CREATING A CLEANER, MORE AFFORDABLE CITY: MAYOR ADAMS, ACTING DSNY COMMISSIONER LOJAN, DOF COMMISSIONER NIBLACK ANNOUNCE AUTOMATIC REBATES TO QUALIFIED HOMEOWNERS FOR PURCHASE OF NYC BIN

 

Ahead of June 2026 Deadline to Use NYC Bins, Owners of One- and Two-Family Homes Who Receive STAR and E-STAR Will Receive Rebate Checks to Cover Cost of Bins 

 

Rebates Will Go to All Eligible Households, Including Those Who Already Purchased Bins 

 

Announces Steps for Those Who Meet Criteria and Have Yet to Purchase a Bin

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan, and New York City Department of Finance (DOF) Commissioner Preston Niblack today announced that owners of one- and two-family homes who receive the Basic or Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR or E-STAR) credit or exemption will receive a $59.30 check to pay for the cost of their official NYC Bin. Checks are due to hit mailboxes in the coming weeks. Eligible homeowners will not have to do anything to receive the checks, as DOF will automatically be sending them.  

 

As of November 12, 2024, all properties with one to nine residential units — including one- and two-family homes — are required to use bins, 55 gallons or less, with secure lids for trash set out. Those residents who already use a bin of similar size may continue to use it only until June 2026, when they will be required to use the official NYC Bin. 

 

“Building a cleaner New York City is going to require all of us to work together to keep trash off our streets. To encourage everyone to do their part and to help put more money back into the pockets of working-class New Yorkers, we’ll be covering the cost of the NYC Bin for most one- and two-family homeowners,” said Mayor Adams. “Our ‘Trash Revolution’ is now not only making our city cleaner, but also more affordable. I encourage everyone who has not yet to order an NYC Bin to do so today. There’s no reason to wait — cleaning up our city starts at home, so make sure to get your NYC Bin and get cash back.” 

 

“While NYC Bins were already the most affordable containers of their quality on the market, this rebate makes it even easier for homeowners to purchase their NYC Bins,” said DSNY Acting Commissioner Lojan. “NYC Bins are delivering cleaner streets and sidewalks and fewer rats, and I encourage those who have not yet ordered their bin to use this check to make their purchase in the coming weeks.”  

 

“This rebate is one more way we’re making life in the city more affordable for working-class New Yorkers,” said DOF Commissioner Niblack. “Homeowners don’t need to fill out any forms or applications — if you’re eligible, you’ll get your check in the mail automatically. We’re proud to play a part in keeping our city cleaner, healthier, and more affordable for everyone.”  

 

The DOF will send letters in the coming weeks notifying homeowners of this refund: 

 

•    Homeowners who have already purchased their NYC Bin online or by phone will automatically receive a check for $59.30.  

•    Those who have not yet purchased their NYC Bin will receive a letter notifying them that when they purchase their bin online or by calling 855-692-2467, they will automatically receive a check within 30 days of making their purchase.  

•    Those who have purchased or will purchase their NYC Bin in person at Home Depot will receive a voucher code that they can use online — with a proof of purchase — to request their reimbursement check.  

 

STAR and E-STAR credits and exemptions are generally for property owners whose total household income is less than $500,000. The DOF will mail checks to homeowners who have applied for this credit in 2024 or 2025.  

 

The rat-resistant NYC Bins are compatible with mechanical tippers being installed on DSNY’s standard rear-loading collection trucks, which facilitate safer and cleaner collection. 

 

Today’s announcement builds on Mayor Adams’ commitment to a cleaner, more affordable city, and is another step in the “Trash Revolution,” the Adams administration’s citywide effort to move trash from black bags on the sidewalk to rat-resistant, closed containers:  

 

•    In October 2022, the Adams administration kicked off the Trash Revolution by changing set-out times for both residential and commercial waste from 4:00 PM — one of the earliest set-out times in the country — to 8:00 PM beginning in April 2023, while also allowing earlier set-out if the material is in a container. This incentivization of containerization was paired with major changes to DSNY operations, picking up well over a quarter of all trash at 12:00 AM rather than at 6:00 AM, particularly in high density parts of the city, and ending a practice by which up to one-fifth of trash had been purposefully left out for a full day.   

•    Later that month, DSNY published the “Future of Trash” report, the first meaningful attempt to study containerization models in New York City, and the playbook to get it done.   

•    In July 2023, containerization requirements went into effect for all food-related businesses in New York City. These businesses — restaurants, delis, bodegas, bars, grocery stores, caterers, and more — produce an outsized amount of the type of trash that attracts rats.   

•    That same month, installation of the initial 10-block, 14-school, Manhattan Community Board 9 pilot containers began leading to reductions in rat sightings of approximately 60 percent.  

•    In September 2023, commercial containerization requirements extended to chain businesses of any type with five or more locations in New York City. These chain businesses tend to produce a large total volume of trash.  

•    In February 2024, Mayor Adams unveiled a new, automated, side-loading garbage truck and a new data-driven containerization strategy, affirming a commitment from Mayor Adams’ 2024 State of the City address to set New York City on the course to store all trash put out for pickup in containers. This truck was unveiled four years earlier than industry experts thought possible. 

•    In March 2024, container requirements went into effect for all businesses — of every type — in New York City to get their trash off the streets and into a secure bin.   

•    In November 2024, container requirements went into effect for low-density residential buildings — those with one to nine units — containerizing approximately 70 percent of all trash in the city.   

•    In May 2025, Mayor Adams committed over $32 million in permanent funding for DSNY to keep New York City clean as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, better known as the “Best Budget Ever.” This decision permanently allocates resources to key aspects of Mayor Adams’ cleanliness agenda, establishing permanent high levels of funding to protect the cleanliness and quality of life of city neighborhoods for generations to come.  

•    In June 2025, Mayor Adams announced that — following the installation of approximately 1,100 on-street containers for residential trash from the largest buildings — 100 percent of trash in Manhattan Community Board 9 is now covered by containerization requirements. 

 

Governor Hochul Announces Broadband Projects Totaling More Than $636 Million to Achieve Universal Internet Access Across New York State

Draft Proposal is Available for Public Comment Until September 24 at 3:59 PM

Addresses Nearly 100% of the Documented Unserved and Underserved Locations Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul announced approximately $391 million in proposed awards under the ConnectALL Deployment Program to 11 internet service providers who have committed a total of more than $245 million in matching funds to address nearly 54,000 locations in the state. If approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) following a public comment process, these federal awards will achieve universal broadband connectivity by reaching every documented unserved and underserved location across New York State. Members of the public can submit comments on the planned awards through the ConnectALL Deployment Program website until 3:59 PM on September 24. ConnectALL will host a webinar on September 18 to provide an overview of the draft Final Proposal and show members of the public how they can submit comments. Register here to attend.

“In this day and age, internet access is no longer just a luxury — it is a necessity to connect individuals to everyday essentials from education to healthcare,” Governor Hochul said. “Every community in New York State deserves to have access to the internet and it is time we uplift our underserved communities, providing them with more opportunities and resources.”

The proposed projects span every region of the state, from Long Island to Western New York, targeting the final one percent of locations that remain without broadband service or an enforceable commitment for service under another grant program. The awarded projects will deliver fiber optic infrastructure to approximately 31 percent of the eligible locations and fixed wireless service to approximately 44 percent. The grant awards will reserve satellite capacity for the remaining 25 percent of locations, with grant payments made based on subscription milestones.

ConnectALL has provided additional detail, including a breakdown of awards by county, on its website. ConnectALL identified grantees through an open, competitive application using the scoring criteria and selection process prescribed by NTIA. These federal awards are subject to NTIA approval, with awards to serve locations on federally recognized tribal lands also subject to approval by those governments. The awards and award terms are subject to change as ConnectALL proceeds through the awards process.

The funding for these awards comes from $664.6 million that Congress allocated to the State of New York in 2023 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). The Law states that the remaining funds in the allocation can be used for broadband adoption, installing internet, or for providing reduced-cost broadband within multi-family residential buildings, among other purposes, pending future guidance from NTIA.

The 11 awards total $391.1 million with a total match amount of $245 million. The specific awards are:

• $78,640,161 to Archtop Fiber, LLC with a $28,211,318 match to serve 2,511 locations in five counties (Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, and Sullivan) with fiber optic technology.
• $121,187,012 to CBN Geneva, LLC with a $40,301,358 match to serve 3,951 locations in seven counties (Chenango, Delaware, Madison, Oswego, Otsego, Schuyler, and Yates) and Shinnecock Reservation with fiber optic technology, as well as 18,101 locations in 29 counties (Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Delaware, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Saratoga, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates) and Onondaga Reservation with fixed wireless technology.
• $13,273,290 to Citizens Telecommunications of New York, Inc. with a $6,303,834 match to serve 1,014 locations in Chenango County with fiber optic technology.
• $11,498,589 to Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC with a $5,033,776 match to serve 390 locations in Putnam County with fiber optic technology.
• $5,454,547 to Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. with a $3,594,633 match to serve 1,083 locations in three counties (Chautauqua, Columbia, and Rensselaer) with fiber optic technology.
• $25,489,512 to IBT Group USA, LLC with a $4,272,763 match to serve 1,159 locations in two counties (Franklin and St. Lawrence) and the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation with fiber optic technology and 10,660 locations in nine counties (Chenango, Delaware, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie) and the Oneida Indian Reservation using fixed wireless technology.
• $360,000 to Planet Fiber NY, LLC with a $120,000 match to serve 16 locations in Orange County with fiber optic technology.
• $23,232,915 to Reasnor Telephone Company, LLC with a $7,744,305 match to serve 904 locations in Dutchess County with fiber optic technology.
• $20,422,500 to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. with a $18,704,831 match to serve 13,615 locations in 37 counties (Albany, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Montgomery, Oneida, Orange, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tompkins, Warren, Washington, Westchester, and Wyoming) and three Tribal Reservations (Allegany Reservation, Oneida Indian Reservation, and St. Regis Mohawk Reservation) with low Earth orbit satellite technology.
• $27,038,640 to Spectrum Northeast, LLC with a $4,123,250 match to serve 2,919 locations in Chautauqua County and Tuscarora Nation with fiber optic technology.
• $64,500,823 to Verizon New York, Inc. with a $126,581,092 match to serve 4,017 locations in 13 counties (Albany, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Sullivan, Ulster, and Washington) and the Tonawanda Reservation with fiber optic technology.

Expanding New York's Digital Infrastructure

Governor Hochul has made expanding broadband access a cornerstone of her administration's efforts to create a more equitable New York. Through the ConnectALL initiative, New York State is investing more than $1 billion to transform the state's digital infrastructure, enhance competition among providers, and ensure that every New Yorker has access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. To date, ConnectALL has overseen the successful launch and implementation of several programs to advance broadband access, including:

• The Municipal Infrastructure Program has awarded more than $242 million to support construction of open access municipal broadband networks across the state. The program, primarily funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects fund, facilitates a variety of models of municipal broadband and public-private partnerships to provide New Yorkers with affordable, high-quality service options. The Beta ConnectALL Projects Dashboard provides details on projects funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Program.
• The Digital Equity Program will invest $50 million to implement the New York State Digital Equity Plan to close the digital divide. The Plan outlines New York’s statewide strategy to increase its capacity to improve digital literacy and digital job readiness skills, facilitate access to affordable internet and devices, enhance digital privacy and safety, and make government services more accessible through the internet.
• The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program will bring new broadband infrastructure to homes in affordable and public housing leveraging a $100 million federal investment from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund. The Beta ConnectALL Projects Dashboard provides details on projects funded by the Affordable Housing Connectivity Program.
• The ConnectALL Deployment Program will provide funding for internet service providers to reach unserved and underserved locations, drawing on an allocation of $644.6 million in federal funding as described in the ConnectALL Broadband Deployment Initial Proposal. The Requests for Applications for the Deployment Program ended in July, and ConnectALL is currently accepting public comment on its Final Proposal for these funds.
• The Connectivity Innovation Program advances innovation and new broadband solutions, business models, and technologies in order to increase private sector investment and entrepreneurship; drive equity and innovation in the broadband marketplace; and reinforce a thriving research, development, and manufacturing ecosystem to support connectivity innovation in New York. ConnectALL is reviewing applications to the Connectivity Innovation — Mobile Service RFA, which closed in June 2025.
• The Excelsior Broadband Network is a new statewide public broadband network. The first component of this project will be a new fiber line running the full length of the New York Thruway which will connect public broadband assets across the state and improve access to consistent high-speed internet and reliable cell phone service for communities across the state.

• The Mobile Service Connectivity initiative will work with local stakeholders, state agencies, and industry to develop regional plans to expand cellular coverage across the state. The program will identify top opportunities to expand coverage and provide funding to deploy innovative, scalable solutions that can address gaps in wireless cellular coverage.

Two Florida Men Charged for $34.8M Fraud Scheme Targeting Medicare Beneficiaries

 

An indictment was unsealed charging two Florida men for their roles in a scheme to submit approximately $34.8 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary products. As part of the scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators targeted thousands of Medicare beneficiaries and, through deceptive telemarketing, persuaded them to accept medical equipment that they did not need, such as orthotic braces and continuous glucose monitors.

“The defendants are alleged to have perpetuated a scheme that involved the submission of $34.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary medical equipment,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “That money, which came from American taxpayers, was intended to benefit Americans in need of medical care. Friday’s arrests send a clear message to those who would defraud our healthcare system: the public fisc is not your private purse, and we will aggressively prosecute those that steal from benefit programs.”

“Greed-fueled fraud schemes, like billing for medically unnecessary medical equipment, are a threat to both taxpayer-funded health care programs and patients alike,” stated Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively investigate such allegations to hold fraudsters fully accountable.”

“The harm done by these actors cannot be overstated,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division, “The FBI will continue to pursue those who seek to damage our healthcare system and defraud everyday Americans seeking aid."

According to court documents, Kenneth Charles Kessler III, 42, of Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Michael Andrew Gomez, 42, of Broward County, Florida, are charged in connection with their ownership and operation of seven durable medical equipment (DME) supply companies based in Florida. Kessler and Gomez are accused of paying illegal kickbacks and bribes to purported marketing companies that targeted thousands of Medicare beneficiaries with deceptive and aggressive telemarketing campaigns. The indictment alleges that these marketing companies obtained the beneficiaries’ personally identifiable information and arranged for purported telemedicine companies to generate doctors’ orders for unnecessary medical equipment. Kessler and Gomez allegedly used these doctors’ orders to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare through their network of DME companies.

Kessler and Gomez are both charged with conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, two counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to offer and pay health care kickbacks, and two counts of offering and paying kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program. If convicted, Kessler and Gomez each face up to 65 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the FBI are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Aisha Schafer-Hylton and Owen Dunn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO FOUR AND A HALF YEARS IN PRISON FOR POSSESSING $150,000 OF FENTANYL

 

District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance for possessing more than 11,300 glassine envelopes of fentanyl in his apartment. 

District Attorney Clark said, “Fentanyl remains deadly in the Bronx, so seizing this supply before it could be sold on the street has saved many people from harm. This defendant will now spend time in prison.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Gotti Berguette, a.k.a. “Gotty” 40, of 1500 Thieriot Avenue, the Bronx, was sentenced today to four and a half years in prison with three years post-release supervision for third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Cynthia Isales. He pleaded guilty to that charge on July 21, 2025. 

According to the investigation, the NYPD received a complaint of drug activity taking place inside Berguette’s apartment. On June 2, 2023, NYPD Field Intelligence Officers executed a search warrant at that location, and found the defendant there and 11,349 glassines of fentanyl with a street value of between $100,000 and $150,000. Berguette was arrested at the scene.

District Attorney Clark thanked Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Perez of the Special Investigations Bureau and Trial Preparation SupervisorJeanette Pol of the Investigations Division for their work on the case. District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD DetectiveKiel Sui of the NYPD Intelligence Bureau for his work on the case. 

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - We make this look good - See Men in Black in Van Cortlandt Park

 

Suit up and join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance to see Men in Black. 

For more information please click here. 

See you at the movies!

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

You Are Invited to Assemblymember Zaccaro, Jr.'s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Dear Friends,

I’m so excited to invite you to our very first Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration!

Hispanic Americans have helped shape the Bronx into the vibrant, diverse community we’re proud to call home. From food and music to culture and traditions, the Hispanic community has given our borough so much to celebrate.

Join me at the Bronx Zoo on Wednesday, October 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM for an evening of great food, music, and community. 

FREE parking will be available.

This is an RSVP-only event, so don’t forget to use the QR code on the flyer to save your spot.

Can’t wait to celebrate with you all!

With gratitude,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

New York State Assembly 

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE RESPONDS TO THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AGAINST ICE’S CONDITIONS AT 26 FEDERAL PLAZA

 

"Anyone who has seen the video and heard the testimony of people held on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza knows that the conditions there defy the Constitution and the principles of human rights and decency. Judge Kaplan’s order should force action to protect against the worst conditions, and we must continue to fight against the worst abuses – the extralegal abductions of New Yorkers coming to court.

"The truth is that the Trump administration has routinely defied laws and court orders. The city should attempt to use its inspection authority to ensure ICE is actually complying with the injunction. I have previously attempted to inspect the space, and called on the city to do the same. We have to gain access to bear witness to the harm being inflicted on our neighbors and use every tool we have to prevent it."

MAYOR ADAMS CALLS ON CITY COUNCIL TO BAN HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES, SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER STRENGTHENING OVERSIGHT AND ENFORCEMENT OF INDUSTRY AND ENSURING CITY AGENCIES ARE PREPARING FOR EVENTUAL CITY COUNCIL BAN

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced his support to end the use of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. First, Mayor Adams called on the New York City Council to pass Ryder’s Law, legislation to phase out horse-drawn carriages and replace them with electric alternatives, which has languished in the Council for over a year. Additionally, Mayor Adams signed Executive Order 56 to prepare for the end of the horse carriage industry in New York, strengthen oversight and enforcement over the industry until the Council passes the bill, create a process for voluntary return of licenses, and identify new employment opportunities for those in this industry. Finally, Mayor Adams sent a letter of necessity to the City Council, which grants the Council the authority to expedite the passage of this legislation by waiving the aging period, and urges them to promptly pass comprehensive reform given safety concerns for everyday New Yorkers. 

 

“New York City is a place where history and progress live side by side, but as long as I am mayor, we will always put public safety first. While horse-drawn carriages have long been an iconic fixture of Central Park, they are increasingly incompatible with the conditions of a modern, heavily-used urban green space. A series of incidents over the last few years have raised concerns about the welfare of the horses, as well as the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and carriage operators themselves. To understand all points of view on this complex issue, our administration convened all stakeholders, from driver representatives to community advocates, and it has become abundantly clear that these horse-drawn carriages no longer work for our city. While many talk about change, our administration has always been about real, meaningful action — and this issue is no different. That’s why today, I’m calling on the City Council to do what they should have done long ago: end the horse carriage industry in New York City and help keep all New Yorkers — including our animals — safe,” said Mayor Adams. “I’m also signing an executive order to ensure city agencies are doing everything in their power to prepare for a City Council ban on the horse carriage industry and to strengthen oversight and enforcement in the meantime. To be clear, we will not abandon the drivers themselves, who are honest, hard-working New Yorkers. Through today’s executive order, I have directed our agencies to identify new employment opportunities for those in this industry and create a process for voluntary return of licenses. We are also open to exploring a new program for electric carriages so New Yorkers and visitors can continue to enjoy the majesty of Central Park. Despite the changes we’re announcing today, we understand that this executive order can only go so far, as real, long-term change requires legislation. We need the Council to do their job, step up, and work with us on comprehensive reform. This is not about eliminating this tradition — it’s about honoring our traditions in a way that aligns with who we are today. New Yorkers care deeply about animals, about fairness, and about doing what’s right. The Adams administration hears those concerns loud and clear, and we’re taking action, but we need the Council to meet us at the table. We can preserve what makes New York unique while also ensuring we’re not leaving anyone — human or animal — behind.” 

 

In the past few years, a number of troubling incidents have raised the alarm on this critical issue, including: 

 

•    In August 2022, a carriage horse named Ryder fell and collapsed at the intersection of West 45th Street and 9th Avenue. The New York City Police Department intervened to help Ryder get back on his feet, and Ryder later died that October. 

•    In response, advocates asked the City Council to pass Ryder’s Law, legislation to phase out horse-drawn carriages and replace them with electric alternatives. 

•    Following this incident in 2022, 71 percent of New Yorkers supported a ban on horse carriage rides. 

•    Just last month, another carriage horse named Lady collapsed and died at West 51st Street and 11th Avenue, bringing proposals for reform or closure of the carriage industry back into the spotlight.  

•    This month also marked the third time this year alone where a carriage horse took off running in Central Park when a horse named Bambi ran out with no person at the reins, frightening visitors and causing three horse carriage passengers to jump out of the speeding buggy. Earlier this year, in May, a similar incident occurred when a pair of runaway carriage horses broke a driver’s wrist and injured others in Central Park after they bolted.