THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR NEW AMERICANS ANNOUNCES EXPANDED NEW AMERICANS’ HOTLINE TO SERVE MORE IMMIGRANT NEW YORKERS

 

The New Americans Hotline is now operating on Saturdays & Sundays, in Addition to Continued Weekday Hours. 

Callers to the Hotline Will Be Connected with Free Resources and Information in Over 200+ Languages. 

The ONA Hotline’s New Schedule Will Be Amplified in All 27 Service Areas of The New York State Thruway System

Today, the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) today announced an expansion of the New York State New Americans Hotline (1-800-566-7636) which will now assist callers on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm (EST).  The hotline will also continue to operate Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm (EST). The New Americans Hotline, managed by Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of NY, under a grant with the New York State Office for New Americans, is a vital resource for all New Yorkers seeking information and referrals for free immigration-related services.  The hotline is staffed by multilingual call operators as well as a full-time immigration attorney. 

“New York State has long been a state committed to having newcomers feel welcomed and supported. The expansion of the New Americans Hotline includes longer weekday hours and added weekend hours, strengthening our commitment at a time when immigrant families are facing so much fear and uncertainty,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “This expanded access reflects Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to protect the constitutional rights of New Yorkers, including immigrant New Yorkers, and ensures our state remains a place where all families can feel informed and supported. As a reminder to all New Yorkers seeking assistance— the ONA hotline is 100% free, anonymous, and available in over 200 languages.”

All information provided by the hotline is free and anonymous. Assistance is available in over 200 languages. Representatives from the hotline can assist with making referral to individuals in immigration detention who are seeking free legal services. The hotline can also provide information on available community workshops and training, including Know Your Rights and family preparedness. Callers to the hotline can also report cases of immigration fraud. Since January 2025, the hotline has answered 21,159 calls and made 42,207 referrals.  

In addition, the New York State Thruway Authority will post information about the expanded Hotline hours in all 27 services areas across the New York State Thruway system.  The bilingual information in English and Spanish will begin today for visitors using the service areas across New York State. 

The New Americans Hotline has been a key part of the work of NYS ONA since its creation in 2012. ONA and its statewide network of community-based providers offer assistance to any immigrant in New York State regardless of their immigration status. ONA provides programming in areas such as immigration legal services, English language learning, mental health support, and workforce development.  The best way to connect with all ONA’s programs, as well as resources provided by other state partners, is to call the New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636. 

In addition to the hotline, ONA has also expanded the resources available on its website to include a dedicated Know Your Rights, Know Your Resources page: https://dos.ny.gov/know-your-rights. Through initiatives such as the New Americans Hotline and our Know Your Resources site, ONA is committed to ensuring that immigrant New Yorkers and their families have access to the most up to date, relevant, and important information they need to feel empowered and protected. ONA’s website also has a link to the New York State’s Office of the Attorney General for people to report information regarding federal government actions in their communities. 

The New York State Office for New Americans, founded in 2012, is the nation’s first statutorily created immigrant services office. ONA assists all new Americans with accessing and navigating a variety of free services and support through its statewide network of community-based providers. For more information, visit https://dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans or follow ONA on Twitter/X at @NYSNewAmericans or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NYSNewAmericans

GreenThumb - Last Chance to Register for This Friday's Garden Recognition Awards Ceremony!

 

GreenThumb Garden

Recognition Awards Ceremony

Friday, February 27, 2026

(L-R) The 2025 GreenThumb Garden Lifetime Achievement Honorees: Claire Merlino from the Columbia Waterfront Community Gardens. Photo by Nancy Kangas                                  Upon This Rock Community Garden group. Photo by Bill Pape, GreenThumb

Join NYC Parks GreenThumb this Friday night for our 9th Annual GreenThumb Garden Recognition Awards! Help us celebrate and honor the 2025 GreenThumb Garden Honorees, exceptional gardeners and garden groups who have left a lasting impact on New York City's community gardens. Come learn about and applaud the hard work and dedication of community gardeners across the five boroughs at this free public event!

9th Annual GreenThumb Garden Recognition Awards

Friday, February 27
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture 
New York Public Library

515 Malcolm X Boulevard
New York, NY 10037

This is a free event, but registration is required.

We hope to see you on Friday! Come enjoy the warmth of community as we look forward to spring.

Permits Filed for 1817 Trafalgar Place in Crotona, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 1817 Trafalgar Place in Crotona, The Bronx. Located between East 175th Street and East 176th Street, the lot is near the 174th Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. DT is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 5,252 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have eight residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 656 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 15-foot-long rear yard.

Ariel Golshan of AG Engineering PLLC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

COIB Settlements Announced

 

The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board (the “Board”) announces three settlements.

 

Misuse of City Position. For 14 years, a Payroll Secretary for the New York City Department of Education (“DOE”) processed payroll for all school staff, including her son, a DOE Paraprofessional. On three occasions, the Payroll Secretary created a jury service record for her son without receiving the necessary documentation, thus enabling him to be paid his full DOE salary for those days. The son did not serve on jury duty on those dates, and DOE later recouped the pay to which he was not entitled. Public servants are prohibited from taking any official action to benefit a close family member. To resolve her violations, the now-former Payroll Secretary agreed to pay a $1,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (DOE).”

 

Prohibited Appearances. From 2019 to 2025, a Senior Project Manager at the New York City Department of Design and Construction (“DDC”) submitted applications, drawings, and other documents to the New York City Department of Buildings for 87 construction projects on behalf of his private clients. Public servants are prohibited from communicating with the City on behalf of private clients. To resolve his violations, the now-former Senior Project Manager agreed to pay a $1,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (DDC).”

 

Misuse of City Position. A Child Protective Specialist for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (“ACS”) has a close relative whose child was the subject of an ACS emergency removal. The Child Protective Specialist sent an email and text messages to the ACS Supervisor overseeing the case identifying herself as a Child Protective Specialist and attempting to influence the Supervisor’s understanding of the case to have her niece placed with the Child Protective Specialist’s mother. The Board determined that the Child Protective Specialist misused her City position for the benefit of a close relative with whom she was associated. To resolve this violation, the Child Protective Specialist agreed to a Public Warning Letter. In deciding not to impose a fine, the Board considered that the Child Protective Specialist represented that her intent was not to benefit her associated relative but to provide additional information to the Supervisor to enable a more informed decision about where to place the child. The Public Warning Letter is attached as “COIB Public Warning Letter (ACS).”

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides Tips for Consumers Planning Spring and Summer Travel

New Yorkers Should Know Their Rights and Be Aware of Travel Scams 

Secretary Mosley: “Taking the time to do your research, understand your rights, and stay alert to potential scams can save your wallet, your time, and prevent unnecessary stress during what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation”  

With February break behind us and Spring around the corner, you may be starting to think about your next getaway. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to consumers planning for spring and summer travel. As New Yorkers start to make travel plans, consumers should be informed of their rights, shop smartly to safeguard their hard-earned money and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams that could become costly.

“This is a time of year when many New Yorkers, myself included, are eager to get away and escape what feels like a never-ending winter season,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “But before booking that getaway, I encourage consumers to read these tips from the Division of Consumer Protection. Taking the time to do your research, understand your rights, and stay alert to potential scams can save your wallet, your time, and prevent unnecessary stress during what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation.” 

SHOPPING SMART FOR TRAVEL

There are basic travel tips that consumers should be aware of when they are booking travel:

• Book early morning tickets: Morning flights are significantly less likely to be delayed or canceled, and you will have more options for getting to your destination on time.
• Consider traveling to a larger airport: Larger metropolitan airports offer more direct flights than regional airports. Direct flights avoid missed connections and cancellations in a city outside of your hometown or destination.
• Do your research: Consumers should always review trip options before purchase, including price, location, availability of activities and cancellation policies.
• Get all confirmations in writing: Always get confirmation of travel plans in writing, whether booking online, over the phone, or in person. Retailers are required to disclose terms and conditions to consumers—always ask for a copy of the agreement and save it for reference.
• Beware of “all inclusive” or too good to be true offers: All-inclusive offers sound great but may have hidden charges and fees in their terms and conditions that will increase the price. Always inquire about mandatory fees that may not appear in the advertised price, such as resort fees and taxes. Read the fine print when taking advantage of an “all-inclusive” offer. Deep discounts or too-good-to-be-true offers may come with an agreement to join a membership or participate in a presentation.
• Try to pay with a credit card, if you can: Credit cards often offer more protection than cash, check or debit card. Some credit cards also offer perks like trip insurance or concierge service while traveling and may offer additional protection if the trip is cancelled. Check with your credit card company on the conditions of travel expenditure reimbursement when making travel plans.
• Review your travel agreements: Did you know you have an opportunity to cancel a travel agreement? Consumers are able to cancel any travel agreement during the five-day period prior to receiving travel disclosures, and until midnight of the third business day after receiving a travel agreement to cancel. The New York State Truth in Travel Act requires travel agents and promoters to provide consumers with written disclosures of all terms of travel within five days of purchase or agreement. Consumers should review the terms of the agreement fully upon receipt and ensure it aligns with what the consumer purchased. The Act protects consumers against fraud and other abuses by setting strict guidelines for travel sales and promotion. Violations of the law may subject travel agents or promoters to penalties.
• Use reputable travel agents/tour companies: Consumers should research thoroughly before choosing an agent or company to work with. Keep track of arrangements and contracts and review all terms and conditions, especially cancellation and refund policies. Reservations often require a deposit that may not be refundable. If the trip is cancelled, the deposit might only be applied toward future travel or may be forfeited altogether. Consumers should be sure they understand the policy prior to putting down a deposit.
• Consider trip insurance and whether you need a 'Cancel for Any Reason' policy: Travel insurance can offer consumers relief in case of emergency before or during their trip, and coverage may range from lost baggage to missed connections to potential medical emergencies. Some trip insurance plans may even offer ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage at an additional cost. Prior to purchasing any insurance plan, review the cost and terms of the policy and ask your insurer about coverage that may be excluded, as conditions of coverage and pricing may vary significantly between different types of plans.

TRIP CANCELLATION

When all or part of a trip is cancelled, the cancellation policy and a consumer’s right to a refund may vary based on laws that regulate the company’s industry, who initiates the cancellation, when the cancellation is made, and the company’s own policy.

• Airlines: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if an airline cancels or significantly delays or changes a flight, the consumer is entitled to a refund. If the consumer cancels a reservation, the right to a refund depends on the refund policy agreed to at the time of purchase and the terms of any travel insurance coverage the consumer may have purchased.
• Cruise Lines: Refund options may vary by cruise line. The cruise ticket contract lays out the company’s cancellation policies and the consumer’s rights. For example, you may be offered a refund, credit, or voucher for a future cruise. If you opt for a credit or voucher, make sure the expiration date is far enough out that you can use it. Read more from the Federal Maritime Commission about consumer rights and the recourse that might be available to you.
• Lodging: Cancellation policies for hotels, motels, and online accommodation marketplaces can vary greatly based on the season, room type, or length of stay. Some may offer a choice between a refundable or non-refundable rate while making the reservation. Be sure you fully understand the applicable terms and the cancellation policy prior to making a reservation.

If a consumer is having trouble getting a refund owed for all or part of an interrupted or cancelled trip, they are encouraged to file a complaint with New York’s Division of Consumer Protection.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection information, call the Division of Consumer Protection Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Housing Lottery Launches for Haven Court in Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Haven Court, a two-building residential development at 290 East 149th Street and 299 East 148th Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Vertical Community Development, the structures yield 163 units. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 129 units for residents at 30 to 90 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $22,492 to $157,500. 

Haven Court in Mott Haven, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, lounge, rooftop terrace, gym, elevator, and a virtual doorman. Residences are equipped with energy-efficient appliances and high-speed internet. Tenants are responsible for electricity with stove.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are three studio with a monthly rent of $545 for incomes ranging from $22,492 to $38,880; five one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $693 for incomes ranging from $28,080 to $43,740; and two two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $814 for incomes ranging from $33,635 to $52,500.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 14 studios with a monthly rent of $1,031 for incomes ranging from $39,155 to $64,800; eight one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,300 for incomes ranging from $48,892 to $72,900; and ten two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,543 for incomes ranging from $58,629 to $87,500.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there are eight studios with a monthly rent of $1,517 for incomes ranging from $55,818 to $90,720; 25 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,908 for incomes ranging from $69,738 to $102,060; and 17 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,272 for incomes ranging from $83,623 to $122,500.

At 90 percent of the AMI, there are 21 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,153 for incomes ranging from $78,138 to $131,220, and 16 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,571 for incomes ranging from $93,875 to $157,500.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than March 16, 2026.

Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on $50 Million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in Schenectady

Harbor House at the YWCA Will Preserve Historic Building and Add New Structure To Provide 96 Modern Homes

Builds on Governor’s Commitment To Addressing Homelessness and Increasing Affordability Across New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work has started at Harbor House at the YWCA, a $50.6 million supportive housing development in Schenectady’s Stockade Historic District. The development will rehabilitate the historic YWCA building to preserve 42 homes and add a new, all-electric building, creating 54 additional apartments. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 600 affordable homes in the city of Schenectady. Harbor House at the YWCA continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“Today’s groundbreaking initiative at Harbor House is another step toward making New York more affordable for all,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re taking bold action to increase the supply of quality, affordable homes while ensuring that New Yorkers, especially those in need of supportive services, have the stability they need to succeed. Developments like Harbor House are proof that our partnerships at the local level are making a positive impact across the state.”

All apartments at Harbor House will be affordable to households earning up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income with on-site support services provided by YWCA NorthEastern New York. Services include case management, housing stabilization, wellness programming and connections to employment and community resources.

The building, a 1930 Colonial Revival-style structure which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will be modernized with comprehensive upgrades. All units will continue to be Single Room Occupancy units, which provide a room for tenants who then share access to community kitchens, dining and lounge areas. Improvements will include electrified heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient windows, enhanced insulation, upgraded electrical systems, environmental remediation and the installation of a new elevator to improve accessibility. The existing gymnasium will be restored in accordance with National Park Service standards and will offer fitness programming for tenants and the surrounding community.

The new building will be fully electric and designed to meet Energy Star Multifamily New Construction standards and Enterprise Green Communities 2020 certification requirements. Sustainability features will include Energy Star appliances, high-performance windows, LED lighting and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Residents will have access to three community rooms across the two buildings, the gymnasium and landscaped outdoor space. Harbor House will be within walking distance of public transportation, healthcare providers and neighborhood parks.

State financing for Harbor House includes New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program that is expected to generate approximately $14.2 million in equity, as well as $23.4 million in subsidy. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided more than $5.6 million through its Homeless Housing and Assistance Program for the construction of the new units.

The development also benefits from $1.2 million in Clean Energy Initiative funding, a partnership between HCR and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Schenectady County provided $1.7 million in HOME-ARPA funding and the city of Schenectady provided $959,000 in ARPA funding. Operating expenses for the apartments in the new building are supported through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The units within the historic building will continue to receive supportive services through the New York State Supportive Housing Program allocated by the Department of Health

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. Since FY23, the Governor has worked to increase housing supply to make housing more affordable by launching a $25 billion five-year comprehensive Housing Plan, enacted the most significant housing deal in decades and implemented new protections for renters and homeowners. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, HCR has created new programs that jumpstart development of affordable and mixed-income homes — for both renters and homebuyers. These include the Pro-Housing Community Program, which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Over 400 communities throughout the state have been Pro-Housing certified, including the city of Schenectady.

As part of Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State, the Governor proposed her “Let Them Build” agenda, a series of landmark reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure development and lower costs. This initiative will spur a series of common-sense reforms to New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and executive actions to expedite critical categories of projects that have been consistently found to not have significant environmental impacts, but for too long have been caught up in red tape and subject to lengthy delays.

The FY27 Executive Budget completes the Governor’s current five-year Housing Plan 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 77,000 affordable homes have been created or preserved to date. The Executive Budget also invests $250 million to accelerate affordable housing construction to speed up the building of thousands more affordable homes. 

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Erin Dalton as Commissioner of Department of Social Services

 

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced his appointment of Erin Dalton as commissioner of New York City Department of Social Services (DSS).   

  

“New Yorkers deserve leaders who listen and act with urgency. Erin Dalton has spent decades proving that government can and must work better for people who rely on it most. She has expanded access to housing, strengthened social services and protected our most vulnerable neighbors. I’m proud to work alongside Commissioner Dalton to build a city that is more just, effective and accessible for all,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani.  

  

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of New York City and to advance Mayor Mamdani’s affordability and community safety agenda. DSS can reduce the painful trade-offs families make between food and medicine, housing and safe childcare,” said Erin Dalton. “We can work to help the best public servants in the country deliver assistance more efficiently and with greater dignity. And we can work relentlessly so that all New Yorkers have access to better resources. I can’t wait to get started.”  

  

“As many New Yorkers struggle to secure permanent housing and access other critical resources, it is imperative that city leaders employ strategies that are both innovative and compassionate to assist those most in need—which is exactly what Erin Dalton has done throughout her career,” said NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Dalton as the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services and am confident that her experience providing aid to vulnerable populations, while treating individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve, is exactly what our city needs to meet this moment.”  

  

DSS includes the administrative units of the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA), the nation’s largest social services agency, which assists more than three million low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers each year, and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), which provides temporary emergency shelter to New Yorkers in need while helping families transition to permanent housing and long-term stability.  

  

About Erin Dalton  

  

Dalton most recently served as the Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS), where she led one of the nation’s most innovative and integrated human services systems.   

  

Under her leadership, the department drove measurable progress in crisis response and homelessness, including building a coordinated winter shelter network that reduced the number of people living outdoors by nearly 98%. She also led large-scale reforms across behavioral health and community safety systems, redesigning the county’s mobile crisis response system, deploying behavioral health professionals to respond to human service 911 calls, expanding medication-assisted treatment in the jail and advancing violence prevention efforts. During her tenure, violent crime declined by nearly 20%, and incarceration rates fell by almost 10%.  

  

Previously, Dalton directed DHS’s analytics, planning and information technology functions, earning national recognition for pioneering ethical uses of integrated data systems to improve outcomes and reduce racial disparities in decision-making.