Monday, October 20, 2025

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF CITYWIDE EVENT COORDINATION AND MANAGEMENT

 

Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Rules 

What are we proposing?  The Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) of the Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management (CECM) is proposing amendments to extend the existing moratorium on street fair applications to Calendar Year 2026. 

 

When and where is the Hearing?  CECM will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule online. The public hearing will take place on November 20, 2025, at 10:00 am.  

 

Join through Internet: 

  •   To join the hearing via your browser either click on the following URL link or copy and paste it into your browser’s address bar: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join .Then follow the prompts. When prompted enter the following Meeting ID: 232 017 644 846 8 and Password: vc9Ha26w 

 

Join via phone only: 

  •   To join the meeting by phone, use the following information to connect: 

Phone: +1 332-910-6701 

Access code: 746679875# 

  

How do I comment on the proposed rules?  Anyone can comment on the proposed rules by: 

  •   Website.  You can submit comments to CECM through the NYC rules website at www.nyc.gov/nycrules. 
  •   Mail.  You can mail written comments to Shaneek Meachum, SAPO Director, Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management, at 253 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10007.  
  •   By Speaking at the Hearing.  Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed rule at the public hearing must sign up to speak.  You can sign up before the hearing by emailing saporules@cityhall.nyc.gov  by November 19, 2025, at 5:00 pm.  You can speak for up to three minutes.  Each speaker will be timed. Please note that the hearing is for accepting oral testimony only and is not held in a “Question and Answer” format. 

  

Is there a deadline to submit written comments?  Written comments must be received no later than 1 pm on ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ November 20, 2025. 

 

Do you need assistance to participate in the Hearing? Please inform CECM if you need reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter.  Request these services by email or mail at the address given above no later than November 13, 2025, at 5:00pm. 

 

Can I review the comments made on the proposed rules? You can review the comments made online on the proposed rules by going to the website at www.nyc.gov/nycrules. A few days after the hearing, a summary of oral comments made at the hearing and copies of the written comments will be available to the public at CECM.  

 

What authorizes CECM to make this rule? Section 1043 of the City Charter as well as Executive Orders No. 100 and No. 105 of 2007 authorize CECM to make this proposed rule.  This proposed rule was not included in CECM’s regulatory agenda for this Fiscal Year because it was not contemplated when CECM published the agenda. 

 

Where can I find the CECM rules?  The CECM rules are in title 50 of the Rules of the City of New York. 

 

What rules govern the rulemaking process? CECM must meet the requirements of Section 1043 of the City Charter when creating or changing rules. This notice is made according to the requirements of Section 1043 of the City Charter. 

 

Statement of Basis and Purpose of Proposed Rule 

 

The Office of Citywide Events Coordination and Management (CECM), which oversees the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO), administers New York City’s permit system for street activities, including block parties and fairs. 

 

Each year SAPO issues permits to over 200 street fairs and over 5,000 other events, most of which include the use of multiple blocks over several days, the erection of structures, the vending of food, apparel and other goods and the use of amplified sound and the performance of music.  To ensure the safety and proper order of these events, members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) must be on-site. This diverts resources away from regular assignments and increases overtime costs to the City. These events also divert NYPD from core crime fighting, public safety and counter-terrorism duties.  

 

To more effectively deploy police resources and control overtime costs, the NYPD has recommended that SAPO exercise its discretion to deny permit applications for new events in calendar year 2026. The proposed rules will authorize SAPO to deny permit applications for street fairs if the street fair was not held in the calendar year 2025.  Events that received permits in calendar year 2025 may be eligible to receive permits again in calendar year 2026. SAPO will continue to accept applications for new street fairs that are no more than one block in length and one day in duration. 

 

CECM authority for these rules is found in section 1043 of the New York City Charter and Executive Order Nos. 100 and 105 of 2007. 

 

New material is underlined. 

 

[Deleted material is in brackets.] 

 

“Shall” and “must” denote mandatory requirements and may be used interchangeably in the rules of this department, unless otherwise specified or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 

  

Section 1.  Subdivision (d) of section 1-05 of chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Rules of the City of New York is amended to read as follows: 

  

  1.   For the calendar year [2025] 2026, the Director will deny applications for Street event permits for Street fairs not held in the calendar year [2024] 2025, provided however that the Director may, in his or her discretion, grant applications for new Street fairs that are no more than one block in length and one day in duration. 

 NEW YORK CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE OF OPERATIONS 

253 BROADWAY, 10th FLOOR 

NEW YORK, NY 10007 

212-788-1400 

  

  

CERTIFICATION / ANALYSIS  

PURSUANT TO CHARTER SECTION 1043(d) 

  

RULE TITLE: Extension of Street Fair Moratorium 

REFERENCE NUMBER: CECM-SAPO-19 

RULEMAKING AGENCY: Citywide Event Coordination and Management - Street Activity Permit Office 

  

I certify that this office has analyzed the proposed rule referenced above as required by Section 1043(d) of the New York City Charter, and that the proposed rule referenced above: 


1. Is understandable and written in plain language for the discrete regulated community or communities;  


Minimizes compliance costs for the discrete regulated community or   communities consistent with achieving the stated purpose of the rule; and     (iii)      Does not provide a cure period because it does not establish a violation, modification of a violation, or modification of the penalties associated with a violation.         

 /s/ Francisco X. Navarro  

Date   October 16, 2025   Mayor’s Office of Operations.


NEW YORK CITY LAW DEPARTMENT 

DIVISION OF LEGAL COUNSEL 

100 CHURCH STREET 

NEW YORK, NY 10007 

212-356-4028 

  

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 

CHARTER §1043(d) 


RULE TITLE: Extension of Street Fair Moratorium  

REFERENCE NUMBER: CECM-SAPO-19 

RULEMAKING AGENCY: Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management  


I certify that this office has reviewed the above-referenced proposed rule as required by section 1043(d) of the New York City Charter, and that the above-referenced proposed rule: 


*. is drafted so as to accomplish the purpose of the authorizing provisions of law; 
*  is not in conflict with other applicable rules; 
*  to the extent practicable and appropriate, is narrowly drawn to achieve its stated purpose; and 

*  to the extent practicable and appropriatecontains a statement of basis and purpose that provides a clear explanation of the rule and the requirements imposed by the rule.  

  

 /s/ STEVEN GOULDEN  Senior Counsel  Date:  October 15, 2025


John Zaccaro - Reserve Your Spot TODAY for the Italian American Heritage Dinner at the Bronx Zoo


Friends,

Our inaugural Italian American Heritage Dinner at the Bronx Zoo is THIS FRIDAY, and there are only a few reservations left. 

Join me on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Hall as we celebrate Italian culture and heritage in our community and honor the many great Italian Americans—past and present.

The Italian community has been at the heart of the Bronx for generations. From the South Bronx to the North Bronx, Italian families have left their mark on our neighborhoods, and we are proud that the traditions of yesterday continue to thrive today.

This event is FREE and open to the community, but RSVP TODAY to reserve one of the few remaining seats.

Please see the flyer below for RSVP details, or click here

With Gratitude, 

John Zaccaro, Jr. 


LPC to Review Restoration Proposal For Macomb’s Dam Bridge

 

Photograph of Macomb’s Dam Bridge, via LPC proposal.

The New York City Department of Transportation has submitted a proposal to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for a new protective coating for the historic Macomb’s Dam Bridge, which spans the Harlem River between Manhattan and The Bronx. The project team seeks to address paint deterioration and rust on the 1895 swing bridge, a designated New York City landmark, through a full repainting in a historically accurate color. 
Photograph of Macomb’s Dam Bridge, via LPC proposal.

The bridge’s current pale yellow-white coating, approved by the Public Design Commission (PDC) in 1995, has significantly deteriorated over time due to UV exposure and general wear. A PDC paint analysis found evidence of more than twenty prior color schemes throughout the bridge’s history, including shades of yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, and blue. The analysis and historic references, including Edward Hopper’s 1935 depiction of the bridge, suggest that a neutral grey was historically consistent with the bridge’s earlier appearance.

The Department of Transportation now proposes repainting the bridge in Munsell Gray (N 4.5), a tone previously used on other major crossings such as the George Washington Bridge. This color was selected for its historical compatibility and durability, aligning with DOT’s ongoing commitment to preserving the bridge’s structural and architectural integrity while simplifying long-term maintenance.

The Macomb’s Dam Bridge connects The Bronx and Manhattan near Yankee Stadium. The nearest subway access points include the 161st Street–Yankee Stadium station, served by the B, D, and 4 trains.

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Criminal Illegal Alien and Suspected Tren de Aragua gang Member Who Was Living with a New Mexico Judge Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms and Destroying Evidence

 

Judge, who provided safe haven to suspected Tren de Aragua gang member released into the country by the Biden Administration, faces criminal charges

Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a criminal illegal alien and suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, was living in New Mexico with Magistrate Judge Jose “Joel” Cano pled guilty to illegally possessing firearms and conspiracy to destroy evidence. He was arrested at the judge's house on February 28, 2025.  

Ortega-Lopez posted numerous photos and videos of himself on social media accounts with weapons including an AR-15 style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and ammunition.    

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Christhian Ortega-Lopez 

Federal authorities allege Judge Cano and his wife hired Ortega-Lopez for home repairs and later allowed him to reside in their guesthouse.  

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A Christmas photo from 2024 of Cristhian Ortega-Lopez in the Cano family home  

Following Ortega-Lopez’s arrest, authorities allege that Judge Cano destroyed a cellphone belonging to Ortega-Lopez by smashing it with a hammer and discarding the remains, believing it contained incriminating photos and videos. Nancy Cano, the judge's wife, is accused of conspiring to delete Ortega-Lopez’s Facebook account to eliminate evidence. 

“Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member who pled guilty to illegally possessing firearms and conspiracy to destroy evidence, should never have been released into the country by the Biden Administration,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Judge Cano, a magistrate judge, takes activist judges to a whole new level—having this criminal illegal alien live in his home with him. Time and time again, we see sanctuary politicians and activist judges, like Jose Cano, shield criminal illegal aliens – in this case, a suspected GANG MEMBER, from arrest and removal from the country. This disgusting behavior is wildly unacceptable and is no longer tolerated under the Trump Administration. We are putting the safety of the American people first.”  

Ortega-Lopez illegally entered the United States in 2023 during the Biden Administration and was RELEASED into the country. In January 2025, ICE received an anonymous tip Ortega-Lopez was living in New Mexico and was in possession of firearms. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will not let the Democrats’ government shutdown prevent our law enforcement officers from executing the critical mission of securing our nation from the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. 

Governor Hochul Announces Designations to the Third Department, Appellate Division

Court Gavel

Governor Kathy Hochul announced two designations to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Third Department. The justices selected today will bring impressive legal credentials, excellent judicial temperament and an ironclad commitment to justice to the appellate court.

“New York’s judiciary stands as a pillar of fairness and integrity, and these designees reflect our continued commitment to those values,” Governor Hochul said. “Their deep legal expertise, sound judgment, and unwavering dedication to fairness will strengthen the Appellate Division and ensure that justice is served for all New Yorkers.”

The Governor designated Justice Molly Reynolds Fitzgerald, currently on the court, to a five-year term as Associate Justice, and newly designated Justice Justin Corcoran, a Justice of the Supreme Court in Albany, to serve on the Appellate Division. The Third Department covers 28 counties in Upstate New York, ranging from the mid-Hudson Valley to the Canadian Border and as far as west as Schuyler and Chemung counties in the Southern Tier.

Honorable Molly Reynolds Fitzgerald
Justice Reynolds Fitzgerald was born and raised in Binghamton, New York, where she graduated from Seton Catholic Central School. She received her undergraduate degree at Trinity College, Washington, DC in 1982, and her law degree from The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC in 1986. She spent her third year of law school at the University of Georgia, and began practice in Athens, Georgia.

Justice Reynolds Fitzgerald returned to upstate New York in 1990. She engaged in private practice, concentrating in civil litigation, until her election as Supreme Court Justice in 2007. Justice Reynolds Fitzgerald began her term as a Supreme Court Justice in the 10 counties of the 6th Judicial District in 2008. In 2016, she was named Administrative Judge for the 6th Judicial District and continued in that position until her appointment to the Appellate Division, Third Department, in 2019. Justice Reynolds Fitzgerald was elected for a second term as a Justice of the Supreme Court in November 2021, and Governor Hochul redesignated her as a Justice on the Appellate Division effective January 1, 2022.

Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division Elizabeth Garry said, “I know that I can speak for the entire court and staff at the Third Department expressing joy that the strong work and collegiality that Justice Reynolds Fitzgerald consistently demonstrates is being recognized by this appointment. She is a remarkable jurist, who brings a practical approach and careful review to each case. She shines a bright light, and I am happy to applaud her.“

Honorable Justin Corcoran
Justice Justin Corcoran was elected Supreme Court Justice in the Third Judicial District in 2019. Justice Corcoran has served as the coordinating judge for asbestos litigation and Child Victims Act cases in the Third Judicial District.

Justice Corcoran is a graduate of Binghamton University and Albany Law School. In 1995, he began his career in private practice at O’Connor, O’Connor, Bresee & First, P.C. where he litigated civil cases in the areas of medical malpractice, municipal liability, civil rights, and products liability for 22 years. Before his election to the bench, he served as confidential law clerk to Supreme Court Justice L. Michael Mackey. Judge Corcoran also devoted his time to public service as an Albany County Legislator and Chairman of the Albany County Ethics Commission.

Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division Elizabeth Garry said, “I am very grateful that our Governor acted so promptly to appoint Justice Corcoran from the field of qualified candidates, to fill the vacancy arising from the departure of Justice John C. Egan. These two each earned strong support over the course of years of service in the community and on the bench in our region, and are both highly regarded by their peers, making this a highly suitable appointment. We look forward to working with Justice Corcoran as he steps into this new role.“

 

John Zaccaro - Our Annual Fall Festival is BACK!

 

Friends,

Please join me and Team JZ for our Second Annual Fall Festival at Allerton Playground on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Last year, our community came out in full force to enjoy a beautiful afternoon with friends and family as we took in the crisp autumn air and changing leaves. This year, we hope you’ll join us once again for another wonderful day together.

This event is completely FREE for our community!

  • WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2025
  • WHERE: Allerton Playground
  • TIME: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

We can’t wait to celebrate what’s sure to be an afternoon to remember.

With gratitude,
John Zaccaro, Jr.