MAYOR MAMDANI ANNOUNCES NEW COMMITMENT TO EXPAND ACCESS TO PUBLIC BATHROOMS

 

Mamdani Administration continues fast-paced, focused efforts to improve lives of working New Yorkers  

 

New commitment of $4 million to bring modular, high-quality public bathrooms to NYC 

 

Officials announce new public bathroom coming to West Harlem this year 

TODAY, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the city is launching a new program to expand access to public bathrooms across the city, committing $4 million to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for high-quality modular public restrooms. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) will release the RFP within the administration’s first 100 days in office, seeking bids to install public bathrooms at a lower cost and on a faster timeline than existing public bathroom installations. Similar projects in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Portland, and other cities have delivered restrooms within months at a fraction of the cost as New York’s prior public restroom projects, and thanks to this program, New Yorkers will be able to benefit from more widely available public restrooms too. 

 

Mayor Mamdani announced the new program on Saturday at 12th Avenue and St. Clair Place in West Harlem, where he and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin signed the final approvals for New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) to install a new public bathroom on the site later this year. 

 

“Everyone knows the feeling of needing a bathroom and not being able to find one. With this new commitment to public toilets, we're ensuring New Yorkers can travel through our city with a little less anxiety — starting today at 12th and St. Clair,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Our administration is proving that the government can get right to work to make progress for working people — and perform its essential civic ‘duty.’” 

 

“Making our streets the envy of the world means creating welcoming public spaces where New Yorkers are safe, can get where they’re going easily and with dignity, and feel cared for — yet today in New York it can feel impossible to find a public bathroom for our most basic needs,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Public restrooms improve the quality of life for everyone, especially our seniors, parents with young children, delivery workers, people with disabilities, and so many more.” 

 

“In the biggest city in the country, access to public bathrooms is basic infrastructure, not a luxury. When New Yorkers can’t find a restroom, it affects how they use our streets, parks, and public spaces, and ultimately whether they feel welcome in their own city,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “The City Council has been clear that this is a quality-of-life issue we can’t ignore, which is why we passed legislation to double the number of public restrooms by 2035. By working in partnership with Mayor Mamdani, we’re turning that commitment into action, and today’s announcement is an important step toward making it real for every New Yorker.” 

 

“Public toilets are a perfect example of how simple investments can make a real difference in how people experience our city. They allow New Yorkers to spend more time enjoying their neighborhoods, whether that means walking along the river, spending an afternoon in our parks, or supporting local businesses, without worrying about basic necessities,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani for supporting our office’s request to site an automatic public toilet in West Harlem at a strategic location that will improve riverfront access and make the neighborhood more welcoming and accessible, as well as to Speaker Menin for her strong support for projects like these across the city. When we approach our streetscapes with creativity and an open mind, we can make practical improvements that meaningfully enhance daily life for New Yorkers.” 

 

This commitment is a part of the Mamdani administration’s efforts to improve the public realm and to ensure New Yorkers can enjoy and travel around their city safely and with dignity. The new public restroom at 12th Avenue and St. Clair Place will be free to use, fully accessible, self-cleaning, and contain a water bottle filler.  

 

There are currently nearly 1,000 public restrooms in New York City, roughly 70% of which are in parks. This program will significantly grow the number of public restrooms elsewhere in the city, including public plazas – exponentially increasing the number of new restrooms that the city adds each year. City agencies including the New York City Department of Transportation will determine where the additional new facilities will be located. 

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Manhattan

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on January 8, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Manhattan.

At approximately 10:52 p.m., a man flagged down NYPD officers and pointed out a car stopped in traffic that had allegedly been involved in a motor vehicle collision. As the NYPD officers approached the stopped car, the driver got out of the car and allegedly pointed what appeared to be a gun at the officers. Officers discharged their service weapons, striking the man. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A pellet pistol was recovered at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.    

Governor Hochul Announces $68 Million Awarded to Assist Nearly 1,300 Households Across New York

Grant Funding Provided to Local Governments and Non-Profits That Assist Homeowners, Seniors, Veterans

Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York is investing more than $68 million to assist nearly 1,300 low-to-moderate income households across the state. The grants awarded through New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) provide individuals and families, including older adults and veterans, financial support to make accessibility upgrades, complete emergency repairs, replace manufactured homes, and receive rental assistance, as well as down payment assistance when purchasing a first home. Today’s announcement is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan which is on track to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“Addressing the housing crisis is about more than creating new places for people to live,” Governor Hochul said. “With this more than $68 million investment, we can help nearly 1,300 individuals and families make the repairs and upgrades that are necessary for them to remain safely and securely housed today and into the future.”

Awards by Region and Housing Units Impacted:

• Capital Region: $12,710,000 for 201 homes
• Central NY: $4,418,000 for 67 homes
• Finger Lakes: $2,645,000 for 42 homes
• Long Island, NYC: $2,800,000 for 105 homes
• Mid-Hudson: $5,874,135 for 85 homes
• Mohawk Valley: $6,229,828 for 151 homes
• North Country: $16,980,361 for 270 homes
• Southern Tier: $12,775,091 for 191 homes
• Western NY: $2,458,000 for 92 homes
• Combined regions: $1,650,000 for 72 homes

The awards are provided through State and federally funded programs: NYS HOME; NYS Community Development Block Grant; Access to Home; Access to Home for Heroes; Access to Home for Medicaid; Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement; and RESTORE.

HCR’s Office of Community Renewal provides the grant funding directly to municipalities and local non-profit organizations. Eligible households can then apply for assistance. Each program accepts applications in an annual competitive funding round. Potential beneficiaries should reach out to awardees serving a particular area to learn more about available grants.

A list of all awardees can be found at hcr.ny.gov/funding-awards.

• NYS HOME funds can be used to acquire and/or rehabilitate single-family housing, provide down payment assistance, replace dilapidated mobile and manufactured homes as well as provide tenant based rental assistance to households with incomes at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income.
• NYS Community Development Block Grant provides federal funds to help localities with projects that improve communities. Housing grants can be used to rehabilitate owner-occupied or renter-occupied homes, and private water/wastewater system assistance.
• Access to Home provides financial assistance to make homes accessible for persons with disabilities so that they can live safely in their residences or return to live in their residences instead of in an institutional setting.
• Access to Home for Heroes provides financial assistance to make homes accessible for veterans with disabilities.
• Access to Home for Medicaid provides financial assistance to make residential units accessible for Medicaid members with disabilities.
• Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement program helps homeowners replace dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes that are on land owned by the homeowner with a new manufactured, modular, or site-built home.
• RESTORE provides financial resources to assist older adults make emergency repairs and address code violations that pose a threat to their health and safety or affect the livability of the home.

 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 homes 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. Nearly 400 communities have received Pro-Housing certification.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

WELCOME 2026!

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

This week, Senator Rivera joined Assemblymember Tony Simone, colleagues and advocates at an emergency press conference at 26 Federal Plaza. Those in attendance strongly condemned the murder of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen who was fatally shot three times by an ICE agent in Minneapolis as she was driving away from a peaceful protest.

Senator Rivera condemned this horrific murder and urged the Legislature to pass the MELT Act, the Radar Act, and New York for All as soon as possible. Our communities are under attack and we have an obligation to protect each other with every legal tool we have.

Watch Senator Rivera's remarks at the press conference here. You can also watch his conversation with Yolanda Vazquez from Telemundo 47 here.

SENATOR RIVERA URGES NYS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO EXTEND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE CROSS BRONX FIVE BRIDGES PROJECT

This week, Senator Rivera sent a letter to the NYS Commissioner of Transportation Marie Therese Dominguez to extend the Environmental Assessment public comment period for the redevelopment of the Cross Bronx Expressway until March 10th. The current deadline is today.

Constituents and Community Board members were given a 6,000 page document to review in just 30 days during the holiday season, forcing experts and community members to quickly review and add comments to the document for a $900 million project that will deeply impact the South Bronx.

The Cross Bronx has caused too much damage in our borough for almost seven decades so it is only fair that we get this project right and ensure future generations in the South Bronx grow up in a safer and healthier environment.

Last month, Rebecca Lewis from City and State joined Senator Rivera and staff for a small business canvass in his district as part of his 'Know Your Rights' Small Business Outreach Program. During the canvass, Senator Rivera spoke with local businesses and constituents about their rights and distributed materials such as a 'Private: No Entry Without Warrant' signs and 'Know Your Rights' palm cards, which are available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. Our office will have one in Bangla soon!

The Senator wants to thank the New York Immigration Coalition for equipping his team with the tools to safely conduct this work, and to Rebecca Lewis and City & State for taking interest in covering such an important effort.

As we start the new year, Senator Rivera's team will resume efforts to provide our community the necessary tools in case they have an encounter with an ICE agent.

Read City and State article here.

SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

This week marked the start of the 2026 legislative year in Albany.

During the first day of session, Senator Rivera had the opportunity to greet advocates visiting the Capitol in support of the New York Health Act. This bill will be is the top priority for this legislative session along with making the wealthy pay their fair share.

Watch a short video from Senator Rivera celebrating the start of the 2026 legislative session here.

1/14/26: NEW YORK CITY CONTRACTING SUMMIT EVENT AT BARCLAYSCENTER: A NEW ERA FOR SMALL BUSINESS

On Wednesday, January 14, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will host their NYC Contracting Summit: A New Era for Small Business to widen opportunities for small businesses, by increasing access to M/WBE firms, across New York City. SBS wants to ensure constituents have the opportunity to learn about how doing business with government and other partners can fuel the growth of their business. SBS highlights: Every year NYC spends billions of dollars contracting with small businesses. 

Please find the link below or register HERE to RSVP for the event.

Event schedule of activities include:

• Networking with contracting agents from all levels of government
• Workshops providing a blueprint to finding opportunities, winning contracts and growing your company
• Free business resources, including on-site technical assistance, financing assistance, and capacity building programming

See below for more details and registration information.



Date:

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Time:

9 AM – 4 PM

Location:

Barclays Center

620 Atlantic Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11217

Directions

Dress Code:

Business Casual

Cost:

Free

Link to register: https://NYCContractingSummit.eventbrite.com/?aff=CommunityPartner

Note: Registration is NOT transferrable. Each person attending must complete a separate registration form.

Questions? Contact outreach@sbs.nyc.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.

NMIC HOSTS FREE TAX PREP! STARTING JANUARY 2026

THE HEAP BENEFIT IS SCHEDULED TO OPERATE THROUGH APRIL 7,2026

For more information, visit the: HEAP Webpage or consult Access HRA for benefits eligibility.

HOUSING COURT ANSWERS REMINDERS:

If you do not receive heat, you can call 311 to make a complaint. You can also take your landlord to court for repairs, otherwise known as HP Action (link for recent training). 

•   However, if you do utilize a space heater, here are a few safety tips.Unplug space heaters when not in use. Never leave space heaters unattended, especially around pets or children.
•   Do not use the heaters with broken, cracked, or loose plugs.
•   Space heaters should never be used to cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
•   Heaters must be at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
•   Avoid the cord becoming a tripping hazard.
•   Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords or power strips can overheat and cause fires.
•   Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
•   Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on furniture or carpets, which can overheat and start a fire.
•   Make sure your smoke alarm is working properly.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Team Rivera's 2025 Constituent Services Report

 

Senator Julia Salazar - Next Week's Food Drive

 

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., my office is partnering with AHRC New York City, The Arc, and City Meals on Wheels for a food drive to support our Brooklyn neighbors.

Next Monday-Thursday from 10am - 5pm, please donate non-perishable food items to our Bushwick office at 212 Evergreen Ave, Brooklyn, NY.

For any questions, please email teamsalazar@nysenate.gov.

More details below!