State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - Delays in Finding Permanent Housing in NYC

 

Delays in Finding Permanent Housing in NYC

Inadequate oversight of a New York City rental assistance program is leading to significant delays in finding permanent housing for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, according to an audit released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The audit found the New York City Department of Social Services is not properly managing the City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) program.

“The New York City Department of Social Services should improve its management of the CityFHEPS program to ensure every dollar goes towards helping people experiencing homelessness,” DiNapoli said. “The housing affordability crisis in New York City underscores the importance of an effective and efficient rental assistance program.”

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Local Sales Tax Collections Up 1.4% in Third Quarter

Local government sales tax collections totaled $5.98 billion in the third calendar quarter (July-September) of 2024, an increase of 1.4%, or $82.7 million, compared to the same quarter last year, according to a report released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. Eight of the 10 regions in the State, including New York City, saw collections rise.

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DiNapoli Named Lead Plaintiff in Crowdstrike Shareholder Lawsuit

State Comptroller DiNapoli, as trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, has been appointed lead plaintiff in a securities fraud class-action lawsuit filed against the global cybersecurity company Crowdstrike Holdings Inc.

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Better Oversight of Storm Recovery Funds Needed

Improvements to administrative practices and better monitoring of project progress is needed by New York’s Homes and Community Renewal agency in its oversight of storm recovery housing programs, according to an audit released by State Comptroller DiNapoli.

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State Contract and Payment Actions in September

In September, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 1,661 contracts for State agencies and public authorities valued at $1.9 billion and approved more than $2 million payments worth nearly $15.9 billion. The office rejected 210 contracts and related transactions valued at $298.1 million and nearly 3,200 payments valued at more than $6.4 million, primarily for mistakes, insufficient support for charges and improper payments. More information on these contracts and payments is available at Open Book New York.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• N.Y.C. Housing Voucher Program Is ‘Plagued With Problems,’ Audit Says

• NYC social services department accused of poorly managing rental assistance program in new audit report
  
  

• N.Y. State Common pension fund tapped as lead plaintiff in CrowdStrike lawsuit

• NYS Superstorm Sandy study cites need for improved disaster recovery process

Post of the Week
Thomas P. DiNapoli 

NYC Board of Elections Eight day totals for Early Voting by Borough

 

Early Voting Check-Ins

General Election 2024

 

October 26, 2024 - Day 1

 

• Manhattan - 38,237
• Bronx - 16,462
• Brooklyn - 40,289
• Queens - 31,671
• Staten Island - 13,486 

*Unofficial as of Close of Polls 140,145

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October 27, 2024 - Day 2

 

• Manhattan - 71,321
• Bronx - 27,581
• Brooklyn - 77,033
• Queens - 58,078
• Staten Island - 23,847 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 257,860

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October 28, 2024 - Day 3

 

• Manhattan - 106,870
• Bronx - 40,217
• Brooklyn - 115,286
• Queens - 87,174
• Staten Island - 35,718

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 385,265

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October 29, 2024 - Day 4

 

• Manhattan - 136,206
• Bronx - 50,830
• Brooklyn - 150,805
• Queens - 112,350
• Staten Island - 45,287 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 495,478

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October 30, 2024 - Day 5

 

• Manhattan - 164,107
• Bronx - 61,851
• Brooklyn - 184,649
• Queens - 137,617
• Staten Island - 54,168

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 602,392

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October 31, 2024 - Day 6

 

• Manhattan - 190,542
• Bronx - 70,962
• Brooklyn - 218,775
• Queens - 160,179
• Staten Island - 60,944 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 701,402

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November 1, 2024 - Day 7

 

• Manhattan - 222,810
• Bronx - 83,536
• Brooklyn - 259,716
• Queens - 189,523
• Staten Island - 70,574

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 826,159

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November 2, 2024 - Day 8

 

• Manhattan - 250,553
• Bronx - 96,436
• Brooklyn - 296,623
• Queens - 216,931
• Staten Island - 79,466 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 940,009

DEC DECLARES DROUGTH WATCH FOR 15 NEW YORK COUNTIES

 

Map of New York State Drought Conditions Available Here ?  

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) declared a drought watch for 15 New York counties because of a significant shortage of rainfall and declining levels of streamflow and ground water. Following the declaration, DEC briefed the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. 

 

DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, "Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in some downstate areas being put under drought watch. Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources are crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve." 

The counties under drought watch are Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state Drought Watch. 

 

New York City today also issued a citywide drought watch after a historic lack of precipitation, ordering city agencies to update water conservation plans and prepare to implement them, and urging the public to help conserve water. Conserving water will slow the depletion rate of the stored water in the city’s reservoirs and can potentially postpone or eliminate the threat of a serious shortage. 

 

To protect water resources, homeowners in regions under drought watch are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips: 

• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and
• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.

State Drought Index

The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region.The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments. 

DEC and the U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances. 

Wildfire Risk

New York State continues to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to follow the recommendations below to reduce the risk of wildfires. The Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Long Island are currently at high risk for fires. Any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up. It is illegal to burn leaves anywhere in New York State. Brush of a certain size may be burned. See the burning regulations for details. 

Campfires are among the top five causes of wildfires. While camping in the backcountry, New Yorkers are advised to: 

1. Use existing campfire rings where possible;
2. Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;
3. Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials;
4. Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly; and
5. Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.

For more water saving tips, visit DEC's webpage. For more information about drought in New York, go to: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/drought.