MAYOR ADAMS STATEMENT ON INTRO 2443A-2021

 

“It is a top priority of the Adams Administration to find ways that ensure all neighborhoods are helping solve our city’s housing crisis, particularly those that are centrally located and well-resourced. That is why I have proudly supported the SoHo/NoHo rezoning for more than a year, and it is why I am proud the rezoning has become law.

 

“There was a small piece of legislation that passed at the same time as the rezoning that addresses recording requirements and fines related to Joint Living Work Quarters for Artists (JLWQA). We’ve been hearing concerns about that specific legislation, and are going to make sure that we can productively work together to improve it over the coming months. In order to do that together, today I will veto that legislation to give us time to continue to work on it with the City Council.

 

“We are still committed to increasing options for existing JLWQA owners by providing a legal pathway to residential use for non-artists in the neighborhood should they elect to legalize or sell, and to make sure windfall profits of those sales get invested back into the artistic legacy for SoHo and NoHo in perpetuity via the SoHo/NoHo Arts Fund. But we will take a little more time to make sure we are right-sizing any fines associated with this process and clarifying the associated enforcement mechanisms going forward.

 

“We are crystal clear in our 100 percent support of the SoHo/NoHo rezoning. We look forward to working with the City Council to build on this important legacy and make sure all neighborhoods are doing their part for fair housing and more equitable communities.”

Update on the Fatal Fire at 333 East 181st Street

 

The good news is that the death toll has been reduced by two people from nineteen to seventeen, nine adults and eight children. However fourteen people remain in various hospitals still in critical condition. Two sites, Monroe College located at 2501 Jerome Avenue West 190th Street, and the Bronx Islamic Center located at 371 East 166th Street are being used for drop off locations for donations of material goods.

Two bodies have already been buried, and on Sunday January 16th the remaining fifteen bodies will be brought to the Bronx Islamic Cultural Center located at 371 East 166th Street for a unified prayer service beginning at 10 AM for all fifteen victims. Eleven will then be buried here in this country, while the remaining four bodies will be flown to Africa for burial there. The public is invited to this prayer service, in which many elected officials have confirmed their attendance, many members of the media, Bronx and other residents of the city are expected. This will be the largest outpouring of respect for the Muslim community, and those who attend are asked to observe the culture by making no disturbances. The service is expected to end at noon, where the bodies will be transported for burial.

There was a press conference Thursday afternoon by City Council members Oswald Feliz, Pierina Ana Sanchez, and Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia to update what is going on. Councilman Feliz whose district the building that caught fire is in said that while some tenants of the higher floors of the nineteen story building are being let back into their apartments, others can stay in the hotels that have been provided until January 24th. Then the building should be in better shape allowing most residents back into their apartments. He said that people who do not want to go back will be given the option of different housing. 

There was a deadly fire three year ago when a small child turned on a stove burner, and smoke went throughout that building killing several people because the fire doors were not closed. At that time it was said that all fire doors in buildings would be inspected and fixed. I asked Councilman Feliz when the fire doors at 333 East 188th Street were inspected, and what the inspection report said. He said he would have to check the reports to know. As for the building, it was built in 1972 under federal guidelines that Fire Commissioner Nigro said were less stringent than New York City guidelines. 

The owners who bought the building two years ago, Camber Property Group, also own affordable and mixed income multifamily housing throughout the New York Metro area according to their website. 333 East 188th Street was a Mitchell Lama building that is being converted to a rental building. Reports of residents complaining of lack of adequate heat may be justified by the number of residents who used space heaters such as the apartment where the fire occurred, which had multiple space heaters that were left on overnight. 

Councilman Oswald Feliz, Councilwoman Perina Ana Sanchez to his right in the white coat, and Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia to his left in front of 333 East 188th Street. 

Thursday afternoon five days after the fire many windows are still boarded up, with residents of the top floors of the nineteen story building only allowed to go back to their apartments.

The memorial next to the building. 

Boxes of food were prepared outside the Bronx Islamic Cultural Center to be given out. The prayer service will be held here at 371 East 166th Street Sunday January 16th starting at 10 AM.

   

MAYOR’S FUND TO ADVANCE NEW YORK CITY PARTNERS WITH BANK OF AMERICA, THE MET COUNCIL TO IMMEDIATELY DISTRIBUTE $2250 TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IMPACTED BY BRONX FIRE

 

To provide immediate relief, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York, Bank of America, and the Met Council will provide pre-loaded gift cards to each impacted family

 

Additional funds raised by the Mayor’s Fund will be distributed in coming days to families and community based organizations

 Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City today announced the City will distribute $2250 gift cards to each household impacted by Sunday’s fire in the Bronx to provide immediate relief for families, for a total of $265,500. The Mayor’s Fund contributed $1000, Bank of America matched that donation plus an additional $50 to cover any ATM fees, and The Met Council donated $200 food cards, for a total of $2250 going to all 118 households affected.  

 

“The entire City of New York is grieving with the families impacted by Sunday’s fire in the Bronx. In a matter of days, we have received an outpouring of support and donations from across New York and across the country — this collective effort humbles us,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “The City is acting now to provide immediate relief to impacted families and we will continue to provide all of the support and resources we can to those affected. I’m grateful to Bank of America and the Met Council for their partnership and want all of our Bronx neighbors touched by this tragedy to know this: New York City has your back.”

 

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy," said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. "We hope this immediate cash assistance will relieve some of the immediate burdens facing our affected neighbors in the Bronx. I thank the Mayor's Fund and our agency partners for moving so quickly to support those in need." 

“In the days after the tragic fire in The Bronx, New Yorkers responded in overwhelming numbers to help their neighbors in need,” said Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, Co-Executive Directors of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “We are thankful to the thousands of grassroots donors from all five boroughs and from across the country, and for the generous support from our partners in the business, entertainment, and philanthropic communities.” 

 

“This outpouring of support shows how we come together to help our fellow New Yorkers in times of need, and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” said Rob Speyer Chair, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City Board of Advisors. “Thank you! Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Fund mobilized immediately, and organizations from all over the world responded to offer assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims of this unspeakable tragedy, and we will all continue to work diligently to support them.”

“Bank of America is committed to helping New Yorkers, and we felt the need to partner with the City of New York to help those impacted by the devastating fire in the Bronx,” said Jose Tavarez, President of Bank of America New York City. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to helping meet the basic needs – water, food & shelter – in the communities where we work and live.”

 

“Our hearts goes out to the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. That’s why we’re so grateful to partner with Mayor Eric Adams to provide immediate relief via Emergency Food Cards to families impacted by this devastating fire. These $200 food cards can be used in any grocery store or supermarket and will allow families to buy perishable and culturally appropriate items like halal meat, chicken and dairy that are difficult to donate in large quantities because of the lack of refrigeration at the distribution sites,” said David G. Greenfield, CEO of Met Council on Jewish Poverty. “The Jewish community stands united with Mayor Eric Adams and our fellow New Yorkers to do everything we can to help these families recover.”

 

“I’m grateful for the support and financial contributions from my friends and colleagues, but there’s still much more work for us to do," said Bronx Native and Grammy-nominated musician Fat Joe. "Many of these Bronx families lost everything, so it’s important that we continue to donate and help those in need.”

 

Since launching hours after Sunday’s tragic fire, the Bronx Fire Relief Fund has received thousands of grassroots donations from across the country and from partners in the business and philanthropic community. Bronx native and Grammy-nominated musician Fat Joe also helped raise awareness in the music and entertainment industry, leading to additional donations in the first days after the launch of the fund. To date, the fund has raised more than $2.2 million. To donate, please visit www.nyc.gov/fund. To provide immediate relief now, a portion of the total funds raised will be sent immediately to each household affected. The City’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) will distribute these cards directly to each household. For the remaining funds collected, The Mayor’s Fund will work with agency partners to assess outstanding needs and continue sending support directly to victims and local relief organizations.

 

The fund builds upon the strong initial support provided by first responders, city services and grassroots organizations. First responders from the Fire Department (FDNY), the New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), and the American Red Cross provided critical assistance during and immediately following the fire.

 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bronx community that was affected by the East 181st Street fire," said Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. "We greatly appreciate the Mayor's Fund, Bank of America, and the Met Council for their partnership in supporting New Yorkers in need. CAU will continue to work on the ground with the interfaith community and our community-based partners to support the impacted families."

 

“The Public Engagement Unit works directly with communities, so we know how important it is to hear from survivors about their immediate needs, while also planning for long-term assistance” says Adrienne Lever, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit. “I am proud that our team is able to be part of this rapid response effort and provide some relief in this midst of this terrible crisis, and the City is committed to making sure the survivors get the longer term support they need.”

 

NYCEM established a service center at Monroe College open from 12-8pm on Thursday and Friday and from 10am-5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, where individuals can receive assistance with City services including housing, COVID-19 testing, food, burial assistance, and mental health support. In addition:

 

• The City will ensure all families impacted by the fire have access to safe housing.
• The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has trained mental health professionals on-site at all hotels and the Monroe College service center to provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and to provide referrals.
• The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) has coordinated an interfaith outreach response to connect clergy with impacted families.
• NYCEM and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) are ensuring interpreters are present to help individuals access services.

 

For local updates, individuals can text ‘181STFIRE to 692692 for updates and resources for victims. For information on the status of loved ones, call 311.

 

"In hard times, New Yorkers always come together and help their neighbors," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Following the horrific 5-alarm fire we saw this week, The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York acted immediately to not only collect funds for the impacted families, but to understand their specific needs. The news that each impacted household will receive pre-loaded gift cards immediately is a necessary step in helping these families get back on their feet. I thank the Mayor’s Fund, Mayor Adams, Bank of America and the Met Council for their partnership in making sure our Bronx families receive this direct support, and the thousands of New Yorkers near and beyond who contributed to the mayors fund to advance NYC.”

“We are still in shock by the devastating fire that occurred in the Bronx this Sunday. But we are thankful and grateful to everyone who assisted affected families during these challenging times. Our entire city was there for vulnerable families, and worked around the clock to make sure every family received the help they needed - food, clothing, housing, and financial assistance. I want to especially applaud the Mayor for the incredible leadership and support he provided every step of the way," said Council Member Oswald Feliz

New Yorkers interested in contributing to the fund can donate online: www.nyc.gov/fund, or by mailing a check, made payable to "The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City" indicating that donations are for the Bronx Fire Relief Fund in the memo field or in a note enclosed with the check:

 

Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City
253 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

New York's Prison Population Continues Decline, But Share of Older Adults Keeps Rising

 

New York State Comptroller DiNapoli Urges Policymakers to Examine Safely Reducing Number of Incarcerated Individuals

 The state’s prison population declined by half from March 2008 to March 2021, but the population of individuals aged 50 and above grew slightly, according to a follow-up report by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. No age segment under the age of 50 showed an increase.

The number of older incarcerated individuals has grown from 7,511 in March 2008 to 7,586 in March 2021. As a percentage of the state’s shrinking prison population, however, the older population has doubled. Nearly 1-in-4 (24.3%) of the state’s 31,262 incarcerated individuals were 50 and above in March 2021. Thirteen years earlier, just 12% of the then prison population of 62,597 were 50 and over. The share who are at least 60 years old nearly tripled from 2.7% in March 2008 to 7.9% in March 2021.

“The safe and efficient operation of the corrections system is critically important to protecting public safety, providing incarcerated individuals with opportunities to find success upon release and ensuring wise use of public resources,” DiNapoli said. “Since our initial 2017 report detailing the rise in the number of aging incarcerated individuals, we found that despite reductions in the overall size of the population, the share of older prisoners is increasing. In the months ahead, policymakers should examine opportunities to reduce the population of incarcerated individuals 50 and over where public safety would not be compromised.”

Factors Contributing to Population Change

At least two trends may explain the net gain in older prisoners: one is the rise in the number of admissions of older individuals to Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) prisons for a new offense or parole violation, which increased by an average of 3.5% per year from 2008 to 2020. The average age of incarcerated individuals under custody in New York state prisons was 40.3 years in March 2021, an increase of 4.1 years, or 11.4%, since March 2008. The number and the percentage of older individuals released from prisons to parole supervision under DOCCS jurisdiction also rose. 

The state’s prison population has been trending downward for years. The decline has resulted from various factors such as reduced admissions and releases to parole supervision, early release of certain individuals during the COVID pandemic and reforms to the Rockefeller Drug Laws in 2009. The most recent state report on the impact of the 2009 reforms shows significant declines in felony drug arrests (-41.7%), indictments (-42.6%) and prison time (-32.9%) from 2010 to 2019.

In addition, Raise the Age legislation enacted in 2017 and fully implemented in 2020 removed all individuals under the age of 18 from DOCCS prisons to facilities operated by the state Office of Children and Family Services. State prisons housed over 200 sixteen-and-seventeen-year-olds in March of 2008, but only 26 in March 2020.

Cost of Medical Care

Overall health care costs for the state prison system have averaged about $350 million per year since State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2012-13, peaking at just under $400 million in SFY 2016-17. Costs have trended significantly lower since, likely due in part to declines in the state prison population. Over the same period, health care costs for each incarcerated individual have averaged about $7,380 per year, 29% higher in SFY 2020-21 than they were eight years ago. DOCCS pays almost all the health care costs of incarcerated individuals in state prisons.

DOCCS has acknowledged the potential of higher medical costs for aging incarcerated individuals in testimony to the state legislature but has not provided specific information about those costs. DiNapoli said DOCCS should take the necessary steps to collect and share this information with policymakers to allow for more informed choices about the best way to address this challenge.

Report

New York State’s Aging Prison Population: Share of Older Adults Keeps Rising

Bronx Woman Convicted Of Kidnapping

 

 Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that YUDITH REYNOSO-HICIANO, a/k/a “La Classica,” was convicted today in Manhattan federal court of kidnapping conspiracy and kidnapping.  REYNOSO-HICIANO was convicted after a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Yudith Reynoso-Hiciano and others tied up a victim and assaulted him following a drug deal gone bad.  Thanks to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department, Reynoso-Hiciano was apprehended, prosecuted, and now stands convicted of these violent crimes.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and the evidence presented at trial:

In May 2019, REYNOSO-HICIANO and others kidnapped an individual (“Victim-1”), in connection with a dispute between REYNOSO-HICIANO’s brother and Victim-1 relating to the sale of a kilogram of cocaine.  REYNOSO-HICIANO and others kept Victim-1 at her apartment, where they tied his wrists together, assaulted him, and threatened to beat him with a crowbar and to press a hot clothing iron against his chest.    

REYNOSO-HICIANO, 43, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted by a jury of one count of kidnapping conspiracy and one count of kidnapping.  Each count carries a maximum term of  life in prison.  The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

REYNOSO-HICIANO is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2022.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department. 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 13, 2022

 

101,194 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours       

195 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"Even as the rate of new infections continues to move in a promising direction, too many New Yorkers are getting sick, being hospitalized or tragically losing their lives -- we must remain vigilant in our fight against the virus,” Governor Hochul said. “We can't afford to reverse the progress we've made fighting this winter surge. Let's continue to use the tools at our disposal to stop the spread and keep our loves ones safe and healthy: Vaccines, boosters, masks and best practices like washing your hands and staying home if you're sick.”

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 356,699
• Total Positive - 60,374
• Percent Positive - 16.93%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 19.42%
• Patient Hospitalization - 12,452 (-219)
• Patients Newly Admitted – 1,848
• Patients in ICU - 1615 (+22)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 845 (+15)
• Total Discharges - 249,248 (+1,894)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 195
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 50,154
  
  
  The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only. 

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC – 62,849
  
  
  This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

• Total vaccine doses administered - 34,712,435
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 101,194
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 629,690
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 90.0% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 81.1% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 83.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 79.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 70.6% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 85.7% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.7%

Permits Filed For 1015 East Gun Hill Road In Williamsbridge, The Bronx

 

1015 East Gun Hill Road in Williamsbridge, The Bronx

Permits have been filed for a seven-story residential building at 1015 East Gun Hill Road in Williamsbridge, The Bronx. Located between Laconia Avenue and Paulding Avenue, the lot is near the Gun Hill Road subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Kodra Construction is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 65-foot-tall development will yield 55,771 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 84 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 663 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, a 65-foot-long rear yard, and 29 open parking spaces.

Node Architecture Engineering Consulting is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in October for the one-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Attorney General James Secures $1.85 Billion From Deceptive Student Loan Servicer Navient

 

Multistate Agreement Cancels $1.7 Billion in Student Debt, Recovers $95 Million in Restitution for Thousands of Students Nationwide

New York Student Borrowers Will Have More than $110 Million in Debt Cancelled

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a $1.85 billion agreement with one of the nation’s largest student loan servicers, Navient, after it deceived thousands of student loan borrowers into costly, long-term, forbearance plans, causing students to pay more than they should have. A bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general negotiated the multistate agreement that cancels $1.7 billion in private student loan debt and recovers $95 million in restitution for thousands of students nationwide.

“For too long, Navient contributed to the national student debt crisis by deceptively trapping thousands of students into more debt,” said Attorney General James. “Today’s billion-dollar agreement will bring relief to thousands of borrowers in New York and across the nation and help them get back on their feet. Navient will no longer be able to line its pockets at the expense of students who are trying to earn a college degree. Student loan servicers that operate through deception and wrongdoing will not be tolerated and will be held accountable by my office.”

A multistate investigation into Navient found that, since 2009, the company has been steering struggling student loan borrowers into costly, long-term forbearances instead of counseling them about the benefits of more affordable income-driven repayment plans. The interest that accrued because of Navient’s forbearance steering practices was added to the borrowers’ loan balances, pushing students further in debt. Had the company instead provided borrowers with the help it promised, income-driven repayment plans could have reduced payments to as low as $0 per month, provided interest subsidies, and/or helped attain forgiveness of any remaining balance after 20 to 25 years of qualifying payments (or 10 years for borrowers qualified under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program [PSLF]).

The investigation found that Navient also provided predatory, subprime, private loans to students attending for-profit schools and colleges with low graduation rates, although the company knew that a very high percentage of those borrowers would be unable to repay the loans. Navient allegedly made these risky subprime loans as “an inducement to get schools to use Navient as a preferred lender” for highly profitable federal and “prime” private loans, without regard for borrowers and their families, many of whom it unknowingly ensnared in debts they could never repay.

Under the terms of today’s agreement, Navient will cancel the remaining balance on nearly $1.7 billion in subprime, private student loan balances owed by nearly 66,000 borrowers nationwide. Additionally, a total of $95 million in restitution payments, of about $260 each, will be distributed to approximately 350,000 federal loan borrowers who were placed in certain types of long-term forbearances. Borrowers who will receive restitution or debt cancellation span all generations, as Navient’s harmful conduct impacted everyone from students who enrolled in colleges and universities immediately after high school to mid-career students who dropped out after enrolling in a for-profit school in the early to mid-2000s. Navient will also be forced pay $142.5 million to the states as part of today’s agreement.

New York will specifically receive a total of about $6.8 million in restitution payments for more than 25,000 federal loan borrowers. Additionally, about 4,300 New York borrowers will receive over $110 million in private loan debt cancellation. New York state will also receive almost $1.2 million in cash.

The agreement also includes conduct reforms that require Navient to explain the benefits of income-driven repayment plans and to offer to estimate income-driven payment amounts before placing borrowers into optional forbearances. Additionally, Navient must train specialists who will advise distressed borrowers concerning alternative repayment options and counsel potentially eligible workers concerning PSLF and related programs. The conduct reforms imposed by the agreement include prohibitions on compensating customer service agents in a manner that incentivizes them to minimize time spent counseling borrowers. 

Finally, the agreement requires Navient to notify borrowers about the U.S. Department of Education’s recently announced PSLF limited waiver opportunity, which temporarily offers millions of qualifying public service workers the chance to have previously nonqualifying repayment periods counted toward loan forgiveness — provided  that they consolidate into the Direct Loan Program and file employment certifications by October 31, 2022.

As a result of today’s agreement, borrowers receiving private loan debt cancellation will receive a notice from Navient, along with refunds of any payments made on the cancelled private loans after June 30, 2021. Federal loan borrowers who are eligible for a restitution payment of approximately $260 will receive a postcard in the mail from the settlement administrator later this spring.

Federal loan borrowers who qualify for relief under this agreement do not need to take any action other than updating or creating their studentaid.gov account to ensure the U.S. Department of Education has their current address. Borrowers can learn more about today’s agreement online. Consumers who are confused about or would like to learn more about their student loans can do so at the National Consumer Law Center’s Student Loan Borrowers Assistance Project.

Until recently, Navient had a contract to service federal student loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education, including a large portfolio of loans made under the Direct Loan Program and a large portfolio of loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program. On October 20, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education announced the transfer of this contract from Navient to AidVantage, a division of Maximus Federal Services, Inc. However, Navient will continue to service federal student loans made under the FFEL Program that are owned by private lenders, as well as non-federal private student loans.

Today’s consent judgment is accompanied by a complaint naming Navient Corporation, Navient Solutions, LLC, Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc., and General Revenue Corporation as defendants. The agreement also requires court approval.