State Senator Gustavo Rivera on the release of the "Together for Kingsbridge" Visioning Plan

 

"Despite the challenges that the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory has faced, I cannot help but feel optimistic about the future of this project with its unprecedented level of alignment and investment. Its transformation is finally being imagined and determined by the people who live here, who pass by it every day, and who will directly benefit from the redevelopment of this emblematic monument. The Together for Kingsbridge Visioning Plan is the product of a community-led process to make sure we transform this historic asset into an economic engine and neighborhood hub that serves our community. I want to thank Governor Hochul for committing to turning the $100 million loan I secured in the 2017-18 state budget and every year since into a permanent grant for the Armory's redevelopment. This funding, in addition to the $100 million committed by Mayor Adams, will help ensure this project enters its next phase on firm financial ground.

I'm looking forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to make sure that our communities' vision is reflected in the transformation of this neighborhood icon and that our community is the one that benefits from this community asset, including securing labor agreements to ensure the creation of quality jobs. I'm very grateful to the dedicated community leaders who have worked for decades to ensure that the Armory is transformed by the Bronx and for the Bronx, and to all the Bronxites who showed up and offered their input to make this plan a reflection of the vibrant, resilient community that we are."

Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, NYCEDC, Community Leaders Unveil Vision for Redevelopment of Historic Kingsbridge Armory, $200 Million Investment in Economic Opportunities for Bronxites

 

“Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” Follows Community-Led Process That Engaged 4,000 People Over Nine Months

Backed by $200 Million City and State Investment, Plan Outlines Community Vision for Adaptive Reuse of Kingsbridge Armory

Project Delivers on Commitment in Mayor Adams’ Economic Blueprint, Potential to Deliver Over 1,800 Jobs and Up to $10 Billion in Economic Impact

 Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball, and community leaders today unveiled guiding principles for the “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan,” (also available in Spanish) outlining next steps for a process that will include the redevelopment of the historic and long-underutilized Kingsbridge Armory and the creation of new economic opportunities in the Bronx. Rooted in community priorities and drawing on growing industries, the vision plan focuses on creating family-sustaining, local jobs and improving the quality of life for residents of Kingsbridge Heights and neighboring Bronx communities.

"After years of dwelling on the history of the Kingsbridge Armory, we are finally looking ahead to its remarkable future," Governor Hochul said. "I know how critical the future of the Armory is to this community and to the entire borough of The Bronx, which is why I prioritized locking in $100 million in State funding that will allow this transformative project to move forward. Working with local leaders and our partners in the City of New York, the Kingsbridge Armory will anchor this neighborhood, address longstanding community needs, and boost the local economy and I anticipate a project labor agreement to create good-paying union jobs at this site as we work to bring this project to fruition."

Backed by a $200 million investment by Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, the plan will inform the release of a request for proposals next month for the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory — the largest armory in the nation — providing guidance to interested private partners on what the community and NYCEDC will look for in a future activation. The redevelopment effort — which could deliver over 1,800 jobs, including 1,100 construction jobs, and up to $10 billion in economic impact to the Bronx based on initial estimates — also builds on Mayor Adams’ “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,” which prioritized creating jobs and economic opportunities for the Bronx. The project also represents another example of close city-state collaboration outlined in the “New” New York panel’s action plan — investing in job centers with access to mass transit.

The vision plan also builds on several of Governor Hochul's key economic development priorities, including strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and 21st century growth sectors to support good, high-paying jobs.

Planning efforts for the Kingsbridge Armory date back nearly three decades and include two requests for proposals that failed to advance through the City Council or obtain necessary financing. Over the last decade, the armory has served as an emergency supply and food distribution center following Hurricane Sandy, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and after the Twin Parks fire. With community buy-in and a major commitment of public funding from Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, the “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” represents a practical and implementable path forward to redevelop the armory, create prevailing wage and union jobs, and deliver economic opportunities for community residents.

The “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” is the result of an extensive, community-driven process that kicked off in November 2022 and included a series of public workshops and engagement opportunities designed to develop a shared vision for how this tremendous public asset can support the neighborhood and the community’s economic development priorities. As part of the approach, engagement was guided by a “Together for Kingsbridge” community working group of neighborhood leaders, community-based organizations, key institutions, federal and state elected officials, and others — led by co-chairs New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez and Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) Executive Director Sandra Lobo.

The nine-month community engagement process reached over 4,000 people and consisted of:

• More than 1,000 participants across four public workshops;
• More than 900 survey respondents;
• More than 500 community members touring the armory;
• Nine community board meetings;
• 16 small group discussions;
• Three public information sessions; and
• Feedback from more than 75 industry stakeholders on the armory’s potential.

In the engagement process, community members identified two key sets of priorities, which aim to shape proposals, for the future of the Kingsbridge Armory. The first is a set of guiding principles — actionable goals for the project in response to the community’s strengths and needs. The community’s guiding principles include prioritizing youth, welcoming older adults, fostering intergenerational relationships, creating jobs and wealth for existing workers and communities, growing a regenerative local economy, maximizing community ownership, and putting the Bronx on the map.

The second is a list of priority uses for the armory — outlining industries and potential activations that could advance the community’s economic development priorities. Within the priority uses, community members identified a series of preferred industries that would allow the armory to attract major private investment enabling the transformation of this public asset into a sustainable economic engine for local jobs and wealth. Those preferred industries include film and television, sustainable manufacturing, emerging technologies, and urban agriculture.

Along with the preferred industries, community members identified a set of complementary uses to provide equitable access to services and work opportunities for Bronx communities. Those complementary uses include vocational training and a small business incubator; retail, food, and beverage uses; community gathering and organizing space; Bronx arts and culture space; recreation and health; and sustainable food systems. The community also stressed a desire for the project to hire local and union talent, sourced from Bronx-based businesses, and provide vocational training to residents.

The Kingsbridge Armory opened in 1917 and was used by the United States military until 1994 before reverting to city ownership in 1996. The armory was designated as a New York City Landmark in 1974 and placed on the National Register for Historic Places list in 1982. More recently, during the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Armory served as a temporary food distribution center and, early last year, was used by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and local officials to store supplies for those impacted by the Twin Park North fire.

MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL, NYCEDC, COMMUNITY LEADERS UNVEIL VISION FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF HISTORIC KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY, $200 MILLION INVESTMENT IN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRONXITES

 

“Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” Follows Community-Led Process That Engaged 4,000 People Over Nine Months

 

Backed by $200 Million City and State Investment, Plan Outlines Community Vision for Adaptive Reuse of Kingsbridge Armory

 

Project Delivers on Commitment in Mayor Adams’” Economic Blueprint, Potential to Deliver Over 1,800 Jobs and Up to $10 Billion in Economic Impact

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball, and community leaders today unveiled guiding principles for the “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan,” (also available in Spanish) outlining next steps for a process that will include the redevelopment of the historic and long-underutilized Kingsbridge Armory and the creation of new economic opportunities in the Bronx. Rooted in community priorities and drawing on growing industries, the vision plan focuses on creating family-sustaining, local jobs and improving the quality of life for residents of Kingsbridge Heights and neighboring Bronx communities.

 

Backed by a $200 million investment by Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul, the plan will inform the release of a request for proposals next month for the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory — the largest armory in the nation — providing guidance to interested private partners on what the community and NYCEDC will look for in a future activation. The redevelopment effort — which could deliver over 1,800 jobs, including 1,100 construction jobs, and up to $10 billion in economic impact to the Bronx based on initial estimates — also builds on Mayor Adams’ “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,” which prioritized creating jobs and economic opportunities for the Bronx. The project also represents another example of close city-state collaboration outlined in the “New” New York panel’s action plan — investing in job centers with access to mass transit.

 

The vision plan also builds on several of Governor Hochul's key economic development priorities, including strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and 21st century growth sectors to support good, high-paying jobs. 

 

“The Kingsbridge Armory is a tremendous public asset that is not serving the community. This project has the potential to unlock billions in economic impact for the city while creating over 1,800 good jobs right here in the Bronx,” said Mayor Adams. “And after sitting down with more than 4,000 Bronxites over the past nine months, we are proud to deliver their vision for the armory’s next chapter: a source for good union jobs and a beacon of opportunity for the Bronx.”

“After years of dwelling on the history of the Kingsbridge Armory, we are finally looking ahead to its remarkable future,” Governor Hochul said. “I know how critical the future of the Armory is to this community and to the entire borough of The Bronx, which is why I prioritized locking in $100 million in State funding that will allow this transformative project to move forward. Working with local leaders and our partners in the City of New York, the Kingsbridge Armory will anchor this neighborhood, address longstanding community needs, and boost the local economy and I anticipate a project labor agreement to create good-paying union jobs at this site as we work to bring this project to fruition.”

 

The cover of the “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” in English and Spanish. Credit: New York City Economic Development Corporation

 

“The Kingsbridge Armory has long been an untapped city asset with immense potential to become a center for economic activity that could serve the local community and the Bronx at large. What sets our administration’s approach to the armory apart from the past is a focus on community engagement and public investment,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I want to thank NYCEDC, our elected officials, NWBCCC, and all the community members that spent countless hours crafting a thoughtful plan for the future. The ‘Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan,’ along with Mayor Adams’ and Governor Hochul’s $200 million public investment, provide a strong foundation for the upcoming RFP that will set this plan into motion.”

 

“The ‘Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan’ is a plan that places the needs and future of the community front and center — providing a roadmap for what a redeveloped Kingsbridge Armory can be,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Kimball. “We are grateful to Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Hochul for the critical investment, as well as the elected officials who supported and worked diligently throughout this process with the community. NYCEDC is especially thankful to the Kingsbridge Armory Working Group led by its co-chairs, Councilmember Pierina Sanchez and NWBCCC’s executive director, Sandra Lobo.”

 

“Today’s announcement of the ‘Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan’ culminates a nine-month community engagement on how best to reimagine redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory, a beloved and treasured iconic symbol for all who call the Bronx home,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. “My constituents have long supported transforming the Kingsbridge Armory into an economic engine to uplift our community, and today, through a collaboration between stakeholders, federal, city, and state officials, we are moving forward with the most transformative economic project that the Bronx has ever seen that will bring good-paying jobs and labor standards that will support working families and help them thrive. I commend New York Governor Hochul and New York City Mayor Adams for their significant contributions to the Kingsbridge Armory and all who worked to bring this visionary redevelopment plan to fruition.”

 

“The Kingsbridge Armory is a majestic, incredible structure that could be activated to deliver so much to our community and the Bronx,” said New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez. “It could represent a catalyst for economic transformation in one of the neighborhoods hardest hit by the pandemic and that was already struggling economically prior to the pandemic. It could represent hundreds of good-paying, union jobs. I am honored to join the mayor and governor, our neighbors, and my colleagues in government to announce this $200 million investment. After nine months of deep community engagement, this announcement represents an incredible milestone in support of our collective commitment. As we prepare to release the community’s vision for Kingsbridge Armory, I am heartened by the strong foundation we are starting on.”

 

Planning efforts for the Kingsbridge Armory date back nearly three decades and include two requests for proposals that failed to advance through the City Council or obtain necessary financing. Over the last decade, the armory has served as an emergency supply and food distribution center following Hurricane Sandy, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and after the Twin Parks fire. With community buy-in and a major commitment of public funding from Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul, the “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” represents a practical and implementable path forward to redevelop the armory, create prevailing wage and union jobs, and deliver economic opportunities for community residents.

 

The “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” is the result of an extensive, community-driven process that kicked off in November 2022 and included a series of public workshops and engagement opportunities designed to develop a shared vision for how this tremendous public asset can support the neighborhood and the community’s economic development priorities. As part of the approach, engagement was guided by a “Together for Kingsbridge” community working group of neighborhood leaders, community-based organizations, key institutions, federal and state elected officials, and others — led by co-chairs New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez and Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) Executive Director Sandra Lobo.

 

The nine-month community engagement process reached over 4,000 people and consisted of:

• More than 1,000 participants across four public workshops;
• More than 900 survey respondents;
• More than 500 community members touring the armory;
• Nine community board meetings;
• 16 small group discussions;
• Three public information sessions; and
• Feedback from more than 75 industry stakeholders on the armory’s potential.

 

In the engagement process, community members identified two key sets of priorities, which aim to shape proposals, for the future of the Kingsbridge Armory. The first is a set of guiding principles — actionable goals for the project in response to the community’s strengths and needs. The community’s guiding principles include prioritizing youth, welcoming older adults, fostering intergenerational relationships, creating jobs and wealth for existing workers and communities, growing a regenerative local economy, maximizing community ownership, and putting the Bronx on the map.

 

The second is a list of priority uses for the armory — outlining industries and potential activations that could advance the community’s economic development priorities. Within the priority uses, community members identified a series of preferred industries that would allow the armory to attract major private investment enabling the transformation of this public asset into a sustainable economic engine for local jobs and wealth. Those preferred industries include film and television, sustainable manufacturing, emerging technologies, and urban agriculture.

 

Along with the preferred industries, community members identified a set of complementary uses to provide equitable access to services and work opportunities for Bronx communities. Those complementary uses include vocational training and a small business incubator; retail, food, and beverage uses; community gathering and organizing space; Bronx arts and culture space; recreation and health; and sustainable food systems. The community also stressed a desire for the project to hire local and union talent, sourced from Bronx-based businesses, and provide vocational training to residents.

 

The Kingsbridge Armory opened in 1917 and was used by the United States military until 1994 before reverting to city ownership in 1996. The armory was designated as a New York City Landmark in 1974 and placed on the National Register for Historic Places list in 1982. More recently, during the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Armory served as a temporary food distribution center and, early last year, was used by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and local officials to store supplies for those impacted by the Twin Park North fire.

 

MAYOR ADAMS ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING MORE STREAMLINED AND ACCOUNTABLE MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES PROGRAM

 

Executive Order 34 Unifies M/WBE Program Under Agency Chief Contracting Diversity Officer

 

EO Streamlines City’s M/WBE Program to Promote Centralized Accountability, Real-Time Outcome Tracking, and Enhanced Contractual Opportunities for NYC-Certified M/WBEs

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Executive Order 34, continuing his ongoing commitment to the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program. Executive Order 34 standardizes data collection from city-affiliated agencies that will help facilitate the city’s full M/WBE performance outcome tracking in real-time and ensures that city agencies have a senior staff member — with a dual reporting relationship to the citywide chief business diversity officer and their respective commissioner on M/WBE outcomes — empowered to prioritize M/WBE programming. The newly created agency chief contracting diversity officer will ensure accountability across agencies and helps to further centralize shared, city-wide M/WBE goals. 

 

“Each year, New York City spends billions on products and services. By building economic on-ramps for our minority and women business owners, we are creating jobs and improving the way government provides services to New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “Our M/WBE program has already made a huge difference in our city, but there is always room for growth. Executive Order 34 provides the support needed to allow agencies to truly meet the mark by investing in our minority businesses and tracking our agencies’ progress in real time. This is not only a game changer, but how we expand economic opportunity for all across the five boroughs.”

 

“Creating a more equitable business environment for our city’s M/WBEs, particularly as we continue on the road towards a full post-COVID economic recovery, is a key priority for this administration,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “Mayor Adams’ signing of Executive Order 34 allows for further centralized accountability, empowers agency leadership to drive resources towards their M/WBE outcomes, and enhances contractual opportunities for our diverse pool of city-certified M/WBE firms. I’m excited for the great M/WBE outcomes these combined directives will surely produce.” 

 

“When Mayor Adams offered me the position of New York City’s first ever citywide chief business diversity officer, he assured me that he would be as committed to this program as I’ve been in my 30 years of M/WBE programming experience with the School Construction Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority,” said Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael J. Garner. “I commend Mayor Adams for honoring that commitment by signing this executive order that will further empower me and our respective agency staff in a way that certainly puts us on a path towards achieving his aggressive M/WBE goals. The mayor has aligned his actions with his words.”

 

“New York City’s procurement system is only effective when it is equitable and inclusive of our many diverse communities and businesses,” said Lisa Flores, director, Mayor’s Office of Contract Services. “This executive order takes a bold approach and stands as concrete action to address the structural disparities that harm M/WBEs and ultimately lead to increased costs for the city and decreased quality of goods, services, and construction for which we contract. I am delighted to work with Chief Business Diversity Officer Garner in continuing to implement the mayor’s aggressive M/WBE agenda and maximize the quality and quantity of opportunities for which our M/WBEs can effective compete.”

 

Under Executive Order 34, Mayor Adams today announced that mayoral agencies will be directed to:

• Require re-evaluation of M/WBE goals before any contract is renewed in an effort to assess current M/WBE availability;
• De-bundle capital project contracts over $25 million, which will create a more level playing field for smaller M/WBE vendors in construction, where the city’s largest disparities currently exist;
• Consider at least one quote from an M/WBE vendor firm on all emergency procurements, given the city’s current response to the asylum seekers crisis; and
• Standardize M/WBE performance data for city-affiliated agencies that are part of OneNYC.

SCHUMER, AFTER YEARS OF UPSTATE NY HOSPITALS BEING SHORTCHANGED, ANNOUNCES HE HAS SECURED MASSIVE NEARLY $1 BILLION INCREASE IN PAYMENTS FROM FEDS FOR HOSPITALS – EVERY SINGLE YEAR – UNDER NEW FINALIZED RULE TO MEDICARE WAGE PAYMENTS; SCHUMER BREAKS DOWN REGION BY REGION MAJOR FED $$$ FOR IMPACTED HOSPITALS ACROSS UPSTATE NY

Schumer Has Fought For Years To Fix The Medicare Wage Index, Which For Decades Has Denied Hundreds Of Millions In Medicare Payments For Upstate NY Hospitals That They Rightly Deserved, Contributing To Financial Woes And Worsening Doctor And Nurse Shortages Across The State

After Launching An All Out Push Earlier This Year, Schumer Says Finalized CMS Rule Will Have Game Changing $967+ Million Estimated Impact On Upstate NY Every Single Year– Touching Rural And Urban Hospitals In Every Region Helping To Improve Healthcare For All

Schumer: Upstate NY Hospitals Receiving The Fair & Full Reimbursements They Have Been Denied For Far Too Long Means Better Healthcare For Communities And Families Across New York 

Following years of relentless advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially finalized a rule that will have an estimated nearly $1 billion impact for increased payments to Upstate New York hospitals every single year from the federal government.

“This is one of the biggest shots in the arm for federal funding Upstate NY hospitals have seen in decades. This will be a monumental boost to healthcare for our families and to help our healthcare providers fix budget shortfalls, address doctor and nurse shortages and so much more. For years, our hardworking healthcare providers have faced unfairly low Medicare payments, receiving cents on the dollar for the care they provide, but now after over a decade of fighting I am proud to announce I have secured the rules change which will bring nearly $1 billion every single year to hospitals across Upstate NY,” said Senator Schumer. “Years from now, we will look back at today as a pivotal moment for our Upstate New York hospitals. From Albany to Buffalo, and Binghamton to Watertown, hospitals big and small, in rural and urban areas, will finally get the support and full reimbursements they have long deserved and have been denied for too long.”

Schumer explained that the Medicare Wage Index rate is used to determine how much money the U.S. government pays hospitals for labor costs when they treat Medicare patients. Each metro area is assigned a rate that dictates whether they receive more or less than the national average for health care labor costs, however, historically hospitals in Upstate NY had received less than the true cost of providing healthcare for the areas they served. For example, since the 1980s, hospitals in the Albany area have received only 86 percent of what the average hospital receives to account for wages, which is not reflective of the true wages and labor market in Albany. The new FY24 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) rule will now increase the Capital Region’s adjustment to 122 percent of what the average hospital receives in wage adjustments, finally acknowledging that the region needs much higher than averages wages to compete and bring in the best providers, thereby bringing hundreds of millions in federal funding to Capital Region hospitals each year helping to improve healthcare for the communities they serve. You can find an estimated region by region breakdown below:

Overall, Schumer explained that the new finalized rule change which was announced today will amend the Medicare formula to include an estimated $967+ million in increased federal funding for hospital systems across Upstate New York. This past May, Schumer launched an all-out push to ensure that the proposal would be finalized by CMS, working with fellow representatives, New York hospitals and other stakeholders to support the proposal. Later that month, the senator rallied with major healthcare and hospital leaders from across the Capital Region and personally wrote to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks- LaSure to finalize the proposed rules change.

Hospitals in every region of Upstate New York are expected to benefit from this rules change. A full breakdown on the impact for all regions across Upstate New York annually can be found below:

Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Monroe County

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on August 6, 2023 following an encounter with a member of the New York State Police (NYSP) in Monroe County.

On the evening of August 6, an NYSP trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop on I-490 in Rochester. The driver of the vehicle did not comply and instead drove away from the scene, prompting the trooper to follow. The pursuit continued until the driver jumped a curb and got out of his vehicle in the town of Gates, at which point the trooper attempted to arrest him. During the encounter, the individual allegedly fired a gun at the trooper and the trooper returned fire. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials recovered a gun at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.

MAYOR ADAMS UNVEILS ICONIC HIP HOP IMAGERY INSTALLATION IN CITY HALL ROTUNDA

 

Installation Celebrates 50 Years of Hip Hop History

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today unveiled an imagery installation celebrating 50 years of hip hop culture in the City Hall Rotunda. The installation captures posters and flyers from the early days of hip hop, featuring legendary figures such as Run DMC, Clive Campbell aka DJ Kool Herc, Salt-N-Pepa, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Donations were made possible thanks to the Universal Hip Hop Museum’s curators and historians, Pete Nice and Paradise Gray.

 

“This installation tells the visual narrative behind hip hop’s influence on New York City and the globe over the past 50 years,” said Mayor Adams. “Hip hop inspired me as young Black man growing up in New York City. The music was about turning pain into purpose, fighting the power, and telling people of color that you could go from rags to riches. By bringing hip hop into City Hall, we are celebrating that a block party in the Bronx 50 years ago is now a major force for change and deserves to have a seat at the table.”

 

“Hip hop reflects the rhythm and soul of our city's neighborhoods, people, and creative energy, and this amazing installation explores the legacy of this quintessentially New York art form," said New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “At City Hall, we see the posters highlighting the shows and performances where hip hop’s diverse artists and audiences were forged. This is an incredible way to think more deeply about the role of hip hop in our city and our culture as we celebrate its 50^th anniversary, and I encourage everyone to check it out.”

 

“It’s great to be alive to see hip hop go from its humble beginnings in the streets of the Bronx to the upper echelon of New York City government,” said Paradise Gray, chief curator, Universal Hip Hop Museum. “For the 50^th anniversary, we are beginning to see hip hop take its true place as a cultural treasure.”

 

“The opportunity to share the significance beyond these flyers in City Hall is historic for hip hop, especially to give recognition to the pioneers on the flyers and to the artists who created them like Phase 2 and Buddy Esquire,” said Pete Nice, co-curator, Universal Hip Hop Museum. “These are the foundational documents of hip hop’s earliest artifacts, and I want to give special thanks to the mayor for his support of the installation in City Hall.”

 

The hip hop installation at City Hall is part of a larger initiative by the Adams administration to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of hip hop. As the birthplace of the genre, New York City will celebrate and honor hip hop’s musical and cultural transformation over the past 50 years through a wide variety of citywide initiatives, including a series of block parties and events and a collaboration with LISA Project NYC to create 50 murals across all five boroughs. These initiatives will pay homage to hip hop’s rich history and community impact as well as provide powerful inspiration for the future of this influential art form.

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Severe Weather Impacts Throughout New York State Monday Into Tuesday

 

Entire State Today Could See Excessive Rainfall and Damaging Winds with Possibility of Power Outages and Flash Flooding

Southern Tier and Western Portions of Mid-Hudson Region Expected to Experience Several Storms with High Winds Bringing the Possible Threat of an Isolated Tornado

New Yorkers Should Monitor Local Forecast, Prepare Households and Vehicles for Severe Weather Impacts, Use Extra Caution When Traveling Especially Near Flooded Roadways and Infrastructure

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for severe weather beginning later today as thunderstorms bringing excessive rainfall, damaging winds and the potential for isolated tornadoes are in the forecast across the state. Flash flooding and power outages are possible in vulnerable locations. Parts of the Southern Tier and western portions of the Mid-Hudson Regions are expected to experience the strongest winds, including the possibility of an isolated tornado through this evening. On Tuesday, severe thunderstorms are forecast to impact areas east of I-87 with excessive rainfall, flash flooding, and damaging winds expected for areas mainly north of I-90. Governor Hochul directed her administration to prepare for weather impacts and stand ready to support local officials with emergency response. New Yorkers should monitor local forecasts, prepare their households and vehicles for severe weather, and use extra caution when driving, especially near potentially flooded roadways.

“A strong weather system is expected to impact the state today with heavy rainfall and high winds, especially in the Southern Tier and western portions of the Mid-Hudson Valley, and more severe weather is set to impact additional upstate regions on Tuesday,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is fully prepared to respond to any weather-related emergencies and assist our local government partners. I urge all New Yorkers to watch the weather forecast closely this week and prepare to act, if necessary, to protect yourself and others.”

For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for NY Alert, the State's free emergency alert system, at alert.ny.gov. County-by-county emergency information can be pushed by text or email.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “More summer storms are on the way today into tomorrow. Keep a close eye on the forecast and prepare now so you can take action in the event of a flash flood emergency or tornado.”

State Agency Preparations

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' State Watch Center is monitoring weather and travel conditions, and coordinating any response needs with local governments. State Fire and State Emergency Management teams are prepared to respond with personnel and resources, in the event of flash flooding.

New York State Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond to the weather event with nearly 3,500 operators and supervisors available statewide. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,393 large dump trucks
• 317 large loaders
• 84 chippers
• 77 wheeled and tracked excavators
• 30 traffic tower platforms
• 21 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
• 14 tree crew bucket trucks

Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority staff is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is proactively inspecting storm drains across the system, ensuring equipment is ready to respond to any wind or flood related issues, as well as checking rock slopes in areas that are expecting heavy rain. The Thruway Authority has 653 operators and supervisors prepared with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of real time weather conditions on the Thruway.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and weather forecasts, and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

New York State Police

State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

Flash Flooding

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

Lightning

• Follow the 30-30 rule: If the time between when you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Seek shelter immediately. After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter.
• Lightning hits the tallest object. If you are above a tree line, quickly get below it and crouch down if you are in an exposed area.
• If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.

Tornado

• If outdoors and a Tornado Warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
• If at home or in a small building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
• If in a school, hospital, or shopping center, go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
• If in a high-rise building, go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use elevators — use stairs instead.

For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: dhses.gov/safety.