MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM

 

Andrew Kimball to Serve as EDC President and CEO

 

Lindsay Greene to Serve as Brooklyn Navy Yard CEO

 

Anne del Castillo to Continue Serving as MOME Commissioner

 

Clare Newman to Continue Serving as Trust for Governor’s Island President and CEO

  New York City Mayor Eric Adams today unveiled multiple new members of his economic development team at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The team — which will be led by Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer — includes several new appointments, as well as a handful of previously announced appointments. Collectively, they will be focused on building an equitable recovery across all sectors of the city’s economy and bringing New York City back following COVID-19.

 

Andrew Kimball will serve as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Lindsay Greene will serve as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Anne del Castillo will continue to serve as commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), and Clare Newman will continue to serve as president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island.

 

“New York City is the economic engine of the nation and is going to lead this economic recovery, which is why we will need proven leaders who have a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape of this city, and a track record of ‘Getting Stuff Done,’” said Mayor Adams. “Each member of this diverse group of individuals truly knows the communities they serve, and has the skills, the talent, and the emotional intelligence to shepherd an inclusive and equitable economic recovery for all New Yorkers. Appointing a team like this is how we bring back our city stronger than ever.”

 

At NYCEDC, Kimball will be responsible for delivering on the mayor’s economic development vision, creating good jobs in burgeoning fields, such as cybersecurity and life sciences, and creatively using the city’s assets to promote equitable growth. Kimball previously served as CEO of Industry City.

 

At the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Greene will be the first Black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve in the role. As CEO, Greene will oversee the workforce development and urban manufacturing campus, which is home to more than 500 businesses and 11,000 employees. Greene will deepen and expand the Navy Yard’s mission, investing in the jobs of the future and creating pipelines for underserved communities to fill these jobs. Greene previously served as chief strategy officer of the NYCEDC.

 

At MOME, del Castillo will be a crucial partner for the city’s creative economy, from the film sector to the nightlife industry. She will also work with partners in and out of government to aid its recovery, as it was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Del Castillo was first appointed as commissioner in 2019.

 

As president and CEO of The Trust for Governors Island, Newman will build on the remarkable transformation of the island as a world-class public space, with a focus on ensuring all New Yorkers can enjoy the cultural, programmatic, and natural treasures the island has to offer.

 

“Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, we are fighting every day to drive a recovery for all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer. “That is why I am so thrilled that we are appointing visionary leaders like Andrew Kimball, Lindsay Greene, Anne del Castillo, and Clare Newman, whose depth of expertise is matched only by their commitment to New York City bouncing back better than before, with a stronger, more equitable, and more resilient economy.” 

 

“New York City has everything we need to recover from the pandemic-induced economic downturn and to build a truly vibrant, inclusive, economic future — an unmatched spirit, an invaluable workforce, and now, a vision that can and will become a reality,” said Andrew Kimball, incoming president and CEO, NYCEDC. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Torres Springer, and all in both the public and private sectors who share that vision of New York City.”

 

“The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a job and manufacturing center rich in history and brimming with the promise of the future,” said Lindsay Greene, incoming CEO, Brooklyn Navy Yard. “I am grateful to Mayor Adams for the opportunity to lead the Yard through its next phase, with a focus on building local businesses, creating pathways for worker advancement, and ensuring that the people shaping the inventions, tools, and companies of the future are as diverse as our great city. The success of the Yard comes from its workers, tenants, and neighbors, and I look forward to a continued strong partnership with local residents and leaders, elected officials, and the people working across the campus to cement the Brooklyn Navy Yard as an inclusive economic hub.”

 

 

“I am honored to be re-appointed by Mayor Adams to continue the important work of recovering and strengthening New York City’s media, entertainment, and nightlife sectors,” said MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “These industries are vital to our vibrant culture and economy — generating $150 billion and 500,000 jobs pre-pandemic — and define our city as a global capital.”

 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our city by stewarding Governors Island, a unique and treasured resource for all New Yorkers,” said Clare Newman, president and CEO, Trust for Governors Island. “I look forward to working under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams and Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer to increase access to this vibrant destination for open space, arts, education, and history, and to create a global center for education and research that will develop equitable solutions to the climate crisis for our urban environments.” 

 

“Frontline communities that have endured historical trauma have been further destabilized by the disparate health impacts of COVID-19 and economic instability,” said Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director, UPROSE; and co-chair, Climate Justice Alliance. “These contemporary challenges demand visionary leadership grounded in community priorities with the ability to operationalize the just transition our communities deserve. Lindsay Greene's appointment as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard is cause for celebration for all of us!”

 

“I’m pleased to hear Mayor Adams has appointed Andrew Kimball as president & CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation,” said Al Wiltshire, former president and board member, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. “For years Andrew has worked tirelessly to foster the development of meaningful relationships, which have provided countless opportunities for workforce development in the communities he has been devoted to. Furthermore, Andrew has been a beacon of light in promoting M/WBE contracting. To those ends, Mayor Adams could not have made a better choice.”

 

“Andrew Kimball’s deft leadership and transformative approaches to economic development and area revitalization are known quantities to us at CUNY,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “The meaningful collaborations he forged with the University — as CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and Industry City, respectively — have benefited our students and their communities immensely. These include employment opportunities for CUNY students with Brooklyn Navy Yard-affiliated companies; the unparalleled location of Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema on the Steiner Studios film lot in the Navy Yard; and the Innovation Lab at Industry City, which provides career training and job placement services and includes New York City College of Technology as a founding partner. Andrew’s presence at NYCEDC’s helm will enhance job opportunities for CUNY’s students and energize New York City’s recovery across the five boroughs. We congratulate Andrew and applaud Mayor Adams on the appointment.”

 

“Andrew was one of the first people I met in government who had the vision and understanding to realize how important advanced manufacturing could be to the Navy Yard and to New York City,” said David Belt, co-founder, New Lab. “While a tough negotiator, Andrew was always fair, always straight up, and always practical, and we got the deal done. He has an ability to navigate complexity and not lose focus on what is important. We are lucky to have him serve the city as CEO of the NYCEDC. Great pick by Mayor Adams.”

 

“Andrew Kimball’s ability to see what's possible and generate creative solutions to complex problems make him the right leader at the right time at NYCEDC,” said Liliana Polo-McKenna, Ed.L.D., former CEO, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow. “Having worked with Andrew at the Innovation Lab at Industry City for several years, I can attest to his commitment to seek out and listen to multiple perspectives, while remaining laser-focused on supporting and creating avenues for economic access and mobility. He is someone who gets the big picture and also deeply values understanding what that looks like on the ground. He is a great choice.”

 

“Having worked closely with both Andrew Kimball and Anne del Castillo over the years, I am pleased to see that they will continue their incredible success in Mayor Adams’ administration,” said Doug Steiner, chairman, Steiner Studios. “Andrew recognized early on that film and TV production could be a huge economic driver for New York and serve as the catalyst for putting the Brooklyn Navy Yard on the map. He knows his way around city government, and because he’s well-liked and respected, he knows how to ‘Get Stuff Done.’ The same way he transformed the Navy Yard, he then did in the private sector at Industry City. I think the world of him, and I know that his heart is in public service. Anne took the New York City film and television business to a whole other level. There are three times the amount of production here now than there was when she started. I’m looking forward to her continuing that trajectory. Kudos to Mayor Adams for both of these stellar appointments.”

 

“Anne del Castillo has been a marvelous champion for the work that makes our city vibrant, and I’m delighted her leadership will continue in Mayor Adams’ administration,” said Ruth Dickey, executive director, National Book Foundation. “We are lucky to have her breadth of experience and creative thinking in this role, and I look forward to working with Commissioner del Castillo and the city to celebrate the critical role that books and publishing play in making New York an incredible place to live, work, and visit.”

 

“We’re thrilled that Mayor Adams is keeping Anne del Castillo on as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment because her experience and expertise will be essential in ensuring our city is the media and entertainment capital of the world as we recover from the pandemic,” said Andrew Rigie, executive director, New York City Hospitality Alliance.

 

“I commend Mayor Adams for reappointing Anne del Castillo in her role as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment,” said Michael Royce, executive director, New York Foundation for the Arts. “Commissioner del Castillo's leadership in the arts and entertainment industry broke new ground when she came into office by creating innovative opportunities for artists, and I look forward to her continually inspiring all of us in the cultural sector with her accessible, inclusive, and smart leadership.”

 

“Anne has been an incredible source of information and a major thought leader and partner for the New York film and television community,” said Flo Mitchell-Brown, chairperson, New York Production Alliance. “During the pandemic, much has been required of Anne and her team and they have risen to the occasion. Not only has New York production come back, but programs aimed at making our industry strong and inclusive going forward continue to grow. We are excited to continue working with Anne building on such a strong foundation.”

 

“The Motion Picture Association is pleased that Anne del Castillo has been reappointed as commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment,” said Vans Stevenson, senior vice president for state government affairs, Motion Picture Association. “While the pandemic has posed significant challenges to streaming, television, and motion picture production, Anne has been a tireless champion for our industry at MOME. We look forward to working with Anne and all city officials to achieve the mayor’s goal of continuing to grow the production industry in New York City.”

 

“Silvercup is thrilled to congratulate Commissioner del Castillo on her reappointment to head the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment,” said Kris Bagwell, executive vice president and general manager, Silvercup Studios. “Anne has done a phenomenal job helping our industry adapt and thrive in challenging times. We look forward to continuing to grow the city’s film and television workforce alongside her and Mayor Adams in the years to come.”

 

“RPA is delighted with Clare Newman’s reappointment to lead The Trust for Governors Island,” said Tom Wright, president and CEO, Regional Plan Association (RPA). “Since incubating the Governor's Island Alliance in 1995, RPA has played a pivotal role in creating the Governors Island National Monument and turning the island into a great civic space that is open to all. In the face of the climate crisis, we look forward to continuing to partner with the Trust as it establishes the Center for Climate Solutions and becomes a leader for urban climate research, green jobs training, and resiliency. We have great confidence in Clare as an innovative leader who will lead this important initiative and help advance critical and equitable climate solutions that will impact us all.”

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 22, 2022

 

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Now Under 2,500, Declined by Over 1,000 In Past Week

Daily Statewide Positivity Under 2.5% for Past Four Consecutive Days

32 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"While students are off for midwinter break, I encourage parents and guardians to take advantage of this time to consult with their pediatricians and make a plan to get their kids vaccinated and boosted," Governor Hochul said. "More than 1.6 million children in New York State have already received the vaccine. The vaccine is doctor-approved and our best tool to stop the spread of COVID-19, so there's no reason to delay any further."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 72,884
• Total Positive - 1,619
• Percent Positive - 2.22%  
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.08% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,461 (-61)  
• Patients Newly Admitted - 213  
• Patients in ICU - 426 (-14)  
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 239 (0)  
• Total Discharges - 284,069 (+192) 
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 32
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,525  

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 - 68,895

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 - 36,734,435
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 14,105  
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 199,295
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.8%    
• 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) - 85.4%    
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.1%    
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.1%    
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.9%    
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.9%    
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.6%    
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.2%   

MAN SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FATALLY STABBING HIS ELDERLY UNCLE FOR LOTTERY WINNINGS, THEN KILLING A FAMILY FRIEND IN HER WORKPLACE WHILE HE WAS ON THE RUN FROM POLICE

 

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Two Counts of First-Degree Manslaughter

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a man has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree Manslaughter for fatally stabbing his 73-year-old uncle in his South Bronx apartment in June 2018, and for fatally stabbing a woman in a security firm office in the Wakefield section of the Bronx a month later.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant mercilessly killed his elderly uncle, who had been battling cancer, and had won the lottery, for only a few dollars. Exactly a month later, the defendant went to the workplace of a woman considered to be a family friend and fatally stabbed her. The defendant’s actions left a child without a mother and a husband without a wife. I hope today’s sentence brings some sense of relief to the families of the victims.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Idris Abdul Muhaymin, 49, originally from Georgia, was sentenced today to 24 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of firstdegree Manslaughter on January 4, 2022.

 According to the investigation, Muhaymin went to the home of Owen Dillard, 73, at 352 Beekman Avenue on June 11, 2018. The defendant demanded money from the victim, who had recently won the lottery. Muhaymin then put Dillard in a chokehold and stabbed him multiple times with a sharp object. The victim sustained wounds to his head and neck and was pronounced dead at the scene. Video surveillance shows the defendant entering and leaving the victim’s home. He took a few dollars from the victim.

 On July 11, 2018, while the defendant was on the run from authorities, Muhaymin entered MNI Security Specialist Inc., at 888 East 233rd Street where the second victim, Wanda Rios, 45, worked. Video surveillance shows the victim, who was a family friend of Muhaymin, letting the defendant into the establishment. The defendant stabbed her repeatedly with a sharp object, causing her death. He fled the scene with electronic equipment. The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Javier Cordero of the 40th Precinct, NYPD Detective Robert Connor of the 47th Precinct, and NYPD Detective John Ferretti and NYPD Detective Sean O’Leary, both of Bronx Homicide, for their assistance in the case.

NYC Seeks Public Input for a New Data Tool that Can Help Communities Plan a More Equitable Future

 

Watch a Short Video Explainer of the Coming Data Resource

 Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick and Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. today announced that public engagement work is set to begin on the City’s effort to build New York’s first Equitable Development Data Tool. An interactive website, the tool will better equip New Yorkers with data that can facilitate challenging conversations about housing affordability, racial equity, displacement, and many other issues related to the future of New York City and its neighborhoods.

“Our goal here is to develop strategies that allow us to deliver more housing and jobs while also protecting ourselves and our neighbors from displacement. We want your input to make sure this still-in-development digital data tool can help us build a more equitable future,” said Dan Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning.

“Making sure that equity is central to the conversation about the future of our city is a key objective of Where We Live NYC, our plan to advance housing strategies that combat persistent disparities. Every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable home, and our responsibility is to ensure no one faces discriminatory barriers to finding and keeping that home,” said Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “The Equitable Development Data Tool is one of several tools that will allow us to build a fairer city for all New Yorkers.”

The tool, which is being developed with active participation by the Racial Impact Study Coalition (RISC), will allow the public to more easily see and explore data about housing, demographics, public health, and more, while also comparing that data across neighborhoods and racial and ethnic groups as we plan for a fairer city. Interactive mockups of what the tool is expected to look like, and a more in-depth description of the tool are available at the above link to the tool.

DCP and HPD are inviting public feedback on an early prototype and mockups of the data tool, which were released last month, and a Displacement Risk Index map, a component of the larger tool. The map seeks to illustrate how demographics, market pressures, and other factors may contribute to displacement risk in different neighborhoods as compared to each other, and New Yorkers will be able to weigh in on the early version of the tool ahead of its official launch on April 1, 2022.

With this data, the City, alongside our communities, will be better equipped to facilitate discussion and create policies that increase affordable housing opportunities and help New Yorkers stay in their homes and neighborhoods.

DCP and HPD will hold a series of remote meetings in early March to further inform the public about the tool and gather input:

• Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 9:00 am (link to sign up) 
• Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 6:00 pm (link to sign up) 
• Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 10:00 am (link to sign up)

In addition, DCP and HPD staff will host a remote public hearing to receive feedback on the draft tool on March 10, 2022. Details to sign up will be posted on NYC Engage in the near future.

“RISC commends the work of HPD and DCP in honoring the spirit of the legislation and working to deliver this tool on time. Department staff have contended with complex data sets and lifted up the indicators identified by community members in the legislative process as being integral to addressing racial disparities during zoning changes,” the Racial Impact Study Coalition said. “This data mapping confirms what we know: to build stable neighborhoods, we need stable people, stable housing, and stable housing markets that enhance choice for all households, including the choice to stay. This tool will help communities visualize the underlying conditions in their neighborhoods. We encourage HPD and DCP to improve the tool over time based on user feedback. We hope the new Equitable Development Data Tool and Displacement Risk Index encourage policy makers to enact more community-responsive land use proposals and enable vulnerable communities to advocate for their needs more effectively.”

The in-development data tool is the result of Local Law 78 of 2021, which was adopted by the City Council last summer following ongoing advocacy by the Coalition and sponsorship from Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. The tool builds on work done over the past several years by DCP and HPD, with support from many other City agencies, to make data related to development more available and to advance more accessible and inclusive planning around community investments. Centralizing this information and making it operational for all types of users is one of the many objectives of the tool and supports Where We Live NYC, the City’s fair housing plan. Where possible, the data will be broken down to the neighborhood level so users can learn about commonalities and disparities across neighborhoods and demographic groups.

Per last year’s legislation, the tool will support the creation of Racial Equity Reports for Housing and Opportunity, which will be a required component of certain land use applications that enter public review after June 1, 2022. The Reports will draw data from the data tool and include a narrative statement of how the project relates to the City’s goals to affirmatively further fair housing and promote equitable access to opportunity.

Additional details about how to provide input can be found on the project site here and on NYC Engage.

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.

Department of Housing Preservation and Development

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is the nation’s largest municipal housing preservation and development agency. Its mission is to promote quality housing and diverse, thriving neighborhoods for New Yorkers through loan and development programs for new affordable housing, preservation of the affordability of the existing housing stock, enforcement of housing quality standards, and educational programs for tenants and building owners. For full details visit www.nyc.gov/hpd and for regular updates on HPD news and services, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @NYCHousing.

Nigerian National Pleads Guilty To Participating In Scheme To Conduct Cyber Intrusions To Steal Payroll Deposits

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CHARLES ONUS pled guilty to computer fraud in connection with a scheme to conduct cyber intrusions in order to steal payroll deposits from multiple user accounts maintained by a company that provides human resources and payroll services to employers across the United States.  ONUS was previously arrested on April 14, 2021 in San Francisco while traveling to the United States from Nigeria and has been detained since his arrest.  ONUS pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.  

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:   “Charles Onus admitted to participating in a scheme to steal hundreds of thousands of hard-earned dollars from workers across the United States by hacking into a payroll company’s system and diverting payroll deposits to prepaid debit cards he controlled.  Our Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to zealously arrest and prosecute those who seek to commit cybercrimes targeting Americans from behind a keyboard abroad.”

According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court: 

From at least in or about July 2017 through at least in or about 2018, ONUS participated in a scheme to conduct cyber intrusions of multiple user accounts maintained by a company that provides human resources and payroll services to employers across the United States (the “Company”), in order to steal payroll deposits processed by the Company.

During the course of the scheme, unauthorized access was obtained to over 5,500 Company user accounts through a cyber intrusion technique referred to as “credential stuffing.”  During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials, or username and password pairs, obtained from other large-scale data breaches of other companies.  The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers, to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password.

After a Company user account was compromised, the bank account information designated by the user of the account was changed so that ONUS would receive the user’s payroll to a prepaid debit card that was under ONUS’s control. 

From at least in or about July 2017 through at least in or about 2018, at least approximately 5,500 Company user accounts were compromised and more than approximately $800,000 in payroll funds were fraudulently diverted to prepaid debit cards, including those under the control of ONUS.  The compromised Company user accounts were associated with employers whose payroll was processed by the Company, including employers located in the Southern District of New York.

ONUS was arrested on April 14, 2021 at San Francisco International Airport after arriving on a flight from Abuja, Nigeria.  According to statements ONUS made to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the airport, ONUS was traveling to the United States for a two-week vacation in Las Vegas.

ONUS, 34, a resident and national of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pled guilty to one count of computer fraud for unauthorized access to a protected computer to further intended fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

ONUS is scheduled be sentenced on May 12, 2022, by Judge Gardephe. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and IRS-CI.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Police Department, the FBI New York Cyber Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI Field Office in San Francisco for their assistance in the investigation of this case.

Attorney General James Takes Action to Provide Syracuse Tenants with Safe, Livable Housing

 

OAG Investigation Finds Green National Repeatedly Ignored State

and Local Housing Code Requirements, Creating Unsafe Living Conditions 

Green National Required to Correct All Outstanding Code Violations at its NYS Properties and Maintain Full-Time Security at Skyline Apartments 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement with Greenland Property Services, LLC, and its related entities (Green National), a real estate management company with several affordable housing properties in Syracuse, requiring them to address all its housing code violations within 60 days. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) confirmed evidence of unsanitary conditions, criminal activity, and repeated code violations at Green National’s Syracuse-area properties. Under the agreement, Green National will pay a $300,000 penalty, of which all but $50,000 will be suspended if all terms of the agreement are fulfilled within 60 days.

“Today, we’re putting Green National on notice: Immediately address the uninhabitable living conditions in your buildings, or face the full force of my office and the law,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers have the right to livable, safe homes, and landlords have an obligation to provide them. My office will continue to hold landlords accountable for shirking their responsibilities at the expense of New York families.”

Green National has owned and managed more than 1,000 apartments in buildings throughout the Syracuse area. The tenants in these buildings are mostly people who earn modest or fixed incomes, people with health challenges, people receiving aid from government programs, and the elderly. The OAG started its investigation into Green National in March 2021 in response to reports of rampant crime, unsafe conditions, and unabated code violations at some of their Syracuse area properties, including but not limited to the Skyline Apartments, the Vincent Apartments, and the James Apartments. 

At the Skyline Apartments, tenants reported human waste and drug paraphernalia in the hallways, broken elevators, and inadequate security. Due to these conditions, the city of Syracuse declared the common areas of Skyline unfit for human occupancy. The elevators in the 12-story building, which has many elderly and disabled residents, have been frequently out-of-service. Security had been lax at the entryways, and non-residents frequently entered the building without authorization to purchase, use, and sell drugs. A 93-year-old woman was murdered in her apartment last year by a non-resident and another woman was shot in the building last month. 

At the Vincent Apartments, an eight-building apartment complex also located in Syracuse, there were 149 code violations that were past deadline. Some of the violations included broken doors, missing and/or inoperable smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, roach infestations, and plumbing leaks.

At the James Apartments, tenants expressed persistent safety and health concerns. Residents said there was poor security and often found homeless people in the halls and human waste in the hallways and in washing machines. Residents also raised concerns about bedbugs, roaches, broken elevators, broken locks, and the lack of adequate heat.

Under the terms of Attorney General James’ agreement, Green National must correct all the outstanding code violations within 60 days. At the Skyline Apartments, Green National must continue to abide by the terms of the City’s Abatement Order and maintain “no loitering” signs in conspicuous locations outside the building, proactively monitor all activity on the premises through full-time roving security patrols, secure all the residential doors, and employ a full-time, around-the-clock security employee at the front desk by the main entrance. Green National must respond to all tenant’s requests for repairs and keep a written record. Green National must also pay $300,000 in costs and penalties, of which $250,000 can be suspended if all terms of the agreement and all code violations have been met within 60 days. The other $50,000 will be paid effective immediately to the state.

Additionally, prior to the sale of any of its New York properties, Green National must either correct all open code violations or include in any contract of sale a provision that requires the new owners to fix outstanding code violations. Within 14 days of selling any of its properties, the company must notify the OAG of the sale. Additionally, if Green National purchases any additional property in New York within the next five years it must notify the OAG.

“Tenants of any property deserve clean and safe housing, and it’s important that landlords are held accountable for the condition of their properties,” said Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon McMahon. “Thanks to the work of Attorney General James and Mayor Walsh, that accountability is taking place and should serve as a sign to other landlords that these types of conditions will not be tolerated.” 

“The city of Syracuse is applying pressure from every direction to hold Green National accountable for providing its residents with safe and quality living conditions. When we asked Attorney General James to assist, her office responded with additional authority and resources to help us address all of the company’s properties in Syracuse,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “Instead of the city being forced to pursue individual violations through repeated inspections, fines, and, ultimately, the courts, the attorney general has structured a penalty that puts all the accountability for its properties where it belongs: Green National. The city appreciates the partnership of Attorney General James and will continue to work with her office to confirm the company does right by its tenants.” 

“The deplorable situation at the Skyline has gone on long enough,” said Andrea Wandersee, executive director, Northeast Hawley Development Association. “We are relieved that Attorney General James has escalated the consequences for Greenland if they do not meet their responsibility to their tenants and to our community. These apartments are people’s homes, and Greenland must be held accountable for maintaining a safe environment.”

“CNY Fair Housing has worked for several years to advocate for improved conditions at Skyline, particularly around issues of accessibility,” said Sally Santangelo, executive director, CNY Fair Housing. “We are glad to see this important action by Attorney General James to hold Green National accountable for the conditions at their properties, and hope it sends a message to landlords that they can't ignore the law and put their tenants at risk.”

DEC ANNOUNCES 2021 WAS SAFEST-EVER SEASON FOR NEW YORK HUNTERS

 

Lowest Number of Hunting-Related Shooting Incidents Since DEC’s Hunter Education Program Was Established in 1949

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that the 2021 hunting seasons in New York were the safest ever, with the lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents since record-keeping began. DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECO) investigated nine hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) in 2021, including one fatality.

"Hunting is an enjoyable and safe form of outdoor recreation with a long and storied history in New York State,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This past year was the safest-ever on record in New York, with the lowest number of hunting-related shooting incidents since DEC’s Hunter Education Program began in 1949. I’m proud of our Hunter Education Program, and our educators and volunteer instructors, working to ensure licensed hunters experience a safe hunting season. Every hunting fatality is preventable when New Yorkers hunt safely and responsibly.” 

Seven of the nine HRSIs that occurred in 2021 were two-party firearm incidents; two incidents were self-inflicted. All identified shooters were experienced hunters with an average of 40 years of hunting experience, emphasizing the need for all hunters to remain vigilant when heading afield. All incidents could have been prevented if those involved followed hunting safety rules.

A new hunting regulation that took effect in 2021 extended legal shooting hours for big game to 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. None of the deer hunting incidents last year took place during the new extended hours. The four incidents involving deer hunters occurred between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Another new regulation change effective last year requires all persons hunting deer or bear with a firearm, or anyone accompanying these hunters, to wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket, visible from all directions. Unfortunately, the single fatality that occurred in 2021 involved a deer hunter not wearing fluorescent orange or pink. The hunter was mistaken for game and shot by a hunting partner.

Also new in 2021, 52 upstate counties passed local laws allowing 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow while under the supervision of an experienced, licensed, adult hunter. None of the nine HRSIs investigated in 2021 involved a 12- or 13-year-old hunter. 

All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must successfully complete a hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education safety course before being eligible to purchase a hunting or trapping license or bowhunting privilege in New York State. DEC-trained and -certified volunteer instructors have taught hunters and trappers to be safe, responsible, and ethical since 1949. Learn more about DEC’s Hunter Safety Program on the DEC website: Hunter Education Program - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.

DEC encourages hunters to remember the primary rules of hunter safety:

• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded;
• Control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe direction;
• Identify your target and what lies beyond;
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire; and
• Wear hunter orange or pink.

For the past several years, DEC has also tracked and investigated Elevated Hunting Incidents (EHI), previously referred to as tree stand incidents. EHIs are underreported and DEC is not always notified when these falls occur. In 2021, 10 EHIs were reported; one was fatal. Only one of the 10 hunters involved was wearing a safety harness. However, the harness was not connected to the tree when the fall occurred. Tree stand safety is integrated into DEC's hunter education course because these incidents have become a major cause of hunting-related injuries. The proper use of tree stands, and tree stand safety equipment, will help prevent these injuries and fatalities. Used correctly, a full body harness and a lifeline keep hunters connected from the time they leave the ground to the moment they get back down. 

Most tree stand incidents are preventable when hunters follow the "ABCs" of tree stand safety:

• Always inspect the tree stand before every use;
• Buckle full body harness securely every time; and
• Connect to the tree before your feet leave the ground.

A video showing the proper way to climb into and out of a tree stand can be viewed on DEC's YouTube channel. More information, including the 2021 Hunting Safety Statistics and 2021 Tree Stand Safety Statistics, is available on DEC's website.

Governor Hochul Announces Formation of Joint Security Operations Center to Oversee Cybersecurity Across the State

 

The New York JSOC Will Serve as a First-of-its-Kind Hub for Data Sharing and Cyber Coordination Across New York State, New York City, the Five Major Upstate Cities, Local and Regional Governments, Critical Infrastructure and Federal Partners

Announcement Builds on Governor Hochul's Unprecedented $61.9 Million Investment in the State's Cybersecurity Infrastructure as Part of FY23 Budget

Governor Proposes Historic New $30 Million Program for Localities to Help Bolster Cyber Defenses Statewide

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the creation of a Joint Security Operations Center in Brooklyn that will serve as the nerve center for joint local, state and federal cyber efforts, including data collection, response efforts and information sharing. A partnership launched with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, and cyber leaders across the state, the JSOC is the nation's first-of-its-kind cyber command center that will provide a statewide view of the cyber-threat landscape and improve coordination on threat intelligence and incident response.

"There is a new type of emerging risk that threatens our daily lives, and just as we improved our physical security infrastructure in the aftermath of 9/11, we must now transform how we approach cybersecurity with that same rigor and seriousness," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to announce this dynamic and innovative partnership to establish the Joint Security Operations Center in collaboration with New York City, our upstate cities, and government and business leaders across the state. Cybersecurity has been a priority for my administration since Day 1, and this command center will strengthen our ability to protect New York's institutions, infrastructure, our citizens and public safety." 

This innovative collaboration has been months in the making and is the result of Governor Hochul and her team's early vision and commitment to enhancing the State's cybersecurity posture. No other state has brought together cybersecurity teams in a shared command space at this scale including federal, state, city, and county governments, critical businesses and utilities, and state entities like Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Information Technology Services, New York State Police, MTA, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York Power Authority, among others.

New York's leadership in finance, energy, transportation, healthcare, and other critical fields makes the State an attractive target for cyber attacks that can disrupt operations, including critical infrastructure and services to citizens. While government entities across the State have historically taken an independent approach to cyber defense and protecting the safety of their technology assets, acting alone is no longer optimal. As the frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks have grown, so too has the need for a "whole of government" approach.

The JSOC, headquartered in Brooklyn and staffed by both physical and virtual participants from across the state, will improve defenses by allowing cyber teams to have a centralized viewpoint of threat data. This will yield better collaboration on threat intelligence, reduction in response time, and quicker remediation in the event of a major cyber incident. It will help participating entities respond to potential issues and elevate systemic trends that may have otherwise gone undetected. This approach leverages all the cyber defense assets at the state, city, local and authority-level under one umbrella.

New York State will collaborate with city and regional leaders on cyber trainings and exercises as the JSOC becomes operational over the coming months. The Governor and her team will continue ongoing conversations with the White House and federal partners to ensure coordination.

This builds on Governor Hochul's historic proposal in this year's budget for investment in New York State's cyber protections, which includes $61.9 million for cybersecurity, doubling the previous investment. These investments will fund critical protections, including the expansion of the state's cyber Red Team program to provide additional penetration testing, an expanded phishing exercise program, vulnerability scanning and additional cyber incident response services. These investments help ensure that if one part of the network is attacked, the State can isolate and protect the rest of the system.

As part of this proposal, the Governor is also proposing a $30 million "shared services" program to help local governments and other regional partners acquire and deploy high quality cybersecurity services to bolster their cyber defenses. The interconnected nature of the state's networks and IT programs means that attacks can quickly spread across the state. Many government entities often do not have the funding or resources necessary to protect their systems, some which provide critical services like healthcare, law enforcement, emergency management, water treatment, and unemployment insurance, to name a few. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "New York City is a prime target for those who want to attack our cyber infrastructure to cause destruction. While New York City Cyber Command is already a national model for impeding these threats, it's time our cybersecurity moved to the next level. We know that when it comes to cyber attacks, the difference between a minor disruption and a catastrophe can be a matter of minutes. That is why the new Joint Security Operations Center will take an integrated and holistic approach to hardening our cyber defenses across the state. I thank Governor Hochul and our fellow mayors for their partnership, and look forward to working with them to confront this common threat."