Governor Cuomo Signs Extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act of 2021

 

Legislation (S.6362-A/A.7175-A) Extends the Moratorium on COVID-related Residential and Commercial Evictions and Foreclosure Proceedings for Those Filing a Hardship Declaration Until August 31, 2021

Adds to New York State's Efforts to Protect Tenants and Homeowners Undergoing Economic Hardship Due to COVID-19

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act. The legislation (S.6362-A/A.7175-A) extends protections prohibiting residential and commercial evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic until August 31, 2021. The legislation adds to New York State's efforts to protect tenants and homeowners from the economic hardship incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic at a critical time in the pandemic's trajectory as the State begins to lift restrictions on public gatherings and businesses.

"As we approach the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, it is critical that we continue to protect both New York's tenants and business owners who have suffered tremendous hardship throughout this entire pandemic," Governor Cuomo said. "Extending this legislation will help to ensure that vulnerable New Yorkers and business owners who are facing eviction through no fault of their own are able to keep their homes and businesses as we continue on the road to recovery and begin to build back our economy better than it was before."

Senate Housing Committee Chair and Bill Sponsor Brian Kavanagh said: "The COVID-19 numbers in New York continue to be stubbornly high throughout the state and we need public health measures like the eviction and foreclosure moratorium to keep New Yorkers safe, and ultimately to get past this terrible pandemic as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control have specifically found that permitting evictions increases the spread of COVID-19 and that moratorium laws like New York's work to prevent transmission. Ensuring that everyone has access to a stable, safe place to live is always a priority, but it's never been more important than it is now."

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: "I am very pleased that the Assembly passed this critical legislation that will help keep people in their homes and small business owners in their stores. This is life-changing legislation that allows the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and other relevant agencies more time to disburse the billions of dollars in state and federal funding to people who need it. We are still in the midst of a global pandemic and the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes. I believe it would be immoral to allow the current moratorium to lapse. This law will save lives."

The previously enacted legislation helps both residential and commercial tenants facing eviction and mortgagors facing foreclosure proceedings due the pandemic:

Residential Evictions

The legislation places a moratorium on residential evictions until August 31, 2021 for tenants who have endured COVID-related hardship. Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions. Landlords can evict tenants that are creating safety or health hazards for other tenants, and those tenants who do not submit hardship declarations.

Residential Foreclosure Proceedings

The legislation also places a moratorium on residential foreclosure proceedings until August 31, 2021. Homeowners and small landlords who own 10 or fewer residential dwellings can file hardship declarations with their mortgage lender, other foreclosing party or a court that would prevent a foreclosure.

Commercial Evictions:

The legislation places a moratorium on evictions until August 31, 2021 for commercial tenants have endured COVID-related hardship. The legislation applies to small businesses with under 50 employees that demonstrate a financial hardship. Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions.

Commercial Foreclosure Proceedings:

The legislation places a moratorium on commercial foreclosure proceedings until August 31, 2021. 

Tax Lien Sales

The legislation prevents local governments from engaging in a tax lien sale or a tax foreclosure until at least August 31, 2021. Payments due to the locality are still due.

Credit Discrimination and Negative Credit Reporting

Lending institutions are prohibited from discriminating against a property owner seeking credit because the property owner has been granted a stay of mortgage foreclosure proceedings, tax foreclosure proceedings or tax lien sales. They are also prohibited from discriminating because the owner is in arrears and has filed a hardship declaration with the lender.

Senior Citizens' Homeowner Exemption and Disabled Homeowner Exemption

Local governments are required to carry over SCHE and DHC exemptions from the 2020 assessment roll to the 2021 assessment roll at the same levels. They are also required to provide renewal applications for anyone who may be eligible for a larger exemption in 2021. Localities can also set procedures by which assessors can require renewal applications from people who the assessors believe may no longer be eligible for an exemption in 2021. Recipients of the exemption do not have to file renewal applications in person.

Governor Cuomo first announced a State moratorium on residential and commercial evictions on March 20 to ensure no tenant was evicted during the height of the public health emergency. The Governor signed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act on June 30 which became effective immediately as well as additional legislation providing financial assistance to residential renters and landlords. Additionally, previous Executive Orders have prohibited charges or fees for late rent payments, and tenants facing financial hardship can still use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.

Mayoral candidate Kathryn Garcia visits Kingsbridge with Bronx Borough President Candidate Nathalia Fernandez and new Councilman Eric Dinowitz

 

Mayoral candidate Kathryn Garcia, Bronx Borough President candidate Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and new Councilman Eric Dinowitz walk down Broadway in Kingsbridge at West 231st. Street, stopping in to talk to merchants to see how the pandemic has affected their business. 

This was not an endorsement of each other, but a tour of an area that has been hard hit by the pandemic as you will see in other photos. Stores have closed, some have been replaced by others or still remain closed. Not having been in the area myself the past year, and talking to some of the store owners it seems that the pandemic has hit this area of West 231st Street and Broadway very hard.

Mayoral candidate Garcia talks to her Campaign Manager as Councilman Dinowitz talks to Bronx Borough candidate Fernandez as they leave one of the stores that has been able to make it through the pandemic.

The trio stand in front of a store with a 'We're Open' sign, but next door is a closed Loser's Deli that once featured the best pastrami sandwich in the Bronx.

The trio ended up at the once famous Cold Cut-City that featured the best hero's and other fine food which closed and was replaced by a store that recently put these unsightly gates on their windows in fear of rioting. 

Councilman Dinowitz, the next Bronx Borough President, and next Mayor have a big job to do for this area and the rest of New York City to recover from the Pandemic that almost crippled New York City and has changed the world as we know it.

242 Days and Counting

Some of you think I am a bad mayor, but I would like to see any of you run this city. Dealing with King Cuomo, a whining comptroller, all those city council members who think they can be borough presidents, and then there is all the union leaders who want more for their members than other unions. It isn't an easy job, so I would like to see any of you run the city for a week, or even a day.

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study- BMNS Remote Open House- Get on Board !

 

The pandemic has changed the way the people are able to interact. The BMNS REMOTE OPEN HOUSE makes it possible to view ideas gathered before the Pandemic and build on them.

The Bronx Metro North Study (BMNS) Team invites you to the BMNS Remote Open House, a first-of-its-kind online portal specially designed to continue the conversation about New York City’s station-area planning to prepare the Bronx for new Metro North service in Parkchester/Van Nest and Morris Park. 

The BMNS Remote Open House is a new tool in DCP’s toolkit for public engagement as we continue to expand our outreach and engagement online. 

           

The Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study, launched in 2018, seeks to holistically plan for new Metro-North service in four communities in the East Bronx: Hunts Point, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest, and Co-op City. This planning work will help ensure this new public transit service supports Bronx residents with local jobs, housing, amenities and more.   

The BMNS Remote Open House offers a dynamic experience; it has something for everyone: 

• Friendly accessible videos (in both English and Spanish!)  

• Engaging graphics that summarize the overall planning goals  

• Detailed draft recommendations with ways to implement and progress to date 

• Easy ways to “speak your mind” via accessible surveys, and  

• A series of online live streaming sessions for personal input and interaction. Stay tuned for dates and times. 

We want to hear directly from the community and all stakeholders: what does a vibrant, connected and working community mean to you?  

The BMNS Remote Open House will be available for all of Spring 2021 (April-June), but visit the site soon!  

The BMNS Remote Open House currently focuses on the Morris Park and Parkchester/Van Nest station areas but will be expanded to cover Hunts Point and Co-op City by the end of summer. 

 

What happens after the BMNS Remote Open House? We will use your feedback and comments gathered from surveys, zoom sessions and more to refine recommendations and develop a final plan for the Bronx Metro North Station Area Study.  

Visit the BMNS Remote Open House here:  www.nyc.gov/bmns-openhouse  

We welcome you and we look forward to your continued engagement! 

                                      

Oswald Feliz Sworn in as New 15th Councilman

 

Having been declared the winner of the March 23rd Special Election to replace now Congressman Ritchie Torres for the 15th council district in mid April, and having already been sworn in as the new councilman, it was time for a public swearing in.

Elected officials such as U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, City Council Speaker Cory Johnson, City Council members Fernando Cabrera, Vanessa Gibson, and Ydanis Rodriguez, State Senator Luis Sepulveda, State Assembly members Nathalia Fernandez, Jose Rivera and Victor Pichardo, along with many other people were in attendance. The event was emceed by Ms. Rachel Miller-Bradshaw, and moved along smoothly. It was a picture perfect day, but new Councilman Oswald Feliz now has the June 22nd Democratic Primary to run in with many of the same candidates from the special election.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer was the first to speak, standing between Congressman Espaillat and new Councilman Oswald Feliz.

Congressman Adriano Espaillat congratulates his pupil on becoming the new Councilman for the 15th district, As City Council Speaker Cory Johnson listens.

Former 15th Councilman, now 15th Congressman Ritchie Torres points to City Council Speaker Cory Johnson as he says 'Mr. Speaker, Mr. Torres has gone to Washington'.

New 15th Councilman Oswald Feliz gets in a few words, and then it was on to be sworn in.

Judge Kim Adair Wilson has the honor of swearing in the newest member of the City Council, as his mother and his fiancee are on either side of the new councilman.

RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO, PARKS COMMISSIONER SILVER AND DOT COMMISSIONER GUTMAN CELEBRATE $348 MILLION IN FUNDING TO ADDRESS RIVERSIDE PARK OVERBUILD

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, and DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman today announced a $348 million investment that will rehabilitate the Overbuild in Riverside Park, bringing the 1930s-era infrastructure into a state of good repair. 

“A recovery for all of us means investing in our green spaces,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Riverside Park is a New York City gem and I’m proud this investment will keep the park going strong for generations to come.” 

“New York City parks are critical infrastructure and their upkeep is essential for the well-bring of our residents,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “NYC Parks and the Department of Transportation have come up with a great plan to ensure Riverside Park remains in good shape for future generations to enjoy.” 

“New Yorkers benefit physically, mentally, and socially when our parks are accessible and well-maintained. In particular, the past year has affirmed that our parks—with their healing nature—are integral to our city’s ecosystem,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “With the Mayor’s investment, Riverside Park can continue to be a sanctuary for future generations of New Yorkers to enjoy.”

“Parks are essential infrastructure. This is a major investment that will bring much-needed structural repairs to one of our most visited parks,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “This funding from Mayor de Blasio builds on a significant investment in rehabilitating Riverside Park’s infrastructure, and this multifaceted project will be critical in helping us care for the historic waterfront park for decades to come.”

"Riverside Park is an iconic New York City landmark, and we are proud to be a part of this major announcement by NYC Parks," said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. "However, with a state highway and major Amtrak lines both bisecting it, Riverside Park faces transportation and engineering challenges that must be met by both creative planning and long-term investment. The funding will bring major infrastructure upgrades that will make this historic park safer and more enjoyable for both pedestrians and cyclists."

“The City is committing well over half a billion dollars to restoring Riverside Park’s structural core, the largest investment in the park since the 1930s,” said Dan Garodnick, President of Riverside Park Conservancy. “This enormous investment in the park's fundamental infrastructure will ensure it is there for New Yorkers to enjoy for generations to come.” 

The Overbuild is a series of bridge structures underneath Riverside Park, built over the Amtrak lines from W. 72nd to W. 123rd streets. Its deterioration has affected the park’s usability, causing damaged pathways and an appearance of disrepair in the park. NYC Parks and DOT have developed a multi-faceted approach to addressing the structural condition, which includes additional inspections and temporary stabilization work. 

The full project details and timeline will be determined during the design process. 

The funding is in addition to more than $300 million previously invested under this administration to rehabilitate Riverside Park’s infrastructure – including $200 million to reconstruct the W. 79th Street Rotunda complex, $90 million to reconstruct the W. 79th Street Boat Basin, and more than $10 million to reconstruct pathways and staircases within the park. Mayor de Blasio has also funded an $11.5 million project to begin addressing the park’s drainage systems. 

One of only eight officially designated scenic landmarks in New York City, Riverside Park is widely regarded as Manhattan’s most spectacular waterfront park. Stretching along the Hudson River, the park offers a variety of recreational activities including multiple playgrounds, sports courts, and fields, a skate park, and a 110-slip public marina. Riverside Park is also home to many monuments including the General Franz Sigel, Joan of Arc, Lajos Kossuth and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ monuments.

Owner Of Consumer Products Testing Company Pleads Guilty To $46 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Fabricated Test Results

 

Defendant Admitted to Sending Customers Fraudulent Reports for Laboratory Tests That Were Not Fully Performed

 Audrey Strauss, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that GABRIEL LETIZIA Jr., the owner and executive director of AMA Laboratories, Inc. (“AMA”), a consumer products testing company in New City, pled guilty today to defrauding customers by reporting laboratory test results for panelist testing that was not fully performed.  LETIZIA pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison.  Former AMA employees David Winne, Mayya Tatsene, Patrycja Wojtowicz, and Kaitlyn Gold previously pled guilty in connection with their respective roles in the scheme.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As he has now admitted, Gabriel Letizia schemed for decades to defraud customers of his laboratory, and caused sunscreens and other consumer products to be sold and marketed to consumers on the basis of false laboratory testing reports.  Letizia’s guilty plea underscores that my Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute fraud and endangerment in the consumer products testing industry.”              

According to the allegations contained in the Second Superseding Information, publicly available information, court filings, and statements made during the plea proceedings:

LETIZIA is the owner and executive director of AMA, a consumer products testing company in Rockland County, New York.  David Winne served as AMA’s technical director, Mayya Tatsene served as AMA’s clinical laboratory director, Patrycja Wojtowicz served as AMA’s associate director of clinical studies, and Kaitlyn Gold served as AMA’s supervising laboratory technician.  AMA tested the safety and efficacy of cosmetics, sunscreens and other products on specified numbers of volunteer panelists for consumer products companies. 

From 1987 through April 2017, LETIZIA and his co-conspirators defrauded AMA’s customers of more than $46 million by testing products on materially lower numbers of panelists than the numbers specified and paid for by AMA’s customers.  LETIZIA, and AMA employees acting under his direction, sent the customers fraudulent reports, which falsely represented that AMA had tested the products on the number of panelists specified by the customers, causing the introduction of misbranded products into interstate commerce.

LETIZIA, 71, of New City, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; and two counts of causing a misbranded drug to be introduced into interstate commerce, each of which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of LETIZIA will be determined by the Court.

LETIZIA will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas on September 14, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.       

Governor Cuomo Announces Free Citizen Public Health Training Program Opens Wednesday, May 5

 

In Partnership with Cornell University, Free Online Training in Public Health Preparedness for New Yorkers Available Now to Build a Network of Public Health Leaders Across the State

Program First Announced as Part of Governor Cuomo's 2021 State of the State Address

Enroll Now to Become a NYS Citizen Public Health Leader Here

Video Preview of NYS Citizen Public Health Training Program Course Material is Available Here

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the Citizen Public Health Training Course for New Yorkers to learn about preparedness for and prevention of public health emergencies from top public health experts will open on Wednesday, May 5. This free, online course, delivered by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with Cornell University and supported by the State University of New York, will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become NYS Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the state.

Program participants will learn about COVID-19, public health emergency preparedness and response, and other public health issues, while gaining insight into information and resources that will benefit their communities. Those interested in enrolling or getting more information about becoming a NYS Citizen Public Health Leader can visit the program website.

"We are determined to build back better, and part of that is making sure we are better prepared for the next pandemic," Governor Cuomo said. "This innovative free program was developed by trusted experts and it will empower everyday New Yorkers with critical knowledge to better protect themselves, their families and their neighbors from public health emergencies. Every challenge that we needed to overcome in our fight against COVID required us to work as a community to protect one another. Government played a role, but everyday citizens made the difference. In that spirit, I encourage everyone to sign up for this program and become a public health leader with key knowledge for whatever the future may bring."

This training, developed by Cornell University's Master of Public Health Program and delivered through eCornell, is a four-part online training program to equip New Yorkers with expertise and tools to help build and support community-led initiatives surrounding prevention, detection and response in the event of public health emergencies. Upon completion of the training, participants will be designated a "NYS Citizen Public Health Leader" and will be informed about how they can volunteer in support of their local public health operations - especially during emergencies - as well as how to find, use and share verified information about public health matters from reliable sources. The course will be available through 2023.

This program was first announced as part of the Governor's 2021 State of the State proposal. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, New Yorkers were asked to do their part to fight a virus in ways they had never done before. Everyone was given a crash course in virology, learning to properly wash their hands, sanitize their homes and businesses, and safely care for their family and neighbors. Thousands of New Yorkers signed up and were trained to be contract tracers, helping to track and mitigate the spread of the virus. When other states needed help, these New Yorkers heeded the call and brought their new public health skills to the rest of the country. This new training will help New Yorkers gain the tools to protect themselves, their families and others against future health emergencies.