Permits Filed For 1690 Monroe Avenue In Claremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 1690 Monroe Avenue in Claremont, The Bronx. Located between East 173rd Street and East 174th Street, the lot is near the 174-175 Streets subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Nikolin Vorfi of N2 Construction Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 47-foot-tall development will yield 6,552 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 12 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 546 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a 33-foot-long rear yard.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed earlier this month for the three-story structure on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

NYC Comptroller Sues Building Services Contractor for 421-a Prevailing Wage Violations at Two Apartment Complexes

 

Planned Companies continues to violate prevailing wage laws, according to Comptroller investigations

The New York City Comptroller’s Bureau of Labor Law filed lawsuits against Planned Lifestyle Services and Planned Building Services — divisions of Planned Companies — for failure to pay prevailing wage and supplemental benefits to building service employees at two buildings receiving tax benefits under Real Property Tax Law § 421-a. The proceedings, filed at the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, allege that the companies owe a total of $145,331.81 in back wages, interest, and civil penalties.

“This isn’t our first investigation against Planned Companies, and we cannot stand by while workers continue to be cheated out of their hard-earned wages. This is about ensuring fairness and accountability for all employees employed by Planned,” said Claudia Henriquez, Director of Workers’ Rights at the Comptroller’s Bureau of Labor Law.

Sam Spilkes LLC (Sam Spilkes)­­­, owner of a residential building at 282 S. 5th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with over 80 units, and CREF 546 West 44th Street LLC (CREF), owner of a residential building at 546 W 44th Street in Manhattan with 280 units, both hired Planned Companies to provide services such as cleaners, doorpersons, and security guards at their respective buildings.

Based on complaints filed by employees at both buildings, the Bureau of Labor Law conducted two investigations that found that Planned Companies’ workers missed out on over $140,000 in pay. Both the building owners and Planned Companies are liable.

The investigation at Sam Spilkes’ building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn found that Planned Companies failed to pay prevailing wage and supplemental benefits to employees between December 2018 through June 2020. The back wages and penalties sought for work performed at the Williamsburg building total $72.697.83.

This was not the first investigation into Planned companies and Sam Spilkes. Back in January 2020, the Comptroller’s Office found that Planned Companies did not pay prevailing wages as required by law at the same Williamsburg building owned by Sam Spilkes. Sam Spilkes was jointly and severally liable for any wage underpayment.  As a result Sam Spilkes agreed to pay over $450,000 in lost wages to the building service employees.

The investigation at 546 W 44th Street also found that Planned Companies failed to pay prevailing wage and supplemental benefits between March 2019 and February 2021. The back wages and penalties sought for employees performing work at this location total $72,633.98.

The Bureau of Labor Law’s proceedings are being handled by Agency Attorney Jamshid Saloor and overseen by Supervising Attorney Amy Luo. The investigations were conducted by Investigator Rudolpho Donawa under the supervision of Jose Quiroz, Deputy Director of Investigations and Francisco Gonzalez, Director of Investigations. The audits were performed by Xiaoyue Lin and Ilona Stadnicka under the supervision of Director of Audit Stuart Rimmer. The Bureau of Labor Law is overseen by Claudia Henriquez, Director of Workers’ Rights

“Building service workers have fought too hard to win and defend local labor standards to allow companies like Planned who flagrantly violate the law and steal wages from essential workers. We thank Comptroller Brad Lander for his diligence in defending the critical prevailing wage standards for the hard working New Yorkers who make these buildings run. These workers must be made whole,” said 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich.

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul on the MTA

“Since the moment I was sworn in as Governor, I have demonstrated unwavering support for the MTA and worked in close partnership with Chair Lieber to deliver a world-class public transit system for New Yorkers. I have invested in robust public safety initiatives: installing cameras on trains, adding additional resources to stabilize the system after a spike in crime, and expanding efforts to help get unhoused individuals the care they need. I have advanced generational projects such as the Second Avenue Subway extension, the Interborough Express, and the renovation of Penn Station.

“Last year, as the MTA faced a fiscal cliff that represented one of the most existential threats in the system’s history, I proposed and then worked successfully with the State Legislature to secure significant, reliable, and recurring operating funding for the MTA in the State budget. As a result, the MTA is now in a strong financial position, which will allow it to continue to meet its responsibilities to its millions of riders to provide safe and timely transport. And at a time when transit systems across the country are cutting service to their riders, New York has instead provided increased service across the MTA system.

“It is also important to note that the MTA is in the process of finalizing its 2025-2029 capital plan, which will be voted on by the MTA Board this fall, and would require new funding sources. In the coming months, my team will work with the MTA to further develop a comprehensive approach to fund both the remaining projects in the 2020-2024 capital plan and the new capital plan. And I will continue to work in partnership with the State Legislature to implement comprehensive solutions and ensure appropriate funding sources in next year’s budget.

“This administration’s proven commitment to the MTA, as well as my record of delivering resources for critical priorities in the State budget, should provide the MTA with full confidence in future funding streams. While the timing of the next budget may necessitate temporary adjustments to the timeline of certain contracts, there is no reason for New Yorkers to be concerned that any planned projects will not be delivered.

“In the interim, the MTA has committed to direct all available resources to ensure the system remains in a state of good repair and continue to advance priority projects, and prepare to activate new contracts immediately following the designation of new revenue sources in next year's budget.

“I also believe that there are additional opportunities for savings and improved revenues within existing MTA operations. Last year, at my direction, my administration and the MTA’s leadership team successfully identified operating efficiencies to the tune of more than $400 million, and I am confident in our ability to take those efforts even further.”

Justice Department to Recover Over $100 Million in Additional Funds Linked to 1MDB Scheme

 

Latest Recovery in Largest Civil Forfeiture Ever Concluded by Justice Department

The Justice Department announced that it has reached an agreement with Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, members of his family, and trust entities Low established (collectively, the “Low Parties”) that resolves two civil forfeiture cases.

The department previously brought the cases against assets that it alleges were acquired by Low and his family using funds allegedly embezzled from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Malaysia’s sovereign investment development fund. The Low Parties have also agreed to cooperate in the transfer to Malaysia of certain other assets located in Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Singapore that are linked to 1MDB funds. Under the agreement, the department will coordinate with foreign partners to facilitate the liquidation and return of these assets to Malaysia.  

According to the civil forfeiture complaints, from 2009 through 2015, more than $4.5 billion in funds belonging to 1MDB were allegedly misappropriated by high-level officials of 1MDB and their associates, including Low, through a criminal conspiracy involving international money laundering and bribery. 1MDB was created by the government of Malaysia to promote economic development in Malaysia through global partnerships and foreign direct investment. Its funds were intended to be used to improve the well-being of the Malaysian people.

The agreement resolves the civil forfeiture action against a luxury apartment in Paris and artwork located in Switzerland by artists Andy Warhol and Claude Monet, which Low purchased for approximately $35 million in total. In addition, parties agreed to return to Malaysia real property and cash in bank accounts valued at approximately $67 million located in Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Singapore. The United States will release a total of $3.5 million to the trust entities to pay for legal fees and costs associated with the properties. Under the agreement, none of these fees may be returned to Low or his family members. 

Prior to this settlement, in total, the United States has returned or assisted in the return to Malaysia of over $1.4 billion in assets associated with the international money laundering, embezzlement, and bribery scheme.

Low separately faces charges in the Eastern District of New York for allegedly conspiring to launder billions of dollars embezzled from 1MDB and for conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by allegedly paying bribes to various Malaysian and Emirati officials, and in the District of Columbia for allegedly conspiring to make and conceal foreign and conduit campaign contributions during the United States presidential election in 2012. This agreement does not release any entity or individual from filed or potential criminal charges.

The FBI’s International Corruption Squads in New York City and Los Angeles and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.  

Trial Attorneys Barbara Levy, Sean Fern, Jonathan Baum, and Joshua Sohn of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Galatzan for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and MLARS’ Program Management Staff.

The Justice Department also appreciates the significant assistance provided over the course of this investigation by the Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Attorney-General’s Chambers of Singapore, the Singapore Police Force-Commercial Affairs Department, the Office of the Attorney General and the Federal Office of Justice of Switzerland, and French authorities.

The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in MLARS, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to kleptocracy@usdoj.gov or https://tips.fbi.gov/.

Juan Orlando Hernández, Former President of Honduras, Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute More Than 400 Tons of Cocaine and Related Firearms Offenses

 

Hernández Conspired with Some of the Largest Drug Traffickers in the World to Transport Tons of Cocaine through Honduras to the United States

The former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, 55, also known as JOH, was sentenced to 540 months in prison and 60 months of supervised release for cocaine importation and related weapons offenses. The former two-term president was in office until weeks before his extradition to the United States in April 2022. Hernández was convicted on March 8 following a three-week jury trial. 

“As President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández abused his power to support one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking conspiracies in the world, and the people of Honduras and the United States bore the consequences,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Thanks to the diligent work of the Justice Department’s agents and prosecutors, Hernández will now spend more than four decades in prison. The Justice Department will hold accountable all those who engage in violent drug trafficking, regardless of how powerful they are or what position they hold.”

“The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is relentlessly focused on dismantling drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety and health of the American people,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández financed his political career with drug trafficking profits and abused his authority as President of Honduras to traffic hundreds of tons of cocaine to the United States. Let me be clear, political actors who use their power to traffic in drugs and corruption will be brought to justice in the United States.”

“As the former two-term president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández had every opportunity to affect positive change for his country," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. "Instead, Hernández helped to facilitate the importation of an almost unfathomable 400 tons of cocaine to this country: billions of individual doses sent to the United States with the protection and support of the former president of Honduras. Now, after years of destructive narco-trafficking of the highest imaginable magnitude, Hernández will spend 45 years where he belongs: in federal prison.”

According to court documents, from at least in or about 2004, up to and including in or about 2022, Hernández, the former two-term president of Honduras and former president of the Honduran National Congress, was at the center of one of the largest and most violent drug-trafficking conspiracies in the world. During his political career, Hernández abused his powerful positions and authority in Honduras to facilitate the importation of over 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S. Hernández’s co-conspirators were armed with machine guns and destructive devices, including AK-47s, AR-15s, and grenade launchers, which they used to protect their massive cocaine loads as they transited across Honduras on their way to the United States, protect the money they made from the eventual sale of this cocaine, and guard their drug-trafficking territory from rivals. Hernández received millions of dollars of drug money from some of the largest and most violent drug-trafficking organizations in Honduras, Mexico, and elsewhere, and used those bribes to fuel his rise in Honduran politics. In turn, as Hernández rose to power in Honduras, he provided increased support and protection for his co-conspirators, allowing them to move mountains of cocaine, commit acts of violence and murder, and help turn Honduras into one of the most dangerous countries in the world.

During his time in office, Hernández publicly promoted legislation and the efforts he purported to undertake in support of anti-narcotics measures in Honduras. At the same time, he protected and enriched the drug traffickers in his inner circle and those who provided him with cocaine-fueled bribes that allowed him to obtain and stay in power in Honduras. For example, Hernández selectively upheld extraditions by supporting and taking credit for extraditions to the United States of certain drug traffickers who threatened his grip on power, while at the same time promising drug traffickers who bribed him and followed his instructions that they would remain safe in Honduras. In addition, Hernández and his co-conspirators abused Honduran institutions, including the Honduran National Police and Honduran military, to protect and grow their conspiracy. Among other things, members of the conspiracy used heavily armed Honduran National Police officers to protect their cocaine loads as they transited through Honduras towards the United States for eventual distribution. Members of the conspiracy also turned to violence and murder to protect and grow their drug trafficking enterprise, attacking and murdering rival traffickers and those who threatened their grip on the Honduran cocaine trade.

Several of Hernández’s co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced in connection with this investigation. Among others, Hernández’s brother, Juan Antonio Hernández Alvarado, also known as Tony Hernández, was convicted after trial in October 2019 and sentenced to life in prison, and Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez, a violent cocaine trafficker who met with Hernández on multiple occasions to discuss their drug trafficking partnership, was convicted after trial in March 2021 and sentenced to life in prison. Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, also known as El Tigre, the former chief of the Honduran National Police, pleaded guilty to his participation in the cocaine importation conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 1, and Mauricio Hernández Pineda, a former member of the Honduran National Police and Hernández’s cousin, pleaded guilty to his participation in the cocaine importation conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 2.

In total, Hernández and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 400 tons of U.S.-bound cocaine through Honduras during Hernández’s tenure in the Honduran government. This amounts to well over approximately 4.5 billion individual doses of cocaine.

The DEA investigated the case.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing Hernández’s arrest and extradition.

FIVE EMPLOYEES OF JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER CHARGED WITH SMUGGLING CONTRABAND IN EXCHANGE FOR BRIBES

 

Defendants Brought Weapons and Drugs into Juvenile Facility in Brooklyn

Five criminal complaints were unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging current New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) employees Da’Vante Bolton, Roger Francis, Christopher Craig and Nigel King, and former ACS employee Octavia Napier, with conspiracy to commit Travel Act bribery.  All five defendants were Youth Development Specialists at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn (Crossroads).  All five were arrested this morning, and their initial appearances are scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.

“As alleged, these so-called ‘Youth Development Specialists’ violated their duty to the City and the residents at Crossroads by smuggling in weapons, drugs, and other contraband in exchange for bribes, placing young people and other staff members at an alarming risk of serious harm,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace.  “These arrests demonstrate that this Office remains committed to rooting out corruption and cleaning up our city’s jails and juvenile detention facilities.”

DOI Commissioner Strauber said, “As Youth Development Specialists at ACS, these defendants were trusted to ensure the safety and security of residents in the City’s youth detention facilities.  They betrayed that trust when, as charged, they accepted cash payments in exchange for smuggling drugs, weapons, and other contraband, into the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn, destabilizing the facility and increasing the risk of violence to residents and staff alike.  I thank ACS for reporting information to DOI, which prompted, in part, the work that led to this investigation with our law enforcement partners in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI, and the charges we announce today.”

“These five defendants, each Youth Development Specialists at the Crossroads Juvenile Center, are alleged to have repeatedly smuggled dangerous contraband into the facility in exchange for bribes.  Youth development specialists are entrusted to help troubled youth get back on the right path, instead these individuals allegedly strayed themselves, placing personal gain above the safety and rehabilitation of the juveniles under their watch.  The arrests today highlight the FBI’s continued dedication to eradicating public corruption and holding those responsible accountable in the criminal justice system,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge James Smith.

Approximately 120 residents, ranging from ages 14 to 20, are detained at Crossroads.  Residents at Crossroads are prohibited from possessing narcotics, cellular telephones, cigarettes, weapons, and alcohol, among other items. ACS employees at Crossroads are trained to confiscate any contraband they find and must notify a supervisor if any contraband is discovered.  Although staff members are supposed to undergo a security screening whenever they enter the facility, a significant amount of contraband has recently been recovered from Crossroads residents.   Between approximately March 2022 and May 2024, at least 75 cell phones and more than 340 scalpels or blades were recovered from the facility, as well as narcotics and tobacco. 

The defendants either are or were Youth Development Specialists at Crossroads, which required them to supervise residents.  Their responsibilities are similar to those of a correction officer at a jail facility.

As alleged in the complaints, the defendants accepted bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband and violating their duties as staff members.

The Defendants and the Alleged Criminal Conduct

Da’Vante Bolton has been employed by ACS since March 2020.  As alleged, Bolton accepted more than $20,000 from Crossroads residents or their associates and smuggled in razor blades and marijuana in exchange for those bribes.

Roger Francis has been employed by ACS since July 2018.  As alleged, Francis received more than $17,000 in bribes from Crossroads residents and their associates for smuggling in contraband, including marijuana and phone accessories. 

Christopher Craig has been employed by ACS since August 2018.  As alleged, Craig received more than $5,000 in bribes to smuggle in contraband, including marijuana and tobacco. 

Nigel King has been employed by ACS since October 2021.  As alleged, King accepted more than $6,800 in bribes for smuggling in marijuana, prescription pills and alcohol. 

Octavia Napier was employed by ACS from June 2022 to May 2023.  As alleged, Napier received more than $2,000 in bribes to both smuggle in contraband and allow a Crossroads resident to use her Cash App account to run his contraband distribution business from within Crossroads. 

The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

Governor Hochul Announces Start of $517.5 Million Project to Replace Two Bronx River Parkway Bridges

 

New Bridges Between East Tremont Avenue and Bronx Park Will Enhance Safety and Resiliency Along Vital Commuter Artery

Project Includes Creation of Shared-Use Path with Connection to Bronx River Greenway for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of a $517.5 million project to replace two bridges along the Bronx River Parkway between East Tremont Avenue and Bronx Park in the Bronx, improving resiliency and enhancing safety along a vital travel artery that serves tens of thousands of commuters each day. The project, which contains more than $200 million in funding provided by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will also create smoother traffic flow by providing a dedicated southbound exit ramp from the parkway to East 177th Street. Additionally, a new shared-use path will be constructed that includes a connection to the scenic Bronx River Greenway for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Modernizing our infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century means creating a transportation network that strengthens the connections between communities and provides opportunity for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists,” Governor Hochul said. “With the great support of the Biden-Harris Administration and the New York Congressional Delegation, these much-needed enhancements will help ensure that this vital commuter route is ready for the severe weather caused by climate change and will make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to see and explore all that the Bronx has to offer.”

The project will replace the bridge that carries Bronx River Parkway over East Tremont Avenue and bridge over East 180th Street, Morris Park Avenue and an adjacent New York City Transit yard, both of which were built in 1951 and are nearing the end of their service lives. They will be replaced with modern structures featuring redundant steel girders, stainless-steel reinforced concrete decks, concrete piers, fewer bridge joints and other features intended to reduce their long-term maintenance costs and harden their resistance to the impacts of climate change and severe weather.

New stormwater drainage facilities will be added and curbs, ramps and sidewalks within the project limits will be updated to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, the roadway along Morris Park Avenue from East 180th Street to Melville Street will be resurfaced. Pavement resurfacing will also take place on sections of the Bronx River Parkway directly adjacent to and between the bridges being replaced.

Large concrete surfaces within the project limits will feature architectural design elements to match those already present in the surrounding area and the new exit ramp will be constructed from the southbound Bronx River Parkway to East 177th Street, crossing Morris Park Avenue, East 180th Street, and East Tremont Avenue.

The new, 12-foot-wide, shared-use path will be constructed to the east of the parkway’s northbound lanes and will help tie together residential neighborhoods in the area. It will begin near the intersection of Bronx River and Noble Avenues and connect to the existing Bronx River Greenway (BRG) in Bronx Park, near the New York Police Department (NYPD) Highway Patrol Building.

Construction of the new bridges will be conducted in stages and all travel lanes on the Bronx River Parkway will be maintained throughout the project. Except for several key overnight periods, access to existing ramps and city streets will also be maintained throughout construction. Interruptions to nearby rail traffic during demolition and construction will also be minimized thanks to extensive coordination between the State Department of Transportation and New York City Transit. The project is slated for completion in the spring of 2028.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “I'm pleased that my district is receiving infrastructure upgrades that incorporate pedestrian and cyclists' transit needs and improved access to Bronx River Park. Thank you to Governor Hochul for the investment in the Bronx."

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “Maintaining and renovating our borough’s bridges and throughways are essential to ensuring our residents can travel safely to their destinations. The two new Bronx River Bridges will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, and the new shared-use path will provide opportunities for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of our Bronx River Greenway. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation for their work on this project and investment in our borough's infrastructure.”

Council Member Kristy Marmorato said, “I am thrilled with the significant investments into the district's infrastructure, made possible by this project. These enhancements promise to bring positive changes and improvements to our community by modernizing vital travel routes, improving resiliency, and enhancing safety - we hope to see smoother traffic flow and better connectivity for all commuters. This project not only addresses immediate infrastructure needs but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and accessible future for our district.

DEC Releases Environmental Bond Act Draft Guidelines for Food Security and Refrigeration Grant Program

 

Draft Guidelines Now Available for Public Review and Comment through July 26

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released for public review and comment draft eligibility and guidelines to allocate funding under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act) to support food security in disadvantaged communities. This program would leverage Bond Act funds to support the phaseout of harmful greenhouse gas emissions currently used as refrigerants in markets, grocery stores, and other facilities for food storage. 

DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The historic Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act provides New York State with the opportunity to invest up to $1.5 billion to reduce air pollution and address the climate crisis, including $200 million for projects that reduce or eliminate harmful emissions impacting disadvantaged communities. DEC encourages public input on the draft guidelines released today and looks forward to continuing to work with our many partners and stakeholders to reduce harmful emissions while prioritizing the health and safety of New Yorkers and helping business prepare for the transition to climate-friendly alternatives.”  

 

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are found in cooling and refrigeration equipment and have global warming potentials (GWP) hundreds to thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide. GWP is a measure of the ability of gases to trap heat in the atmosphere.

 

The average supermarket leaks thousands of pounds of HFCs every year. To help stores make the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants, DEC will work with a not-for-profit program administrator to provide grants using Bond Act funds for capital projects that replace existing HFC refrigeration equipment with equipment that uses natural refrigerants with ultra-low or zero GWP. Replacing HFC equipment now will help businesses avoid rising HFC refrigerant costs and continue to serve their communities while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Eligible projects include:

1. Projects to replace full or partial refrigeration systems that use HFCs with refrigeration products or systems that contain natural refrigerants (natural refrigerants include carbon dioxide, ammonia, and propane)

2. Projects must benefit a disadvantaged community and demonstrate a commitment to food security in the community.

• Project beneficiaries should demonstrate a commitment to ensuring residents of the local community have access to fresh food.

 

• Eligible project costs include HFC refrigerant system replacements, which may include planning and design, equipment purchase, and installation. Projects that host free workforce training events related to the operation and maintenance of the new equipment will be prioritized for funding.

3. Projects will be located at facility types including but not limited to existing food retail stores, food banks, food hubs, or other facilities that serve food security purposes. 

 

The full eligibility guidelines are available in this week’s Environmental Notice Bulletin.

 

As an example of successful projects to reduce HFCs, in March 2024, DEC announced the completion of two projects to replace harmful greenhouse gas refrigerants in disadvantaged communities. The projects at an ALDI in Buffalo, Erie County, and a Walgreens in Islandia, Suffolk County, are models for future commercial sustainable refrigeration transitions in supermarkets and drugstores in disadvantaged communities. These demonstration projects will help guide the statewide transition away from HFCs while informing policy development and programming, and together with projects that will be supported through the Bond Act, will help New York reach its greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements. 

 

Public comments on the draft guidelines will be accepted until Friday, July 26, 2024, at 5 p.m. and can be submitted in writing by mail to Jessica Fowler, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of Climate Change, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1030; or by email to Jessica.Fowler@dec.ny.gov. 

Disadvantaged Communities

The Bond Act requires that disadvantaged communities shall receive no less than 35 percent, with the goal of 40 percent, of the benefit of total Bond Act funds ($4.2 billion). Disadvantaged communities are those identified by the Climate Justice Working Group, pursuant to the Climate Act. Consistent with this Bond Act requirement, DEC will aim to prioritize 40 percent of grant awards to benefit disadvantaged communities.

New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act 

On Nov. 8, 2022, New York voters overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act. State agencies, local governments, and partners will be able to access funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change.

Since the Bond Act passed, an inter-agency working group comprised of multiple state agencies has been implementing a transparent and collaborative process to identify needs for environmental funding across the state to help develop program logistics. In the last year, the state announced a $200 million funding investment toward the state’s existing Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs, $100 million available for zero-emission school buses, $100 million available for Clean Green Schools, $13.1 million to support construction of the Adirondack Rail Trail and State-administered forestry projects to plant 25 million trees by 2033. Additional funding opportunities are available now. Find open grant opportunities, more Bond Act-related information, and sign up for progress updates at environmentalbondact.ny.gov.