Mayor Mamdani Launches “Opera for All,” Bringing 70,000 Free Metropolitan Opera Tickets to New Yorkers

 

10,000 Tickets Released Each Month by Lottery · Seats Across Every Section of the House · Initiative Designed for New Yorkers Who Have Never Attended the Met

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Diya Vij today announced “Opera for All,” a long-term partnership between the City and the Metropolitan Opera that will provide 70,000 free tickets this season to New Yorkers who have never attended a performance at the Met.

Beginning this month, the Met will release 10,000 tickets each month throughout the 2026-27 season, about 10% of all tickets for the season. New Yorkers can enter the monthly lottery at on.nyc.gov/opera or through the Met’s app. This season’s performances include Macbeth, Lincoln in the Bardo and La Bohème.

Mayor Mamdani announced the partnership in a video filmed on the Met’s stage with the cast of La Bohème. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FckhbDho1rE

“Opera is one of the greatest art forms we have, and there is no better place to experience it than the Metropolitan Opera House,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “But art should not be reserved for those who can afford it. Every New Yorker should have the opportunity to sit in these seats, hear these voices and experience this stage, no matter what’s in their bank account. From the rise of opera buffa in the 18th century to Mayor Fiorello La Guardia’s “people’s opera” in the 1940s, this art form was meant to be seen by everyone.”

“Throughout its storied history, the Met has culturally enriched New York,” said Peter Gelb, the Met’s General Manager. “With this new initiative, we hope to further demonstrate that the Met is a vital part of life in the city.”

“Economic justice means access to the things that make a city worth living in,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “Too many New Yorkers have walked past Lincoln Center their whole lives and never gone inside. This season, tens of thousands of them will.”

“The Met Opera’s iconic stage is one that too many New Yorkers have yet to experience for themselves. Thanks to this partnership, that’s about to change,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vij. “Opera has a long history of welcoming working people of all ages. With ‘Opera for All,’ we’re getting back to these roots and letting all New Yorkers know that the incredible work on this stage is for them, too.”

The Met has committed to continuing “Opera for All” in future seasons. Tickets will be available in every section of the house, excluding standing room. Any New Yorker who has not purchased a Met Opera ticket since 2019 is eligible to enter the lottery. Additional pathways to distributing tickets directly to New Yorkers will also be made available in the months ahead.

The City is helping promote and distribute tickets through the Department of Social Services, NYCHA, New York City Public Schools, the New York Public Library, The City University of New York (CUNY), the Department for the Aging and Situation Project.

The announcement builds on the Mamdani administration’s commitment to making New York’s arts and culture accessible to all New Yorkers. Earlier this summer, in partnership with the Theater Development Fund, Mayor Mamdani provided thousands of free and low-cost Broadway and off-Broadway tickets to high school students, along with free memberships to more than 20 cultural institutions across the City.

The Metropolitan Opera employs approximately 3,000 people, including performers, musicians, carpenters, wigmakers and ticket sellers. Fifteen unions represent its workforce.

In the video announcing “Opera for All,” Mayor Mamdani also cited Mayor Fiorello La Guardia’s commitment to making opera accessible to New Yorkers. In 1943, Mayor La Guardia helped establish New York City Center as a home for what he called “The People’s Opera,” with tickets priced from 75 cents to $2.

New Yorkers can enter the monthly lottery at on.nyc.gov/opera. More information about the Metropolitan Opera is available at metopera.org.

“The arts are one of the great joys of living in New York City and every New Yorker should have access to the cultural experiences that make our city so vibrant,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “NYCHA residents are a vital part of the city’s artistic and cultural fabric and I hope they will take part in this lottery for a chance to enjoy the transformative experience of live opera at the Met.”

“New York City is home to some of the world’s finest cultural institutions, including the Met Opera, and every New Yorker should have the opportunity to experience the best the city has to offer,” said DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton. “We are proud to work with DCLA and the Met Opera to provide free tickets to our clients so that they can experience the wonders of the opera.”

“The arts and our city’s cultural institutions are an important part of building a more age-inclusive city,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Lisa Scott-McKenzie. “At older adult centers across the city, we see how creative programs can promote well-being, foster connection, and reduce social isolation. ‘Opera for All’ expands that opportunity by opening the doors of the Metropolitan Opera to more New Yorkers. I applaud Mayor Mamdani, the Met and the Department of Cultural Affairs for helping ensure New Yorkers of every age can participate in the cultural offerings of our city.”

“The Met has committed to continuing ‘Opera for All’ in future seasons. Tickets cover seats in every section of the house. They do not include standing room. The City is helping distribute tickets this season. The City will promote the lottery through DSS, NYCHA, New York City Public Schools, Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, CUNY, and DFTA, and through the Situation Project.

DEC ANNOUNCES $1.25 MILLION IN FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR HUDSON RIVER ESTUARY COMMUNITIES

Department of Environmental Conservation

Grants Support Resiliency Planning and Adaptation to Climate Risk in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed

Additional Funding for Improvements to Estuary Health, Recreational Access, and Environmental Education

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the availability of $1.25 million in grants for projects to help communities within the Hudson River Estuary watershed plan for and adapt to climate change, advance conservation and stewardship, restore habitat, improve recreational river access, and expand educational programming. The funding is announced during Climate Week and National Estuaries Week, an annual celebration to promote the importance of estuaries and the need to protect them.     

“During Climate Week, New York recognizes the impact Governor Kathy Hochul’s record investments in local conservation efforts are making in improving our state’s resiliency to climate change,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Healthy estuaries play a crucial role and the $1.25 million available now through the Hudson River Estuary Grants program will help Hudson River communities further adapt to climate risk and implement projects that restore and protect estuary ecosystems.” 

Four Requests for Applications (RFAs) are available: Tributary Restoration and Resilience, Local Stewardship Planning, River Education, and River Access. All projects must align with goals in the 2026–2030 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda. 

$350,000 for Local Stewardship Planning 

Approximately $350,000 is available to help local organizations and communities prepare plans, studies, and policies, and engage the public in climate adaptation, conservation, and tributary stewardship in the estuary watershed. Eligible projects include:

• Climate adaptation and resilience planning and actions to adapt to climate risks
• Planning for conservation of habitats and contiguous natural areas
• Watershed-based stewardship and planning for Hudson River estuary tributaries

The minimum grant award for Local Stewardship Planning is $10,500 and the maximum is $50,000.  

$400,000 for Tributary Restoration and Resiliency 

Approximately $400,000 is available for projects to support restoration of free-flowing tributaries to conserve and restore habitat, improve water quality, and address localized flooding. Eligible projects include: 

• Dam removal construction
• Dam removal engineering and design
• Dam removal initial reconnaissance and risk assessment  
• Stream crossing replacement
• Stream crossing design
• Stream crossing design and replacement

Projects that benefit river herring and American eel and are in closest sequential proximity to tidal waters are priorities. The minimum grant award is $10,500 and the maximum is $200,000.  

$250,000 for River Education 

Approximately $250,000 is available for projects to enhance education about the Hudson River Estuary and its watershed and make learning opportunities more accessible for a wide range of people. Eligible projects include: 

• Locally-based facilities for learning about the Hudson River Estuary
• Education programs and resources about the Hudson River Estuary
• Educator professional development or curriculum development
• Intensive environmental science research programs for young adults

The minimum grant award for River Education is $20,000, and the maximum grant amount is $100,000. 

$250,000 for River Access 

Approximately $250,000 is available for projects to improve resiliency to flooding and sea-level rise and improve accessibility to the Hudson River Estuary and its tidal tributaries. Eligible projects include: 

• Access site improvements for swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities
• Access site resiliency to flooding and sea level rise

The minimum grant award is $10,500 and the maximum grant amount is $100,000. 

Webinars about project eligibility and the application process will be held on October 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Register for the webinars on the Hudson River Estuary Program’s Grants and Funding Opportunities webpage. The webinars will be recorded and will be available to view on DEC’s website. Applications are due on December 17, 2026. 

Now in its 23rd year, DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Grants Program implements priorities outlined in DEC's 2026–2030 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda. To date, the Hudson River Estuary Program has awarded more than 680 grants totaling more than $31.7 million.     

Funding for DEC’s Estuary Grants program is provided by New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), a critical resource for environmental programs, such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects. The FY 2026–27 New York State Budget includes an increase of the Environmental Protection Fund to a record $450 million to support measures to adapt and mitigate climate impacts.   

Mayor Mamdani Issues Travel Advisory as Nor’easter Tracks Closer to New York City

 

New Yorkers should prepare for rain, strong winds and coastal flooding Friday afternoon through Sunday morning 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) today issued a Travel Advisory from Friday, September 25 at 2 p.m. through the morning of Sunday, September 27 as a nor’easter is expected to bring rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to New York City.

The National Weather Service (NWS) this afternoon updated the storm’s expected track farther west and closer to New York City. Current forecasts now call for 2 to 3 inches of rain citywide, up from approximately 1 to 1.5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Wind gusts are now expected to reach 40 to 50 mph, with the strongest winds from Friday night through Saturday night.

Coastal flooding is expected during the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides. Moderate coastal flooding is possible in southern Queens, including the Rockaways and around Jamaica Bay, and along portions of the Staten Island and Brooklyn shorelines. Minor to moderate flooding is possible around Flushing Bay, with minor flooding expected near the Battery.

“The forecast path of this storm has moved closer to our city, and it is bringing more rain and stronger winds with it,” said Mayor Mamdani. “City workers are clearing catch basins, preparing for downed trees and positioning emergency resources in areas that could see coastal flooding. If you’re traveling this weekend, give yourself extra time, check your train, ferry or flight before you head out and stay off low-lying coastal roads around high tide. If you live in a basement apartment, know your way out and be ready to move to a higher floor if conditions become dangerous. Look out for your neighbors, and sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.”

“New Yorkers should prepare for a prolonged period of strong winds along with rain and coastal flooding through much of the weekend,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “We are particularly watching the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides, especially in the Rockaways, around Jamaica Bay and along the Staten Island and Brooklyn shorelines. Move your car away from streets that regularly flood, secure anything outside that could become airborne and never drive or walk through floodwater. We are working closely with the NWS and agencies across the city and will keep New Yorkers updated as the forecast changes.”

Rain is expected to begin as early as Friday evening and continue throughout the weekend, with the heaviest rain likely Saturday and potentially beginning early Saturday morning. Localized rainfall totals of 4 to 5 inches are possible where heavier rain repeatedly moves over the same area, particularly if the storm tracks farther west. Minor flooding is possible on roadways, underpasses and in low-lying or poor-drainage areas. Widespread flash flooding is not currently expected, though isolated flash flooding cannot be ruled out.

A Wind Advisory is in effect beginning at 2 p.m. Friday. Winds will increase Friday afternoon, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph expected from Friday night through Saturday night before gradually easing Sunday. Winds may be stronger on bridges, elevated roadways and exposed coastal areas. With trees still in full leaf and the ground becoming increasingly saturated, strong winds may bring down trees, tree limbs and power lines, potentially causing blocked roads and power outages.

Coastal flooding is expected around the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides, generally between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday and between 7:30 and 8:40 a.m. Saturday, depending on location. Flooding may close low-lying waterfront roads and damage vehicles parked in flood-prone areas. Additional minor coastal flooding may be possible during subsequent high tides.

A high risk of rip currents and dangerous surf is expected through the weekend. City beaches closed for the season on Sunday, September 13, and lifeguards are no longer on duty. Swimming is not permitted.

NYCEM has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating closely with the NWS, City and State agencies, utility providers and other partners to ready the city and position emergency resources. Agencies are working with businesses and contractors to secure construction sites and outdoor locations.

New Yorkers should take steps to prepare now:

• Allow extra time for travel and check transit, ferry and flight status before leaving. 
• If you park in a coastal area that frequently floods, move your vehicle to higher ground before high tide.
• If you live in a basement or ground-floor apartment in a low-lying or flood-prone area, know more than one way out and be prepared to move to a higher floor if conditions worsen. Never remain in or re-enter a flooded basement.
• Never walk or drive through floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and one foot of water can sweep away a vehicle.
• Never drive around traffic barricades.
• Secure outdoor furniture, grills, planters, garbage cans and other loose items, including anything on balconies, rooftops and patios.
• During strong winds, stay away from trees, power lines, scaffolding and construction sites.
• Charge phones and other devices. If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment, register with your utility provider and keep backup batteries charged.
• Check on neighbors who may need additional help, especially older adults, people with disabilities and anyone living in a basement or low-lying home.
• Anyone attending an outdoor event this weekend should check with organizers for schedule changes.
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Report nonemergency issues to 311.

The City will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates as the forecast changes. Sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency alert system, by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 or visiting nyc.gov/notifynyc. Basement apartment residents can sign up to receive automated flooding alerts through Notify NYC. For preparedness information, visit nyc.gov/beready. 

LONG ISLAND MAN INDICTED ON MURDER CHARGES FOR 2023 SHOOTING OUTSIDE ST. ALBANS NIGHTCLUB

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jhavaughn Pinnock was arraigned on an indictment charging him with murder and other crimes in connection with the April 2023 shooting death of 23-year-old Jevaughn Jeminson outside the Pure Lounge nightclub in St. Albans. Pinnock was apprehended in Florida and extradited to New York.

District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, the defendant coldly executed a young man on the streets of Queens and then fled the state to avoid accountability. We never give up on seeking justice for victims and will aggressively prosecute this case as we seek justice for the victim and his family. I thank my prosecutors and our partners with the US Marshals Service, the Hollywood Florida Police Department and the NYPD for their work on this case.”

Pinnock, 35, of Elmont, was arraigned yesterday on an indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and reckless endangerment in the first degree. Supreme Court Justice Gia Morris remanded the defendant and ordered him to return to court on October 23. If convicted, Pinnock faces 25 years to life in prison.

Codefendant Christopher King was arrested in Georgia on August 16, 2023, and extradited to New York. He pleaded guilty December 1, 2025, to manslaughter in the first degree and was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on April 8, 2023, at approximately 1:56 a.m., Pinnock and codefendant King attempted to re-enter Pure Lounge, located at 126-19 Merrick Boulevard, after previously being inside.

King, who was in possession of a firearm, was frisked and permitted to enter the lounge without his firearm being detected. Pinnock was then frisked, and after his firearm was discovered, he was denied entry. Pinnock briefly walked around the corner from the lounge and King exited the club, looking for Pinnock. The two then returned to the entrance and again waited in line. Both defendants were frisked a second time and, with neither firearm detected, were permitted inside the lounge.

After entering the lounge, Pinnock and King returned to the VIP section where they had previously been socializing with their group. Approximately 10 minutes later, the other members of their group began leaving the lounge. Rather than exit with them, Pinnock and King remained inside and positioned themselves at a high-top table near the exit door. Shortly thereafter, the victim, Jevaughn Jeminson of North Lauderdale, Florida, who was a patron at the lounge, received a text message, exited the lounge, and stood outside near the corner of Merrick Boulevard and Selover Avenue. Pinnock and King immediately left the lounge and followed Jeminson outside.

Pinnock allegedly exchanged words with Jeminson and then removed a firearm from his sweatshirt, pointed it toward Jeminson’s face and fired, striking the victim underneath his chin. Jeminson attempted to flee around the corner but was allegedly chased by both defendants who continued to fire their weapons. After Jeminson fell to the ground, Pinnock allegedly stood over him and fired multiple shots at close range.

Pinnock began to walk away and then walked back toward the victim, stood over him and again fired multiple shots into his face and body. Pinnock and King then walked to the corner of 177th Street and 129th Avenue, entered King’s dark colored BMW and fled.

The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Jeminson sustained four gunshots to the head and face, two to the abdomen, four to the back, and one to the arm.

After an extensive investigation, Pinnock was apprehended on August 20, 2026, in Hollywood, Florida, and was extradited yesterday to Queens.

The Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association invites you to their October General Meeting on Tuesday Oct 13t

The Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association invites you to their October General Meeting  on Tuesday Oct 13th featuring a special presentation by Oriza Watanabe, LCSW, from NYC Health + Hospitals. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and engage with community members and healthcare professionals.Please join us for this Important and Informative topic and presentation at Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway South,Bx NY 10461.

Starting time is 7:00 pm.

Four Aliens Charged With Election Fraud

 

Four aliens, including 2 illegal aliens, have been charged with election-related crimes, announced United States Attorney David Metcalf.

“Our sovereignty as a nation belongs to the American people and no one else,” U.S. Attorney Metcalf said. “Anyone, including illegal aliens, who votes illegally in our elections will be prosecuted for corrupting our democracy.”

“Voting by noncitizens is illegal and has real consequences for the American public,” said HSI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel. “Every unlawful ballot can undermine confidence in the election process and diminish the voices of American citizens. HSI Philadelphia remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate election-related fraud and help protect the integrity of U.S. elections.”

Cliff Sanon, 39, an illegal alien from Haiti who has been residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of submitting a fraudulent voter registration application. According to the complaint, Sanon allegedly submitted a voter registration application in February 2026 in Philadelphia County prior to the May 2026 primary election, despite being a citizen of Haiti and not an American citizen. The complaint further alleges that this was among eight fraudulent voter registration applications submitted by Sanon, who also voted in the November 2022 election. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of five years of imprisonment, one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Image of Cliff Sanon, 39, an illegal alien from Haiti

Dilea Ochoa-Perez, 43, an illegal alien from Mexico who has been residing in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, was charged by information with two counts of voting as an alien. According to the information, Ochoa-Perez allegedly illegally voted in Chester County in the November 2022 and November 2024 general elections, even though she was a citizen of Mexico at the time of both elections and not an American citizen. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of two years of imprisonment, one year of supervised release, a $200,000 fine, and a $50 special assessment. 

Trinidad & Tobago national, Sade Guppy, 37, a lawful permanent resident, was charged by information with one count of voting as an alien. According to the information, Guppy allegedly illegally voted in Philadelphia County in the November 2022 general election, even though she was not a United States citizen. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of one year of imprisonment, one year of supervised release, a $100,000 fine, and a $25 special assessment.

Image of Trinidad & Tobago national, Sade Guppy, 37, a lawful permanent resident.

Mexican national, Eduardo Gallardo Maldonado, 66, a lawful permanent resident, was charged by information with one count of voting as an alien. According to the information, Maldonado allegedly illegally voted in Philadelphia County in the November 2024 general election, even though he was not a United States citizen. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of one year of imprisonment, one year of supervised release, a $100,000 fine, and a $25 special assessment.

These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint and information are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Manager of Long Island Company Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Embezzling from Customer Credit Accounts

 

Defendant Stole $1.6 Million in Funds That Were Used for a Failed Restaurant Venture, His Wedding Expenses, and International Travel

Tony Ream, also known as “Tony Ream-Hendley” and “Tony Moul Ream,” a former credit supervisor of a health care products and services company in Melville, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Sanket J. Bulsara to 30 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud.  Over the course of four years, Ream sent wire transfers totaling approximately $1.6 million from the company’s bank account to a bank account that he controlled, and used those funds for his own personal gain.  In addition to the prison term, Judge Bulsara ordered Ream to pay restitution in the amount of $1.6 million to the company, and a $1,000 fine.  Ream had previously pleaded guilty to this crime in September.  

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence. 

“The defendant profited by abusing the trust placed in him by his employer, but his lies and crimes caught up with him,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “This prison sentence gives the defendant ample time to reflect on his bad choices and how he will pay back the money he stole.” 

“Tony Ream’s theft betrayed the trust of his employer and their customers out of selfish greed. The FBI continues to hold accountable fraudsters who utilize the wallets of unsuspecting clients to finance their personal purchases,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

As set forth in court filings and statements made in court during plea and sentencing proceedings, Ream was employed by a company headquartered in Melville (the Company) that is a distributor of health care products and services, and serves as the world’s largest provider of health care solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners worldwide.  Ream was hired by the Company in 2019 to work in its credit department and became a credit supervisor.  From approximately October 2020 through November 2024, Ream siphoned corporate funds from customer refund accounts, some of which were inactive, and diverted the funds to his own personal accounts, masking the fraud by recording each transaction as a refund that was issued to a customer.  Ream also deceived his subordinates into unwittingly taking steps that facilitated his embezzlement scheme.  In total, Ream embezzled approximately $1.6 million from the Company, which he spent on his wedding, luxury international vacations, and a failed restaurant venture in South Carolina. 

Speaker Menin and Council Members Pass New Legislation Streamlining Fair Fares Registration and Fostering Greater Enrollment

 

Council also approves measure to expand J-51 tax incentive to include additional building owners

The New York City Council approved new legislation that will encourage greater enrollment in the City’s Fair Fares program, which provides discounted subway and bus fares to low-income New Yorkers, as a part of the Council’s broader effort to lower the cost of living and make the city more affordable for everyday New Yorkers.

As a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Speaker Menin and the Council secured funding for the largest Fair Fares expansion in program history, increasing eligibility from 150% of the federal poverty level up to 200%. An additional 340,000 low-income residents will soon have access to half-price subway, bus, and paratransit fares, raising total eligibility to approximately 1.3 million New Yorkers.

Currently, just 40% of New Yorkers eligible for Fair Fares are enrolled in the program. Given that low rate and the upcoming expansion, today’s legislation is designed to foster greater enrollment by simplifying the registration process. It expands a fast-track process to people who are currently on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and cash assistance and also makes it easier to identify eligible New Yorkers who are not currently enrolled and notify them of their benefits. The bill also requires a study on the feasibility of making enrollment entirely automatic.

“The affordability crisis is crushing the people of our city, and the cost of public transportation is particularly weighing down working families,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Fair Fares is an indispensable program, and yet it’s underutilized because of a lack of awareness and a complicated application process. The legislation we passed today, spearheaded by Council Member Hudson, will mandate a streamlined enrollment process so that eligible New Yorkers are able to ride public transit at a price that doesn’t empty their pockets.”

Creating a Streamlined Enrollment Process for Fair Fares

Introduction 248-A, would require the Commissioner of Social Services to create a streamlined process for enrolling in Fair Fares. The system would allow people who are renewing SNAP or cash assistance to simply check a box to enroll in Fair Fares and require the Commissioner to notify eligible individuals about this simplified process.

Additionally, the bill would require the Commissioner to make best efforts to establish an agreement with the New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance and other relevant state agencies to obtain information necessary to notify additional individuals who may be eligible for fair fares, and to report to the Council about such efforts. The bill would also require the Commissioner to report to the Council annually about enrollment and usage of the Fair Fares program. Finally, the bill would require the Commissioner to study the feasibility of establishing automatic enrollment in all city-administered benefits programs.

Returning Unused Commissary Funds

Introduction 246-A, would require the Department of Correction (DOC) to tell persons in custody how much money remains in their institutional funds account, more commonly known as a commissary account. Persons exiting custody would be able to request their remaining institutional funds in the form of any combination of cash, a check, or preloaded debit card. People who have left custody with outstanding institutional funds could request that their funds be returned to them in the form of a check mailed to an address of their choosing. DOC would also be required to tell a person what information would be required to transfer that person’s institutional funds from the Department to any other correctional facility.

Extending the J-51 Tax Break

Introduction 1015-A, would extend the J-51 tax abatement for certain alterations or improvements to include projects completed on or after June 30, 2026 and before June 30, 2036. Condos and coops where the average assessed valuation is under $60,000 per dwelling unit (adjusted annually for inflation) would be eligible for the abatement. Rental buildings (i) where more than half the units are affordable, (ii) that are operated by limited-profit housing companies, or (iii) that receive substantial governmental assistance would also be eligible.

The owner of an eligible building would be able to recover, over a period of 20 years, up to 100% of the reasonable cost of the work. HPD would establish and regularly update a certified reasonable cost schedule. This bill would provide for tenant protections, including the possibility of a revocation of benefits if an owner fails to comply. This bill would also require HPD to report on the implementation of the program.

Declaring August as Black Pride Month

Resolution 606, would declare the month of August as Black Pride Month in the City of New York, recognizing the legacy of the NYC Black Pride movement of uplifting the Black LGBTQIA+ community and its continuing contributions to creating a more equitable New York City.

Declaring September as African Immigrant Heritage Month

Resolution 607, would declare the month of September as African Immigrant Heritage Month in the City of New York to celebrate the contributions made by African immigrants to New York City and the United States.

Declaring October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day

Resolution 184,  would declare October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day annually in the City of New York to commemorate the mythological beginning of the Korean people and to celebrate their continued pride in their shared ancestry.

Supporting the Creation of Statewide Center for Fatherhood Initiatives

Resolution 142-A, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to establish the Center for Fatherhood Initiatives under the Office of Children and Family Services.

Land Use:

Introduction 833, would repeal certain building setback restrictions along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn from Ralph Avenue to Bushwick Avenue.

815 Hutchinson River Parkway Rezoning – an application by MD Hutch Owner LLC for a zoning map amendment to change from an M1-2 District to a C8-3 District to facilitate the conversion of portions of an existing commercial shopping center for retail uses that are not permitted under the current zoning.

862-868 Kent Avenue Rezoning – an application by Kent Development LLC and 123 Taaffe LLC for a zoning map amendment to change from an M1-1 District to an M1-4/R6A District and a zoning text amendment to establish a new Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) area. These actions will facilitate the development of two residential buildings with 75 residential units, 18 of which will be income-restricted pursuant to MIH, and community facility space to include a synagogue.

Disapproval of an application by Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant for a revocable consent to operate a sidewalk cafe in Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry’s district.

Finance:

Transparency Resolution approving new designations and changes of certain organizations receiving funding in the Expense Budget, including $5.15 million to provide counseling, legal, technical assistance, and referral services to build and protect the generational wealth of low- and moderate-income prospective homeowners, homeowners, and their heirs.