Governor Hochul Announces State Landmarks to be Illuminated Blue and Yellow to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

 

13 State Landmarks to be Lit the Evening of Friday, February 24

Directs Ukrainian Flag to be Flown Over the New York State Capitol Building

Governor Reaffirms New York State's Support for the People of Ukraine

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State landmarks will be lit blue and yellow on February 24, to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Governor also directed the Ukrainian flag to be flown over the New York State Capitol building in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

"The State of New York stands with Ukraine and is proud to have the largest Ukrainian community in the United States," Governor Hochul said. "Our prayers go out to the victims of this unjust war, and tomorrow we will raise the Ukrainian flag and illuminate State landmarks to showcase New York's support for Ukraine on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion."

The landmarks to be lit to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine include:

• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall

In early March 2022, Governor Hochul announced actions to strengthen the Department of Financial Services' enforcement of sanctions against Russia, including the expedited procurement of additional blockchain analytics technology. Last year, the Governor also launched a website with resources for Ukrainians and how New Yorkers can help.

More information regarding the actions State agencies have taken to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine can be found below:

Office of New Americans (ONA)

• ONA connects Ukrainian immigrants with professional pathways for job training and work opportunities through the Professional Pathways Program:
  • ONA's Professional Pathways Program provides high-skilled immigrants with professional training and job coaching to help new Americans find jobs that match their skills and experience. According to Upwardly Global, ONA's Professional Pathways for High-Skilled Immigrants program's lead agency, eight Ukrainian job seekers enrolled in this pilot program in 2022 and have received professional training and job coaching. Three of the participants are now alumni of the program and have secured jobs within their fields --two of these job seekers gained employment in the HR field (one as a Recruiter, and one as a HR Assistant) and the third in the legal field as a Bilingual Legal Assistant.
  • Last week, Governor Hochul announced the expansion of the Professional Pathways Program to provide a total of $4.38 million in state-funded grants to community-based providers over three years.
• The ONA Hotline has assisted hundreds with inquiries on Ukraine-related immigration-related matters:
  • Number of calls received on the ONA Hotline for Ukraine-related inquiries: 602
  • Number of immigration-related service referrals made (note: multiple referrals may result from one call): 767
  • Number of individuals provided with information: 239

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)

• In November, Governor Hochul announced that more than $21.4 million awarded to help Ukrainians who have fled their country as a result of Russia's military invasion to temporarily resettle in New York State. The funding will be utilized by 17 refugee services providers around the state to assist displaced Ukrainians now living in New York. An estimated 75,000 people have come to the U.S. from Ukraine since Russians launched their attack including approximately 14,000 in New York through the federal government's Uniting for Ukraine program.
• 28,000 New York residents, more than any other state, have volunteered to sponsor an individual.

Department of Financial Services (DFS):

To protect U.S. national security and consumers, DFS previously issued guidance within 24 hours of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reiterating that regulated entities must fully comply with U.S. sanctions on Russia, as well as New York State and federal laws and regulations, including Department cybersecurity and virtual currency regulations. DFS also took action to strengthen the Department's enforcement of sanctions against Russia, including the expedited procurement of additional blockchain analytics technology. These tools have bolstered DFS's ability to detect exposure among DFS-licensed virtual currency businesses to Russian individuals, banks, and other entities that the Biden Administration has sanctioned.

Congressman Jamaal Bowman Outraged by Biden Administration’s Asylum Decision

 

Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced an excessive ban on who can request asylum at the United States’ border. Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (NY-16) released the following statement in response:

 

“I am deeply outraged by the Biden Administration’s proposed ban on asylum seekers. The purpose of domestic and international asylum law is to provide safety to migrants fleeing dangerous and inhumane situations. By barring migrants from seeking asylum in the U.S. if they have not sought asylum in other countries they have passed through, the Biden Administration would reverse the United States’ long-standing policy protections for individuals escaping human rights violations. Our immigration policies already fall short in supporting asylum-seekers, but this ban would go further by attacking the very bedrock of our most basic commitment to asylum. By almost imitating a Trump-era asylum ban the Biden Administration is attempting to implement an extreme immigration policy that is not supported by U.S. law.  I’m standing with our powerful immigrant communities and resolutely opposing this ban. Let us right the wrongs of history and not cower to lies about immigration. We must help those who need it the most.”

DEC ADVISES BACKCOUNTRY DOWNHILL SKIERS, SNOWBOARDERS, AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS OF AVALANCHE RISK IN ADIRONDACK HIGH PEAKS REGION

 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised backcountry downhill skiers, snowboarders, and all outdoor adventurers who may traverse slides or steep, open terrain in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks to be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions. 

“After several spring-like days, the return of winter weather is exciting for skiers, snowboarders, and other winter recreationists,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “But with that change in weather comes some serious risks, including that of avalanches in our High Peaks region. For the safety of backcountry visitors and our Forest Rangers, it’s important that winter sport enthusiasts take these conditions seriously and come prepared with the knowledge and equipment needed to enjoy the snow safely.” 

Avalanche danger increases during and immediately after major snowfalls and during thaws. Following a period of warmer weather that brought significant melting and settling of snow, a winter storm is expected to bring several inches of fresh snow to the High Peaks region Wednesday night into Thursday, with new accumulations close to a foot possible in some places. Snow may be deeper on leeward slopes or areas of snow deposits, such as gullies. As snow accumulates over time it develops distinct layers formed by rain and melt/freeze cycles. When new snow falls onto previous snowpack, it adds weight and downward pressure. Lower snow layers may be reactive to the added stresses of recent snows, creating conditions conducive to avalanches. 

Avalanches can occur in any situation where snow, slope, and weather combine to create the proper conditions. While the majority of steep, open terrain is found in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, avalanche-prone terrain is found on mountains throughout the Adirondacks, including Snowy Mountain in Hamilton County. Avalanche activity has already been observed in the Adirondacks this season. Forecast weather will exacerbate existing conditions, making them even more prone to sliding. 

DEC reminds backcountry winter recreationists to take the following precautions when traveling in avalanche-prone terrain: 

• Ensure all members of the group know basic avalanche rescue techniques; 
  
• Cross-country skiers and snowshoers should stay on trails and away from steep slopes on summits; 
• Know the terrain, weather, and snow conditions; 
• Dig multiple snow pits to conduct stability tests. Do not rely on other people's data; 
• Practice safe route finding and safe travel techniques; 
• Never ski, board, or climb with someone above or below you–never expose more than one person at a time to avalanche prone slopes; 
• Ski and ride near trees, not in the center of slides or other open areas; 
• Always carry a shovel, probes, and transceiver with fresh batteries; 
• Never travel alone; and 
• Always inform someone about where you are going and when you expect to return home. 

If you are planning a trip to avalanche-prone territory, research the route ahead of time and contact a local DEC Forest Ranger for specific safety and conditions information, or contact a local guide. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region: http://on.ny.gov/NYSForestRangerRoster. 

Skiers and snowboarders should assess their own experience level before going into the backcountry and should be equipped with avalanche safety tools and knowledge, such as participation in an avalanche safety course. Backcountry rescues take time. Recreators should be prepared with the skills and equipment required for self-rescue. If unsure about conditions, stick to designated trails within the trees or pursue an alternate plan. 

Additional information on avalanche danger, preparedness, and safety precautions is available on the DEC website. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,   Thank you for joining us for another week in review. We hope that everyone had a restful Presidents' Day weekend. Our 2023 State of the Borough address is right around the corner! We are so excited to join with you all to celebrate the Bronx and all that is to come. We have made so many strides in our quest for a better Bronx and we cannot wait to share with you all our plans for the future. As we prepare for our first State of the Borough address, we encourage you to join us virtually if you have not RSVP'd. Don't miss out! We have some very special announcements planned for the big day. (Pending approval of flyer, it will be added directly below) On Friday, February 24th from 9am -11am at Caridad Restaurant Kingsbridge, our office, in collaboration with Councilmember Pierina Sanchez and the BOEDC, will be hosting a Commercial Lease Assistance Workshop for the merchants along the Kingsbridge corridor. This workshop will have an educational component for merchants to learn more about their rights as it relates to their leases (new leases, lease extension, back rent, etc.). Merchants will have the opportunity to connect 1:1 with an attorney for a free legal consultation. Businesses with or without leases are welcome to attend. Breakfast will be provided.   The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) will host their next public board meeting on Wednesday, March 8th at 6:30 p.m. via Webex and in-person at the Bronx Community Board 12 Office located at 4101 White Plains Rd. This meeting will take place in The Bronx and the discussion will focus on the relationship between Bronx residents and the NYPD. To attend virtually, click here. Lastly, Tax Season is upon us. Single-filing New Yorkers who earned $56,000 or less in 2022, or families who earned $80,000 or less, are encouraged to file their taxes for free using NYC Free Tax Prep. NYC Free Tax Prep provides free, professional tax preparation that can help New Yorkers keep their full refund, including valuable tax credits, like the newly enhanced New York City Earned Income Tax Credit (NYC EITC). The new NYC Free Tax Prep for self-employed New Yorkers will also provide income tax services to freelance workers and small businesses. As always, 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 ICYMI Former CB8 Manager Takes Over Community Boards for the BP’s Office After five years as the district manager for Community Board 8, Ciara Gannon has moved to a new position at the Bronx Borough President’s office.  Read more ... DOE needs to address the early childhood education crisis in the Bronx. These providers are an essential part of the preschool and early care and education landscape in The Bronx and across the city. Read more.. 

Former Pharma Executive And Cousin Charged With Insider Trading Of Kodak Stock

 

 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 the unsealing of an Indictment charging JAMES ANDREW STILES, a/k/a “Andrew Stiles,” and EDWARD GRAY STILES, a/k/a “Gray Stiles,” with multiple counts of securities fraud and conspiracy to commit both wire fraud and securities fraud in connection with a scheme to commit insider trading based on misappropriated information about potential government loans to be made to the Eastman Kodak Company to finance the production of COVID-19-releated pharmaceutical components.  ANDREW STILES was arrested this morning in South Carolina, and GRAY STILES was arrested this morning in Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “By stealing confidential business information, Andrew Stiles allegedly betrayed the trust and confidence of his employer — a pharmaceutical company working to help the public at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — and schemed with his cousin, Gray Stiles, to collectively make more than a million dollars of illegal profits.  Today’s arrests show that this Office will continue to prosecute those who seek to profit at the expense of the integrity and fairness of our financial markets.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, the defendants are the latest examples of criminal actors relying on material non-public information to trade securities for their own profit.  When individuals motivated by greed illegally tip the scales in their favor, public confidence in the integrity of our financial markets is eroded.  Investigating and holding accountable the perpetrators of these schemes remains a priority for the FBI.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court:[1]

Between June and July 2020, ANDREW STILES conducted an insider trading scheme in which he misappropriated material, non-public information (“MNPI”) and used it to trade in the stock of the Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak”) and further provided that MNPI to his cousin, GRAY STILES, so that GRAY would likewise trade on the MNPI.

During that time, ANDREW STILES was an executive at a company (“Company-1”) that was working with Kodak to collaborate on the production of chemicals for pharmaceutical manufacturing in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Company-1 was also assisting Kodak in its application for a significant government loan, which ultimately resulted in the news, on July 27, 2020, of a government “letter of interest” to provide Kodak with a loan of $765 million (the “LOI”).  In the following days, Kodak stock rose substantially, at one point increasing to more than 2,500% above the closing price prior to the news of the LOI.

During June and July 2020, ANDREW STILES was kept apprised of Kodak’s efforts to obtain the government loan, and he both traded using that non-public information and passed that information to GRAY STILES.  For example, on July 9, 2020, when Kodak had applied for a loan in the amount of $655 million, ANDREW STILES and GRAY STILES exchanged the following coded text messages:

GRAY:           Any update on the film we sent off a few weeks ago to get developed

ANDREW:     600+.  Maybe 2 weeks out

GRAY:            I can live with that hahaha

Between June 2020, after ANDREW STILES learned about the potential loan to Kodak, and July 27, 2020, the date the LOI was first publicized, ANDREW STILES purchased more than 90,000 shares of Kodak stock, including multiple purchases the day before the LOI was scheduled to be announced.  GRAY STILES purchased more than 30,000 shares, more than half of which were purchased the day prior to the scheduled announcement of the LOI.  In fact, on July 27, 2020, ANDREW STILES texted GRAY STILES, “Tmw,” indicating the expected date of the announcement.  Less than one minute later, GRAY STILES responded, “Hot damn.”  Following that exchange, and before the news was announced, ANDREW and GRAY STILES each purchased more than 10,000 additional shares. 

ANDREW and GRAY STILES each sold the entirety of their shares in the days and weeks after the announcement.  ANDREW STILES realized profits of more than $500,000; GRAY STILES realized profits of more than $700,000.

ANDREW STILES, 37, of South Carolina, and GRAY STILES, 37, of Virginia, are each charged with three counts of securities fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Governor Hochul Celebrates Final Phase of the JFK Transformation with Groundbreaking for a New $4.2 Billion Terminal 6

 

Project Will Create More Than 4,000 Total Jobs Including 1,800 Union Construction Jobs

Terminal 6 to Offer World-Class Passenger Amenities, Expanded Taxiway and Gate Capacity, State-of-the-Art Security and Streamlined Roadway Access

Includes 30 Percent MWBE Goal for Contracts and Financing Interests; Extensive Opportunities for Local Businesses and Job Seekers Guided by Community Advisory Council

Renderings for New Terminal 6 Available Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today celebrated a key milestone in the Port Authority's transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport with the groundbreaking for the $4.2 billion project to develop a new Terminal 6. The 1.2 million square foot, state-of-the-art new terminal on the airport's north side will feature 10 new gates — including 9 wide-body gates — and will create 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 jobs in construction. This project is the final piece of the JFK Vision Plan to break ground, and it will complete the transformation of the airport into a 21st century global gateway.

"New York remains committed to providing travelers with a premier experience that includes world-class amenities, expanded and streamlined airport transportation, and state-of-the-art security," Governor Hochul said. "The groundbreaking of Terminal 6 offers a complete vision for the modernized global gateway while adding 4,000 jobs to New York's workforce. Congratulations to everyone who has dedicated years of hard work to making this historic milestone possible."

The new Terminal 6 is a public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners — a consortium that includes Vantage Airport Group, an industry leading investor, developer, and manager of award-winning global airport projects, including LaGuardia's Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer, and manager of infrastructure assets, which has a 30-percent equity stake in the project; New York real estate operating company RXR; and JetBlue Airways, the project's airline sponsor.

JFK Millennium Partners is developing the new terminal in two phases, with the first new gates opening in 2026 and construction completion in 2028. The new terminal will create an anchor for passenger travel on JFK's north side, spanning the sites of the former Terminal 6 and the existing Terminal 7. JFK Millennium Partners is managing Terminal 7 until the 50-year-old facility is demolished to make way for the second phase of construction.

The new Terminal 6 arrivals and departures hall will feel spacious, bright, and airy thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings throughout the new terminal. Inspiring public art by New York-based artists and architectural elements depicting New York landmarks will create a unique sense of place. Passengers will enjoy more than 100,000 square feet of world-class shopping and dining featuring locally based restaurateurs, craft beverage options and Taste of NY stores.

State-of-the-art technology will improve the customer experience with touchless technology from check-in to gates and digital systems that will streamline the passenger journey throughout the terminal. Advanced security systems will include automated TSA security lanes, biometric-based access control systems and a flexible design to accommodate future technology or regulatory changes. A convenient taxi plaza as well as designated for-hire vehicle pick-up areas will be shared with Terminal 5, substantially reducing traffic congestion on the terminal road frontage and maximizing connectivity across the airport.

As part of the agreement with JFK Millennium Partners, the Port Authority will commit $130 million in capital funding to build enabling infrastructure for the new Terminal 6, including airside improvements and utility enhancements such as electrical support for the project. Enhanced airside aircraft circulation will reduce congestion and delays, while roadway improvements will optimize airport traffic flow.

The development of Terminal 6 is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 union construction jobs, and direct wages of $1.9 billion. JMP is committed to meeting and exceeding the Port Authority's goal of 30 percent participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and creating opportunities to foster and grow local businesses through the development. The Terminal 6 project is part of the Port Authority's $18 billion transformation of JFK under the leadership of Governor Hochul, and it is just one component in the Port Authority's overall $30 billion commitment to creating world-class facilities at all of the region's airports. In addition to JetBlue, Lufthansa Group will also make its home in the new Terminal 6, operating international flights out of several gates and creating a world-class lounge experience for guests traveling on its airlines, which include Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

Redeveloping JFK Airport in Lockstep with the Local Community

In 2018, the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council was formed. It is co-chaired by U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and is composed of elected officials, community boards, business and nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, and clergy leaders from the targeted local communities of Southeast Queens, Southwest Queens, the Rockaways, and western portions of Nassau County.

Since its inception, the Council has been working with the Port Authority to expand community outreach efforts and develop community-focused programs, ensuring that this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders and provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBEs, students, and jobseekers.

This includes programming to advance the Port Authority's commitment to a 30 percent MWBE contracting goal in all categories of work, and a special focus on opportunities for local businesses across all aspects of the JFK Redevelopment program, including this terminal project, which will be built by union labor under a full project-labor agreement. Other community development initiatives prioritized by the Council focus on job opportunities and workforce development programs for local residents, small business outreach and development, and educational programming for local students.

Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway

In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform John F. Kennedy International Airport into the world-class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The Vision Plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The new Terminal 6 builds on the momentum of the other three major components of the airport's transformation already underway. The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport's south side broke ground in September 2022. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal, is now under construction. Additionally, the $400 million modernization and expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, and British Airways, which relocated to Terminal 8 late last year, was substantially completed in November 2022.

All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority's roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent an $18 billion transformation of JFK International and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority capital investment of $2.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of more than five to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full JFK redevelopment program.

NYC Planning Agency Adds New Division for Community Engagement

 

First new division since 2016, putting communities at forefront of planning conversations about the future of their neighborhoods

Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick today announced the creation of a seven-member Community Planning and Engagement (CPE) division – the agency’s first new division since 2016 – that will transform the way the agency works with communities and ensure that their voices are at the center of all planning work.

“Community engagement is critical to our planning efforts and I am thrilled the Department of City Planning is taking bold steps to ensure we get it right in building the housing and services that New Yorkers need the most,” said Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Economic & Workforce Development.

“The work of City Planning is built with local communities – and that means from the ground-up. We created this new division to make sure New Yorkers’ voices are front and center on our work. As a former Council Member, I understand how important it is to make this connection with our neighbors. We are serious about our collaboration with community residents, workers, advocates, and elected officials, as we tackle our city’s biggest challenges,” said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick.

“This is a great next step in making sure New Yorkers are involved in our planning work from day one. By expanding how we think about community engagement, we can make sure that good planning policy is crafted hand-in-hand with members of the public, leading to better results and a better future for all,” said Lara Mérida, Senior Director of Community Planning and Engagement.

“Inclusive community participation in neighborhood planning and development are critical to our city’s success in building more housing,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “This is why expanding input from diverse stakeholders to balance local needs with long-term citywide goals is one of the core pillars of my Planning and Land Use Toolkit. This new Community Planning and Engagement Division is an exciting addition to the Department of City Planning that has already taken important steps to engage young people as new voices in planning conversations. It is essential that these efforts are expanded to residents facing some of the greatest barriers to housing and economic opportunity, who aren’t always heard to the same degree as others in the community input process. Elevating more intentionally inclusive engagement of residents who traditionally lack influence can empower more New Yorkers and help us confront our city’s greatest housing and economic challenges.”

“New Yorkers deserve a say over the future of the neighborhoods they love and call home,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I’m glad that DCP has made it a priority to better engage residents in the planning process through the launch of their new Community Planning and Engagement Division. I am hopeful that this is the start of a new chapter that puts community voices first, and I look forward to working together toward true community partnership.”

“To be successful, any efforts at city planning must take the needs, interests, and concerns of all of a city’s residents into account,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “That’s why I am thrilled the Department of City Planning is showing its commitment to acting on New Yorkers’ needs, interests, and concerns by launching its Community Planning and Engagement Division. This new division will get more residents involved in the city planning process and lead us to a better and more equitable New York City.”

The CPE will support all policy and neighborhood planning proposals, as well as discussions on the city's civic infrastructure – to increase and diversify participation in decisions about the future of neighborhoods and the city at large.  

The new division will build on recent successes, such as a youth engagement program that supports young people in becoming civic leaders and advocates in their communities, and the Equitable Development Data Explorer, an interactive website designed to facilitate public engagement around issues of housing affordability, racial equity, and community displacement.

“Hallelujah! Planners, policy-makers, and New Yorkers who love their neighborhoods have long waited for this day to come. As an urban planner myself, I'm thrilled to imagine that the days of top-down planning – of planning for communities instead of with communities – will soon be a distant memory," said Betsy MacLean, Chief Engagement Officer. “The creation of the Community Planning and Engagement Unit is a big step in the direction of equity and justice and builds on the efforts of dedicated community members and intrepid community planners across City agencies, at community-based organizations, Community Boards, and urban planning schools across the city. Huge congratulations to DCP Director & CPC Chair Garodnick, Lara Mérida, Elizabeth Hamby, and the rest of the CPE crew for making this community engagement imperative a reality.”

“The new Community Planning and Engagement division at the Department of City Planning will incorporate community input into all aspects of the agency’s work, including discussions around the affordable housing we build. By better understanding community needs, we are better equipped to meet citywide goals and community-specific aspirations,” said Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.

“We’re excited that the work of the Civic Engagement Studio is being expanded in this newly formed division,” said NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “We look forward to working more closely with the newly formed Community Planning and Engagement Unit as we continue our efforts to put planning data at the public’s fingertips.”

“To center equity in our work, we must ensure that not just the loudest voices are heard during the planning process. DCP’s new Community Planning and Engagement Division is an innovative approach to bring more New Yorkers together to build a better future for their neighborhoods,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We’re proud to support our sister agency’s work and applaud Commissioner Garodnick for advancing this important effort.”

First Brand-New Division since 2016

CPE is the first brand-new division at the agency since the creation of the Regional Planning division in 2016. Led by Senior Director Lara Mérida, CPE builds on the work of the Civic Engagement Studio, which was officially established in 2021.

The Studio serves as an incubator for innovative projects, including DCP’s youth engagement curriculum.

• Last year, the inaugural year of the program, more than 60 high school seniors from the Bronx’s Laboratory School of Finance and Technology (MSHS223) focused on planning issues in their neighborhood related to affordable housing, their local St. Mary’s Park, and safety at and around the future borough-based jail coming to their community.
• This year’s curriculum kicked off on Feb. 6 at the same school but with this year’s seniors, who are focused on enhancing the quality of life in their neighborhood through solutions to challenges around affordable housing, transportation, and sustainability & resiliency. CPE is looking for opportunities to expand the program to other schools as well.

“Our collaboration with DCP’s Community Planning and Engagement division meant so much to our seniors last year. They worked on real world projects with experts from DCP who came to their classes regularly and showed that they believed in them and their ideas. This turned the power dynamic upside down, with those in positions of power listening while high school seniors shared their solutions to community challenges. For students who often feel marginalized and not taken seriously, this was a powerful moment, and one I do not think they will ever forget,” said Emily Haines, U.S. Government Teacher at the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology.

“MAS believes effective community engagement leads to effective city planning. Demystifying land use processes and providing accessible tools goes a long way towards building public trust and fostering participation. I am happy that NYC’s Department of City Planning will now have a division devoted to that critical work,” said Elizabeth Goldstein, President of The Municipal Art Society. “At MAS, we have collaborated with DCP to make planning processes, tools, and data – including the Equitable Development Data Explorer – more accessible to New Yorkers. We look forward to deepening that partnership with the new Community Planning and Engagement team.”

“We at Regional Plan Association have long believed that community input and engagement are critical to the success of neighborhood planning projects and we wholeheartedly support the creation of the Community Planning and Engagement Division, which does just that,” said Tom Wright, President and CEO of Regional Plan Association. “We are particularly eager to see the work of the Civic Engagement Studio, and to see how this new division will involve young New Yorkers in community planning, helping them become decision makers and leaders in their own communities. We look forward to working with the team at DCP as they roll out this new division and continue working towards Mayor Adams’ City of Yes goals.”

Focus on Community Planning & Engagement

DCP has heard from New Yorkers on the need for there to be more community planning in all the agency’s work, not just rezonings. CPE is charged with transforming the way New York City government plans with communities across all different types of policies and projects, including for affordable housing, job development, investments in infrastructure and community-supporting services, and coordinating funding to address service-related issues, like clogged drains and park maintenance.

This new division will work internally and externally with DCP’s sister agencies to enable active community engagement, holistic neighborhood planning, and participatory policy development readily available for New Yorkers to access, and continually improve DCP’s online tools to put planning data at the public’s fingertips, and more.

City of Yes and Neighborhood Plans

DCP will lean on this division in support of Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes, three citywide text amendments to make New York City greener, more prosperous, and more equitable, as well as current and future neighborhood plans, such as Bronx Metro-North and the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan. For DCP’s initial public info sessions on these initiatives, the CPE division took the lead in these meetings to make City of Yes as clear as possible and maximize opportunities for questions from the public.

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.