New York State Launches Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program in Six Counties

Pilot Program to Address PFAS in Private Wells

Dutchess and Putnam County Residents Can Now Apply; Orange, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester to Launch in Coming Months

Program is the Most Recent Action Taken by New York State to Address PFAS in Drinking Water and Communities

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced residents in Dutchess and Putnam Counties who get their drinking water from private wells can apply for free per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing. If mitigation is necessary, they will be eligible for a rebate to install a PFAS water treatment system or connect to a public water supply. The New York State Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program, helping fulfill the Governor’s 2025 State of the State commitment, will also be accepting applications in Orange, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester over the coming months.

“My administration is committed to protecting the health of New Yorkers by tackling emerging contaminants in drinking water,” Governor Hochul said. “As we continue to learn more about the adverse health effects of PFAS, New York State is taking unprecedented steps to protect our communities. We’re working with counties to address PFAS and provide peace of mind for private well users including those in small and disadvantaged communities.”

The New York State Department of Health, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), has budgeted $1.5 million per county to support this pilot project. These funds will support a limited number of participants in six counties selected for the pilot because they have large numbers of private wells and a higher likelihood of PFAS contamination.

The program will begin accepting testing applications from Dutchess and Putnam County private well users on March 9. Applications will open in the other counties in the pilot as contracts with those counties are finalized.

Eligible participants can have their private well tested for PFAS at no cost. If PFAS test results indicate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels at or above the current New York State public drinking water standards of 10 parts per trillion (or nanograms per liter), participants can apply for a rebate once the water treatment project is complete. Participants can receive up to $5,000 for a PFAS water treatment system or up to $10,000 to connect to a public water supply. Information about rebate eligibility can be found on the Department of Health’s website.

Once the pilot is officially launched in each participating county, private well owners will be able to apply through the Department of Health's website. The application period will remain open while funding is available. Those interested in applying should visit health.ny.gov/PrivateWellPFAS for updates regarding application acceptance windows for their participating county. Completed applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.

New York’s Commitment to Addressing PFAS

New York State was one of the first states to develop enforceable public drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS. State and County health departments continue taking robust actions to prevent health risks and reduce exposure in public drinking water.

Since 2017, New York State has invested billions of dollars for public water and sewer infrastructure, including projects that address emerging contaminants in water. Governor Hochul is proposing another $3.75 billion commitment, bringing total investments in public water and sewer infrastructure to nearly $10 billion dollars since 2017.

As part of the State’s efforts to address the sources of PFAS, Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State directed DEC to develop draft regulations to instruct landfills to treat leachate for harmful contaminants at the source before discharge and provide funding for local governments to comply. DEC also recently announced several significant actions and resources to protect, educate, and assist New York communities in addressing PFAS. DEC released a progress report detailing New York State’s leadership in addressing PFAS and a new study detailing the presence of PFAS on the landscape. In addition, DEC finalized important wastewater treatment plant guidance that protects drinking water and other surface waters and has proposed new policies directing DEC’s actions in PFAS investigations and sampling of biosolids products. DEC held a series of virtual meetings in early 2026 about ongoing actions and key priorities to address PFAS contamination and protect New York communities. Stay up to date about these initiatives by visiting: dec.ny.gov/pfas.

Private Well Testing for Other Contaminants

This private well pilot program focuses on PFAS, which is more costly to test and address compared to other contaminants. The Department of Health reminds private well owners to regularly test wells for bacteria at least once a year, and other contaminants every three to five years, to ensure water is suitable for household use.

For more information on private well testing and maintenance visit health.ny.gov/Privatewells.

Learn more about New York’s Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Pilot Program at health.ny.gov/PrivateWellPFAS. 

650 Southern Boulevard Progresses in Longwood, The Bronx

 

Exterior work is progressing on 650 Southern Boulevard, a nine-story mixed-use building in Longwood, The Bronx. Designed by IMC Architecture and developed by Jerome Development Corp., the 111-foot-tall structure will house a 74,000-square-foot in-patient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility with 54 rooms. The project will also include commercial space. The property is located between Avenue St. John and Legett Avenue.

The steel-framed superstructure stands topped out and shrouded in scaffolding and black netting as crews work to install the façade and window grid. A hoist is attached to the rear southern profile.

650 Southern Boulevard. Photo by IMC Architecture.

The above aerial rendering shows the northern elevation of the structure, which will feature a setback at the sixth story topped with a terrace. The façade will be composed of white brick surrounding a grid of rectangular windows in a basket weave pattern, while the lot-line walls will be clad primarily in gray EIFS. Three bulkheads will sit atop the flat roof.

The following street-level view offers a closer look at the recessed entrance and the façade’s weave pattern, which is accentuated by the alternating use of soldier and stretcher brick layouts.

The site was formerly occupied by a one-story religious facility, as seen in the below Google Street View image from before its demolition. Joel Leifer of Jerome Development purchased the property from Richard Pogostin for $3.25 million in September 2023. The former industrial lot then underwent a $2.5 million environmental remediation prior to the start of construction.

The nearest subway from the ground-up development is the 6 train at the East 149th Street station.

650 Southern Boulevard’s anticipated completion date is slated for summer 2026.

Governor Hochul Announces Statewide St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Enforcement and Education Campaign

Statewide Mobilization To Run March 9 Through March 17

Law Enforcement To Increase Road Patrols and Underage Drinking Enforcement

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State Police and local law enforcement patrols will be increased through St. Patrick’s Day to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving. This annual traffic safety enforcement period will begin on Monday, March 9, and run through Tuesday, March 17. 

"As Governor, there is no greater commitment than my promise to make our state safer for all, and I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for their commitment to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Impaired driving is completely preventable, especially in the age of ride share services, taxis and technology such as the ‘Have a Plan’ app. We have zero tolerance for drunk, drugged or reckless driving — all of which make our streets less safe — and we will be relentless in the pursuit of removing irresponsible and dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Impaired driving can destroy your life. Not only are you putting yourself and others on the roadways in danger, you are also risking a felony arrest, the loss of your driver’s license and costly legal fees. Having a plan for a safe ride saves lives. It’s simple, designate a sober driver to get home.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “State Police and local law enforcement will be vigilant as always, intercepting drunk drivers throughout the state this St. Patrick's Day. Driving is a privilege, not a right. The goal is to ensure that people think twice before drinking and getting behind the wheel.  We will continue to work with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to keep New York’s roads the safest in the nation by educating and reminding people to plan ahead.”

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) funds the annual mobilization. In addition to DWI checkpoints, law enforcement officers will increase roving patrols during the enforcement period to watch for speeding and distracted drivers and those violating the state’s ‘Move Over Law.’ New York State Police also will conduct checks at retail establishments to target underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors during the campaign. 

During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement operation, officers statewide arrested 1,224 people for DWI, issued 10,314 tickets for speeding and issued 55,661 tickets in total. 

Impaired driving can result in jail time, the loss of a license, a higher insurance rate, and dozens of unanticipated expenses. Charges related to impaired driving carry fines of up to $10,000. 

The New York State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) asks you to commit to following these easy steps, so you can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road. 

• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night. 
• Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home. 
• If you're impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely. 
• Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home. 
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life. The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation's "Have a Plan" mobile app, is available for Apple and Android smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to report a suspected impaired driver. 

New Yorkers struggling with 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).    

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR ZOHRAN KWAME MAMDANI ON PROTESTS OUTSIDE OF GRACIE MANSION

 

Today, in response to yesterday’s protests outside of Gracie Mansion, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement:  

Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are. 

What followed was even more disturbing. Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are. 

I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe. Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day. 

My administration is closely monitoring the situation and I remain in close contact with our Police Commissioner.

Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.'s Job Fair is BACK!

 

Friends,

There is still time to sign up for our Job Fair Expo on March 21st, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at MS 80. Whether you are a recent graduate, looking for a career change, or seeking a new opportunity, this is the place to speak with experts and connect with organizations looking for talented, qualified individuals in our community.

To register, please use the QR code in the flyer below or click here.

Job Fair Details:

When: March 21, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: MS 80 - (149 E. Mosholu Parkway)

Please bring copies of your résumé and be ready to step into your future career.

If you have any questions, please contact our office at 718-409-0109 or email district80@nyassembly.gov.

Looking forward to seeing you at our March Job Fair Expo!

Yours truly,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US: Women`s History Month Celebration

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Tuesday March 10th Meeting

 

Our confirmed special guest for Tuesday March 10 Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association meeting at Bronx House located at 990 Pelham Parkway South Bx NY 10461 will be NeighborHood Shopp with a presentation and also advise us the many services they provide. We start promptly at 7:00 pm.

This meeting they will focus on the signs of Elder Abuse/ Violence Intervention & Prevention Program.Please join us for this important meeting

Wave Hill Weekly Events (Mar 12 – Mar 19) | Your Desert Survival Guide: Cacti & Succulent 101

Spring is hinting towards its nearness with a warm weekend breeze. The gardens Conservatory rises to the occasion in setting the scene and giving us a preview of the season to come. Stop by during Conservatory Day and chat with our garden experts, learn about greenhouses, and even adopt your very own plant!   

 

Nature & Wellness 

 

Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, Mar 15, 1:00PM – 1:30PM    

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.    

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide; each walk varies with the Guide leading it.  

 

Art 

 

Winter Workspace 2026 

January 5  –  April 12 | All Day    

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.    

This year, the Winter Workspace program consists of two back-to-back, seven-week sessions, in which New York area artists research, develop, and make work informed by the site, ecology and history of Wave Hill. Artists are encouraged to engage with the site’s history, architecture, and visitors while expanding their practices using resources from the garden  

 

Family 

 

Family Art Project: Desert Dwellers 

Sat, Mar 14, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Sun, Mar 15, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Free with admission to the grounds     

Registration not required.    

Inspired by Wave Hill's Cactus and Succulent House, explore the plants that grow in warmer places. Learn how life survives harsh conditions by painting prints of these resilient cacti.  

 

HOURS STARTING MARCH 15: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday  

Shuttle Service free from Subway and Metro-North, Saturday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.