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Monday, March 20, 2023
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES PLAN TO COMBAT LITHIUM-ION BATTERY FIRES, PROMOTE SAFE ELECTRIC MICROMOBILITY USAGE
City Will Pilot New Technology to Promote Safe Charging, Storage, and E-Bike Usage, Including Programs to Incentivize Safe Device Usage
City Will Continue to Advocate for Additional Regulation and Expand Outreach and Education for Safe E-Micromobility Usage
Plan Includes Bolstered Enforcement Efforts Against “Hot Spot” High-Risk Situations
To Further Increase Safe E-Bike Usage, City Will Pilot Allowing E-Bikes in Parks, Greenways This Summer
Mayor Adams Also Signs Five Pieces of Legislation to Help Reduce Fires Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced “Charge Safe, Ride Safe: New York City’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan” to protect New Yorkers from fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and promote safe electric micromobility usage. The plan focuses on four key areas: Promoting and incentivizing safe battery use, increasing education and outreach to electric micromobility users, advocating for additional federal regulation of these devices, and expanding enforcement against high-risk situations. Mayor Adams also signed five bills into law to further regulate lithium-ion batteries sold in New York City and strengthen fire safety related to battery fires.
“Today, we are supercharging safety for all of our e-bikes and e-scooter users,” said Mayor Adams. “These are convenient transportation options for New Yorkers, but faulty and illegal devices are making their way into our homes and streets, causing fires and putting lives at risk. Through promoting safe devices, expanding education, increasing enforcement on high-risk situations, and pursuing additional regulation, I’m proud that New York City is leading that charge. E-bikes and e-scooters are here to stay, and with this plan and these five pieces of critical legislation I’m proud to sign, we are going to ensure that they are safe for all New Yorkers to use.”
“I am proud that this administration brought expertise from all corners of government to produce a comprehensive plan that meets the urgent need to address battery fires while ensuring we’ve met the needs of delivery workers and the broader public to use this sustainable transportation mode,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack.
“So many of the risks associated with these devices are preventable, but education and awareness are key,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “Even with our enforcement efforts, the goal is not punishment; the goal is safety. Safety is the priority here, and this legislation will no doubt help save lives.”
“This is a huge start to pressing and novel safety work, and New York City must lead the way,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “This is a broad responsibility, and our agency partners, delivery apps, and labor partners must work together to ensure that this equipment critical to delivery worker’s livelihood does not take lives instead.”
“Fires caused by e-bikes and the lithium-ion batteries they rely on have increased dramatically in our city, with deadly consequences for citizens and first responders,” said Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “It is a problem we are tackling aggressively with our partners in city, state, and federal government. We are grateful to the mayor for signing these bills into law and to the City Council for passing legislation that supports the FDNY in addressing this critical safety matter.”
“Legal electric micromobility is a critical part of a safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation landscape. These devices can make moving around the city easier for New Yorkers and are critical tools used by thousands of delivery workers to support our economy,” said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Through this plan, DOT is working closely with its sister agencies to develop the street infrastructure, safety education campaigns, and public charging options to support their growth and safe use.”
E-bikes and e-scooters are an affordable and convenient alternative to cars and are essential for delivery workers and other New Yorkers who rely on this mode of transportation for their livelihoods. However, these new transportation options have also brought serious challenges regarding fire risks. Fires caused by batteries that power e-micromobility devices are a significant problem in New York City, growing from 44 in 2020 to 220 in 2022. These fires are particularly severe and difficult to extinguish, spreading quickly and producing noxious fumes. From 2021 to 2022, these fires resulted in 10 deaths and 226 injuries. In the first two months of 2023 alone, they resulted in two deaths and 40 injuries, posing a clear danger to New Yorkers when not properly used.
The “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” plan identifies four pillars to achieve the administration’s goals for safer e-micromobility and a safer city:
Supporting New Yorkers’ Transition to Safe and Legal E-Micromobility Use
Through innovative pilot programs and testing of new technologies to store and charge lithium-ion batteries, the city will support New Yorkers’ transition to safe and legal e-micromobility use by:
- Working with New York State to design and implement a program that incentivizes the purchase of safe and legal electric micromobility devices;
- Continuing to work on nation-leading deliverista hubs to provide delivery workers with safe places to rest and charge their devices throughout the city;
- Piloting safe, outdoor e-micromobility storage and charging solutions at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, and applying for federal grant funding to support this work; and
- Identifying, testing, and evaluating the most promising public-facing battery-charging solutions through the 2023 DOT Studio Challenge. This initiative will invite startup companies specializing in e-micromobility charging technology to deploy their products at locations supporting food delivery workers. The city will also test and evaluate fire safety and prevention equipment for homes and commercial settings.
Increasing Education and Outreach About Safe Device Usage
The city will expand education and outreach efforts around safe e-micromobility usage, storage, and charging practices by:
- Expanding engagement to immigrant and worker communities, focusing on the communities most affected by these fires;
- Working to provide lithium-ion battery and e-micromobility safety training through New York City Emergency Management’s (NYCEM) Ready NY platforms, as well as directly to NYCEM’s Community Emergency Response Teams to reach everyday New Yorkers, in addition to certified emergency responders; and
- Launching a series, in partnership with Los Deliveristas Unidos, to train communities on fire safety best practices regarding lithium-ion batteries and e-micromobility.
Bolstering Regulation and Enforcement Against Illegal Device Usage
In addition to the legislation Mayor Adams signed into law today, the city will continue to advocate for additional regulation for these devices and bolster enforcement against illegal device usage by:
- Creating a fire marshal task force focused on identifying violators of the fire code. The task force will use data to identify potential violators and high-risk situations or “hot spots,” which will be targeted for both outreach and inspection for compliance with existing fire codes;
- Continuing to advocate to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other federal partners to ensure that devices on New York City’s shelves — both virtual and brick-and-mortar — meet applicable safety standards; and
- Seeking partnerships with local, state, and federal partners to further research the health impacts on first responders handling lithium-ion batteries, which can be extremely toxic when they burn.
Promoting the Growth of Safe E-Micromobility and Cycling
New York City is a leader in sustainable transportation, and electric micromobility is a key tool to help New Yorkers get around efficiently, safely, affordably, and sustainably. In addition to work to prevent battery fires, the city will also work to make it easier and safer to use electric micromobility by:
- Launching a pilot program to allow e-bikes and other legal electric micromobility devices on park drives and greenways this summer and
- Updating and piloting different street designs to accommodate the growth of e-micromobility devices on the roads. To boost these efforts, DOT recently won a Federal Highway Administration “Safe Streets and Roads for All” grant that will be used to further develop and test a new generation of street designs and policies.
In addition to the city’s new action plan, Mayor Adams signed five bills into law today, strengthening the city’s efforts to improve e-micromobility safety:
Intro. 656 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Gale Brewer — will require the FDNY, in consultation with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), to develop an informational campaign educating the public on fire risks posed by powered mobility devices and how to mitigate those risks.
Intro. 663 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Oswald Feliz — will prohibit the sale, lease, or rental of powered mobility devices, such as e-bikes and electric scooters, and storage batteries for these devices, that fail to meet recognized safety standards.
Intro. 722 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Robert Holden — will require the FDNY to submit five reports relating to fire risks and powered mobility devices, such as e-bikes and electric scooters. Reports will include data on fires during the previous year caused by these devices and recommendations for changes to changes to the administrative code to further decrease fire risk.
Intro. 749 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Alexa Avilés — will require the DCWP, in consultation with the FDNY, to publish materials that provide guidance on safe use and storage of powered mobility devices.
Intro. 752 — also sponsored by Councilmember Brewer — will prohibit the assembly or reconditioning of lithium-ion batteries using cells removed from used storage batteries and prohibit the sale of a lithium-ion batteries that use cells removed from used storage batteries.
“As e-bikes and e-scooters become increasingly essential to our city’s residents and workforce, it is vital that we take every step to ensure that they are safe,” said New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “These hazards are preventable, so it is imperative that we work together to educate the public, reduce risk, and improve the quality and reliability of these vehicles. The NYPD is proud to join the mayor’s office and dozens of other city agencies in this collective effort.”
“We’ve seen the growth in electric micromobility use, and in coordination with our sister agencies, we are working on a pilot plan to safely introduce these devices into our parks,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Our parks and greenways are critical parts of the city’s cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. We are committed to supporting delivery workers and community members who use e-micromobility and want all park users — pedestrians, children, families, cyclists, and more — to feel safe and welcome in city parks.”
“Delivery workers use e-bikes more than any other form of transportation in our city, and we must ensure that they are safe and protected from preventable fires caused by faulty batteries,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “Thank you to Mayor Adams and our fellow agencies, the Department of Transportation and the Fire Department, for investing in these life-saving safety measures. DCWP is committed to helping spread the word to delivery workers about the risks of lithium-ion batteries.”
“The ‘Charge Safe, Ride Safe’ plan will protect New Yorkers from fires caused by lithium-ion batteries,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “With the growing problem of fires caused by batteries that power e-bikes and e-scooters, New York City is taking the necessary steps to prevent these emergencies and provide New Yorkers with the tools, resources, and information to live and work safely.”
“The safety of NYCHA residents is our chief priority and central to the work we do every day,” said NYCHA Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We are pleased to partner with Con Edison on this pilot program, which will provide NYCHA residents with a safe, outdoor charging and storage alternative, while supporting the growth of this sustainable mode of transportation.”
“As we promote sustainable modes of transportation, such as e-micromobility, it’s imperative that we ensure the safety of our residents by preventing battery fires and traffic crashes,” said Mayor’s Office of Operations Director Dan Steinberg. “By breaking down silos between agencies and offices, this task force has developed a robust plan that offers solutions toward a safe and more equitable environment for e-micromobility. It’s an honor to work with our leaders in City Hall and across government to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for all New Yorkers.”
“Tragic fires can and have happened when lithium-ion batteries are stored or used unsafely. HPD has been working more closely than ever with the FDNY to keep homes fire-safe, and we want all New Yorkers to know about the precautions they can take to keep themselves, their neighbors, and first responders safe,” said New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.
“New York City is dedicated to leading the way on electric micromobility and ensuring that equitable, affordable, and sustainable transportation is available to all New Yorkers — as described in ‘Making New York Work for Everyone.’ We applaud Mayor Adams’ leadership to ensure e-micromobility’s safe use and expansion,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “We look forward to continuing to work with the mayor, our partners in city government, and the private sector, on spurring new and safe innovation in this space, and we are excited to work with DOT and Newlab to test new solutions for safer e-micromobility charging.”
“Lithium-ion batteries appear in more and more devices, but they're also appearing more and more in the back of our trucks and at our transfer stations, where they cause fires and put ‘New York’s Strongest’ at risk,” said New York City Department of Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “We need a meaningful, permanent strategy on micromobility safety that addresses this problem once and for all, and today, the Adams administration is taking the steps to get us there.”
“DEP’s Division of Emergency Response and Technical Assessment has been instrumental in guiding the development of the ‘Charge Safe, Ride Safe’ plan, specifically as it pertains to the storage, charging, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries — an issue of environmental and worker protection,” said Chief Climate Officer and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala. “Collaborating with our sister agencies, we can educate riders on how to use and enjoy e-micromobility in ways that keep them and their surroundings safe.”
“Today’s announcement is the latest example of how the Adams administration is taking a smarter, more holistic approach to emerging technologies,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser. “This action plan will keep New Yorkers safe, support delivery workers and riders, and support the continued growth of legal e-micromobility in New York City.”
“As we prepare for an electric future in New York City, it is undeniable that e-micromobility is at the forefront of this transportation revolution, but safety is also of paramount importance,” said New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “We applaud Mayor Adams’ efforts, in collaboration with DOT and FDNY. At DCAS, we stand ready to support in any way we can.”
“Keeping cyclists and e-micromobility riders safe makes all of us safer and healthier,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “As a city, we are cutting through jurisdictional boundaries to tap every leaders’ expertise to find solutions for knotty problems. It’s an honor to work with so many great colleagues to protect New Yorkers as more and more people rely on e-bikes and e-scooters to get around in the city.”
“Having many transportation and mobility options is critically important for New Yorkers of all ages, including older adults. As these options expand and grow, especially in the e-micromobility arena, it is our duty to ensure they are used safely and responsibly,” said New York City Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “The plan released and the laws signed today by Mayor Eric Adams, including the education and new street design initiatives, will help make our city an even more safe and equitable place for older adults. This is another step by Mayor Adams to ensure New York is an age-inclusive place to live and work.”
“As we see more e-bikes and e-scooters take to the streets — which is great news for the environment — we need to ensure that the batteries that power these and other micromobility vehicles are regulated and safe to operate,” said Julie Tighe, president, New York League of Conservation Voters. “We applaud Mayor Adams for his electric micromobility and safe battery charging action plan, as well as Speaker Adams for the recent City Council legislation addressing this issue, which together will give New Yorkers the confidence they need to get out of their cars and safely into more environmentally friendly transportation modes. Now, we urge the state and federal governments to step up their regulation of lithium-ion batteries and for the state to create an e-bike/e-scooter rebate as part of this year’s budget.”
“As electric bikes and scooters grow in popularity, we want to explore ways to ensure that New Yorkers have access to safe, convenient charging and secure storage,” said Raghu Sudhakara, vice president, distributed resource integration, Con Edison. “Making micromobility safer and easier will be a plus for the many hard-working people who earn their living delivering food to our homes and businesses. Our demonstration project with NYCHA will provide us with information on how we can support these forms of transportation, which provide environmental benefits, convenience, and enjoyment when used safely.”
“New York City’s deliveristas are essential to the city’s economy and well-being, keeping restaurants humming and New Yorkers fed, and e-bikes and e-scooters are helping shape a micromobility revolution,” said Eric McClure, executive director, StreetsPAC. “At the same time, dangerous, substandard batteries are a tremendous safety concern, and it’s essential that we take comprehensive steps to get unsafe batteries off the streets and out of dwellings and ensure that safe storage and charging facilities are readily available. We appreciate the Adams administration’s commitment to action and look forward to supporting these efforts however we can.”
“This is a pivotal moment for the city to demonstrate its commitment to advancing equitable climate solutions while keeping people safe,” said Melinda Hanson, principal, Brightside; and co-founder, Equitable Commute Project. “More than just a means of getting around, electric micromobility is expanding access to economic opportunity, reducing car trips, and saving New Yorkers up to one hour of commute time each day. The recommendations in the Micromobility Action Plan will mitigate fire risk, expand micromobility infrastructure, and support access to high-quality e-bikes, providing a model for cities and communities nationwide.”
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Triple Chocolat opens at 712 Morris Park Avenue
Triple Chocolat a new Crepe, Waffle, Pancake, Latte, Smoothie, Juice, Shake, Frappuccino, Mojito, and Ice Cream place opened up Saturday March 18th at 712 Morris Park Avenue off White Plains Road in the Little Yemen section of Van Nest.
Delicious sample of the entire line were given out, and the ones I had were delicious. The Fruity Waffle, and delicious Ice Cream. Triple Chocolat can be reached at 929-614-7444 so you can order in advance so your order will be ready when you arrive to pick it up.
Triple Chocolat owner Assaedi Hemyiar is with front runner Republican candidate for City Council Kristy Marmorato.
Queens Man Sentenced 121 Months In Prison For Laundering Millions Of Dollars Of Fraud And Hacking Schemes And Committing Bank Fraud
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DJONIBEK RAHMANKULOV was sentenced to 121 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars in criminal proceeds obtained from computer hacking, healthcare fraud, and Small Business Administration loan fraud, as well as operating an international unlicensed money transmitting business. The defendant was convicted at trial on September 1, 2022, of money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Djonibek Rahmankulov laundered money for a living. He exploited the financial system to launder millions of dollars from multiple fraudulent schemes and repeatedly lied to banks to operate his illegal enterprise. Once caught — and even after he was convicted — the defendant continued to show that he believed he was above the law by threatening a witness and submitting false information to the Court. This sentence reflects that this Office will find and prosecute those who seek to abuse the U.S. financial system to launder dirty money.”
According to the superseding Indictment, evidence at trial, and statements made in Court:
Between 2017 and September 2020, RAHMANKULOV operated a network of shell companies that were used to launder millions of dollars of criminal proceeds from multiple types of criminal activity. RAHMANKULOV worked with computer hackers who fraudulently gained control of the bank accounts of victims located throughout the United States and executed millions of dollars in fraudulent wire transfers into bank accounts opened by RAHMANKULOV and his co-conspirators. RAHMANKULOV received wire transfers into bank accounts he created and bank accounts he instructed others to create and laundered these proceeds through multiple additional bank accounts to prevent the victims and the banks from recovering the stolen funds.
In addition, RAHMANKULOV worked with a network of pharmacies engaged in Medicare and Medicaid fraud. These pharmacies submitted millions of dollars of fraudulent billing for HIV medications that they did not dispense or obtained illegally, including by repurchasing medications from HIV patients who were Medicaid recipients. RAHMANKULOV created companies to receive these criminal proceeds from the pharmacies and laundered them through a variety of means, including by using them to fund an unlicensed money transmitting business that illegally moved money to and from multiple countries, including Iran.
In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, RAHMANKULOV filed fraudulent applications for COVID relief loans from the Small Business Administration for multiple companies he controlled. He laundered the proceeds of loans and grants through these companies. RAHMANKULOV also made a number of materially false statements to financial institutions in connection with his money laundering schemes, both when opening bank accounts and when executing financial transactions with those bank accounts.
RAHMANKULOV sought to obstruct justice during the pendency of his case. In the months before trial, RAHMANKULOV instructed a witness to lie to law enforcement. When the witness later informed RAHMANKULOV that the witness would tell the truth to law enforcement, RAHMANKULOV threatened the witness, stating, among other things, that if he went to prison, “I will drag all of you with me, and once you are there, then I will have my revenge.” Nonetheless, the witness testified at trial. RAHMANKULOV continued seeking to obstruct justice after his conviction. In advance of his sentencing, he submitted multiple letters to the Court purporting to show support from members of the community, but two of these letters were in fact fraudulent and had not been written by the purported authors.
In addition to the prison term, RAHMANKULOV, 35, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. RAHMANKULOV was further ordered to pay a forfeiture of $5,413,278 and a $40,000 fine.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Money Laundering Investigation Squad.
Statement from NYGOP Chair Ed Cox - Re DA Bragg and Former President Trump
New York State Republican Chair Ed Cox released the following statement on reports regarding the blatantly political indictment of former President Trump:
“Indicting a former President of the United States and a declared presidential candidate on a criminal charge for an alleged infraction typically classified as a misdemeanor, and even then rarely used as a stand alone misdemeanor, is a miscarriage of justice, an outrageous violation of democratic norms and a travesty for our politics at home and reputation abroad.
"Insofar as it is attached to a federal election law filing issue, the Southern District of New York and Biden’s Department of Justice looked at the issue and seemingly passed on it long ago, and for good reason, since the federal law’s bias is to excluded personal payments as campaign expenditures.
“This is a blatant political scheme by Alvin Bragg to play to his liberal Manhattan base by smearing, tearing down and demeaning former President Trump.
“Alvin Bragg has already abdicated his basic responsibilities by releasing criminals back onto the streets to wreak havoc on New York’s citizens and minority communities in particular. He has brought further disgrace to his office with this political game.
“The great Manhatten District Attorney Robert Morgenthau is turning over in his grave.”
DOI STATEMENT ON SENTENCING OF RETIRED NYPD INSPECTOR FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FEDERAL PROGRAM FRAUD RELATED TO HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF
Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), issued a statement on this sentencing of WALTER MELNICK, 77, of Treasure Island, Florida, to three years of probation, which includes a condition that one year be served in home incarceration, for conspiring to commit federal program fraud in connection with his work for an Illinois-based consulting firm that provided Hurricane Sandy-related recovery services to the City. MELNICK was sentenced by United States District Judge Victor Marrero in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In September 2022, MELNICK pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit federal program fraud. Under the terms of his plea agreement, MELNICK agreed to forfeit $387,749 and to pay that amount in restitution to the New York City Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”). MELNICK has already paid the full amount of restitution to the Clerk of the Court, which will now be transferred to the City. He was also fined $50,000. DOI’s investigation began in February 2020 when OMB reported that it had received a complaint claiming that consultants from the consulting firm where MELNICK worked received lodging and travel reimbursements to which they were not entitled. DOI investigated this case with the Office of Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; the Office handled this prosecution.
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on this City, and these federal relief funds were intended to help the hardest hit New Yorkers recover from that devastating storm. This defendant, a retired NYPD inspector, viewed this natural disaster as an opportunity to defraud the government of federal funding, by billing exorbitant expenses that he never incurred. I thank OMB for its assistance in exposing this scheme, and our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their work on this investigation and successful prosecution.”
According to the Information, court filings, and statements made in court, beginning in or about 2013, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the New York City received billions of dollars in federal money to fund storm recovery efforts. The City used certain of these funds to hire a consulting firm (“Company-1”) to assist with Hurricane Sandy relief (the “Sandy Project”). Company-1 hired MELNICK to serve as an independent contractor to work on the Sandy Project. Between in or about 2013 and 2019, while working on the Sandy Project for Company-1, MELNICK participated in two schemes to defraud OMB:
Between in or about January 2013 and October 2017, MELNICK conspired with at least one other individual (“CC-1”) and submitted fraudulent documentation to OMB via Company-1, falsely claiming that he was renting and living in an apartment in New York City in order to obtain lodging and travel reimbursements. Upon learning this scheme was under investigation, MELNICK – who retired as a full inspector from the NYPD in 1995 – told CC-1 to lie to law enforcement.
Between in or about 2017 and 2019, MELNICK conspired with at least two individuals, including another employee of Company-1, MARK O’MARA, to purchase a property that O’MARA used to submit fraudulent reimbursement requests to OMB via Company-1. O’MARA transferred the proceeds from this fraudulent scheme to another individual who used part of the proceeds to pay the mortgage and maintenance for the property and retained the rest. In or about March 2022, MELNICK made false statements to the Government in connection with this second fraudulent scheme.
DOI was alerted to the fraudulent activity in February 2020 by OMB, which reported that it had received an anonymous complaint that O’MARA had purchased a home in New York in 2016, making him ineligible for lodging and travel reimbursements from at least 2016 to 2019. OMB then conducted a review of other Company-1 consultants on the Sandy Project and provided DOI with the names of consultants with questionable reimbursements, including MELNICK and O’MARA.
O’MARA pled guilty on February 7, 2023 to federal program fraud, wire fraud in connection with a presidentially declared major disaster, conspiracy to commit federal program fraud and wire fraud and destruction of evidence, before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman. His sentencing is scheduled for August 8, 2023.
Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Declaring March 18-19, 25-26 as Maple Weekends in New York State
New Yorkers Encouraged to Support Local Producers by Participating in Maple Weekend from March 18-19 and 25-26
New York Maple Syrup Production Reached Record High 845,000 Gallons in 2022; Ranks Second in the Nation
Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring March 18-19 and 25-26 as Maple Weekends in New York State. The Governor also highlighted that New York maple producers experienced a record-breaking year in 2022, producing 845,000 gallons of maple syrup, and the State continues to rank second in the nation in maple production. Governor Hochul participated in New York State Maple Weekend by visiting Moore's Maple Shack & Pancake House in Freedom, NY.
"Maple syrup production is a New York State tradition that dates back more than four centuries, and the homegrown maple industry is a key part of our agritourism and economy," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to celebrate the 28th anniversary of "Maple Weekends," which recognizes those who work hard to bring an ever-expanding variety of maple products from tree to table - keeping the maple industry a cherished part of our state's heritage and economy."
In addition to its ranking for maple production, New York is also home to the largest resource of tappable maple trees within the United States and more than 2,000 maple sugar makers. In 2022, New York's maple industry used 2.9 million taps, tying 2021's record for the largest number of taps used in a single year. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports the maple industry through the New York State Budget—which includes funding for promotion and educational programs—as well as through investments in research projects, such as Cornell University's Maple Program's Arnot Teaching Forest, and through its NYS Grown & Certified and Taste NY marketing programs.
Maple Weekends
Throughout the month of March each year, and, in particular, during the weekends of March 18-19 and 25-26, maple farms across the state open their doors to the public to provide a chance to taste pure maple syrup, right from the source, and experience the unique family tradition of making maple syrup in New York State. Producers, including many of those that are NYS Grown & Certified, offer tours and pancake breakfasts, sell maple products, and demonstrate the syrup-making process, which includes the traditional system of hanging buckets on trees or more modern methods of production using vacuum systems to increase the yield of sap per tree. Maple Weekends in 2023 will take place at nearly 150 maple sugarmakers' farms, boosting agritourism across New York State. A searchable list of Maple Weekend events is available at mapleweekend.nysmaple.com.
More than 80 maple producers participate in NYS Grown & Certified, which verifies New York's agricultural producers and growers who adhere to food safety and environmental sustainability standards. Find a current list of maple producers who are a part of the NYS Grown & Certified program at certified.ny.gov/wheretobuy.
Maple Promotions
New York's Taste NY Markets across the state are highlighting unique local maple products and producers during the month of March. Several markets are offering specials, including 10% off all maple items at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, special product sampling at the Capital Region Welcome Center and Western New York Welcome Center, and more. Find a list of markets near you at taste.ny.gov. New Yorkers can also shop for New York State maple from the comfort of home on ShopTasteNY.com, which will be offering specials and free shipping on maple products throughout the month. Additionally, Taste NY Markets will be celebrating 'Maple Madness' during the weekend of March 25-26. Stay tuned on social media for more information about special sampling and giveaway promotions that weekend.
Attorney General James Hosts Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon in New York City
Nearly 200 Guests Enjoyed a Day of Family Fun in Solidarity with Drag Performers and the LGBTQ+ Community
New York Attorney General James, together with a broad coalition of advocacy organizations and elected leaders, today stood proudly in unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community and hosted a first-of-its-kind Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon for families in New York City. Nearly 200 guests enjoyed four back-to-back Story Hours hosted by the Drag Kings, Queens, and Royalty of Drag Story Hour NYC at The Center, which has been a home and resource hub for the LGBTQ+ community and allies since its founding in 1983. Attorney General James was joined by local elected officials, including Assemblymembers Tony Simone and Grace Lee, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Council Members Erik Bottcher, Shekar Krishnan, and Crystal Hudson.
“The recent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ protests, rhetoric, and policies has left New Yorkers — myself included — devastated and disappointed. But I know better than anyone that when the choice is between love and hate, between joy and venom, New Yorkers will always choose love, and New Yorkers will always choose joy,” said Attorney General James. “I am proud to have been joined by my colleagues in advocacy and government today in celebration of the love, joy, and family fun that Drag Story Hour brings to our communities. Hate has no home in New York, and I will always fight to ensure our LGBTQ+ siblings’ rights are upheld and defended.”
Attorney General James hosted today’s Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon to condemn hate and combat rampant disinformation. Recent months have seen a rise in homophobic protests and fearmongering surrounding Drag Story Hour, and disgraceful harassment and vitriol directed at the LGBTQ+ community, advocates, and leaders such as New York City Council Members Erik Bottcher and Shekar Krishnan. With this event, Attorney General James and her colleagues and co-sponsors are ensuring New Yorkers know that everyone — regardless of sexuality, gender, race, or socioeconomic status — is celebrated, protected, and welcomed in New York.
This event was made possible and proudly co-sponsored by Drag Story Hour, The Center, the Pride Center of Staten Island, Destination Tomorrow, the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Public Library, the Queens Public Library, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, State Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Daniel O'Donnell, and Tony Simone, and New York City Council Members Erik Bottcher, Tiffany Cabán, Crystal Hudson, Shekar Krishnan, Chi Ossé, and Lynn Schulman.
“I believe it’s our responsibility to create environments for queer families to experience healing, joy, and celebration. For the past 40 years, The Center has been a place that does that. It has also been a hub of activism in the face of attacks against our community,” said Glennda Testone, Executive Director, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City. “Welcoming Drag Story Hour to The Center provided a fun day for LGBTQ+ families and served as a reminder to those who seek to erase LGBTQ+ people that we’re here and will continue to live our truth.”
“Drag Story Hour is one of our most popular programs and a fun and positive experience for families. Children love hearing stories and singing songs with the performers who dress in bright colors and sparkles,” said The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library. “Our librarians work closely with DSH to select age-appropriate books in English and other languages. We are proud to offer story times for babies and older children that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and introduce a new generation to the joy of reading.”
“We are excited to share this occasion with Attorney General James and appreciate her unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community. Drag story hours promote diversity and inclusion, and are intended to spark children's interest in reading,” said Sean Ebony Coleman, Founder and Executive Director, Destination Tomorrow. “We have to stand up to those who have politicized something joyful and educational. The weaponization of drag story hour is a tool to vilify the community and further promote violence against and discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals. We will continue to celebrate all identities and refuse to let our joy be taken away.”
“The Pride Center of Staten Island applauds Attorney General Letitia James for hosting a Drag Story Hour event,” said The Pride Center of Staten Island. “In our current sociopolitical climate, where transgender people and drag performers in other parts of the country are being re-pathologized, othered, and silenced by anti-LGBTQIA+ laws, this event is an important celebration of difference and gender diversity.”
“Today, we witness the joy and happiness that Drag Story Hour brings children nationwide and the community-led effort it takes to make it happen,” says Beverly Tillery, Executive Director, New York City Anti-Violence Project. “But I would be remiss if we didn’t note the unfortunate reality of the hatred that makes such an innocent event newsworthy and the real danger our Drag performers and our community face daily due to hateful threats.”
Established in 1983 as a result of the AIDS crisis, New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has grown and evolved over the last four decades, creating and delivering services that empower people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center currently operates in-person and virtually, providing recovery and wellness programs, economic advancement initiatives, family and youth support, advocacy, arts, and cultural events, and space for community organizing and connection. For more information, please visit gaycenter.org.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) protects the civil rights of all New Yorkers and promotes equal justice under the law. If an individual witnesses or experiences an act of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination or any unlawful discrimination, they are encouraged to contact OAG’s Civil Rights Bureau by submitting a confidential complaint online, emailing civil.rights@ag.ny.gov, or calling (212) 416-8250.