Governor Hochul Unveils Application Guidelines for More Than $11 Million in ConnectALL Funding to Expand Broadband Access Ahead of Application Launch Later This Month

Request for Applications to $10 Million Regional and Local Assistance Program To Build Local Government Capacity for Broadband Deployment, Digital Equity Initiatives Will Launch June 17 – Guidelines Available Here

Request for Applications to $1.4 Million Digital Equity Technical Assistance Fund To Support Non-Profits Bridging Digital Divide Will Launch June 17 – Guidelines Available Here

Governor Also Announces That Prequalification Application to Help Internet Service Providers Access Federal Funding Through ConnectALL Deployment Program Will Launch June 21 – Guidelines Available Here

Prospective Applicants Encouraged To Attend Information Sessions Scheduled for June 24-27

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled application guidelines for more than $11 million in new grant programs under Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Initiative, the largest-ever investment in New York's digital infrastructure, ahead of the launch of the applications on June 17. Together, the programs – the Regional and Local Assistance Program and the Digital Equity Technical Assistance Fund – will prepare local government and nonprofit organizations to participate in upcoming broadband deployment and digital equity programs across the state. The Governor also issued guidelines for a precertification application, set to launch June 21, to help interested internet service providers access federal broadband funding under the ConnectALL Deployment Program.

“Affordable, reliable broadband is an absolute necessity for New Yorkers looking to get an education, access vital government resources and participate in a 21st century economy,” Governor Hochul said. “We are issuing these guidelines now to give applicants a running start in accessing critical broadband funding that will get more New Yorkers online and expand high-speed internet statewide.”

The Regional and Local Assistance Program will provide grants or technical assistance to eligible applicants for program funding to include non-capital resources, technical assistance and planning which could include feasibility studies or digital equity research, identifying areas in need of internet service or new investments in broadband, or the development of financing for broadband facilities. More detailed information is available in the program guidelines. To prepare for the opening of the Regional and Local Assistance Program the ConnectALL Office will hold an informational webinar on June 25, 2024. Registration is available here.

During the state’s intensive digital equity planning phase ConnectALL listened to digital equity stakeholders and residents across all ten regions of the state and the five boroughs of New York City. This work informed the resulting Digital Equity Plan ConnectALL will accelerate conditions for Plan implementation by enabling digital inclusion and equity providers to prepare for upcoming grant opportunities to close the digital divide with this fund. Through the $1.4 million state-funded Digital Equity Technical Assistance Program. Applicants may request up to $100,000 to improve their collective capabilities to apply for state and federal grants such as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s $1.4 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant program and $1.6 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grants. ConnectALL will hold its first Technical Assistance Fund Informational session on June 24, 2024. Registration is available here.

Additionally, the ConnectALL Office will launch a prequalification application process for the ConnectALL Deployment Program on June 21 to establish a threshold of qualified applicants ahead of the release of the ConnectALL Deployment Program Request for Applications. The ConnectALL Deployment Program will provide grants for broadband deployment to locations that do not currently have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet service. Successful applicants who are prequalified through this process will be eligible to apply for grant funding via the Program RFA to be issued in Fall 2024. ConnectALL will hold an Information Session via Webinar on June 26, 2024. All parties interested in the prequalification application are encouraged to attend and can register here.

Governor Hochul’s ConnectALL Initiative

Governor Hochul established the $1 billion ConnectALL Initiative – New York’s largest-ever investment in broadband access – to close the state’s digital divide, transform digital infrastructure, and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to reliable and affordable high-speed broadband internet service. To date, ConnectALL has overseen the successful launch and implementation of several programs to advance broadband access, including:

• The Digital Equity Program will invest $50 million to implement the New York State Digital Equity Plan to close the digital divide. The Plan outlines New York’s statewide strategy to increase its capacity to improve digital literacy and digital job readiness skills, facilitate access to affordable internet and devices, enhance digital privacy and safety, and make government services more accessible through the internet. The Plan and more about the Program is available here.
• The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program to bring new broadband infrastructure to homes in affordable and public housing leveraging a $100 million federal investment from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund. The program is currently accepting applications from internet service providers and expressions of interest from housing owners and public housing authorities.
• The ConnectALL Deployment Program to fund internet service providers to reach unserved and underserved locations, drawing on an allocation of $664.6 million in federal funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, as described in the ConnectALL Broadband Deployment Initial Proposal and Five-Year Action Plan. ConnectALL conducted the challenge process to determine which locations in the state are eligible for this program.
• The Municipal Infrastructure Program will utilize $228 million in federal funding to connect tens of thousands of homes statewide to high-speed internet through grants to public entities, local or Tribal governments, municipal utilities, utility cooperatives, and their private sector partners. Broadband infrastructure in the Municipal Infrastructure Program will be owned by a public entity or publicly controlled and internet service providers will use the new broadband infrastructure to provide New Yorkers with affordable, high quality service options. The request for applications is now available on the ConnectALL website. Phase 3 applications from private entities are due June 28.

State Senator Rivera’s Local Input in Community Healthcare Act Passes Both Houses

State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement after his legislation (S8843A/A1633B) passed the Assembly today. The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday.

“I am proud that the Local Input in Community Healthcare Act (S8843A/A1633B) passed both houses and I’m grateful for the support of our strong coalition of stakeholders. This legislation will address gaps in the state’s current review of proposed hospital and critical unit closures. It will also make our communities key stakeholders in a decision-making process with serious impacts on health equity by requiring community forums.

“I want to thank my partners, Assembly Member Simon and the coprime sponsors of this bill, Senators Kavanagh, Gonzalez, Myrie, Hinchey, and Webb. I hope that this bill will be signed into law soon to ensure communities have a say in their local healthcare access."

 

AFTER AGGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT AGAINST FRUIT VENDING FAMILY, NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE INTRODUCES TRANSPARENCY BILL

 

Days after a young girl was aggressively accosted by law enforcement while selling fruit with her mother in Battery Park, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams introduced legislation requiring the city to report key information on street vendor enforcement actions. This bill would provide vital transparency and help ensure that procedures are followed, priorities are clear, and abuses are prevented.

“This week, we all witnessed the dangerous consequences of criminalization, of responding to every issue with law enforcement. A young girl and her mother were confronted and brutalized while simply trying to earn a living for their family,” said Public Advocate Williams in introducing the bill. “By providing transparency into the process and practice of street vendor enforcement, in conjunction with comprehensive reform, we can help curb the criminalization of New York City’s smallest businesses and lead with information and engagement, not aggressive, unnecessary enforcement tactics.”

Intro 947, proposed at today’s Stated Meeting of the City Council, would require quarterly reporting on a wide range of information related to street vendor enforcement, including:

• The location and date of the interaction
• Whether the enforcement interaction was initiated due to complaints
• Whether the vendor was arrested or issued a civil or criminal summons
• Whether the vendor’s items were seized, and what items were being sold
• What documentation was requested of the vendor
• Whether there had been prior enforcement interactions with the same street vendor
• Whether a language interpreter was provided during the interaction.

The legislation follows a 2021 law establishing an unit for street vendor enforcement, originally a part of the Department of Consumer and Workforce Protection before the Adams administration moved the unit to the Department of Sanitation. That enforcement is intended to be focused on areas with a high volume of complaints, high congestion, or close proximity to produce retailers.

Street vendor enforcement practices have frequently been scrutinized for aggressive interactions with the public, which spurred the legislation to establish a separate enforcement unit for the industry other than the NYPD. However, the NYPD continues to be involved in enforcement, as seen in the recent video of the Battery Park confrontation. 

The new bill also supplements a package of bills originally introduced at the end of 2023 to support street vendors, including legislation from the Public Advocate which would create a division of Street Vendor Assistance within the Department of Small Business Services. The package also includes bills to promote business licensing and regulatory compliance of all mobile food and merchandise, reduce the criminal liability on food and merchandise vending, and establish siting rules and regulations for licensed and permitted vendors. 

Street vending in New York has always been significant in the city’s economy. Nearly 20,000 individuals are employed as street vendors to date. Street vending has played an important role in the city's growth, supporting immigrants, people of color, and military veterans to successfully operate the city’s smallest businesses, while creating entrepreneurs along the way. 

Under the current system, thousands of vendors have been waitlisted for food vendor permits, with some of them waiting for decades. As was seen in Battery Park last weekend, the city’s approach to vendors leaves many individuals harassed, unfairly arrested, and without adequate resources or clear regulations.

MAYOR ADAMS CELEBRATES NEW AGE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR NYC WITH PASSAGE OF “CITY OF YES” PROPOSAL

 

Initiative Will Support Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Economic Growth to Deliver Largest Overhaul of City’s Commercial and Manufacturing Zoning in 60 Years

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) Director and City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair Dan Garodnick today celebrated the New York City Council’s approval of “City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,” a set of citywide zoning changes the Adams administration introduced that will further fuel New York City’s economic recovery and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for New York businesses. Together, the proposed set of changes will help businesses find space and grow, support entrepreneurs and freelancers, boost growing industries, and enable more vibrant streetscapes and commercial corridors. City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is the second of the Adams administration’s three “City of Yes” initiatives — the first being “City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality,” and the third being “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.” 

 

“When we came into office two years ago, we committed to turning New York City into a ‘City of Yes.’ We unveiled three landmark proposals to transform our city’s zoning laws and help combat climate change, unleash job growth, and build new housing,” said Mayor Adams. “With today’s passage of ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,’ we have taken another historic step to bring our city’s zoning code into the 21^st century and build a more inclusive and prosperous economy. Our proposal will replace outdated restrictions on businesses with new rules that support sustainable job growth, help businesses open and expand, and fill vacant storefronts. After decades of inaction, it will move our city’s zoning code into the future, laying the foundation for long-term growth across all five boroughs. Quite simply, it will take us from a rotary phone mentality and bring us into the smart phone world. Thank you to our partners in the City Council — including Speaker Adams and Chairs Riley and Salamanca — who delivered a landmark win for all New Yorkers with today’s vote. However, our work is not yet complete. Later this year, the City Council will vote on the third and final piece of our plan: ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.’ By building a little more housing in every neighborhood, we can get significantly closer to our goal of building 500,000 new homes across New York City by 2032 and finally tackle our city’s housing crisis. We look forward to working with the City Council to deliver this important win for New Yorkers.” 

 

“The zoning of 1961 cannot serve the needs of 2024,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “With today’s historic approval, we are replacing antiquated regulations with new, commonsense rules that will boost small businesses, growing industries and commercial corridors. Thank you to Speaker Adams and the members of the City Council for their partnership. Today, we’re proving once again that New York is a ‘City of Yes.’”

“Today marks a significant milestone for New York City's economic future,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “With the approval of 'City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,' we're not just embracing change, we're championing it. These zoning changes reflect our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and vibrant city, where businesses can thrive, entrepreneurs can flourish, and our communities can grow. As we pave the way for a more prosperous future, let's remember: in the ‘City of Yes,’ opportunities abound for all New Yorkers.”

“This is a momentous day for New York City. For too long, our mom-and-pop shops, entrepreneurs, and commercial corridors have been hindered by our own antiquated rules,” said CPC Chair and DCP Director Gardonick. “The newly-adopted zoning changes will reduce storefront vacancies, create more vibrant neighborhoods, and generate economic success across all five boroughs. Thank you to the City Council for supporting this important initiative and charting a path for our city’s future prosperity.”

“The ‘City of Yes’ is a landmark proposal driven by the vital role of small businesses in powering our city's economy, and the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,’ builds on this foundation, positioning New York City as the leader in growth and quality of life,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “By modernizing our zoning laws, we are creating new opportunities and empowering our small businesses to reach their full potential. We thank the New York City Council and DCP Director Dan Garodnick for their pivotal role in passing this milestone legislation and ensuring the success of our communities.”

 

“‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ is a huge opportunity for the Adams administration to take a major step forward to drive economic growth across New York City, while enabling more vibrant public spaces and revitalizing some of our commercial corridors,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kimball. “I applaud the City Council for recognizing the importance of these zoning changes, which will be critical to growing small businesses, and the Department of City Planning, and so many other city agencies, for the enormous amount of work they put in and for their continued advocacy for this critical initiative.”

 

“The Office of Nightlife at SBS extend our thanks to the City Council for passing the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ proposal,” said Office of Nightlife (ONL) Executive Director Jeffrey Garcia. “In our 24/7 city — the birthplace of hip-hop, salsa, and disco — the freedom to dance is essential. These changes overturn outdated rules from the 1960s and fulfill a key priority from ONL’s 2021 recommendations to finally repeal the last vestiges of the discriminatory Cabaret Laws. We are grateful to Mayor Adams, the City Council, and countless advocates across the nightlife community who continue to push for equal access to dancing for all New Yorkers. This process is the culmination of a true collective effort.”

 

“I am glad to see the passage of ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ by the City Council,” said Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture Executive Director Qiana Mickie. “These smart, forward-looking zoning changes will allow a greater breadth of urban agriculture business development, creating exciting new economic opportunities for the food and agriculture sector in New York City. The ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ directly supports the efforts of our office to advance environmental justice and food equity, while creating opportunity in the green economy. I applaud the New York City Department of City Planning and the City Council for approaching this process in such a thoughtful, considered manner.” 

 

“As the agency responsible for enforcing the city’s zoning resolution, we are glad that the City Council agrees that zoning changes are an important piece of the puzzle to fill up empty storefronts by encouraging New Yorkers to start and grow their small businesses,” said New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Jimmy Oddo. “Our small business team here at DOB is ready to assist new entrepreneurs looking to set up shop in the five boroughs with free consultations on storefront renovation projects and guidance on getting into compliance with city building regulations.”

 

“The New York City Housing Authority extends its congratulations to the Adams administration for the passage of ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,’” said New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “Just as it could with the ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ proposal, rethinking New York City’s zoning policies allows for a tremendous amount of innovation and growth, and we’re excited for the possibilities in store for New Yorkers as a result, particularly those who call NYCHA home, many of whom are small business owners and hard workers with entrepreneurial spirits.”

 

“‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ will make it possible for even more food businesses to thrive,” said Mayor's Office of Food Policy Executive Director Kate MacKenzie. “From new opportunities for food enterprises in storefronts to expanded opportunities for urban growing, these zoning changes will support improved neighborhood food security and good food jobs.”

 

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity includes commonsense policy changes that would expand options for businesses to locate near their customers, support growing industries and sectors, foster vibrant neighborhoods and commercial corridors, and provide businesses with clear and modern zoning rules. Among these changes are policies to:  

• More than double the space available for clean manufacturing, allowing small producers, such as microbreweries, apparel makers, and ceramic shops, to open and grow in commercial corridors in all five boroughs for the first time.
• Create new zoning tools to allow more than 17,000 businesses in industrial areas that are currently prevented from adding space to grow their businesses.
• Expand the number of businesses able to open in ground- and upper-floor spaces.
• Eliminate outdated rules that prohibit dancing, comedy, and open mic nights in restaurants and venues in commercial areas, and instead govern venues by size and volume.
• Update 1960s-era rules that limit where amusements are allowed, so experiential retail, such as virtual reality arcades, and family-friendly activities can be located closer to where New Yorkers live.
• Modernize how zoning regulates laboratories so life sciences research can flourish in offices and near universities and hospitals. 
• Remove outdated restrictions on indoor urban agriculture.
• Fill empty storefronts by fixing decades-old rules that ban businesses from setting up in certain long-term vacant facilities.
• Allow a wider range of businesses, including barbers and interior designers, to be based in homes.
• Foster cleaner and safer streets and support local small businesses by helping them expand local delivery capacity.
• Facilitate adaptive reuse of commercial buildings by modernizing loading dock rules.  

City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is the second of Mayor Adams’s three “City of Yes” initiatives to foster a greener, more affordable, and more prosperous city by updating outdated zoning rules. The first — City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality — was adopted by the City Council in December. The third — City of Yes for Housing Opportunity — was referred for public review by community boards and borough presidents this spring and will be put to a vote by the City Council before the end of the year. 

 

The Adams administration has made continued investments and policy reforms to support small businesses across New York City. In addition to introducing these zoning changes, the administration has also committed to several quality-of-life improvements for New Yorkers related to modern businesses. These include policies to address the impact of “last mile” shipping facilities, investments in alternative clean delivery modes, and investments in industrial developments, such as clothing manufacturing and food production, alongside the upcoming Industrial Strategic Plan.

 

Under the Adams administration, over $265 million in grant and loan funding has been facilitated or administered to small businesses through SBS. Last month, Mayor Adams announced the launch of the “NYC Future Fund,” a $10 million investment to seed the city’s next major small business loan fund. The fund will accelerate the growth of hundreds of new small businesses in New York City by addressing the gap in access to affordable capital faced by small business owners, particularly early-stage businesses, as well as Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and women entrepreneurs that otherwise often cannot obtain traditional bank financing. The fund builds on the success of the landmark $85 million “NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund,” which provided loans of up to $250,000 to over 1,000 businesses, with 69 percent of loans going to BIPOC-owned businesses.

 

“The council made modifications to the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity to strike the right balance of promoting economic growth and opportunities for local businesses while protecting neighborhoods and safeguarding quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Our efforts will preserve manufacturing districts and enhance the industrial sector, which provides good-paying jobs and can prepare our city for a clean energy future. I'm proud that the council has also secured crucial commitments for an aggressive plan to confront the serious environmental and health impacts of last-mile facilities and trucking, which disproportionately impact outer-borough communities of color. The additional investments for better enforcement of buildings, nightlife establishments, and unlicensed smoke shops also were pivotal commitments secured as part of the council’s efforts. This balanced approach is responsive to communities and ensures a plan that can propel the city's economy to the benefit of all New Yorkers and neighborhoods.”

 

“With our city’s commercial zoning regulations having gone unchanged since 1961 – hindering economic success – the City Council’s approval of City of Yes for Economic Opportunity proposal provides the opportunity to strike the right balance in promoting such desperately-needed economic growth,” said New York City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca. “As chair of the Committee on Land Use, I am proud to have worked alongside Speaker Adams and my colleagues to have negotiated a commitment for a special permit to address the issue of last-mile facility operations, and protections for our communities against micro-distribution sites in residential areas. While it is important to protect our business communities, we cannot overlook the historic environmental justice issues that have plagued districts, like mine in the South Bronx, with high pollution and asthma rates for far too long.”

 

“As Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, it is imperative that we stand committed to updating our city's zoning rules to meet the changing needs of our neighborhoods,” said New York City Councilmember Kevin C. Riley. “Today's vote on City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is a key step in modernizing these outdated laws to fit our diverse economy. With a shared commitment to community interests for the advancement of our city, we at the council recognize the collaboration with Mayor Adams and the administration to achieve the right balance between protecting quality of life and fostering economic growth and local businesses. Given that many commercial zoning regulations have remained unchanged since 1961, this milestone highlights the significance of unified efforts for the benefit of New Yorkers.”

 

“Today’s passage of the City of Yes Zoning for Economic Opportunity text amendment is an incredibly necessary measure that I am proud to support alongside my colleagues in the City Council,” said New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “Bolstering our commercial corridors, supporting small business growth, and strengthening M-Zones are all essential parts to supporting our local economies and creating sustainable careers. This vote comes after tireless work in our communities where the City Council recommended several zoning modifications to meet community’s needs, it is with great pleasure that I can say the Zoning for Economic Opportunity does exactly that.”

 

“‘City of Yes’ will provide the regulatory flexibility to stimulate the development of street-level retail corridors and support the growth and vibrancy of our local businesses,” said Jessica Lappin, president, Alliance for Downtown New York. “We are encouraged to see tangible progress toward the realization of this much needed program that can help our small business community reach its economic potential.”

 

“Today marks a significant milestone for our city with the passage of the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,’” said Lisa Sorin, president, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “By modernizing our zoning regulations, we can not only activate empty storefronts, but also create fertile ground for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive. This is a bold step towards reducing retail vacancies and ensuring our commercial corridors are bustling hubs of innovation and community. These policy changes will empower small producers, support growing industries, and bring a renewed vibrancy to our neighborhoods – let's continue to embrace change and build a stronger, more resilient economy for all New Yorkers.”

“The Morris Park Business Improvement District applauds New York City Council taking today a crucial step forward in greenlighting a unique opportunity to re-fuel and bring new resources to the city's commercial corridors,” said Dr. Camelia Tepelus, executive director, Morris Park Business Improvement District. “In Morris Park, we are confident that the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ will strengthen our position as a leading job center in life sciences and an engine for continued job creation and innovation in the Bronx. We are particularly grateful to the teams of DCP for their extensive outreach and guidance to the business community, and thank the multi-agency teams that conceptualized this transformative step forward for the city's commercial corridors.”

 

“I have always advocated that dance is an essential means of human expression, and protected by the First Amendment,” said Jerry Goldman, board chair, New York Dance Parade. “I am very pleased that the City of New York has finally repealed the last vestiges of the archaic and unfair laws regulating dance via the adoption of the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ legislation!”

 

“I'm thrilled that after 20 years advocating with LegalizeDance.org, ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ will revitalize marginalized communities through dance, all in a responsible way,” said Greg Miller, coalition coordinator, LegalizeDance.org. “This opens the door for new expressions of movement and cultural vibrancy to flourish across the city!”

 

“As champions for over 1.3 million freelancers and small business owners across the five boroughs, we at the Freelancers Union are thrilled to commend Mayor Eric Adams, the Department of City Planning and the City Council, for their collaborative efforts on the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ initiative,” said Freelancers Union Executive Director Rafael Espinal. “This pivotal move addresses key challenges our members face, such as securing affordable business spaces and fosters growth for independent entrepreneurs. We celebrate this milestone and look forward to its positive impact on our city.”

 

“The Garment District Alliance is proud to support the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,’” said Barbara A. Blair, president, the Garment District Alliance. “In addition to encouraging new growth in New York City’s economic sector, this initiative also eliminates long-standing hurdles for local businesses – ultimately enabling them to not just survive, but thrive. We applaud the Department of City Planning for their forward-thinking approach.”

 

“The NoHo Business Improvement District hears from our stores on the ground floor that flexibility, clear rules, and zoning regulations that work for modern businesses are essential for New York City's commercial corridors to thrive into the future,” said Cordelia Persen, executive director, NoHo Business Improvement District. “‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ is key to ensuring our stores have the zoning framework they need to start, grow, and succeed.”

 

“We’re delighted with the full City Council's approval of the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ initiative,” said Carlo Scissura, president and CEO, New York Building Congress. “This significant reform will ease the way for businesses to flourish and expand across New York City, enhancing our city’s economic prosperity. We applaud the City Council for their forward-thinking decision to eliminate antiquated zoning laws that have impeded economic progress. Together with Mayor Adams' other initiatives, including those aimed at expanding housing opportunities, our members are ready and excited to contribute to building a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

 

“The New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association is excited that the New York City Council has approved the mayor’s ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ proposal,” said Sandra Jaquez, president of the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association. “The zoning amendments passed today, in particular those that end the dancing ban, will strengthen our minority-owned establishments by allowing restaurants and bars to expand their businesses, build their customer base, and champion the culture of many establishments where dancing and music are a focal point. Thank you to Mayor Adams and his administration, as well as the leadership of Speaker Adams and the entire City Council for getting the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ over the finish line and providing the hospitality industry with support.”

 

“‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ will remove unnecessary and obsolete zoning regulations, encouraging business development and job creation across all five boroughs,” stated Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City.

“The City of Yes for Economic Opportunity is critical for the revitalization of our neighborhoods and commercial districts,” said Richard R. Buery, Jr., CEO of Robin Hood and Co-Chair of the “New” New York Panel. “Congratulations to the City Council for approving the Mayor’s proposals to abandon these antiquated zoning restrictions that stand in the way of entrepreneurial activity and expanded opportunity for all New Yorkers. 

“We are thrilled that ‘City of Yes’ has reached this next milestone so that it can implement a critical set of reforms to ensure that our businesses have clear and flexible zoning regulations allowing them to adapt, innovate and thrive,” said Tom Harris, president, Times Square Alliance. “Congratulations to City Hall, the City Council, and the Department of City Planning for all their work to make this come to fruition.”

 

“Union Square is a unique live-work-play neighborhood that offers rich transit access, robust foot traffic, and dynamic public spaces,” said Julie Stein, executive director, Union Square Partnership. “Today, we celebrate the new economic opportunities that ‘City of Yes’ is unlocking for our commercial landscape, which add to the neighborhood's desirability. We are proud to be a place for all New Yorkers to enjoy and will continue to collaborate with the city, our partners, and stakeholders to ensure the most vibrant future for Union Square.”

 

Former Director At New York City Mayor’s Office Arrested For Participating In Bank Fraud Scheme

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the arrest of TOMMY LIN in connection with a scheme to steal millions of dollars from financial institutions, which resulted in the theft of over $10 million.  LIN was arrested this morning and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.  LIN was charged in a Superseding Indictment along with ZHONG SHI GAO, a/k/a “George,” and FEI JIANG, a/k/a “Jeffrey,” a/k/a “Brother Fei,” who were previously arrested in November 2023.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Tommy Lin allegedly participated in a complex bank fraud scheme while also serving as a Director in the New York City Mayor’s Office and Senior Advisor to the NYPD’s Asian Advisory Council.  Leveraging his connections to law enforcement, he allegedly leaked personal identifying information to members of the scheme, ran background checks for them, and even arranged for federal immigration authorities to arrest an individual in exchange for $20,000 in cash.  I thank the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners for their persistence in investigating this fraudulent and corrupt scheme.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Tommy Lin, a former director in the Mayor’s Office, allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud more than a dozen financial institutions of at least $10 million by submitting illegitimate fraud reports to force the banks to reimburse them.  To facilitate this conspiracy, Lin allegedly assisted members of the scheme in running background checks and accepted a significant cash bribe to arrange the arrest of a slighted accountholder by immigration authorities.  Those in municipal offices are expected to conduct themselves with rectitude and obedience to the law, not engage in the purposeful manipulation of our economic infrastructure.  The FBI is committed to ensuring all citizens, especially those in positions of authority, adhere to financial regulations and will investigate individuals who seek to profit from fraudulent plots.” 

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

LIN previously served as the Director of Constituent Services in the Community Affairs Unit for the New York City Mayor’s Office between in or about 2014 and in or about 2019.  As part of his responsibilities in the New York City Mayor’s Office, LIN served as a Senior Advisor to the New York City Police Department’s Asian Advisory Council. 

Between at least in or about 2018 and in or about 2022, LIN participated in a scheme with GAO, JIANG, and others to steal millions of dollars from banks by causing transfers of funds between accounts they controlled, then falsely and fraudulently reporting that the transfers were unauthorized, which induced the financial institutions to credit them the amount of the transfers.  The scheme was responsible for over $10 million in actual losses to nearly a dozen banks.

LIN participated in the bank fraud conspiracy by, among other things: providing names and dates of birth for potential accountholders to be used in the scheme, running background checks on members of the scheme to ensure that law enforcement was not investigating them, and accepting approximately $20,000 in cash in exchange for arranging for a Deportation Officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to arrest a disgruntled accountholder who had previously participated in the scheme.

LIN, 41, of Forest Hills, New York, is charged with one count of bank fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. 

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Department of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General for their assistance in the investigation of this case.  

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, James Ligtenberg, and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces Nearly $33 Million Awarded to New York Farms to Protect More Than 12,300 Acres of Farmlan

 

33 Projects Awarded in the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, and Capital Regions will Conserve 12,356 Acres of Viable Agricultural Land through the Farmland Protection Program

118,400 Acres of Farmland Protected Across the State

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly $33 million is being awarded to not-for-profit conservation organizations to protect a total of 12,356 acres of valuable farmland on 33 farms across the State through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) program. This is the third and final group of conservation easements funded through Round 19 of the program, which is helping to keep agricultural land in production, ensure the long-term viability of New York's farming operations, and strengthen New York's agricultural industry.

“New York’s farmland and our rich soils across the State are precious resources, providing us open space and supporting the production of the food we eat,” Governor Hochul said. “By protecting our farmland, we can help ensure the viability and success of New York agriculture for generations to come, which is why this year’s budget again included significant funding for the Farmland Protection Program."

Round 19 of the State's Farmland Protection program supports the State's top priorities – like food security, climate resiliency, and source water protection – and includes the agroforestry, equine, and wine sectors as eligible applicants. In addition, the eligibility criteria includes three newer categories: field crops, livestock or livestock products, and access to farmland. Access to farmland is intended to help address ongoing challenges facing new and beginning farmers as well as retiring farmers in this area.

So far, the FPIG program has helped preserve more than 118,400 acres of New York farmland through completed conservation easement projects totaling more than $282 million on 397 farms.

The following projects have been awarded in the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Mid-Hudson, Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier Regions, totaling $32,835,191:

Capital Region ($4,588,886 for 2,619 acres):

• Agricultural Stewardship Association (Washington County) – Fullerton Farm-Eldridge Lane (dairy operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category) - $660,996 for 485 acres with 75 percent productive soils
• Agricultural Stewardship Association (Washington County) – Woody Hill Farm II (dairy operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category)- $1,234,101 for 709 acres with 39 percent productive soils
• Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (Albany County) – Eight Mile Creek Farm-Westerlo (livestock and vegetable operation awarded under Source Water Protection category) - $575,171 for 277 acres with 74 percent productive soils
• Agricultural Stewardship Association (Rensselaer County) – Larkin Hill Farm (equine operation awarded under Equine category) - $363,588 for 75 acres with 73 percent productive soils
• Agricultural Stewardship Association (Washington County) – Walker Farms (dairy operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category) - $1,259,163 for 873 acres with 52 percent productive soils
• Columbia Land Conservancy (Columbia County) – Shadowbrook Farm (livestock operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category) - $227,200 for 117 acres with 65 percent productive soils
• Agricultural Stewardship Association (Rensselaer County) – Mort’s Maple Farm (maple sap operation awarded under Agroforestry category) - $268,667 for 83 acres with 61 percent productive soils

Mohawk Valley Region ($2,146,057 for 738 acres):

• Otsego Land Trust (Otsego County) – Young Family Dairy Farm (dairy operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category) - $936,323 for 376 acres with 63 percent productive soils
• Otsego Land Trust (Otsego County) – Peaceful View Meadows (beef cattle operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category) - $429,150 for 101 acres with 49 percent productive soils
• Otsego Land Trust (Otsego County) – Miller’s Organic Dairy Farm-Allen Lake Road (dairy operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category) - $260,214 for 72 acres with 73 percent productive soils
• Otsego Land Trust (Otsego County) – Miller’s Organic Dairy Farm-Hoke Road (dairy operation awarded under Source Water Protection category)- $520,370 for 189 acres with 61 percent productive soils

Mid-Hudson Region ($1,497,169 for 311 acres):

• Orange County Land Trust (Orange County) – Moraczewski Farm (hay operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $817,707 for 166 acres with 38 percent productive soils
• Dutchess Land Conservancy (Dutchess County) – Knapp Farm (cash crop operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $679,462 for 145 acres with 78 percent productive soils

Central New York Region ($4,477,300 for 1,211 acres):

• New York Agricultural Land Trust (Cayuga County) – Staehr Family Farm (cash crop operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $875,316 for 177 acres with 77 percent productive soils
• New York Agricultural Land Trust (Onondaga County) – Lockwood Farm (cash crop and sheep operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $876,414 for 119 acres with 77 percent productive soils
• New York Agricultural Land Trust (Cayuga County) – Hourigan Farms of Elbridge (dairy and cash crop operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $799,040 for 383 acres with 75 percent productive soils
• New York Agricultural Land Trust (Onondaga County) – Lue Maple Lane Farm (dairy and cash crop operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $1,926,530 for 532 acres with 68 percent productive soils

Finger Lakes Region ($18,936,083 for 7,049 acres):

• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Wyoming County) – Silver Haven Farms (dairy operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $1,876,790 for 565 acres with 98 percent productive soils
• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Wyoming County) – Woodvale Farms #1 (dairy operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $1,316,195 for 425 acres with 75 percent productive soils
• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Wyoming County) – Woodvale Farms #2 (dairy operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $1,082,901 for 355 acres with 57 percent productive soils
• Western New York Land Conservancy (Genesee County) – Tiede Farm (cash crop operation awarded under Field Crops category) - $519,271 for 246 acres with 56 percent productive soils
• Finger Lakes Land Trust (Yates County) – Hallpine Farm (cash crop operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $782,232 for 195 acres with 94 percent productive soils
• Genesee Land Trust (Genesee County) – Branton Farms (cash crop operation awarded under Field Crops category) - $1,365,302 for 585 acres with 77 percent productive soils
• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Genesee County) – Cottonwood Farm (dairy operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category) - $1,853,625 for 788 acres with 41 percent productive soils
• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Livingston County) – Doolittle Farm (dairy operation awarded under Livestock or Livestock Products category) - $1,487,195 for 623 acres with 81 percent productive soils
• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Livingston County) – Zornow Farm (cash crop operation awarded under Specialty Crops category) - $1,385,953 for 458 acres with 83 percent productive soils
• Genesee Land Trust (Wayne County) – Westfall Farm (beef cattle and cash crop operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $1,092,989 for 240 acres with 73 percent productive soils
• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Livingston County) – Brady Farms #1 (cash crop operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $2,000,000 for 1,278 acres with 91 percent productive soils
• Genesee Land Trust (Ontario County) – Hickory Lane Farm (beef cattle and cash crop operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $1,840,934 for 274 acres with 59 percent productive soils
• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Livingston County) – Locust Lane Farm (beef cattle operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $350,940 for 141 acres with 91 percent productive soils
• Genesee Land Trust (Genesee County) – Udderly Better Acres (dairy operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $492,626 for 242 acres with 88 percent productive soils
• Genesee Valley Conservancy (Genesee County) – Har-Go Farm (dairy operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $1,489,130 for 634 acres with 60 percent productive soils

Southern Tier ($1,189,696 for 428 acres):

• Finger Lakes Land Trust (Chemung County) – Boorcrest Farm (beef cattle operation awarded under Viable Agricultural Land-Other category) - $1,189,696 for 428 acres with 68 percent productive soils

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets administers the Farmland Protection Implementation Grants program and its associated grant opportunities. Governor Hochul announced the availability of $47.25 million for the program in June 2023. As part of the funding awarded, $4.5 million was allocated to each of the State’s 10 economic development regions. Round 19 also continued the one-time incentive payment of 10 percent of the value of the agricultural conservation easement for projects that meet climate resilience or source water protection goals.

The Governor announced the first set of awards, with more than $6 million being provided to not-for-profit conservation organizations to purchase conservation easements on eight farms, in September 2023. A second round of funding was announced in January 2024, awarding more than $5.5 million to protect a total of 2,119 acres of valuable farmland on seven New York State farms.

In December 2022, Governor Hochul signed legislation setting the goal to support and contribute to national efforts to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030. This law promotes biodiversity and preserves New York's wildlife, forests, and clean water sources, which are all essential to New York's health and economy, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda. Today’s announcement of nearly $33 million being awarded to not-for-profit conservation organizations to protect a total of 12,356 acres of valuable farmland on 33 farms across the State through the FPIG program brings the state a step closer to the 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030.

The Farmland Protection Implementation Grants Program provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts to enable them to implement farmland protection activities consistent with local agricultural and farmland protection plans. The most frequently funded activity is the purchase of development rights on individual farms. However, the program also awards funding to enable other implementation activities, such as amendments to local laws affecting agriculture, option agreements, and covering the transaction costs of donated agricultural conservation easements.