MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS LEGISLATION TO FIGHT RATS, BUILD CLEANER CITY

 

Legislation Will Create Rat Mitigation Zones, Codify Later Trash Set-Out Times to Reduce Rodents 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed four pieces of legislation to fight rats and build a cleaner city. The legislation will create rat mitigation zones to build on successful mitigation efforts, codify Mayor Adams’ announcement to drastically reduce the time that trash sits on city curbs, and reduce rats in construction areas and other buildings with large rodent infestations. Taken together, these bills will reduce rats across New York City and build a cleaner and more welcoming city for all New Yorkers. 

 

“Today I’m proud to sign four bills to help create a cleaner and more welcoming city for New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. Last month, I announced a once-in-a-generation change to reduce the amount of time black bags sit on the curb and just last week we announced our ‘Get Stuff Clean’ initiative. This legislation doubles down on our efforts and is another important step to put a dent in our rodent population. Rat-free streets are vital to vibrant neighborhoods and our city’s economic recovery, and I thank the City Council for their partnership in keeping our city squeaky clean.” 

 

“Today's bills represent another battle won in the war on rats,” said Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi. “Together with the City Council, New York City is expanding extermination efforts, reducing time for trash bags to be on the street, and finally ending the rodents' all you-can-eat buffet." 

 

“Everywhere I go, people say thank you for prioritizing the cleanliness of our neighborhoods and I always tell them the same thing – I couldn’t do it without our sanitation workers, without our mayor, and without our partners on the City Council, many of whom have made this a priority after too many years of letting cleanliness fall by the wayside,” said New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “The bills signed into law today will make a meaningful difference in the appearance of our city and in its recovery.”  

 

“Every New Yorker has the power to promote a rat-free New York City and these bills will support residents and make our neighborhoods cleaner,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Rat mitigation zones give rats no safe quarter, and the tools in these bills empower all of us send rats packing!” 

 

“Construction activity is essential to grow and properly maintain the buildings in our city,” said Acting New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E. “But construction work is also responsible for driving rodents from their hiding holes out onto our city street and sidewalks. By building upon existing regulations to mitigate rodent populations in and around construction sites, this new legislation is a decisive step towards turning the tide in our fight with the four-legged menace.” 

 

Mayor Adams signed the following bills into law today: 

 

• Intro 414-A requires DOHMH to issue an annual report on the success of rat mitigation measures in rat mitigation zones. Additionally, DOHMH will report on current and planned rat mitigation measures in each zone, including public outreach measures that are conducted.  

• Intro 442-A ensures that before a permit authorizing certain construction work that is subject to rodent extermination is issued, the applicant certify that a licensed exterminator was retained to effectively treat the premises for rodent extermination. 
• Intro 459-A requires DOHMH designate rat mitigation zones no later than April 1, 2023. This bill will also provide that DSNY may determine, by rule, the times during which buildings must set out their garbage and recycling for collection. 
• Intro 460-A requires buildings that receive two or more rodent-specific housing maintenance code or two or more rodent-specific health code violations to use approved rodent-resistant containers for at least two years.  

 

The city continues to expand initiatives to address rats and increase cleanliness. Last week, Mayor Adams announced $14.5 million in new funding this fiscal year for the ‘Get Stuff Clean’ initiative to clean more than 1,000 ‘No Man’s Land’ neglected areas around the city, increase litter basket service, expand camera enforcement against illegal dumping, and bring on additional rat exterminators — resulting in faster and more reliable cleaning of every corner of the city. 

 

 

Three Former NYPD Police Officers Plead Guilty to Bribery Scheme

 

In Exchange for Bribes, Two NYPD Officers Steered Damaged Vehicles to a Tow Truck Company Operated by a Former NYPD Officer

 James Davneiro, a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, pleaded guilty to conspiring to participate in a scheme to steer vehicles damaged in automobile accidents to a licensed tow trucking and automobile repair business company in contravention of NYPD’s Directed Accident Response Program (DARP) in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribes (the “Tow Truck Scheme”).  On November 15, 2022, former NYPD officer Michael Perri pleaded guilty to conspiring to participate in the Tow Truck Scheme.  On November 16, 2022, former NYPD officer Giancarlo Osma pleaded guilty to conspiring to participate in the Tow Truck Scheme. 

At the time that they participated in the Tow Truck Scheme, Davneiro and Osma were NYPD officers assigned to the 107th Precinct in Queens, New York.  Perri was also an NYPD officer assigned to the 107th Precinct at the outset of the scheme, but subsequently retired in June 2020 and began operating a licensed tow trucking and automobile repair business that received the damaged vehicles pursuant to the Tow Truck Scheme. Davneiro resigned from the NYPD in November 2021 and Osma resigned on November 16, 2022. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, NYPD, announced the guilty pleas.

“These three officers abused the public’s trust and disgraced their NYPD badges by lining their pockets with bribes,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace.  “This Office will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute corruption by those who are sworn to enforce and uphold the law.”

“The investigators of our Internal Affairs Bureau left no stone unturned in this case because there is zero tolerance in the NYPD for corruption of any kind,” said NYPD Commissioner Sewell.  “We worked tirelessly in this case, alongside our partners in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office, to ensure that those who swore to serve and protect the public but violate that trust face severe consequences.”

According to court filings and facts presented at the plea proceeding, between May 2020 and May 2021, Davneiro and Osma received thousands of dollars of bribe payments from Perri in exchange for steering vehicles damaged in automobile accidents to a licensed tow trucking and automobile repair business operated by Perri, instead of using the NYPD’s DARP, as legally required. DARP requires the NYPD to identify appropriate licensed tow trucking and automobile repair businesses to respond to automobile accident scenes and remove damaged vehicles. 

This plea took place before United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner.  When sentenced, each of the defendants faces up to five years in prison.  As part of their respective pleas, Davneiro has agreed to forfeit $25,000, Osma has agreed to forfeit approximately $26,011, and Perri has agreed to forfeit approximately $158,277.

CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Warns Against Price Gouging Ahead of Major Snowstorm

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert reminding consumers and businesses in Western New York and the North Country against price gouging amid a forecasted snowstorm and declared state of emergency. A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and gusty winds in Western New York and the North Country. New York’s price gouging statute prevents businesses from taking advantage of consumers by selling essential goods or services at an excessively higher price during market disruptions or a declared state of emergency.

“Taking advantage of consumers during emergencies will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers prepare for the heavy winter storm, this is a reminder that retailers cannot hike prices to profit off emergencies. I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant as the storm passes and encourage anyone who believes they are a victim of price gouging to contact my office immediately.”

New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during times of emergencies. The price gouging statute covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options. Contract services for storm-related damage, both during and after a natural disaster, are also covered by the state’s price gouging statute.

Consumers should protect themselves when hiring contractors to perform storm-related services by considering the following tips:

•   Shop around – Get at least three estimates from reputable contractors that include specific information about the materials and services to be provided for the job.
•   Get it in writing – Insist on a written contract that includes the price and description of the work needed.
•   Don't pay unreasonable advance sums – Negotiate a payment schedule tied to the completion of specific stages of the job. Never pay the full price up front.
•   Get references – Check with the Better Business Bureau, banks, suppliers, and neighbors. Always contact references provided to you.
•   Know your rights – You have three days to cancel after signing a contract for home improvements. All cancellations must be in writing.

When reporting price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), consumers should:

•   Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices, and the types of formula being sold; and,
•   Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

Governor Hochul Announces Opening Dates of the 2022-23 Alpine and Nordic Skiing Season at ORDA Venues

 Gore and Belleayre Mountain Ski Areas to Open Tomorrow; Other World-Class Venues Set to Open This Month

Follows New York State Investment in Upgrades, Renovations, Snowmaking to Support New York's $16 Billion Winter Tourism Industry

Also Supports Upcoming Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games; Tickets Still Available Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of the 2022-23 Alpine and Nordic skiing seasons with the opening of several Olympic Regional Development Authority-operated ski venues. The venues — which include Gore Mountain in North Creek, Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, and Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid — will open this month following investments in upgrades, renovations, and snowmaking infrastructure ahead of the winter season. In addition to supporting New York's $16 billion winter tourism industry, these improvements will support the upcoming Lake Placid 2023 FISU Winter World University Games, which will take place from January 12 to 22, 2023.

"With the opening of these world-class ski areas, New York is entering into peak season for its $16 billion winter tourism industry," Governor Hochul said. "We have invested more than $550 million in our winter sports facilities, upgrading our infrastructure, preparing them for ski season, and giving them the lift they need ahead of the World University Games. I am thrilled to welcome visitors back to the slopes and encourage everyone to join us next year in Lake Placid for one of the largest winter sporting events in New York State history."

The investments and improvements to ORDA's ski facilities will support the continued recovery of New York State's tourism industry. New York State has invested a total of $552 million in ORDA facilities over the past six years. Last winter, New York welcomed 68.5 million visitors, generating more than $16.1 billion in direct visitor spending. ORDA's economic impact for New York State was last measured at $273.6 million for 2019-2020, a 75 percent increase over the previous 2016-2017 measurement of $156 million.

ORDA has been steadily improving the snowmaking infrastructure throughout its ski areas, particularly over the last ten years. These upgrades have increased the efficiency of snowmaking operations, allowing for the mountains to open terrain faster, and earlier in the season when temperatures allow. The modernized systems, which utilize energy more effectively, are a key part of ORDA's award-winning sustainability initiatives.

The following venues are scheduled to open this month:

• Friday, November 18 - Gore Mountain and Belleayre Mountain
• Saturday, November 19 - Whiteface Mountain
• Wednesday, November 23 - Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Gore, Whiteface, and Belleayre will be open through Sunday, November 20, close mid-week for further preparation, and then reopen Friday, November 25 for the season. Details on each venue are below.

Gore Mountain

New this season is Backwoods (opening in January), an intermediate trail that begins at the top of Burnt Ridge Mountain and parallels the Barkeater Glades. The trail ends uphill of Roaring Brook Bridge and provides faster and more direct access to Little Gore Mountain and the North Creek Ski Bowl. Over 230 new high-efficiency snow guns have been installed on Backwoods, Showcase, Uncas, Paradox, Peaceful Valley, and Chatiemac.

Gore Mountain will host the freestyle, freeski, big air, and snowboard slalom competitions for the FISU Games. The mountain will be open to the public for skiing, riding, and spectating, with modifications for this world-class event. Crews have developed the sanctioned slopestyle and boardercross courses, enhancing snowmaking and widening the terrain. The FIS-certified race trail, Echo, was also bolstered with increased snowmaking capacity to accommodate the venue's busy calendar of alpine events and recreational skiers and riders throughout the season.

For more information, visit the Gore Mountain Snow Report.

Whiteface Mountain

New this season is the Ausable Run, a beginner trail off the Warhorse Quad lift, and Yellow Dot, an expert trail connecting the top of Victoria to Lower Skyward. Whiteface installed 35,000 feet of new pipe, 160 high-efficiency snow guns, and 245 new hydrants. Additionally, two new Pisten Bully groomers join the fleet.

Whiteface Mountain is readying for its opening day to skiers and riders and event preparation for the Lake Placid 2023 FISU Winter World University Games, where it will host the alpine competitions. Thereafter, Whiteface will host several competitions including the NCAA Regionals and National Championship in Alpine, the Empire State Games and other regional races. The mountain will be open to the public during the event dates for skiing and riding, and spectators can view the events in the newly designed Andrew Weibrecht Finish Area. Additional improvements to the race area include enhancements to the Freeway lift, timing and radio systems, and power to the finish building.

For more information, visit the Whiteface Mountain Snow Report.

Belleayre Mountain

Belleayre Mountain installed 60,000 additional feet of new pipe, a new snowmaking pump, and 300 high-efficiency snow guns were added to the fleet. A new retail space relocated upstairs on the main floor of Discovery Lodge provides guests with a renewed shopping experience with a view.

For more information, visit the Belleayre Mountain Snow Report.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg

The Mt Van Hoevenberg transformation was completed in 2020, providing a world-class facility and 5 km of World Championship-rated cross-country skiing trails for training and racing. The trails carry tremendous snowmaking power, from the number of high-efficiency snow guns and hydrants to its reservoir capacity, providing state-of-the-art snowmaking for a Nordic Center.

Due to the investment of New York State, ORDA will host multiple World Cup competitions. Recently, Mt Van Hoevenberg was awarded the International Biathlon Union (IBU) Cup for 2026. This is in addition to the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Cup in Bobsled and Skeleton taking place at the Mt Van Hoevenberg Sliding Center December 16-18, and at its sister venue, the Olympic Jumping Complex, the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup will return this winter, February 10-12, 2023.

For more information, visit the Mt Van Hoevenberg Snow Report.

The SKI3 Season Pass provides the greatest flexibility and savings for skiing and riding at Whiteface, Belleayre, and Gore. The best available rates for the pass are available through December 7. Single day tickets are also at the lowest prices of the season and should be purchased in advance to secure desired days this winter.

Tickets for the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games are available at lakeplacid2023.com.

Information on skiing and other winter activities statewide is available at iloveny.com/winter and iskiny.com. Updated downhill and cross-country ski reports for all of New York State courtesy of Ski NY and Cross-Country Ski Areas of NY are available on 1-800-ILOVENY and linked on iloveny.com.

Housing Lottery Launches For 2851 University Avenue In Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2851 University Avenue, a six-story residential building in Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx. Designed by Badaly Architects and developed by Anton Ujkaj, the structure yields 18 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are six units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $51,429 to $187,330.

Amenities include a bicycle storage room and parking for residents. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are two studios with a monthly rent of $1,500 for incomes ranging from $51,429 to $138,840; three one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,650 for incomes ranging from $56,572 to $156,130; and one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,300 for incomes ranging from $78,858 to $187,330.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than November 30, 2022.

Permits Filed For 1319 Clay Avenue In Claremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 1319 Clay Avenue in Claremont, The Bronx. Located between East 169th Street and East 170th Street, the lot is near the 170th Street subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Joel Friedman is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 52-foot-tall development will yield 7,653 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 14 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 546 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 26-foot-long rear yard.

KCE Consulting Engineering is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in February 2022 for the two-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES FIRST DEPUTY MAYOR GRILLO TO DEPART ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY NEW YEAR, THANKS HER FOR SERVICE

 

Mayor Eric Adams today announced that First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo will depart the Adams administration at the beginning of January. A public servant for nearly three decades, Grillo’s appointment was part of a historic first when Mayor Adams announcedfive incoming deputy mayor roles would be filled by women.   

In her time as first deputy mayor, Grillo played a critical role in creating and unveiling plans for the CUNY Brookdale Campus that will create career pipelines for students in the life sciences, health, and public health industries; overhauling the capital project process and ensuring faster and cheaper project delivery; leading the city’s COVID-19 recovery; representing the Adams administration in responding to the scene of a mass shooting in Sunset Park, Brooklyn; and championing minority-and-women-owned business efforts (M/WBEs), creating a model program that has been replicated across the country. New York City has awarded $6.5 billion in contracts for M/WBEs in Fiscal Year 2022 from city agencies and authorities — an increase of more than 65 percent from Fiscal Year 2021.  

“New York City, as a whole, is better off today because Lorraine Grillo brought her invaluable expertise and inimitable work ethic to this administration and served the people of this great city,” said Mayor Adams. “She’s a living example of what ‘Getting Stuff Done’ truly means, and I, and all New Yorkers, will always be in her debt for her dedicated service to New York City. We wish her all the best and will miss her deeply.”  

“Public service has been my life’s work and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve in the Adams administration in this capacity,” said First Deputy Mayor Grillo. “Mayor Adams leads from the front with a very steady hand, and his historic team of amazing majority-female deputy mayors have made profound contributions in this first year alone. From spearheading our recovery, to helping those seeking asylum, to ensuring equity is at the center of the work being done — I look forward to seeing how this administration will build on the progress we’ve made to continue bettering the lives of every New Yorker.” 

“Lorraine once remarked, ‘I build things; that’s what I do,’” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This is just what she did as First Deputy Mayor. She built an environment of collaboration, support, and thoughtfulness. She also built strong teams and better managers. She brought her wisdom, toughness, and no-nonsense attitude to her work at City Hall. It was a privilege to serve alongside her and I will carry many lessons with me that I learned from working with her — lessons about being pragmatic, about being a leader, and about being empathetic and big hearted. Thank you, to my fellow sister, First Deputy Mayor, Lorraine, my friend, and colleague. Through your decades of service to New York City, you helped build schools, helped the city recover from Hurricane Sandy, helped navigate through COVID-19, and worked toward an equitable economic recovery for all New Yorkers. You will be dearly missed in the halls of city government, but your imprint will stand for years to come.”  

“There are few public servants who have done more over their careers to benefit New Yorkers than Lorraine Grillo and it has been a true privilege to work alongside and learn from her,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Not only is she a consummate professional whose work ethic is unquestionable and accomplishments many, but she is also a deeply compassionate and courageous leader whose loyalty to her team and colleagues is legendary. Our city is undoubtedly stronger and more equitable because of Lorraine’s service. I look forward to working with the First Deputy Mayor over the coming weeks to continue to get stuff done and will miss her terribly when she departs.”  

Before being appointed first deputy mayor, Grillo was appointed as the first-ever pandemic “Recovery Czar,” leading strategy and planning efforts while coordinating across the public and private sector to ensure a strong comeback for New York City. A native of Astoria, Queens, Grillo began her career as community relations specialist for the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) in 1994. She then served in several senior roles and was appointed SCA’s president and CEO, in 2010, by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg after successfully opening 26 new schools — the single most successful year in SCA history at that time. Grillo was reappointed by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, making her one of only two re-appointments from the prior administration and the longest-serving SCA president. 

In another historic first, in 2018 Grillo was appointed commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) — serving as lead for both DDC and SCA simultaneously, bringing her unmatched experience in building physical infrastructure, fair and equitable contracting, and putting the concerns of low-income New Yorkers first. 

VCJC News & Notes 11/18/22

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 11/18/22 @ 417 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:45 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Kiddush given by Ben Z Panush in honor of Neil Harrow’s 85th Birthday.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 11/19/220@ 520 pm   Kristallnacht lecture now online Larry Hartstein's lecture on Collaboration in France and the Benelux Countries during WWII has been posted to our website as a video.  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463