Team GrowNYC - For the Love of New York—thank you for showing up

 

The past few months have been a powerful reminder of what New Yorkers can do when we show up for one another.

More than 1,000 GrowNYC supporters stepped in with the same intention: to care for New York City and the people who call it home. Your generosity is showing up for our New York neighbors in real, tangible ways:

• Helping families and individuals put fresh food on the table

• Creating green spaces where kids and adults can learn and grow

• Standing with the small regional farmers who keep our food system strong

Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, shopped at a GrowNYC market, visited a community garden, shared a post, or cared enough to stay connected, you’re part of what makes GrowNYC possible.

As we head into the new year, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for our community that stands up for our city again and again.

Thank you for being here, for caring deeply, and for helping GrowNYC continue our work across all five boroughs.

With deep gratitude,

Team GrowNYC 

P.S. If you ran out of time to give before the end of the year, you can still donate today to help us start out 2026 strong!

Renderings Revealed for 70 Abendroth Avenue in Port Chester, New York

 

Renderings have been released for 70 Abendroth Avenue, a six-story residential building in downtown Port Chester, New York. Developed by The Hudson Companies, the project is slated to yield 203 residential units, including an affordable housing component. The project will also feature roughly 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, a community facility, and on-site parking. The project site is bounded by Adee Street to the northeast, Abendroth Avenue to the southeast, and North Main Street to the northwest.

The above street-level rendering looks southwest from the corner of Abendroth Avenue and Adee Street. The building will feature expansive floor-to-ceiling glass for the retail frontage, followed by a multifaceted massing incorporating a rounded corner above. The façade will be composed of a mix of red and light-gray brick surrounding a grid of large windows with protruding gray metal frames, along with multiple stacks of balconies. A setback at the sixth story is shown topped with a landscaped terrace.

The following rendering shows the full southeastern elevation along Abendroth Avenue. A garage entrance is visible toward the southern end of the ground floor.

The next two images preview the opposite northwestern elevation and street-level view along North Main Street, showing an expansive roof terrace at the fifth floor. The building’s varied massing and brickwork will create an impression of a more organic streetscape, blending with the low-rise character of the buildings abutting it.

Demolition began in the summer of 2024 on the structures at 27–45 North Main Street to make way for the development.

Ten percent of the 203 apartments will be dedicated to affordable workforce housing at 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). Human Development Services of Westchester is slated to occupy a portion of the ground-floor space.

The Hudson Companies recently closed on $66 million in construction financing for the project. The loan was provided by Truist Bank and arranged by Cushman & Wakefield’s John Alascio and Chuck Kohaut. The developer has also secured long-term tax incentives.

The property is within walking distance of the Port Chester Metro-North station, providing an approximately 40-minute commute to Midtown Manhattan.

70 Abendroth Avenue is expected to begin construction in the first quarter of this year. The project’s architect has yet to be disclosed.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on HHS' Overhaul Of U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule

 

“Yesterday's announcement by federal officials to dramatically overhaul our country's childhood vaccine schedule is incredibly alarming. The trump administration's legitimization of anti-vaccine conspiracies will increase the spread of highly contagious diseases, such as rotavirus and influenza, that have already caused a surge of hospitalizations this winter season. 



This change was done without transparency or exhaustive scientific research to back it up, and will create fear and confusion among parents whose first priority is to protect their children's health. Our country's broken healthcare system will exacerbate the impact of these changes and the herd immunity we need to protect high risk populations, infants and the elderly. 

It is reassuring that Governor Hochul and our state Department of Health are monitoring these developments closely and have clearly stated that this federal change will not directly impact New Yorker's ability to access vaccines for their children. As I said before, New York State must implement measures to protect New Yorkers from the threat of this administration that continues to dismiss decades of scientific research and knowledge. I will be working closely with my colleagues to pursue policies that address these challenges head on."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

To State Senator Gustavo Rivera, trump is spelled with a capital T as in Trump, got that State Senator rivera?

DEC ENCOURAGES VOLUNTEER CAMPGROUND AMBASSADORS TO SIGN UP FOR 2026 CAMPING SEASON

 

Volunteers Help Less-Experienced Campers Enjoy their Stay and Make Lasting Connections with the Outdoors

Applications Due by January 30, 2026 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the opening of the 2026 application period for the Campground Ambassador program to connect more New Yorkers with the outdoors. Like other campground host programs, volunteer Campground Ambassadors assist DEC campground staff in welcoming and assisting the millions of visitors who vacation in the Adirondack and Catskill parks each year. This program also complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.

“Providing exciting programming for our campers all season long is integral to the ongoing success of DEC's affordable Adirondack and Catskill campgrounds,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Campground Ambassadors assist DEC staff by enhancing the customer service experience at our facilities and conduct fun, educational, and meaningful activities. We look forward to welcoming back our seasoned campers and introducing new campers to everything our facilities have to offer.”   

Ambassadors aid in connecting campers and day users to nature through environmentally themed activities and programming. DEC is encouraging New Yorkers that are passionate about camping and the outdoors to help us introduce new campers to DEC facilities and other outdoor activities through this volunteer opportunity.   

Ambassadors will serve two weeks during DEC’s core camping season (July through Labor Day). In consideration for services provided, a campsite will be provided for the duration of their stay at one of the following participating locations:  

Catskills 

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground and Day Use Area  

North South Lake Campground and Day Use Area   

Adirondacks 

Ausable Point Campground and Day Use Area

Buck Pond Campground and Day Use Area

Cranberry Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Fish Creek Pond Campground and Day Use Area

Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area

Lewey Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Luzerne Campground and Day Use Area

Meacham Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Moffitt Beach Campground and Day Use Area

Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Northampton Beach Campground and Day Use Area

Rogers Rock Campground and Day Use Area 

To apply for the 2026 program please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DECAmb26 

Applications must be received by January 30, 2026.  

To view the full details of the program, please visit: 

https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/campground-ambassador or call 518-457-2500 x1.  

DEC operates 51 campgrounds and four day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. The summer camping season runs through the summer, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting season.  

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC's website and go to the Camping link under the Outdoor Recreation section, or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com

Justice Department Sues Arizona and Connecticut for Failure to Produce Voter Rolls

 

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced that it has filed federal lawsuits against the States of Arizona and Connecticut for failure to produce their full voter registration lists upon request. This brings the Justice Department’s nationwide total to 23 states and the District of Columbia.

“This Department of Justice has now sued 23 states for failing to provide voter roll data and will continue filing lawsuits to protect American elections,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Accurate voter rolls are the foundation of election integrity, and any state that fails to meet this basic obligation of transparency can expect to see us in court.”

“Accurate voter rolls are essential to ensuring that American citizens’ votes count only once, and only with other eligible voters,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to safeguarding fair and free elections, and will hold states accountable when they refuse to respect our federal elections laws.”

According to the lawsuits, the Attorney General is uniquely charged by Congress with the enforcement of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which were designed by Congress to ensure that states have proper and effective voter registration and voter list maintenance programs. The Attorney General also has the Civil Rights Act of 1960 (CRA) at her disposal to demand the production, inspection, and analysis of the statewide voter registration lists.

Governor Hochul Announces Opening of NY PLAYS Grant Opportunities to Expand Playgrounds Across New York

$67.5 Million Competitive Grant Program Will Support New and Renovated Public Playgrounds, Advancing Youth Wellness and Community Connection

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a new funding opportunity through the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative, a competitive grant program that will provide $67.5 million in capital funding to help municipalities and nonprofit organizations construct, expand and renovate public playgrounds for all abilities across New York State.

NY PLAYS is part of the Governor’s broader Unplug and Play Initiative, which encourages children and families to put down their devices and engage in outdoor recreation, physical activity and in-person social connection. Research shows that outdoor play supports physical health, emotional well-being and social development, and the NY PLAYS Initiative is designed to help communities advance safe, welcoming spaces where young people can learn, play, and thrive.

“Playgrounds are where kids build confidence, friendships, and lifelong healthy habits,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the NY PLAYS Initiative, we’re helping communities across New York create safe, inclusive outdoor spaces that support physical activity, emotional well-being and real human connection. By investing in playgrounds, we’re investing in the health and happiness of our children of all abilities and the strength of our neighborhoods.”

The NY PLAYS Initiative is overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Of the total funding available, not less than $35 million will be reserved for playground projects located in underserved communities, helping ensure equitable access to high-quality outdoor play spaces statewide.

Eligible municipalities and nonprofit organizations may apply for NY PLAYS grants ranging from $100,000 to $2.5 million for the acquisition, design, construction, major renovation or equipping of public playgrounds, along with other related capital costs necessary to complete a project. Grantees must demonstrate a 20 percent match toward total project costs. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply.

The NY PLAYS Request for Applications (RFA) and supporting materials will be available beginning January 6, 2026, on DASNY’s website at www.dasny.org/PLAYS. An informational webinar for potential applicants will be held on February 13, 2026. Applications will be accepted from May 4 through June 15, 2026.

Grant awards will be announced no earlier than August 3, 2026, following a competitive review process that evaluates project readiness, community need, public benefit and overall impact. To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate site control, provide detailed project budgets with supporting documentation, and show evidence of committed matching funds. Nonprofit organizations must obtain prequalification status through New York State’s Statewide Financial System (SFS) prior to submitting an application. Detailed information on SFS prequalification can be found at grantsmanagement.ny.gov/get-prequalified.

 Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play Initiative

The Governor’s Unplug and Play Initiative supports investments that encourage outdoor recreation, physical activity, and community connection across New York State. To date, the initiative has delivered significant statewide impact through multiple capital programs, including the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) Initiative, which has awarded $200 million to 57 projects across New York State, and the Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS) program, which has awarded $100 million to 30 community center projects. Together, these investments reflect the Governor’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality recreational infrastructure that strengthens neighborhoods and improves quality of life.

Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl

 

A Dominican man pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Marcos Alcantara Hernandez, 30, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled Hernandez’s sentencing for April 6, 2026.

According to the charging documents and statements made in court, in May 2021, Hernandez conspired with Kevin Rodriguez and others to sell approximately 500 grams of fentanyl to a customer in New Hampshire. On May 19, 2021, a DEA cooperating source (“CS”) negotiated the sale of fentanyl with an individual the CS knew as “NH Dude.” After the CS and “NH Dude” reached an agreement on the quantity, price, and location of the sale, Hernandez coordinated with Rodriguez and others to obtain the drugs from a supplier. After Rodriguez obtained the fentanyl, Hernandez texted Rodriguez the meet location in Portsmouth and followed Rodriguez to New Hampshire where Rodriguez sold the drugs to the CS.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance carries a sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration, not less than 3 years of supervised released, and a fine up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Hits the Streets with ICE Agents on Major Minneapolis Enforcement Operation to Arrest Criminal Illegal Alien Murderer and Sexual Predator Released Into the Country by the Biden Administration

Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem participated in an immigration enforcement operation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers that resulted in the arrest of Tomas Espin Tapia, a fugitive wanted for murder in Ecuador and sexual predator. 

Tomas Espin Tapia, a criminal illegal alien from Ecuador, illegally entered the United States on October 23, 2022, and was RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration. His criminal history includes an active warrant in Ecuador for murder and an active warrant for sexual assault in Connecticut. He also has previous convictions in Ecuador for robbery and extortion. He was issued a final order of removal by an Immigration Judge on February 28, 2025 after he failed to show up for his immigration hearing.

Tomas Espin Tapia

“Under President Trump, we will expose and deliver accountability for the rampant fraud and criminality happening in Minnesota. You won’t steal from Americans or break our laws and get away with it,” said Secretary Noem. “Another murderer and sexual predator off of Minneapolis’s streets thanks to ICE. We just arrested this criminal illegal alien from Ecuador who has an active warrant for murder in Ecuador and a warrant for sexual assault in Connecticut. He was convicted of robbery and extortion in Ecuador.”

DHS has surged law enforcement and has already made more than 1,000 arrests of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members in Minnesota. Just yesterday more than 150 illegal aliens were arrested in Minneapolis.