NYS Office of the Comptroller - DiNapoli: The Rockaways Shows Signs of Recovery After Economic Setback

Communities in the Rockaways were some of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than two years after the pandemic first struck, an economic report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli finds positive signs of business and employment growth that offer reason to believe the Rockaways is on the road to recovery. New York City’s iconic Rockaway Peninsula is an 11-mile-long barrier in Southwestern Queens. The communities along the peninsula are Far Rockaway, Bayswater, Edgemere, Arverne, Hammels, Seaside, Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach and Breezy Point. “After the devastation of Superstorm Sandy and massive efforts to rebuild, The Rockaways was battered by the pandemic. Now there’s good reason to be optimistic about the Rockaways’ recovery from the COVID-19 setback,” DiNapoli said. “Jobs have returned, and new businesses are opening, adding strength to the local economy. Despite these positive steps, many Rockaways residents remain unemployed and there are stark income disparities between communities on the peninsula. It’s critical that social and economic inequities that existed prior to the pandemic are addressed as part of the recovery.” Pre-Pandemic Economic Growth and Post-Pandemic Recovery The Rockaways saw steady business growth since 2000, with the number of businesses increasing by nearly 60% (459 firms) to reach a peak of 1,281 firms in 2021. This was substantially greater than the borough of Queens (43.8%) and citywide (28.5%) business growth. Almost 82% of the businesses on the peninsula were microbusinesses, defined as having fewer than 10 employees. As of 2021, retail trade accounted for the largest number of firms, followed by health care, leisure and hospitality and professional and business services. The Rockaways also experienced strong employment growth following a decline in 2013 caused by Superstorm Sandy, with the number of workers employed on the peninsula growing by almost 40% by 2019, just prior to the start of the pandemic. As with businesses, this expansion in jobs outpaced borough and citywide employment growth. With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, employment on the peninsula declined, although by a slower percentage than in Queens or citywide. Job losses were reversed by 2021, however, with employment growing in all sectors except transportation and warehousing. Population on the peninsula increased by 8% between 2010 and 2020. This was slightly higher than population growth in Queens (7.8%) and citywide (7.7%), and was accompanied by a shift in composition, as the share of residents who identified as either Hispanic or Asian increased significantly. The Pandemic’s Heavy Impact Underscored Disparities and Challenges Despite the Rockaways’ improving economic trajectory, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored and exacerbated longstanding inequities in the area, where rates of unemployment, food insecurity and poverty vary widely between communities.   The 54.5% share of Rockaways residents aged 16 and over that were employed in the 2016-2020 period was higher than the share of those who were working in the 2006-2010 period, but still lower than the borough and citywide shares. However, employment growth rates over the decade varied drastically from community-to-community, ranging from 73.6% in Arverne to less than 2% in Edgemere and Rockaway Park, signaling uneven economic growth across the peninsula. The Rockaways also had the highest share of households living below the federal poverty threshold (18.3%) among the 14 Census-defined neighborhoods in Queens in 2016-2020. Household poverty rates were lowest in Belle Harbor (1.3%) and highest in Far Rockaway (22%) and Edgemere (28.6%). Housing affordability was a pressing issue for Rockaways residents during this period, as 51% of renters were considered rent burdened, with at least 30% of their income going towards rent, and 25% were considered severely rent burdened, with at least 50% of their income put towards rent. Notably, the rent burden level for the area was not as acute as it was for Queens (53%) or citywide (28%).  Food insecurity has also been an issue for Rockaways residents, particularly in Edgemere and Hammels, where more than one-half and one-quarter of households, respectively, relied on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program between 2016 and 2020. Compounding economic challenges that existed prior to the pandemic, Rockaways residents were particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the city’s Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity (TRIE) to designate an area comprised of four out of five ZIP code areas in the Rockaways as one of the city’s 33 hardest hit areas by the pandemic. This area also had some of the lowest vaccination rates across the city. As of July 11, 2022, one of these four ZIP code areas, 11691, which includes Far Rockaway, Edgemere, Bayswater and Hammels, had the highest number of COVID-19 deaths and cumulative death rates across the peninsula, as well as the second-highest death rate in Queens and the fifth-highest death rate of all 177 ZIP code areas in the city. In addition to being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Rockaways, a barrier susceptible to storm surges and climate risks, was ravaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and experienced extensive damage to essential infrastructure and private property. The TRIE designation and impacts of these public health and storm emergencies reflect the vulnerability of the area. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Community Resilience Estimates 2019 data showed that more than one-half of Arverne and Far Rockaway residents were at medium risk of experiencing disaster in an emergency event with more than two-fifths of Edgemere residents categorized as high risk. "Comptroller DiNapoli's report shows some encouraging signs of economic growth in the Rockaways as the peninsula emerges from the devastation wrought by COVID-19," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Still, much more needs to be done to address the economic and social inequalities that have been long felt in the Rockaways and were exacerbated by the pandemic. This report lays a strong foundation upon to which to build upon our efforts to bring prosperity to all Rockaways residents,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “Over the decade since Hurricane Sandy we have healed and come together to become a stronger community and over the last two years we battled through the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, I believe we are on a positive path towards economic growth and strength with the opening of new businesses and housing developments, however we still struggle with unemployment and transportation among other issues on the peninsula. The Comptroller’s Economic Snapshot provides valuable information on how far we have come and what is still left to be done,” said State Senator James Sanders Jr. “I am proud to have worked in partnership with Comptroller DiNapoli and his office to furnish an economic and demographic snapshot of the Rockaways. From data on healthcare and housing to infrastructure and food insecurity, this report will serve as a helpful tool for informing legislation, programs, and resources to improve quality of life for our Rockaway community. Whether rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy or recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, this report shines a bright light on both the adversity and resilience of the Rockaway peninsula. As a lawmaker, I look forward to referencing Comptroller DiNapoli's report as our community works collaboratively to close socioeconomic gaps and promote the economic health of the Rockaway community,” said Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson “I am a lifelong Rockaway resident and have seen the strides we have made, especially in the past few years as indicated in the report by the NYS Comptroller’s Office. I thank Comptroller DiNapoli for presenting this vital information as it shows that our business and employment numbers have increased, our median household incomes have grown to new heights, and our post Hurricane Sandy resiliency efforts have been effective. While this community still faces many challenges, I am committed to bringing new resources from the State and rolling up my sleeves to fight for what we need in the Rockaway community,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.  "From Superstorm Sandy to COVID-19's devastating effect on Rockaway residents, the Rockaways is on the rise," said NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brook-Powers, Chair to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "Though geographically isolated from transportation hubs, Eastern Rockaway communities remain economically resilient, increasing by nearly 60% since 2000, with a burgeoning small business community. Steady employment and population indicators show Eastern Rockaway continues to progress; however, more must be done. We must look towards strengthening our health and physical infrastructure to accommodate our growing community. I look forward to continuing to shepherd Rockaway's growth for decades to come."  Additional Economic Snapshot Findings From 2010-2020, the Rockaways’ Asian population increased nearly 40% (by 1,004 residents) while the Hispanic population increased by nearly 19% percent (by 4,483 residents). During the analysis period, the average commute time (49.7 minutes) for residents was the longest of all the city’s 55 Census-defined neighborhoods. In the Rockaways, school enrollment increased slowly but steadily in the years prior to the pandemic, then fell by 2.8% in 2020-21 and 3.5% the following year; enrollment in charter schools has continued to rise despite the pandemic. Post-Hurricane Sandy investments and construction activities are still on-going on the peninsula, with regular community engagement around planning in an effort to improve the area’s resilience. Major crimes (seven major violent and property crimes) in the Rockaways declined in both years since the start of the pandemic in 2020, in contrast to citywide figures. This trend continued for violent crimes as of July 2022. Report An Economic and Demographic Snapshot of the Rockaways

MAYOR ADAMS, SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR BANKS ANNOUNCE HISTORIC PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR CAREER READINESS AND MODERN YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

 

Student Pathways Lays Strong Foundation for All NYC Public School Students, Creating Pathways to Rewarding Careers and Long-Term Economic Security   

 

Initiative Includes Historic Public-Private Partnership Dramatically Expanding Career-Connected Learning and Opens up Apprenticeships for 3,000 NYC Students at Some of NYC’s Largest Employers  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks today announced the Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA) program that will connect 3,000 students across more than 50 schools with paid multi-year apprenticeships. The program will place approximately 500 students in apprenticeships at companies focused on New York City finance, technology, and business operations by the end of 2023 and student apprentices will earn between $15 and $25 an hour as an entry level wage. CRMYA is part of Student Pathways, a historic expansion of career-connected learning opportunities for New York City public school students. The Pathways initiative is focused on putting each student on a path to a rewarding, engaging career, as well as financial independence and long-term economic security — the North Stars of the Adams administration.   

 

"Passion and purpose are key ingredients to put our students on a path to prosperity and success,” said Mayor Adams. “Classroom learning plays an important role, but our students have so much to gain from real world, hands-on experience. Combined with the fact that too few of our kids graduate without plans for employment or further education, internships and apprenticeships are a critical tool to ready our young people for success. The Student Pathways to Economic Security Initiative will provide students with the tools to develop their interests and put them on a road to financial independence, while connecting some of our largest employers to the next generation of leaders. Thank you to the New York Jobs CEO Council, JPMorgan Chase, Accenture, CareerWise New York, Robin Hood, and Bloomberg Philanthropies for not only supporting this work, but for stepping up to support New York City's workforce of tomorrow." 

 

“This is a historic expansion of career connected learning that highlights the strength and importance of public-private partnerships,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “The Adams administration is committed to ensuring every New York City student graduates high school with a path that leads to financially secure and independent lives.” 

 

"The path to economic security and career success requires exposure to the world of work, and today’s announcement represents a major step in our city’s education system, viewing graduates launching into careers as a key metric for success" said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Providing early exposure to careers through skills training, quality internships, and apprenticeships will allow more of the city’s young talent to leave school with the college credits, work experience, credentials, and, of course, the confidence required to successfully launch into the careers of today and tomorrow’s workforce."

  

“Student Pathways is central to our bold vision for the future and sets us toward an ambitious goal: Providing each student with a clear pathway to and preparation for a rewarding career and long-term economic security,” said DOE Chancellor Banks. “This work will give our students access to real world work experience, important professional skills, a strong college and career plan, and early college credits or industry credentials. All our young people should be prepared to set forth on a path that appeals to their passions and supports their aspirations. This initiative will benefit our students in communities that have historically been denied these opportunities, giving them earlier and expanded access to career-connected learning. What our children can achieve is unlimited if we help them activate their passion and purpose, giving them an onramp into the 21^st century economy.”

 

“New York has a history of viewing challenges as opportunities and today continues that tradition,” said Abby Jo Sigal, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. “The Student Pathways Initiative aligns resources and mobilizes champions from the public and private sectors to transform how we, as a city, develop and position talent so that all our students enjoy lifelong career success, our employers thrive, and everyone benefits from a prosperous New York City economy.” 

 

“With today’s announcement, Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks have taken a crucial step to bridge the distance between classroom and career,” said David Fischer, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment. “Working closely with our partners in the private sector and philanthropic community, the administration will continue to build pathways toward career success and economic security for every student.” 

 

“Early exposure to the workplace and hands-on industry experience increases career and college readiness and puts students on a path to success," said Jamie Dimon, executive chair, New York Jobs CEO Council; chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase. "We are using the collective power of the Jobs Council to ensure that all students in New York City — no matter their background — get a fair shot and are prepared for the jobs of the future. It’s good for business and good for society.” 

 

“Apprenticeships and skills training give students real-world experience that helps put them on the path to success and prepares them to secure good jobs,” said former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “Those programs also help connect employers to talented young people at a time when many companies are struggling to fill vacancies. Bloomberg Philanthropies has been working with cities, states, and companies around the country to create more of these kinds of opportunities — and we’ve seen a lot of promising results. It’s great to see New York City bringing people together to give more students a jump start on their careers, and our foundation is glad to support the effort. It’ll help build a brighter future for the students taking part, and for our city.” 

 

This initiative and its affiliated programs are made possible by transformative public-private partnerships with businesses in collaboration with the New York Jobs CEO Council, which has already secured more than 1,000 CRMYA apprenticeships, supported by CareerWise New York. Bloomberg Philanthropies is also providing a major investment to the Fund for Public Schools to support this initiative — contributing $8 million to this program and expanding career-connected learning over the next two years, reflecting their work across the country.    

 

The CRMYA is one of two key investments in Student Pathways. FutureReadyNYC — the second of the Pathways pilot programs — gives participating New York City public high school students access to career exploration in high-growth fields, including health care, technology, business, and education. This school year alone, more than 30 high schools will participate in the program, reaching approximately 5,000 students. The program gives students access to a reimagined educational experiences with the chance to receive early college credits and industry valued credentials, dive into opportunities for career connected coursework and work experiences, and support in building personalized college and career plans. FutureReadyNYC also lays the foundation for expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.   

 

Across these two initial programs, Student Pathways will ensure that — over the course of the next three years — students citywide will be able to engage in and benefit from career-readiness and college-readiness preparation before they leave high school.  

 

"Apprenticeships are opening up vibrant new career pathways and real economic opportunity while giving companies access to talented and motivated new employees,” said Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture. “The Career Readiness & Modern Youth Apprenticeship program will help change the way we develop and nurture talent in New York City by providing companies with a ready-made program and supportive network to fulfill their workforce needs and make dreams a reality for thousands of teenagers." 

 

“The Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program benefits both students and businesses, building a competitive workforce that is reflective of our community,” said Kiersten Barnet, executive director, New York Jobs CEO Council. “This partnership with New York City public schools is a natural extension of our CEOs’ commitment to scaling inclusive and market-driven workforce development solutions that advance the economic prosperity of New Yorkers that have historically faced career barriers.” 

 

“The focus of the mayor and chancellor on preparing all students for a successful career is welcome news,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City. “There are over 275,000 open job postings in New York City, with a severe shortage of job candidates who have the skills to fill them. Student Pathways will go a long way toward closing that gap.” 

 

“Amazon has for many years been helping our employees as well as students across the country gain the skills they need to take on new opportunities,” said Andy Jassy, CEO, Amazon. “As part of that important work, we’re excited to support the expansion of the Student Pathways to Economic Security Initiative, and to provide students in New York City the opportunity to gain critical workplace experience through paid apprenticeships at Amazon.” 

 

“New York City schools have diverse and ambitious students that have great potential to succeed in very demanding careers,” said Barbara Chang, executive director, CareerWise New York. “Youth apprenticeship is an integrated approach where industry and schools work together and where businesses have a direct role in developing workforce talent, ensuring that students from all walks of life learn the skills to thrive in the jobs of today and tomorrow.” 

 

"CTE programs make education real,” said Michael Mulgrew, president, United Federation of Teachers. “They give students a vision of their future — tangible and within their reach. FutureReadyNYC and the Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship expand on what we know works and will allow more students to take their first steps into meaningful careers,"

 

“CUNY is proud to partner with the Mayor’s Office and the New York City Department of Education in building a 21st century college and career pathway that enables public school students to align their studies with their career aspirations,” said The City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “This is an outstanding opportunity for CUNY to reach students at an earlier age and provide them with next steps as they lay the foundation to build meaningful and rewarding careers. We applaud Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks for recognizing the important role of early college credits and career-connected learning in expanding access for all students.” 

 

“This critical expansion of career-connected learning will meaningfully shift the way New York City prepares our students for rewarding careers and long-term economic security,” said Stephen Cockrell, interim chief executive officer, Fund for Public Schools. “The Fund for Public Schools is deeply grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies and all of our philanthropic partners that are helping drive this work forward.”  

 

"Hands on experience and building connections are tools that will help New York City students thrive after graduation,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “There's no better way than investing in our young people to help ensure a strong future for New York City businesses and economy. The Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship program will offer exciting opportunities, relationships, and support to help students gain the experience and connections they need to succeed in the New York City of the future." 

 

“Every child is gifted and talented and destined for success, but they need the access and opportunities to succeed,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship program will ensure thousands of students across the city get hands-on paid experiences in various fields and explore potential career opportunities. Great things happen through public-private partnerships and I hope we will continue to see initiatives like these that work to ensure equity and that our youth receive the very best. I want to thank Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, the New York Jobs CEO Council, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, CareerWise New York, and Bloomberg Philanthropies for their investment in our youth and our communities.” 

 

Hollywood Executive And Former White House Staffer Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Defrauding New York Investment Fund Of Over $30 Million

 

William Sadleir Used Stolen Funds to Purchase a $14 Million Beverly Hills Mansion

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIAM SADLEIR was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to six years in prison for his participation in two fraudulent schemes relating to investments made by a New York-based investment fund (the “Fund”) in Aviron Pictures, LLC and its affiliated entities (collectively, “Aviron”).  Sadleir previously pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one relating to each of the schemes.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “William Sadleir portrayed himself as a successful Hollywood mogul, but behind the scenes he engaged in brazen and calculated schemes to defraud a New York investment fund out of over $30 million using a fake company, fake documents, and even a fake identity.  Sadleir went so far as to masquerade as a female advertising executive on maternity leave as part of an effort to cover up his crimes.  Today’s sentence holds Sadleir accountable for his crimes, and sends a message that there will be no happy ending for executives who defraud their investors.”

According to the Complaint, Indictment, and other court filings:

The Fund is a publicly traded, closed-end investment fund.  Shares in the Fund trade on the New York Stock Exchange.  As of in or about December 2019, the Fund had approximately $649.1 million in assets.

WILLIAM SADLEIR was the chairman and chief executive officer of Aviron, and oversaw its operations from in or about 2015 until in or about December 2019.  Aviron participated in the distribution of a number of films in the United States, including My All American (2015), Kidnap (2017), The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018), A Private War (2018), Destination Wedding (2018), Serenity (2019), and After (2019).

SADLEIR engaged in two fraudulent schemes relating to an approximately $75 million investment made by the Fund in Aviron.

In one of the schemes (the “Advertising Scheme”), SADLEIR misappropriated millions of dollars that the Fund had invested in Aviron.  SADLEIR represented to the Fund that Aviron had invested this money in pre-paid media credits with the advertising placement company MediaCom Worldwide (“MediaCom”), which is a subsidiary of the advertising and media agency GroupM Worldwide.  Instead, using the bank account for a sham entity he had created, SADLEIR illicitly transferred over $25 million of those funds out of Aviron.  Specifically, SADLEIR created a sham New York-based company called GroupM Media Services, LLC (the “Sham GroupM LLC”) designed to appear to be the legitimate entity, GroupM Worldwide, and a corresponding bank account in the name of that sham entity.  SADLEIR then used a significant portion of those illicitly transferred funds for his personal benefit, including to purchase a private residence in Beverly Hills for approximately $14 million.  SADLEIR then falsely represented to the Fund that Aviron had purchased an approximately $27 million balance in pre-paid media credits with MediaCom that were available to promote future Aviron films, and pledged a portion of those credits to the Fund as collateral for additional loans.  But the claimed credits did not exist.  As part of his false representations, SADLEIR also created a fake identity of a purported New York-based female employee of the Sham GroupM LLC named “Amanda Stevens,” who corresponded with a representative of the Fund, assuring the Fund that Aviron had an approximately $27 million balance in pre-paid media credits with the Sham GroupM LLC.  But SADLEIR himself posed as Amanda Stevens when engaging in email exchanges with a representative from the Fund, and in that role sought to evade questions about his fraudulent conduct by claiming, among other things, that “Amanda Stevens” (Sadleir) was on maternity leave.

In the other scheme (the “UCC Scheme”), SADLEIR engineered the illicit and fraudulent sale and refinancing of assets worth over $3 million that secured the Fund’s loans to Aviron.  The Fund had secured its investment in Aviron by, among other means, obtaining UCC liens in 2017 and 2018 on certain intellectual property and other assets relating to Aviron’s films.  In 2019, SADLEIR used the forged signature of one of the Fund’s portfolio managers on releases to remove the Fund’s UCC liens on certain of these secured assets.  SADLEIR did so in order to sell or refinance the assets without the Fund’s consent, thus depriving the Fund of its collateral on outstanding loans.  Aviron ultimately defaulted on those loans.

Prior to serving as chairman and chief executive officer of Aviron, SADLEIR held senior leadership positions at a variety of businesses, and early in his career served as a special assistant and director of presidential appointments and scheduling to a sitting U.S. president.

SADLEIR, 68, of Beverly Hills, California, pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud before Judge Engelmayer on January 20, 2022.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Engelmayer sentenced SADLEIR to three years of supervised release, and ordered SADLEIR to pay $31,597,000 in forfeiture and restitution.

Mr. Williams praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  He also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission for its cooperation and assistance in this investigation. 

Bronx Fashion Week at the Mall at Bay Plaza

 

The Mall at Bay Plaza with over one-hundred stores hosted its Annual Fashion show where mall clothing stores show off some of their clothing lines for women and men. This show is organized by Ms. Flora Montes, Ms. Crystal Gomez, Ms. Hazel McIntyre, and many others from the models to those who helped the models make it to the runway.  

Mall stores showing off their clothes included Macy's, Forever 21, Ashley Stewart, Hollister, Xbelta, and also Boulevard Menswear of Southern Boulevard. Latif McIntyre introduced the store as the models came out. There will be another Bronx Fashion Week showing this Saturday September 17th at the Bronx Library Center on East Kingsbridge Road from 5 - 7 PM. Some photos of the Mall at Bay Plaza fashion show. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Flora Montes with Crystal Gomez.

New York Woman Sentenced to Prison for Interfering with a Flight Crew

 

Kelly Pichardo, 32, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dominic W. Lanza to four months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release. Pichardo previously pleaded guilty to Interference with Flight Crew Members. Pichardo was also ordered to pay restitution to American Airlines in the amount of $9,123.00. 

In 2021, Pichardo and her co-defendant, Leeza S. Rodriguez, engaged in unruly and intimidating behavior while traveling first class on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Los Angeles. Their actions caused such a disturbance that the pilot had to divert the flight to Phoenix, Arizona, so Pichardo and Rodriguez could be removed from the plane. Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced pursuant to her guilty plea in this case on November 7, 2022.    

“There is a line between boorish behavior on an airplane and criminal activity, and the defendant clearly crossed it,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino.  “First class passengers are not immune from prosecution: defendant’s verbal and physical intimidation disrupted the travel of passengers and crew alike.”

NYS OASAS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW WEBSITE TO PROMOTE OVERDOSE PREVENTION EDUCATION

 

Project COPE Website Offers Information and Resources to Educate New Yorkers on Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction

 

Launch Coincides with National Recovery Month Observance

 The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports today announced the launch of the new “Project COPE” website, which promotes overdose prevention and harm reduction education in New York State. The goal of this initiative is to empower people to learn how to prevent overdoses and save lives in their community. The website can be accessed by visiting https://oasas.ny.gov/projectcope.

“Every community in New York State has been affected by the opioid and overdose epidemic,” OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said. “This new website brings important resources and educational materials together in one place and gives New Yorkers an opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills they need to take action and save lives.”

“Project COPE” is launching as New York State, along with the rest of the nation, continues to see an increased rate of overdoses. “COPE” stands for Community Overdose Prevention Education, and the new website offers various resources including instructions on how to use naloxone to reverse an overdose, where to obtain low or no cost naloxone, and how to access treatment and other resources for addiction. There are also interactive training and educational tools for families, providers, and the general population. All information on the website is available in both English and Spanish.

A portion of the funding for this project was provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The launch of this website is part of a series of efforts by OASAS to make information about prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services more accessible. It also coincides with the annual National Recovery Month observance, which promotes recovery services across the country and recognizes the millions of people who are living their lives in recovery every day.

During recovery month, OASAS is also continuing to highlight the stories of people in recovery through the 30 in 30 project. This ongoing initiative elevates the voices of New Yorkers in recovery by sharing 30 stories every 30 days, allows them to share their experiences in order to motivate others and provide hope and information for those who may be struggling. Participants have the opportunity to speak about their own journeys and highlight how recovery is an individual, non-linear process.

Recovery Month events are also happening across the state during September. To find an event organized by an OASAS-certified provider in your area, visit the events section of the OASAS website.

In addition, OASAS also offers various recovery-related resources online. The Recovery section of the OASAS website has information about support services, certification for recovery workers, housing services, and more.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH ATTACKS

 

"More than two decades have passed since September 11, 2001, and the memory of that morning and its aftermath, the grief of the families who lost loved ones, remains a permanent part of our city and its people. I pray for healing and peace for New Yorkers mourning the loss of 21 years, for those who have passed in the years since, and for those still suffering illness and injury as a result of the attacks, including the first responders who sacrificed their own safety in service.

"New York saw unimaginable loss twenty-one years ago today, and in its wake, unimaginable courage and compassion. From collective despair came an environment of collective empathy, of resolve, of support for and from our fellow New Yorkers and our fellow Americans. I hope that we still have the capacity to summon that common spirit and direct it toward common good.

"Recovery means remembering - the collective trauma of this tragedy remains, and we must continue to comfort those in mourning, support those in need, and remember those we lost. The pain of September 11 remains heavy on our city and our nation's minds, our hearts, our history, and so too must our sense of strength, solidarity, and support."

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Accepting More Than $500,000 in Bribes in Connection with a Multi-Million Dollar New York City Public Works Contract

 

Defendant Oversaw Contracts for Company That Sells Warranties To New York City Homeowners Covering Repairs to Sewer And Water Pipes

 In federal court in Brooklyn, George Djurasevic pled guilty to bribery, in violation of the Travel Act, admitting that he accepted more than half-a-million dollars in bribe payments in his role as a manager of a company (the “Company”) contracted by the New York City Water Board (NYCWB) to provide sewer and water pipe repair services to New York City homeowners.  Djurasevic also pled guilty to tax evasion.  Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.  When sentenced, Djurasevic faces a total of 10 years in prison.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Michael J. Driscoll, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation; and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office (IRS), announced the guilty plea.

“Motivated by greed, Djurasevic flushed away his integrity, accepting bribes and leaving New Yorkers to pay the bill, including when home repairs were not even completed,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace.  “That the process of overseeing city contracts on warranties for costly repairs was corrupted is a betrayal to New York homeowners.” 

“As he admitted with this plea, Mr. Djurasevic abused his position for personal gain and passed the tab on to New York City taxpayers.  Those responsible for helping their fellow citizens obtain basic utility services have a duty to do so in an honest manner, not one motivated by greedy self-interest. The FBI and our partners remain dedicated to bringing those who take bribes at the expense of the public to justice,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.  

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, "As today’s guilty plea establishes, instead of providing responsible oversight of City repair projects, the defendant used his status as a City contractor to line his own pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments.  DOI and its federal partners will continue to thwart those who corrupt City processes and victimize New Yorkers."

“Djurasevic lined his pockets with ill-gotten gains and left the people of New York City to pay the tab.  He then underpaid his taxes by more than a hundred thousand dollars, revenue used to fund programs for Americans who need it.  It is clear that Djurasevic had little regard for the collateral damage of his schemes, and with this guilty plea he is one step closer to justice,” said Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge for IRS:CI in New York.

According to court documents and facts presented at the guilty plea proceeding, the Company was awarded a multi-million-dollar contract by the NYCWB to sell warranties to New York City homeowners covering repairs to sewer and water pipes.  Djurasevic was responsible for overseeing the Company’s sewer and water line repair work carried out by the Company’s plumbing sub-contractors in Staten Island, Queens and Brooklyn.

Djurasevic accepted approximately $500,000 in bribes over five years from a sub-contractor in exchange for, among other things, allowing the sub-contractor to overbill for work performed or to not perform certain repairs to the homeowners’ sewer and water pipes, as well as for his review of the sub-contractor’s determination as to whether repairs were covered by the Company’s warranty.  Djurasevic also failed to report his true income to the Internal Revenue Service, which resulted in his failure to pay more than $114,000 in taxes.  When sentenced, Djurasevic faces a total of 10 years in prison.