MAYOR ADAMS, SPEAKER ADAMS, COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS, BOROUGH PRESIDENT RICHARDS LAUNCH JAMAICA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, UNVEIL VISION FOR STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

 

Community-Led Process Managed by DCP Offers Opportunities for New Jobs and Homes, Inclusive Growth

DOT’s Jamaica NOW Plan Lays Out Roadmap for Safer Streets With Vibrant Public Spaces

New Effort Builds on Mayor Adams’ Working People’s Agenda, Other Efforts to Create New Housing and Improve Quality of Life for New Yorkers Across All Five Boroughs

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) Director and City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair Dan Garodnick, and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today kicked off efforts for a community-led planning process to create new jobs and housing and deliver streetscape improvements in Jamaica, Queens. The announcement was made in partnership with New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Overseen by the DCP, the community-driven “Jamaica Neighborhood Plan” study will explore opportunities to promote job growth in the neighborhood; create new housing, especially permanently affordable housing and housing produced in partnership with faith-based institutions; and enhance resiliency, including by addressing flooding. DOT’s “Jamaica NOW: Urban Design Strategy and Streetscape Plan” outlines a vision for streetscape improvements that would make neighborhood streets safer, upgrade public spaces for the community, and deliver much-needed infrastructure upgrades. Together, these new efforts build on existing Adams administration initiatives — including Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Agenda” — to add new housing, create vibrant new public spaces, and improve quality of life for New Yorkers across the entire city.

“Our administration and our elected and community partners are going to create family-sustaining jobs, affordable homes, and vibrant public spaces — and we are getting to work right away,” said Mayor Adams. “Jamaica is a major jobs and transportation hub for Queens and the entire city, but it has been overlooked for too long. We have been undertaking projects like this across the five boroughs, and this comprehensive plan for Jamaica will help deliver a fairer, more prosperous city.”

Rendering of proposed upgrades to Parsons Boulevard. Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

“The Adams administration is laser-focused on bringing jobs, housing, and infrastructure improvements to neighborhoods across the city to ensure we achieve a five-borough economic recovery,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I thank Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Borough President Donovan Richards, and Councilmember Nantasha Williams for their commitment to their communities and partnership in bringing these critical opportunities to the people of Jamaica.”

“Jamaica is blessed with an incredible community, rich culture and local institutions, and world-class transit access. This plan will lean into Jamaica’s strengths with not only land use changes, but also investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, and the public realm,” said DCP Director and CPC Chair Garodnick. “We are determined to support an even stronger and more vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.”

“Our Jamaica NOW plan represents a comprehensive vision to help Downtown Jamaica thrive as a pedestrian-focused commercial and transit corridor,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “The busways on Jamaica and Archer Avenues have dramatically improved the lives of a quarter-million daily commuters along the corridors — and we look forward to complimenting these transformative upgrades with holistic public space improvements for transit users, shoppers, residents, and other visitors to the neighborhood, including the recently allocated $62 million to reimagine Jamaica Avenue into a robust streetscape and economic hub. Thank you, Mayor Adams, Commissioner Garodnick, and the elected officials, for their support and vision to ensure we are equitably investing in our neighborhoods across the five boroughs.”

“Our Jamaica is a thriving and vibrant community whose success is pivotal to the prosperity of Southeast Queens and to our entire city,” said City Council Speaker Adams. “As a former co-chair of the Jamaica NOW Leadership Council and a representative of Southeast Queens, I remain committed to Jamaica’s growth and transformation to a bustling community with opportunities to advance careers, build homes, and raise families. The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan continues a critical process to build on the progress we have made by facilitating the creation of more affordable housing, infrastructure and resiliency investments, and economic opportunities directly to Southeast Queens. I look forward to working with my colleagues in government, community leaders, and neighborhood institutions to develop a robust plan that will deliver the equitable investments that our community deserves.”

Jamaica Neighborhood Plan

In partnership with Borough President Richards and Councilmember Williams, DCP will conduct extensive community outreach — including with multiple public workshops and open houses later this year — alongside a steering committee with community, business, and faith leaders who will meet regularly. Engagement will continue with an open house at the end of the summer and public workshops in the fall.

The study will focus on a more-than-300-block area that includes Downtown Jamaica, adjacent transportation corridors, and nearby manufacturing districts. The area includes institutions and community assets like York College, Rufus King Park, and the Jamaica Rail Hub, which provides transit access to the rest of New York City and east to Long Island via the subway, Long Island Rail Road, and AirTrain. The study area also covers key pedestrian and commercial corridors, including Jamaica Avenue, Merrick Boulevard, Hillside Avenue, and Liberty Avenue.

This effort builds on Mayor Adams’ aggressive actions to create more housing in every corner of the city. The mayor’s “City of Yes” plan would change zoning rules citywide to facilitate the creation of more and different types of housing. His “Get Stuff Built” plan includes initiatives that not only accelerate the pace of housing production, but that also create 6,000 new homes in the Bronx near four new Metro-North stations that will be coming to the East Bronx in 2027 and thousands more to Atlantic Avenue in Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant. Additionally, the mayor kicked off — with his Working People’s Agenda — efforts to create housing in areas of Midtown South that currently permit only manufacturing and office space, as well as efforts to create housing on the North Shore of Staten Island.

Jamaica NOW: Urban Design Strategy and Streetscape Plan

Emerging from the “Jamaica Now Neighborhood Action Plan,” the Jamaica NOW streetscape plan offers design strategies and identifies five focus areas for capital projects to create a people-centered district with safer, pedestrian-focused streets that complement the recently installed busways along Jamaica Avenue and Archer Avenue as well as the neighborhood’s bustling commercial corridor.

The plan’s boundaries extend north-south from Jamaica Avenue to Archer Avenue and east-west from Merrick Boulevard to Sutphin Boulevard. Projects will include widening sidewalks and providing additional seating, trees, and other streetscape and open space amenities to encourage pedestrians, including better lighting, pop-up programming, and concessions.

Nearly $70 million has already been allocated to deliver two of the featured capital projects: $62.5 million from the city for the reconstruction of Jamaica Avenue from Sutphin Boulevard to Merrick Boulevard in Mayor Adams’ Working People’s Agenda and an additional $6 million, including $2.5 million from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, to build a permanent pedestrian gateway on Parsons Boulevard between Jamaica Avenue and Archer Avenue.

The plan is a product of robust public engagement, drawing on outreach to 1,500 members of the public and more than 600 public comments. The plan focuses on the following key factors:

• Jamaica Avenue Retail and Cultural Corridor: With Jamaica Avenue serving 139,000 daily bus riders along 14 routes, Jamaica NOW would deliver design improvements along the corridor to support transit riders and showcase historic and cultural assets.

• Parsons Boulevard Downtown Jamaica Gateway: Jamaica NOW envisions Parsons Boulevard, between Jamaica and Archer Avenues, as a gateway to Downtown Jamaica, with expanded pedestrian space, new trees and vegetation, seating, concessions, and lighting. Construction to expand pedestrian space is already underway.

• 153^rd Street Multi-Modal Hub: 153^rd Street between Jamaica and Archer Avenues would be redesigned to better serve as a hub connecting to the subway, buses, and commuter vans that serve the area.

• Archer Avenue Teardrop Space: With collaboration and support from a community partner, Jamaica NOW aims to redesign the Archer Avenue “teardrop” at 150^th Street to better accommodate the more than 225,000 daily bus riders along the corridor and enhance connections to the subway, Long Island Rail Road, and AirTrain to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

• York College El-Space at Archer Avenue: Proposals aim to create a more welcoming space for commuters, students, and visitors, with enhancements to the viaduct, including better lighting, wider sidewalks, new seating, and raised planters with trees and shrubs.

The city will conduct additional community engagement in the near term to help define the amenities and investments that will shape these new public spaces in the downtown core.

This plan builds on Mayor Adams’ $375 million investment in public space as part of the Working People’s Agenda, which included a full reconstruction of Jamaica Avenue from Sutphin Boulevard to Merrick Boulevard.

“Jamaica has long been home to one of the city’s largest residential communities yet is well positioned to help alleviate New York’s affordable housing crisis by creating more opportunities to live here,” said Justin Rodgers, president and CEO, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. “We are thrilled by the unwavering commitment of Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams, Councilmember Nantasha Williams, and Borough President Richards to return Downtown Jamaica to prominence. With many mass transit options, including LIRR lines that connect to Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn in 20 minutes, along with a vibrant retail corridor, our neighborhood is primed for continued growth that will be catalyzed by this tremendous public investment.”

Governor Hochul Announces $6.8 Million Bike-Hike Trail Expansion at Allegany State Park

 

Supported with $1.22 Million from Ralph C. Wilson Foundation

New 3.6-Mile Trail Expands Access to Popular Quaker Lake Beach Area for Campers, Hikers and Bikers

Historic Ferris Wheel to Open at Midway State Park

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a new $6.8 million multi-use trail at Allegany State Park that provides an accessible alternative for bikers, hikers and campers to reach the park's popular Quaker Lake beach area. The new trail is open in time for the summer camping season at Allegany State Park, which boasts the largest campground in the state park system.

"Allegany State Park is one of the finest wilderness parks in the U.S., and this project will make it easier and safer for visitors to access the Quaker Lake beach from nearby camping areas, hiking trails and recreational areas," Governor Hochul said. "This project not only helps New York achieve its nation-leading climate goals, but it also reflects the State's ongoing partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to expand access to outdoor recreation in New York State."

The new 3.6-mile paved trail extends a 1.6-mile trail section that opened in Fall 2020 to the north side of Route 3 from the Taft Cabin Trail to the Quaker General Store and park rental office. The new extension, which includes eight pedestrian bridges and an elevated boardwalk crossing a wetland, runs westward from the general store to the Quaker Lake beach. The Quaker Run Area trail extension project is also supported by $2 million in State Parks capital funds as well as $1.22 million from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, $2.88 million from a Transportation Alternative Program grant from the Department of Transportation and a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.

New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "Since its opening in 1921, Allegany State Park has been a crown jewel in State Parks. This project will help our visitors see more of the Quaker Run Area without having to access busy Route 3. Partnerships like we have with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, which generously supported this work, are a great benefit to both Parks and our visitors."

Located in the southwestern section of the 64,800-acre park, the Quaker Run Area also includes the Mount Tuscarora Fire Tower, many miles of hiking trails, the so named "Bear Caves" rock formation, the Old Quaker Store Museum, and scores of rental cabins and campsites. The Cain Hollow campground is also located on the Quaker Run side of the park.

Route 3 runs east to west from the southern end of Route 2 near the park's Bradford entrance to state Route 280 at the park's Quaker Run entrance in Coldspring.

During the last two decades, more than 14.7 million people have visited the Quaker Run Area, which averages approximately 740,000 annual visitors. The new multi-use trail runs through woodlands, across streams and other natural features, connecting with trailheads, cabin and cottage trails, and other park amenities along the way to the Quaker Lake beach area.  

Midway State Park Ferris Wheel

A newly restored historic Ferris wheel will also open at Midway Historic State Park in Chautauqua County this weekend. The 1948 Eli Bridge Ferris wheel came from an amusement park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The purchase and refurbishment of the 30-foot Ferris wheel is the result of a fundraising campaign led by the Allegany Regional Park Commission, the Natural Heritage Trust, the Friends of Midway State Park, as well as work by State Park staff. Midway State Park is a family-friendly destination located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Originally established in 1898 as a trolley park, Midway State Park is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches, which were visited by 79.5 million people last year. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Two Additional Oath Keepers Members Sentenced on Felony Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Breach

 

Two members of the Oath Keepers were sentenced today on felony and misdemeanor charges for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Kenneth Harrelson, 42, of Titusville, Florida, was sentenced to four years in prison followed by two years of supervised release for obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging duties, and tampering with documents or proceedings.

Jessica Watkins, 40, of Woodstock, Ohio, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder, and conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging duties. Both defendants were found guilty at trial in November 2022, along with co-defendants Elmer Stewart Rhodes and Kelly Meggs, who were sentenced earlier this week. Co-defendant Thomas Caldwell is awaiting sentencing. Co-conspirators Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, Joseph Hackett, and David Moerschel — who were all found guilty at trial in January 2023 — are scheduled to be sentenced next week on June 1 and 2.

According to the government’s evidence, beginning in late December 2020, via encrypted and private communications applications, Harrelson, Watkins, Rhodes, Meggs, Caldwell, and others coordinated and planned to travel to Washington, D.C., on or around Jan. 6, 2021, the date of the certification of the electoral college vote. The defendants also, collectively, employed a variety of manners and means, including: organizing into teams that were prepared and willing to use force and to transport firearms and ammunition into Washington, D.C.; recruiting members and affiliates; organizing trainings to teach and learn paramilitary combat tactics; bringing and contributing paramilitary gear, weapons, and supplies – including knives, batons, camouflaged combat uniforms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, eye protection, and radio equipment – to the Capitol grounds; breaching and attempting to take control of the Capitol grounds and building on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to prevent, hinder and delay the certification of the electoral college vote; using force against law enforcement officers while inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; continuing to plot, after Jan. 6, 2021, to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power, and using websites, social media, text messaging and encrypted messaging applications to communicate with each other and others.

On Jan. 6, 2021, a large crowd began to gather outside the Capitol perimeter as the Joint Session of Congress got under way at 1 p.m. Crowd members eventually forced their way through, up, and over U.S. Capitol Police barricades and advanced to the building’s exterior façade. Shortly after 2 p.m., crowd members forced entry into the Capitol by breaking windows, ramming open doors, and assaulting Capitol police and other law enforcement officers. At about this time, according to the government’s evidence, Rhodes entered the restricted area of the Capitol grounds and directed his followers to meet him at the Capitol.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., according to the government’s evidence, Meggs, Harrelson, and Watkins, along with other Oath Keepers and affiliates – many wearing paramilitary clothing and patches with the Oath Keepers name, logo, and insignia – marched in a “stack” formation up the east steps of the Capitol, joined a mob, and made their way into the Capitol. Rhodes and Caldwell remained outside the Capitol, where they coordinated activities.

While certain Oath Keepers members and affiliates breached the Capitol grounds and building, others remained stationed just outside of the city in quick reaction force (QRF) teams. According to the government’s evidence, the QRF teams were prepared to rapidly transport firearms and other weapons into Washington, D.C., in support of operations aimed at using force to stop the lawful transfer of presidential power.

Harrelson was arrested on March 10, 2021, in Florida. Watkins was arrested on Jan. 18, 2021, in Ohio.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s National Security and Criminal Divisions are prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by numerous U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case with valuable assistance provided by numerous FBI offices throughout the country, including the Dallas, Cincinnati, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Richmond Field Offices.

In the 28 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Court Sentences Two Oath Keepers Leaders on Seditious Conspiracy and Other Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Breach

 

 Elmer Stewart Rhodes III, 58, of Granbury, Texas, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, and Kelly Meggs, 54, of Dunnellon, Florida, the leader of the Florida chapter of the organization, were sentenced for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. His is the longest sentence, to date, related to the assault on law enforcement and the U.S. Capitol Building.

Meggs was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

“This sentences reflect the grave threat the actions of these defendants posed to our democratic institutions,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The United States proved at trial that the Oath Keepers plotted for months to violently disrupt the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next. The Justice Department will continue to do everything in our power to hold accountable those criminally responsible for the January 6th attack on our democracy.”

“This sentencings reflect the FBI’s commitment to do our part to hold accountable individuals who committed criminal acts on January 6, 2021, as well as those who plotted to interfere with the lawful transfer of power,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We will continue to work with our partners to bring to justice those who violated our laws in connection with the siege on the U.S. Capitol.”

“There have been few instances in our nation’s history when our fellow citizens have engaged in a seditious conspiracy — a conspiracy to use force to oppose the functioning of our government,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “More people were convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the siege of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, than any other criminal event since the statute was enacted during the Civil War. Today’s sentencing affirms the rule of law and imposes substantial consequences on Stewart Rhodes and Kelly Meggs who, together, conspired to violently attack our government and our democracy.”

Rhodes and Meggs were found guilty on Nov. 29, 2022, following an eight-week trial and three days of deliberations. In addition to the seditious conspiracy charge, Rhodes was convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding and tampering with documents and proceedings. Meggs was also found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging duties, and tampering with documents or proceedings.

According to the government’s evidence, the Oath Keepers are a large but loosely organized collection of individuals, some of whom are associated with militias. Following the Nov. 3, 2020, presidential election, Rhodes, Meggs, and others began plotting to oppose, by force, the lawful transfer of presidential power. Beginning in late December 2020, via encrypted and private communications applications, Rhodes, Meggs, and others coordinated and planned to travel to Washington, D.C., on or around Jan. 6, 2021, the date of the certification of the electoral college vote.

The defendants also, collectively, employed a variety of manners and means, including: organizing into teams that were prepared and willing to use force and to transport firearms and ammunition into Washington, D.C.; recruiting members and affiliates; organizing trainings to teach and learn paramilitary combat tactics; bringing and contributing paramilitary gear, weapons, and supplies – including knives, batons, camouflaged combat uniforms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, eye protection, and radio equipment – to the Capitol grounds; breaching and attempting to take control of the Capitol grounds and building on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to prevent, hinder and delay the certification of the electoral college vote; using force against law enforcement officers while inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; continuing to plot, after Jan. 6, 2021, to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power, and using websites, social media, text messaging and encrypted messaging applications to communicate with each other and others.

On Jan. 6, 2021, a large crowd began to gather outside the Capitol perimeter as the Joint Session of Congress got under way at 1 p.m. Crowd members eventually forced their way through, up, and over U.S. Capitol Police barricades and advanced to the building’s exterior façade. Shortly after 2 p.m., crowd members forced entry into the Capitol by breaking windows, ramming open doors, and assaulting Capitol police and other law enforcement officers. At about this time, according to the government’s evidence, Rhodes entered the restricted area of the Capitol grounds and directed his followers to meet him at the Capitol.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., according to the government’s evidence, Meggs, along with other Oath Keepers and affiliates – many wearing paramilitary clothing and patches with the Oath Keepers name, logo, and insignia – marched in a “stack” formation up the east steps of the Capitol, joined a mob, and made their way into the Capitol. Rhodes remained outside, coordinating activities.

While certain Oath Keepers members and affiliates breached the Capitol grounds and building, others remained stationed just outside of the city in quick reaction force (QRF) teams. According to the government’s evidence, the QRF teams were prepared to rapidly transport firearms and other weapons into Washington, D.C., in support of operations aimed at using force to stop the lawful transfer of presidential power.

Rhodes was arrested on Jan. 13, 2022, in Texas. Meggs was arrested on Feb. 17, 2021, in Florida. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s National Security and Criminal Divisions are prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by numerous U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office with valuable assistance provided by numerous FBI offices throughout the country, including the Dallas, Cincinnati, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Richmond Field Offices.

In the 28 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Summer Events

 

Dear Neighbor,

We are almost halfway through the year and I want to thank you for your support of all of our events and initiatives at Bronx Borough Hall. We could not have done it without you. 

And this summer, we hope you will join us as we celebrate Pride, Juneteenth, Caribbean Heritage Month and so much more. 

On behalf of my team and I, we want to wish you a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend and we hope to see you this summer!

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

Permits Filed For 2532 Grand Avenue In Fordham Manor, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 2532 Grand Avenue in Fordham Manor, The Bronx. Located between West 190th Street and West 192nd Street, the lot is two blocks north of the Fordham Road subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Marinel Bunjaj of MDMB LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 49-foot-tall development will yield 10,244 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 16 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 640 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, a 41-foot-long rear yard, and eight open parking spaces.

NODE Architecture Engineering Consulting is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in April 2022. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT HEIGHT OR WEIGHT DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, AND PUBLIC ACCOMODATIONS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Intro. 209-A, which will prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s height or weight in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

 

“No one should ever be discriminated against based on their height and weight. We all deserve the same access to employment, housing, and public accommodations, regardless of our appearance,” said Mayor Adams. “It shouldn’t matter how tall you are or how much you weigh when you’re looking for a job, are out on the town, or trying to rent an apartment. This law will help level the playing field for all New Yorkers, create more inclusive workplaces and living environments, and protect against discrimination. I want to thank Councilmember Shaun Abreu for introducing this legislation, and Speaker Adams and Councilmember Nantasha Williams for their support of the bill.”

 

“The Commission is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of individuals and groups that have faced discrimination because of who they are or how they identify,” said New York City Commission on Human Rights Commissioner and Chair Annabel Palma. “Most forms of appearance-based discrimination have persisted unchecked. The New York City Human Rights Law now makes clear that no one should be denied an opportunity based on height or weight in employment, housing, and public accommodations. As we have done for decades, the Commission looks forward to working with all stakeholders to cultivate an equitable city for all.” 

 

Intro. 209-A — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Shaun Abreau — will prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s height or weight in employment, housing, and public accommodations. This law will also create an exemption for employers needing to consider height or weight in employment decisions only where required by federal, state, or local laws or regulations or where the Commission on Human Rights permits such considerations because height or weight may prevent a person from performing essential requirements of a job and no alternative is available or this criteria is reasonably necessary for the normal operation of the business.

 

This bill would similarly permit consideration of height or weight by operators or providers of public accommodations. Covered entities under this law would have an affirmative defense that their actions based on a person’s height or weight were reasonably necessary for normal operations.

 

“Size discrimination is a social justice issue and a public health threat. People with different body types are denied access to job opportunities and equal wages — and they have had no legal recourse to contest it. Worse yet, millions are taught to hate their bodies. As the global beacon of tolerance, it is only right that New York City is leading the national effort to end size discrimination with the signing of this law today,” said New York City Councilmember Shaun Abreu. “Over fifty years ago, hundreds of body positivity activists gathered in Central Park to protest the daily injustices faced by heavier people. While it took way too long to enact something so basic and widely supported, it is only fitting that the most diverse New York City Council in history is the one to enshrine this anti-discrimination principle into law, in the very city where this movement began. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to all the people who shared their stories of dealing with this silent burden, the organizations who helped spearhead this campaign, and all the advocates who helped push this over the finish line.”

 

“The RWDSU stands in support of ending all forms of discrimination in the workplace,” said Stuart Appelbaum, president, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). “Mayor Adams just took a big step towards that goal by signing into law a ban on height and weight discrimination in the workplace. This law will change countless workers’ lives for the better. As a union that represents thousands of workers in the fashion retail industry, we are acutely aware of how size discrimination impacts workers’ job opportunities, as well as their earning potential and career advancement opportunities. Workers come in all shapes and sizes and that is a good thing. We are pleased to have worked in partnership with Councilmember Abreu, NAAFA and the Retail Action Project to pass this bill. Every single New Yorker deserves the right to a workplace free of all forms of prejudice and discrimination.”

 

“Thank you, Mayor Adams for standing against size discrimination and signing the bill to ban it,” said Eno Awotoye, coordinator, Retail Action Project (RAP). “This is a huge victory for New York City workers, because no longer will workers be forced to fit some mold in order to be able to make a living. New York City workers can now pursue job opportunities and seek advancement without the fear of being shut out because of their size. This is a new day for New York City workers — it’s about skills and experience, not size!” 

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS LEGISLATION ALLOWING GAMES OF CHANCE AT SPORTING VENUES

 

Thursday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed into law Intro 891 which will allow Sporting Venues throughout New York City to hold games of chance, such as raffles, for charitable purposes during professional or collegiate sporting events, and to repeal subdivision 8 of section 20-435 of such code, which defines the term "Prizes", into law. The main sponsor was Councilman Rafael Salamanca with council members Marjorie Velazquez, Shaun Abreu, Lynn C. Schulman, and Darlene Mealy.

Today we are hitting a Home Run for New York City nonprofits said Mayor Adams as he signed Intro 891 inside of Yankee Stadium. New York City is home to some of the greatest sporting teams in the nation, who give back to the community. With the signing of this bill into law we are stepping up to the plate, and making it easier for the Yankees, the Mets, and others to partner with charitable organizations to raise money for New Yorkers. Raffles may be conducted from two hours before the beginning of play until the end of play.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson thanked the City Council for pushing this important legislation forward and Mayor Adams for signing Intro 891 into law. By allowing raffles at iconic venues throughout our city teams will be able to raise money for hunger relief, veterans, and will be able to increase their Philanthropic work to support our communities that need it the most. 

“With the introduction of 50/50 fan raffles in New York City sporting venues, we have paved the way for sports teams to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities each season,” said New York City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. “I would like to thank Mayor Adams for signing my bill into law today, bringing New York City into alignment with what is already allowed at sports venues across New York State, and virtually every other state in the country. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this new initiative will bring to our city.”

The New York Yankees were represented by Randy Levine and Brian Smith who said that Intro 891 will allow the New York Yankees to provide millions of dollars in additional funding for community based organizations and increase programming and depth of service, strengthening some of the city's most vital organizations.

Mayor Adams speaking on Intro 891. Councilman Rafael Salamanca and his son standing before him, with Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

Randy Levine, President of the New York Yankees said this is a giant win for charitable organizations. 

Brian Smith New York Yankees Senior Vice President Corporate/Community Relations said, from this point on, the charitable gaming model in the form of the 50/50 raffle will fuel the New York Yankees and New York City based professional sports organizations' ability to drastically increase their investment dedicated to meeting the needs of our neighbors.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said that our non-profits will be getting an edge now thanks to the City Council passing and Mayor Adams signing Intro 891.

Councilman Rafael Salamanca was glad to have been the prime sponsor of Intro 891 which ended the prohibition of using of raffles at sporting venues for charitable purposes. 

Mayor Eric Adams holds up Intro 891 which he just signed into law. Each person in the photo received a pen that was used to sign Intro 891.

Councilman Rafael Salamanca holds the signed Intro 891 with Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez.