Thursday, September 19, 2024

New Yorkers for Parks - Native plants, daffodils in Harlem, and more!

 





The 2024 Daffodil Project is finally here, with distributions taking place on Saturday 9/21 at Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Sunday 9/22 at Brookfield Park in Staten Island. If you’re registered for bulbs, we look forward to seeing you there!

This year we have a number of exciting updates and additions. We're excited to be hosting our first Upper Manhattan distribution at A. Philip Randolph Square in Harlem alongside Play Fair members A. Philip Randolph Square Neighborhood Alliance, a local organization doing vital advocacy and stewardship work in the community. 

Additionally, this year's Bronx distribution, previously held at Mill Pond Park, will take place at St. Mary’s Playground in the recently renovated St. Mary’s Park! We're looking forward to returning to this site (where Daffodil Project distributions were held in years past) following NYC Parks' recent $19.6 million investment in updated park facilities. 

We hope to see you at an upcoming distribution!


Support the Daffodil Project


 

 


 

 


You asked and we listened…this year we’re thrilled to announce our first-ever native plant giveaway pilot program as part of the 2024 Daffodil Project!

We’re partnering with the Greenbelt Native Plant Center (GNPC) on Staten Island, a 13-acre greenhouse facility operated by NYC Parks whose mission is to “provide native plants and seeds from local plant populations in support of the restoration and management of many of the City's most valuable natural areas.”

We worked with GNPC to select a proprietary blend of four native perennials. From left, introducing: Monkeyflower (Mimulus ringens), Foxglove beard-tongue (Penstemon digitalis), New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and Gray Golden Rod (Solidago nemoralis).

Daffodil Project participants will receive a small seed packet with each regular bulb order and can plant these seeds in the fall alongside your bulbs.



Play Fair highlight: Randall’s Island Park Alliance

The Randall's Island Park Alliance (RIPA) employs 80+ staff who maintain, develop and program Randall's Island Park for over 4 million annual visitors. Park facilities are a hub for NYC schools and leagues, and RIPA offers 300+ free public programs, including the upcoming International Coastal Cleanup on 9/21 and the Harvest Festival on 9/29.

Recent developments include a new professional-level soccer pitch at Icahn Stadium thanks to support from NYCFC, funding from the NYS DEC to support a Community Forest Management Plan focused on tree care, plantings and programming, and in-progress plans for a Nature Center slated for construction in 2025.

RIPA is actively working to return parkland currently used by the HERRC facility back to public access, aiming to sustain available green space and facilities for all New Yorkers.


Learn more and get involved



Celebrate parks champions at NY4P's 2024 Annual Benefit

Join us this year at our annual benefit on Tuesday, October 15th at Tribeca Rooftop starting at 6:00pm, bringing together a vibrant community of parks activists from across NYC in celebration of our shared mission to advocate for parks and open spaces! 

We are thrilled to honor and recognize the accomplishments of Brookfield Properties, Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the NYC Sanitation Department, and Claire Weisz, Principal at WXY Architecture + Urban Design.

Additionally, we are pleased to welcome keynote speaker Eric Klinenberg, Author and Director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at NYU, and Master of Ceremonies Katie Honan, reporter at THE CITY.    


  

New Yorkers for Parks
PO Box 431
New York, NY 10272
United States

Oak Street Health Agrees to Pay $60M to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Liability for Paying Kickbacks to Insurance Agents in Medicare Advantage Patient Recruitment Scheme

 

Oak Street Health, headquartered in Chicago and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CVS Health since 2023, has agreed to pay $60 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to third-party insurance agents in exchange for recruiting seniors to Oak Street Health’s primary care clinics.

The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits anyone from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration — which includes money or any other thing of value — to induce referrals of patients or to provide recommendations of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally funded programs. Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Part C, Medicare beneficiaries have the option to obtain their health care through privately-operated insurance plans known as MA plans. Some MA Plans contract with health care providers, including Oak Street Health, to provide their plan members with primary care services.

The United States alleged that, in 2020, Oak Street Health developed a program to increase patient membership called the Client Awareness Program. Under the Program, third-party insurance agents contacted seniors eligible for or enrolled in Medicare Advantage and delivered marketing messages designed to generate interest in Oak Street Health. Agents then referred interested seniors to an Oak Street Health employee via a three-way phone call, otherwise known as a “warm transfer,” and/or an electronic submission. In exchange, Oak Street Health paid agents typically $200 per beneficiary referred or recommended. These payments incentivized agents to base their referrals and recommendations on the financial motivations of Oak Street Health rather than the best interests of seniors. The settlement resolves allegations that, from September 2020 through December 2022, Oak Street Health knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare arising from kickbacks to agents that violated the Anti-Kickback Statute.

“Health care providers that attempt to profit from kickbacks will be held accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “We are committed to rooting out illegal practices committed by Medicare Advantage providers, insurance agents and brokers that undermine the interests of federal health care programs and the patients they serve.”

“Kickbacks, in any form, have no place in our federal healthcare system” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “My office is alert for kickbacks that can subvert patient choice and defraud federal health care programs. This investigation and settlement help to ensure that patient choice is prioritized above a provider’s bottom line.”

“Kickbacks impose hidden costs on the federal health care system and compromise medical choice and decision-making,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working determinedly with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to protect the integrity of federal health care programs, and we encourage the public to come forward with information about violative conduct.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Joseph Stinson. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Stinson v. Oak Street Health, et al., No. 20-cv-7381 (N.D. Ill.). As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Stinson will receive $9.9 million.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Trial Attorney David G. Miller of the Justice Department's Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Haile for the Northern District of Illinois handled the matter.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Bronx Former Attorney Pleads Guilty To Large-Scale Immigration Fraud


Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced  that KOFI AMANKWAA, a Bronx-based former immigration attorney, pled guilty to immigration fraud in connection with his supervision of a multi-year scheme to file fraudulent immigration documents under the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”).  AMANKWAA pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.
 
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Kofi Amankwaa oversaw a massive immigration fraud scheme, filing thousands of immigration documents falsely alleging that his clients were victims of abuse by their children or other family members. Amankwaa’s actions undermined our U.S. immigration system, exploited VAWA — a law that allows noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — and victimized vulnerable clients in the process. This guilty plea highlights this Office’s dedication to holding accountable those who abuse the trust placed in them as attorneys and fraudulently use our immigration system as a tool for their own financial gain.” 

According to the allegations in the Information, public filings, and statements made in public court proceedings:

From September 2016 through November 2023, AMANKWAA and others at his direction met with clients and instructed them to sign fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions falsely stating that the clients were abused by their U.S. citizen children.  AMANKWAA also signed the petitions, under penalty of perjury, as the attorney preparer. 

AMANKWAA used the filing of the fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions, among other filings, as a basis to request for his clients’ advance parole travel documents — documents that enable individuals without legal status in the U.S. to travel abroad temporarily and return.  AMANKWAA then directed his clients, upon obtaining the advance parole travel documents, to travel abroad and return to the U.S.  Last, AMANKWAA used the fraudulently procured advance parole as a basis for his clients to apply for lawful permanent resident status. 

AMANKWAA carried out this illegal scheme knowing that his clients had not, in fact, been abused by their children or without ever asking whether any such abuse occurred.  Moreover, AMANKWAA was often unsuccessful in obtaining lawful permanent resident status for his clients because the clients’ immigration applications were denied on the basis of fraud, among other reasons.  AMANKWAA typically charged his clients between $3,000 and $6,000 for his services, plus administrative fees.

In November 2023, following numerous complaints by clients regarding the fraudulent abuse allegations, AMANKWAA’s license to practice law in the State of New York was suspended, and in August 2024, AMANKWAA was disbarred.

As part of today’s plea, AMANKWAA has agreed to forfeit $13,389,000 and pay $16,503,425 in restitution to his victims. 

If you believe you or your family member is a victim of VAWA fraud perpetrated by AMANKWAA, please contact USANYS.VAWAFraud@usdoj.gov.

AMANKWAA, 70, of South River, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  

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

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations.  Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their support in this investigation.

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Jarrel Garris

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Jarrel Garris, who died on July 10, 2023 after an encounter with members of the New Rochelle Police Department (NRPD) that occurred on July 3, 2023 in New Rochelle. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage and security camera video, interviews with involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s use of force against Mr. Garris was justified under New York law. In its report, OSI recommends that NRPD update its training and policies for responding to petty nonviolent offenses to provide officers with objective criteria for assessing whether or not a situation warrants the use of physical force.

On the afternoon of July 3, NRPD officers responded to a complaint of a man who was eating items he had not paid for at a grocery store on Lincoln Avenue in New Rochelle. When the first officer arrived, she encountered Mr. Garris walking slowly outside of the store. The officer attempted to verbally engage Mr. Garris, asking him what he was doing and whether he was eating food in the grocery store. A second officer arrived and both officers attempted to verbally engage with Mr. Garris. Mr. Garris was not responding to the officers' questions when the third officer got to the scene. 

The third officer placed one handcuff on Mr. Garris and a physical struggle ensued. The third officer directed the first officer to use her taser on Mr. Garris, but she could not get a clear shot and did not deploy it. At one point in the struggle, Mr. Garris had his hands on the second officer’s gun. The third officer noticed and yelled “gun!” before he discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Garris. The officers began performing life-saving measures on Mr. Garris until an ambulance arrived. Mr. Garris was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries on July 10, 2023.

Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, Mr. Garris had his hands on one officer’s gun while they were attempting to arrest him. Another officer deployed his service weapon because he believed he needed to protect himself, the other officers, and any bystanders. Given the circumstances and based on the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s use of deadly force was justified.

Currently, the NRPD’s training and policies direct officers to use their own discretion when determining whether or not to use physical force to make an arrest when responding to petty nonviolent offenses like the one in this case. Although it is not possible to know if a different approach would have changed the outcome in this specific matter, OSI recommends that NRPD update its training and policies for these matters to provide officers with objective criteria for assessing if using physical force to make an arrest is warranted. These trainings should involve real-world scenarios so that officers can become accustomed to the sorts of situations they may encounter in the field and the appropriate effective responses without relying on physical force in every case. The OSI recommends NRPD implement criteria including determinations such as whether:

  • The individual is physically combative or passively noncompliant;
  • There are ways to achieve compliance without physical force;
  • Law enforcement personnel at the scene have been trained in de-escalation tactics or interacting with people experiencing mental health crises; and
  • All methods of nonviolent de-escalation were exhausted.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Expand Health Care Access for New Yorkers

Governor Hochul's personalized pens

Legislation S.8486-C/A.9102-C Relates to Medicaid Reimbursement for Treatment in Place and Transportation to Alternative Health Care Settings by Ground Ambulance Services

Legislation S.6226-A/A.5789-A Provides For Availability of Ambulance Services and Advanced Life Support First Response Services to Store and Distribute Blood and Initiate and Administer Blood Transfusions

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package to ensure equitable access to essential health care and reaffirm New York’s commitment to safeguarding public health and improving patient outcomes across communities.

“My Administration is committed to addressing health care disparities in our State and ensuring all New Yorkers can access the care that they need and deserve,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation ensures essential treatment and transportation, and allows New Yorkers to focus on their well-being during an emergency rather than worrying about the financial cost or availability of critical health care when they need it most.”

Legislation S.8486-C/A.9102-C requires Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services when treatment in place is administered and/or when transportation is provided to alternative health care settings instead of a general hospital

Legislation S.6226-A/A.5789-A authorizes ground ambulance and advanced life support first response services to store and distribute blood and initiate and administer blood transfusions, mirroring authorizations provided to air ambulance services.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.


We are pleased to recognize National Healthy Aging Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and enhancing the well-being of our seniors. This month reminds us of the importance of ensuring that our older adults have access to the resources and support they need to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

 

Healthy aging encompasses not just physical health but also mental and emotional well-being, social connections, and access to essential services. Our seniors have made invaluable contributions to our community, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.

 

We are excited to announce that, throughout September, we are partnering with Grow NYC and the New York City Department for the Aging to host special pop-ups at farmers markets across the borough. These events will provide seniors with valuable information about health resources, wellness tips, and community services in a welcoming and accessible environment.

 

I encourage everyone to visit these pop-ups, check in on the older adults in their lives, and explore how we can all contribute to their well-being. Whether it’s by sharing information, encouraging regular health check-ups, or simply offering companionship, every effort counts.

 

Let’s come together to support our seniors and celebrate their vital role in our community.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.


In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson



IN THE COMMUNITY


Grateful for the incredible turnout at this Sunday’s African American Day Parade! It was an honor to celebrate our culture and community with all of you.


A special thank you to my colleagues in government, and to the community for coming together to make it a memorable day. What a great way to close out the summer!


UPCOMING EVENTS





COMMUNITY EVENTS









GENERAL INFORMATION




NYS Office of the Comptroller State Comptroller DiNapoli Statement on MTA's Release of Its 2025-2029 Capital Program


Office of the New York State Comptroller News 

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released the following statement regarding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA’s) release of its 2025-2029 Capital Program.

“The MTA’s proposed $68.4 billion 2025-2029 Capital Program is the largest in the MTA’s history, but it will still leave many needs unaddressed. As the MTA moves forward with the program it must be fully transparent on how the projects it has chosen to prioritize are the right ones to improve safety, frequency and reliability of service. This will help underscore the importance of the work to the MTA’s funding partners as they examine the proposal.

“The proposal also assumes the large $15 billion hole in the MTA’s 2020-2024 capital program will be funded, creating uncertainty over which projects risk delays or cancellation if that money is not found, and how those choices would affect the new proposal. In sum, the MTA has over $48 billion in planned spending over both capital programs that do not yet have an identified funding source. Like the MTA, the public is also waiting for more information about what steps the authority’s funding partners might take to help bridge that funding gap.”

Recent Report

MTA 2025-2029 Capital Program Scenarios