DEC Reminds Visitors to Practice Safe, Sustainable Recreation at Zoar Valley Multiple Use and Unique Areas This Season

 

Improvements Continue to Enhance Visitor Experience, Promote Safety

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded visitors to Zoar Valley Multiple Use and Unique Areas in southern Erie and northern Cattaraugus counties to prepare for their outdoor adventures and practice safe recreation before visiting these wild and beautiful destinations. Ahead of this summer’s recreational season, DEC continues to advance actions to promote public safety and improve visitor experience at one of Western New York’s most scenic and ecologically diverse natural areas. 

“Zoar Valley is a special place where nature exists in its raw and wild state,” Commissioner Seggos said. “As the weather warms and we start the outdoor recreation season, DEC encourages visitors to enjoy Zoar while ensuring they are prepared to recreate safely and responsibly. We are committed to continuously improving the visitor experience at Zoar Valley by providing the information and resources necessary to ensure the safe enjoyment of one of Western New York’s most natural and scenic locations.”

Zoar Valley is widely recognized for its spectacular scenery created by a deep gorge surrounding Cattaraugus Creek, as well as its sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and dense forests. To ensure visitors to Zoar Valley MUA and Zoar Valley Unique Area are aware of potential risks and the need to prepare, DEC continues to advance comprehensive plans to improve the visitor experience and public safety. 

This year at Zoar Valley, DEC will:

• Continue to advance plans for new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant and accessible trails, with construction anticipated to begin in 2023; 
• Enhance emergency response operations, including improved emergency access to Cattaraugus Creek;
• Assign two Assistant Forest Rangers to seasonal summer posts, as well as a summer intern from SNY ESF; and
• Continue working closely with outside entities, including outdoor and travel websites, to monitor maps and information provided by third parties for accuracy in order to provide visitors with clear information and directions.  
  

These efforts bolster DEC's work over the last two years to make Zoar Valley safer and more enjoyable for all visitors. DEC reminds visitors to recreate safely and responsibly at Zoar Valley by following all rules and regulations and taking appropriate outdoor safety measures, including:

• Signing in and out of all trail registers. Only one person should sign in for groups;
• Following all State Forest Regulations, Outdoor Safety Practicesand newly posted signage at access points, along trails and at the gorge rim. Dozens of signs were added to promote the safe use of Zoar Valley, mark trails, and encourage visitors to remain on marked trails. New kiosk panels at the Valentine Flats and Forty Road parking areas also provide visitors with additional maps and safety messages;
• Staying on marked trails. The property contains hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs, and swift water. DEC, through its collaboration with stakeholders, shortened the Overlook Trail at Valentine Flats to keep visitors safely away from the rim of the gorge and unofficial trails on the property were brushed in to discourage the use of potentially unsafe trails and to promote use of official trails. The only safe gorge and creek access is from the Valentine Flats Trail and Forty Road parking lot. There is no authorized, safe trail to access Cattaraugus Creek on the Erie County side of the Multiple Use Area;
• Observing all the rules and regulations. Before visiting, visitors should familiarize themselves with DEC’s new regulations, which restrict access upstream from the Forty Road parking area, include a 15-foot setback from the cliff edges, prohibit climbing of cliff walls, and create a new restricted area along the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek. Additional rules and regulations continue to prohibit camping, fires, alcoholic beverages, and glass containers at Zoar Valley;
• Following @NYSDECAlerts. Launched in 2021, the @NYSDECAlerts Twitter feed helps provide real-time updates about the most crowded places, especially when those places and parking areas are at capacity; and
• Practicing Leave No Trace^TM Principleswhen recreating on State land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources, and avoid conflicts with others.

Enhanced safety messaging and updated maps and information are available at DEC’s Zoar Valley MUA webpage, including Important Tips for Visitors to Zoar Valley MUA and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. 

New Yorkers are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands at Zoar and all natural spaces by practicing Leave No Trace^TM principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level. 

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of Transformative Livingston Avenue Bridge Replacement Project in Albany and Rensselaer

 

Virtual Hearing on May 31 to be Followed by In-Person Event at The Palace Theater on June 1

Major Milestone in Project to Replace Civil War-Era Rail Crossing with Modern Span that Includes Bicycle and Pedestrian Access

See Renderings Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a major step forward in the project to replace the Livingston Avenue Railroad Bridge in Albany and Rensselaer. The State Department of Transportation will host public hearings on May 31 and June 1, giving Capital Region residents an important opportunity to learn about this transformative project and provide input. The new $32.8 billion DOT capital plan includes up to $400 million to replace the existing, Civil War-era bridge with a new, modern structure capable of supporting higher-speed passenger rail, freight rail, maritime transport, and bicycle-pedestrian access. The bridge provides a critical link for passenger rail service from the Northeast Corridor to Albany-Rensselaer. 

"Anyone who rides the rails in upstate New York knows all too well the travel delays caused by the antiquated Livingston Avenue Bridge," Governor Hochul said. "Replacing this relic of the 19th Century will not only improve passenger and freight rail service throughout New York, but it will also provide bikers, hikers and pedestrians with a new, safer way to cross the Hudson River. Today marks a major step forward in this transformative project, and I encourage all interested Capital Region residents to attend one of the public hearings."

The public hearings are a key component of the DOT's public engagement effort and are required as part of the state and federal review process. A virtual hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, and can be accessed via Zoom here. An in-person hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, at The Palace Theater on Clinton Avenue in Albany. Both sessions will feature informational presentations about the project by DOT personnel. A recently completed environmental assessment for the project is available for review here.

The Livingston Avenue Passenger Rail Bridge was built over the Hudson River in 1865. It connects Rensselaer and Albany by rail and provides a critical path for passenger rail service from New York City to Western NY.  Deterioration of the current structure, owned by CSX and leased to Amtrak, limits trains crossing to one at a time at speeds of 15 MPH.  The new bridge will accommodate improved passenger service. 

The current movable swing bridge would be replaced with a new lift-type bridge which would bring the structure up to modern standards for height, width and speeds for passenger and freight trains and more reliably accommodate marine traffic using the Hudson River.  The new bridge will be located south of the existing bridge on a parallel alignment and would carry two railroad tracks. The approach track work will include improvements to the triangular junction of rail tracks on the Rensselaer side to facilitate train turning movements and the rehabilitation and reconfiguration of the rail bridges over Water and Centre Streets on the Albany side.  The new bridge will also include a separated shared use path connecting to the Albany Skyway and Empire State Trail to the City of Rensselaer.

Construction is slated to begin by the end of 2023. Completion of the new bridge, which is expected by the end of 2026, will build on the success of previous projects in an around the City of Albany, including the Albany Skyway, which transformed an underutilized exit ramp from northbound Interstate 787 into an elevated park that connected the city's downtown to the Hudson River; and the landmark Empire State Trail, which spans 750 miles and runs from New York City through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada, and from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal.

New York Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Replacement of the Livingston Avenue Railroad Bridge is another demonstration of Governor Hochul's historic commitment to rebuilding New York State's critical infrastructure and doing so in a way that improves mobility, strengthens our economy and brings people and communities together. These public hearings are an important opportunity to hear from the community as we develop this project and ensuring a final result that makes all New Yorkers proud."

Senator Rivera’s First Bill in Medical Debt Package Passes the State Senate

 

Senator Rivera’s First Bill in Medical Debt Package Passes the State Senate Senator Rivera sponsors two other medical debt-related bills, which if passed, will protect New York patients and restrict healthcare costs

On Tuesday, May 10, State Senator Gustavo Rivera’s bill (S.6522A) to stop health care providers from putting liens on patients’ homes and garnishing their wages to collect medical debt passed the State Senate. The bill is on its way to Governor Hochul’s desk for her signature after passing the Assembly last March.     This bill will prohibit health care providers from imposing and enforcing liens on a patient's primary residence as well as garnishing wages to satisfy a judgment in a medical debt lawsuit. According to a 2021 report released by the Community Services Society, over 50,000 New York patients were sued for medical debt by non-profit hospitals in the past five years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. These cases do not stabilize a hospital's finances, but instead, have devastating financial consequences for patients, including increasing housing instability. “New Yorkers should not fear losing their homes or livelihood as a result of seeking the medical care they need. This bill will protect New Yorkers from having liens placed on their homes or their wages garnished in an effort to collect medical debt,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “We must work together to eradicate medical debt from our State and this is an important first step. I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law as soon as possible.” Senator Rivera understands that medical debt is a longstanding issue that needs to be resolved and that it is a critical component in his fight to transform our for-profit healthcare system. He is also the sponsor of two bills that would further protect patients from medical debt collection and restrict healthcare costs during and after the pandemic. These are:   S2521C: Regulates how medical providers bill patients for facilities fees S7625: Requires hospitals to use a uniform financial assistance policy (passed the Senate Health Committee on May 11) Watch Senator Rivera's floor remarks here.

Nos Quedamos - 'WE ARE MELROSE Street Fair' - SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, June 11, 2022

 

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'WE ARE MELROSE Street Fair' is BACK! And we have a date: Saturday, June 11, 2022 ~ 12pm-5pm After a two-year dormant period due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Nos Quedamos is delighted to announce that its annual community-wide celebration, WE ARE MELROSE (WAM) Street Festival, is making a much-anticipated return on Saturday, June 11th from 12pm until 5pm! (observing all mandated and precautionary health & safety protocols, of course). This year’s theme is “Healing and Resiliency.” The festival will take place at East 160th Street between Melrose & Elton Avenues, adjacent to Yolanda García Park (named after Nos Quedamos’ founder). We will also be celebrating Nos Quedamos’ 29th anniversary! WE ARE MELROSE (WAM) will showcase the best cultural ambassadors of the Bronx in a multitude of LIVE in-person entertainment genres from dancing, music, spoken word and poetry, performing arts and more in the heart of the South Bronx: MELROSE COMMONS. The event is a family-friendly gathering with lots for everyone to enjoy, including organized game-play, face-painting, give-aways and raffles. There will also be a dynamic story-telling session geared to uplift the spirits of the entire family, a cooking demo based on items traditionally harvested in regional community gardens, as well as numerous service providers who will be sharing a wealth of relevant and timely resources and valuable opportunities throughout the day from health to housing, and more (including give-aways). 2022 performances (lineup in formation) include: Mazarte Dance Company, Bombayo & Dr. Drum, and Chief Joseph Chatoyer Dance Company, among others. One of the capstones of this festive and diverse multi-cultural celebration is Nos Quedamos’ annual HARVESTING CULTURE AWARDS that celebrate Community, Culture & Commitment. These awards recognize the bountiful accomplishments of Bronx pioneers and stakeholders who have made positive contributions to the well-being and forward development of Melrose Commons and South Bronx. This year we recognize 8 dynamic, community-minded champions across a spectrum of vocations and commitments, including an emerging voice making an impact in regional journalism. Scan QR Code above for detailed event info. Or click link below. nosquedamos.org/wam

CITING STRONG FISCAL MANAGEMENT UNDER MAYOR ADAMS, FITCH RATINGS RAISES NEW YORK CITY'S GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND CREDIT OUTLOOK

 

 

Upward Revision to Positive Outlook Affirms New York City’s Historic Level of Budget Reserves

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today hailed Fitch Ratings’ (Fitch) announcement of a revised New York City’s outlook upgrade from stable to positive for the first time in more than a decade and affirmed the AA- rating assigned to New York City’s General Obligation (GO) bonds. Fitch supported the revision by pointing to increased levels of budget reserves under the Adams administration and improved revenue performance as the city recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The positive outlook positions the city for further rating upgrades should trends continue. This ratings action was taken several weeks after Mayor Adams released his Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Executive Budget, which increased budget reserves to $6.3 billion — the highest level in the city’s history.

 

In affirming the city’s AA- GO Bond rating, Fitch credited the city’s “exceptionally strong” budget monitoring and control, which are demonstrated by consistent budget balancing and outyear gap management. The strong rating is also driven by Fitch’s assessment that city revenue growth will exceed inflation, and acknowledgment that its diverse revenue base and budget flexibility will protect against the impact of economic volatility.

 

“I made a commitment to New Yorkers that strong, responsible fiscal stewardship would be a hallmark of our administration — and this outlook upgrade shows that our approach is already bearing fruit,” said Mayor Adams. “From increasing our budget reserves to the highest level in city history to achieving billions of dollars in savings and making upstream investments to ensure the city is a better place to live, work, and raise healthy children and families, we are well-positioned to continue building an equitable recovery while preparing for the future.”

 

The outlook revision to positive and affirmation of the strong AA- rating validate the Adams administration’s financial strategy and strong fiscal management. In April, Mayor Adams released New York City’s $99.7 billion Executive Budget for FY23. The Executive Budget reflects more than $400 million in savings over FY22 and FY23 — bringing total savings achieved by this administration to more than $2.4 billion in those years — and nearly $4.0 billion in FYs23-26, the financial plan outyears. The administration also added $200 million to the Rainy Day Fund, bringing budget reserves to a historic level of $6.3 billion. By carefully managing resources in the FY23 Preliminary and Executive Budgets, the administration was able to make critical investments that support recovery, increase public safety, elevate youth and working families, and improve public spaces, which will make New York City a better place to live, work, do business, visit, and raise a family.

 

Fitch’s May 12, 2022 rating report can be found online.

Bronx Dems - Join Us for Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez's Birthday!

 

Join Us for Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez's Birthday! - - This Thursday at 7pm, please join us for a celebration in honor of  Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez's 34th birthday! Date and Time Thursday, May 12th - 7pm to 9pm Address Con Sofrito 1315 Commerce Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 Tickets

High-Ranking Member Of MS-13 Sentenced To 13 Years In Prison

Prior to His Indictment, Amilcar Romero, a/k/a “Soldado,” was the Highest Ranking, Incarcerated Member of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13 in the United States 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that AMILCAR ROMERO, a/k/a “Soldado,” a high-ranking member of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick to 13 years in prison. ROMERO previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Broderick ordered ROMERO’s sentence in this case to run consecutively to a prior sentence for attempted murder imposed in California state court in 1997 and another prior sentence for conspiring to participate in the affairs of a racketeering enterprise, namely MS-13, imposed in the District of New Jersey in 2016.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Amilcar Romero, a senior leader of the L.A. Program of MS-13, helped plan a cross-border methamphetamine distribution network. He did this by communicating with other members of the gang through a contraband cellphone in state prison while serving a lengthy sentence for a violent crime. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold accountable those like Romero who threaten the safety and well-being of our communities, even if they do so from prison.”

According to the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:

ROMERO is a member of MS-13, a transnational racketeering enterprise which operates throughout North and Central America, including in El Salvador, Mexico, New York, California, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. To enrich the enterprise, protect and expand its criminal operations, enforce discipline among its members, and retaliate against members of rival gangs, members and associates of MS-13 committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics, including methamphetamine; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.

MS-13 is organized into chapters called “cliques.” Groups of cliques, in turn, are aligned as “programs.” Each program is governed by a group of senior gang leaders known as the “table.”

ROMERO is a high-ranking member of the table of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13. In 2019, ROMERO participated in the transnational and nationwide affairs of MS-13 through a contraband prison cellphone while he was incarcerated in Calipatria State Prison in California, including by communicating with and relaying orders to other members of MS-13 throughout the United States and in El Salvador.

In the summer and fall of 2019, ROMERO helped plan, with other high-ranking members of MS-13, for the establishment of a methamphetamine distribution network that started in Mexico and operated throughout the United States, including North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Tennessee.

In addition, in September 2019, ROMERO and other senior members of MS-13 conspired to extort another gang member, who was told that he either had to repay money or be “green lit” (i.e., killed) for introducing a “bad connection” who supplied poor quality narcotics to the gang.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Broderick sentenced ROMERO, 52, to three years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF..

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE TO BRING FULL RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE OF CITY GOVERNMENT TO REMEDY RIKERS ISLAND CRISIS

Task Force Will Bring Together City Hall, Eight City Agencies to Urgently Address and Implement Reforms   

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Executive Order 16, creating an interagency task force that formalizes the whole-of-government approach the Adams administration has already been applying to the crisis plaguing Rikers Island. With the full support of City Hall, the task force will coordinate and implement the multi-agency solutions needed to support the New York City Department of Correction (DOC), surge resources where needed, and provide Mayor Adams with real-time information regarding the city’s efforts. The goal is clear: to implement the recommended reforms as swiftly and efficiently as possible to keep those in custody and correctional officers safe, and to build a functional, safe, and humane jail system. The task force will be chaired by Chief Counsel Brendan McGuire and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phillip Banks. 

“Rikers Island has been mired in dysfunction and plagued by parallel crises for decades. We cannot — and will not — allow that to continue,” said Mayor Adams. “Since taking office, and working with the monitoring team, we have seen reductions in use of force and assaults on staff, increased searches for weapons and contraband, and fewer officers out on sick leave, but we must go further. This interagency task force puts the full weight of city government behind fully and immediately addressing these challenges. To the people in our care and those officers and non-uniformed personnel working there: I have your back. The city will not rest until this dysfunction is rooted out, these reforms are implemented, and the people in our care and working on the island are safe.” 

“To adequately address the parallel crises facing Rikers, we must coordinate a swift and immediate response from across city government,” said Chief Counsel McGuire. “We cannot allow the same legal and bureaucratic hurdles that have prevented meaningful change for decades to stand in our way any longer. This task force will be laser-focused on cutting through red tape and overcoming those hurdles to deliver safer jails for all.” 

“Dysfunctional government and agencies operating within silos is an unacceptable excuse for the dangerous conditions that have persisted on Rikers for years,” said Deputy Mayor Banks. “This task force, bolstered by the full backing of City Hall, will enhance communications among agencies that have historically hindered past attempts at progress. We will reform Rikers, we will build safer jails, and, together, we will build a safer city for all New Yorkers.”  

“This vital support from City Hall finally gives this agency the help it needs to bring safety and security to our jail system and fulfill the requirements of the consent judgment in both spirit and letter,” said DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “I am looking forward to working with the dedicated and talented partners at our sister agencies. Together, we are going to transform our jail system into model of safety and humanity.”

In addition to the co-chairs, the task force will include representatives from the DOC, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the New York City Law Department, the New York City Office of Labor Relations, the New York City Office of Management and Budget, the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services, and the New York City Department of Design and Construction. Additional agencies will be added as needed. 

The task force will meet weekly to take direct, concrete, and immediate action to resolve the issues identified by the Nunez monitoring team and to accomplish the objectives of the implementation plan in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. The task force will seek to quickly and fully address any and all issues related to the implementation plan and the concerns of the court, the monitoring team, the U.S. Attorney’s office, and the Nunez plaintiffs. And, finally, this task force will ensure that every relevant city agency prioritizes all Rikers-related matters brought to their attention and cooperates fully.