Dear Neighbor,
In honor of Civics Week, we are hosting our Civic Engagement Summit!
Join us on Tuesday, March 7th from 4pm - 7pm at 851 Grand Concourse in the Rotunda where we will be discussing the importance of youth civic engagement and leadership with a panel of Elected Officials and youth leaders from various institutions.
Click here to RSVP.
In partnership,
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson
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Intro 148-A Expands Definition of Domestic Violence to Include Economic Abuse
Intro 470-A Will Phase Out Use of Fuel Oil Grade No.4 to Improve Air Quality
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed two pieces of legislation — one to expand the definition of a victim of domestic violence and another to improve New York City’s air quality by phasing out the use of fuel oil No. 4 by 2030. As many survivors of domestic violence face housing or economic insecurity, Intro 148-A will ensure those who faced economic abuse are not discriminated against based off their economic standing. The second piece of legislation, Intro 470-A, will improve air quality across the city by phasing out the use of fuel oil No. 4, which emits high-levels of dangerous pollutants. With 72 percent of buildings that use fuel oil No. 4 located in Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, this legislation will also help deliver cleaner air and to communities impacted by poor air quality.
“Every New Yorker deserves safety in their relationships and to live a life free of domestic and gender-based violence,” said Mayor Adams. “But for many New Yorkers, home is no longer safe, and too often, survivors face financial difficulties and discrimination as they move forward with their lives. Intro. 148-A expands the definition of a victim of domestic violence to include economic abuse, so survivors are further protected under the law and not unfairly victimized again based off their economic standing. Additionally, Intro 140-A will phase out fuel oil No. 4 — protecting our environment, improving air quality, and helping ensure Black and Brown communities are not unjustly impacted by this oil. Too often, people of color in low-income communities suffer the most from pollution and climate change. This bill works to address these disparities and helps improve the air quality for all New Yorkers.”
“We know economic abuses like coerced debt, deception, fraud, or manipulation are common experiences for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence,” said New York City Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Commissioner Cecile Noel. “We applaud Mayor Adams and the New York City Council for enacting Councilmember Justin Brannan’s bill to strengthen survivor protections by recognizing economic abuse as a form of domestic and gender-based violence in the city’s Human Rights Law. This legislation strengthens anti-discrimination protections for survivors experiencing financial hardships due to economic abuse and keeps them on the path to safety, healing, and stability including long-term financial stability.”
“Individuals who face gender-based violence should never be denied their rights in employment or housing” said New York City Commission on Human Rights Commissioner and Chair Annabel Palma. “The New York City Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals who experience domestic violence. Today's amendment recognizes explicitly that this includes being subjected to acts or threats of economic abuse. We are proud to be part of an administration that stands with survivors and offers an array of service. This includes our continued partnership and collaboration with the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence."
"Phasing out fuel oil No. 4 will result in critical air quality and public health improvements, resulting in fewer premature deaths, respiratory and cardiac hospitalizations, and asthma emergency room visits,” said Chief Climate Officer and New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Vulnerable, high-poverty areas that have traditionally experienced the greatest proportion of negative health impacts from this dirty fuel, like Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, will especially benefit from this legislation.”
Intro 148-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Justin Brannan — amends the definition of the term “victim of domestic violence” under the New York City Human Rights Law to recognize economic abuse as a form of domestic violence and extends existing protections for domestic violence victims to those who have experienced economic abuse.
Intro 470-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember James Gennaro — would phase out fuel oil No. 4, improving air quality and public health by reducing emissions of particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. The city expects this legislation will help prevent more premature deaths, respiratory and cardiac hospitalizations, and asthma emergency room visits, building a safer and healthier city for all New Yorkers.
Saturday March 4th was the inauguration of New Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. that was held at the Jacobi Hospital Rotunda. Members of the assembly came from all five boroughs. Elected officials who spoke included U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, New York City Mayor Eric Adams (on video), New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Congressman Ritchie Torres, Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson, Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and Councilman Rafael Salamanca who called the new assemblyman by his former name in Councilman Salamanca's office John John and JZ in the district.
Mrs. Daniella Zaccaro introduced her husband after saying a few words about him, as Speaker Heastie swore Assemblyman Zaccaro in with his family and mother on stage with him. The newly sworn in Assemblyman thanked his staff for putting the inauguration together, the elected officials who came a well as those in the audience who came to see their new assemblyman. He said he would not disappoint the people of the district as he is their member of the assembly.
The Invocation was given by Pastor Jay Gooding, Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson, and Imam Abdulla Mohamed. Performances were by Mind Builders Creative Arts Center, Alba Life School, and the Yemen Traditional Youth.
Starting Monday, March 6 — Adding Trains to Brooklyn and Lengthening Trains to Penn Station, Adding Cars to All Trains That Exceeded Capacity Last Week
Increasing of Jamaica-Brooklyn Service to Reduce Wait Times and Dramatically Expanding Customer Service Presence at Jamaica to Improve Communication and Transfers
Directs Dedicated Monitoring of Commuter Patterns and Continuing to Make Schedule Adjustments Based on Demand
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to modify train service, taking effect tomorrow, Monday, March 6, to improve Long Island Rail Road customers' commutes. At the Governor's direction, the LIRR will increase rush hour service to Brooklyn, lengthen trains serving Penn Station, add cars to all trains that exceeded capacity last week, and ramping up customer service presence at Jamaica to improve commuter communication and prevent rushed transfers.
"The historic opening of Grand Central Madison marked the first expansion of LIRR service in 100 years, and to ensure the new terminal's success, we must be responsive to the needs of our commuters," Governor Hochul said. "Customers deserve a world-class commuting experience, and that's what we are working hard to accomplish with these changes. We are committed to continuing to listen, monitor, and make changes to deliver high-quality service, communication, and consistency to New Yorkers."
The LIRR is increasing rush hour service to Brooklyn by adding an additional trainset on Monday and a second additional trainset on Tuesday, reducing time between trains on the Jamaica-Brooklyn shuttle Monday to an average of 8-9 minutes in peak hours, with even more frequent service starting Tuesday.
In addition, the LIRR is lengthening 17 trains serving Penn Station, adding cars to every train that exceeded capacity. Including four trains that were already lengthened last week, and an additional 11 peak trains that result from the targeted increases, a total of 32 trains listed below will have added cars starting Monday, March 6. This includes trains that were nearing capacity as those that exceeded it. Brooklyn customers are advised to check the TrainTime app to view new Jamaica - Atlantic Terminal options.
The Governor also directed an expanded customer service presence, focused at Jamaica, to assist commuters with real-time communication about transfers, including the establishment of a platform controller who will direct when Atlantic Terminal-bound trains depart to reduce the chance that customers would miss the next departing train. In addition to existing LIRR customer service support, 30 additional employees have been deployed to Jamaica and 10 to Grand Central Madison to assist customers through the transition. The MTA will also continue to inform LIRR customers about changes to the schedule across platforms, through the TrainTime app, social media, the MTA website, its digital screen network, announcements and customer alerts sent via email and text messages
These changes are intended to ensure that during rush hours, the platform at Jamaica serving Brooklyn trains will have a train waiting at the platform with doors open and will not depart until a second train has arrived on the opposite track. During the afternoon/evening rush, a similar system will be in place at Atlantic Terminal.
The LIRR operates a Jamaica Central Control Center (JCC) to closely monitor ridership conditions and operations. This enables real time observations of passenger loading to evaluate and assess what future improvements might be useful. At the Governor's direction, the MTA will continue to monitor overall commuter patterns and make corresponding schedule adjustments to ensure capacity for commuter needs.
"Changes made starting late last week and those scheduled to take effect Monday are data-driven adjustments to reduce wait times and lessen crowding where it occurs," said Catherine Rinaldi, Interim Long Island Rail Road President and President of Metro-North. "We had said we were looking at every train and every line to assess where customers were not getting the level of service they and we expect. These changes are steps toward ensuring a better experience going forward, while continuing to run more overall service to more NYC terminals than the LIRR ever has before. We will continue to monitor ridership trends and loading conditions and make adjustments as necessary."
LIRR to Lengthen Trains
Last week, the LIRR lengthened four trains to address crowded conditions. Beginning Monday, the LIRR will lengthen seven trains to Penn Station for the morning rush hour and nine trains for the afternoon rush hour. This change addresses any train that reached or exceeded capacity based on data collected last week. For the list of trains with added cars, see below.
Subsequently, when these trains turn from either their Long Island destination or Penn Station to operate in the opposite direction, an additional eleven trains will have added cars, benefitting customers as well as a result of the previously described targeted increases.
The railroad has been adapting to address concerns from the public as quickly as possible, which included lengthening of trains. As such, the LIRR went from 16 trains that reached capacity in one day during peak periods to one train exceeding capacity by the end of the week on Friday, March 3, out of a total of 289 peak trains.
Brooklyn Service
Brooklyn service will be increased beginning Monday, with one additional trainset to operate between Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal and a second trainset to be placed into service on Tuesday.
The addition of trains will effectively reduce wait times to an average of 8-9 minutes Monday, and even less Tuesday, for Brooklyn customers during both peak periods and means it will be likely whenever customers arrive at the platform at Jamaica, there will be a train ready to board.
Additionally, to streamline transfers to Brooklyn, the LIRR will have platform controllers to assist customers on the platform serving Tracks 11 and 12, where Brooklyn trains depart. The platform controllers determine the timing of trains departures. When conditions allow, a Brooklyn train will not depart the platform without the arrival of a second train on the opposite track for the morning rush hour and trains are expected to hold up to two minutes for connecting customers transferring from other platforms.
Weekend Service
On Saturday, March 3, the first weekend day of service under the new schedules, the systemwide on-time performance for the LIRR was a consistent 97.85%, while operating 697 trains, 28% more than under previous timetables. On Saturday, February 25, the last Saturday under previous schedules, on-time performance was 97.98% with 544 trains operating.
Grand Central Madison Service
During peak periods, 114,153 riders commuted last week to and from Grand Central Madison, saving a combined total of up to 38,051 hours of commuting time to destinations on the East Side compared with travel time using Penn Station.
Morning Peak Trains That Were Lengthened Last Week
Peak Trains With Added Cars Effective Monday, Mar. 6, 2023
Visit Wave Hill this week for a unique experience that combines art, music and garden design. The Family Art Project is inspired by the sounds of nature, while Sunday’s concert features American pop, singer-songwriter Alea–
Family Art Project: Musical Magic
Free with admission to the grounds
Meet at Wave Hill House
Let’s make music! A breeze through the trees, the hoot of an owl, rain falling on a pond—nature is full of beautiful sounds. We’ll discover the music of the natural world before making and decorating our very own set of playable pipes to serenade our friends.
Registration not required.
The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety:
Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives.
If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session.
Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants.
Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside.
Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.
Public Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk
Sun, March 26, 2023, 2–2:45PM
Free with admission to the grounds
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.
Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours.
Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.
Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.
Sun, Mar 26, 2–3PM
$30 Adult/$16 Student (with ID)/$14 Child (8-18), including admission to the grounds. Advance tickets $2 off. Wave Hill Members save 10%
Armor Hall
With a welcoming sound that embraces cumbia, vallenato, rancheras, jazz and American pop, singer-songwriter Alea moves her audiences with messages of the spirit, calls for social change and free-flowing love. Originally from La Guajira, Colombia, Alea’s performance encompasses an entire generation of ethno-futuristic and folkloric music accentuated by buttery vocals, deep-rooted grooves and uplifting guitar. Alea’s in-person performances are powerful encounters of the spirit, passionate travelogues that link downtown New York to a tropical Colombian cantina.
The concert begins at 2PM and lasts approximately one hour without intermission. Ages 8 and older welcome with an adult.
Tickets required, purchase online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above.
Wave Hill House and Armor Hall are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.
Horticultural Lecture Series: The Curious Plantsman—Challenging Convention: Plant Trials by Design
Wed, March 29, 2-3PM
$30, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%
Wave Hill House
Matt Mattus is a creative who cannot stop growing. With an inherent curiosity that challenges conventional wisdom and seeks out the obscure, Matt experiments with classic and current horticultural methods to find which has merit and which misleads. His research has also identified “secret recipes” that could improve the results of what you’re growing in your own garden. Matt will discuss seed-sown annuals, delphiniums from cuttings, demystifying South African bulbs and cyclamen, and more. His presentations are known for a combination of inspirational beauty, useful content and humor, so you might want to come with a notebook! A reception with light refreshments will follow this talk at Wave Hill, the final lecture in the 2023 series.
Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
Lecture Sponsorship
The generosity of Lecture Sponsors makes this program possible and is crucial to helping keep tickets affordable for garden professionals, interns and enthusiasts. Please consider becoming a Lecture Sponsor today.
Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension listed above.
HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SAADAH MASOUD was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes in connection with MASOUD’s repeated physical attacks of Jewish victims in New York City between 2021 and 2022. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Saadah Masoud repeatedly attacked New Yorkers based on their religion and national origin. The prosecution of this case and the sentence imposed today make clear that hate-fueled violence will not be tolerated in our community and that this Office will be unrelenting in our efforts to hold accountable those who perpetrate senseless crimes of hate.”
According to the Indictment, other public filings, and statements made in court:
From at least in or about May 2021 through at least in or about April 2022, MASOUD and others conspired to commit hate crime acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere. In furtherance of the conspiracy, MASOUD assaulted at least three victims based upon the victims’ actual and perceived religion and national origin. Specifically, the defendant admitted to committing the following acts of violence that were motivated by the victims’ Jewish or Israeli identity or perceived identity:
In addition to his prison term, SAADAH MASOUD, 29, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The Yonkers Planning Board has granted approvals to Ginsburg Development Companies to construct a new multifamily rental property at 150 Downing Street in Yonkers. Known as Ludlow Point, the development will include 208 apartments, a collection of amenity spaces, and 229 parking spaces.
Original renderings for Ludlow point revealed a two-tower complex with a low-rise amenity deck between the ten-story volumes. Former plans also specified 520 apartments. Amenity spaces included include a lounge, fitness center, a swimming pool, business center, bike racks, and private storage. Retail and dining components were also planned for the building’s ground floor. Updated renderings show a similarly bifurcated property with a low-rise lobby entrance between the two volumes. The taller portions of the structure will top out at seven stories.
Total construction costs for the updated project are estimated at $65 million. The project is also expected to create 625 construction jobs.
Original and defunct rendering of Ludlow Point at 150 Downing Street in Yonkers – Ginsburg Development Companies
