MAYOR ADAMS, DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION, SANITATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE NEW PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE SIDEWALK CLEANING TO HIGH-TRAFFIC COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and the Sanitation Foundation (DSNY’s official nonprofit) announced a major new philanthropic undertaking focused on cleaning high-traffic commercial corridors across the city in a video released. Beginning on Nostrand Avenue, from Myrtle Avenue to Eastern Parkway, and Utica Avenue, from Fulton Street to East New York Avenue, in Brooklyn, this new initiative — dubbed the “Clean City Alliance” — will provide sidewalk cleaning to some of the busiest areas that do not have Business Improvement Districts (BID) to help organize cleanliness efforts in all five boroughs. Property owners are legally responsible for the cleanliness of the sidewalk in front of their property, as well as 18 inches into the street. In many neighborhoods, businesses pay to form BIDs, which then contract with outside groups for sidewalk cleaning, making a noticeable difference in sidewalk cleanliness and pedestrian experience. The “Clean City Alliance” will bring philanthropy and the private sector together and will begin by servicing sidewalks in parts of Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy — a neighborhood that does not have a BID — and will expand to other busy commercial corridors without BIDs across the city. The “Clean City Alliance” will also be a source of employment opportunity, hiring locally across the city. 

Mayor Adams, Commissioner Tisch, and Caryl Englander announced the “Clean City Alliance” in a newly released video.

“Every part of our city deserves to be clean — every street and every neighborhood,” said Mayor Adams. “With the ‘Clean City Alliance,’ we are building on our ‘Get Stuff Clean’ initiatives, partnering with philanthropic and business partners to improve New Yorkers’ quality of life, and helping businesses thrive. Thank you to the leaders from across New York who are stepping up, donating to this program, and doing their part to make a clean city a reality for all across the five boroughs.”

 

“There are so many important reasons the busy commercial corridors of Crown Heights should have the same level of investment by the business community as Midtown Manhattan,” said Chief Advisor to the Mayor Chaplain Ingrid Lewis-Martin. “This is the beginning of a paradigm shift to level the playing field. It starts here it, starts now, and will spread to other disenfranchised neighborhoods. This initiative is good for residents and good for business.”

 

“Thanks to the combined work of the Sanitation Foundation and DSNY, today we are recognizing and meeting the needs of neighborhoods citywide that have not historically received the daily maintenance and cleaning benefits of a formal business improvement district,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “New Yorkers everywhere deserve clean, livable streets and sidewalks, and today’s announcement is another significant step towards that goal.”

 

“Over the last year and a half, Mayor Adams has invested in clean streets, and now with the ‘Clean City Alliance,’ we can engage our philanthropic community in taking that work to the next level,” said DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “Along with the way we’ve revolutionized trash collection, this will make a deep and meaningful difference in the pedestrian experience of the city.”

 

“The difference in the cleanliness of our streets is apparent — all you have to do is look around — but there is always more to do. The ‘Clean City Alliance’ is not absolving businesses of their legal and moral responsibility; instead, it’s about showing them the positive outcomes that come from doing what's right,” said Caryl Englander, chair of the board, Sanitation Foundation. “New York City belongs to all of us. This shared ownership comes with a shared responsibility to keep our city clean and beautiful.”

 

Purposefully designed to be a replicable model, the “Clean City Alliance” will provide sidewalk cleaning and litter removal services to a given neighborhood for a set period of time, during which the Sanitation Foundation and DSNY will work closely with local stakeholders to ensure the neighborhood continues to remain clean.

 

The launch of the “Clean City Alliance” comes as part of a massive overhaul of cleanliness in New York City, including:

• The return of full street sweeping and Alternate Side Parking;
• The highest level of litter basket service in history;
• Streamlining responsibilities in an effort to ensure long-ignored areas — like medians, step streets, and greenways — are cleaned;
• A universal curbside composting program — being rolled out over the next year and a half — which will remove rat food from trash bags;
• The city’s first anti-littering marketing campaign in 15 years; and
• New enforcement against the scourge of illegal dumping, including $4,000 summonses and vehicle impounds.

New Yorkers who wish to support the work of the “Clean City Alliance” can contribute on the Sanitation Foundation’s website.

 

Excavation Underway For Holiday Inn Express At 4729 Third Avenue In Belmont, The Bronx

 

Excavation is underway at 4279 Third Avenue, the site of a nine-story Holiday Inn Express by InterContinental Hotels in the Belmont section of The Bronx. Designed by Michael Kang Architect and developed by Neelam Chadha, the 172-foot-tall structure will span 43,789 square feet and yield 86 guest rooms. Supreme Builders Corp. is the general contractor and 2918 Arnow Real Estate Group is the owner of the 6,229-square-foot property, which is bound by Third Avenue to the east, Park Avenue to the west, and East 188th Street to the south.

Recent photos show a lone excavator at work on the triangular plot, which formerly housed an open-air parking lot.

No renderings have been released for the project apart from the below elevation diagrams, which show the eastern side facing Third Avenue and the western profile facing Park Avenue. The façade is largely composed of red and black brick framing a grid of windows with PTAC louvers. Limestone panels enclose the first floor, and dark paneling clads the northern corner. A canopy is planned to protrude over the main entrance on Third Avenue.

The ground floor shows a height of 10 feet, while levels two through nine will have ceiling spans of just over nine feet. The building will feature a roof terrace lined with glass railings, and a mechanical bulkhead clad with beige stucco. Signage for the Holiday Inn Express will be placed at the ground floor and on the top level of the eastern wall.

Third Avenue façade of 4729 Third Avenue. Schematics via Michael Kang Architects

Schematic of Park Avenue elevation, 4729 Third Avenue

The black and white diagram below was seen on site and appears to still match the colored schematics from 2016.

Planned guest amenities include laundry facilities, a fitness center, a business center with meeting rooms, a breakfast area, luggage storage, and parking for four bikes.

4729 Third Avenue has an anticipated completion date of fall 2025 posted on the construction board.

Governor Hochul Announces Regional Air Quality Health Advisories for Saturday July 1, Three-Day Statewide Advisory Ends

 

Air Quality Health Advisory Remains for the Adirondack, Upper and Lower Hudson Valley, New York City Metro, and Long Island Regions for Saturday, July 1

Hundreds of Thousands of N95-Style Masks Will Continue to be Available to the Public Statewide

Transit Authorities in Impacted Regions Will Keep Utilizing Public Address Systems, Bus Headway Signs, Social Media, and Other Electronic Signage to Deliver Air Quality Related Safety Information

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced regional Air Quality Health Advisories will be issued for regions in the eastern half of New York State, which continues to be impacted by smoke from Canadian wildfires as well as ozone in some areas. After three days, the full statewide Air Quality Health Advisory will end as conditions improve in Western New York, Central New York and the Eastern Lake Ontario regions. The Departments ofEnvironmental Conservation and Health are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for tomorrow, Saturday, July 1, for the Adirondack, Upper and Lower Hudson Valley, New York City Metro, and Long Island regions for smoke-induced PM2.5 pollution, and for ozone in the Lower Hudson Valley region. Air quality is forecasted to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' Air Quality Index on Saturday for PM2.5 the effected regions. Air quality is also forecasted to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' Air Quality Index on Saturday for ozone in the Lower Hudson Valley region. At this level, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. To learn more, see chart here.

"As we prepare to celebrate this holiday weekend, New Yorkers should continue to check the latest air quality in their region before heading outside," Governor Hochul said. "We remain committed to protecting public health and will continue to update New Yorkers to help everyone stay safe outdoors as conditions continue to change."

An Air Quality Health Advisory for particulate matter remains in effect all day Friday, with levels of air pollution that are 'Unhealthy' and 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' in regions statewide. An ozone advisory was also issued for the New York City Metro region today.

State Agencies are closely monitoring air quality statewide for impacts from fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, as well as ozone. State Agencies and Authorities continue to coordinate air quality monitoring, public awareness and education, mask distribution, and other efforts to prevent or limit exposure to elevated levels of smoke-driven air pollution.

The smoke plume is expected to be gradually pushed from southwest to northeast Friday night into Saturday. Current forecasts suggest elevated levels of smoke-enhanced PM2.5 will be limited with temporary periods of air quality that is 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' forecasted statewide.

For Sunday, current forecasts show some smoke will be recirculated through New York State due to smoke lingering in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Aged smoke is likely to be pulled north-northeast ahead of an approaching cold front, leading to slightly elevated PM2.5 AQI values.

While Air Quality Index levels are forecast to range from 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' to 'Unhealthy' for all during this time, DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories and corresponding guidelines based on 24-hour forecasts and one-hour values may exceed forecast values in these regions, with possible Unhealthy or Very Unhealthy hourly readings.

Large fireworks displays are expected to build upon elevated PM2.5 AQI levels near and downwind of launch sites and may be noted by the state's air monitoring devices.

Visit dec.ny.gov for updated forecasts and information about air quality index levels, and http://www.health.ny.gov/ for information on health risks and precautions related to air quality.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC will be closely monitoring conditions throughout the holiday weekend and will issue advisories as needed in close consultation with our expert meteorologists and partners at the State Department of Health. I encourage all New Yorkers to keep informed to make the best decisions to protect themselves and their families."

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "With unhealthy air over the eastern part of the state, and a summer holiday weekend upon us when many people spend time outdoors, it is important that everyone be aware of their local air quality and their personal risk. You can monitor your air quality with your phone weather app or at airnow.gov and if your air is unhealthy, limit your time outdoors, limit exertion, and it's also a good idea to have a quality mask with you. New Yorkers who are especially sensitive to elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, those over 65, pregnant people and those with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or asthma."

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Air quality remains a concern for us and we are closely monitoring the forecast. We want New Yorkers to be prepared this holiday weekend: know your risk and stay informed on the current AQI forecast for your community."

At the Governor's direction, more than one million high-quality N95-style masks have been distributed this month to help address air quality impacts.

In New York City this week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Port Authority, and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are distributing masks to commuters at major transit hubs and state parks.

Outside of New York City, the State is making hundreds of thousands of additional masks available at its regional stockpiles to county emergency managers for further distribution to the public.

Masks are available at the following locations:

• Grand Central Terminal
• Penn Station
• Fulton Center
• Jamaica Station
• Main Concourse of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, South Wing
• Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
• Grand Concourse, Bronx
• Shirley Chisholm State Park
• Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
• Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park
• Roberto Clemente State Park

Transit authorities across the state are utilizing public address systems, bus headway signs, social media and other electronic signage to provide air-quality related safety information directly to customers, including:

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• NassauTRANSIT
• Westchester County Bee-Line
• Capital District Transportation Authority

The New York State Department of Health is advising precautions as necessary. Steps for individuals to take to reduce risk, include:

• When AQI is greater than 100 ('Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'), New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and pregnant people.
• When AQI is greater than 150 ('Unhealthy'), all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors, especially pregnant individuals who may become short of breath more easily. In addition, some employees who are vulnerable should work indoors and camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level and follow AQI guidance.
• When AQI is greater than 200 ('Very Unhealthy'), vulnerable groups should avoid all physical activity outdoors, and reschedule or move activities indoors. All others should avoid long or intense outdoor activities.
• When AQI is greater than 300 ('Hazardous'), all New Yorkers should avoid outdoor physical activities.
• For people who spend time outdoors, when air quality is unhealthy, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended. A N95 or KN95 will work best.

To check your location's current air quality, go to http://www.airnow.gov/.

Governor Hochul announced on Wednesday that eight Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers have deployed to Quebec for approximately two weeks to assist with efforts to contain the ongoing wildfires. Earlier this week, Governor Hochul welcomed home eight Rangers deployed to Nova Scotia and Quebec.

Housing Lottery Launches For 1135 Teller Avenue In Concourse, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1135 Teller Avenue, an eight-story residential building in Concourse, The Bronx. Designed by Sion Consulting Engineering and developed by Gurwinder Singh of Kulwant Teller Inc., the structure yields 44 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 43 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $104,880 to $198,250.

 

Amenities include assigned parking spaces, recreation room, gated access, and an elevator. Residences are equipped with air conditioning, high-speed internet, intercoms, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 28 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,059 for incomes ranging from $104,880 to $165,230, and 15 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,599 for incomes ranging from $123,395 to $198,250.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 29, 2023.

Permits Filed For 2158 Aqueduct Avenue East In University Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 2158 Aqueduct Avenue East in University Heights, The Bronx. Located between West 181st Street and Clinton Place, the lot is near the 183rd Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Mendy Tessler is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 17,567 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 26 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 675 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar and eight enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Registration Open for BRAC Summer 2023 Art Classes!

  

Enrich your Summer at BRAC

Register Now To Experience

5 Weeks of Art Classes!

Sign Up for Summer Session | Classes Start July 10

Classes run for 5 sessions

July 10 - August 1

Visit Education Page  Click Here to Register

SUMMER 2023 SCHEDULE

MONDAYS (July 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7)

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING for Children and Teens - 11am-1pm

TEEN PROJECT STUDIO +2.0 for Teens and Young Adults- 2pm-4pm (FREE CLASS by application CLICK HERE TO APPLY)

TUESDAYS (July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8)

CERAMICS HANDBUILDING for All Ages - 11am-1pm

POTTERY WHEEL THROWING for Teens and Adults - 2pm-4pm

PORTRAIT PAINTING for Teens and Adults - 2pm-4pm

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY for Teens and Adults - 2pm-4pm

WEDNESDAYS (July 12, 19, 26; August 2, 7)

MANGA AND CARTOONING for Children and Teens- 11am-1pm

WATERCOLOR PAINTING for Teens and Adults - 2pm-4pm

DIGITAL ART & ILLUSTRATION for Teens and Adults - 4pm-6pm

TEEN PROJECT STUDIO +2.0 for Teens and Young Adults -2pm-4pm (FREE CLASS by application)

THURSDAYS (July 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10)

PAINTING NATURE for Children and Teens -11am-1pm

DRAWING AND PRINTMAKING for All Ages - 2pm-4pm

POTTERY WHEEL THROWING for Teens and Adults - 4pm-6pm

FRIDAYS (July 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11)

SPECIAL THREE-HOUR FRIDAY WORKSHOPS - 11am-2pm

July 14 - Mixed Media & Abstraction

July 21 - Digital Illustration

July 28 - Paper Making

August 4 - Cyanotype

August 11 - Book Making

Children and Teen Classes (ages 7 - 19): $45 for five sessions.

Child & Parent (child must be ages 6 - 12): $77 for five sessions.

Young Adult and Adult Classes (20+): $58 for five sessions

BRONX SUMMER ART FOCUS: Participate every day!

Monday through Thursday in the 11am to 1pm classes and every Friday in the 11am to 2pm workshops for $240

Each Friday will have a different, three-hour workshop for all ages. Each workshop is $12.

Click Here to Register  Visit Education Page

Classes will be held on-site at the Bronx River Art Center, with sessions taking place within our well-ventilated open space studios. All materials will be supplied by BRAC.

Digital Illustration classes are offered in Hybrid Mode wherein students have the option to take the course remotely over Zoom or in-person at BRAC's Computer Media Lab.

NOTE: Classes may not run if there are less than eight registered students. If the class is canceled, you will be notified before classes start.

Proof of vaccination will be required upon entering building for first class. Negative tests required for under 12. Use of masks is required.

For general questions about classes, please email info@bronxriverart.org.

Bronx River Art Center, Inc | 1087 East Tremont Ave, PO Box 5002, Bronx, NY 10460

FORMER DOB INSPECTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO ACCEPTING $500 IN CASH TO OVERLOOK CONSTRUCTION WORK COMPLETED CONTRARY TO APROVED PLANS

 

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced that a former Construction Inspector with the City Department of Buildings (“DOB”) pled guilty to accepting a cash payment of $500 in exchange for approving construction work that did not follow the DOB-approved plans for the construction. This investigation began after DOI received allegations from a member of the public and DOB that the defendant had solicited cash payments in exchange for approvals of construction work he inspected. DOI investigated this matter with the office of Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz, which is prosecuting the case.

IAN CROOKS, 60, of Queens, N.Y., was arrested and charged on April 19, 2023 with Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and Official Misconduct, a class A misdemeanor. He was presented with a Desk Appearance Ticket to return for his arraignment in Queens County Criminal Court, where he pled guilty to Official Misconduct and was sentenced to a conditional discharge. Pursuant to the plea agreement, CROOKS resigned from DOB.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “The cornerstone of this former Buildings Inspector’s job was to ensure that completed construction work was consistent with the approved plans. This defendant not only failed to do his duty as an inspector, he accepted payment to ignore the rules. I thank the member of the public and the Department of Buildings for reporting this matter to DOI for investigation. DOB’s rules and approval process are intended to maintain the safety and structural integrity of construction work in this City and the corruption alleged here undercuts that important effort. I thank the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership on this investigation.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “The duties of a building inspector are critical – they ensure that our structures are safe and inhabitable. This man’s conduct undermined public confidence in government and its ability to competently and fairly protect and serve all New Yorkers. I applaud the Department of Investigation for its outstanding work on this case.” 

DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo said, “We have zero tolerance for this behavior at DOB, which is why our Office of Internal Affairs and Discipline immediately began working with the Department of Investigation to investigate this allegation and act upon it. Working together with our partners in law enforcement, we have made tremendous progress in promoting a safer construction industry and upholding the highest levels of integrity within the agency.” 

According to the criminal complaint, plans were submitted to, and approved by, DOB to replace rusted lintels above the front three windows at a residence located at 173-19 Jamaica Ave. in Queens. Lintels provide extra support for the top of windows and doors. A DOI undercover investigator posed as the property owner when the defendant inspected the work. The investigation found that the windows were filled with concrete blocks and mortar, which were not indicated on the approved plans and obstructed the view of the lintels. Despite this failure to adhere to the plans, on January 12, 2023, the defendant agreed to approve the work for $500 in cash provided by the DOI undercover investigator posing as the property owner. Once the defendant received the $500 cash payment he left the property.

The defendant was suspended from DOB upon his arrest on April 19, 2023. CROOKS began working at DOB as a Construction Inspector in 2017 and was receiving an annual salary of approximately $66,825 when he resigned pursuant to the guilty plea. 

Attorney General James Releases Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision Limiting LGBTQ+ Protections

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement in response to the 6-3 decision by the United States Supreme Court to allow a wedding web designer to discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals by refusing to provide services for same-sex weddings: 

“On this final day of Pride Month, the Supreme Court reminded all Americans that the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and dignity is very much ongoing. This disappointing decision to allow some businesses to ignore laws protecting LGBTQ+ couples from discrimination will have chilling effects. Once again, we have seen this court roll back the progress of the past and strip away rights and protections. I will always stand up and fight for the rights of all New Yorkers, because in our state we know that love is love.” 

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative LLC, et al. v. Elenis et al. ruled in favor of a Colorado web designer opposed to same-sex marriage. The web designer claimed a First Amendment right to an exemption from a Colorado state law that bars businesses from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the web designer, allowing the business to refuse to provide web design services to same-sex couples for their weddings.   

Attorney General James has been a leader on standing up for the rights of all New Yorkers, including historically marginalized communities. Earlier this month, Attorney General James sent two letters asking Target to reaffirm its support of the LGBTQ+ community after their removal of Pride merchandise from stores, one as part of a coalition of attorneys general, and one together with fellow New York elected officials. Last month, she co-led a multistate coalition in submitting comments in support of robust anti-discrimination protections for transgender students at the federal level. In April 2023, Attorney General James called out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for violating public university students’ right to privacy over his request for information on those receiving gender-affirming care. In March 2023, following a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-drag protests, rhetoric, and policies, Attorney General James hosted a first-of-its-kind Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon for families in New York City. Last December, Attorney General James led a multi-state coalition of attorneys general to support equal access to gender-affirming care in West Virginia. Attorney General James has led or co-led coalitions of attorneys general to challenge policies prohibiting transgender students from using bathrooms which correspond with their gender identity in Indiana, Florida, and Virginia.