DCAS to Supercharge Renewable Energy Production with First-Ever ‘Design-Build’ Solicitation for Citywide Solar Panel Installations

 

 

The newly released solicitation covers 26 sites across the city including public schools and NYPD facilities. 

Today, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) announced the release of the City’s first-ever ‘Design-Build’ solicitation to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) panel projects at City-owned sites. The new solicitation invites prospective proposers to submit their qualifications to bid on a forthcoming major solar project portfolio.  

 

With the goal of bolstering the city’s renewable energy infrastructure, the project portfolio will look to install 3.3 megawatts (MW) of solar panels across 26 City-owned sites in all five boroughs, including 25 schools and one New York City Police Department facility. By adopting the Design-Build approach, DCAS will streamline the typically long and inefficient traditional project delivery process by merging design and construction into one cohesive and efficient process. 

 

“We are beyond excited to release this groundbreaking Design-Build solicitation, which marks a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the sustainability of New York City's infrastructure through transformative Design-Build principles,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “By streamlining the process, we are not only accelerating the installation of solar power across City-owned properties, but also reinforcing our commitment to a greener, more efficient future. With this initiative, DCAS is proud to lead the charge in making New York City a model for urban sustainability and innovation.” 

DCAS was granted Design-Build authorization by the State Legislature in 2022, after successful continued advocacy by the Adams Administration. By using Design-Build, the agency will look to supercharge these 26 projects, completing them faster and more efficiently, all while working towards the City’s goal of installing 100 MW of solar power on City-owned property by 2030. 

As part of the solicitation, DCAS will be accepting proposals from qualified bidders, with a minimum of three years of experience, within the five years prior to the submission, in solar PV system design, procurement, installation, construction, commissioning and related Design-Build services. Installing solar panels at these sites advances the City’s commitment to maximize climate infrastructure on City-owned property, including one of the City’s most valuable assets for deploying more clean energy generation: City-owned rooftops. Installing solar panels will also be coupled with necessary roof repair work at these essential City buildings. 

“I am so proud that our public schools are not only hubs for climate education, but that our buildings serve as spaces working to make our city greener for generations of New Yorkers to come,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “We are looking forward to continuing this partnership and doing our part towards meeting the city’s energy goals.” 

“New York City continues to lead the way in the mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the men and women of the NYPD are proud to do their very large part,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Through energy-efficient solutions like solar panel installations and LED lighting retrofits at our facilities, the police department is helping to advance the shared goal of minimizing the city’s carbon footprint. It is truly one of the best ways we can serve New Yorkers.” 

 

“As the city’s primary capital construction project manager, we know how important Design Build is in getting projects completed cheaper and faster for New Yorkers,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “We’ve had tremendous success with the use of Design-Build for major projects throughout the city and are happy for our partners at DCAS and their first-ever Design Build solicitation for city-wide solar panel installations. These 26 solar power projects will move our city forward through the use of renewable energy, reducing our carbon footprint.” 

The City’s traditional “design-bid-build" project delivery approach requires procurement of one vendor to design the project and then a separate vendor for construction. Utilizing a Design-Build project delivery approach, where the same vendor does both the design and construction, the City expects to benefit from greater cost and schedule certainty, potential time savings, and an integrated project team that promotes greater collaboration and streamlining of the design and construction for the project. Responses are due by October 15, and all qualified vendors are encouraged to apply.  

  

Solar panel installations are one facet of the City’s larger decarbonization efforts. In June 2024, DCAS provided a comprehensive overview of the City’s progress and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in public buildings. As highlighted in the Powering Change report, over the past decade, through targeted investments and efficiency measures made by the City, municipal buildings have seen an 8% reduction in energy consumption; overall, over the past decade, city government has reduced its GHG emissions from its operations, including emissions from buildings, fleet, wastewater treatment and solid waste by over 25%. Further, in partnership with City agencies, DCAS has installed over 24 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic units on City facilities and is on track to install 100 MW of solar on City-owned property by 2030.  

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services  

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:  

  

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.  

• Managing 55 public buildings.  

• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.  

• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.  

• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.  

• Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

MAYOR ADAMS AWARDS KEY TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO LEGENDARY NEW YORK WEATHERMAN, JOURNALIST, AND BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AL ROKER

 

Key to the City of New York Honors Roker’s Decades of Contribution to Broadcast Journalism as ‘America’s Weatherman’

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today awarded a Key to the City of New York to legendary New York weatherman, journalist, and best-selling author Al Roker for his decades of contribution to broadcast journalism. To many, Roker is “America’s weatherman,” nearly 30 years on NBC’s national morning broadcast “TODAY,” informing millions about more than just the weather, but on breaking-news, the latest trends, and iconic global events, such as the Olympics and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

 

“For more than 40 years, Al Roker has been a morning institution in the households of New Yorkers and Americans across the nation,” said Mayor Adams. “Al’s winning smile, infectious energy, and go-getter attitude have been how TODAY’S millions of viewers a week start their day. A child of Queens, Al worked his way up the ranks to become the defining weatherman of his generation, leaping from local broadcast news and into living rooms across the country. We have spent everything from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades to Olympics to generation defining breaking news together with Al. Today, we celebrate an iconic New Yorker who taught us ‘what’s happening in our neck of the woods.’ I’m honored to deliver the Key to the City to ‘America’s weatherman’ — Al Roker.”

 

“I never imagined a kid from Queens would be receiving a Key to the City of New York,” said Al Roker. “This is really special. I love this city and grew up here with my dad working as a New York City bus driver in Brooklyn. I’m so very blessed and lucky.”

 

Al Roker accepts the Key to the City of New York from Mayor Eric Adams.

 

Born and raised in Queens, Roker started his career as a weather anchor in Syracuse before beginning his time on NBC’s TODAY where he has worked for nearly 30 years. He has received numerous accolades, including 14 Emmy Awards. Roker is at the forefront of crafting television programs, social media and digital content, and entertainment that captivates audiences around the world as the CEO and founder of Al Roker Entertainment. As a bestselling author, Roker has published books with topics ranging from fatherhood and family to cookbooks and murder mysteries.

 

The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered “Freedom of the City” to Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city's wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement. 

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Allowing Direct-to-Consumer Shipping for New York Spirits and Cider

 

Legislation S.2852A/A.3132A Expands Market Access for Small Craft Producers

Measure that Provided Temporary COVID-19 Relief Now Permanent

Governor Kathy Hochul signed landmark legislation S.2852A/A.3132A that allows New York’s small craft manufacturers of spirits, cider, and mead to ship directly to consumers. The newly signed law opens significant opportunities for the state’s growing craft beverage industry by providing a vital market expansion tool—allowing these producers to ship their unique products directly to consumers within New York and across state lines.

“New York’s craft manufacturers create distinctive, world-class products that deserve a broader audience,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation levels the playing field, allowing these small producers to reach new markets and foster economic growth across the state. With this new law, we are ensuring that New York remains a national leader in craft beverages, continuing to support our local businesses, tourism, and agriculture.”

Expanding Market Access for Craft Producers

New York’s craft cider and spirit producers often struggle to gain access to traditional wholesale distribution channels, placing these smaller manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage, as their products are less likely to reach licensed retailers and consumers. Direct-to-consumer shipping offers an essential new outlet for these smaller producers, enabling them to build brand loyalty by connecting directly with consumers who want to enjoy the unique products that define New York’s craft beverage industry. For consumers, the new law means greater access to high-quality New York-made products, driving demand for the state's craft beverages both locally and nationally.

This expansion of market access is particularly significant as New York is home to the largest number of craft cideries in the nation and ranks second in the U.S. for the number of distilleries. By allowing these manufacturers to ship directly to consumers, New York strengthens its position as a leader in the craft beverage industry while supporting the state's broader agricultural economy.

This legislation also represents a milestone for parity for New York's spirits and cider producers, who have long advocated for the same privileges that wine manufacturers have enjoyed for nearly two decades, while providing safeguards against underage access to alcohol and ensuring proper tax collection by mirroring the responsible sales and delivery practices established under the DTC wine shipping laws.

Temporary COVID-19 Relief Now Permanent

During the COVID-19 pandemic, New York craft manufacturers of spirits and cider were granted temporary DTC shipping privileges to help them survive the economic downturn. This temporary measure proved highly successful, with no recorded violations, demonstrating that direct shipping can be done safely and responsibly. The new law permanently codifies this privilege, allowing small craft manufacturers to continue growing their businesses by reaching customers both within and outside of New York.

This legislation further builds upon Governor Hochul’s efforts to modernize New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, including creating temporary permits to get new manufacturers open quickly, adding spirits, in addition to beer and wine at one day special events, expanding outdoor dining, and extending drinks-to-go.

The new law takes effect in 90 days, just in time for the upcoming holiday season, allowing consumers to explore and enjoy New York’s world-class craft spirits, cider and mead from the comfort of their own homes.

Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Alaska

 

The Justice Department announced that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in certain jurisdictions in the State of Alaska for the Aug. 20 primary election. The department will assign federal observers to monitor in Bethel Census Area, Dillingham Census Area, Kusilvak Census Area, Nome Census Area and North Slope Borough, Alaska. The federal observers, permitted by court order, will monitor for compliance with the language requirements of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act, including the provision of election assistance in Yup’ik dialects.

The Justice Department enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country. In addition, the division also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, where authorized by federal court order. 

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. 

Attorney General James Warns Against Price Gouging in Suffolk County Amid Federal Emergency

 

AG James Encourages New Yorkers to Report Price Gouging of Essential Items to Her Office

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert warning businesses against price gouging of essential items in Suffolk County after a federal emergency was declared due to severe weather that caused heavy flooding and serious damage on Long Island. New York’s price gouging statute prevents businesses from taking advantage of consumers by selling essential goods or services at an excessively higher price during market disruptions or emergencies. Attorney General James urges New Yorkers who see higher prices on essential goods and services to report the issue to her office. 

“As families in Suffolk County recover from the devastating aftermath of last week’s storm, I am warning businesses not to use this as an opportunity to unfairly raise prices,” said Attorney General James. “New York’s price gouging laws are clear that emergencies are not a time for businesses to rake in profit by raising prices of essential items. I encourage anyone who sees higher than normal prices on essential items to contact my office immediately.”

New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies. The price gouging statute covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options. 

When reporting price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), consumers should:

• Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; and,
• Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

Price gouging violations can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

Manhattan Franciscan Friar Charged With Wire And Mail Fraud Related To Fake Medical Charity In Beirut, Lebanon

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, PAWEL BIELECKI, a/k/a “Paul Bielecki,” a/k/a “Paul HRH Saxe-Coburg-Gotha,” a/k/a “Dr. Phaakon Sonderburg-Glucksburg,” a/k/a “Father Paul,” a/k/a “Father Kowal,” was arrested on charges of wire fraud and mail fraud.  BIELECKI were presented in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Pawel Bielecki exploited his position as a friar to gain the trust of victims across the country and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from them.  Bielecki is now facing federal charges for allegedly illegally profiteering on the trust his victims placed in him.”

As alleged in the Complaint:[1] 

BIELECKI is a friar in the Capuchin Order, a Catholic order of priests and brothers.  BIELECKI is a brother in a Province based in White Plains (the “Province”), which operates friaries in, among other places, New York City.  To become a Capuchin friar, BIELECKI took a vow of poverty that requires him to renounce and not to hold any property or bank accounts in his name for his personal benefit.  The Province provides friars, including BIELECKI, with a monthly stipend of approximately $250 for personal expenses, as well as a credit card, paid for by the Province, for friary-related expenses.[2]

BIELECKI has engaged in an ongoing fraudulent scheme related to fake medical clinics he claims to operate in Lebanon.  As described further in the Complaint, through appearances and advertisements on radio programs and online podcasts, as well as various other media, including campaigns on various crowdfunding websites, BIELECKI has fraudulently obtained donations from victims by claiming, among other misrepresentations, to run medical clinics in Beirut, Lebanon, when in fact BIELECKI was keeping victims’ donations for his personal use.

For example, from at least in or about June 2015 through at least in or about December 2023, BIELECKI repeatedly appeared as a guest or through advertisements on a particular local New York radio show (“Radio Program‑1”).  During these appearances and advertisements, BIELECKI repeatedly represented that he was a Catholic priest and physician living in Lebanon and running medical clinics there, with the goal of assisting Christians living in the Middle East.  BIELECKI also made similar appearances on other radio programs and electronic media.  For example, on or about April 1, 2023, BIELECKI appeared on a second radio show (“Radio Program-2”) to tell his “story” and to solicit donations for his purported medical clinics.  Radio Program-2 continued to solicit donations on behalf of BIELECKI on numerous occasions from at least in or around June 2023 through at least in or around August 2024.

In these radio and media appearances, BIELECKI falsely represented, in sum and substance, among other things, the following:

• BIELECKI is a physician, vascular surgeon, cardiac surgeon, and/or general surgeon, and he has also earned multiple Ph.D. degrees;
• BIELECKI runs two medical clinics in Lebanon and is raising money for medicine, medical equipment, baby incubators, food, and an ambulance for his clinics in Lebanon;
• And BIELECKI, at the time of recording certain shows, was physically present in Lebanon, and he was badly injured and his clinics badly damaged by a widely reported August 2020 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon.

These representations were false.  In fact, BIELECKI is not a physician or surgeon of any kind, he has not also earned multiple Ph.D. degrees, and he does not operate any medical clinics in Lebanon.  In fact, travel records show that BIELECKI was in the U.S. continuously from in or around December 2019 through in or around April 2022, and on specific dates when he claimed during media appearances to be in Lebanon working on behalf of his medical clinics, BIELECKI was actually present in New York.  Indeed, on and around the date of the explosion in Beirut in which BIELECKI told victims he was injured, BIELECKI made several purchases at coffee shops, restaurants, and other businesses in New York, New York.

BIELECKI has caused victims of his fraud scheme to send him donations through various means.  Between approximately 2016 and 2019, BIELECKI directed victims from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia, and Florida, among other locations, to send checks to the Province with “Fr. Paul Bielecki’s Mission” or a similar endorsement in the memo line.  From at least April 2021, BIELECKI directed victims to send donations by mail to “St. Francis in Beirut Inc.”—a non-profit entity established in or about March 2021—at the address of a particular Capuchin Order friary in New York, New York, where BIELECKI resides.  At various times during the fraudulent scheme, BIELECKI also obtained donations through crowdfunding websites and directly provided his bank account and Zell payment information to victims via email and other means of communication.

Despite his vow of poverty, BIELECKI maintained multiple credit or debit card accounts and multiple bank accounts.  Dozens of victims have cumulatively provided BIELECKI with at least hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations as a result of BIELECKI’s fraudulent misrepresentations.  Between approximately December 2017 and approximately February 2024, BIELECKI withdrew almost $50,000 in cash from his bank accounts; transferred more than $600,000 to two credit card companies to pay for personal expenses, including spending up to $334.40 per month for a membership at a luxury gym chain, and paying for multiple trips to the Hamptons and numerous meals at high-end restaurants; spent thousands of dollars on an aesthetic plastic surgery procedure at a liposuction clinic; and paid for numerous other personal expenses through debit card payments and other means.

There may be more victims of this alleged conduct.  If you have information to report, contact Special Agent Sean Smyth, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, at (914) 993-1900 or by following the instructions available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/report-crime.  

BIELECKI, 48, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud, each of which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison.

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

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division. Mr. Williams also thanked the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in the investigation.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levander and Ryan W. Allison are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

[2] The Province conducted an internal investigation of BIELECKI’s fraudulent scheme, referred the matter to law enforcement, and has since provided assistance in the law enforcement’s investigation.

Attorney General James Takes Action to Support Consumers Harmed by Live Nation and Ticketmaster

 

AG James, US DOJ, and Bipartisan Coalition of 40 Attorneys General Amend Complaint against Live Nation and Ticketmaster to Seek Additional Relief for Impacted Consumers

New York Attorney General Letitia James, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general filed an amended complaint against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (Live Nation) and its subsidiary Ticketmaster to seek additional relief for American consumers harmed by the companies. In May 2024, Attorney General James, DOJ, and the bipartisan coalition of attorneys general sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster for controlling almost every aspect of live events, from promotions to venues and ticket sales, and abusing their market dominance to overcharge consumers, limit artists, and restrict venues not owned by Live Nation from working with other ticketing vendors. This amended complaint seeks damages for Americans harmed by Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

“Live Nation and Ticketmaster have abused the market to overcharge consumers and harm venues and artists, and my office will ensure this illegal conduct is stopped,” said Attorney General James. “Through this version of the amended lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, my office is seeking to recover damages for New York consumers who were overcharged by Live Nation and Ticketmaster. It’s time for a new era where fans, venues, and artists are not taken advantage of by big corporations that run the world of live events.”

In May 2024, Attorney General James, DOJ, and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster for anticompetitive conduct. Live Nation is a live entertainment company that owns, operates, or has exclusive booking rights for hundreds of venues nationwide, including New York’s Madison Square Garden, Radio City Hall, Barclays Center, and other venues across the state. The lawsuit alleged that Live Nation controls many aspects of sports events and live performances, from producing and promoting events to renting venues they own and selling tickets through its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, which accounts for nearly 80 percent of the ticketing industry. Due to Live Nation’s wide-ranging control of various aspects of the live events industry, competitors have been forced out, leaving consumers, venues, and artists with limited options and forcing them to endure high costs.

In addition to seeking disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and civil penalties, Attorney General James is seeking damages for consumers.

Joining Attorney General James and DOJ in this lawsuit are attorneys general of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

HAPPENING SATURDAY: Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.'s Back-To-School Summer Bash

Dear Neighbors,  

The start of the new school year is right around the corner and Team JZ has got you covered! We've got fresh school supplies, free backpacks and so much more. Are you ready for an afternoon of FREE fun for the community! We are!!

 

Details as follows: 

 

Where: Allerton Playground

When: Saturday, August 24th 

Time: 1pm - 3pm

 

Please remember that this is a first come/first served event and every adult must have their child present to receive a free back-to-school backpack and/or school supplies while supplies last. 

 

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 24th!!

 

In Gratitude,

John Zaccaro, Jr.