Governor Hochul Announces Nearly $2 Billion in Financing to Create or Preserve More Than 6,600 Affordable Homes

Awards Support Governor’s $25 Billion Housing Plan To Expand Affordability Across the State

Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $2 billion in housing bonds and subsidies have been awarded to 24 housing developments located in communities across New York State that will create or preserve more than 6,600 affordable, supportive, sustainable, and modern homes. The awards are part of the Governor’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“These investments reflect my commitment to creating quality, modern homes that enrich communities and are making New York more affordable for a wide array of households, including families and seniors,” Governor Hochul said. “By coupling State financing tools with private resources, we are generating more than $3 billion in overall investment that will improve neighborhoods, reduce energy costs and provide thousands of affordable housing options across every region of the State.”

Financing is allocated through New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s recent bond issuances which provided $865 million in housing bonds and $990 million in subsidy. All awarded projects will achieve high levels of sustainability and carbon reduction, complementing New York’s mission to address climate change by decreasing emissions 85 percent by 2050 across all sectors. When coupled with additional private funding and resources, the projects receiving funding are expected to generate $3.5 billion in overall investment.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Through this $2 billion investment, we are making it possible for more than 6,600 families and individuals to afford a place to call home, while also building stronger, greener, more connected communities across our state. This is another step forward in our $25 billion Housing Plan that is building the future that New York needs to thrive.”

The awarded projects are:

New York City

$87 million for the Stewart Hotel in Manhattan – The transformation of the former Stewart Hotel in Midtown Manhattan into a 579-unit affordable and supportive housing development for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The project also includes ground floor retail space. Developed by Breaking Ground and Slate Property Group.

$95 million for Concern Inwood in the Bronx – Construction of a 210-unit affordable and supportive housing development in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The project includes a terrace with community gardening opportunities and additional green space. Developed by Concern for Independent Living.

$166 million for River II Apartments in the Bronx – Construction of a 292-unit mixed-use project in the Bronx’s West Concourse neighborhood for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The project also includes commercial space, an urban farm, and community facilities. There will be supportive units reserved for eligible tenants who experience chronic homelessness or veterans with disabilities. Developed by Community Access and Blue Sky Bronx.

$49 million for Bay Ridge Towers in Brooklyn – Preservation of an 811-unit affordable development in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood. The development is a Mitchell-Lama co-op located above a Long Island Rail Road rail line that includes playgrounds and other outdoor amenities for families. The complex is occupied by low- and moderate-income households whose monthly common charges equate to an average of approximately 40 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by Bay Ridge Air Rights and MM Development Advisors.

$39 million for Jimerson Apartments in Brooklyn – Preservation of a 421-unit affordable development in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood. The development is a Mitchell-Lama co-op occupied by households earning an average of 40 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by Earl W. Jimerson Housing Company and MM Development Advisors.

$186 million for Sparrow Square Phase 1 in Brooklyn – The construction of a 261-unit affordable supportive project on the site of the former Kingsboro Psychiatric Center in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn for households earning up to 30 percent of the Area Median Income. The project is part of Vital Brooklyn, the State’s comprehensive community development initiative that addresses chronic social, economic, and health disparities in central Brooklyn. Breaking Ground and Douglaston Development.

$50 million for Park Hill on Staten Island – Preservation of a 1,103-unit affordable and supportive housing project located across six sites for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by Arker Companies, LIHC Investment Fund, and L+M Development Partners.

$11 million for St. Elizabeth’s Manor on Staten Island – The preservation of an 80-unit affordable and supportive housing development for senior households earning up to 30 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation.

Mid-Hudson

$110 million for Wallace Campus in Poughkeepsie – An 187-unit affordable and supportive housing development that includes the transformation of a former department store as well as new construction. All units will be affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by Mega Development and Ametrine Group.

Capital Region

$24 million for Harbor House in Schenectady – A 96-unit affordable and supportive housing development that includes preservation of an existing YWCA building as well as new construction. All apartments will be affordable for households earning up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Co-developed by the YWCA and Xenolith Partners.

$87 million for Mosaic South in Albany – The construction of 166 townhomes and apartments scattered in Albany’s South End neighborhood for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. . Developed by MDG Development and Albany County Land Bank.

$74 million for South Mall Towers in Albany – The preservation of a 347-unit development for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. All units are reserved for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Developed by Somaltow Housing Company.

$159 million for Steamboat Square Phase 2 in Albany – The second phase of the redevelopment of Albany Housing Authority’s Steamboat Square Campus. A 343-unit affordable and supportive project that includes preservation as well as new construction. All units will be affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by the Albany Housing Authority Development Corporation.

Central New York

$99 million for Jensen Avenue Apartments in Syracuse – The first phase of a three-phase development that includes affordable and market-rate rental units, as well as homeowner-occupied townhomes. The 261 apartments in this phase will be affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The development will be built on the site of the former Syracuse Developmental Center, a formerly state-owned psychiatric hospital that is now vacant. Developed by Albanese Development Corporation.

$172 million for East Adams Phase 1 and Phase 2 in Syracuse – The first and second phases of a multi-phase redevelopment that will create approximately 1,500 homes and transform the East Adams neighborhood of Syracuse. The 257 apartments in these two phases will be affordable to households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by McCormack Baron Salazar and the Syracuse Housing Authority.

Western New York

$46 million for Amherst Commons in Buffalo – The construction of a 133-unit development for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The project will feature supportive units for eligible tenants, including those with intellectual or development disabilities. Developed by Regan Development.

$39 million for Towne Gardens in Buffalo – The preservation of a 360-unit development in East Buffalo for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Outdoor amenities will be added including playgrounds, exercise equipment, and walking paths. Developed by BFC Partners.

$208 million for Marine Drive Apartments in Buffalo – The first phase of a multi-phase redevelopment of a public housing complex on the Lake Erie waterfront. This phase includes the construction of 254 apartments for households earning up to 120 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by Habitat Company, Duvernay and Brooks, and Bridges/Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority.

$49 million for Jordan Gardens in Niagara Falls – The preservation of a 100-unit Niagara Falls Housing Authority development for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The project also includes a new center for residents and a playground. Developed by Beacon Communities.

$3 million for Meadowbrooke Apartments in Newfane – The preservation of a 26-unit development in the town of Newfane, Niagara County. Apartments are reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by ODS Management Inc.

$5 million for Walden Park in Lockport – The preservation of a 61-unit affordable senior development in the city of Lockport, Niagara County. The apartments are reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by ODS Management Inc.

Finger Lakes

$58 million for Gateway Apartments in Rochester – An adaptive reuse project that transforms a vacant office building in downtown Rochester into 129 units of housing for residents earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by Stuart Alexander and Associates.

$40 million for Los Flamboyanes in Rochester – The preservation of a 153-unit Mitchell Lama development in Rochester’s Upper Falls neighborhood for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Developed by Landsman Development Corporation with development consulting by CSD Housing.

Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is dedicated to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 70,000 have been created or preserved to date.

The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor’s Pro-Housing Community Program — which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, nearly 400 communities have received Pro-Housing certification. 

New Yorkers for Parks - Thinking of spring and daffodils

 

There may be snow on the ground, but we're thinking of spring.

In 2026, New Yorkers for Parks will mark the 25th anniversary of the Daffodil Project. Honoring those lost in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, our daffodils symbolize the city’s resilience: No matter what happens, they bloom in the spring.  

Over the years, we have distributed more than 12 million bulbs to volunteers who plant them in public spaces around the city – parks, tree pits, schoolyards, and more. Every fall, the bulbs reach new parks, new blocks, and new neighborhoods. Every spring, the flowers bring new joy.   

Our volunteer planters have become open space stewards, advocates, and partners, joining our fight for better parks in their neighborhoods and around the city. It’s a legacy that endures.  

This spring, the daffodils will bloom again. In the fall, we’ll plant again. New Yorkers for Parks will never stop working to make this great city even better. Support our work. 

Make a Gift

New Yorkers for Parks
PO Box 431
New York, NY 10272

ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES RELEASES KEY FINDINGS FROM ITS ANNUAL FAMILY EXPERIENCE SURVEY, SHOWING PREVENTION SERVICES ARE HELPING FAMILIES ACHIEVE GOALS

 

Over 90 Percent of Those Surveyed are Happy with the ACS Services Their Families Receive and Would Recommend Them to a Friend and/or Family Member

The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) released key findings from the annual, “ACS Prevention Family Experience Survey”, showing families’ strong satisfaction with the services they were receiving through ACS contracted providers. Services range from family counseling and domestic violence interventions to food, furniture, clothing and much more. With over 2,400 caregivers participating in the survey, 94 percent said the services were helping them achieve their goals; 95 percent said they are happy with the services their families received; 92 percent said they would recommend the services to a family member and/or a friend; and 92 percent said they would go to their service provider for help again in the future. This high level of satisfaction is consistent with findings from prior years, dating back to the first survey in 2019. An overwhelming majority, 97 percent, were satisfied with the work of their case planners.

 

­­­­­“ACS is committed to supporting families and making sure they have access to a wide range of services that will help their children thrive. I am so pleased that the results of our annual survey show that, once again, families are overwhelmingly satisfied with the services and supports they are receiving from our community-based providers,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser.  “The survey also shows that caregivers trust their case planners and feel listened to, which is a testament to the dedication of those who are on the frontlines of this crucial work. We will continue to work towards strengthening our work and, in particular, will take into account the feedback we received from families who completed the survey asking for more concrete resources and help with navigating complex systems.  As always, we encourage parents in need of a helpful hand to reach out to our Support Line at (212) 676-7667 or to the Connect Mailbox connect@acs.nyc.gov to get connected to a free and voluntary program or other community resources.”

“Making sure families have the services and support to keep their children safe and well: that is the heart and soul of what we do at ACS. While I am thrilled to see families telling us that these services have been helpful to them, our work is not yet done.  We will continue to listen to families and incorporate their feedback so that families have the services and supports they tell us they need to thrive,” said ACS Deputy Commissioner of the Family Services Division, Luisa Linares.

ACS’s continuum of prevention services is designed to support families in their efforts to keep their children safe. Through a network of community-based provider programs across NYC, nearly 30,000 children from 15,000 families receive prevention services each year. These services are free and voluntary, equipping parents with problem-solving skills and resilience, connecting them to community resources, and fostering a safer and more supportive environment for their children.

ACS operates a Support Line that directly connects families to services, including our continuum of prevention services and other community-based programs, and helps to address concrete needs (such as food and cribs.) The ACS Support Line now receives nearly 400 calls per month from families and staff who are working with families. The Support Line can be reached at (212) 676-7667 or connect@acs.nyc.gov. Parents can also visit www.nyc.gov/ForFamilies for more information on the services offered to families.

In collaboration with provider agencies, the annual “ACS Prevention Family Experience Survey” was offered to families receiving prevention services. The survey was offered in English and the 10 additional designated citywide languages. Thirty-five percent of families receiving prevention services during the point in time of survey administration chose to participate in the survey. The survey included questions about household demographics, the type and quality of services received, interactions with case planners, and provided an opportunity for participants to give suggestions for future improvements. Findings from the survey will continue to inform further program and practice improvements.

• The vast majority of survey participants were satisfied with the quality of services they received. For example, 95 percent of participants agree that they are happy with the prevention services their families received; 94 percent of participants agree services are helping them achieve their goals; 92 percent of survey participants agree that they would go to their prevention provider for help in the future; and 92 percent of participants agree that they would recommend services to a friend and/or family member.

• Approximately 97 percent of survey participants were satisfied with the work of their case planners. Case planners are the primary staff members at the ACS-contracted prevention provider agencies with whom service recipients interact. They are crucial to the work as they deliver services directly to parents/caregivers, children, young people, and families. 97 percent of participants reported that they trust their case planner; 97 percent felt safe telling their case planner about their families; and 97 percent felt listened to when setting goals for their families as part of their work with the case planner.

Findings from this year’s Prevention Family Experience Survey will continue to inform further program and practice improvements. Families have shared what they want from ACS, mainly: concrete support, flexible services, and assistance navigating complex systems. The Family Service Division’s (FSD) strategic priorities seek to address these requests from families. This year's reinvestment initiative is just one example of the Division's work towards innovative and flexible solutions. With $8 million redirected towards families' concrete needs and provider workforce support, families will be able to receive additional material support, such as food, clothes, and diapers. Some providers also created new positions to help families navigate the resources available to them.

To read the full Prevention Family Experience Survey report, click here.

Americans Ring in 2026 with Safer Communities Delivered by ICE Arresting Worst of Worst Child Sexual Predators, Murderers, and Drug Traffickers

 

Those in the U.S. illegally will receive the $3K stipend and a free flight home if they sign up to self-deport through the CBP Home app by the end of the year

While Americans celebrated the Christmas season and now prepare for the new year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continued arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens across the country including those convicted of homicide, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14-years-old, and sexual assault of a child.

“While Americans across the country spent time with their families this Christmas season, ICE continued delivering the American people the greatest gift of 2025: getting criminals out of our neighborhoods and protecting our families,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “ICE officers arrested heinous criminal illegal aliens yesterday, including murderers and monsters who sexually abused children. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens have NO PLACE in our country.”

Arrests yesterday include:

Juan Perez-Tello, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14-years-old in Santa Barbara, California.

Julio Miguel Gonzalez, a criminal illegal alien from Cuba convicted of homicide-willful kill in Miami, Florida.

Carlos Esqueda-Ortega, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico with multiple convictions including illegal re-entry after deportation, possession of controlled substance for sale, receiving stolen property, inflicting corporal injury of spouse/cohabitant, and felon/addict in possession of a firearm in Stockton, San Diego, Santa Rosa, and Manteca, California.

Jose Barrera-Bolanos, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of sexual assault of a child in Denver, Colorado.

Gustavo Benitez-Barrueta, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico convicted of possession of cocaine HCL with intent to distribute/sell in Austin, Texas.

New York State Announces $6.6 Million Available to Establish ‘Clubhouses’ Statewide

 

Funding from the FY 2026 State Budget to Establish Eight Programs to Serve Adults with Mental Health Challenges 

Member-Driven Support Programs Provide Access to Social Support, Life Skills Training, Employment Resources, and Sense of Community

The state Office of Mental Health today announced the availability of $6.6 million to markedly expand a community-based program that is providing crucial services and supports to New Yorkers living with mental health challenges. The funding will establish up to eight new Clubhouses in areas of the state outside of New York City, offering individuals social support, employment resources, and life skills training in a safe environment.

“New Yorkers who utilize Clubhouses can tap into vital support networks and strengthen their ties to the community while pursuing their own goals and dreams,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “This program is facilitating educational and vocational opportunities that participants can rely on as they continue their recovery and become more independent. Governor Kathy Hochul’s continued focus on expanding community-based programs like Clubhouses is demonstrating our collective resolve to build a stronger, more inclusive mental health system statewide.”

New or existing providers can apply for up to $551,175 annually for programs in rural counties; $956,765 annually for programs in suburban counties; and $1.45 million for programs in Erie, Monroe, and Westchester counties, which are considered urban. Funding for the program is over five years, with the goal of making two awards each in the Long Island, Hudson River, Central New York and Western New York regions, but only one in the urban counties.

Clubhouses are voluntary to participants and provide them with structure by focusing them on choice and self-determination. These programs offer collaboration with staff in all aspects of their operations, which fosters transparency, shared ownership, and belonging among participants.

Clubhouses must operate at least five days a week, plus offer routine recreational activities during evenings and weekends, and operate out of their own physical space. These programs are linked to improved quality of life, better self-esteem, lower hospitalization rates, and increased participation in employment.

The FY 2026 Enacted Budget signed by Governor Hochul included $8 million to establish new clubhouses and Youth Safe Spaces. The funding is part of $196 million in additional investments in strengthening the continuum of mental health care statewide.

Texas Man Charged with Providing Bomb Components and Funding to Individuals He Believed Were Involved with Foreign Terrorist Organization

 

An alleged ISIS sympathizer has been federally charged with an international terrorism offense after providing bomb components and money to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of a designated foreign terrorist organization.

“This case is a testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “ISIS’s poisonous ideology must be ripped out root and stem — anyone who tries to commit violence on ISIS’s behalf will be found, arrested, and prosecuted. You cannot hide from us.”

“Today’s announcement underscores the FBI’s commitment to combatting terrorism and demonstrates our continuous work to disrupt and thwart terrorist plots against the American public,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Let this serve as a warning to those who plan to conduct attacks against the United States on behalf of terrorist organizations – you will be brought to justice.”

“The increasing threats of harm and destruction in our country made by those aligned with violent ideologies must be stopped,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. “An alleged ISIS sympathizer has been federally charged with an international terrorism. This operation is but one example highlighting the necessity of vigilant observation and swift action to halt what could have been a devastating outcome. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to take prompt action against those attempting to carry out alleged terrorist missions.”

“The FBI worked alongside our law enforcement partners to quickly arrest an individual who intended to provide bomb making materials to a foreign terrorist organization,” said Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of FBI Dallas. “Protecting the Homeland is a top priority for the FBI. This arrest demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding our communities from terrorism.”

“Today’s charges illustrate that the threats of terrorism and extremist violence against our nation are still very real,” said Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch of the New York Police Department (NYPD). “The NYPD remains committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these networks at their source – before they can reach their murderous ends. And any person who puts American lives at risk will face justice and be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank our undercover investigators in the NYPD, as well as our law enforcement partners in the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their exceptional work on this case.”    

John Michael Garza, Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, was charged last week by federal complaint with the offense of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization after he brought various bomb-making materials to a meeting on Monday evening, Dec. 22, and gave them to an individual he allegedly believed was an ISIS “brother.” In reality, Garza met with an undercover agent. During the meeting, Garza described how to mix the components and offered to send an instructional video explaining how to build the bomb. Law enforcement agents arrested Garza shortly after he left the meeting.

According to the complaint, in mid-October 2025, an undercover New York City Police Department employee noticed a particular social media account — later determined to be Garza’s — that followed several other pro-ISIS accounts and wrote a comment on a pro-ISIS post. When the NYPD undercover engaged with Garza on social media, Garza described himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas. In their continuing conversations throughout November and December, Garza shared that he ascribed to the ISIS ideology and sent the undercover multiple official ISIS media releases. Garza paid the undercover small sums of cryptocurrency in November and December 2025, believing that he was supporting ISIS causes, including buying firearms and other materials. Examples of ISIS media releases that Garza provided included:

Photo of masked individual and another man standing in a gated area.

Photo of explosion in part of a building

Garza also allegedly shared a video depicting a suicide vehicle bombing. A screenshot of one bomb-making instructional video shared by Garza is below:

Still photo taken from video depicting masked and gloved individual prepared to assemble materials

As alleged, Garza began telling the undercover agent of his plans to buy materials to make explosives. Garza told him that he would buy the ingredients and agreed to meet with a second individual who Garza believed to support ISIS activities on Monday, Dec 22. At the meeting, Garza handed the FBI undercover several explosive components. As alleged, Garza explained how to mix the ingredients and surround them with nails, and he offered to send the undercover an instructional bomb-building video.

Garza appeared before a United States magistrate judge for his initial appearance on Dec. 23. A probable cause and detention hearing is scheduled for Dec. 30. If convicted, Garza faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office and the NYPD, with assistance by FBI’s New York Field Office, Dallas Police Department, Midlothian Police Department, and Euless Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Madeleine Case for the Northern District of Texas and DOJ Trial Attorney David Courchaine with the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Governor Hochul Expands State of Emergency Statewide in Response to Lake Effect Snow and High Winds

Lake Effect Snow To Continue Impacting Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York and North Country Regions Throughout the Week

Hazardous Travel Conditions With Near Whiteout Conditions Continue Tuesday, Especially in the Syracuse-Metro Area; New Yorkers in Affected Areas Should Avoid Travel and Work From Home if Possible

Non-Essential State Employees Who Live or Work in Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Wyoming, Oswego, Cayuga, Onondaga, Cortland, Madison, Wayne, Jefferson, Lewis and Oneida Counties Directed To Telecommute on Tuesday Where Possible

Several Road Closures and Empty Tractor Trailer and Tandem Bans Remain in Effect

More Than 7,500 Utility Workers Engaged in Damage Assessment, Response, Repair and Restoration Efforts

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today expanded New York’s State of Emergency statewide as an intense winter storm continues to impact much of Upstate New York. Following periods of ice and rain throughout the state during the overnight hours, a long duration lake effect snow system moved into the state Monday morning, with winds as high as 70 mph in Western New York causing whiteout conditions. This lake effect snow is expected to continue off the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario for the majority of the week, and while winds are expected to subside to 30-40 mph, whiteout conditions remain a possibility in parts of Western and Central New York on Tuesday, especially in the Syracuse-Metro area. New Yorkers in these areas should avoid all unnecessary travel, follow the direction of local authorities and telecommute whenever possible.

“As winter storms continue to impact several regions across Upstate New York, my message to New Yorkers remains the same: monitor local forecasts, avoid travel, and stay prepared,” Governor Hochul said. “Plow crews, emergency management teams and utility personnel continue to work to keep New Yorkers safe, and we stand ready to deploy additional resources anywhere they are needed throughout the storm.”

As storms progress throughout Monday, snowfall rates will increase. Off of Lake Erie, the heaviest snows will focus east to southeast of the lake, with the highest snow totals forecast for the Chautauqua Ridge area. Through Wednesday night, areas throughout the Chautauqua Ridge and southern Erie County could see between two and three feet of snow. Buffalo and points north could see more than a foot of snow. Snowfall rates will likely exceed 1.5 inches an hour and may reach three inches in certain locations at times.

Lake effect snow off of Lake Ontario will begin to shift south from Watertown across the Tug Hill Monday and begin to impact the Syracuse Metro-Area during the overnight hours. Through Wednesday night areas within the Tug Hill Plateau and the Syracuse Metro-Area could see between two and three feet of lake effect snow. Snowfall rates will likely exceed 1.5 inches an hour and may reach three inches an hour locally at times.

Strong winds will continue throughout the duration of these storms, with widespread 40–45 mph gusts expected and isolated gusts potentially reaching 50 mph. The strongest gusts are expected Tuesday morning and will decrease through the day Wednesday.

Tree damage and isolated power outages are possible where the strongest gusts occur. Gusty winds combined with snow are expected to create dangerous driving conditions with significantly limited visibility and the potential for snow squalls and/or blowing snow.

Due to these conditions, Governor Hochul directed all non-essential state employees who live or work in Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Niagaraand Wyoming Counties to be sent home at 10 a.m. Monday. On Tuesday, non-essential state employees who live or work in Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Wyoming, Oswego, Cayuga, Onondaga, Cortland, Madison, Wayne, Jefferson, Lewis and Oneida Counties are being directed to telecommute where possible.

Road closures are currently in place in the following areas:

• State Route 80 is closed in both directions between Pickle Hill Road and Spring Street in the town of Minden, Montgomery County due to trees on wires.
• State Route 266 is closed in both directions between Grand Island Boulevard to Sawyer Avenue in the town of Tonawanda, Erie County due to flooding.
• The Buffalo Skyway (State Route 5) is closed in both directions between I-190 to NY-179 in the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna, Erie County due to high winds.

An empty tractor trailer and tandem ban is in effect for the following roadways:

Thruway

• I-90 (Thruway) Exit 46 (Rochester – Corning – I-390) to Pennsylvania State Line
• I-190 (Niagara Thruway): From I-90 to Grand Island Bridge

DOT Highways

• I-190 (Niagara Expressway) from Grand Island Bridge to Lewiston-Queenstown Bridge
• I-290: From I-190 to I-90
• I-990: From I-290 to NY Route. 263 Millersport Highway
• NY Route 400: From I-90 to NY Route 16
• US Route 219: From I-90 to NY Route 39
• I-86: From PA Line to I-390

Numerous Winter Storm Warnings and Watches, Winter Weather Advisories, High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service. New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

DEC ANNOUNCES ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR “CLEANSWEEPNY” CHEMICAL COLLECTION PROGRAM

 

More than 645,500 Pounds of Chemicals, Pesticides, Paint, Oil, Flammable Liquids, and Other Hazardous Materials Collected During 2025

New Single-Day Collection Records Reached in Fall 2025 at Riverhead and Melville Sites

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced another record-breaking year for the CleanSweepNY program. More than 645,500 pounds of chemicals, including pesticides, paint, oil, flammable and nonflammable liquids, and other hazardous materials, were collected during 2025—the highest amount in the program’s 23-year history and an overall increase of 9.3% from the previous record collection year.  

“Programs like DEC’s CleanSweepNY continue to help discard unwanted or expired chemicals and pesticides while protecting public health and the environment,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Thanks to the continued support from Governor Hochul and investments from the Environmental Protection Fund, 2025 was another record-setting year for the CleanSweepNY program, with 343 participants disposing of more than 645,000 pounds of chemicals and helping support a toxic-free future for New York State.”  

CleanSweepNY helps promote a healthy and sustainable New York State by providing opportunities for proper disposal of unwanted and/or obsolete pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants, sanitizers, and antifoulants, as well as other covered wastes, including fertilizers, paint, primers, among others. These services are provided without cost to farmers, licensed pesticide applicators, municipalities, city and county agencies, colleges, pesticide businesses, and garden centers. The program was established by DEC in 2002 to promote proper waste separation and disposal practices of these potentially harmful chemicals, which may otherwise have been disposed of in landfills or other inappropriate ways, in order to reduce the potential for negative impacts to human health or the environment. 

During 2025, the following materials were collected by DEC for safe disposal: 

• 194,001 linear feet (36.7 miles) of light bulbs; 
• 3,164 aerosol containers; 
• 251,027 pounds of pesticides; 
• 168,142 pounds of paint - 
• 105,136 pounds of paint diverted to PaintCare for recycling. Learn more about paint recycling on DEC’s website; 
• 28,430 pounds of motor oil; 
• 117,587 pounds of flammable liquids (hand sanitizers, gasoline, etc.); and 
• 73,717 pounds of nonflammable liquids (antifreeze, etc.). 

Fall 2025 Collection Events 

During the week of October 28, CleanSweepNY events in New York City and Long Island collected approximately 340,997 pounds of pesticides and other hazardous chemicals from farmers, municipalities, businesses, schools, and other entities that registered to dispose of these products free of charge. The total collected for the full week surpasses the previous record set during spring 2025, with an overall increase of 53%. 

The program included collection events in Riverhead and Melville (Suffolk County), North Merrick (Nassau County), and Forest Park (Queens County) in collaboration with the New York State Department of Transportation and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. 

The Riverhead and Melville collection sites ranked first and second, respectively, in pounds collected in a single day in the 23-year history of the CleanSweepNY program. 

During the 4-day event, more than 160 participants dropped off a total of 110,421 pounds of pesticides, 105,268 pounds of paint, 12,573 pounds of motor oil, 57,086 pounds of flammable liquids like hand sanitizers and gasoline, 53,416 pounds of nonflammable liquids like antifreeze, and 1,822 aerosol containers. 

For more information about CleanSweepNY or to request a registration form for a future collection, visit the DEC website, email?cleansweep@dec.ny.gov, or call 518-225-8146.