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Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Dan Padernacht - It's Back On!
Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on Tropical Storm Isaias
Storm Continues to Affect Several Parts of the State with Strong Winds, Heavy Rains and Flash Flooding
870,000 Power Outages Experienced Throughout New York
Approximately 80,000 Electric Customers Have Been Restored
Empty Trailers Temporarily Banned from Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge; Speed Limit Reduced to 35 MPH
Long Island Rail Road Service Restored on Long Beach and Far Rockaway Branches
Hudson Line Service Has Resumed On Metro-North with Limited Outbound Service From Grand Central Terminal
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the impacts of Tropical Storm Isaias as the storm continues to move through the state. The storm is continuing on a northern track through the eastern portion of the state and has already caused multiple downed trees, localized flash flooding and caused 870,000 power outages. Approximately 80,000 electric customers have been restored so far, while 869,611 were still without power as of 10:00 p.m. Tuesday. Emergency response personnel from multiple state agencies are currently out in the field assisting local partners with response efforts and the Department of Public Service is working with utility companies to restore service as quickly as possible.
Multiple watches, warnings and advisories for Tropical Storms, Floods, Tornados and High Winds remain in place by National Weather Service and are expected to until later Tuesday evening. New Yorkers can view the complete listing of these notices, as well as access the latest forecasts, by visiting the National Weather Service website here. New Yorkers should also continue monitoring local weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information.
"The State's emergency response personnel are on the ground and fully engaged with our local partners to support any storm-related needs," Governor Cuomo said. "As the storm continues to move out of the state, we will work around the clock to ensure communities are safe, transportation is open and that utilities get the power turned back on."
New York's utilities have approximately 4,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response and restoration across New York State. Department of Public Service staff will track the utilities' work throughout the storm event and will ensure the utilities shift the appropriate staffing to the regions anticipated to experience the greatest impact. In addition, PSEG LI, Con Edison, Orange & Rockland and Central Hudson have secured more than 2,000 additional mutual aid line workers to support their response and restoration efforts due to the expected impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias.
Electric outages by company are as follows:
CHGE | 109,000 |
CONED | 205,335 |
NGRID | 19,077 |
NYSEG | 89,370 |
ORU | 103,889 |
PSEG-LI | 342,681 |
Current power outage numbers by county are as follows:
Albany | 1,814 | |
Bronx | 22,848 | |
Columbia | 7,182 | |
Delaware | 524 | |
Dutchess | 26,253 | |
Essex | 305 | |
Fulton | 326 | |
Kings | 13,101 | |
Monroe | 259 | |
Montgomery | 117 | |
Nassau | 142,479 | |
New York | 165 | |
Niagara | 1,112 | |
Orange | 48,416 | |
Oswego | 134 | |
Putnam | 35,006 | |
Queens | 48,583 | |
Rensselaer | 2,264 | |
Richmond | 26,292 | |
Rockland | 60,878 | |
Saratoga | 7,206 | |
Schenectady | 1,058 | |
Schoharie | 436 | |
Suffolk | 198,047 | |
Sullivan | 11,735 | |
Ulster | 4,776 | |
Warren | 1,792 | |
Washington | 268 | |
Westchester | 125,605 |
Governor Cuomo Announces Suspension of 11 Additional New York Bars' Liquor Licenses for Egregious Violations of Coronavirus-Related Regulations
94 Businesses' Liquor Licenses Have Been Suspended During Public Health Emergency
Multi-Agency Task Force Conducted Over 900 Compliance Checks Monday Night, Observing 27 Additional Violations
612 Charges Have Been Filed and Processed To Date; Updated List of Suspensions and Charges Available HERE
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state has suspended liquor licenses for 11 New York State bars after finding egregious violations of pandemic-related Executive Orders. On Monday, the state's multi-agency task force, led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority, conducted 945 compliance checks, documenting violations at 27 establishments. Businesses found in violation of COVID-19 regulations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, while egregious violations can result in the immediate suspension of a bar or restaurant's liquor license.
"New Yorkers crushed the curve of the virus and their actions have allowed us to maintain a low infection rate throughout our reopening, but we must continue to be smart and cautious, especially as we watch cases rise throughout the rest of the country," Governor Cuomo said. "While I commend the vast majority of bar and restaurant owners who have taken extraordinary precautions and remained vigilant during this crisis, our top priority is protecting public health and the taskforce remains laser focused on holding accountable those who willfully violate the law."
State Liquor Authority Chair Vincent Bradley said, "These compliance details are about protecting public health and keeping people safe, and the SLA will continue to crack down on businesses who flout the law, placing New Yorkers and our continued economic re-opening at risk."
The 11 establishments issued emergency orders of summary suspension from the State Liquor Authority Board on August 3rd and August 4th are:
"Court Deli Restaurant" at 96 East 161st Street in the Bronx, on August 4, 2020
Based on complaints of patrons eating inside the premises, on August 3rd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed four patrons at two separate tables eating and drinking inside the premises, with evidence of other inside service as well.
"Suite 704" at 704-706A Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 4, 2020
On August 1st NYPD officers observed twelve patrons eating inside the premises, employees without facial coverings, and a DJ set up inside, in violation of their license and the Governor's Executive Orders which do not permit inside service at all in NYC.
"Burkes Grill" at 7 South Avenue in Webster, on August 4, 2020
On July 30th, SLA investigators made an undisclosed visit to this restaurant to find it operating as an illegal bar only: observing twelve patrons at the bar who were ignoring social distancing guidelines and two patrons standing and drinking. An investigator ordered and was served a beer without food from a bartender without a facial covering, while observing three patrons enter the bar that were also served alcohol without food.
"Sirenita Lounge" at 12 Croton Avenue in Ossining, on August 4, 2020
The SLA received a referral from the Village of Ossining Police Department that on July 31st, officers conducting a compliance inspection observed a bar-type scene inside with patrons drinking, playing pool and mingling inside without masks and ignoring social distancing guidelines; several patrons were also loitering and drinking directly outside of the establishment.
"Boxcar Lounge," at 168 Avenue B in Manhattan, on August 4, 2020
On August 3rd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force interviewed the owner of the business, who admitted to serving alcohol to patrons without food, in addition to acknowledging the business does not have a kitchen or prepare food, which has been a requirement of all licensed taverns dating back to 1964. The licensee previously had been cited and disciplined, in 2019, a "non bona fide" for having no food available.
"La Vue" at 3202 Emmons Avenue in Brooklyn, on August 3, 2020
On August 2nd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed multiple egregious violations at this licensed premises: five security guards and two valets without facial coverings directly outside the business, six employees preparing food and three bartenders without facial coverings, forty patrons without masks inside, near the rooftop, and one-hundred-fifty patrons drinking and dancing on the rooftop, with several observed sharing hookah and drinks from bottle service being offered.
"EL Manaba Restaurant" at 341 St. Nicholas Avenue in Ridgewood, on August 3, 2020
On August 2nd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed eleven patrons inside the restaurant eating and consuming alcohol, including seven seated at tables and four at the bar, all of it illegal in New York City. Investigators additionally observed four employees inside the restaurant without facial coverings.
"Crush Bar and Lounge" at 10 West Mount Eden Avenue in the Bronx, on August 3, 2020
On August 2nd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed a DJ playing music outside the premises creating a nightclub-like atmosphere with over twenty-five patrons, most without facial coverings, partying, mingling and drinking.
"Kazan Mangal" at 97-13 Queens Boulevard in Queens, on August 3, 2020
On August 2nd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed four patrons eating and drinking inside the restaurant. Kazan Mangal already was charged for allowing patrons to eat inside on July 26th.
"Shanghai Red" at 127-129 Westchester Square in the Bronx, on August 3, 2020
On August 2nd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed three patrons eating and drinking inside the premises, including two at the bar. Directly outside the bar investigators observed several patrons standing, drinking and ignoring social distancing guidelines in addition to a server without a facial covering.
"The Greek Kitchen" at 885 10th Avenue in Manhattan, on August 3, 2020
Based on complaints of patrons eating inside the premises, on August 2nd, investigators with the state's multi-agency task force observed several patrons dining inside.
The emergency suspensions were ordered by Chairman Bradley, Commissioner Lily Fan and Commissioner Greeley Ford at special meetings of the Full Board on August 3rd and August 4th, conducted by a digitally recorded video under social distancing guidelines.
Emergency Summary Suspensions are imposed when the SLA finds the continued operation of a licensed business threatens public health and safety. Suspension orders are served immediately and remain in effect indefinitely, with the maximum penalty including the permanent revocation of the license and fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Licensees subject to an emergency suspension are entitled to an expedited hearing before an SLA Administrative Law Judge.
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Attorney General James Fights Against New Trump Administration Restrictions on Employment Authorization for Asylum Seekers
Coalition of States, Cities, and Counties Argue DHS Rules Would Limit
Job Opportunities for Asylum Seekers, Irreparably Harm State Economies
New York Attorney General Letitia James co-led a coalition of 20 state attorneys general and 10 major cities and counties from around the nation in challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to limit access to employment authorization for asylum seekers. Under two new rules, individuals seeking asylum in the United States would be indefinitely delayed and barred in some cases from obtaining authorization to work. In an amicus brief filed in support of the plaintiffs in Casa de Maryland, Inc, et al. v. Wolf, Attorney General James and the coalition urge the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland to uphold the plaintiff’s request for a preliminary injunction.
“The Trump Administration is once again creating arbitrary and unlawful hurdles for immigrants trying to build a life for themselves here in America,” said Attorney General James. “By making it more difficult for immigrants to start to work, the president is not only hurting asylum seekers and their families, but economically disadvantaging states across the country. These policies are morally and economically dangerous, and we will not allow them to stand.”
The first new Trump Administration rule will require asylum seekers to wait a year before applying for employment authorization, and bar many from obtaining authorization at all. The second rule will eliminate the longstanding requirement that employment authorization applications be processed within 30 days, thus allowing such applications to sit untouched indefinitely. In the amicus brief — led by Attorney General James and District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine — the coalition highlights the substantial burdens these rules will pose on both states and asylum-seekers.
The coalition argues that by prohibiting asylum seekers from working for extended periods, or at all, the new rules will significantly lower the tax revenue that states and localities receive as a result of asylum seekers’ economic activity. Moreover, the inability of asylum seekers to access employer-sponsored health care will lead to increased health and welfare costs shouldered by the states. These costs will be disproportionately felt by the states filing the amicus brief. Collectively, the coalition states are home to more than 26 million immigrants, and over 65 percent of the individuals granted asylum in the United States.
Joining Attorneys General James and Racine in filing this brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington; as well as the cities of Albuquerque, NM, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, Madison, WI, Minneapolis, MN, New York, NY, Oakland, CA, and Seattle, WA; and both Cook County in Illinois and Howard County in Maryland.
Attorney General Letitia James Announces Funding for Tenant Legal Assistance Program
Program Will Assist Non-Profits Who Help New Yorkers Outside of New York City Facing Eviction
New York Attorney General Letitia James, launched the Tenant Legal Assistance Program to provide $742,000 in funding for organizations to offer tenants free legal assistance in Upstate New York and Long Island who face eviction during the COVID-19 crisis. Funds from the 2012 National Mortgage Settlement, the largest consumer financial protection settlement in the history of our nation, will be used for this program to support one year of funding.
The grant will provide training for volunteer attorneys in addition to the funds. Grant recipients have not yet been identified. An RFP was released today to kickstart the process and make tentative awards by September 4, 2020.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is offering this grant opportunity to fund legal service providers who represent tenants to develop and manage volunteer attorney programs in six regions across the state: Long Island, Southern Tier, Capital Region, Hudson Valley, and Western and Central New York.
“Tenants outside of New York City face unique challenges, including that they do not have access to free legal assistance,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “We know that without legal representation, tenants are often unfairly and unjustly evicted. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more New Yorkers than ever are facing payment issues and eviction. These grants will help ensure that everyone who has the right to stay in their home is able to do so.”
Through this program, grantees will provide direct representation to tenants in addition to providing education related to tenant protections tied to the COVID-19 crisis. These organizations will also identify procedural and structural reform priorities within their regions. Additionally, the grant will fund one organization to develop an online resource center, which will publish materials developed by the volunteer attorney programs to provide information to tenants, attorneys and others about tenants’ rights and protections related to COVID-19.
Applications are due on August 25, 2020 and all qualified parties are encouraged to apply.
Ritchie Torres - With Gratitude
Team,
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Last week, we set an ambitious end-of-month goal. And thanks to this incredible grassroots team, we got the job done!
Now, we have some serious momentum moving forward. We’re in a strong position to win our race this November, grow our majority in Congress, and make Donald Trump a one-term president.
Folks, you made this happen. This grassroots team is the heart of our campaign. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Thank you for stepping up to fight for our communities and for a better future.
I am so grateful to have you on this team,
Ritchie
MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES DR. DAVE A. CHOKSHI AS COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE
Mayor de Blasio today announced the appointment of Dr. Dave A. Chokshi as Commissioner of the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dr. Chokshi has served at the highest level of local, state, and federal health agencies, including NYC Health + Hospitals, where he was in senior leadership roles over the past six years. As Chief Population Health Officer, Dr. Chokshi’s team transformed healthcare delivery for over one million New Yorkers. Most recently, he served as a key leader in the City’s COVID-19 response.
“Dr. Chokshi has spent his career fighting for those too often left behind,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Never has that been more true than during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he has helped lead our City’s public health system under unprecedented challenges. I know he’s ready to lead the charge forward in our fight for a fairer and healthier city for all.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of our City’s response in the face of a once-in-a-lifetime public health crisis,” said Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “I’m honored to serve the people of New York City with the extraordinary team at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Together, we will emerge from this pandemic as a stronger, fairer, and healthier city.”
Dr. Chokshi comes to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene with a wealth of experience in public health, clinical medicine, and health policy. Raised in Baton Rouge as the son of immigrants, he served at the Louisiana Department of Health before and after Hurricane Katrina, with a focus on reshaping the State’s healthcare system in the wake of the storm. He was also a Rhodes Scholar, earning an MSc in global public health from the University of Oxford.
Dr. Chokshi served as a White House Fellow in the Obama Administration and was the principal health advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In 2016, President Obama appointed him to the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health.
Dr. Chokshi will continue his clinical practice at Bellevue Hospital, where he has taken care of patients as a primary care physician since 2014. He trained at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School. During his training, Dr. Chokshi did clinical work in Guatemala, Peru, Botswana, Ghana, and India.
Dr. Chokshi served on the FEMA delegation to New York City after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, coordinating with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on a door knocking initiative to bring food and medication to stranded seniors in high rises across hard-hit areas of the city. As Special Advisor to New York City Health Commissioner Tom Farley, Dr. Chokshi contributed to the City’s response to opioid addiction, obesity, and disease prevention in 2011.
He lives in Jackson Heights, Queens—just a few blocks from Elmhurst Hospital—with his wife, an educator in New York City public schools, and 14-month-old daughter.
"For the last 15 years, I have seen Dr. Chokshi touch the lives of patients and communities in profound ways as a physician and public health leader,” said Dr. Vivek Murthy, Former Surgeon General of the United States “He is of a rare breed of leaders who combine brilliance and strong judgement with humility and compassion. These qualities and his unfailing moral compass will serve New York City well as it faces the COVID19 pandemic and longstanding public health challenges. In Dr. Chokshi, New York has found a leader worthy of its trust and support."
“I’ve known Dave for a decade, first in Washington when we both served our nation’s veterans, and now serving New Yorkers through the COVID-19 crisis,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Raul Perea- Henze. “In every situation, he has been a leader who brings people together and believes in scientific driven solutions. I’m happy and proud to welcome him to be part of the health team that will keep New York safe for years to come.”