Governor Hochul Authorizes Real Property Tax Exemptions for New York Seniors

Legislation S5175A/A3698A Allows Localities To Provide Real Property Tax Exemption up to 65 Percent for Certain Seniors

Builds on Governor’s Affordability Agenda That Included Tax Cuts for Middle-Class New Yorkers

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that enhanced real property tax exemptions for New York seniors. Legislation S5175A/A3698A allows localities to provide a real property tax exemption for senior citizens who meet the income eligibility limits, among other criteria, up to 65 percent percent of the assessed valuation of their properties. This legislation builds on the Governor’s affordability agenda, which included tax cuts for middle-class New Yorkers.

“No New York senior should lose their home because they can no longer afford their property taxes,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing this legislation, we are working to make New York more affordable for our seniors on fixed incomes and empowering them to age in place, at home, in the communities they know and love.”

The bill will give localities the option to offer real property tax exemptions of up to 65 percent to seniors living below the maximum income eligibility level set by the locality. Prior to, the maximum percentage of exemption local governments have been able to offer senior citizens was set at 50 percent and has not been raised in decades. Increasing the exemption from 50 percent to 65 percent could translate into savings of up to $300 annually for the average senior.

This legislation builds on Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda, which includes:

• Middle-Class Tax Cut: Approximately 8.3 million New Yorkers will benefit from decreased tax rates, bringing middle-class taxes to their lowest levels in 70 years.
• Child Tax Credit Expansion: The Child Tax Credit is increasing to up to $1,000 per child under the age of four and up to $500 for school-aged children, starting in 2026.
• Inflation Refund Checks: Eligible New Yorkers have received up to $200 per person or $400 per family, reaching 8.2 million people.
• Free School Meals: All K-12 students now have access to free breakfast and lunch, saving families up to $1,600 per child annually.

 

Permits Filed for 715 East 224th Street in Wakefield, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a three-story residential building at 715 East 224th Street in Wakefield, The Bronx. Located between Barnes Avenue and White Plains Road, the lot is one block south of the 225th Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Genti Muriqi of East 224th Realty LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 35-foot-tall development will yield 12,216 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 18 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 678 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 42-foot-long rear yard.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in October for the structure on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Texas Businessman Convicted for Scheme to Bribe Mexican Government Officials

 

A federal jury in Houston convicted a local businessman for his role in a scheme to bribe Mexican government officials at Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), the state-owned oil company of Mexico, and PEMEX Exploración y Producción (PEP), PEMEX’s wholly owned exploration and production subsidiary.

“Alexandro Rovirosa orchestrated a scheme to bribe Mexican officials to benefit himself and his companies,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Bribery of government officials to win business undermines fair competition and unjustly enriches bad actors. In prosecuting this case, the Department has sent a clear message that we will not tolerate bribery and corruption schemes run out of the United States, whether the bribes are paid here or abroad.”

“Most individuals applying for American citizenship treat our laws and customs with respect,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Alexandro Rovirosa instead violated U.S. laws through a network of corruption and deceit. Rovirosa believed his residence in Houston protected him from the consequences of bribing foreign officials. However, as today’s verdict demonstrates, his scheme not only cost him a luxurious Texas lifestyle, but also his freedom.”

“The conviction in this case holds the defendant accountable for participating in a scheme to bribe Mexican government officials for the benefit of the defendant and the companies associated with him,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region. “The FDIC OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate financial crimes, including those involving bribery and corruption.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ramon Alexandro Rovirosa Martinez (Rovirosa), a Mexican citizen and U.S. lawful permanent resident, 46, of The Woodlands, Texas, paid more than $150,000 in bribes to officials at PEP to retain contracts and payments from PEMEX and PEP and obtain other improper advantages in business with PEMEX and PEP, for the benefit of companies associated with Rovirosa. The trial evidence showed that between approximately 2019 and 2021, Rovirosa and his co-conspirators, including Mario Alberto Avila Lizarraga, 61, of Spring, Texas, a Mexican citizen and U.S. lawful permanent resident, offered to pay and paid bribes in the form of cash payments, luxury goods and other valuable items to at least three PEMEX and PEP officials in exchange for those officials taking certain actions to help companies associated with Rovirosa obtain and retain business with PEMEX and PEP. Those improper advantages assisted companies associated with Rovirosa in obtaining contracts with PEMEX and PEP worth at least $2.5 million.

The jury convicted Rovirosa of one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and two counts of violating the FCPA.  It found him not guilty of a fourth count of violating the FCPA. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Rovirosa’s co-conspirator, Mario Avila, is a fugitive.

HSI Houston, FBI Houston and FDIC-OIG are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Lindsey Carson, Samad Pardesi and Paul Ream of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.

Man Charged With Setting Fire To Train With Victim Inside

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), Bryan DiGirolamo, Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (“FDNY”), Robert S. Tucker, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced the filing of a Complaint charging HIRAM CARRERO with arson resulting in injury to another person in connection with a December 1, 2025, incident in Midtown Manhattan.  CARRERO was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. 

“As alleged, Hiram Carrero committed a horrific arson, starting a fire inside of a New York City subway car where a victim was sleeping,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “As a result of that arson, the victim has suffered severe injuries.  The New York City subway is the heart of our city, with millions of people who live and work here relying on it every day.  New Yorkers have the right to be safe and feel safe when they ride the subway, and our Office is committed to that result.” 

“The swift arrest in this case demonstrates what is possible when our agencies work as one,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo.  “ATF New York Special Agents, the NYPD Detectives, and FDNY Fire Marshals brought their unique strengths to bear to identify and locate the suspect responsible for this violent act.  The ATF NY Arson and Explosives Task Force is dedicated to protecting this city, and we will continue working with our partners to bring justice to those who threaten public safety.  Our partnership with the Southern District of New York remains central to seeking justice.”

“This alleged outrageous and senseless attack received an immediate response from our elite joint task force,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker.  “Our Fire Marshals worked side by side with our partners in the NYPD and ATF to identify and apprehend this suspect quickly.  Their work has removed a dangerous individual from the streets of New York City and the FDNY will continue to work closely with our public safety partners to keep New Yorkers safe.”

“Hiram Carrero showed a complete disregard for human life when he allegedly set a sleeping New Yorker on fire inside a subway car,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “This attack is among the most serious acts of violence a person can commit, and it has no place in our city—above or below ground.  This case also reflects the exceptional work of the NYPD’s Detective Bureau, whose investigators worked closely with our federal partners to identify the individual responsible.  And it comes at a time when the last five months have been the safest for subway riders in recorded history.  I am grateful to our detectives, our responding officers, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their swift and coordinated work on this case.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint and statements made in open Court:

At approximately 3:03 a.m., CARRERO entered a northbound train at the 34th Street – Penn Station subway stop. He picked up a piece of paper from the subway car (depicted in the screenshot below), lit it on fire near where the victim was sleeping, and jumped out of the car just as the doors were closing.

Video from inside the train car shows that as the train traveled north towards the 42nd Street – Times Square subway stop, the fire flared up, engulfing the victim’s legs and a portion of the train car in flames.  When the train arrived at 42nd Street – Times Square, the victim emerged, burning from the train (depicted in a screenshot below).

Law enforcement partners on the platform responded to the victim immediately and extinguished the fire.  The victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

CARRERO, 18, is charged with arson resulting in injury to another person, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

The maximum and minimum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the ATF and NYPD, and the FDNY Fire Marshals.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in this case.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Molis is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.'s Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway

 

Friends,

The holiday season is here, and I am once again proud to bring holiday cheer to our community.

Please join me for our annual Holiday Toy Giveaway on Saturday, December 13th at 11:00 AM at the Allerton Library.

This event is FREE for the community and open to children 16 years old and under.

Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, December 13^th
• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
• Where: Allerton Library — 2740 Barnes Ave

For more details, please see the flyer below.

Happy Holidays,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

New York State Assemblymember

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

APPLY TO BECOME A SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN AT SENATOR RIVERA'S DISTRICT OFFICE!

 Are you passionate about public service and social media savvy? Apply to our Social Media Internship and help our Communications Team shape the message behind the mission!

 Deadline: ASAP



 Send your resume + cover letter to grivera@nysenate.gov.

Changes to MTA fares and tolls across New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and MTA Bridges & Tunnels will take effect on January 4, 2026. Learn more: mta.info/fares2025

In addition, it's the end of an era! We're saying farewell to the MetroCard at the end of 2025. Switch to tap and ride and sign up for a free OMNY account at omny.info to track your charges, transfers, and progress toward free rides.

During this holiday season, the New York City Department of Correction encourages everyone to use its free shuttle service when visiting a loved one on Rikers Island. Pick-up and drop-off locations are available in Harlem and Brooklyn. View the timetable today at on.nyc.gov/4f2laai. Happy Holidays! 

New York State Announces Opening of $9.6 Million Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center on Long Island

 

CN Guidance & Counseling’s Community Crisis Center to Provide Stabilization Services in Nassau and Suffolk Counties  

New Facility Provides an Alternative to Emergency Room Care for New Yorkers Experiencing a Behavioral Health Crisis

The state Office of Mental Health announced the opening of a new facility to provide urgent treatment to New Yorkers experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis so they may avoid unnecessary emergency room visits. Developed with $9.6 million in state funding and licensed in partnership with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Community Crisis Center in the Nassau County hamlet of Hicksville will provide urgent behavioral health care services to help stabilize individuals and connect them to other community-based services and supports.  

“The CN Guidance & Counseling’s Community Crisis Center will provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can receive quality care in a welcoming and healing setting with the goal of continuing their recovery journey,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “These Crisis Centers represent yet another way Governor Hochul’s focus on mental health is providing greater access to care for all New Yorkers.”  

Operated by CN Guidance & Counseling, the center will operate 24-hours per day and seven days per week, providing screenings, assessments, therapeutic interventions, peer support, ongoing observation, care collaboration, and discharge planning. The new facility will also coordinate with local mobile crisis providers, and law enforcement, as well as community treatment and support services.  

The Community Crisis Center is dually certified by OMH and OASAS to provide an expertly staffed, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to often-stressful hospital emergency departments. Located at 950 South Oyster Bay Rd., the center will maintain collaborative relationships within the state’s system of care to ensure the individuals they treat can access follow-up services after leaving.   

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Crisis stabilization centers offer people in need immediate access to help and support, any time of day or night. These programs provide a vital connection to individuals experiencing a substance use or mental health crisis, helping them access lifesaving care close to where they live without having to wait. We have seen success from this initiative across the state, and we look forward to the benefits this new facility will provide to those on Long Island.”  

CN Guidance Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Friedman said, “The Community Crisis Center represents a groundbreaking approach to urgent behavioral health care on Long Island. This facility provides individuals in crisis with a dedicated, 24/7 alternative to emergency rooms, offering immediate, compassionate support and resources to foster hope, healing, and stability. Together with our state, local and regional partners, we are removing barriers to care and ensuring those in need have access to timely, life-saving services.”  

CN Guidance was awarded $8.6 million in state aid and start-up funding to undertake the project and $1 million in capital funding to develop the center. The facility is expected to serve up to 2,000 New Yorkers annually and can accommodate up to 24 individuals per day.  

Crisis stabilization centers provide voluntary urgent treatment for individuals experiencing symptoms of mental health or substance use crises and needing immediate stabilization or treatment. Crisis stabilization centers provide peer and recovery-oriented support services, in addition to referral and follow-up services.  

The Community Crisis Center is the fourth intensive crisis stabilization center to open, joining Helio Health Crisis Stabilization Center in Syracuse, the Champlain Valley Family Center in Plattsburgh and the Family Service League in Hauppauge; People USA also operates a supportive crisis stabilization center in Poughkeepsie. OMH has awarded more than $75 million to develop 12 intensive crisis stabilization centers statewide.  

In addition to utilizing these centers, New Yorkers experiencing or who know someone experiencing a behavioral health issue may contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which connects them to trained crisis counselors 24/7 to help those thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. New York 988 call centers received nearly 46,000 calls in October alone, making it the second most-active service nationally.  

Likewise, New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). Find available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care on the OASAS website.   

CONSUMER SAFETY ALERT: NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Calls for Federal Government to Investigate and Test for Recall the Truck & Car Set: 2 Vehicles with Trailer Toy

 

Warns Holiday Shoppers About Health Hazards Associated with Lead Paint

Toy Sold at Dollar General Stores Throughout New York State 

Secretary Mosley: “I urge the Federal Government to take this issue seriously and to investigate and test for recall this truck and car toy set before parents and guardians unknowingly place these gifts under the tree for their child this holiday season.” 

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is calling for the Federal Government to investigate the Truck & Car Set: 2 Vehicles with Trailer toy and test for a national recall. Research and testing found the red and gray surface coating of this toy contains inconsistent lead levels – in certain samples up to 11 times the allowable paint and surface coating lead level established by the federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The Division is also warning holiday shopping consumers about the health hazards the lead paint found on the Truck and Car Set toy presents to children. 

“It is deeply concerning and disappointing to learn that some of the products intended for our children fail to meet the health and safety standards they deserve,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “I urge the Federal Government to take this issue seriously and to investigate and test for recall this truck and car toy set before parents and guardians unknowingly place these gifts under the tree for their child this holiday season.”

State Health Commissioner Dr James McDonald said, “As we approach the holidays, it is critically important that parents and guardians have the peace of mind to know that the toys they buy for their children are safe and free from toxic substances. Toys with accessible components containing lead are a source of lead exposure in young children, especially very young children who are more likely to put toys in their mouth. Products that are found to violate established health and safety standards should be removed from store shelves and a recall should be issued.”

As part of its responsibilities, the Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) conducts product research and testing and enforces New York’s Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act. Product testing found that some Truck & Car Set: 2 Vehicles with Trailer toys contain lead above the federal limit. The initial and follow up testing found inconsistent measurements of lead content, including as much as 1000 parts per million (ppm) total lead content in the red coating on the truck’s and car’s rear taillights and 240 ppm total lead content in the gray coating on the front of the truck. These lead levels are 11 times and 2.4 times the federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) limit of 90 ppm for the presence of total lead content in paints and surface coatings, respectively, in violation of CPSIA Section 101 & 16 CFR 1303. The toy is distributed by Old East Main Co. and sold at Dollar General stores throughout New York State, where the Truck & Car Set: 2 Vehicles with Trailer was purchased.

The DCP contacted the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to request a national recall of the Truck & Car Set: 2 Vehicles with Trailer containing lead, and the CPSC is conducting an investigation. The DCP asked Dollar General to remove the toy from its shelves and discontinue its sale, and Dollar General has removed the toy from their stores in New York pending additional testing. The DCP also contacted the distributor Old East Main Co. requesting it cease the distribution and sale of the Truck & Car Set: 2 Vehicles with Trailer in New York State and nationwide.

What To Do If You Own This Toy Set:

If anyone has the Truck & Car Set: 2 Vehicles with Trailer at home, they can dispose of it by simply throwing it in the garbage, or they can choose to set it aside in a safe area and await any future recall instructions, which may or may not include a refund component. Consumers with unopened toys may contact Dollar General and seek a refund or store credit in accordance with store policies.

What is Lead, and Why Is It Harmful?

Lead is a chemical substance often used in production of painted toys, furniture and toy jewelry; cosmetics; food or liquid containers; and plumbing materials. According to the New York State Department of Health, lead is a metal that can harm children when it gets into their bodies. Lead can harm a young child’s growth, behavior, and ability to learn. It can also cause anemia, kidney damage and hearing loss. The Truck & Car Set: 2 Vehicles with Trailer contained up to 1000 ppm of lead, well above the federal limit of 90 ppm. More information on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention is available here.

Safety Tips When Shopping:

Hazards in children’s products are often latent and unfortunately not known until someone is hurt. Accordingly, the DCP urges consumers to follow simple safety tips when shopping to best ensure the toys purchased are safe for children:

• Always purchase age-appropriate toys.
• Read labels carefully and take note of all warnings.
• Keep toys in good condition and repair or dispose of broken toys.
• Make sure any fabric toys are labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Monitor children’s product recalls, or sign up for email alerts to be notified of any recalls right away.
  

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.