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

 As New Yorkers Continue to Travel During Spring Recess, Remember to Use the Toolkit: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment

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

“As we continue to monitor two new and highly contagious variants, the vaccine and the booster remain our best tools to move forward safely through this pandemic,” Governor Hochul said. “If you haven’t gotten vaccinated or boosted, make an appointment for your shot today. If you feel sick, get tested and limit your exposure to others. If you test positive, talk to a doctor right away about treatments."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Cases Per 100k – 23.77
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k – 30.71
• Test Results Reported – 70,118
• Total Positive – 4,646
• Percent Positive – 6.18%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 5.33%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,357
• Patients Newly Admitted – 790*
• Patients in ICU – 170
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 64
• Total Discharges - 293,712 (+583)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 48*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 55,315*

*Important Note: Due to the holiday, HERDS data collection from health care facilities was paused from 4/15/2022-4/17/2022. Data from those days were submitted in Monday’s report. Where noted, totals include four days of cumulative data from 4/15/2022-4/18/2022.  As a result, some data may appear higher than recent trends.  

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

 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.  

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 70,573     

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 - 38,028,092
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 21,761
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 205,061
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.2%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.6%
• 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) - 86.6%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 82.8%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 76.6%

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:    

Borough	Saturday, April 16, 2022	Sunday, April 17, 2022	Monday, April 18, 2022
Bronx	1.56%	1.64%	1.72%
Kings	2.91%	3.04%	3.18%
New York	4.70%	4.85%	4.85%
Queens	2.82%	2.98%	3.08%
Richmond	3.31%	3.42%	3.45%

“Diamond Enterprise” Boss Sentenced To 51 Months In Prison In Connection With Criminal Acts Including Racketeering, Threats, Money Laundering, Fraud, And Gambling

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ABDURAMAN ISENI, a/k/a “Diamond” was sentenced to 51 months in prison, based on his leadership of a multi-year racketeering enterprise from in or about 2017 through 2020, and criminal offenses related to threats, money laundering, bank fraud, false statements to a bank, and illegal gambling.  ISENI committed these offenses despite two prior federal convictions in the Southern District of New York for racketeering and money laundering. ISENI previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter, who imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Serving more than a decade in federal prison should have demonstrated to Abduraman Iseni the consequences of serious crimes.  But instead, after his release he went back to racketeering, threats, money laundering, and other offenses.  Today’s sentence should send a message that this Office will make every effort to hold dangerous, recidivist felons to account.”

According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court:

ISENI oversaw a racketeering enterprise referred to in the Indictment as the “Diamond Enterprise”.  The Diamond Enterprise was an organized criminal group operating under ISENI’s direction.  ISENI offered his protection, connections, and substantial influence in the criminal underworld to other members of the racketeering enterprise, in exchange for a share of their illegal profits.  The Diamond Enterprise thrived in part on the revenues generated by a network of illegal gambling parlors – “Sports Café,” “Friendly Café,” and “Oasis Café” – located throughout Brooklyn, that hosted underground poker games and hosted illegal sports books. Some of these revenues, in turn, were laundered through a series of bank accounts in an effort to conceal and facilitate the Enterprise’s continued operations.

In addition to the Enterprise’s operations, ISENI separately admitted to threatening a victim with physical violence, including an incident where he held a fork close to a co-defendant’s eye and threatened to jab it in, and a host of additional crimes, including money laundering, bank fraud conspiracy, and making false statements to a bank for the purpose of inducing the bank to release funds to which ISENI was not entitled.     

Prior to this more recent conduct, Iseni was twice convicted of federal offenses in the Southern District of New York – a 1996 conviction for racketeering and a 2012 conviction for money laundering – and served over a decade in federal prison.

In addition to his prison term, ISENI, 56, of Staten Island, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit $349,000 and to pay a $5,000 fine.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of FBI New York’s Balkans and Middle East Organized Crime Squad, the FBI’s Newark Office, the United States Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the New York State Liquor Authority, and the New York City Police Department, for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.  

Comptroller Lander Unveils NYC Climate Dashboard to Hold City Accountable to Climate Goals

 

NYC faces climate risks including double the heat waves, super storms, and 30-inch sea level rise. Dashboard illustrates maps of floodplain levels, as well as progress toward targets to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and enhance resiliency.

 To kick-off Earth Week, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and the Comptroller’s Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung unveiled the NYC Climate Dashboard to shine a spotlight on the City’s incremental progress and path forward to meet its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050. The dashboard tracks key metrics on NYC’s energy transition, emissions, pension fund investments, and resiliency infrastructure. As the City’s Chief Accountability Officer, the Comptroller has  identified climate change as one of the greatest risks facing the city. The dashboard aims to help New Yorkers hold the City accountable to its climate goals to mitigate the threats of climate crisis, advance a just transition to renewable energy and a green economy, and build a city that’s more resilient in the face of rising seas and temperatures.

“Climate change is this century’s most pressing crisis and most urgent opportunity. Protecting our city from rising sea levels, devastating flash flooding, and deadly heat waves requires government, businesses, property owners, financial institutions and everyday New Yorkers working strategically to hit ambitious, but achievable goals.  The NYC Climate Dashboard will track our collective efforts to drastically reduce our emissions, convert to 100% clean energy, make a just transition to a green economy, and adapt our infrastructure to protect New Yorkers,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. 

As New York City’s Chief Fiscal Officer, Chief Accountability Officer, and custodian for the City’s pension funds, the New York City Comptroller is tasked with taking the long-term view to manage and address risks facing the city, including the climate crisis that threatens New York City’s physical, social, and financial future.

In the coming decades, risks to New York City include double the frequency of dangerous heat waves, double the frequency extreme precipitation and flash flooding—like Hurricane Ida, and up to 30 inches of sea level rise that threaten our communities and infrastructure.

The dashboard tracks various components of NYC’s initiatives to address the climate crisis, from reducing emissions, to investing in climate solutions, to making our city more resilient. The dashboard aims to illustrate climate mitigation and readiness, including the city’s total energy consumption by power mix; greenhouse gas emissions by building, transportation, and waste; our divestment progress from fossil fuels and investment in climate solutions; and maps of coastal flooding, heat, and stormwater risks.

Key data on the dashboard includes:

• New York City has reduced emissions by 25% since 2005; with a goal to reduce emissions by 80% of those 2005 levels by 2050.
• As of 2020, 76.6% of energy consumption is fossil-fuel based gas and oil. The City aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050.
• Over 40% of New York City’s buildings have failing energy ratings.
• Fewer than 1% of vehicles registered in New York City are electric. The city’s 630 electric vehicle charging stations bring us over halfway to our initial target of 1,000 charging stations by 2025.
• The New York City pension funds have divested $2.8 billion from fossil fuels and invested $7 billion in climate solutions.
• Nearly 2.5 million New Yorkers live in the 100-year floodplain today and low-lying neighborhoods like the Rockaways, Staten Island, Eastern Manhattan and Western Queens, and Southeast Brooklyn will become more vulnerable as sea levels rise.

“As the City Comptroller’s first-ever Chief Climate Officer, my mission is to deploy the accountability, oversight, and accounting tools of our office to get our city on track to reduce emissions, protect our neighborhoods, and transition our economy away from fossil fuels. This dashboard tangibly assesses the danger our inaction poses towards our city and keeps us accountable to moving the needle on both mitigation and adaptation. Meeting our emissions reduction and resiliency goals is not an option for New York City – the future of our neighborhoods depends on the collective actions we take now,” said Louise Yeung, Chief Climate Officer for the New York City Comptroller. 

View the NYC Climate Dashboard here.

Watch the video here.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary March 2022 Area Unemployment Rates

 

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for March 2022. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.9% in February to 4.6% in March 2022. Local Area Unemployment Rates*(%) March 2021 and March 2022 (Not seasonally adjusted)

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, March 2021 versus March 2022. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://statistics.labor.ny.gov/lslaus.shtm

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000.

Unemployment Rates By County, New York State, March 2022  Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, has a sample size of 18,000 establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

 

MAYOR ADAMS OPENS ROOFTOP FARM ON STATEN ISLAND TO GROW ORGANIC PRODUCE, ABSORB STORMWATER TO REDUCE NEIGHBORHOOD FLOODING

 

$670,000 Project Funded Through City’s Green Infrastructure Grant Program

 

32,000-Square-Foot Green Roof Captures Approximately 3.5 Million Gallons of Stormwater in Typical Year

 

Rooftop Farm Improves Air Quality, Promotes Biodiversity, Reduces Carbon Footprint of Building

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala today opened a new rooftop farm on Staten Island that grows healthy organic food and absorbs stormwater, in an effort to help reduce neighborhood flooding and protect the health of New York Harbor. The approximately 32,000-square-foot roof is planted with perennial wildflowers and organic vegetables to absorb the approximately 3.5 million gallons of rain that falls on it in a typical year, instead of onto an impermeable roof. By keeping rainfall out of the local drainage system, this rooftop farm — situated on top of the Nicotra Group’s Corporate Commons Three building — helps manage stormwater and decrease neighborhood flooding. The project was made possible by a $670,000 grant provided through DEP’s Green Infrastructure Grant Program.

 

“Too often, we ignore the role that food plays in the destruction of our environment. But shifting to more sustainable, plant-based diets and growing fresh vegetables that are accessible to every community is key to building a city that supports both human and planetary health,” said Mayor Adams. “Our investment in this rooftop farm embodies the future of sustainable agriculture and resiliency by serving those in the neighborhood, and by absorbing stormwater and protecting New York Harbor, and it will deliver a healthier and more resilient future for generations to come.”

 

“Living and working in the city lovingly nicknamed the ‘Concrete Jungle,’ I am pleased to see exciting green infrastructure that can change the landscape of New York,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Rooftop farms like this new one on Staten Island is only just the beginning, as we look to bring more innovative, resilient ideas to fruition in our city’s infrastructure.”

“DEP’s Green Infrastructure Grant program encourages property owners to do their part to manage stormwater, reduce neighborhood flooding, and improve the health of our waterways,” said DEP Commissioner Aggarwala. “This project is a wonderful example of a partnership between government and a strong community leader to build green infrastructure that enhances the sustainability of the property while also helping to protect our shared environment.”

 

“Green rooftops are a go-to tool to increase resiliency in flood-prone neighborhoods, and they are going to be critical part of the future of our built environment,” said New York City Department of Buildings Acting Commissioner Constadino ‘Gus’ Sirakis, P.E. “Thanks to DEP’s forward-thinking Green Infrastructure Grant program, as well as the sustainable roof requirements in our codes and enhanced Green Roof Property Tax Abatements, New York City is building a living, breathing, sustainable skyline, one rooftop at a time.”

 

“The produce and herbs from the Nicotra Grown Organic Rooftop Farm will be featured on our tables to serve New Yorkers, including at our two social enterprise eateries, COMMONS café and Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café, where we donate 100 percent of our profits to charities and scholarships,” said Lois Nicotra, philanthropist and co-founder, The Nicotra Group. “When you eat a salad at the cafés, your meal is on a mission to help our community in so many ways, and the salad’s greens and tomatoes are fresh picked that morning.”

 

“The Nicotra Grown Organic Rooftop Farm is another way we show our commitment to sustainability and our love for Staten Island,” said Richard Nicotra, philanthropist and co-founder, The Nicotra Group. “This green rooftop farm is a model for using space that’s often overlooked, feeding communities fresh and local food, and building a more resilient New York City.”

 

The Corporate Commons Three farm includes 23,375 square feet of green roof and 9,500 square feet of vegetated walkway and was designed by the Brooklyn Grange. DEP’s grant award of $669,584 paid for the rooftop farm.

 

In total, DEP has committed over $14 million through its grant program to over 34 partners — including the Nicotra Group — that have contributed an additional $7.5 million in matching funds. Not-for-profit organizations, private property owners, and businesses are eligible for funding for retrofitting rooftops with green roofs to manage stormwater on private property. DEP accepts applications on a rolling, year-round basis, and consideration is given to projects that are cost effective, replicable, and provide matching funds or other contributions. To learn more and apply, New Yorkers can visit DEP’s Green Infrastructure Grant page.

 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have partnered with the Nicotra Group and DEP on this innovative project,” said Anastasia Cole Plakias, co-founder and chief impact officer, Brooklyn Grange. “Every new building in New York City should have a green roof as beautiful and productive as this one. Not only is this roof providing much-needed environmental benefits and climate resiliency to our city, but it’s also a unique destination that supports economic opportunity and job creation on Staten Island.”

Governor Hochul Announces $638 Million in Grants for Water Infrastructure Improvements Across New York State

 

Over $206 Million Allocated to Drinking Water Projects that Treat Emerging Contaminants 

Awardees located in Capital Region, Central NY, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier and Western NY Regions 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the state Environmental Facilities Corporation has awarded $638 million in grants to municipalities and public authorities for 199 water infrastructure projects across the state that protect public health or improve water quality. Nearly $601 million in Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grants and over $37 million in additional federal subsidies will support approximately $1.6 billion in total infrastructure investment. The grants are projected to contribute over 35,000 jobs to New York's economy and save taxpayers an estimated $1.4 billion.  

"Modernizing our state’s water infrastructure is critical to ensuring every New Yorker has access to clean drinking water,” Governor Hochul said. “Protecting the public health of New Yorkers will always be a top priority for my administration and this funding is a testament to that commitment. We will continue working collaboratively with every level of government to empower localities with the funding they need to improve water quality statewide.” 

Today's announcement marks the largest-ever award of Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) grants. The full list of awardees and project descriptions can be found on EFC’s website, where you may also view awards by region as well as an interactive map. 

Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “This historic level of grant funding from EFC will provide transformational benefits for 151 communities as the State implements the water quality goals championed by Governor Hochul. Grants from EFC provide relief for taxpayers and help local governments get shovels in the ground for critical projects that protect public health and the environment, create jobs, and spur economic development. EFC is poised to support many more water quality infrastructure projects through the initiatives in the enacted State Budget and the infusion of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” 

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos said, “New York State is making generational investments to help build more resilient communities that are better prepared to meet the challenges of climate change by supporting upgrades and improvements to water infrastructure in municipalities across the state. With Governor Hochul’s sustained commitment to safeguarding water quality, DEC is helping to advance projects essential to providing access to clean drinking water, protecting water supplies, and promoting continued economic growth.” 

 Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Replacing outdated infrastructure and implementing treatment for emerging contaminants in New York State's public drinking water systems are critical components of ensuring equity in public health. Communities that have born the brunt of decades-old industry pollution or historical neglect are utilizing these funds to help off-set project costs and tackle the larger issues of clean water delivery."   

Highlights of the 199 Projects Funded in this Round of Grants Include:

More than $426 Million Awarded for Drinking Water Projects; Awards for Eligible Projects that Treat Emerging Contaminants Will Fund 60 Percent of Project Costs 

More than $220 million has been awarded to improve drinking water systems and an additional $206 million to projects that treat emerging contaminants. Eligible projects that address emerging contaminants above the State determined Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) are being awarded 60% of net eligible project costs. Examples of these projects include: 

• Averill Park Central School District (Capital Region) – $90,000 for the effective treatment of drinking water at Algonquin Middle School.  
• City of Rochester (Finger Lakes) – $3 million to replace 1,110 lead service lines. 
• Water Authority of Western Nassau County (Long Island) – $31 million for four projects to remove and treat emerging contaminants.  

Over $139 Million Awarded for Wastewater Improvement Projects 

Examples of these projects include: 

• Chemung County (Southern Tier) – $25 million for a sewer district wastewater treatment plant consolidation project. The funding will support the county's efforts to combine two aging wastewater treatment plants and perform upgrades that will help meet state standards and improve the water quality by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus discharged to the Chemung River and Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 
• City of Amsterdam (Mohawk Valley) – $4.3 million for a wastewater treatment plant improvement project.