Attorney General James and NYPD Commissioner Tisch Announce Takedown of Drug Trafficking Operation in Queens

 

Investigation Recovered More Than $93,000 and Nearly Three Kilograms of Cocaine

Defendants Sold Cocaine Near Public Elementary School in Queens

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica Tisch today announced the arrests and indictments of two individuals for their roles in a drug trafficking operation that illegally trafficked cocaine in Queens. A 65-count indictment unsealed today charges Jason Alvarez of Queens, 47, and Christopher Sanchez of Brooklyn, 43, with possessing and selling cocaine. An investigation, led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) revealed that Sanchez supplied Alvarez with cocaine, which Alvarez sold near the grounds of an elementary school in Queens. The investigation recovered approximately three kilograms of cocaine and more than $93,000 in cash.

“Dismantling dangerous drug operations is critical to keeping our communities safe,” said Attorney General James. “Jason Alvarez and Christopher Sanchez put school children and their neighbors at risk by selling cocaine near an elementary school. We are shutting down their drug trafficking operation and I thank all our partners in law enforcement for their collaboration in this investigation.” 

“These two defendants showed a complete disregard for children’s safety – selling drugs near an elementary school, and in one case, even bringing the defendant’s own children along during a drug drop,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “After a 17-month joint investigation, we have now dismantled this drug trafficking operation, recovering approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine and more than $93,000 in cash. I thank our NYPD investigators, law enforcement partners, and the New York Attorney General’s Office for their work throughout this case and their commitment to protecting New Yorkers from dangerous narcotics trafficking.”

Today’s takedown was the result of a joint investigation between OCTF and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), NYPD, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the New York State Police (NYSP). The investigation spanned 17 months and included hundreds of hours of physical and covert surveillance, analysis of voluminous electronic evidence, including cell phone data, GPS data, and other traditional investigative methods.

The investigation revealed that from December 2024 to October 2025, Alvarez sold cocaine near the grounds of a public elementary school – P255 at PS 908Q – located on 38th Avenue in Queens. Through physical and covert surveillance, investigators determined that Sanchez stored and prepared cocaine in a garage that he co-owned on Lincoln Avenue in Brooklyn, and supplied Alvarez with this cocaine for resale. During at least one occasion, Sanchez brought his two children to a meeting to supply Alvarez with cocaine. Forensic analysis of cell phones belonging to Alvarez and Sanchez revealed that the two communicated via text messages, WhatsApp messages, and FaceTime. A search warrant on the Brooklyn garage resulted in the seizure of numerous kilogram presses, electronic scales, and narcotics adulterant – substances added to dilute the potency of narcotics and increase the amount of product that can be sold to increase profit. 

During the execution of search warrants in October 2025, Sanchez attempted to evade law enforcement by driving away in his personal vehicle, causing a member of the investigative team to jump out of the way to avoid being struck. Sanchez then abandoned his vehicle, threw a kilogram of cocaine into the trunk of a parked vehicle, and continued to flee on foot, discarding his outer clothing in an attempt to disguise himself, before being apprehended in a nearby clothing store by members of the investigative team. The team later recovered the kilogram of cocaine that Sanchez tossed into the parked car.

The search warrants also resulted in the recovery of $93,831 in alleged narcotics proceeds and additional quantities of cocaine from various locations associated with Sanchez and Alvarez, including Alvarez’s apartment, Sanchez’s home in Queens, and Sanchez’s garage in Brooklyn.

Bags of cocaine seized in the investigation

Bags of narcotics adulterant

The kilogram of cocaine that Sanchez tossed into the parked car.

The indictment, unsealed today before Queens County Supreme Court Judge Toni Cimino, charges Sanchez and Alvarez with multiple crimes, including Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (a Class A-I Felony), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Second Degree, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in or near School Grounds, and Conspiracy in the Second Degree, among other charges. If convicted, Alvarez faces a maximum of 24 years in prison. Sanchez faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.     

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

“Today’s indictments expose an alleged cocaine trafficking operation that pushed poison into our communities just steps from an elementary school in Queens in the very place where parents should feel their children are safest,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “As alleged, conducting drug deals near where kids play, converting a Brooklyn garage into a clandestine drug mill, and attempting to flee law enforcement in a manner that endangered both investigators and the public represent a direct threat to our neighborhoods, our families, and our shared sense of security.”

“The arrest of these two individuals who choose to traffic and distribute cocaine near an elementary school underscores the grave danger these traffickers pose to our children and our community,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “In one particularly disturbing instance, one of the individuals arrested brought his own children to a drug transaction, exposing them to the very criminal activity that destroys lives and families. Illicit drugs have no place in our homes, nor near our schools, and we will continue to target those who compromise the health and safety of our communities, especially our most vulnerable.”

“Today’s arrests and indictments are the result of an aggressive strategy to stop illegal drug trafficking and keep cocaine and other deadly substances off our streets,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “The coordination, cooperation, and investigative persistence of the law enforcement agencies responsible for intercepting these acts is imperative. We will continue to work with our partners to disrupt the supply of dangerous drugs in our communities and put those responsible behind bars.”

The investigation was led by HSI New York's Homeland Security Task Force Strategic Interdiction Group, alongside NYPD Detective Robert Locher, under the supervision of NYPD Sergeant Joseph DeCandia, Lieutenant Timothy Burke, and Captain Matthew Gorman under the overall supervision of Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

For OAG, the investigation was led by OCTF Detectives Fernando Espindola and Robert Geary, under the supervision of OCTF Acting Supervising Detective Shavaun Clawson, Assistant Chief Ismael Hernandez, and Deputy Chief Andrew Boss, with special assistance from the detective specialists from the OAG Special Operations Unit, led by Deputy Chief Sean Donovan. The Attorney General’s Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

Governor Hochul Joins NYPD to Announce Expanded Bronx Patrols and Highlight Citywide Summer Crime-Fighting Efforts

Governor Hochul: "We've invested $3 billion at the state level in fighting crime. Often it's the technology, crime fighting, license plate readers, whether it's drone technology, or even something like enhancing patrols on the subways… $77 million more in funding for NYPD to be able to protect our subways.”

Hochul: “So these are the changes we're making in Albany. We had a focus on the repeat offenders, our discovery laws, the bail laws… You can complain about a late budget, but everything I'm talking about happened in a late budget. So I'll take a late budget any day — prefer on time — but if that's what gets these streets safer and gives our police commissioner and our DAs and others the tools they need, then I'll be on the front lines of that as well. So, it's about partnerships.”

Thank you, Mayor. You know, in order to keep this city safe, it is absolutely incumbent upon its leaders to be real partners in fighting crime. And I thank the Mayor and his extraordinary police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, for all of us working together toward one objective – making this the safest summer that we've ever seen. And I'm really proud of your announcements, Mayor. They make common sense improvements and changes. I want to hear, I’m here to tell you how much I appreciate that. Also, it's an opportunity for me to come out and tell the men and women of NYPD how grateful I am for them every single day for showing up on the job, putting their lives on the line. And here, you heard it, the largest decline in crime was in one borough. The largest was in this borough, right here in the Bronx.

I'm really, really excited to know that because I'm reminded of a time when I came here just a few years ago when there was a huge surge in crime across the state, across the nation, in fact, but the Bronx seemed to be hardest hit. And I remember walking with some leaders in a business district, a business improvement district, and stopping into a little bakery. And the owner said, "Retail theft has gotten so bad that I just leave my cash drawer open because they're coming in, they may be getting arrested, they get an appearance ticket, and they're literally back the next day." And I took that story to Albany, and I said, "We have to do more. We have to look at the laws that are allowing this to happen. We have to look at the crimes, the sanctions we have for retail theft, and aggregate crimes together so more can be treated as felonies to stop these crime rings." And I've been tracking these numbers closely. Here in the Bronx, retail theft alone is down 20%, not since that time, but literally since last year. So I want to thank the people who are making this happen on the ground. I'll continue to be a partner in driving the message in Albany that we have to do more to help our district attorneys. We have unprecedented funding for our district attorneys on retail theft and a whole series of crimes. People like Darcel Clark on the front lines helping protect our neighbors. I want to thank her and all the others who've joined us here today. But I just want to say a couple more things.

We've invested $3 billion at the state level in fighting crime. Often it's the technology, crime fighting, license plate readers, whether it's drone technology, or even something like enhancing patrols on the subways. We saw this not long ago. Started making some progress on the subways, but spring hit, and all of a sudden there was a spike. We cannot tolerate a spike in this because all of a sudden it goes back to that time when people are starting to feel unease. Is it safe to let my child take the subway to high school? Is it safe to go to a doctor's appointment if you're a senior citizen? The subway has to be safe. So we invested in people, we put in more resources, and I'm proud in the budget that we're just, in my opinion, is done, but they're just still voting on it. $77 million more in funding for NYPD to be able to protect our subways.

Lastly, I also know that there's been a spike in ghost guns. You know what ghost guns are? Someone can literally have a 3D-printer in their kitchen and create a gun that is undetectable, obviously never registered, and use that with a little device they make – it's this big – to have it be an enhancement to a gun that is capable of having 1,300 rounds per minute. That is a weapon of mass destruction. We'll be the first state in the nation to say we are banning the sale of those products in our stores. You cannot sell a 3D-printer in New York that can be enabled to create these weapons of destruction. So these are the changes we're making in Albany. We had a focus on the repeat offenders, our discovery laws, the bail laws. And I'm just getting one more editorial comment here. You can complain about a late budget, but everything I'm talking about happened in a late budget. So I'll take a late budget any day – prefer on time – but if that's what gets these streets safer and gives our police commissioner and our DAs and others the tools they need, then I'll be on the front lines of that as well. So, it's about partnerships.

I know we're in for a heck of a summer because we've got the World Cup. Have you heard about this? It's a big event. Big event. We will have a lot of events together. America 250, we are so happy to host the world to come and see the birth of our democracy play out in reenactments and events across the state. Sail 250. So our police officers are going to be so busy. You can count on the state of New York to be your ally and your partner to continue the work that's being done here on the streets, to be an ally to help make sure that we all do what we want to do. We'd rather prevent crimes than have to solve crimes. Thank you very much.

Well, I'll introduce you. It is an honor to introduce you because your reputation has spread across our nation in terms of someone who has the common sense approach and the leadership skills to protect the largest, most diverse city in this country. So ladies and gentlemen, it's a huge point of pride for me to introduce our Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch.

 

STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR UNVEILS “FEE RELIEF ACT” TO END SKYROCKETING INTEREST ON FINES

 

LANDMARK BILL HALTS SKY-HIGH INTEREST ON UNPAID FEES, FINES, AND TOLLS, PROTECTING NEW YORKERS FROM FINANCIAL FREEFALL

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar today announced the introduction of the Fee Relief Act (A10912), sweeping legislation to protect New Yorkers and their hard-earned money from penalties that transform a few hundred dollars in unpaid State fees, tolls, or fines into crippling debt in the tens of thousands.

Rajkumar’s bill takes direct aim at astronomical interest rates and service fees on such debts, which quickly exceed the cost of the original amount owed. Such debt may not even be the result of intentional nonpayment, but stem from State errors such as misreading a car’s license plate or pursuing the former owner of a vehicle. Compounding the problem, interest can begin accruing after just 30 days, before someone may even discover they owe anything. If left unpaid long enough, the debt could even become a criminal matter.

Horror stories have included drivers racking up $20,000 to $100,000 over a few thousand dollars in tolls unpaid due to issues like a defective E-ZPass, a transponder not matching the plate registered, or tolls not paid by a relative who used the car. In one especially alarming case, a Brooklyn man saw his home foreclosed on due to owing $20,000 for $600 in unpaid water bills.

The Fee Relief Act ends these debt traps by setting reasonable limits on penalties. The bill caps interest to just above the rate of inflation, eliminates collection fees, and requires a full year before interest accrues.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “Right now, New Yorkers who are doing everything right are still getting crushed by a system where small debts spiral into life-altering burdens. A $200 ticket can become thousands of dollars before you even know it exists. That’s not debt collection: that’s extortion. The government should never profit from confusion or delay.  This changes with my Fee Relief Act. My bill puts the brakes on runaway interest, ends these unfair fee escalations, and ensures that working families can pay what they owe without being buried by it. It’s time we stop letting debt grow faster than people’s ability to get back on their feet.”

Mamdani Administration Advances First Neighborhood Plans for White Plains Road in the Bronx and South of Prospect Park in Brooklyn

 

First neighborhood plans advanced by the Mamdani administration will focus on key corridors in the Bronx and Brooklyn  

  

Community engagement led by City Planning will shape proposals for housing, neighborhood investments and economic growth  

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Sideya Sherman announced the City will advance neighborhood plans in the North Bronx and the communities south of Prospect Park in Brooklyn.   

  

Centered on White Plains Road in the Bronx and Coney Island and McDonald avenues in Brooklyn – transit-rich corridors constrained by outdated zoning rules – the plans aim to create urgently needed housing, including permanently affordable housing, support job growth and deliver long-overdue neighborhood investments.   

  

DCP will conduct community engagement in the coming months to help shape rezoning and investment proposals in partnership with City Council Land Use Chair Kevin Riley and Council Members Eric Dinowitz, Shahana Hanif, Rita Joseph, Farah Louis and Simcha Felder. The Mamdani administration will advance additional planning initiatives in the coming weeks.  

  

“New Yorkers are being pushed out of the neighborhoods they built because our city has spent decades refusing to build enough housing where people actually want and need to live,” said Mayor Mamdani. “These plans are about changing that. Along major transit corridors in the Bronx and Brooklyn, we have an opportunity to build more homes, create permanently affordable housing, support small businesses and invest in public spaces and infrastructure that communities deserve. And we are going to do it with New Yorkers leading the process every step of the way.”  

  

“As we work to usher in a new era of housing across our city, neighborhood plans will be a powerful tool for working with communities to deliver housing, jobs, investments and neighborhood improvements. I’m looking forward to identifying priorities, developing these plans, and envisioning what's possible together with partners in the Bronx and Brooklyn,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning. “We’ll continue looking for opportunities to deliver the housing New Yorkers need, whether through land use changes, direct investment or other policies.” 

  

“Transit-rich areas saddled by outdated zoning, White Plains Road and the neighborhoods south of Prospect Park are exactly the kinds of places where thoughtful planning can deliver more affordable homes, stronger commercial corridors, and public investments to address community needs,” said DCP Director Sideya Sherman. “Working alongside local elected officials and the people who live, work, and spend time here, we are thrilled to begin a community-driven process to plan for equitable growth that supports more affordable and livable neighborhoods.”  

   

“Thoughtful, community-driven planning is essential to understanding how we can better meet the evolving needs of neighborhoods across our borough,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “As this process moves forward, it is important that community conversations remain focused on affordable housing, economic opportunity, infrastructure improvements, and the needs of Bronx residents. We look forward to robust community engagement efforts that ensure residents have a meaningful voice throughout the process, and I look forward to working  with Councilmember Eric Dinowitz and Councilmember Kevin Riley, the NYC Department of City Planning, and community stakeholders to help shape proposals that reflect the needs and priorities of the North Bronx community.”  

  

“For a year, our office has worked closely with the Department of City Planning, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, community stakeholders, residents, and small business owners on the White Plains Road Neighborhood Plan to ensure this process reflects the voices and priorities of the people who live and work here every day,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “I want to thank Mayor Mamdani and his administration for prioritizing this important planning effort and recognizing the need for proactive, community-driven investment in the Northeast Bronx. White Plains Road has long served as a vital corridor and central hub for the Northeast Bronx, and this work is about building on the strength of the community by creating a more community-centered and accessible corridor, one that expands housing opportunities, strengthens small businesses and the local economy, improves public spaces and infrastructure, increases affordability, and creates a safer, higher quality of life for residents and future generations alike. I look forward to continuing this partnership alongside our communities as we move this vision forward, not only for the Bronx, but as part of the broader work needed to build a more affordable, accessible, and livable New York City for all.”  

   

“We know that White Plains Road needs more investment, but how we get there makes all the difference. This community-driven process must deliver truly affordable housing, protect the small businesses that are on this corridor, and ensure that longtime residents benefit from future development. I will be focused on making sure this plan gets that balance right,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz.  

White Plains Road Plan     

The White Plains Road Plan will build on community planning work conducted in close partnership with Council Members Riley and Dinowitz. The plan focuses on a key, transit-accessible corridor in the North Bronx and intersecting commercial streets that are currently dominated by one- and two-story strictly commercial buildings and have seen little new housing development, particularly affordable housing.   

  

The plan will build on recent community engagement efforts, including in-person events and the online Voice to Vision tool, where residents identified affordability concerns, public realm needs and economic challenges facing the corridor.   

  

Over the next year, the City will work with residents to develop a community-driven proposal that updates zoning to encourage more housing, requires income-restricted affordable homes, supports small businesses and economic development, improves neighborhood infrastructure and enhances public spaces.   

  

Community engagement will begin with a neighborhood “walkshop” in June, followed by the release of a zoning concept map later this year. The study area includes White Plains Road from Adee Avenue to the Bronx-Mount Vernon border, along with portions of Gun Hill Road and East 233rd Street.  

  

South of Prospect Plan 

The South of Prospect Plan is a new initiative focused on portions of Coney Island and McDonald avenues in neighborhoods south of Prospect Park, stretching roughly from Caton Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway to Avenue I.   

  

Along these corridors, outdated single-use zoning has limited new housing and job growth, worsened affordability pressures and prioritized auto-oriented uses despite strong public transit access.   

  

Announced in partnership with Council Members Joseph, Hanif, Louis and Felder, the South of Prospect Plan aims to support more transit-oriented, mixed-use development with permanent affordable housing, expand jobs and services and investments in the public realm.   

  

The planning effort will also help the City and surrounding communities prepare for the MTA’s future Interborough Express (IBX), which will serve the area.   

  

The plan launches with a new online survey, and DCP will hold a series of public engagement events in coming months that will inform a zoning concept map scheduled for release next year.  

OASAS RELEASES NEW FACT SHEET TO EDUCATE NEW YORKERS ON THE IMPACTS OF KRATOM AND 7-OH

 

Kratom is Unregulated, and not FDA-approved 

It Can Cause Effects that Mimic Other Substances Like Stimulants and Opioids

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) released a new fact sheet to educate New Yorkers about kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. Kratom is legal substance, however is not FDA-approved to treat any medical conditions, while 7-OH is the natural breakdown product of kratom’s primary psychoactive chemical, mitragynine.

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency classifies kratom as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern” because of its sedative effects and addiction potential, however it has not been scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. Since they are not regulated, there is no quality control, meaning consumers may not always be aware of what is in the products they buy.

“While kratom is legal, it can still cause adverse health effects, and people need to be aware of the potential dangers.” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “This is important information that can help New Yorkers keep themselves and their loved ones safe by making sure they are educated about these emerging substances”

“People consume kratom either recreationally or to help managing pain or anxiety, but many are unaware that kratom carries certain health risks, including liver toxicity and potential dependance or withdrawal symptoms – risks that may be worsened when the product is strengthened by the concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “New Yorkers have a right to know what they’re consuming and if those products come with health risks. The fact sheet released by OASAS combined with the safety information and guidance to clinicians released by the Department of Health ensures that information is available and accessible.”

Kratom is an herb from Southeast Asia that may be used for its stimulant and pain relief effects. It’s effects can mimic both stimulants, such as making an individual more alert and talkative; and opioids, including euphoria, decreased alertness, and confusion. While kratom itself is not an opioid, when taken in larger quantities it can act in a way similar to opioids, leading to tolerance, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal. Severe kratom intoxication can lead to respiratory depression, seizures, or abnormal heart rhythm, and has been linked to coma and death in some individuals.

A minor natural component of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), can have a strong opioid effect when in concentrated form. Manufacturers have made synthetic 7-OH (which may be sold as 7-OH or added to kratom plant products) in substantially higher quantities than would be found in unadulterated kratom. Research about 7-OH and its potential association with dependence or overdose is ongoing.

In New York, the possession and sale of kratom products is legal. In December of 2025, Governor Hochul signed legislation prohibit sale of these products to individuals under the age of 21, and to require all kratom products to have a full list of ingredients along with a consumer warning that the product may be addictive and interact with other medications or substances.  

This fact sheet compliments the background and safety information released by the New York State Department of Health in December, which includes general information for the public to learn about this emerging substance, as well as clinical guidance for providers to be aware of and address the use of kratom among their patients. The New York State Department of Health began to specifically monitor 7-OH in June 2025.

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.

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).  Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website

Mayor Mamdani Reopens Orchard Beach Pavilion After $114 Million Reconstruction Project

 

Historic pavilion reopens for first time in 17 years following a major restoration to improve accessibility, preserve landmarked architecture and expand public amenities

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak today reopened the 140,000-square-foot Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx following a $114 million reconstruction project that restored the landmarked building’s historic architecture, expanded ADA access and revitalized concession and community spaces.  

 

Built in 1936 with funding secured largely through the Works Progress Administration, the pavilion has been fully closed since 2009. Known for its striking columns, limestone cladding, bright blue tiles and terrazzo flooring, the pavilion was designated a landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) in 2006. 

 

“No longer can the Bronx be treated as an afterthought in a city of five boroughs,” said Mayor Mamdani. “As beach season approaches, Bronxites and New Yorkers from across this city will once again be able to gather at the Bronx’s only public beach in a space worthy of this community and its history.”    

  

“The reopening of the Orchard Beach Pavilion is an exciting investment that reflects the City's commitment to world-class public spaces for New Yorkers to enjoy in all five boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “We’re thankful to our partners across City government who helped restore this landmark and ensure it is accessible and open to all New Yorkers.”  

  

“We are proud to have restored the Orchard Beach Pavilion to its former glory, with a level of investment that the Bronx deserves,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Thanks to this project, the pavilion is more accessible to all visitors, will offer improved amenities and has a revived look that highlights its striking architectural features. After being closed off to public access for more than 17 years, we’re thrilled to welcome New Yorkers back to the pavilion this summer!”  

  

“The Orchard Beach Pavilion is one of New York City's most beautiful destinations, and we are thrilled of the work we have done to renovate this historic space that will be enjoyed by many New Yorkers when beach season officially begins,” said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. “With these renovations, the 'Riviera of New York' will once again become a public amenity that is fitted for modern times, and we look forward to welcoming families to this landmark destination to relax, rest and play.”  

 

“The restoration of the landmark Orchard Beach Bath House and Promenade shows what is possible when government delivers for the people of New York,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Lisa Kersavage. “Originally built during the Great Depression to create a beautiful public space for all New Yorkers, thanks to restoration and accessibility improvements led by NYC Parks and NYCEDC and approved by LPC, this iconic Bronx landmark is ready to welcome visitors back for this summer — and beyond.”  

  

The pavilion’s ground floor is now open to the public and includes upgraded restroom facilities. Visitors can also enjoy the upper balconies to take in views of the beach and Long Island Sound.  

   

The restoration included extensive structural and architectural repairs to the roofs, columns, limestone cladding, glazed terracotta, terrazzo and metalwork. The project also added new trees and upgraded lighting throughout the site.    

  

To improve accessibility, the landside entrance now includes new ramps leading to the upper level of the pavilion. On the beach side, a curved brick-clad accessible ramp connects the upper level to the lower plaza near the beach, ensuring all visitors can move through the pavilion with equitable access for the first time.    

  

Historic concession spaces within the pavilion are being rebuilt to accommodate new food and retail offerings, with upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for long-term resiliency. NYC Parks selected Unwind Hospitality Group to operate food service and merchandise spaces within the pavilion. The company will partner with local vendors to provide a range of food options for beachgoers. These concession areas are expected to open later this summer, while the pavilion’s restaurant space is scheduled to open in 2027.  

   

The reconstruction project was funded by the Mayor’s Office, the Office of the Bronx Borough President, the New York City Council and New York State. Design work was completed by Marvel Architects and construction management services were provided by Gilbane.   

   

Orchard Beach, the Bronx’s only public beach, spans 115 acres and stretches 1.1 miles along Pelham Bay Park. The beach features a promenade, playgrounds, picnic areas, a soccer field and courts for basketball, volleyball and handball. Orchard Beach is also home to NYC Parks Orchard Beach Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits on local wildlife, live marine displays and programming led by the Urban Park Rangers.  

   

New York City public beaches officially open for the season on Saturday, May 23.

  

CONSUMER ALERT: NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides New Yorkers with Tips for Avoiding Home Improvement Scams

 

Spring and Summer are the Peak Seasons for Home Improvements - and for Scammers Trying to Cash in

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection today warned consumers to be alert for home improvement scams. Late spring and summer are peak seasons for home improvement projects, but home improvement scams can cost homeowners thousands of dollars and leave them with poor workmanship, unfinished projects, or an unsafe result. Home improvement scams have consistently ranked among New Yorkers’ top five consumer complaints.

“Spring and summer times are the perfect seasons to do home renovations, but consumers should be wary of unsolicited contractors who knock on your door offering repairs or home improvement projects at a ‘bargain price’ because it could simply be a scam,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “The Division of Consumer Protection offers tips to New Yorkers so they can avoid costly mistakes by hiring nefarious scammers who can take advantage of their hard-earned money with an unfinished job or no work at all.” 

Consider the following list of tips to avoid common home improvement scams:

Before Hiring a Contractor, Always Research and Verify: 

• Shop Around: Get at least three written estimates. Each estimate should clearly list:
• Materials to be used
• Scope of work
• Labor costs
• Estimated start and finish dates
• Payment schedule

• Verify Credentials: Ask friends and neighbors for referrals. Check online reviews, references, and complaint history through the Better Business Bureau, local consumer agencies, and state records. Be cautious if the contractor has no physical address or changes business names often.  

• Check your local government licensing requirements: New York State does not license home improvement contractors. However, some counties and local municipalities do, including New York City, Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties, and the City of Buffalo. If your local government requires licensure for home improvement contractors or certain home improvement trades, be sure to only hire a licensed contractor.

• Know the codes: Check with your town or county about permit requirements and the applicable building codes. Be sure you or your contactor obtains the necessary permits.

Avoid Major Red Flags:

• Be cautious if someone:
• Knocks on your door unexpectedly
• Says they have “leftover materials from another job”
• Pressures you to sign today
• Demands cash only
• Refuses permits or paperwork
• Keeps finding new urgent problems after starting
• Wants you to finance through “their lender”
• Asks you to sign insurance checks over to them  

• Many good contractors are too busy to seek business at your front door. Be wary of contractors that knock on your door offering repairs or home improvement projects at a “bargain price” or because they have extra supplies left over from another project in your neighborhood. Scammers provide poor-quality work or may be quick to disappear if the homeowner provides any type of payment up front.

• Unscrupulous actors may exaggerate home improvement issues or claim a recent city, state, or federal regulation requires immediate upgrades to create a false sense of urgency and panic and push homeowners into unnecessary and expensive repairs. 

Be A Savvy Consumer:

• Get It in Writing: A contract should include:
• Contractor’s full name, address, and phone number
• Detailed work description
• Total price and payment terms
• Timeline
• Warranty terms
• Change-order process for extra work

• Don’t sign anything until you have decided to hire: You should not have to sign anything until you are ready to hire a contractor. Never sign a document that has blank spaces – if anything is “not applicable” the language should be removed or crossed out and signed by the contractor. Do not sign anything if you are not sure what it means for you or the project. Take the time you need to make sure you are comfortable with the contract.

• Never Pay Full Price Up Front: Avoid large upfront deposits. Use a staged payment schedule tied to completed work. Pay by check or with credit card when possible. Do not pay with cash, wire transfer, Zelle, or gift cards. Withhold final payment until the job is complete and satisfactory.   

If Problems Arise: First, speak with the contractor and try to reach a resolution. If a resolution is not possible, file a complaint with your local consumer protection agency or the New York State Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. 

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. 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.