Governor Hochul Announces More Than Two Gigawatts of Community Solar Has Been Installed in New York

Milestone Represents Enough Clean Energy to Serve 393,000 Homes and Reaffirms State’s Position as Top Community Solar Market in the United States

Contributes to Five Gigawatts of Distributed Solar Operating Across the State, with Additional 3.3 Gigawatts in Development

Demonstrates Progress Toward State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Install Six Gigawatts of Distributed Solar by 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than two gigawatts of community solar has been installed in New York – enough to serve 393,000 homes, reaffirming the State’s position as the top community solar market in the United States. This community solar milestone contributes to five gigawatts of distributed solar operating across the state, with 3.3 gigawatts in development. Today's announcement demonstrates significant progress towards achieving New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to install six gigawatts of distributed solar by 2025, on the path to 10 gigawatts by 2030.

“New York’s two-gigawatt community solar achievement proves our commitment to a building a clean and healthy future,” Governor Hochul said. “Our ongoing investment in community solar generates measurable benefits for our health, our environment, our economy, and for the thousands of New Yorkers who can now enjoy lower electric bills, all thanks to our ability to harness the power of the sun.”

Community solar enables access to solar for homeowners, renters and business owners who may not have ideal conditions to directly install solar panels onsite. Through this arrangement, clean energy is still delivered by a customer’s regular electric providers, and the power produced from the solar array is fed directly back into the electric grid. As the electric grid is supplied with clean, renewable energy, subscribers receive a credit on their electric bills for their portion of the solar system’s output.

To date, community solar makes up 61 percent of total solar installations across the State this year. In addition, New York's distributed solar pipeline is now comprised of more than 8,700 projects, which once completed will provide 3,297 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power more than 600,000 New York homes. Building on this progress, in October, NYSERDA opened a second round of solicitations for the Inclusive Community Solar and Expanded Solar for All programs, which together aim to secure over 1,140 megawatts of community solar dedicated to low- and moderate-income (LMI) households and disadvantaged communities.

The State's success in deploying community solar is confirmed by the latest Wood Mackenzie Solar Market Insight quarterly report which ranks New York as the all-time national leader in installed community solar, as well as number one in 2023 for community solar installations, number two in overall distributed solar and number five for residential solar.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “New York is steadfast in its commitment to achieving our Climate Act goals, and every milestone reached is one step closer to a more reliable, equitable, zero-emissions electric grid. As the top market in the nation, community solar will continue to be a vital model to deliver clean, low-cost renewable energy to places where rooftop-mounted solar panels aren’t feasible, ensuring more New Yorkers realize the benefits of this renewable resource.”

The achievement of this milestone has been underpinned by robust support from NYSERDA's NY-Sun program, the State's signature $3.3 billion solar initiative. Currently, installed distributed solar projects, combined with the projects that are under development, bring the State to 83 percent of the current goal to install 10 gigawatts of distributed solar by 2030.

MAYOR ADAMS UNVEILS PLAN FOR FIRST-EVER COMMUNITY VENDING AREA AT CORONA PLAZA

 

Regulated Community Vending Area Will Keep Corona Plaza a Safe, Clean, and Vibrant Community Space 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today unveiled a plan to establish the first-ever regulated community vending area at Corona Plaza in Queens. Developed by a group of city agencies led by Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, in partnership with local elected officials, community leaders, and other partners, the plan will ensure that Corona Plaza remains a welcoming community space that is safe, clean, and vibrant. 

  

The community vending area, permitted and regulated by the city for the first time at Corona Plaza, will resolve longstanding public safety and quality-of-life concerns stemming from unregulated vending that previously occurred. As of October 31, 2023, the city’s 311 system had received 78 complaints related to illegal vending in this area in 2023 — a nearly five-fold increase from 17 complaints in the same period of 2022. With the formal community vending area in place, all active vendors will be required to have necessary city permits, and a third-party operator will work with city agencies to address any public safety risks and community concerns. The plan for Corona Plaza delivers on a unanimous recommendation from Mayor Adams’ Street Vendor Advisory Board, which included representatives from city agencies, street vendors, retail food stores, property owners, small businesses, and community organizations. 

  

“Our administration has a vision for a Corona Plaza that welcomes all members of our community — keeping our neighbors safe, ensuring our streets are clean, and creating economic opportunities for local residents,” said Mayor Adams. “For too long, city government has told the community around Corona Plaza to fend for themselves, but now we are being clear that we are here to help. This community deserves a plaza that everyone living in, working in, and visiting the area can enjoy — and that’s exactly what this plan will deliver.” 

  

“New Yorkers rely on public space for recreation, culture, community building and eating. Today’s announcement reflects this truth and more importantly the level of cooperation and compromise it takes to make it happen — bringing safe and tasty vending back to Corona Plaza,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “This new community vending area provides a unique opportunity for street vendors to make a living outside of the shadows and has the potential of serving as a model for other neighborhoods.” 

  

“The first-of-its-kind community vending area at Corona Plaza will allow all who visit to celebrate what is best about street vending in a space that remains safe, clean, and vibrant,” said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez. “Street vending is part of the fabric of our city, and this community vending area will ensure that people can enjoy the culture of the neighborhood while addressing longstanding safety and quality of life concerns.” 

  

“The variety of New York City’s mobile culinary offerings is legendary,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “These vendors bring their cuisine and culture to our communities, and we are proud to support this opportunity to add even more flavor to our neighborhoods.” 

  

“Street vendors are a vital part of New York City’s economic and cultural landscape,” said New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “We are excited to see Mayor Adams implementing a proposal from the Street Vendor Advisory Board, and we applaud him and our sister agencies for working hard to ensure vendors continue to have opportunities to serve our communities.” 

  

Under Mayor Adams’ plan, the city will identify a third-party operator to manage the vending area. The Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) will initially receive a permit to serve as the interim operator for four months, with the option for DOT to renew it. DOT will issue a request for proposal in early 2024 to select a long-term operator. As in other commercial districts, the third-party operator will address safety, sanitation, and quality-of-life issues caused by previous unregulated vending, while city agencies will monitor and take enforcement action as necessary to keep Corona Plaza safe and clean — including the New York City Department of Sanitation for sanitation rules, the New York City Police Department for quality-of-life issues, DOHMH for food safety and permit requirements, and the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) for fire safety and related permit requirements. 

  

The Corona Plaza community vending area will host 14 vendors, with up to 10 selling food. All vendors must have contracts with the third-party operator, which will direct vendors to apply for the other permits or licenses they need. All food vendors will be required to apply for a DOHMH food vending permit that is specific to Corona Plaza, and the third-party operator will need to comply with FDNY rules and regulations. DOHMH will review applications to ensure that all the required paperwork is in place and accurate, that the food being sold is appropriate for on-site preparation, and that all vendors have the required commissary relationship and food vendor license. General vendors who sell non-food items that are participating in the community vending area do not need a license from DCWP but must follow all other rules and laws. 

  

To ensure upkeep of the plaza, the operator will oversee maintenance during operating hours. The community vending area will operate every Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  

  

“The QEDC, with our partners, is looking forward to making Corona Plaza a center of commerce that will benefit businesses both large and small,” said Seth Bornstein, executive director, Queens Economic Development Corporation. “In doing so, it will serve this thriving community and be a model for other neighborhoods throughout the city.” 

  

“The Corona Plaza Street Vendors Association is grateful to the elected officials and partners for their support for our community’s street vendors, most of whom are immigrant mothers,” said Rosario Troncoso, board president, Corona Plaza Street Vendors Association and member, Street Vendor Project, Urban Justice Center. “We have advocated for several years to formalize the market, even during the height of the pandemic, because we believe the market will be a foundational opportunity for the essential microbusinesses that provide our community with a cultural hub and nutritious, affordable food. We look forward to growing our collaboration with all involved in this project to make the market an example for the entire city, and to continue contributing to the economy of our neighborhood, Corona, Queens.” 

Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers Impacted by Medical Company’s Data Breach of Potential Identity Theft

 

AG James Urges Consumers Who Have Been Notified of Perry Johnson & Associates’ Data Breach to be on Alert and Take Action to Prevent Identity Theft

At Least 4 Million New Yorkers Have Been Impacted by the Data Breach

New York Attorney General Letitia James today warned New Yorkers impacted by a data breach at a medical transcription company, Perry Johnson & Associates, to take action to prevent potential identity theft. The company experienced a data breach affecting nearly nine million patients, including approximately four million New Yorkers in New York City and Syracuse. Northwell Health and Crouse Health have been affected by this data breach, and most individuals whose data was impacted have been notified. Attorney General James advises affected New Yorkers to protect themselves and their information from theft and impersonation. 

Perry Johnson & Associates is a Nevada-based company that provides transcription services to health care organizations and physicians for dictating and transcribing patient notes. In May 2023, Perry Johnson & Associates became aware of a breach affecting their systems. The medical transcription company said the data impacted includes some social security numbers and insurance and clinical information from medical transcription files. 

“I urge all New Yorkers affected by this data breach to stay alert and take these important steps to protect themselves,” said Attorney General James. “Bad actors can use the stolen information to impersonate individuals or cause financial harm. Identity theft is a serious issue, and my office will continue to take action to keep New Yorkers safe.” 

Attorney General James urges anyone who believes they were impacted by this to take the following steps to protect themselves: 

• Monitor your credit. Credit monitoring services track your credit report and alert you whenever a change is made, such as a new account or a large purchase. Most services will notify you within 24 hours of any change to your credit report.     
• Consider placing a free credit freeze on your credit report. Identity thieves will not be able to open a new credit account in your name while the freeze is in place. You can place a credit freeze by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus: 
  • Equifax | https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze +1 (888) 766-0008 
  • Experian | https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html +1 (888) 397-3742 
  • TransUnion | https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze +1 (800) 680-7289   
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert tells lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit. You can place a fraud alert by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus.   
• Obtain copies of your medical records. Contact your doctors, clinics, health care providers, pharmacy, and insurance company to get copies of your medical records. Review the records for anything you do not recognize. After a review of your medical records, report any errors and ask for corrections from your health care providers.
• Contest unrecognized medical billing: Wrongdoers may receive medical services in your name where you receive the bill. You should contest anything you do not recognize. 
• Inform your insurance company. Tell your insurance provider of any suspected fraud and find out if they have specific protocols for these situations. If the attack is related to Medicare, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General online or at 800-447-8477. 

If you fall victim to medical identity theft, you should consider filing a report with the FTC online or at 877-438-4338. 

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - The BEST Holiday Gift for Those Who Love VCP!

Do you know someone that walks in Van Cortlandt Park every day?   How about a cross-country runner, baseball lover, or tennis ace that makes VC their home base?    Or maybe you have a family member or friend who loves Van Cortlandt Park as much as we do?   Give the Gift of a VCPA Membership this Giving Tuesday! Support your favorite park while giving a special gift this holiday season!  It’s a win-win!

Winter Membership Special Join or renew now at $50+ to receive a VCPA Beanie!

Gift memberships must be received by Monday, December 11th to ensure arrival in time for the holidays.

 

Use our Membership Form to become a Member of the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance by making a secure donation online.

Membership Benefits

 

Wetland Protector – $50  

A new VCPA Beanie!

VCPA Sticker and Van Cortlandt Park Map

Two-for-one admission to Van Cortlandt House Museum

Invitations to Members-only hikes

100% tax deductible 

Trail Blazer – $100 

All the above plus a personalized tour for 5 to 20 of your friends and family

100% tax deductible 

Forest Guardian – $250

All the above plus one free lesson at Van Cortlandt Riding Stables

$190 tax deductible

Park Leader – $500

All the above plus a two-for-one coupon at Van Cortlandt Golf Course

$386 tax deductible

Gift a VCPA Membership Today!

VCPA beanie offer runs until the end of January, or while supplies last.

Your contribution to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.* Our federal tax identification number is 13-3843182. VCPA is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, IRS Section 170(b) (2) (iii) for both federal and state tax purposes.

Our Contact Information

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463

718-601-1460

http://vancortlandt.org 

Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr Invites You To a Job Fair & Career Expo

 

New year, new job! 

I am proud to announce that this Saturday, December 2nd, my office in partnership with the Department of Labor will be holding a job fair at Columbus High School. 

 

Bring an updated resume, dress to impress, and get ready to network with city and state agencies and companies looking for qualified individuals like yourself. 

 

Below are the details: 

• Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
• Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
• Where: Columbus High School - 925 Astor Ave

If you have any questions, please call our community office @ 718-409-0109

Foundations Take Shape For KIPP NYC Charter School At 75 Canal Street West In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

Foundation work continues at 75 Canal Street West, the site of a seven-story, 1,400-seat charter school in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Perkins Eastman, the 70-foot-tall ground-up project will span 150,000 square feet for the KIPP NYC network of public charter schools located across The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. KIPP purchased the property, which is bound by Canal Street West, Park Avenue, and East 138th Street, for $21.7 million in the summer of 2021.

Recent photographs show the state of work on the 33,640-square-property, which was formerly occupied by a taxi depot. Exaction is still ongoing around the southern corner as the outline of the new charter school begins to take shape amid temporary wooden railings and formwork, and steel rebar for the upcoming walls.

Photo by Michael Young

Earlier this year, KIPP NYC secured $209.3 million in bond financing for the 75 Canal Street West school. Build NYC Resource Corporation, part of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, provided the financing with the Bank of New York Mellon acting as the trustee. The total cost of the project is expected to be $117 million.

The nearest subways from the property are the 4 and 5 trains at the 138th Street-Grand Concourse station.

75 Canal Street West is anticipated to be finished on time before the 2025-2026 school year, becoming the 19th public charter school for KIPP NYC and the tenth such school overall in The Bronx. A finalized rendering has yet to be publicly released.

2023 VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE (VNNA) CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Dec. 3rd - 5 PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023
5:00PM
COCO, COOKIES & CAROLING!

JOIN US FOR OUR 10TH ANNUAL
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
MEET SANTA!! GET A TOY!!

 

Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance (VNNA)

City Planning Begins Public Review of Zoning Change to Facilitate State-Licensed Gaming Facilities

 

Citywide Proposal Would Allow Gaming Facilities in Certain Commercial and Manufacturing Districts Only if Licensed by State Gaming Commission  

Zoning Text Amendment Will Now Head to Community Boards, Borough Presidents for Recommendations, followed by Planning Commission and City Council 

New York City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair Dan Garodnick today began the public review process for a zoning text amendment that would clarify where up to three gaming facilities can locate in New York, and link city approvals to the robust state-level licensing process. The zoning change would allow gaming facilities licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission and chosen through a State-defined siting process in certain commercial and manufacturing districts. 

The start of public review on the text amendment comes as the State of New York requests applications for up to three new gaming facility licenses in the downstate region. However, because gaming facilities are not currently permitted under the New York City Zoning Resolution, applicants within the city are at a disadvantage to other downstate applicants – potentially depriving New Yorkers of jobs and economic benefits.  

“As the state considers proposals for casinos downstate, it's important that we create a level playing field for applicants within New York City so they can compete for this opportunity,” said Dan Garodnick, CPC Chair and Director of the Department of City Planning. “This text amendment would avoid duplicating the state's rigorous licensing process, which includes local representation on the CAC, while setting up a rational framework for consideration within our zoning.” 

This text amendment, if adopted, would allow gaming facilities in commercial districts C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8 and manufacturing districts M1, M2, and M3 if operating under a state gaming license authorized by legislation enacted by the state in 2022. The full zoning text amendment can be read here. 

The State Gaming Facility Location Board’s review process begins with a local Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for each application, made up of representatives from the Governor, Mayor, and local State Assemblymember, State Senator, Borough President, and City Councilmember; applications with two-thirds support from a vote of their CAC and with local zoning approval will then be reviewed by the State Gaming Facility Location Board and State Gaming Commission for final selection and licensing.  

A citywide zoning text amendment allows the City of New York to consider the regulation of gaming facilities through zoning without duplicating the public input of the State CAC process, and without considering unique ULURP applications from each gaming facility applicant before the State’s process can begin. Some gaming facility applicants may require other proposal-specific approvals, which are not a part of this text amendment.  

The text amendment will now be referred for review and recommendation by community boards and borough presidents whose jurisdictions include the applicable zoning districts, before returning to the City Planning Commission for a hearing and vote, and if passed, the City Council.  

Department of City Planning 

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.  

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.