Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Enhance Shark Monitoring at Long Island Beaches

 

State Agencies Increase Lifeguard Staffing, Patrols, and Drone Beach Surveillance To Detect Shark Activity and Help Prevent Shark Encounters

Expands Public Outreach on Shark Safety Resources and Education

 Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the State Police to implement heightened patrols and surveillance of shark activity, including drone and helicopter monitoring, along the Long Island State Park Beaches due to recent shark encounters in the Atlantic Ocean waters off of the South Shore. The Governor also directed state agencies to expand public outreach efforts on shark safety resources and education to help beachgoers stay safe.

"As New Yorkers and visitors alike head to our beautiful Long Island beaches to enjoy the summer, our top priority is their safety," Governor Hochul said. "We are taking action to expand patrols for sharks and protect beachgoers from potentially dangerous situations. I encourage all New Yorkers to listen to local authorities and take precautions to help ensure safe and responsible beach trips this summer."

At the Governor's direction, State Parks will increase lifeguard staffing through overtime at ocean beaches by 25 percent. This will translate to approximately two to four lifeguards within each field, which will boost surveillance for sharks and other marine life from the shore, by surfboats, and through an enhanced drone beach surveillance program. There will also be additional surveillance measures through expanded drone availability, increasing from one to three available drones at Jones Beach State Park and one to two available drones at Robert Moses State Park, and Hither Hills State Park will be assigned its first drone. Park Police also have one drone available to respond as needed. Drone surveillance capabilities at Long Island State Park beaches will also expand from the current four miles to 11 miles. Additionally, State Parks has acquired extra drone batteries and rapid battery chargers to extend the duration of available drone surveillance. Long Island State Parks has 13 certified drone operators, with six more operators expected to complete certification in the coming weeks.

Other new actions include:

• Deploying Park Police patrol boats to search the water.
• Dispatching New York State Police helicopter patrols over the South Shore waters.
• Distributing outreach materials focused on education via social media, DEC listserv, and website to the public.
• Bolstering federal, state, county, and local partnerships to share resources and information about potential shark sightings and better support correct identification of sharks and other fish.

Under State Park shark safety guidelines, swimming is suspended following a shark sighting so the shoreline can be inspected by drone. Swimming is only allowed to resume at least an hour after the last sighting in order to better protect beach visitors. All sightings are referred to the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, which consists of 180 individuals from municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators stretching from Queens through Long Island. State Park lifeguards are continuously scanning and patrolling the waters and are on the lookout for any sharks or other potentially dangerous marine life.

To minimize the risk of shark interactions, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation advises the following shark safety tips:

• Avoid areas with seals.
• Avoid areas with schools of bait fish, often characterized by fish splashing on the surface, diving sea birds, or the presence of marine mammals such as dolphins.
• Avoid areas where people are fishing.
• Avoid swimming in the ocean at dusk, dawn, or nighttime.
• Avoid murky water.
• Avoid isolation. Swim, paddle, kayak, and surf in groups.
• Swim close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom.
• Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks staff.
• Adhere to all signage at beaches.

Two Men Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

 

Defendants Sprayed Police Officers With Chemical Agent

 Two men were sentenced today to 44 months in prison for assaulting law enforcement officers during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Cody Mattice, 29, of Greece, New York, and James Phillip Mault, 30, formerly of Brockport, New York, were sentenced in the District of Columbia.

According to court documents, on Jan. 2, 2021, Mault and Mattice began texting about plans to travel from New York to Washington. On Jan. 3, Mault texted Mattice to say that he had bought Mattice pepper spray and a baton. Mattice then said he had a high-powered fire extinguisher that they could keep in their vehicle to repel crowds, if necessary. On Jan. 5, Mault texted Mattice and several others, suggesting that the others bring batons, pepper spray, helmets, eye protection and “asskicking boots.”

Before marching to the Capitol on Jan. 6, Mattice recorded himself blocks away, saying, “It’s about to be nuts.” According to court documents, both men arrived on the Capitol grounds and joined others in advancing to the police perimeter at the West Plaza. Shortly before the police line was breached, Mault attempted to convince officers to stand down and join with the mob. At approximately 2:30 p.m., Mattice pulled down a segment of the metal barricades that stood in front of a police line. He quickly grabbed it with both hands, pulling it away from officers and onto the ground. A short time later, rioters overwhelmed the police line, forcing officers to retreat up a central staircase to the Lower West Terrace. Mattice and Mault were part of the group that assaulted the police line. They stood at or near the front of the group, pushing forward against the officers, who attempted to keep the rioters from advancing.

At approximately 4 p.m., Mattice and Mault approached the tunnel leading into the Capitol Building from the Lower West Terrace. They attempted to push through the crowd and climbed up and body-surfed over other rioters. After reaching the tunnel, they grabbed onto and hung from the wooden frame surrounding the arch. Mattice reached out to another rioter and grabbed a small object appearing to be a canister. He then sprayed chemical spray at police officers. After doing so, Mattice fell back and into the crowd. Mault likewise obtained a small canister containing chemical spray from another member of the crowd, and he, too, sprayed it at officers defending the tunnel. Mault also got a second canister from the crowd and provided it to another rioter.

Mattice was arrested on Oct. 7, 2021, in Hilton, New York. Mault, who now resides in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was arrested the same day in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Both pleaded guilty on April 22, 2022, to assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. Following their prison terms, each will be placed on three years of supervised release. They also must pay $2,000 each in restitution.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office and its Rochester Resident Agency and the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Mattice as #284 and Mault as #142 in its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Rochester Police Department, the Monroe County, New York Sheriff’s Office, the New York Police Department and the Brighton, New York Police Department.

In the 18 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 850 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 260 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Senator Jamaal Bailey Annual Community Barbecue - Kenny Agosto Day

 

It was a cloudy Saturday with a forecast of scattered showers, but the clouds kept the temperature down and hundreds of people were on hand for the Annual State Senator Jamaal Bailey Community Barbecue. Rain did eventually come, but only for a little while, and was gone when Mayor Eric Adams made a surprise visit. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Congress members Torres, Espaillat, and Bowman State Senator Luis Sepulveda, City Council members Marjorie Velazquez, Althea Stevens, Kevin Riley, and Oswald Feliz, and several Bronx State Assembly members and District Leaders were among the attendees. 

State Senator Bailey called up his loyal staff member Kenny Agosto, telling of Kenny's excellent work, but that Kenny would be leaving the office to join the staff of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. Senator Bailey then Presented Kenny with a Proclamation calling the day Kenny Agosto Day. Kenny was given the microphone, as he was all choked up, but went on to say it was  a pleasure to work with Senator Bailey and his staff. He added that he looks forward to his new job with Bronx Borough President Gibson not going into any details. 

You can see the community barbecue went the length of a full block where part of East 233rd Street was blocked off.

Congressman Ritchie Torres spoke, and congratulated the former co-leader of the Liberty Democratic Club Kenny Agosto on his move to the Borough President's office.

Also speaking were (R - L) Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, State Senator Luis Sepulveda, and Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia. 

Senator Jamaal Bailey introduces Mayor Eric Adams as City Council members Kevin Riley, Althea Stevens, and Marjorie Velazquez are to the right of the mayor, and Speaker Heastie is next to Mayor Adams.

Mayor Adams speaks of his joy in coming to the Bronx, which helped put him in as mayor. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson is on the left.

Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson thanks Mayor Adams (next to Speaker Heastie) for coming to the Bronx once again, adding that he is a friend of the Bronx, as she thanked everyone who came.

L- R. Councilwoman Velazquez, Bronx BP Gibson, Mayor Adams, State Senator Bailey, and Congressman Bowman.

State Senator Jamaal Bailey presents a proclamation declaring the day Kenny Agosto Day to Kenny Agosto.

 The former Dancing District Leader, Kenny Agosto did a dance to stop the rain. 

   

DEC Encourages Visitors to the Catskills to 'Love Our New York Lands' and Practice Safe, Sustainable Recreation

 

With Increased Visitation, All New Yorkers Have a Responsibility to Protect State Lands, Respect Other Visitors

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos is reminding visitors to the Peekamoose Blue Hole, and other popular areas including Kaaterskill Clove, to safely and responsibly enjoy outdoor recreation on public lands without endangering public safety or negatively impacting natural resources. This season, increased visitation to these popular areas is resulting in unsafe parking and hiking, and increased rescues, trash, and other environmental damage. DEC is encouraging all New Yorkers to practice safe and responsible recreation to protect themselves and others.

“The Catskills offer beautiful natural treasures that attract people from across the state and country, and DEC wants to continue to share these experiences,” said Commissioner Seggos. “That’s why we’re continuing to work with our partners to promote sustainable use and ensure we protect this special place. Being prepared, following the local and state requirements for public lands, and preventing damage to our trails and waterways are among the steps visitors can take to help protect themselves and the Catskills for generations to come.”

DEC is observing a continued increase in visitation to Peekamoose Blue Hole by users without the required permit, as well as unsafe parking and trash. Last year, DEC updated regulations as part of an ongoing effort to improve public safety and reduce environmental impacts in the area. A permit is required for all visitors to the Peekamoose Blue Hole and the nearby corridor along the Rondout Creek, including campers, picnickers, hikers, and anglers. Visitors need a permit seven days a week including holidays from May 15 through Sept. 15. Current regulations include:

• Visitors are required to obtain a permit for a $10 fee through Reserve America, consistent with fees for other DEC recreation-oriented Day Use Areas in the Forest Preserve;
• The permit must be displayed when on site;
• Parking in designated parking areas only. Parking along the shoulder of the road is prohibited by the town and is a tow away zone;
• Permits must list the names of all members of the visiting party when making the reservation. Names can be changed up to one day in advance;
• Prohibit alcohol and coolers larger than 12 inches in any dimension at the Blue Hole. Limited use will be allowed at nearby designated camping areas only; and
• Camping permits are now required to reserve primitive tent sites in the Lower, Middle, and Upper fields. Visit Reserve America's website to make a reservation.
  

The Blue Hole is open to permit holders from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset, except for designated camp sites nearby. Users are required to use portable restroom facilities for human waste disposal and the dumpster for all other waste. In addition, the following activities and items are prohibited (with limited use allowed at the nearby designated camping area only):

• Camping;
• All fires (including charcoal fires, wood fires, gas grills, propane stoves or other portable stoves);
• Use of portable generators;
• Glass containers; and
• Radios and other audio devices.

DEC continues its expanded outreach to connect with visitors before they plan and prepare their visit, including:

• Real-time alerts on twitter via @NYSDECAlerts - https://twitter.com/nysdecalerts - for the Peekamoose Blue Hole and Peekamoose camping sites;
• Posting the DEC Catskill Outdoor Bulletin on the backcountry information website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/108207.html;
• Offering the DEC webpage in Spanish, English, and other languages;
• Providing outreach on the permit system to websites that highlight the Blue Hole;
• Coordinating with New York State Department of Transportation to place variable message boards on both roads that lead into the Blue Hole with information about permit requirements; and
• Developing signs in both English and Spanish at the parking area and at the Peekamoose Blue Hole trailhead.

DEC continues to work with many partners including the Catskill Visitor Center, which provides the public with valuable information about the permit system and how to obtain a permit before their visit. The Center also produced a radio ad airing in the area to help explain the permit system. To complement the DEC Forest Rangers and Assistant Forest Rangers that patrol and are posted at the Blue Hole, the Catskill Center has two stewards at the location five days a week, including weekends and holidays. Stewards work to check permits, provide information about the special regulations, and educate visitors who arrive at these sites without a permit on how to obtain one for their next visit.

"Educating visitors about responsible recreation in the Catskills is what we do at the Catskills Visitor Center and through our Catskill Stewards Program at high-use areas in the Catskill Park, including the Peekamoose Blue Hole. We have heard directly from our staff about how challenging this year is given an increasing number of visitors, especially those visitors unaware of the permit system," said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. "We look forward to strengthening our partnership and collaboration with the DEC to better educate and direct visitors both before they arrive in the Catskills, and once they are here. We urge all visitors to the Catskill Park to make the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper their first stop. Once there, they will find helpful staff, informative exhibits, and free information that will help them responsibly recreate across the Catskill Park."

The requirements specific to the Peekamoose Blue Hole are part of a comprehensive effort DEC launched to encourage safe, sustainable use in the Catskills and Adirondacks earlier this summer. This includes DEC’s Love Our New York Lands campaign with information for visitors to do their part to protect State lands by encouraging sustainable use and inspiring the shared sense of responsibility and ownership of these resources. In addition, the campaign interprets the seven Leave No Trace™ principles, which provide a framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors, particularly unfamiliar audiences who may be new to hiking.

If there are no Peekamoose Blue Hole permits available for a particular day, DEC encourages visitors to develop a list of alternate locations for their outdoor adventure. Examples of opportunities for recreation within 75 miles of Blue Hole include:

Belleayre Beach  

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Mongaup Pond Campground

Bear Spring Mountain Campground

Little Pond Campground

Lake Superior State Park

Visitors are encouraged to get the latest information about these and other destinations in the Catskills by visiting the DEC and New York State Parks websites and the Catskills Visitor Center at 5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper, NY; (845) 688 -3369; https://catskillsvisitorcenter.org/.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State Tax Receipts Through First Quarter Exceed Projections By $1.7 Billion

 

State tax receipts totaled $34.4 billion through the first quarter of State Fiscal Year 2022-23, exceeding the Division of the Budget’s (DOB) Enacted Budget Financial Plan forecast by $1.7 billion, according to the monthly State Cash Report released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“The revenue news for New York was positive for the first quarter,” DiNapoli said. “However, economic headwinds are increasing, and may alter the trajectory for the remainder of the fiscal year. Bolstering rainy day reserve funds on or ahead of the schedule included in the Enacted Budget Financial Plan should be a priority.”  

State Tax Collections Through June 30

(in millions of dollars)

Personal income tax (PIT) receipts totaled $21.6 billion and were $1.7 billion above DOB’s financial plan projections through the first quarter. However, PIT receipts were $540.5 million lower than the same period in SFY 2021-22, reflecting, in part, the effects of the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET), which allows certain taxpayers to make business tax payments rather than personal income tax payments.

Year-to-date consumption and use tax collections totaled $5.1 billion, including $4.7 billion from the sales tax, which were 9.1% or $387 million higher than the same period last year, and $61.1 million higher than DOB anticipated. Business taxes totaled $6.8 billion, over double those through June in the prior fiscal year, but $80 million below financial plan projections. The large year-over-year increase is primarily the result of $2.8 billion in collections from the PTET in the month of June.

All Funds spending through June totaled $49.5 billion, which was $3.1 billion, or 6.7%, higher than last year for the same period. All Funds spending through June was $4 billion lower than financial plan projections, primarily due to lower than anticipated spending for local assistance payments. State Operating Funds spending totaled $27.4 billion, $1.4 billion, or 5.5%, higher than last year and $1.4 billion lower than projected. 

The State’s General Fund ended July with a balance of $43.8 billion, $28.3 billion higher than last year at the same time, reflecting, in part, an influx of federal pandemic relief funds, and $3.8 billion higher than projected, primarily due to higher than anticipated tax collections and lower than anticipated spending.

Report

June Cash Report

Related Report

State Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Enacted Budget Financial Plan report

U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Suit against Chicago Cubs Alleging Wrigley Field Renovations and Expansion Violated Americans with Disabilities Act

 

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois today filed a federal civil lawsuit against the CHICAGO CUBS, alleging the team failed to ensure that recent additions and alterations at Wrigley Field were appropriately accessible to individuals with disabilities, including people who use wheelchairs, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit alleges that the team’s renovation, rehabilitation, expansion, and reconstruction of Wrigley Field – a multi-year undertaking known as “the 1060 Project” – discriminated against individuals with disabilities.  To facilitate the changes made by the 1060 Project, the Cubs rebuilt a sizable portion of the preexisting Wrigley Field facility, including demolishing and reconstructing the bleachers and tearing down most of the lower grandstand and rebuilding it.  These extensive changes were subject to the ADA’s requirements for design, construction, and alterations, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit alleges that throughout the 1060 Project, the Cubs failed to provide wheelchair users with adequate sightlines as compared to standing patrons or incorporate wheelchair seating into new premium clubs and group seating areas.  In the general admission areas, the Cubs designed and constructed the wheelchair seating so that it is largely clustered in the last row of seating sections – in violation of the requirements of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design – and failed to remove architectural barriers to access in unaltered portions of Wrigley Field where it was readily achievable to do so, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, names as defendants the Cubs and other corporate owners and operators of the Wrigley Field facility – CHICAGO BASEBALL HOLDINGS LLC, WRIGLEY FIELD HOLDINGS LLC, and WF MASTER TENANT LLC.  The suit seeks declaratory, injunctive, and monetary relief to remedy the alleged ADA violations.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abraham J. Souza and Patrick W. Johnson represent the government.

“The Cubs rebuilt much of Wrigley Field and had ample opportunity – and a significant ADA obligation – to incorporate wheelchair seating and other accessible elements into the updated facility,” said John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to ensuring equal accessibility for individuals with disabilities.”

“For 32 years, the ADA has set clear requirements to ensure that public venues such as sports facilities are accessible,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce the law to ensure that fans with disabilities and their families are able to enjoy their ballpark experience.”

Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, such as sports stadiums, from excluding people with disabilities from enjoying goods, services, privileges, facilities, and advantages provided.  To learn more about the obligations of public accommodations under federal disability rights statutes, call the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301, 800-514-0383 (TTY).

For more information regarding the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat discrimination in public accommodations, please visit the official ADA government website.

Bronx Woman Charged With Trafficking 20 Firearms

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), and Keechant L. Sewell, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (NYPD), announced today that BRANDY ARIAS was charged with firearms trafficking and traveling interstate with intent to engage in firearms trafficking, in connection with her illegally selling firearms in the Bronx, New York.  ARIAS was arrested yesterday and will be presented today before Magistrate Judge James L. Cott in Manhattan federal court.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “As alleged, Brandy Arias was in the business of illegally selling guns on the streets of New York City.  Because of the efforts of our law enforcement partners in this investigation, we have taken twenty guns off the streets and prevented more from coming to New York City from another state.  Arias’s arrest and prosecution should send a message to anyone attempting to illegally traffick guns in our City that they will be found and prosecuted.”

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge John DeVito said:  “This arrest highlights ATF’s mission to stop the flow of illegal firearms into our communities.  We will continue to partner with others to disrupt the shooting cycle and to keep people safe.  Special thanks to the NYPD’s 46th Field Intelligence Unit for their partnership and commitment to this case.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said:  “Stopping the flow of illegal guns into New York City is at the forefront of our public-safety mission.  The NYPD and our law-enforcement partners are sending a clear and definitive message: If you traffic in these deadly weapons, you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. That is the promise we made to the people we serve, and we will never relent in our fight against gun violence. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the ATF’s New York Field Division, and all of the investigators who worked on this important case.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint filed in court today[1]:

From about March 2022 to July 2022, BRANDY ARIAS illegally sold twenty firearms, as well as ammunition and magazines, to an undercover law enforcement officer (the “UC”) in the Bronx, New York.  These sales occurred on eight different occasions, including in the middle of the day near a residential building and outside of a fast-food restaurant. 

As part of the scheme, in or about June 2022 and July 2022, ARIAS traveled between New York and Florida for the purpose of obtaining firearms to illegally resell in New York.  On at least two occasions shortly after traveling to Florida, ARIAS sold firearms to the UC in the Bronx.

On July 14, 2022, ARIAS met the UC outside of a fast-food restaurant in the Bronx with the intent to sell the UC an additional firearm.  At that time, ARIAS was arrested.

BRANDY ARIAS, 21, of the Bronx, New York is charged with one count of firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and one count of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the ATF and the NYPD in this investigation.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. 

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 7/11/22-7/15/22

 

Dear Community,

On Sunday, Elijah Muhammad became the tenth detainee to die while imprisoned on Rikers Island. He lay dead inside a cell hours before correction staff members discovered his body. 

This incident follows an alarming trend of rising deaths among the Rikers prison population, which have spiked to an all-time high this year. These deaths are not isolated incidents; they are part of a pattern of negligence and lack of safety at Rikers.

Sending individuals to a prison complex should not be equivalent to a death sentence. Unfortunately, the deprivation of basic resources like food, beds, and medical attention, along with repeatedly mismanaged policies, have created an environment at Rikers that is often violent for detainees and staff, many of whom are awaiting trial or being detained for technical parole violations. 

Enough is enough. Despite the continued decreases in the Rikers prison population, conditions at the facility have not improved. The City has proven yet again its inability to create a safe, humane environment for individuals held at Rikers, so I am calling for management of the complex to be taken over by a federal receiver until the prison is closed. Read my full statement here.

This has gone on long enough, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. It is time for a new approach that solves this humanitarian crisis and values the safety of all individuals––detainees, staff, and medical workers––at Rikers Island.

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi