Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine - 🌳 Let's Celebrate Arbor Day Together with a Million More Trees!

 

In Manhattan, we live together with almost 100,000 trees, so it’s important that we take time today to not only appreciate the beauty and importance of our urban forest, but to also sow seeds to ensure a greener future for generations to come. So that is why I'm thrilled to share some tree-mendous news with you.  Earlier this week, all 12 of Manhattan’s Community Boards came together to pass a resolution officially supporting my ambitious plan to plant a million more trees in NYC by 2030 and achieve at least 30% tree canopy cover by 2035! Our Million More Trees Initiative aims to grow the tree canopy across the five boroughs over the next decade, protecting New Yorkers from climate change's impacts and environmental risks.  In addition to sprucing up the City, this plan will also help tackle a major health crisis facing our city by decreasing the urban heat island effect. Prioritizing plantings in communities of color and lower-income neighborhoods will reduce heat vulnerability and improve the overall quality of life. Snap and Share your Top Manhattan Tree! I'm also excited to announce the kick-off of our "Tree-Mendous" competition!  We're stumped! We need your help to find the best tree in Manhattan.  Throw us some shade and snap a photo of your favorite tree in the borough, share its story, and tell us why it's special to you.  The best trees from across Manhattan will be featured on LinkNYC digital kiosks. The top tree, chosen based on its visual appeal and story or significance to the community, will receive a special accommodation. So I really wood encourage all of you to participate in this competition and help raise awareness about the value of our urban forest.  Submit your Tree-Mendous competition entries via our social media channels or by visiting: https://www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov/initiatives/million-more-trees/ Our trees play a critical role in maintaining a healthy environment and improving our quality of life.  With the support of you and our Community Boards, we are already building momentum to grow the next generation of trees today. Hope you have a great Arbor Day! Mark

Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity to Comment on Amendment of Rules

 

The New York City Police Department is proposing to update the department’s rule requiring electronic recordkeeping for purchases and second-hand sales of certain goods, and the uploading of such records to a web-based electronic data transfer service. On December 22, 2022, Local Law 123 of 2022 became law, which adds the purchase of catalytic converters to the list of second-hand goods subject to these requirements under Title 38, Chapter 21, Section 21-04 of the Rules of the City of New York.

The NYPD will hold a public hearing on the proposed rules online. The public hearing will take place at 10:00 am on June 16, 2023.

For more information about the language of the law, making public comment, and joining the on-line ZoomGov meeting, please see the attached PDF.

Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity to Comment on Amendment of Rules

D.A. BRAGG ANNOUNCES JAIL SENTENCE OF CORRECTIONS CAPTAIN FOR NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE

 

 Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced today the jail sentence of former Department of Correction (“DOC”) Captain REBECCA HILLMAN, 40, for issuing orders that prevented officers from saving the life of Ryan Wilson, a person in custody at Manhattan Detention Complex (“MDC”), in November 2020. She was sentenced to six months in jail. On March 14, a New York State Supreme Court jury found HILLMAN guilty of one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide. The resolution of this case represents the first time a correction officer has been convicted of and sentenced for Criminally Negligent Homicide.

 “Rebecca Hillman’s negligence and shocking lack of regard for Ryan Wilson’s well-being led to his death. I hope this sentencing can help close what I know has been an incredibly traumatic time for Mr. Wilson’s family and loved ones,” said District Attorney Bragg.

 DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “Ryan Wilson might still be alive today had Rebecca Hillman taken the urgent, appropriate action required of a Department of Correction captain whose job was to protect him, and all persons in custody. Instead she chose to do nothing. Her dereliction of duty had tragic consequences, and I hope today’s sentence provides some measure of justice for Wilson’s family. I thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for this successful prosecution and the Department of Correction for its assistance.”

 As proven at trial, HILLMAN was a Department of Correction Captain in the unit where Ryan Wilson was assigned housing. On the afternoon of November 22, 2020, HILLMAN was planning to have Mr. Wilson moved to another housing unit after an argument with another incarcerated person. Mr. Wilson, who remained locked in his cell pending the move, fashioned a noose out of a bedsheet and attached it to a light fixture. After calling an officer over, Mr. Wilson climbed on a stool, put the noose around his neck, and threatened to hang himself if HILLMAN would not come and let him out of his cell.

 The officer attempted to calm Mr. Wilson and called HILLMAN to inform her that she was needed immediately in the housing unit. Instead, HILLMAN went into the control room, where she began filling out paperwork. After waiting for approximately 10 minutes, Mr. Wilson moved onto his bed, his neck in the noose, began a countdown, and jumped off the bed. The officer, who saw Mr. Wilson jump, called for the cell to be opened immediately so he could cut him down.

 HILLMAN emerged from the control room and came up to the cell, which was opened. She ordered the same officer who had been standing at the door – and who was holding a tool to cut the noose Wilson had fashioned – not to enter and cut Mr. Wilson down, saying that he was fine and was “playing around.” She then casually looked inside and said that Mr. Wilson was faking it because he was still breathing. At this point, HILLMAN ordered that the cell door be closed, leaving Mr. Wilson hanging alone inside the locked cell. She left the area to do her usual work, including completing entries in a log book and walking around the unit.

 About 15 minutes after Mr. Wilson jumped, HILLMAN finally gave the order to open the cell again and called for a medical team. Officers in the area cut Mr. Wilson down, felt a faint pulse, and began chest compressions. When medical personnel arrived a few minutes later, Mr. Wilson was already dead. The New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”) launched an investigation in accordance with its policy to investigate all deaths in correctional facilities.

 D.A. Bragg thanked DOI for its assistance in this case.

DEC ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF $1.7-MILLION MARSH RESTORATION AT FIREPLACE NECK TIDAL WETLAND AREA

 

Project Improves Marsh Stabilization and Supports Coastal Resiliency in Suffolk County

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the completion of construction on a marsh restoration project at Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetland Area in the town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County. In coordination with New York State Office of General Services (OGS), DEC completed the nearly $1.7-million restoration project to help stabilize the marsh system, improve ecological functions, and create a more resilient marsh prepared for the effects of climate change and global sea level rise.

“Tidal wetlands play a critical role in supporting New York’s diverse marine life, fish, and wildlife, while providing a first line of defense against extreme flooding and sea level rise in coastal communities,” said Commissioner Seggos. “The project will improve resiliency and provide added ecological and recreational benefits in Suffolk County.”

“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is completing projects that build resiliency, protect wildlife habitats, and enhance recreational activities in flood-prone areas throughout the State,” said OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy. “The restoration of the Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetland Area was the result of another successful collaboration between OGS and our partners at the DEC.”

Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetland Area is a 108-acre salt marsh located on Long Island's south shore, adjacent to Bellport Bay. Historical marsh development and vegetation degradation in the early 20th Century altered the natural flow of water and sediments in the wetland. Habitat loss and the conversion of dry high-marsh habitat into low-marsh mudflats contributed to a less resilient coastline that faces growing threats from extreme weather events and sea level rise.

DEC and OGS worked with the design firm Henningson, Durham, and Richardson Architecture and Engineering, P.C., to improve the hydrology of the marsh and help stabilize the system, as well as maintain and improve existing ecological functions, bolster the marsh's resiliency to large storm events, and support its ability to adapt to sea level rise. In addition to marsh improvements, improved road access, parking, and facility improvements will provide further benefits to recreational users. Restoration was funded through the Ocean and Great Lakes Fund and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants program.

Hunting opportunities are available within Fireplace Neck and along the Bellport Bay shoreline. DEC announced Spring Turkey Season opens May 1 in Suffolk County and Fireplace Neck is open to archery-only spring turkey hunting. 

For more information on Long Island's Tidal Wetland Areas, visit DEC's website.

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of NY Green Bank’s $250 Million Community Decarbonization Fund

 

Low-Cost Capital Provided to Community-Based Lenders Will Support Projects That Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Disadvantaged Communities

Accelerates Equitable Advancement Toward Nation-Leading Climate Goals to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 85 Percent by 2050

Supports Climate Act Goal to Ensure At Least 35 Percent With a Goal of 40 Percent of Benefits of Clean Energy Investments Go to Disadvantaged Communities

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced NY Green Bank, a division of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the state’s clean energy and sustainable infrastructure financing entity, has launched a $250 million Community Decarbonization Fund. The CDF, a wholesale lending pathway that will provide low-cost capital to Community Development Financial Institutions and other mission-driven lenders for local clean energy and building electrification projects and other scopes of work, will support lenders financing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in disadvantaged communities. Today’s announcement supports New York’s equitable advancement toward the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and to ensure at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments go to disadvantaged communities.

“As we continue to build an equitable, clean energy future for all New Yorkers, NY Green Bank is sending a clear signal that our state is a leader in green infrastructure and economic development,” Governor Hochul said. “Increasing the capacity of community-based lenders to support clean energy projects in underserved communities across our state will improve access to renewable energy and healthier, affordable housing while we continue working to ensure a greener New York for all.”

While the CDF reflects an enhanced approach to expand green lending in DACs, NY Green Bank has been actively supporting projects in historically marginalized communities throughout its history. As of December 31, 2022, NY Green Bank had made commitments of more than $216.5 million to projects located in DACs, including rooftop solar on affordable housing, and clean heating and cooling solutions (heat pumps specifically) in community facilities and houses of worship. NY Green Bank’s current pipeline of support for DAC-related projects is expected to advance the CDF’s commitment to invest $100 million for decarbonization of buildings in and/or serving DACs and $150 million for green affordable housing by 2025.

The CDF structure, design and offerings were informed by initial and ongoing solicitation for stakeholder feedback that began in December 2021, with invitations sent to over 130 entities, resulting in both individual meetings and 11 small group virtual roundtable sessions. These sessions served as opportunities for stakeholders to identify existing financing gaps and potential solutions which would expand the benefits of clean energy investments in DACs. A summary of the feedback provided in these sessions, including the recommendation for the fund announced today, is in the 2021-22 Amended Annual Plan filed with the Department of Public Service and available on the NY Green Bank website. NY Green Bank welcomes additional feedback on the overall structure, format and content of the request for proposals (RFP) itself, which can be provided by email to investmentRFPs@greenbank.ny.gov, with “NY Green Bank: RFP 23 Feedback” in the subject line.

Stakeholder engagement has continued throughout the development of the CDF to provide updates and receive feedback from participating organizations including:

• Property developers, service providers, owners and operators;
• Environmental justice advocates;
• Community-based organizations; and
• Community Development Financing Institutions (CDFIs) and other specialty finance companies with strong pipelines of affordable housing and other DAC-related clean energy and sustainable infrastructure projects.

NY Green Bank will host a webinar on May 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. to share more detail on the CDF, its intended purpose and eligible recipients. Please register here. For additional details please visit the NY Green Bank website.

Overall, since its launch in 2013, NY Green Bank has committed $1.9 billion across 120 transactions and mobilized $5.6 billion in capital as of December 31, 2022. Projects supported by NY Green Bank investments are estimated to result in annual greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to 1,910,000 metric tons, equivalent to removing more than 415,000 cars from the road.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues fostering a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.9 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 and a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with nearly 400 registered and 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution interventions and combat climate change.

 

Movies Under the Stars

Wednesdays, May 3 and 7. Movies start at dusk (~8pm)

Presented by Council Member Eric Dinowitz and NYC Parks. 

5/3: Minions: The Rise of Gru*

5/17: DC League of Super Pets*
Movies shown at Indian Field.

Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park East and E. 233rd.

*All movies subject to change!

Pinkster Festival

Saturday May 6 - 12pm to 4pm

It’s Pinkster time! Join us for this centuries-old spring festival, a celebration of African cultural traditions. With live music, storytelling, and interpretive vignettes by Pinkster experts Chief Baba Neil Clarke, Lavada Nahon, April Armstrong, and friends. Community art project with Tijay Mohammed, artist and creator of the Baobab: Tree of Life installation. 

African food for sale by Voilà Afrique.

Presented by Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum, and Kingsbridge Historical Society. 

Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn

More info here.

 

Spring Wreath Workshop

Saturday, May 13 - Starts promptly at 1:30pm

Together we’ll take a short hike in the woodlands and harvest vines to use as a wreath base. Back at the garden, using a mix of natural and other materials, you’ll decorate your seasonal wreath, perfect for welcoming the sunny summer months ahead. 

For kids age 12+ and adults

Tickets

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

 

DIY Fairy Garden Workshop

Saturday, May 20 - Starts promptly at 1:30pm

Fairy gardens are a fun and imaginative way to get your child digging, learning to garden, and playing outside. In this workshop a child and an accompanying adult will create a fairy garden to take home. All materials will be provided, including plants and decorations. 

For kids age 5+ with an adult

Tickets

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

 

Birding with NYC Audubon

Saturdays - Meet at 9am

Explore Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. Each walk will be led by a New York City Audubon guide.

RSVP Now.

 

There’s still time to join us at the Springtime Shindig!

Thursday, May 11 - 6:30pm to 9:00pm

VCPA’s annual fundraiser to support education, restoration, research, and community stewardship programs in Van Cortlandt Park.

Honoring Courts of Dreams Junior Board and the Friendly Fridge BX.

Tickets, Sponsorships, and Journal Ads.

 

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park

Make a Donation

The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU!  Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today.

Donate!

VCPA Merch Shop!

Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance!

Shop Now!

 

Become a Member

Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes while supporting their favorite park!

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NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State's Paid Family Leave Program Helping Millions of New Yorkers

 

Employees Earning Under $40K Had Largest Number of Claims

Payments under New York’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program rose steadily between 2018 and 2021 as the amount of allowable time off and weekly cash benefits increased. Almost eight million workers were covered under PFL, with $872 million paid on approximately 156,000 claims in 2021, the latest year for which PFL data is available from the state Department of Financial Services, according to an analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“The state’s Paid Family Leave program has allowed New Yorkers to care for loved ones, whether it’s a parent bonding with a newborn or someone looking after a sick family member, without losing their income,” DiNapoli said. “The state should continue to promote this successful program by ensuring employers are aware of their responsibilities and workers are aware of the benefits and the employment and health insurance protections that come with it. No one should have to choose between caring for a loved one and sacrificing a paycheck.”

In 2021 an estimated 88% of employees in the private sector in New York had access to paid family leave benefits, much higher than 29% for the Northeast Census Region and 23% for the United States.

An analysis of claims data from the first four years of the program indicates:

• Employees earning less than $40,000 per year accounted for the largest number of claims, with the number decreasing as income rises, suggesting paid family leave is a particularly important benefit to low-to moderate-income employees.
• Participating insurers approved over 550,000 claims and paid over $2.2 billion in cash benefits to eligible employees.
• Bonding with a newborn child generated over 80% of all payments and more than 70% of all claims.
• Women filed and received about two-thirds of all program claims and payments.
• Service employees – such as health care, education, information and legal services workers – accounted for nearly 45% of all claims by industry.

PFL provides paid time off for eligible employees who are caring for a family member with a serious health condition; bonding with a newborn, newly adopted or foster child; or assisting a family member deployed abroad on active military service. The program began providing benefits on Jan. 1, 2018; maximum weeks of leave and percentages of weekly benefit payments were phased in over four years by Jan. 1, 2021.

Analysis

Economic and Policy Insights – New York’s Paid Family Leave Program

Real Estate Investor Convicted Of Defrauding Government Rental Assistance And Medicaid Programs

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced this conviction in federal court of PAUL FISHBEIN of multiple counts of fraud and aggravated identity theft.  FISHBEIN stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from rental assistance programs administered by New York City’s Human Resources Administration (“HRA”) and New York City’s Housing Preservation & Development (“HPD,” and with HRA, the “Agencies”) by renting out properties throughout the City that he falsely claimed to own and by collecting made-up broker fees.  FISHBEIN was also convicted of Medicaid fraud.  The jury convicted FISHBEIN following a nearly two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “New York City assists millions of low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers through different types of programs, including rental assistance programs and Medicaid.  These programs were designed to help New Yorkers in need.  But, as a jury has now found, for years, Fishbein abused those programs to enrich himself.  To do that, he told lie after lie after lie.  He stole money, including federal funds, from the City’s rental assistance programs by lying about being the landlord of homes he didn’t actually own.  He stole the identity of a real estate broker to get the City to pay him made-up broker fees.  And he stole Medicaid benefits by lying to the City about how much money he made.  A unanimous jury has held Fishbein accountable for his yearslong fraudulent schemes.”

According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and the evidence introduced at trial:

From in or about 2013 through May 4, 2021, FISHBEIN rented out properties in New York City to low-income New Yorkers through the Agencies’ rental assistance programs, collecting rent payments from the Agencies as the purported owner of the properties.  In fact, FISHBEIN was never the owner of those properties and lied to the Agencies to collect the rent payments.  In addition, FISHBEIN lied to HRA that he used the services of a real estate broker to rent out certain properties in order to collect broker fee payments from HRA, also through its rental assistance program.  FISHBEIN used an actual real estate broker’s license and name without her authority to collect these made-up broker fees from the City.  In-need New Yorkers were placed in these properties, which FISHBEIN, because he was not actually the owner of the properties, failed to maintain.  In one instance, the ceiling completely collapsed while a tenant and her family were living in a property FISHBEIN claimed to own.  Through these two schemes, FISHBEIN fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars from HRA and HPD, including more than $90,000 in federal funds. 

FISHBEIN was also convicted of healthcare fraud because, from 2014 through May 4, 2021, he lied to New York City’s Medicaid program about how much money he made in order to collect Medicaid benefits.  Medicaid is meant for low-income New Yorkers.  FISHBEIN, each year, told the City that he made only $150 a week, or $7,200 a year, when in reality, he was raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from his rental assistance and broker fee schemes described above.  By lying about his income and assets, the defendant received at least approximately $49,524.80 in Medicaid benefits to which he was not entitled.

FISHBEIN, 49, of Queens, New York, was convicted of one count of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, one count of theft of government funds, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of healthcare fraud.  The wire fraud and mail fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; the theft of government funds and healthcare fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and the aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory two-year sentence, which must run consecutive to any other prison term imposed.   

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.  FISHBEIN is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Crotty on July 31, 2023.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Department of Investigation.