Attorney General James Issues Guidance to Law Enforcement on Protecting Tenants’ Right to Organize

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James announced today that she has issued guidance to New York state law enforcement agencies to remind them about tenants’ rights to organize. Under New York Real Property Law § 230, tenants have the right to form tenant associations and hold tenant meetings on or in the property where they live.   

In a memo sent to law enforcement agencies across the state, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) provided guidance about responding to landlords, superintendents, or other individuals that make complaints about tenants or their invited guests organizing or meeting within a building or its common grounds. Attorney General James warns law enforcement to be cautious to avoid unintentionally being used by landlords to violate the rights of tenants to organize and meet.

“As New Yorkers grapple with unprecedented rent increases and an increasingly difficult rental market, we are seeing some landlords use concerning tactics,” said Attorney General James. “We have seen reports of landlords calling the police on tenants for gathering and organizing in their own buildings — actions that are well within the parameters of the law. Every tenant should feel comfortable exercising their right to organize without fear of legal retaliation. Landlords cannot use our law enforcement officers as tools to bully and threaten tenants, and my office will work to ensure that local sheriffs and law enforcement departments understand the rights of tenants across the state.”

In her memo, Attorney General James maintains that if law enforcement is called to disperse a tenant meeting or to remove people that are organizing, the responding officers must have a good understanding of Real Property Law § 230 and the protections it provides to tenants and their representatives. 

Attorney General James provided the following reminders regarding tenant organizing:

• Landlords are prohibited from interfering with the right of a tenant to form, join, or participate in the lawful activities of any organization formed to protect the rights of tenants.
• Landlords must not harass, punish, or penalize any tenant for exercising the right to organize.
• Law enforcement, when encountering a meeting of tenants and organizers in a building, may not disperse the meeting unless it violates narrow prohibitions outlined in the law, such as when the activities are not peaceful.
• Tenants are permitted to reach out to other tenants and widely distribute information concerning organizing activities.
• Non-tenants, such as organizers and attorneys, are allowed to conduct tenant organizing activities on private property at the request of a tenant residing at that property.
  • Such tenant organizers are also permitted to ask tenants for contact information to address issues in the building which may relate to such issues as repairs or the landlord’s rent setting policies.
• Tenant meetings in common areas of a building or property are permitted by law. Items necessary for the meeting such as a table and chairs may be placed in common areas for the meeting.
• Law enforcement should not make determinations concerning whether a meeting is a fire hazard or other determinations outside their expertise.
• Landlords who use force or otherwise attempt to disperse lawful tenant meetings may violate penal laws such as Disorderly Conduct, Menacing, Aggravated Harassment, or Assault. Law enforcement should use their discretion in enforcing these, and other appropriate penal laws to preserve the peace when tenants are exercising their rights under the Real Property Law.

The OAG is available to assist local law enforcement departments in developing guidance for their officers when responding to tenant meetings and organizing activities.

Governor Hochul Announces $10.7 Million Award for New Food Bank Facility in the Hudson Valley

 

40,000-Square-Foot Distribution Warehouse for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley to be Constructed in the Town of Montgomery

Larger Facility with Additional Capacity for Cold Storage and Sorting will Benefit More than 179,000 People Throughout the Lower Hudson Valley

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $10.7 million award to construct a new food distribution warehouse for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley in the Orange County town of Montgomery. The increased demand for emergency food assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a larger facility with additional capacity for cold storage and sorting. The new 40,000-square-foot warehouse is expected to benefit 179,000 low- to moderate-income New Yorkers currently receiving assistance from Hudson Valley food banks.

 “The ongoing financial impact of the pandemic has left more New Yorkers to rely on their local food pantries to feed their families,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is committed to addressing food insecurity and combatting hunger in our communities, and this new larger facility will strengthen our emergency food network in the Hudson Valley and help more residents in need.” 

The award to the Town of Montgomery was made through the Community Development Block Grant CARES program administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for food assistance across the Hudson Valley Region grew substantially and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley outgrew its current facility.

The new distribution warehouse will provide increased capacity to obtain, store, and distribute food donations to 400 member agencies in six counties in the lower Hudson Valley: Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, and Putnam Counties. It is estimated that nearly 179,000 low- to moderate-income New Yorkers in the Hudson Valley are currently receiving food assistance.

The expanded facility will also give volunteers and staff sufficient space to gather safely to assist preparing food for recipients, preventing the further spread of COVID-19.

Additional funding for the project includes a $1.9 million contribution from the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and nearly $800,000 in private donations. 

The federal Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding was allocated to States to support community projects that address pandemic-related health and safety issues and improve public services. 

WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON APRIL SIENA POLL

  

“Today's Siena poll proved that voters are starting to see what the next four years would look like under a Hochul administration — four more years of governing by scandal and special interests — and are looking to bring change to Albany.

"With nearly 60 percent of voters disapproving of her job performance and nearly half saying they would vote for anyone other than Hochul, it's clear that New Yorkers are tired of the stale status quo that Governor Hochul stood for as Lieutenant Governor under the Cuomo administration and still stands for today.

"As we enter into the next phase of this campaign, I’m confident that voters will see how our campaign represents that change, and look forward to further demonstrating that ahead of election day on June 28th."

MAYOR ADAMS REDUCES NYC’S VEHICLE FLEET, SAVING TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS

 

City Will Save $13.7 Million Through New Measure as Part of Upcoming Executive Budget

 

City Car Fleet Will Shrink to Bloomberg-Era Levels, With Focus on Reduction of Vehicles Used for Employee Commuting

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a reduction of the city’s vehicle fleet by at least 855 vehicles in an effort to save taxpayer dollars and reduce carbon emissions. The four percent reduction of the on-road fleet will focus on non-emergency vehicles, and will reduce the city’s fleet to its size in the Bloomberg administration. In all, the plan announced today is expected to result in 5.13 million fewer miles driven per year — representing a 2,072 metric ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

 

“We want to encourage New Yorkers to get out of their cars and use alternative forms of transportation — and the city must lead by example,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we are both saving New Yorkers’ tax dollars and taking action to cut carbon emissions. By reducing the city’s car fleet through a targeted, data-driven approach, we can achieve our sustainability goals, while simultaneously exercising greater fiscal responsibility. Promises made, promises kept.”

 

“Making city government more efficient and effective requires smart, forward-thinking management of our city assets,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “These reductions underscore that Mayor Adams is leading by example, and continuing to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for all New Yorkers.”

 

“The fleet reduction announced today will make city government more efficient and effective, while continuing to deliver the critical services people need,” said New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “Right-sizing the fleet and reducing the number of take-home vehicles will protect our environment, save money, and help make city government work for all New Yorkers.”

 

“Right-sizing the city’s vehicle fleet is a meaningful step toward making our agencies operate more efficiently, delivering on yet another commitment the mayor has made,” said Chief Efficiency Officer Melanie La Rocca. “Only four months into this administration, we are setting a clear tone that we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to identifying opportunities for greater efficiency measures and delivering better results for all New Yorkers.”

 

Reductions will be made based on vehicle usage data, tracked by DCAS’s sophisticated vehicle telematics system, which provides real-time insight into the entire city fleet and how it is being utilized. Vehicles that are underutilized will be prioritized for removal from the fleet. The fleet reduction will reduce agency vehicle acquisition budgets by an estimated $13.7 million — city savings that will be announced as part of the mayor’s upcoming Executive Budget.

 

The city of New York’s fleet currently consists of 24,526 on-road vehicles. On-road vehicles include 9,579 (39.1 percent) emergency vehicles, 7,893 (32.2 percent) agency work trucks, 2,648 (10.8 percent) Sanitation trucks and sweepers, and 4,406 (18 percent) general use cars. The reduction will focus on general use cars and will not impact emergency vehicles or other specialized units that provide critical services to New Yorkers.  

 

The changes will be completed by September 1, 2022, and the vehicles will be removed from the fleet and auctioned off by December 31, 2022.

 

“DCAS is using fleet tracking data through our Fleet Office of Real Time Tracking to identify inefficient use or assignment of fleet units,” said DCAS Deputy Commissioner and New York City Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman. “Commuting will be authorized only where essential for emergency response, inspection, and field work within the five boroughs.”

 

“We must reduce the reliance on private cars on our streets and New York City can set an example for all New Yorkers,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “Cars remain one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in the city, and I commend the mayor for emphasizing the reduction of the city’s fleet. Each car taken off the road will be a small victory for street safety, efficiency, and emissions reduction.”

 

“The Citizens Budget Commission applauds this important step toward a more efficient and sustainable city,” said Andrew Rein, president, Citizens Budget Commission. “We have consistently urged the city to increase the efficiency of citywide services, like fleet, procurement, and space. Reversing recent growth in the fleet is a positive move to reduce inefficiency and save money.”

 

“The New York League of Conservation Voters thanks Mayor Adams for fulfilling his promise to right-size the city's fleet and reduce our government's reliance on automobiles that are a key source of fossil fuel emissions and air pollution. This is a great example of how the city can lead by example and ‘Get Stuff Done’ for residents,” said Julie Tighe, president, New York League of Conservation Voters.

 

“We are encouraged by Mayor Adams downsizing the city's fleet of cars while maintaining critical services that millions of New Yorkers depend on,” said Liam Blank, policy and communications manager, Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “We applaud the fleet reduction announced today, and we urge the city to continue exploring methods of taking cars off the road and incentivizing sustainable modes of transportation. This is a critical step in our ongoing mission to reduce traffic congestion, cut carbon emissions, and meet Vision Zero goals.”

Get a Vaccination, and Get a Free Slice of Pizza.

 

Saturday, Assemblyman Jose Rivera held a health fair on Bedford Park Boulevard by Webster Avenue. Various giveaways were provided by the companies or organizations who sponsored the 'Get Vaccinated or Boosted, and receive a free slice of delicious Pizza'. Joining Assemblyman Rivera was Councilman Oswald Feliz. The Dynamic Duo toured the area to let shoppers and storekeepers know that if they got vaccinated they would receive a free slice of pizza and help fight the latest variant of COVID-19. 

Assemblyman Jose Rivera has his poster on the window of Bedford Park Pizza, the sponsor of the free pizza.

Assemblyman Jose Rivera (holding the video camera), and  Councilman Oswald Feliz (stepping off the curb) as they cross the street to return to the event. 

Political Gadfly Dion Powell takes a picture of this reporter hoping to learn a few pointers. Number one Mr. Powell don't block the councilman behind you.

Assemblyman Jose Rivera thanked all who participated in his 'get vaccinated or boosted and get a free slice of pizza event'.

Unregistered Dirt Bike Seized By 49th Precinct Police After Accident

 

Friday April 22nd An unregistered Dirt Bike was involved in an accident with a car waiting for the light on Williamsbridge Road North, half a block from Pelham Parkway. According to the driver of the car, the Dirt Bike driver was weaving through the stopped traffic waiting for the light to change when it hit his car causing what appeared to be thousands of dollars of damage. 

The driver left after speaking with police from the 49th precinct who responded, and the Dirt Bike driver was treated on scene by EMS, and released. The unregistered Dirt Bike was taken into custody by the police department.

Damage to the car door, wheel well, front quarter panel, and even hood can be seen. 

Officers from the 49th Precinct look over the unregistered Dirt Bike, as  the driver is given medical attention in the ambulance. 

The unregistered Dirt Bike is being impounded by the NYPD. 

Congressman Ritchie Torres - Putin's Russian government sanctioned me

 

Vladimir Putin's Russian government recently announced a list of US politicians that will face sanctions for speaking out against them. I am proud to be on that list — it’s a sign that I’m doing what is right. I am proud of the work I am doing to protect democracy here and across the world. If the Russian government doesn’t like me, that is a sign I am doing something right. Doing this the right way is usually harder. So for instance, me not spending all day asking for money from rich people and corporate PACS makes it harder to fund my campaign. That’s why I am coming to you today. The midterms are getting very close and the GOP will do everything it can to unseat progressive Democrats like me. Thank you, Ritchie EDITOR'S NOTE: All solicitations for donations have been removed.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES UNPRECEDENTED INVESTMENTS IN SAFE HAVEN BEDS AND RESOURCES FOR NEW YORKERS EXPERIENCING UNSHELTERED HOMELESSNESS

 

Adams Administration Will Add  More Than $170 Million In the FY23 Executive Budget to Provide High-Quality Services and Resources for Unsheltered New Yorkers

 

Funding Is Largest Investment Made by Any City Administration in Street Outreach and Low-Barrier Programs

 

Investment Will Fund 1,400 Low Barrier Safe Haven and Stabilization Beds, Bringing Total to Over 4,000 Beds to Serve New Yorkers

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced unprecedented investments in high-quality services and resources dedicated to helping unsheltered New Yorkers transition off the streets and out of the subway system and move into more stable housing. As part of his focus to help those experiencing homelessness, Mayor Adams will be allocating an additional $171 million a year, beginning in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), to aggressively expand and enhance outreach efforts and specialized resources, including Safe Havens, stabilization beds, and Drop-in Centers (DICs). This is the largest investment made by any city administration in street outreach and targeted low-barrier programs to support some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness on the streets and in the subways.

 

“Too many of our fellow New Yorkers are experiencing unsheltered homelessness — but we cannot and will not abandon them,” said Mayor Adams. “We are making the largest investment in street outreach and low-barrier beds that a city administration ever has, in an effort to almost double the number of Safe Haven and stabilization beds available to New Yorkers. These resources will encourage people to come inside and will pave a way toward permanent housing and the stability that every New Yorker deserves.”

 

“The investments announced today will support thousands of beds for adults experiencing homelessness,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “I want to thank the mayor for prioritizing these dollars now and into the future, and I look forward to working with interagency and community partners to support every New Yorker on their journey to securing a permanent home.”

 

“This administration is doubling-down on its commitment to making a real and lasting difference in the lives of New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary Jenkins. “We applaud the mayor’s unprecedented investments in aggressively expanding high-quality supports to address the unique needs of some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers. These enhancements and specialized resources will encourage even more New Yorkers to come in from the streets and the subways and receive dedicated services that will help them to get back on their feet and ultimately transition to permanent housing. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated and compassionate outreach staff and provider-partners for their extraordinary efforts around the clock in service of this vital mission.”

 

“All too often we talk about homelessness and housing as though they are separate, but we cannot solve the homelessness crisis without ensuring we have safe and stable housing for everyone,” said New York City Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “Today's investment in Safe Haven and stabilization beds is a critical step towards our ultimate goal. These programs are important because they remove the barriers to access that have often kept people in need of help from getting the support they deserve.”

 

Mayor Adams has already made significant progress on his commitment to increase the capacity of low-barrier beds dedicated to serving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness as part of his Subway Safety Plan introduced in February. As of today, the city has opened new high-quality sites, which will offer dedicated supports to more than 400 New Yorkers, as part of nearly 500 specialized beds announced in the plan earlier this year. More than 100 additional beds are expected to come online in the coming months, exceeding the goal originally announced in the plan.

 

With today’s announcement, the city will also open nearly 900 more beds, bringing the total new capacity funded by this investment to more than 1,400 beds. Further, 570 specialized beds are expected to come online by the end of this year, with another 325 by mid-2023. Once online, the city will have over 4,000 specialized beds to serve and support some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

 

In addition to funding for beds, today’s announcement includes $19 million that will be allocated to creating three additional DICs, as well as providing enhanced medical and behavioral health services at city DICs, including funding for specialized staff such as nurses, psychiatrists, and social workers. Finally, $12 million of the funds will be allocated towards DSS’s enhanced and expanded comprehensive outreach program that:

 

• Increases dedicated outreach staff to further intensify DSS’s subway outreach and placement efforts.
• Adds transportation services and other resources, which will help further streamline the process of connecting clients to suitable placement opportunities.

 

The city’s low-barrier programs — including Safe Havens, stabilization beds, and DICs — are often the first step towards helping New Yorkers experiencing homelessness accept services and transition off the streets and out of the subways. Safe Havens and stabilization beds are small-scale, low-barrier programs specifically tailored for unsheltered individuals who may be resistant to accepting, or who may not be best served by, other services, including traditional transitional housing settings. These sites are equipped with on-site services and compassionate staff who work closely with these New Yorkers to build trust, stabilize lives, and encourage further transition off the streets and out of the subways, and help them ultimately transition into permanent housing. DICs provide baseline services with the goal of meeting the immediate needs of unsheltered New Yorkers, such as showers, meals, and connections to health care, while also offering on-site case management services and staff — providing an immediate option for individuals who want to transition off the streets and out of the subways.

“This $171 million investment in solutions that can better help support unhoused New Yorkers transition from homelessness is the right approach and a major step forward for our city,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Safe Havens, stabilization beds, and drop-in centers with health care services, along with care-centered street outreach, should be the consistent focus of the city’s efforts directed to our unsheltered neighbors. The council is proud to have prioritized elevating the need for investments in these sound policies and practices, and applaud Mayor Adams for committing this level of resources to them in his Executive Budget. We look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to address the city’s challenge of homelessness by increasing affordable and supportive housing for New Yorkers.”