MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL KICK OFF CONSTRUCTION ON 103 AFFORDABLE HOMES, COMMUNITY GYM IN THE BRONX

$55 Million Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Project Will Serve Low-Income, Formerly Homeless New Yorkers in Mount Hope Neighborhood

 

Project Reflects Goals of Mayor Adams’ ‘Housing Our Neighbors’ Blueprint, Builds on Largest Affordable Housing Investment in City’s History

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $55 million affordable housing development in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx. Known as Mount Hope Walton Apartments, the new development will include 103 homes affordable to low-income New Yorkers — including 16 for those who formerly experienced homelessness — and a 9,500-square-foot community gymnasium.

 

“We are making record investments in truly affordable housing, and this project will ensure that New Yorkers from 103 households have a safe, clean place to rest their heads at night,” said Mayor Adams. “We are bringing our resources to bear on the city’s affordable housing crisis, from financial resources to city-owned land, and our close partnership with Governor Hochul is ensuring that we ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers.”

 

“Every New Yorker deserves high-quality affordable housing, and this new housing development is part of my administration’s commitment to increase the supply of high-quality housing across the Bronx,” said Governor Hochul. “This $55 million mixed-use development will enhance the neighborhood, improve the lives of its residents, and strengthen the community they call home. By joining forces with Mayor Adams, we are making sure everyone in New York has the dignity of a roof over their heads.”

 

Mount Hope Walton Apartments reflects the goals of Mayor Adams’ “Housing Our Neighbors” blueprint for getting New Yorkers into safe, high-quality, affordable homes. The first city housing plan to cover the entire spectrum of New Yorkers’ housing needs and options, the blueprint builds on Mayor Adams’ $22 billion capital commitment to affordable housing, the largest such investment in the city’s history.

 

The new development will be constructed adjacent to the existing Mount Hope Community Center on Walton Avenue. The community gymnasium will include a fitness center and regulation-size basketball court for high school games. The space will be leased to a nonprofit operator for a nominal rent, with programming available to residents and the community.

 

The building’s upper floors will consist of a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. All 103 apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Sixteen apartments will be reserved for families experiencing homelessness.

 

Additional residential amenities will include laundry facilities, two indoor recreation rooms, outdoor recreation space, and bike storage.

 

The developers are Procida Development Group, LLC, and Mt. Hope Housing Corporation.

 

City support for the project includes $15.8 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) through the Mix and Match program. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) also deeded city-owned land to Mount Hope Housing for the development. State financing for Mount Hope Walton Apartments includes Low-Income Tax Credits that will generate $23 million equity and $2.6 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The New York City Council and Bronx borough president provided $2.25 million in combined Reso A funding. Additional financing is being provided by Webster National Bank.

 

“Mixed-use, community-focused housing developments are vital to tackling our housing shortage while also preserving neighborhoods for long-term residents, which is at the heart of ‘Housing Our Neighbors,’ a citywide blueprint for housing and homelessness,” said New York City Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “These 103 new affordable apartments and the new gym will strengthen the Mount Hope neighborhood, help our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and better support the community’s current and future residents. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

 

“New York City’s comprehensive housing blueprint prioritizes the creation of affordable housing that can also bring amenities that meet the community’s needs. Mount Hope Walton Apartments will bring 103 affordable homes to the Mount Hope neighborhood, as well as provide a community gym with programming for residents and their neighbors,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Congratulations to Mount Hope Housing Company and Procida Companies for breaking ground on this wonderful development. We look forward to welcoming residents home soon.”

 

“This new mixed-use development delivers on key commitments laid out in Mayor Adams’ housing blueprint to increase and provide safe, affordable housing to more New Yorkers,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “We are proud to have worked with the Mount Hope Housing Company to facilitate the land sale to bring over 100 affordable homes and recreational opportunities to the Mount Hope neighborhood.”

 

“On behalf of our third-generation Bronx-based family business, I would like to express our excitement, gratitude, and optimism as we break ground on 1761 Walton Avenue,” said Peter Procida, principal, Procida Companies. “At Procida, we specialize in realizing the potential of even the most challenging sites to develop. It brings us great joy to have helped Mount Hope Housing deliver on its vision. We look forward to having over 100 households move in when we are complete and having the new recreational space serve as a safe and welcoming resource to the community.”

 

“Today’s groundbreaking marks the realization of a dream 20 years in the making,” said Fritz Jean, CEO, Mount Hope Housing Company. “1761 Walton will help Mount Hope deliver on its mission of providing community development, affordable housing, and youth services all together on this amazing campus. ‘Amazing things are happening here’ is a motto of ours, and this new building will be the embodiment of that ideal. We appreciate the expertise, resilience, and creativity of our partners at the Procida Companies. Finally, we extend our gratitude to the government agencies and elected leaders who helped fund this project and make the dream into a reality.”

 

“We need real affordable housing in the Bronx, and these new 103 units at 1761 Walton Avenue are a welcomed addition to our neighborhood,” said New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “This new housing development will provide working families with an affordable place to live and help New Yorkers struggling with homelessness to achieve long-term stability with a place to call home. I’m excited about the new recreational center and the partnership with Mount Hope Community Center to offer community members a safe space to enjoy healthy activities. I commend the city and state for working together and investing in critical housing projects for the Bronx.”

 

“Through this $55 million affordable housing development in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx that includes 103 affordable one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 16 of them set aside for those impacted by homelessness, Procida Development Group, LLC and Mount Hope Housing are answering the call of housing advocates citywide who correctly assert that housing is a human right,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “The project also ensures neighborhood residents are provided the opportunity to apply to the facility that includes recreational space, a workout room, a basketball court, and other amenities that further demonstrate their leadership as a model for other developers looking to build locally to follow.”

FORMER CHIEF OF ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY SENTENCED TO 9 MONTHS’ JAIL FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING PATIENT IN BRONX HOSPITAL

 

Defendant Found Guilty of Multiple Charges

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that Dr. Woojin Cho, former Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore Hospital, has been sentenced to nine months’ jail for sexually abusing a patient.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, who is an orthopedic surgeon, sexually abused a patient who had gone to him for an appointment. He inappropriately touched her and kissed her, and then told her to keep it a secret. His abuse of power and actions are inexcusable.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Dr. Woojin Cho, 48, of Hartsdale, NY, was sentenced today by Bronx Criminal Court Judge Audrey Stone after he was convicted of Forcible Touching, third-degree Sexual Abuse, and second-degree Harassment by a jury on May 25, 2022. The defendant was sentenced to nine months’ jail for Forcible Touching, 90 days’ jail for the Sexual Abuse charge, and 15 days’ jail for Harassment, to run concurrently.

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that Dr. Woojin Cho, former Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore Hospital, has been sentenced to nine months’ jail for sexually abusing a patient. District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, who is an orthopedic surgeon, sexually abused a patient who had gone to him for an appointment. He inappropriately touched her and kissed her, and then told her to keep it a secret. His abuse of power and actions are inexcusable.” District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Dr. Woojin Cho, 48, of Hartsdale, NY, was sentenced today by Bronx Criminal Court Judge Audrey Stone after he was convicted of Forcible Touching, third-degree Sexual Abuse, and second-degree Harassment by a jury on May 25, 2022. The defendant was sentenced to nine months’ jail for Forcible Touching, 90 days’ jail for the Sexual Abuse charge, and 15 days’ jail for Harassment, to run concurrently.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked now retired Detective Ivan Rodriguez, formerly of the Bronx Special Victims Squad, for his assistance in the investigation.

Romanian National Known As “Virus” Extradited For Operating “Bulletproof Hosting” Service That Facilitated The Distribution Of Destructive Malware

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that MIHAI IONUT PAUNESCU, a/k/a “Virus,” a dual Romanian and Latvian national, was extradited from Colombia for allegedly running a “bulletproof hosting” service that enabled cyber criminals to distribute the Gozi Virus, one of the most financially destructive computer viruses in history.  PAUNESCU also allegedly enabled other cybercrimes, such as distributing malware including the “Zeus Trojan” and the “SpyEye Trojan,” initiating and executing distributed denial of service (“DDoS”) attacks, and transmitting spam.  PAUNESCU was initially arrested in Romania in December 2012 and released on bail, and he was arrested again in Colombia last year at the request of the United States.  PAUNESCU was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein and detained.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Mihai Ionut Paunescu is alleged to have run a “bulletproof hosting” service that enabled cyber criminals throughout the world to spread the Gozi Virus and other malware and to commit numerous other cybercrimes.  His hosting service was specifically designed to allow cyber criminals to remain hidden and anonymous from law enforcement.  Even though he was initially arrested in 2012, Paunescu will finally be held accountable inside a U.S. courtroom.  This case demonstrates that we will work with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to pursue cyber criminals who target Americans, no matter how long it takes.”

According to allegations in documents filed in Manhattan federal court[1]:

The Gozi Virus is malicious computer code or “malware” that stole personal bank account information, including usernames and passwords, from the users of affected computers. The Gozi Virus infected over one million victim computers worldwide, among them at least 40,000 computers in the United States, including computers belonging to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”), as well as computers in Germany, Great Britain, Poland, France, Finland, Italy, Turkey and elsewhere, and it caused tens of millions of dollars in losses to the individuals, businesses, and government entities whose computers were infected.  Once installed, the Gozi Virus – which was intentionally designed to be undetectable by anti-virus software – collected data from the infected computer in order to capture personal bank account information, including usernames and passwords.  That data was then transmitted to various computer servers controlled by the cyber criminals who used the Gozi Virus.  These cyber criminals then used the personal bank account information to transfer funds out of the victims’ bank accounts and ultimately into their own personal possession.

“Bulletproof hosting” services helped cyber criminals distribute the Gozi Virus with little fear of detection by law enforcement.  Bulletproof hosts provided cyber criminals using the Gozi Virus with the critical online infrastructure they needed, such as Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses and computer servers, in a manner designed to enable them to preserve their anonymity.

PAUNESCU operated a “bulletproof hosting” service that helped cyber criminals distribute the Gozi Virus and commit other cybercrimes, such as distributing malware including the “Zeus Trojan” and the “SpyEye Trojan,” initiating and executing DDoS attacks, and transmitting spam.  PAUNESCU rented servers and IP addresses from legitimate Internet service providers and then in turn rented them to cyber criminals; provided servers that cyber criminals used as command-and-control servers to conduct DDoS attacks; monitored the IP addresses that he controlled to determine if they appeared on a special list of suspicious or untrustworthy IP addresses; and relocated his customers’ data to different networks and IP addresses, including networks and IP addresses in other countries, to avoid being blocked as a result of private security or law enforcement scrutiny.

PAUNESCU, 37, of Bucharest, Romania, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The maximum and minimum potential sentences 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 investigative work of the FBI.  Mr. Williams also thanked the NASA Office of Inspector General, and the Columbian National Police.  In addition, Mr. Williams thanked the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (“CCIPS”) for its partnership in this matter.  The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division and the United States Marshal Service provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Colombia.

The charges contained in the Indictment 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 Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces Latest Monkeypox Vaccine Distribution Following 2B Allocation From the Federal Government

 All New Yorkers Should Learn About Monkeypox to Protect Themselves and Prevent Spread

Visit health.ny.gov/monkeypox

Text "MONKEYPOX" to 81336 or "MONKEYPOXESP" for Alerts in Spanish

 Governor Kathy Hochul today, along with the New York State Department of Health, announced the distribution of the JYNNEOS vaccine in New York, following an additional allocation of 8,822 doses to New York State from the federal government. New York City will receive its own allocation of 23,963 doses directly from the federal government.

"New York continues to face a disproportionate number of monkeypox cases," Governor Hochul said. "I want to thank President Biden, Dr. Jha and other Administration officials for their partnership to secure additional vaccines for our state. While the national supply remains limited, we will continue our efforts to confront this outbreak with the urgency needed to ensure that New York receives its fair share of vaccines and protect our most vulnerable communities."

In this phase of vaccine distribution ("2B"), NYSDOH has allocated 2,000 of its doses to New York City, given the high number of cases concentrated in the area. The rest of the State's allocation will be distributed to counties based on the number of monkeypox cases in their locality, proximity to New York City, and ability to reach vaccine-eligible New Yorkers. All doses in this allocation are recommended to be administered as a first dose of the two-dose vaccine series. While vaccine supply remains limited, more vaccine is expected in the coming weeks and months to ensure New Yorkers get both doses needed to be considered fully vaccinated.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "We continue to work with our federal partners to advocate for the vaccine supply New York needs as we ensure New York's healthcare providers and local county health departments have the guidance, resources, and infrastructure they need. New Yorkers should stay informed about monkeypox, including symptoms - such as common rashes - how the virus spreads, and what to do following exposure. If you have a rash, learn about treatment on our website and contact a healthcare provider."

NYSDOH is committed to an equitable distribution of vaccine, and as it has since Phase 1, eligibility remains focused on individuals with known or likely exposure in areas with the highest number of cases. In accordance with CDC guidance advising Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for the current Monkeypox outbreak, those already exposed or likely to have been exposed are prioritized in the State allocation by county.

Eligibility includes the following New Yorkers:

• Individuals with recent exposure to monkeypox within the past 14 days.
• Those at high risk of a recent exposure to monkeypox, including members of the gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming community and other communities of men who have sex with men and who have engaged in intimate or skin-to-skin contact with others in the past 14 days areas where monkeypox is spreading.
• Individuals who have had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, including men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, digital application ("app"), or social event, such as a bar or party.

Of the 8,822 doses allocated to New York State from the federal government, 1,000 will be distributed to Nassau County, 1,800 to Suffolk County, 2,600 to Westchester County, 600 to Erie County, 600 to Monroe County, and 300 to Saratoga County - though 100 of Saratoga County's 300 doses will be taken from doses previously reserved by NYSDOH (from Phase "2A"). Albany County, which just announced its first case, will receive 40 doses and 2,000 doses will be allocated to New York City.

In addition to vaccine distribution, NYSDOH has launched a comprehensive public education campaign to get monkeypox information directly to New Yorkers. This includes paid, digital advertising to reach men who have sex with men and the creation of a dedicated website with the latest information on monkeypox. The website has free, downloadable materials including a palm card, information card, handout, and posters available in both English and Spanish. Just last week, Governor Hochul and NYSDOH launched a new SMS text message effort to get New Yorkers information about monkeypox, including the ability to opt-in to location-based messages that may include the availability of vaccine and care in New Yorkers' areas.

Anyone can get monkeypox, which is primarily spread through close, physical contact between people. Based on the current outbreak, certain populations are being affected more than others, including men who have sex with men. Information from previous outbreaks around the world indicate that elderly New Yorkers, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, and children under 8 years of age may be at heightened risk for severe outcomes.

All New Yorkers can protect themselves and prevent the spread of monkeypox in their communities:

• Ask sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkeypox-related symptoms.
• Contact a healthcare provider following exposure or symptoms, and check with your local county health department about vaccine eligibility.
• New Yorkers who receive the JYNNEOS vaccine should receive both doses, given four-weeks apart, and stay vigilant until fully vaccinated, two weeks following the second dose.
• If you or your healthcare provider suspect you may have monkeypox, isolate at home. If you can, stay in a separate area from other family members and pets.
• Follow reputable sources of health information, including NYSDOH, CDC, and your local county health department.

New Yorkers can sign-up for the text campaign by texting "MONKEYPOX" to 81336 or "MONKEYPOXESP" for texts in Spanish. New Yorkers will be able to provide their zip code to opt-in to location-based messaging, if they choose.

For more information about monkeypox, including case counts by county, treatment, and care, visit health.ny.gov/monkeypox.

New Yorkers can learn more about New York State's first vaccine allocation from the federal government here and the second allocation ("2A") here.

UPDATED w/VIDEO - Military Scam Tips Consumer Alert: New York State Division of Consumer Protection Warns the Military Community to be Aware of Scams Targeting Servicemembers

 

Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez Offers Tips to Increase Awareness to Help Prevent Fraud

July is Military Consumer Protection Month

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds active service members, veterans, and their families to be on alert for scams targeting the military community. The rise in these scams take a variety of forms such as deceptive financial services, identity theft, online shopping, employment and even impersonation, just to name a few. In recognition of Military Consumer Protection Month, DCP supports servicemembers by providing targeted scam prevention tips for the military community to empower them with actionable fraud prevention tips for greater awareness and control over their finances.

Scams are surging nationwide, and members of the military community are frequent targets of scammers. Many service members are young, often live away from home with frequent relocations and are managing their own finances for the first time. They collect steady paychecks and receive a range of benefits, which makes them attractive targets for opportunistic scammers. According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data, fraud cost veterans, service members and their families $267 million in 2021, an astonishing 162 percent increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the median loss for military scam victims was $600, which is 20 percent higher than for the general public.

“In 2021, New York State had more than 20,000 active service members, and we recognize their sacrifices and unique challenges,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “We are grateful for their service and everything they do to protect our nation, so it is especially important that we shield these brave men and women from financial and reputational harm.”

"The men and women of our New York National Guard appreciate the consumer protection support provided by New York State, alongside the thousands of other service members stationed across our great State," said Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York. "Highlighting these tips and raising awareness across the military helps strengthen individual and family preparedness to confront business scams designed to target our uniformed men and women. We thank New York state for placing attention on this important issue."

SCAM PREVENTION TIPS FOR ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS:

TIP #1: PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT BY USING AN “ACTIVE-DUTY ALERT”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that active duty servicemembers file reports of identity theft at much higher rates than non-military consumers. If you are called to active duty, put an “Active-Duty Alert” on your credit report to minimize your risk for identity theft. Benefits include:

• Businesses must verify identity before issuing new credit
• Lasts one year but is renewable
• Removes names from marketing lists for unsolicited credit and insurance offers for two years

To add an Active-Duty Alert on your credit report, contact any one of the three main credit reporting agencies. Once you have placed an Active-Duty Alert on your credit report with one of the bureaus, that bureau will send a request to the other two bureaus to do the same, so you do not have to contact all three. https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/CreditBureauContacts

TIP #2: PROTECT YOUR PURCHASES AND INVESTMENTS

No matter where you shop, you should do your research first. It’s important to search online for credible opinions from trusted sources and compare reviews from a variety of websites.

Know what to look for when buying or selling a vehicle:

A vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases you will make. If you are buying or selling a vehicle, below are a few red flags to look for:

The NYS Division of Consumer Protection recommends the following scam precautions for active duty servicemembers to help identify when something isn’t right to ensure that they are prepared to protect their personal information, accounts, identity, and money from fraudulent practices.

• Be skeptical of so-called “military friendly” sellers:
  • Scammers often do this to get you to let down your guard. Be wary of anyone that is offering an “incredible deal,” sometimes claiming to be the family of a servicemember who was recently deployed or died in combat. In both situations, the scammer is using servicemember affinity to discourage you from looking too closely at the deal or negotiating in good faith.
    
    
• Be cautious of fake websites or fake listings:
  • These fake websites often post ads that offer false discounts for military personnel and upfront fees that require a wire transfer.
    
    
  • Scammers often list vehicles for sale on online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook, and Craigslist. The scammers collect a deposit or the advertised price of the vehicle and then disappear.
    
    
• If you’re buying:
  • Research the vehicle and its cost. Some dealers try to overcharge service members, offer unfavorable terms, or add on expensive optional products, like paint protection, service contracts or Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance.
    
    
  • Don’t act on impulse or pressure. Salespeople will often want you to buy the car immediately but take the time to research the price and check out the car carefully, including getting a used vehicle history report.
    
    
• If you are selling or trading in a vehicle, use a resource like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or the National Automobile Dealers Association’s Guides to determine how much your current car is worth.
  
  
• If financing, do extensive research to understand your options. Be wary of “instant approval” military loans (“no credit check,” “all ranks approved”) that can have high interest rates and hidden fees.

Learn to identify fake rental properties:

Scammers will often steal a photo from the internet to create a fake rental listing in an effort to steal your deposits or the private information on your rental application. Be cautious of listings that are advertising an unusually low rent or are much nicer than other properties at that price point. Make sure to pay any application fees or deposits by check or credit card. If you are required to pay a fee via wire transfer or money transfer app to see the property, it’s usually a fake.

TIP #3: KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH

• Imposter scam artists will often portray themselves as someone they are not to trick you into giving them your personal information or money. They may pose as a friend on social media, a romantic interest on a dating app, or a fellow service member to gain your trust. If anyone reaches out to you over social media, email, phone, text, or dating apps and asks for money or financial information, ignore them, and report the fraud. Never provide personal or financial information to someone if you did not initiate contact with them. These are often attempts to steal your identity and gain access to your money.
  
  
• If a debt collector contacts you and you don’t recognize the company or the debt, first request information to ensure the debt collector and the debt are both legitimate. Unscrupulous debt collectors will often insist you owe a debt even if you don’t.
  
  
• Be wary if you are asked to pay in an unusual manner, such as a money transfer app or by using a reloadable gift card. These methods are untraceable, and it’s nearly impossible to get your money back.
  
  
• Be suspicious of anyone who communicates exclusively through social media, messaging apps or email. Be especially wary of those who refuse to give you alternate methods to contact them.

New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist, and empower the State’s consumers. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, a scam or have questions about whom you are dealing with, contact the Division’s Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220 on Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays. You may also file a consumer complaint any time at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. 

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

News from BP Gibson: Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

 

On Sunday, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene hosted a one-day mass Monkeypox vaccination site at the Bronx High School of Science. An hour after the patient portal set up by DOHMH was opened, all the appointments were filled. This demonstrates the urgent need we have for a permanent Monkeypox vaccination site and sexual health clinic in our borough. For this reason, I joined with fellow Borough Presidents Mark D. Levine, Donovan Richards, Antonio Reynoso and Vito Fossella to call for more vaccines from the CDC. New York City received 14,500 vaccinations, accounting for 10% of the national total even though the city has 32% of the nation’s Monkeypox cases. The letter can be found here and the letter we sent to the White House advocating for recommendations to combat hunger here.

 

Since the Supreme Court`s decision to repeal abortion rights in our country, we have been fighting to make sure that abortion remains accessible in our city and that the services available to women are legitimate and safe. Crisis Pregnancy Centers are facilities that provide services to pregnant women while having the appearance of a licensed medical facility but do not actually have a license to provide medical or pharmaceutical services. In the past, some of these facilities obscured which services they offered, appearing to be clinics that offered a full range of reproductive healthcare options while not actually providing access to abortion services.

 

Last week, the New York City Council passed Intro. 506, a legislative package that will hold Crisis Pregnancy Centers accountable for misleading pregnant women and advertising services they legally cannot provide. This is a big step towards making sure that the reproductive services provided in the city of New York remain protected. Thank you to Council Member Carlina Rivera for joining me in sponsoring this important bill.

 

As we recover from yesterday’s torrential downpour and subsequent flooding throughout our borough and city, I urge everyone to take precautions for the incoming heatwave. Please stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities and take advantage of our cooling centers. To find your nearest cooling center, please visit here.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

HEALTH UPDATES

IN THE COMMUNITY  Project Renewal's Bedford Green House I attended the ribbon cutting for Project renewal's Bedford Green house. The building boasts 117 supportive and affordable units with 71 apartments set aside for New Yorkers who previously experienced homelessness, families impacted by mental illness and substance use disorder, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Samaritan Daytop Village Ribbon Cutting Last week, we also opened Samaritan Day Top Village, a short-term treatment and stabilization program that offers services for people experiencing mental health or substance use needs. The facility will be staffed by medical professionals with crisis management experience. Since before the pandemic, mental health has been an on going issue in our borough and we must continue take steps towards providing adequate services for our most vulnerable neighbors UPCOMING EVENTS

AOC was Arrested by Capitol Police outside the Supreme Court during an abortion rights demonstration.

 

Alexandria was just arrested by Capitol Police outside the Supreme Court during an abortion rights demonstration.

 There is so much at stake in a post-Roe United States. And it’s up to the President and the Democratic-majority in Congress to act NOW.

Alexandria understands the urgency, which is why today she joined organizers, activists, and 17 fellow members of Congress for an abortion rights demonstration outside the Supreme Court — where she was just arrested.

Alexandria will not rest until Congress does what needs to be done to codify abortion care as a human right in our country.

Since the Roe announcement, Alexandria laid out a legislative action plan, started sharing information on how to access medical abortion on social media, and together with our movement has raised over $465,000 for five abortion funds across the country.

History shows that peaceful civil disobedience is an effective tool for movements to disrupt business as usual and demonstrate the moral imperative of the moment. Thank you to the organizers and activists with Center for Popular Democracy Action for leading this effort.

Together, we will keep fighting to protect abortion access and the right to bodily autonomy.

Thank you,

Team AOC

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY METRO

 

In Effect for Wednesday, July 20, 2022

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions for Wednesday, July 20, 2022.  

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone 

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

OZONE 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere. 

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor. 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available. 

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps: 

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips; 
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas; 
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; 
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air; 
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters; 
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures; 
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and 
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation. 

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up for DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

The Wednesday, July 20, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Region 1 Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties and Region 2 New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties.