FORWARDING: NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLACES NEW YORK CITY COASTAL COMMUNITIES UNDER A TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR COASTAL FLOODING

 

The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) today placed New York City communities under a Travel Advisory to elevate their readiness levels in anticipation of coastal flooding today, Thursday, September 19 until Monday, September 23. The agency recommends New Yorkers—particularly those residing or operating businesses in coastal areas—remain alert and take preparedness actions. 

 

“Our team has been hard at work monitoring potential coastal flooding expected to impact our area this week through the weekend along our vulnerable shorelines and in low lying communities,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Flooding could impact roads, parks, and some homes and businesses. Avoid parking in areas that typically flood and do not drive through flooded roads. This administration is ready, but we want New Yorkers to be ready too. As always, the best way to stay safe is to stay informed — so sign up for Notify NYC to get the latest up-to-date information, directly from the city.”

 

“Despite the lack of rain, the combination of high tides, strong offshore winds, and a full moon will flood coastal areas in the next few days,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We urge New Yorkers near the coastline, especially in the Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens, to tune in to emergency notifications and secure property near the waterfront. Avoid unnecessary travel or take public transit to steer clear of potentially closed roads. Prepare now to stay safe and dry this weekend.”

 

Strong offshore winds in combination with a full moon will result in higher-than-normal water levels near and along the coast during several high tide cycles through Monday. Minor flooding is expected tonight, with minor to locally moderate flooding likely tomorrow and Saturday. Additional rounds of minor coastal flooding will be possible Sunday and Monday.

 

Tonight, Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Southern Queens, with about 1 foot of flooding expected in normally dry areas. For Friday mid-day, Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect for south Queens and the Bronx, while Advisories are in effect Brooklyn, Manhattan, north Queens, and Staten Island. Additional Advisories are possible across all city shorelines tomorrow night.

 

Coastal flooding on Saturday is expected to be similar to conditions on Friday. A Coastal Flood Watch is currently in effect for south Queens. No other watches, warnings, or advisories are currently in effect, however additional products could be issued. High tidal flood levels will decrease on Sunday and Monday, but additional Coastal Flood Advisories will be possible on both days.

 

In Watch and Warning areas, flood levels may rise to as high as 2 feet above normally dry ground. In Advisory areas, about 1 foot of flooding is expected. Flood may be widespread across low-lying areas near the shore. This includes roads, parking lots, parks, and waterfront homes or businesses with basements. Numerous road closures are expected, and vehicles parked in vulnerable areas near the waterfront are at high risk of flooding. Flooding will also extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays. New Yorkers with vehicles in these areas are strongly urged to move them further inland to prevent damage.

 

Rip Current Statements are also in effect through Saturday. Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf.

 

NYCEM is collaborating with the National Weather Service and monitoring the latest forecasts, particularly the potential for coastal flooding. To ensure real-time awareness and a coordinated response, NYCEM is organizing specialized interagency briefings to keep essential stakeholders well-informed of emerging risks, fine-tune operational strategies specific to coastal flooding, and reinforcing its readiness for scaled-up emergency responses should conditions warrant. Critical assets and specialized units are on standby prepared for activation as conditions necessitate. 

 

NYCEM recommends the following preparedness actions for New Yorkers for those in coastal flood-prone regions and low-lying areas:

• Relocate parked vehicles to higher ground or inland, ensuring they do not obstruct roadways or block emergency access.
• Communication and Information: Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts through various channels, including Notify NYC, available in 13 different languages, with a special sub-group dedicated to Basement Apartment Dwellers. Subscribe to Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app in your phone's app store, or dial 311. Keep a battery-powered radio ready for timely updates, particularly if power outages are expected. 
• Gather Supplies: Every household member should have a Go Bag packed with essential items, such as bottled water, non-perishable food, and basic medical supplies.
• Tidal Awareness and Coastal Barriers: Monitor tide tables and storm surge forecasts. Know when high tides are expected in your vicinity and be prepared to adjust your plans. Where feasible, deploy sandbags or other deployables suitable for a residence to reduce the risk of tidal water intrusion. 
• Watercraft and Boat Security: If you own boats or watercraft, secure or relocate them immediately. Fluctuating tides can not only carry them away but loose watercraft can cause additional damage. 
• Storm Drains and Local Warnings: If it's safe to do so, check and clear any nearby storm drains to help manage water runoff and lessen the chances of localized flooding. Pay attention to localized warnings, especially those pertaining to rip currents and high waves.
• Beach Closures and Coastal Roads: Remain updated on any beach closures, as flooding can swiftly make these areas hazardous. Beaches are closed to swimming. Plan alternative travel routes to avoid low-lying coastal roads that may be susceptible to flooding.
• Home Safety and Utility Measures: Ensure your home's sump pumps are operational and familiarize yourself with how to safely shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity. If you reside in a basement or below-grade apartment, be particularly vigilant, as these areas are more susceptible to flooding. Follow City guidance for additional actions specific to below-grade dwellings. Subscribe to Notify NYC’s Basement Apartment Dweller subgroup for key alerts. 
• Document & Insurance Review: Secure essential documents in waterproof containers and maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to ensure you have specialized flood coverage, as standard policies often don't cover flood and wind damage. Consider enrolling in the National Flood Insurance Program. Learn more at floodsmart.gov. 
• Prepare for Outages: To gear up for potential power disruptions, keep your cell phones charged, stock up on supplies. If power outages are predicted, consider adjusting your refrigerator and freezer to colder settings to extend the shelf life of perishable items. Ensure that flashlights and battery-operated radios or TVs are functional, keeping extra batteries on hand. If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and lose power, dial 911 for immediate assistance, and remember never to use generators indoors. Check on vulnerable individuals in your community, such as older adults and people with disabilities or health conditions, and assist them in their preparations.
• Pet Safety: Make provisions for your pets' safety, including the need to leave your home and to take your pet with you.
• Plan for Special Needs & Check on Your Neighbors: Make it a point to check on neighbors who are older adults or who may require special assistance. If you have a disability or specific access and functional needs, make sure your emergency plan accounts for how these factors could impact your ability to respond quickly and communicate effectively during a crisis. Seek assistance from your family or service providers as needed. 
• Avoidance and Caution: Do not venture into flooded areas. These zones may be contaminated or electrically charged. Take preemptive action by assembling a Go Bag with essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies. 
• Documentation: When it's safe, contribute to our collective flood risk understanding by capturing and submitting photos via the MyCoast portal (mycoast.org/ny) or the MyCoast app. Don't forget to also file flood reports through 311. 
• Real-Time Awareness: Stay updated on changing flood conditions by monitoring real-time flood depth via the FloodNet website (floodnet.nyc).

NYCEM will continue to provide New Yorkers with the most current information and guidelines as conditions develop.

 

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/WeatherUpdates. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device. 

 

MAYOR ADAMS CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR PLACING FORMERLY HOMELESS NEW YORKERS INTO PERMANENT HOUSING

 

More Homeless New Yorkers Connected to Subsidized Permanent Housing Than Any Year in Recent History

24 Percent Increase in Shelter to Permanent Housing Placements

City Creating Nearly 900 Deeply Affordable Homes for New Yorkers in Shelter 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park today celebrated a record-breaking year for placing formerly homeless New Yorkers into permanent housing. More homeless New Yorkers were connected to subsidized permanent housing than any year in recent history. In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), DSS helped more than 18,500 households move out of shelter and into stable homes — a 24 percent increase from the previous year. Finally, through the Affordable Housing Services (AHS) initiative, DSS is creating 844 deeply affordable homes for New Yorkers in the shelter system with City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) vouchers. Within the first six months of the official launch of this program and through an emergency declaration, DSS is fast-tracking the opening of more than 360 units, with more than 243 units already open. Today’s announcement comes as the Adams administration aims to address the housing crisis with the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal, which aims to produce as many as 108,850 new homes over 15 years.

“A home is more than just a place to rest at the end of the day — it’s a pathway towards turning the American Dream into a reality,” said Mayor Adams. “Today’s announcement is a sign that New Yorkers most in need are receiving the full support of our city government to move from the streets and shelters to stability; however, our work is far from done. We remain committed to making sure homeless New Yorkers achieve the dignity they deserve by finding stable and safe housing.”

“Every New Yorker deserves a permanent home,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “We've made significant strides in that effort — in FY24 alone, we've helped over 18,500 households move from shelter into permanent housing. That means more adults and young people have stable places to root their lives, kitchen tables to share a meal, counters to sit at while doing their homework, and the pride in calling a space ‘home.’ We know that housing remains a complex challenge and will continue to work the issue from all angles, including utilizing innovative models like the Affordable Housing Services program to give more individuals and families the home they deserve.” 

“We are tremendously proud of our incredible teams — from frontline staff and case managers to policy experts and agency leadership — that helped realize our focused efforts to connect a record number of New Yorkers in shelter to permanent homes, despite a historic low in the city’s housing vacancy rate,” said DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “As we celebrate the opening of nearly 400 deeply affordable homes while fast-tracking the creation of another 500 such homes for households in shelter with CityFHEPS vouchers through our ground-breaking Affordable Housing Services program, we continue to act with urgency, deploying every tool at our disposal, pushing for bold and innovative rehousing solutions, and using city-funded rental assistance to build on this historic progress.”

With more than 9,000 households with CityFHEPS vouchers currently in the city’s shelter system unable to find housing due to the city’s severe housing shortage, AHS created a newer, much needed, and scalable pathway out of shelter. Through the program, the city helps nonprofits purchase or enter long-term, building-wide leases on affordable housing sites — locking in long-term affordability with strong tenant protections for CityFHEPS voucher holders.

Since the start of the Adams administration, DSS has already opened nearly 400 apartments across six high-quality affordable housing sites in the Bronx and Brooklyn in partnership with nonprofit human services providers VIP Community Services, the MBD Community Housing Corporation, The Doe Fund, and others. Another 118 units are scheduled to come online by early next year, and another 329 additional units are in the longer-term pipeline.  The nonprofits manage building operations and maintenance while ensuring services to help tenants maintain housing stability. The majority of the remaining apartments are scheduled to come online over the coming months, through February 2025, which will mark the one-year anniversary of this innovative housing program for CityFHEPS voucher holders in shelter.

Since the implementation of city-funded rental assistance in 2014, over 225,000 New Yorkers in over 106,000 households have been helped to move into permanent housing or remain stably housed. Currently, the CityFHEPS program alone supports 47,000 households by providing a rental subsidy. The impact of these efforts is reflected in the steady and significant increase in the number of households using city-funded resources to move out of shelter. In FY24, the majority of households in shelter used CityFHEPS to move into permanent housing.

 

Record-breaking progress in connecting New Yorkers to permanent housing. 13,403 households obtained permanent housing using CityFHEPS in FY24, a 42 percent increase compared to FY23.

DSS’s focus on ensuring that New Yorkers exiting shelter are positioned for long-term housing stability is reflected in the steady decline in the return to shelter rate. In FY24, the rate continued to decline, meaning that the vast majority of households the agency helped place in permanent housing remained stably housed. DSS achieved better housing outcomes for all populations, placing 42 percent more families with children and 13 percent more single adults from shelter into permanent housing overall.

“Today we celebrate a historic milestone in addressing our city’s housing crisis,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “We have smashed all previous records by placing 18,500 households into permanent, stable housing—a 24 percent increase over last year. That is thousands of New Yorkers lifted out of homelessness and empowered to embark on a path of economic opportunity. I am proud of my work in Albany to address housing insecurity, passing a package of reforms in Albany to supercharge affordable housing production. We will continue implementing every policy so that all New Yorkers have safe, affordable housing.”

Justice Department and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secure Over $15M from OceanFirst Bank to Resolve Redlining Claims in New Jersey

 

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that OceanFirst Bank, N.A. has agreed to pay over $15 million to resolve allegations that it engaged in a pattern or practice of lending discrimination by redlining predominantly Black, Hispanic and Asian neighborhoods in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. Redlining is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing credit services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race, color or national origin of residents in those communities.

In October 2021, Attorney General Garland and Assistant Attorney General Clarke launched the Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative, a coordinated enforcement effort to address this persistent form of discrimination against communities of color. The initiative is expanding the department’s reach by strengthening partnerships with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country, regulatory partners, and its partners in state Attorneys General offices. Since 2021, the department has announced 13 redlining resolutions and secured over $137 million in relief for communities of color that have been the victims of lending discrimination across the country.

“This settlement, and the over $137 million in relief the Justice Department has secured for communities across the country, will help to ensure that future generations of Americans inherit a legacy of home ownership that they have been too often denied,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Redlining is unlawful, it is harmful, and it is wrong. The Justice Department will continue to hold banks and mortgage companies accountable for redlining and to secure relief for the communities that continue to be harmed by these discriminatory practices.”

“Far too often, communities of color have been denied equal access to credit and the opportunity to build generational wealth,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Through our historic efforts to combat modern day redlining, we have opened up new homeownership opportunities for impacted families and communities. This agreement underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to holding banks and financial institutions accountable for their discriminatory actions while ensuring racial and economic justice for all Americans.”

“We are committed to ensuring that everyone in New Jersey has access to the American dream of homeownership, regardless of race, color, or national origin,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “This agreement is an important step in leveling the playing field and removing illegal and discriminatory barriers in residential mortgage lending.”

“Redlining is not only illegal, but it unfairly closes doors of economic opportunity for thousands of families of color in this country,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “Together with our partners at the Justice Department, HUD remains committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act by rooting out all forms of discrimination in housing. Today’s announcement underscores our shared commitment to achieving justice and creating equitable opportunities for Americans, particularly those who have historically been denied access.”

The Justice Department’s complaint, which was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleges that, from 2018 through at least 2022, OceanFirst Bank failed to provide mortgage lending services to predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Asian neighborhoods in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties and discouraged people seeking credit in those communities from obtaining home loans. Specifically, the complaint alleges that OceanFirst disproportionately focused its outreach and advertising on majority-white communities, placed its branches in majority-white neighborhoods, and closed its only branches in the majority-Black, Hispanic, and Asian neighborhoods in those counties.

The Justice Department has resolved its claims via a proposed consent order, which is subject to court approval. Additionally, OceanFirst and HUD have entered into a conciliation agreement with equivalent terms. In those resolutions, OceanFirst has agreed to do the following:

• Invest at least $14 million in a loan subsidy fund to increase access to home mortgage, home improvement, and home refinance loans for residents of majority-Black, Hispanic, and Asian neighborhoods in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties;
• Spend $400,000 on community partnerships to provide services related to credit, consumer financial education, homeownership, and foreclosure prevention for residents of predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Asian neighborhoods in those counties;
• Spend $700,000 on advertising, outreach, consumer financial education, and credit counseling focused on predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Asian neighborhoods in those counties;
• Open a loan production office and maintain the bank’s recently opened full-service branch, both located in predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Asian neighborhoods in those counties, with at least one mortgage loan officer assigned to each location;
• Conduct a community credit needs assessment, evaluate its fair lending compliance management systems, and conduct staff trainings on fair lending; and
• Hire a director of community lending who will oversee the continued development of home mortgage lending in communities of color.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey opened their investigation into OceanFirst’s lending practices after receiving a referral from the bank’s regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. OceanFirst cooperated with the investigation and worked with the Justice Department and HUD to resolve the redlining allegations.

Information about the Justice Department’s fair lending enforcement work can be found at www.justice.gov/fairhousing. Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291 or submitting a report online. Information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s civil rights enforcement may be found at www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement. Individuals in the District of New Jersey may also report civil rights violations here or by calling the U.S. Attorney’s Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339.

Governor Hochul Requests Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to Secure Federal Assistance for Communities Impacted by Severe Weather on August 18-19

Declaration Would Provide Federal Disaster Assistance for Local Governments in Suffolk, Oswego and Lewis Counties, as Well as Individuals and Homeowners in Suffolk County

Governor Kathy Hochul requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to support the ongoing recovery of communities in Suffolk, Oswego and Lewis counties impacted by record rainfall and widespread flash flooding that resulted in substantial damage on August 18-19, 2024. The request seeks funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs. If granted, this declaration would grant federal recovery funding to Suffolk, Oswego and Lewis counties to cover damages and some response operations, as well as direct support for individuals and homeowners in Suffolk County.

“My administration is taking every measure possible to ensure the full recovery of communities affected by the mid-August severe weather,” Governor Hochul said. “By requesting a Major Disaster Declaration, we are moving closer to getting the people of Suffolk, Oswego and Lewis county the resources they need to rebuild.”

A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.

Individual Assistance provides direct support for individuals and homeowners. New Yorkers may also be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental and child care. Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses. In counties that qualify for Individual Assistance, eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services.

Following a disaster, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ (DHSES) Disaster Recovery Office works directly with counterparts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and impacted local governments to assess damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the state and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds. Following that process, the Governor then requests a Major Disaster Declaration from the President.

Extremely heavy rainfall and widespread flash flooding impacted Suffolk County starting August 18, and continued through the morning of August 19, leaving a trail of destruction that led to multiple swiftwater rescues, severely damaged roads, major road closures, sinkholes, dam failure and flooded residences and buildings that required evacuations.

The flooding was so significant that the National Weather Service declared the first-ever flash flood emergency for Suffolk County, which indicates an immediate threat to life safety. This event was a 1-in-1,000-year rain event for the impacted area. Multiple swiftwater rescues occurred, especially in the Town of Brookhaven, during the early morning hours of August 19, and the Mill Pond Dam failed completely causing six families to be displaced. Various roads washed out, including Rocky Point Road, Hagerman Landing Road, and numerous primary and secondary roads were closed due to major flooding, including Route 25A in both directions.

Over 2,000 residents and business owners experienced flood damage in some capacity, and Stony Brook University had to relocate and/or shelter hundreds of students and completely cancel move-in day due to the amount of infrastructure damage across campus.

In Lewis County, the grounds of Lowville Academy were flooded for the second time this summer. Classrooms are unsuitable for students and staff, while the athletic fields and playground have been rendered unusable. If granted, this would be the second Major Disaster Declaration Lewis County has received in 2024. Earlier this year, Cortland, Essex, Hamilton, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties all received a Major Disaster Declaration for impacts stemming from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl on July 10-11.

In Oswego County, heavy rainfall washed out town and county roads, culverts, and shoulders. The rain came down with such force that 6-foot steel culverts and thousand-pound concrete headwalls were displaced and caused flooding and erosion on roadways.

On August 23, Governor Hochul Declared a State of Emergency and announced emergency assistance to support homeowners impacted by flash flooding caused by the record rainfall. At Governor Hochul’s direction, New York Homes and Community Renewal launched an emergency repair program that would provide grants of $50,000 to eligible homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Lewis County was granted access to this program, as well as low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration following severe weather earlier this summer.