Mayor Mamdani Announces Expanded Bike Boulevard Vision for 31st Avenue in Astoria, Queens

Two-way protected bike lane from Steinway Street to 51st Street will connect Astoria and Woodside to the Queens Waterfront Greenway and East River 

Existing design (top) and proposed redesign (bottom) for bike boulevard on 31st Avenue. Credit: NYC DOT   

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced the second phase of the 31st Avenue “bike boulevard” redesign in Astoria, Queens, set to begin later this year.

A bike boulevard is a street design that prioritizes cyclists and pedestrians while maintaining local vehicle access. These corridors are designed to reduce traffic, slow vehicle speeds and create safer, more comfortable routes for riders of all ages.

The second phase of the project proposes a parking-protected, two-way bike lane from Steinway Street to 51st Street, creating a continuous bike boulevard through Astoria from the waterfront at Vernon Boulevard into Woodside. The redesign will increase visibility at intersections, dramatically expand pedestrian space and better organize traffic, improving safety for everyone who uses the corridor.

“At the heart of this administration is a commitment to building a safer city for everyone who calls New York home,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Bike boulevards calm our streets, protect pedestrians and cyclists and make clear that public spaces belong to people, not just cars. This next phase of improvements will help knit Astoria and Woodside together with safer, greener and more accessible streets for New Yorkers.”

“The redesign of 31st Avenue as a bike boulevard was born out of a need for a safer street that prioritizes community building and safety over speeding and cut-through traffic,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Phase two expands this successful project with more pedestrian space, shortened crossings and enhanced visibility, and brings a much-needed cycling connection from Woodside, through the heart of Astoria, to the East River.”

31st Avenue from Steinway Street to 51st Street is a Vision Zero Priority Area, defined as a geographic zone with a high number of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries. From 2021 to 2025, seven pedestrians and two cyclists were severely injured, and one cyclist was killed along the stretch between Steinway and 51st streets. 67% of trips to local businesses in Astoria are taken on foot or by bike, while only 17% are completed by car.

Connecting Cycling Infrastructure

The proposed expansion will connect to existing cycling infrastructure on Crescent Street and the Queens Waterfront Greenway along the East River, as well as new protected lanes for 51st Street connecting to existing lanes on Northern Boulevard. Together with protected lanes on Broadway and 34th Avenue, the project will create a fully protected east-west corridor between the East River and Jackson Heights.

Phase one and phase two of the 31st Avenue bike boulevard. Credit: NYC DOT 

Reorganizing Travel Patterns

Traffic diversions at select intersections will reverse the flow of one-way traffic to reduce vehicle volumes, cut-through truck traffic and noise while discouraging speeding. One-way conversions will maintain local access and parking for residents and deliveries while reducing conflicts at intersections to improve safety.

A new circular traffic diverter at 31st Avenue and 43rd Street will improve visibility for pedestrians and cyclists and shorten pedestrian crossings. The design will maintain access for emergency vehicles and buses and allow vehicles to continue making all current movements through the intersection.

The proposed redesign of the intersection at 31st Avenue and 43rd Street adds a circular traffic diverter to shorten pedestrian crossings and clarify vehicle movements. Credit: NYC DOT

Adjusting Phase 1

In addition to the proposed redesign from Steinway Street to 51st Street, NYC DOT will make adjustments to the existing phase one corridor from Vernon Boulevard to 31st Street. The agency will add a new traffic signal at 31st Avenue and Vernon Boulevard and update signals at 31st Avenue and 35th Street to clarify movements at those intersections.

New curb regulations along the corridor will provide additional loading zones and encourage vehicle turnover to support nearby businesses.

Phase one of the 31st Avenue redesign added a ‘shared street’ design that expands pedestrian space and enhances connections to existing cycling infrastructure. Credit: NYC DOT 

High-Ranking CJNG Leader Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, Firearm Offenses, and Money Laundering Conspiracy

 

A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a superseding indictment yesterday against Audias Flores Silva, also known as “Jardinero,” 45, of Mexico, a high-ranking leader of the Mexico-based drug trafficking organization the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). The superseding indictment expands on charges first filed in August 2020, when Flores Silva was accused of trafficking cocaine and heroin into the United States, now alleging he also trafficked methamphetamine and conspired to launder drug proceeds from the United States back to Mexico.

Before his capture on April 27 by Mexican authorities, Flores Silva was reportedly a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the former top CJNG leader who died after a military operation to capture him in February 2026. The State Department designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025.

“Audias Flores Silva is charged with trafficking massive amounts of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine into our country and funneling the profits back to Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The drugs and violence that cartels inject into communities have no place in the United States. Our mission in the Criminal Division is to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations at every level, targeting their leadership, financing and operations and ensuring those who have harmed our country face justice.”

“Jardinero believed he would assume control of the violent foreign terrorist organization CJNG following the death of El Mencho. He was wrong.” said Administrator Terrance Cole of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “Yesterday’s superseding indictment demonstrates the combined strength of DEA and the Homeland Security Task Force in dismantling the command and control structures of the cartels and holding their leaders accountable. I thank the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) for taking Jardinero into custody in Mexico. DEA and our partners will continue to relentlessly pursue the leaders of these terrorist organizations, disrupt their global operations, and protect the American people from the violence, poison, and chaos they spread.”

“The superseding indictment of Audias Flores Silva underscores how the Homeland Security Task Force and our partners are systematically targeting the command structure of violent cartels that traffic drugs, violence, and fear into our communities,” said Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “The HSTF will continue to marshal the full strength of our interagency and international partnerships to identify, disrupt, and dismantle these transnational criminal organizations wherever they operate.”

Flores Silva is charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine for importation into the United States, use of a firearm, one of which was a destructive device, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted he faces a minimum penalty of at least 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

HSI and the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Douglas Meisel and Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Two Foreign Nationals Charged With Fraudulently Using The Trump Name To Scam Victims Across The United States

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the unsealing of two separate Indictments charging GORAN SPIRIDONOV and KRISTINA JANEVA, respectively, with federal crimes relating to their fraudulent sale of “Trump Bucks”—a fake form of legal tender—to victims across the United States.  SPIRIDONOV and JANEVA are both citizens and residents of North Macedonia and remain at large.  SPIRIDONOV’s case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel and JANEVA’s case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, both of the Southern District of New York.

“As alleged, the defendants created a fictitious financial instrument and marketed it to Americans around the country under the false pretense that ‘Trump Bucks’ was affiliated with the funding of President Trump’s re-election campaign and other causes associated with the President and the Trump Organization,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “That cannot be further from the truth. ‘Trump Bucks’ has no connection to the President, the campaign, or the Trump Organization. This fraud targets many senior citizens, taking advantage of their support for the President. We commend our FBI partners for detecting and thwarting this scheme. Importantly, this conduct may be ongoing, and we strongly urge anyone targeted not to provide financial information or funds to any entity related to ‘Trump Bucks’ or the fictitious products pictured in this press release.”

“These foreign nationals allegedly leveraged a false affiliation with the President's administration to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from Americans,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI continues to target fraudsters that manipulate our country’s citizens, regardless of where they’re located.”

As alleged in the Indictments:[1]

From at least in or about 2023 through in or about the present, SPIRIDONOV, JANEVA, and others based abroad have engaged in a widespread scheme to scam victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars through the sale of so-called “Trump Bucks.”  SPIRIDONOV and JANEVA have each falsely claimed that “Trump Bucks” are valuable legal tender affiliated with President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Organization.  In reality, these products are worthless and have no such affiliations.

SPIRIDONOV, JANEVA, and other participants in the scheme have each marketed and sold a number of different “Trump Bucks” and other related products to victims, mainly through the use of a certain online marketplace (identified in the Indictments as “Marketplace-1”) and encrypted messaging applications such as Telegram.  Scheme participants have fraudulently sold “Golden Checks,” “Membership Booklets,” “Golden Badges,” “Trump Dollars,” “Trump Checks,” “Golden Trump Checks,” and “Diamond Bucks,” among other fraudulent products, many of which are marketed under the “Trump Rebate Banking System,” or “TRB,” banner.  Pictures of some of the “Trump Bucks” products fraudulently marketed and sold to victims are below:

SPIRIDONOV, JANEVA, and other promoters of this scam have each falsely represented to victims that “Trump Bucks” products are affiliated with President Trump, members of his family, members of the Trump Organization, and members of the Trump administration, and that purchases of “Trump Bucks” would help fund President Trump’s re-election campaign and various causes purportedly associated with President Trump.  SPIRIDONOV, JANEVA, and others have also falsely claimed that these products are preloaded with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash that would be redeemable at banks during a Trump presidency.  These statements are all lies.  “Trump Bucks” products are worthless; are not redeemable at any bank; and have no affiliation at all with President Trump, his family members, or members of his administration.

During the scheme, JANEVA marketed several different fake “Bank of Trump” products to victims.  Below is an example of a “Ruby Certificate” marketed by JANEVA, which she falsely claimed was issued by the Trump Organization:

SPIRIDONOV has marketed several other fake “Trump Bucks” products to victims.  For example, in the below email, which was later sent to victims, SPIRIDONOV falsely claimed that any victim who purchased a “Patriot Eagle” product could exchange such product for $10,000 upon President Trump’s reelection:

SPIRIDONOV, JANEVA, and others have each used this fraudulent scheme to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims across the country, many of whom are senior citizens.  

SPIRODONOV, 25, and JANEVA, 39, are each charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  SPIRIDONOV and JANEVA are each also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo and Jackie Delligatti are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

NYC Comptroller Levine, State Comptroller DiNapoli, and CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost Raise Alarm on Reports of Proposed SpaceX IPO Governance

 

Warn That Reported Novel and Extreme Governance Structure Would Be the Most Management-Favorable Ever Brought to U.S. Public Markets at This Scale

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, alongside New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and California Public Employees’ Retirement System CEO Marcie Frost, in a joint letter to SpaceX executives, raised objections to the reported proposed governance structures of SpaceX, which is preparing for its initial public offering. The investors hold combined assets under management exceeding $1 trillion for millions of working and retired public servants, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses, and their beneficiaries.

The letter follows press reports detailing a novel and extreme governance structure within SpaceX’s confidential draft registration statement. While the registration statement has not yet been made publicly available, as reported, the proposed structure would strip away fundamental investor protections by combining perpetual super-voting shares concentrated in Elon Musk, with a CEO removal provision that would insulate Musk with an effective veto over his own firing. The reported governance plan also would shield management from accountability through mandatory shareholder arbitration, controlled-company status, and restrictive Texas-based legal barriers to derivative litigation, while allowing one executive to maintain unprecedented control as CEO, CTO, and chair despite significant outside commitments.

“Sound governance is fundamental to a company’s long-term success, and we are concerned about the many glaring governance red flags including a lack of genuine checks and balances for Elon Musk as CEO,” Comptroller Levine said. “The current proposed structure makes it nearly impossible to ensure strong safeguards are in place to preserve the company’s financial and reputational value, limits transparency, thwarts the opportunity for accountability, and overall, dangerously undermines investor rights. If SpaceX is committed to starting off on the right foot, and earning the trust of potential shareholders, they will adopt governance practices that support their sustainable and long-term growth in earnest.”

“The reported governance structure for SpaceX presents significant risks to long term-investors,” Comptroller DiNapoli said. “As reported, these provisions include super voting shares for a select few, mandatory arbitration of shareholder claims, nearly insurmountable barriers to executive accountability, and limits on shareholder legal actions. This structure would leave shareholders with virtually no recourse over how the company conducts business. This is anathema to the transparency and legitimate board oversight required for a major publicly traded corporation. As SpaceX is poised to occupy a position of systemic importance in the public markets, its governance must at the bare minimum adhere to the baseline protections upon which long-term institutional capital depends.”

The letter urges SpaceX to revise its proposed structure before its final Form S-1 is filed. Specifically, the investors are seeking reforms, including: a one-share, one-vote structure or a time based sunset on super-voting shares; a majority-independent board with a separation of the chair and CEO roles; withdrawal of mandatory arbitration clauses for shareholder claims; and an independent-committee process to review related-party transactions across Musk’s affiliated entities.

The investors requested a meeting with SpaceX management to discuss these reforms.

The full text of the letter is available at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/press/pdf/spacex-ipo-letter.pdf

Governor Hochul Announces 25 Transformational Projects in Mid-Hudson as Part of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Programs

Projects Announced in Poughkeepsie, Dobbs Ferry and Nyack

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 25 transformational projects for the Mid-Hudson Valley as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward.   

Ten projects were announced for Poughkeepsie, the Round 8 winner of a $10 million DRI award; six projects were announced for Dobbs Ferry, a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and nine were announced for Nyack, also a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award. 

“I am thrilled to announce that the Mid-Hudson Valley will break ground on over two dozen new projects with this funding,” Governor Hochul said. “With these investments, Mid-Hudson Valley residents can expect upgraded civic, commercial and cultural spaces for families to take advantage of and more housing to drive down costs in their neighborhoods.” 

DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth. 

Poughkeepsie 

The City of Poughkeepsie’s downtown corridor serves as the civic, commercial, entertainment and transportation heart for Dutchess County and much of Mid-Hudson Valley. This critical zone not only serves the residents living in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, but hundreds of thousands from beyond its municipal borders, including numerous commuters who converge on the Poughkeepsie Metro North Station daily. Legendary entertainment and hospitality venues — including the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, the Mid-Hudson Civic Center and the former Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel — draw visitors to the City throughout the year. Bridging its prosperous past with a vibrant future, the 'Queen City on the Hudson' is reshaping its historic core as a welcoming hub for diverse local businesses, nonprofits, public art and high-quality affordable housing.  

The 10 Poughkeepsie DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include: 

• Revitalize 316 Main Street with a New Mixed-Use Development ($1,000,000): Construct a new building at 306 and 316 Main Street with residential units and retail space targeted toward a grocery store.
• Convert Market Street to a Two-Way Street ($1,230,000): Convert Market Street to a two-way street, changing to a single lane in each direction, with improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including a protected 2-way cycle track. 
• Construct New Mixed-Income Housing at 488 Main Street ($1,451,000): Construct a new mixed-use, mixed-income building with apartments and ground-floor commercial space at 488 Main Street.
• Restore the Former Catherine Street Community Center for Community Matters 2 ($603,000): Restore and reactivate the vacant Community Center at 69 Catherine Street for use by Community Matters 2, a nonprofit youth and community service organization.
• Establish a New Multi-family Rental Community at the Site of Pelton Manor ($1,250,000): Establish a new multifamily rental community at the site of Pelton Manor, which will include residential buildings and the restoration of the historic Pelton House.
• Transform 27 High Street with Adaptive Reuse and New Construction to Create a Mixed-Income Development ($1,000,000): Transform the vacant former Dutchess County office building at 27 High Street with adaptive reuse of the existing building and new construction to create a mixed-income residential development.
• Develop Vacant Buildings at 47 and 51 Cannon Street into a New Mixed-Use Development ($1,500,000): Create a new six-story mixed-use development with residential units, commercial space and an underground parking garage at 47 and 51 Cannon Street.
• Convert the Former Cigar Factory into Workforce Housing ($1,000,000): Convert the vacant former cigar factory at 15 North Cherry Street into workforce housing with adaptive reuse and new construction.
• Launch a Public Arts Program to Establish Poughkeepsie as a Vibrant Arts City ($350,000): Establish an art-based public improvement strategy for the DRI area. Install murals, sculpture and other media at underutilized and strategic sites throughout the DRI Area.
• Activate the Underutilized Concession Bar at the Poughkeepsie Train Station with a New Cafe and Cocktail Bar ($316,000): Establish the Grand Concourse cafe and cocktail bar at the historic Poughkeepsie Train Station.

 Dobbs Ferry 

Downtown Dobbs Ferry is a traditional historic, walkable downtown located along the Hudson River. The Village is a dynamic hub of activity, culture and opportunity that is home to a diverse population and a bustling array of businesses. From key municipal services to thriving local establishments, Dobbs Ferry’s downtown plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of its community members. With its proximity to schools, colleges and other significant institutions, the area has become a central gathering place for both residents and visitors alike. The Village seeks to fully realize its potential by redeveloping and improving key properties and opening space in the downtown area and the pedestrian corridor linking the Metro-North station to the downtown. The Village will also expand economic and cultural opportunities and create a more sustainable, walkable and vibrant downtown. 

The 6 Dobbs Ferry NY Forward projects, totaling $4.5 million, include: 

• Expand the Historic Pickwick Theater to Serve as a Cultural and Social Anchor Within the Downtown ($739,000): Implement Phase II of the Pickwick Theater renovation project to increase seating capacity and add lighting and a digital screen to accommodate diverse programming opportunities in the space. This phase also includes the installation of rooftop solar panels.
• Rehabilitate the Historic Structure at 143 Main Street into a Mixed-Use Building ($508,000): Preserve and restore an existing historic mixed-use building to accommodate a ground floor commercial use and residential units above, while incorporating Passive House construction measures.
• Redesign Lower Memorial Park with New and Improved Park and Recreation Amenities ($1,041,000): Transform the underutilized portions of lower Memorial Park into a vibrant open space by adding amenities, such as covered bicycle parking, an informational board/kiosk, pickleball courts, a bathroom facility, park benches and tables, ADA accessible paths and landscaping.
• Transform a Vacant Space at 145 Palisade Street into a Performing Arts Center ($1,000,000): Renovate a vacant space at 145 Palisade Street into a black box theatre to permanently house a dance company and accommodate multidisciplinary performance, rehearsal and education.
• Implement a Unified Downtown Signage System to Improve Multimodal Wayfinding ($350,000): Install a unified downtown signage system with consistent branding to create a recognizable identity for the downtown and guide residents and visitors to the downtown's commercial corridors and key destinations.
• Extend Streetscape Improvements on Lower Main and Cedar Streets to Enhance the Pedestrian Environment of Downtown ($862,000): Create a cohesive pedestrian environment by extending the completed upper Main Street streetscape south between Chestnut and Walnut Streets and along Cedar Street from Main to Broadway (U.S. Route 9). Improvements may include the installation of street trees, benches, lampposts and upgraded sidewalks as well as roadway repaving and restriping.

Nyack 

The Village of Nyack, nestled along the Hudson River just north of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, is a vibrant community celebrated for its artistic, inclusive spirit, walkable downtown, and scenic waterfront views. Its historic downtown is home to an economically and culturally diverse population and offers a mix of local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues which draw visitors from across the region and support a thriving community atmosphere, making the downtown well poised for growth. These qualities enhance the Village’s appeal as a vibrant destination, drawing visitors and residents alike to experience the natural beauty and urban convenience it offers. Ample cultural resources and waterfront parks make Nyack a popular tourist destination and a great place to live. Nyack seeks to leverage its unique history and geography through investments in cultural spaces, waterfront development, business support, and public spaces, catalyzing further private investment and leading to increased employment and an improved tax base. Taken together, these investments will make Nyack exemplify the “live, work, play” ideal.  

The 9 Nyack NY Forward projects, totaling $4.5 million, include: 

• Renovate the Angel Nyack Sanctuary Space to Expand Use for Arts and Events Programming ($951,000): Renovate the building’s former sanctuary space to include new HVAC system, flooring, millwork, and electrical upgrades to facilitate use for arts and performance programs, weddings and other events.
• Activate the Waterfront by Constructing a Restaurant and Open Space ($1,250,000): Construct a one-story casual restaurant building with outdoor dining deck and public open space with seating, landscaping, and game areas to activate waterfront and provide connections to the marina.
• Improve and Restore Downtown Buildings with a Small Project Fund ($540,000): Establish a Small Project Fund dedicated to revitalizing building facades, upgrading building interiors, purchasing permanent equipment or installing public art.
• Connect Downtown Nyack and Boost Tourism with a Comprehensive Branding, Marketing, and Wayfinding Initiative ($450,000): Develop a new brand for downtown Nyack accompanied by a marketing strategy and wayfinding signage to encourage visitation to and circulation within downtown.
• Renovate the Nyack Center to Enhance Use of the Auditorium ($138,000): Modernize the auditorium's stage and sound and lighting systems to create a professional-grade space and upgrade outdoor lighting.
• Renovate the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center to Expand Programming ($305,000): Restore the Edward Hopper House exterior, upgrade garden theater and infrastructure, and renovate the art lab to expand programming.
• Modernize the Elmwood Community Playhouse ($305,000): Conduct an exterior facade renovation and technical upgrade of the existing lighting and sound systems to enable expansion of programming.
• Improve Pedestrian Experience in Downtown Nyack with Lighting and Sidewalk Upgrades ($480,000): Add approximately antique light poles along North and South Broadway and enhance a portion of Main Street slightly east of Broadway with a widened sidewalk and two tree pits.
• Create a Mural on the Rockland County Pride Center to Celebrate the History of Nyack ($81,000): Celebrate the history of Nyack by engaging the community in the creation of a mural on three sides of the Rockland County Pride Center building.

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. After becoming certified, localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding, including DRI and NY Forward. Since the launch of the Pro-Housing Communities Program, funds awarded to Pro-Housing Communities throughout the state have supported up to 20,000 more homes. To date, more than 410 communities across New York have been certified. 

Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 5,000 units of housing — more than 2,000 of which (40 percent) are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed $9 million to 12 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. The DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art – such as murals and sculptures — and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.  

State Senator Julia Salazar - Free Homeowner Counseling

 

New York State Comptroller DiNapoli, CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost and NYC Comptroller Mark Levine Raise Alarm on Reports of Proposed SpaceX IPO Governance

 

Warn That Reported Novel and Extreme Governance Structure Would be the Most Management-Favorable Ever Brought to U.S. Public Markets at this Scale

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, on behalf of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, along with California Public Employees’ Retirement System CEO Marcie Frost and New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, in a joint letter to SpaceX executives, raise objections to the reported proposed governance structures of SpaceX, which is preparing for its initial public offering, DiNapoli announced today. The investors hold combined assets under management exceeding $1 trillion for millions of working and retired public servants, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses, and their beneficiaries.

The letter follows press reports detailing a novel and extreme governance structure within SpaceX’s confidential draft registration statement. While the registration statement has not yet been made publicly available, as reported, the proposed structure would strip away fundamental investor protections by combining perpetual super-voting shares concentrated in Elon Musk, with a CEO removal provision that would insulate Musk with an effective veto over his own firing. The reported governance plan also would shield management from accountability through mandatory shareholder arbitration, controlled-company status, and restrictive Texas-based legal barriers to derivative litigation, while allowing one executive to maintain unprecedented control as CEO, CTO, and chair despite significant outside commitments.

“The reported governance structure for SpaceX presents significant risks to long term-investors,” DiNapoli said. “As reported, these provisions include super voting shares for a select few, mandatory arbitration of shareholder claims, nearly insurmountable barriers to executive accountability, and limits on shareholder legal actions. This structure would leave shareholders with virtually no recourse over how the company conducts business. This is anathema to the transparency and legitimate board oversight required for a major publicly traded corporation. As SpaceX is poised to occupy a position of systemic importance in the public markets, its governance must at the bare minimum adhere to the baseline protections upon which long-term institutional capital depends.”

“Sound governance is fundamental to a company’s long-term success, and we are concerned about the many glaring governance red flags including a lack of genuine checks and balances for Elon Musk as CEO,” Levine said. “The current proposed structure makes it nearly impossible to ensure strong safeguards are in place to preserve the company’s financial and reputational value, limits transparency, thwarts the opportunity for accountability, and overall dangerously undermines investor rights. If SpaceX is committed to starting off on the right foot, and earning the trust of potential shareholders, they will adopt governance practices that support their sustainable and long-term growth in earnest.”

The letter urges SpaceX to revise its proposed structure before its final Form S-1 is filed. Specifically, the investors are seeking reforms, including: a one-share, one-vote structure or a time based sunset on super-voting shares; a majority-independent board with a separation of the chair and CEO roles; withdrawal of mandatory arbitration clauses for shareholder claims; and an independent-committee process to review related-party transactions across Musk’s affiliated entities.

The investors requested a meeting with SpaceX management to discuss these reforms.

“We are not merely seeking a seat at the table to discuss these concerns; we are seeking the fundamental rights that protect shareholders to be upheld by SpaceX management,” DiNapoli said.

The full text of the letter is available at:

https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/press/pdf/spacex-ipo-letter.pdf

The New York State Common Retirement Fund is one of the largest public pension funds in the United States and has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation.

Mayor Mamdani Celebrates Small Business Month as NYC BEST Saves Small Businesses More Than $6 Million Since Taking Office

 

Thousands of small businesses served through NYC BEST since start of Mamdani administration

 

Monthlong small business month celebrations include free workshops and community events, culminating in third annual NYC small business month expo on May 28  

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kenny Minaya announced that the administration has helped small businesses avoid more than $6 million in fines and fees through 1,100 advisement visits since taking office. The milestone comes as New York City celebrates NYC Small Business Month, a citywide recognition of the small business owners, workers and neighborhood commercial corridors that power the City’s economy.    

  

“Small businesses are the backbone of every neighborhood in this city,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “But too many business owners have had to spend their time fighting bureaucracy instead of building their futures. From day one, our administration has worked to cut red tape, reduce needless fines and make City government work for working people. $6 million saved since the start of our administration is real money back in the hands of real New Yorkers — and during Small Business Month, we are bringing that commitment directly into every borough and every commercial corridor that makes this city run.”  

  

In addition, SBS has delivered more than 1,000 services through the NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST) during this period, helping small business owners navigate government regulations through one-on-one consultations, pro bono legal services and other support that helps businesses avoid costly penalties. These efforts are part of the administration’s broader commitment to cut red tape, expand access to capital and affordable financing and strengthen neighborhood economies.  

  

This NYC Small Business Month also follows Mayor Mamdani’s Executive Order 11, which aims to reduce fines and fees and eliminate burdensome regulations that hold New York City’s small businesses back.    

 

Throughout May, SBS will host dozens of community events and workshops across all five boroughs, connecting entrepreneurs with City services and resources. NYC Small Business Month will culminate in the third-annual NYC Small Business Month Expo on May 28 – a free, citywide event bringing all of New York City government under one roof to provide consultations, seminars and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses.    

  

“NYC Small Business Month is about meeting entrepreneurs where they are and ensuring every New Yorker—whether they’re just getting started or looking to grow—has access to the tools they need to succeed,” said SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya. “From cutting red tape, saving businesses millions in fines and fees and expanding access to affordable financing, to investing in our commercial corridors and workforce, SBS is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and resilient local economy. We’re also proud to end this year’s celebration with our annual NYC Small Business Month Expo, where entrepreneurs can find the guidance they need to thrive in the city globally known for its vibrant small business community.”  

  

Throughout May, SBS will host programming designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Events include:   

•    Workshops on licensing, compliance, financing and marketing   

•    Workforce recruitment events   

•   Merchant organizing and commercial corridor activations   

•   Industry-specific training and networking opportunities   

 

Entrepreneurs can explore the full calendar of events on the NYC Small Business Month webpage.   

 

Furthermore, as part of NYC Small Business Month, Mayor Mamdani and SBS have launched citywide outreach efforts to prepare local businesses for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. By promoting the city's NYC World Cup 2026 Business Tool Kit, SBS is helping to ensure that entrepreneurs can fully capitalize on the projected surge in tourism and foot traffic.  

 

To date, SBS has reached over 56,000 New Yorkers and will continue to deepen engagement through "Mobie" (Mobile Outreach Unit) tours, targeted email marketing to the food and nightlife industry, social media promotion and roundtables. SBS will also be launching a Mobie Outreach Tour to visit the following locations this month, with support from local community-based organizations:   

•    May 15 – 161st Street, The Bronx   

•    May 19 – Little Haiti, Brooklyn   

•    May 22 – Port Richmond, Staten Island   

•    May 26 – Koreatown, Manhattan   

 

Additionally, as part of this month’s programming, SBS will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with targeted events and workshops for AAPI entrepreneurs, including:   

•    Legal workshops and consultation clinics   

•    “Meet the Lender” event   

•    Multilingual support and technical assistance   

 

These workshops are designed to address common barriers to capital for AAPI communities, including language access challenges, while also providing guidance on financial planning and long-term business sustainability.    

 

The third annual NYC Small Business Month Expo on Thursday, May 28, will connect small business owners directly with City agencies, industry experts and resource providers.

  

The Expo will feature:   

•    One-on-one advising with SBS and City partners   

•    Access to financing and legal assistance resources   

•    Workshops on starting and growing a business   

•    Networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs   

 

New Yorkers interested in attending can register and RSVP on the NYC Small Business Month webpage.  

 

With nearly half of New Yorkers working for small businesses, these efforts are critical to ensuring the City’s continued growth and long-term economic resilience. NYC Small Business Month underscores SBS’ mission to make New York City the best place in the world to start and grow a business by removing barriers to success, investing in communities and connecting New Yorkers to opportunity.   

 

About the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS)

SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, supporting strong businesses and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information about SBS services, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, or follow SBS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.