366 days prison 3 years supervised release $3,000 fine $30,000 forfeiture ordered
LEON BLUE, a/k/a “Boochie”	56	Brooklyn, NY	Time served prison (approx. two years) 3 years supervised release $8,310 forfeiture ordered
CLARENCE FACEY, a/k/a “Face”	36	Brooklyn, NY	6 months prison 2 years supervised release $25,000 forfeiture ordered
ANGELA MELECIO, a/k/a “Angie,” a/k/a “P5”	43	Amityville, NY	Time served prison 3 years supervised release, with 6 months’ home confinement 250 hrs. community service $8,000 forfeiture ordered
STEPHANIE PASCAL, a/k/a “Steph,” a/k/a “P2”	49	Brooklyn, NY	Time served prison 2 years supervised release $2,000 forfeiture ordered
EDWARD ABAYEV, a/k/a “Eddie”	54	Staten Island, NY	366 days prison 3 years supervised release $20,000 fine $18,000 forfeiture ordered
TONJA LEWIS, a/k/a “J1”	55	Belleville, NJ	Time served prison 2 years supervised release 250 hrs. community service $8,310 forfeiture ordered
BERLISA BRYAN, a/k/a “Lisa”	55	Edison, NJ	Time served prison 3 years supervised release 250 hrs. community service $20,000 forfeiture ordered
ANGELA MYERS, a/k/a “Angie”	40	Brooklyn, NY	Time served prison 2 years supervised release 250 hrs. community service $10,000 forfeiture ordered
SHAKEEMA FOSTER	29	Brooklyn, NY	Time served prison 2 years supervised release 250 hrs. community service $3,000 forfeiture ordered
KOURTNEI WILLIAMS	35	Brooklyn, NY	6 months prison 2 years supervised release $20,000 forfeiture ordered
MAKKAH SHABAZZ, a/k/a “Mecca”	45	Long Island City, NY	6 months prison 2 years supervised release $36,000 forfeiture ordered
YANIRIS DELEON, a/k/a “Jen”	32	New York, NY	6 months prison 2 years supervised release $10,000 forfeiture ordered

Governor Hochul Announces Sale of Alcoholic Beverages 'To-Go' Now Legal as Part of FY 2023 Budget

 

Legislation Authorizes Sale of Alcoholic Beverages 'To-Go' for Off-Premises Consumption for Three Years   

Budget Creates a Temporary State Commission to Examine Reforms to Modernize the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law in New York State   

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that legislation allowing takeout drinks has become law as part of the FY 2023 State Budget. To-go drinks were a critical revenue stream for New York's bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping many small businesses across the state pay their rent or mortgages. This legislation allows, for a period of three years, bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages "to-go" for off-premises consumption under appropriate limitations.  

"New York’s nightlife and hospitality industry is second to none, and by allowing the sale of to-go drinks we will continue to support the industry’s recovery from the pandemic," Governor Hochul said. "Cheers to both Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie for their help in making this change, which will drive business for the hospitality industry and be a lifeline, helping them comeback stronger than before.” 

The new policy addresses the concerns of small business owners operating liquor stores by prohibiting bottle sales and requiring food orders and sealed containers. Additionally, concerns of public consumption are addressed by making clear in the law that all to-go containers must comply with municipal open container laws. The Enacted Budget also calls for a comprehensive look at all Alcohol and Beverage Control laws and creates a review commission to report on recommended improvements for businesses and consumers.  

This legislation amends the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to authorize restaurants and bars licensed to sell liquor or wine for on-premises consumption to also sell these products for off-premises consumption. The legislation, which prohibits sales by the bottle, permits the sale of drinks to-go with the order of a substantial food item, provided the alcoholic beverage is sold in a sealed container and sold during the county closing hours in effect where the business operates. Additionally, the licensee, or the agent or employee of the licensee making the delivery, will also be responsible for ensuring the consumer has a valid ID and for verifying the consumer’s identity and age at the time of delivery.     

The FY 2023 State Budget also creates the Commission to Study Reform of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, a temporary state commission tasked with analyzing and making recommendations to modernize and simplify the state’s alcohol laws and regulations. The Commission will address issues including but not limited to:  

• The industry’s economic impact on the state; 
• Changes in the law and/or SLA resources to speed license application processing; 
• Laws addressing underage consumption; and 
• Industry reform and modernization proposals as voted on by industry stakeholders.   

This commission will consist of 21 members, including the Chairman of the State Liquor Authority who shall serve as the Chair of the Commission, the Commissioner of the Department of Tax and Finance or their representative, the Superintendent of the State Police or their representative, the Director of the Division of the Budget or their representative, the Chief Executive Officer of the Empire State Development or their representative, and 16 additional members appointed by the Governor and Legislature. A report from the Commission shall be issued no later than May 1, 2023.       

In addition, the FY 2023 State Budget also includes a number of common-sense changes to modernize the ABC Law, including:   

• Allowing liquor stores to be open Christmas day, should they choose;  
• Allowing veteran’s organizations, such as Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts, to obtain licenses when a police officer serves as an officer of the organization;    
• Allowing applicants to provide required notice to their municipality or community board via email, if the municipality or community board elects to accept notice that way; and 
• Permitting farm manufacturers more flexibility by allowing food trucks or other such businesses to operate on their premises. 

DEC NOW HIRING FOR 2022 CAMPING AND SUMMER RECREATION SEASON

 

Seasonal Recreation Staff Opportunities Available

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the availability of employment opportunities for the summer recreational season. Individuals looking for seasonal summer employment who enjoy the outdoors are encouraged to learn more about opportunities to work at DEC facilities.

DEC operates 52 public campgrounds and five day use areas throughout the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. DEC hires more than 500 seasonal employees to provide a variety of services throughout the summer season. All levels of experience and skill sets are needed, ranging from supervisors, lifeguards, security, maintenance, cleaning staff, and booth workers. Some positions start as early as May, but varying start dates can be accommodated based on school and work schedules.

Individuals at least 16 years old interested in summer lifeguarding positions at DEC facilities must complete the waterfront lifeguard course to be considered for employment and a no-cost waterfront lifeguard course will be offered April 19 – 22, in Gloversville, Fulton County. The free lifeguard course includes certification in required lifeguarding and waterfront skills, CPR/AED for professional rescuers, and first aid.

All applicants for seasonal summer employment must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Those interested in summer employment with DEC or looking for more information should visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/726.html, call (518) 457-2500 Ext. #1, or email campinfo@dec.ny.gov.