MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS IRIS RODRIGUEZ-ROSA AS NYC PARKS COMMISSIONER, CELEBRATES $23 MILLION TRANSFORMATION OF PLAYGROUNDS AND PUBLIC SPACES AT SIX NYCHA DEVELOPMENTS THROUGH NYC PARKS PARTNERSHIP

 

An NYC Parks Veteran, Rodriguez-Rosa Oversaw Revitalization of Lifeguard Workforce Through Nationwide Shortage 

 

Adams Administration’s Investment Has Renovated Nearly Three Acres of Public Space in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, Putting Additional 10,000 Residents Within 10-Minute Walk of a Park, Delivering on Promise Made in 2022 

  

Mayor Adams Cuts Ribbon on Newly-Renovated Playgrounds at Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights, Final Project as Part of Initiative 

  

“We Outside Summer” Continues, Delivering Announcements, Investments, and Programs Across Five Boroughs 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today appointed Iris Rodriguez-Rosa as commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks), making her the first Latina to hold this position. Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa is a NYC Parks veteran of nearly four decades, serving in different roles throughout the department during the course of her career; most recently as first deputy commissioner, where she oversaw the city’s lifeguards and helped rebuild the workforce despite national lifeguard shortages.  

  

On her first day as commissioner, Mayor Adams, Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa, and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt also announced that the city has completed a $23 million investment to revitalize nearly three acres of NYCHA open space — including playgrounds, sports equipment, and seating areas — across three developments in Queens, two developments in the Bronx, and one development in Brooklyn. The announcement continues Mayor Adams’ “We Outside Summer” —  a new initiative that will include a series of announcements, events, investments, and new programming across the five boroughs to ensure New Yorkers have a safe, enjoyable summer — by making investments to replace outdated playgrounds and dilapidated public spaces with new equipment, seating, landscaping, and more — delivering on a promise Mayor Adams made in 2022. As part of today’s announcement, Mayor Adams cut the ribbon on two newly-renovated playgrounds at Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights, Brooklyn — the final transformation through this investment.  

  

“Iris Rodriguez-Rosa has served New Yorkers for her entire career, with an unwavering commitment to nurturing and growing our precious parks, ensuring they are available for all. I have full confidence that she will carry forward that dedication as NYC Parks commissioner, and we look forward to delivering all New Yorkers safer, cleaner parks across the five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams. “Here in New York City, parks and playgrounds are not just a bonus, they are our backyards, where we walk our dogs, meet our friends, and take our children to play. Today's announcement marks the completion of a $23 million investment to reimagine nearly three acres of open space across NYCHA sites and puts 10,000 more New Yorkers within walking distance of a park. Every family across the five boroughs should have a nice, clean place to take their child to play, and today we are one step closer to that reality.” 

 

“I am excited and honored to assume the position as commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the greatest urban park system in the country with over 30,000 acres of parkland,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “Parks are the greenspaces that serve as a great equalizer in our city and ensure everyone can get outside and enjoy our nature areas, playgrounds, beaches, pools, and recreation centers. I thank Mayor Adams for this appointment and look forward to working with him to continue to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers.” 

  

“Outdoor open spaces and playgrounds on NYCHA campuses serve as important outlets for residents to engage in physical activity and get fresh air, as well as community hubs and gathering spaces for the one in 17 New Yorkers who call NYCHA home,” said NYCHA CEO Bova-Hiatt. “As NYCHA continues to use every tool at its disposal to invest in and renovate its properties, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Adams administration and our partners at NYC Parks for their support and work in breathing new life into these outdoor spaces, and their ongoing dedication to NYCHA residents.”  

  

To best understand the needs of residents, NYC Parks and NYCHA met with residents at the Woodside, Pomonok, Redfern, Watson, Sotomayor, and Kingsborough Houses to select specific locations for these transformations and help create the vision for their revitalized open spaces. In addition to renovating these spaces, the city will also open the six playgrounds up for public use so that both NYCHA residents and the surrounding community can enjoy the public space, putting nearly 10,000 more New Yorkers within walking distance of a park.  

  

At Kingsborough Houses in Brooklyn, NYC Parks and NYCHA transformed two playgrounds — one 20,000 square feet and another 16,000 square feet — with the addition of new play equipment, game tables, benches, spray showers, and landscaping. Additionally, NYC Parks created new entrances from the sidewalk to make it easier for the public to access the amenities.  

  

The Kingsborough Houses playground marks the final public space renovated through this investment. The other five projects are:   

 

Redfern Houses, Far Rockaway, Queens 

The city reconstructed 50,000 square feet of open space, including the Redfern Playground and adjacent area, to include an upgraded ball field, basketball court, and handball court; play equipment; fitness equipment for teens and adults; and a grilling area. 

 

Legacy Park at Pomonok Houses, Fresh Meadows, Queens 

The city renovated 13,000 square feet of open space at Pomonok Houses to include fitness equipment, sensory play equipment, seating, and new landscaping. 

  

Woodside Houses, Woodside, Queens 

The city revamped 9,900 square feet of open space — including a passive seating and landscaped area at Woodside Houses — with new game tables, benches, landscaping, and pathways. 

  

Watson Houses, Bronx 

The city transformed 9,300 square feet of open space to include a revamped playground and seating area with new play equipment, game tables, benches, spray showers, landscaping, and brand new adult fitness equipment.    

Sotomayor Houses, Bronx 

The city upgraded 9,000 square feet of public space with new play equipment, spray showers, game tables, benches, landscaping, and brand-new swings. 

  

About Iris Rodriguez-Rosa 

 

Iris Rodriguez-Rosa most recently served as first deputy commissioner for NYC Parks, where she oversaw the revitalization and growth of the lifeguard workforce throughout a nationwide lifeguard shortage and worked to establish the Office of Marine Vessel Disposal within NYC Parks. 

  

Rodriguez-Rosa started her career organizing tenants and the community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the late 1970s under the Federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program. She then joined public service, working for former Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden as a community board liaison and later, in 1979, became the district manager for Community Board 4 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. 

  

Rodriguez-Rosa began her career at NYC Parks in 1986, serving initially as director of community boards, working as an operations manager in Manhattan, and later serving as chief of recreation in the Public Programs Division in both the Bronx and Queens.  

  

In June 2015, Rodriguez-Rosa was appointed to serve as the Bronx borough parks commissioner. In this role, she helped work with and merge the Friends of Van Cortlandt Parks and the Van Cortlandt Conservancy to become what is now the Van Cortlandt Alliance. She championed the Orchard Beach Pavilion, and helped execute countless playground renovations for the benefits of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers across the city.  

  

The Adams Administration’s Work to Transform Public Spaces 

  

Mayor Adams has made transforming the city’s public spaces a central focus of his administration, creating over 85 football fields of new public spaces since 2022 for families to enjoy. In his 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Adams announced that New York City will open more schoolyards in underserved neighborhoods for use during the summer, after school, and on the weekends, and put another 20,000 individuals within a 10-minute walk of a park. By opening up these NYCHA facilities for use to the broader community, this announcement begins to fulfill Mayor Adams’ State of the City commitment to give even more New Yorkers in under-resourced areas access to valuable public spaces as his administration continues its efforts to make New York City the best place to raise a family. 

  

From day one, the Adams administration has prioritized public housing, unlocking $1.35 billion in capital repairs for nearly 7,600 residents through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together program in Fiscal Year 2024. The Adams administration also reopened the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist for the first time in 15 years, selecting 200,000 households, and expanded Big Apple Connect to bring free high-speed internet and cable to 150,000 households in 220 NYCHA facilities. 

  

Permits Filed for 890 East 169th Street in Longwood, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 890 East 169th Street in Longwood, The Bronx. Located between Home Street and Rev. James A. Polite Avenue, the lot is closest to the Freeman Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Edmond Lulaj is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 6,093 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have nine residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 677 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and penthouse.

P Georgopoulos Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian + Pacific Islanders

 

Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Comptroller DiNapoli recently hosted a vibrant celebration in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month at Himalayan Yak Restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens. The event recognized the contributions and leadership of Hae-Lin Choi, Political Director of CWA District 1; Shekar Krishnan, New York City Council Member (25th District); and Assemblymember Steven Raga (Assembly District 30). 

Attendees enjoyed an evening of cultural celebration, community connection, and recognition of AANHPI voices making a difference across New York.

Watch Video

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Annual Reports on Prompt Contracting and Prompt Payments

Not-For-Profits (NFPs) and contractors doing business with New York State should be paid in a timely manner. To highlight how state agencies are doing in executing contracts with NFPs timely and making payments within required timeframes to vendors and service providers, my Office issues annual reports on both. A link to each report is below.  

Not-For-Profit Prompt Contracting – 2024 Calendar Year

Prompt Payment Interest Report – SFY 2024-25

Comptroller DiNapoli Op-Ed in Times Union 

The Times Union published an op-ed by Comptroller DiNapoli on the need for tougher oversight of government's use of Artificial Intelligence systems.

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Former Essex County Fair Treasurer and Willsboro Town Clerk Pleads Guilty

Comptroller DiNapoli, Franklin County District Attorney Elizabeth Crawford and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that the former treasurer of the Essex County Agricultural Society and former Willsboro town clerk/tax collector pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $90,000 in funds from the society and the town.

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A U D I T S

• Empire State Development
• State Education Department
• Department of Health and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
• Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance 
• New York State Health Insurance Program 

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S   T H I S   W E E K

• The Cost Of: Do you have unclaimed money in New York?
• Editorial | Fare evasion takes us all for a ride
• New Yorkers have more to complain about, according to data
• Comptroller DiNapoli Interview with On Patrol with the Suffolk County PBA Podcast
• Former Willsboro NY official pleads guilty to stealing from town

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

BROOKLYN TEENAGER CHARGED WITH MURDER IN SHOOTING DEATH OF 19-YEAR-OLD

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that a 16-year-old male was indicted for murder in the second degree and other crimes in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Kevin Hernandez in Ridgewood on April 22. The shooting took place on the same street as Joseph F. Quinn Intermediate School 77.

District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, this was a senseless act of gun violence by a teenager who had no business with a firearm. The family of this young victim is now grieving the loss of a child. He was just a few minutes from home when a bullet ripped into his chest, killing him. Another teen is facing very serious charges for his alleged actions.”

The defendant, a 16-year-old from Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn, was arraigned today on a grand jury indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and tampering with physical evidence. Queens Supreme Court Acting Justice Bruna DiBiase remanded the defendant and ordered him to return to court on June 6. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

According to the charges, on April 22, 2025, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Kevin Hernandez drove a moped on George Street in Ridgewood. At the same time, a group of approximately nine teenagers was walking on Seneca Avenue and turned onto George Street.

Hernandez made a U-turn on George Street and came to a stop in front of 1728 George Street, across the street from Joseph F. Quinn Intermediate School 77. The group of teens continued walking in Hernandez’s direction and as they drew closer, the 16-year-old defendant and another teen stepped into the street.

The defendant allegedly then pulled out a firearm, got into a shooter’s stance and fired at the victim. Hernandez was struck by a bullet, staggered forward and then fell backward. He was taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his torso and was pronounced dead.

The defendant and the others fled.

Two 9 mm shell casings were found at the crime scene.

The defendant was also indicted for robbery, assault, grand larceny, petit larceny for an attack on a 17-year-old at the Myrtle Avenue subway station on April 21, 2025, the night before the murder. The defendant and two accomplices allegedly punched and robbed the 17-year-old and took the victim’s sneakers, hat and cellphone.

**Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on May 1, 2025 in the confines of the 45th Precinct

 

The NYPD is today releasing body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 1, 2025, in the confines of the 45th Precinct.

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras, which provide transparency into police activity and serve as an independent account of interactions between the NYPD and the citizens they serve. 

You can find the video here

Bridgeport Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Third Federal Conviction

 

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GAVIN HAMMETT, also known as “G” and “Silk,” 60, of Bridgeport, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Hammett as the member of a drug trafficking network that was distributing cocaine and fentanyl in the Bridgeport area.  Between February and April 2024, investigators made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Hammett.

Hammett was arrested on May 14, 2024.  On that date, a court authorized search of his residence revealed approximately two kilograms of cocaine, approximately 39 grams of fentanyl, two handguns, two loaded gun magazines, and an empty gun magazine.

Hammett has been detained since his arrest.  On February 21, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This is Hammett’s third federal conviction.  In July 1997, Hammett was sentenced in the District of South Carolina to 105 months of imprisonment for distributing cocaine, and in October 2011, he was sentenced in the District of Connecticut to 240 months of imprisonment for distributing cocaine and crack.  In October 2020, after he had served approximately nine years of his 20-year sentence, Hammett’s pandemic-related motion for compassionate release was granted by a federal judge and his sentence was reduced to time served.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Danbury, and Darien Police Departments.  The DEA HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.

Governor Hochul Announces Funding for Wildland Firefighter Training

Expands Existing Stipend Program for Volunteer Firefighters To Reimburse $250 in Costs Related To Basic Wildland Fire Suppression Training

More Than 260 Wildfires Occurred in New York State Over Last Two Years

Stipend Program Developed To Help Strengthen Recruitment and Retention in New York’s Volunteer Fire Service by Offsetting Required Training Costs

Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York’s Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program is being expanded to reimburse costs related to Basic Wildland Fire Suppression for firefighters involved in fighting wildfires. The course, a joint effort of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Service’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the Department of Environmental Conservation, covers wildland firefighting responsibilities, fire behavior, weather and other factors related to wildland firefighting.

“Volunteer firefighters make immense sacrifices for their communities, and as Governor, I am committed to supporting and honoring their service and dedication,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding this program to cover wildland firefighting training, we are breaking down further barriers for prospective recruits and ensuring they have the crucial skills and training they need to keep their communities safe.”

 Over the last two years, New York experienced 268 wildfires that burned nearly 7,900 acres of land, averaging less than 11 acres in size. This number does not include the Jennings Creek wildfire last year, which burned more than 5,000 acres over a span of 14 days. To contain the Jennings Creek fire, 427 fire companies, which were nearly all volunteers, sent more than 1,300 firefighters to assist.

Established in the State’s FY24 Enacted Budget, the Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program, administered by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, seeks to strengthen the volunteer fire service by offsetting the costs of required trainings, making it easier for new recruits to join volunteer fire departments and help protect their communities. Training covered by the stipend program will reimburse $250 per student and will be led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with assistance from OFPC staff. DEC Forest Rangers are expert wildland firefighters who hold dozens of trainings in wildland fire management each year to assist with building local capacity among other responders. Fire departments should contact their County Fire Coordinator to schedule a course at the local level.

Since Aug. 31, 2023, more than 1,400 firefighters have successfully completed training through the stipend program.

Additional information on the stipend program, including how to apply, can be found on the DHSES website.

Approximately nine million New Yorkers, nearly half of the state’s population, are served by volunteer firefighters. Yet in recent years, more than 75 percent of these departments have reported a decrease in the number of individuals willing to volunteer and serve. This is further compounded by the increased operational responsibilities beyond fire protection to include vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and weather-related rescue operations. At the same time, calls for service have increased 29 percent from 1997 to 2020.

In addition to the training funding announced today, DEC administers the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant program to help support fire departments in rural communities. Eligible fire departments can receive matching grants for the purchase of wildland firefighting suppression equipment such as portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, firefighting hand tools, fire hose, approved lightweight fire-resistant clothing, hard hats, turnout gear, personal protective equipment, portable radios, portable generators, chainsaws, and dry hydrant installation. More than $800,000 was made available to New York State through the U.S. Forest Service in the 2024 federal fiscal year.

DEC Announces Launch of $100 Million Fish Hatchery Modernization

 

Investments from the Environmental Bond Act and Other Capital Funds Ensure Continued Affordable Recreational Fishing Opportunities and Conservation of Valued Freshwater Species

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the launch of a nation-leading $100 million freshwater fish hatchery modernization plan. The funding supports the first of three phases of modernization projects for 12 hatcheries operated by DEC across the State. The hatcheries are integral to effective fisheries management and conservation, and contribute up to $5 billion in economic benefits provided by New York’s recreational freshwater fishing industry.

“DEC’s fish hatchery system serves as the backbone for the management and restoration of our freshwater fisheries,” Commissioner Lefton said. “With the $100 million announced today, DEC and Governor Kathy Hochul are recognizing the incredible contributions these facilities provide to sustain New York’s world-class destination fisheries and boost local economies statewide. Today’s launch of the hatchery modernization plan will further strengthen New York State’s commitment to the angling community and the continued stewardship of our fisheries resources far into the future.”

First established in 1864, New York’s fish hatchery system is the oldest in North America. DEC operates 12 hatcheries that annually produce up to 850,000 pounds of fish that are stocked into more than 1,200 waterbodies for recreational and restoration purposes. The average age of DEC’s hatcheries is 93 years and the integrity of many buildings, water supply assets, and fish-rearing structures are at risk. In recent years some of the most crucial needs have been addressed with a steady flow of DEC capital funding, but more extensive work is needed to sustain and improve operations to truly modernize the hatchery system for the future.

The historic $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 dedicated up to $75 million for hatchery improvements as part of the $650 million specified for improving access to and protecting nature. This funding, combined with funding from New York Works and other capital funds, provides a solid foundation for creating a modern hatchery system that is technologically advanced, more efficient, adaptable, and environmentally responsible. DEC will use Bond Act monies and capital funds to leverage other State and federal funding to modernize the hatchery system in multiple phases over the next 10 years. Improvements center on employing contemporary culture technologies to maximize fish production and ensuring greater sustainability by using the best technology available to reduce energy use and minimize the facilities’ carbon footprint.

DEC will implement its modernization plan in three phases, with Phase 1 beginning immediately. Highlights of Phase 1 include:

• Covering the rearing ponds to exclude predators, reduce sunlight, and provide a surface for a photovoltaic system at the Caledonia Hatchery;
• Refurbishing ponds at the South Otselic Hatchery for increased walleye production;
• Overhauling the water supply system at the Salmon River Hatchery;
• Building a new hatch house at Chateaugay Hatchery; and
• Replacing the existing hatchery at Randolph with a brand-new facility.

Conservation Fund Advisory Board Chairman Jason Kemper said, “Improvements to the hatchery system have long been a concern of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board and we are pleased to see these much-needed modernizations come to fruition. This historic investment in the hatchery system by Governor Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation, through the Environmental Bond Act and New York Works, will preserve and enhance the incredible angling opportunities New York State has to offer.”

New York State Conservation Council President Dr. Keith Tidball said, “This plan not only ensures the continued health and sustainability of our state’s freshwater fisheries but also preserves critical recreational and economic opportunities for future generations. New York’s fish hatchery system is a vital part of our state’s natural heritage and supports recreational fishing that benefits local communities, small businesses, and tourism across the state. The hatcheries are not just facilities—they are centers of fisheries conservation, education, and economic vitality. This modernization plan will allow New York’s hatcheries to adopt contemporary technologies, enhance fish production, and minimize environmental impact, all while ensuring the integrity and longevity of these crucial facilities. I commend the efforts of the New York State DEC to secure the future of our fisheries and protect our natural resources.”

Visit the DEC website for more information about the fish hatchery system. Stocking information, along with fishing regulations, maps, and access information is also available in “The Tackle Box” feature of the DEC “HuntFishNY” smartphone app. Other features include driving directions to state boat launch sites and an offline feature that allows a user to access information when cell coverage isn't available.