Governor Hochul Highlights Available Programs to Help New Yorkers Manage Rising Energy Costs

 

Options Available to Maximize Energy Efficiency, Affordability, and Comfort

Follows Call for Utilities to Enhance Consumer Awareness of Impact on Energy Bills  

Home Energy Assistance Program Aid Available for Homeowners and Renters

 Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers of programs and options available to address rising energy supply costs. Families and businesses alike can take advantage of programs to adopt energy efficiency and electrification solutions for homes and buildings, which will make them more comfortable and help manage energy costs over time. Earlier this week, the Governor announced the Department of Public Service issued letters to all of New York’s major electric and gas utilities requiring them to increase their outreach and education efforts regarding the impact on energy bills from surging energy supply prices. She also launched an enhanced statewide campaign to educate New Yorkers about the available programs low-income customers can tap into to access millions in aid.   

“My administration is working closely with partners throughout the state to ensure we have a coordinated effort in helping families and businesses address rising energy costs,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of the various programs available to help manage these rising costs, as well as ensure that best practices are being followed to reduce energy consumption.”

 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “There are many ways for New Yorkers to save energy and lessen their energy bills over time, from easy steps like using LED lighting to signing up for a local community solar offering. These programs can offer an immediate lifeline for some of our most vulnerable residents during these challenging times, and we encourage all New Yorkers to help us spread the word about the assistance we are offering in the face of rising energy costs.” 

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Acting Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, “As New Yorkers continue to feel the budgetary sting of rising fuel costs, we encourage all eligible households to apply for help from the Home Energy Assistance Program. The regular benefit and emergency supplements can provide an important stopgap for low-income individuals and families to defray the cost of heating their homes and make ends meet as we head into the final weeks of the cold weather season in the Northeast.”

Department of Public Service (DPS) CEO Rory M. Christian said, “Given the sudden and sharp increase in energy prices, it’s critically important for consumers to reduce their monthly energy bills by considering cost-effective energy efficiency investments such as using LED lights, better household insulation, and more energy efficient appliances. Many of these investments can be made by consumers themselves without the need to hire a contractor.”

The costs of natural gas, heating oil and propane continue to rise sharply resulting in increases in utility and heating bills, with international geopolitical influences putting additional pressure on the price of oil and gas. As energy prices rise during the winter months, some steps New Yorkers can take to protect against higher energy costs are:

Apply for HEAP. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide up to $751 to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, applications for HEAP are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A list of local offices by county can be found here. Residents outside of New York City may also apply online for regular heating assistance benefits. New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information here. To qualify for benefits, a family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249, or an annual gross income of $62,983.

• New York State is also providing $250 million in additional federal funding to help low-income households pay heating utility arrears up to $10,000 per household. Additionally, $58 million in emergency HEAP funding remains available to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or their heating source exhausted amid fuel price increases this winter. 
   
• For low-income households facing no-heat situations due to non-working heating equipment, OTDA is also accepting applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $3,000 for repairs or $6,500 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household's primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which include the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for safe and efficient operation. Interested households can apply with their local HEAP contact. 

Take immediate action to be more energy efficient. There are many simple steps consumers can take at home, such as lowering the thermostat by a few degrees, using curtains to help keep heat in, and adding weather stripping to windows and doors, all of which are no or low-cost to the consumer. NYSERDA offers energy saving tips for residents and homeowners as well as businesses that can be implemented to lower energy usage. NYSERDA also offers a range of home energy efficiency programs that can help save energy and reduce costs over the long-term. Income-eligible customers may qualify for reduced cost or free energy upgrades to their homes through EmPower New York and Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® programs.  Homeowners should also check with their local gas and electric utility companies to access discounted products and services that can help them lower their energy costs all year long.

Receive a customized list of energy-related assistance in the State. New York Energy Advisor can help homeowners, renters, and property managers locate programs that help them spend less on energy and create healthier and more comfortable spaces. With the New York Energy Advisor, consumers answer a few simple questions and are connected with energy-saving offers in New York State. Sponsored by NYSERDA and utilities, qualified New Yorkers can get help paying utility bills, receive special offers on heating assistance, and more.

 

Sign up for community solar. Community Solar allows New Yorkers, including renters, co-op/condo owners, and businesses, to save money every month on their electric bills. Consumers can subscribe to a community solar project where available and start receiving credits on their electric bill for the clean energy produced by a solar farm. Find more information on how to sign up for community solar on NYSERDA’s website.  

Get a free energy audit. Homeowners across New York are eligible for a free home energy assessment through NYSERDA’s Residential Energy Audit Program. Home energy assessments are available both in-person and using remote technologies. Trained and qualified contractors who provide energy assessment services can help homeowners decide which energy improvements are worth investing in, install the improvements, and assist in connecting homeowners with NYSERDA’s low-interest financing programs.  

Reduce your business or buildings energy costs. Community Energy Advisors across New York State can help residents, businesses and multifamily building owners reduce their energy use and costs.

Join a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign. Participating in a campaign eases the process of replacing a community member’s current heating or cooling system with clean heating or cooling technology by connecting members with pre-qualified contractors and outlining potential incentives, tax breaks, financing, and payment options. Experienced contractors can give a home or business owner a holistic assessment to determine if their home or business space will also benefit from weatherproofing upgrades that can further increase comfort and reduce energy bills. Visit NYSERDA’s website to see if your community is participating in a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign.

 Know your rights and protections. The New York State Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA) has comprehensive protections for residential customers regarding their utility services. These rights include the option to pay bills in installments, a cap on late fees, sufficient notice prior to shut-off of services, and protections for those on a fixed income or with medical conditions. Learn about these from the Department of Public Service at AskPSC. 

Consider bill payment options. When getting in touch with your utility provider, inquire about billing options that allow for deferred payments or “budget billing” options that even out bills that are higher in one season and lower in another. This can structure your payments and make it easier to navigate costs. 

Better understand the energy management of your building. Put Energy to Work for businesses provides a deeper understanding of tools and programs that help in energy management for commercial and industrial buildings and includes resources that can increase profitability, create a competitive advantage, and achieve greater resiliency. 

Visit NYSERDA for more information about the programs, funding and technical assistance available to assist homeowners, renters and businesses manage their energy needs.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan 

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy even as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enacted into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality.

It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $33 billion in 102 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.

Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050. The Climate Act will ensure that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings. 

Harness Trainer Christopher Oakes Sentenced To 3 Years In Federal Doping Case

 

Oakes’s Sentence Caps a Month of Convictions and Sentences in Ongoing Doping Investigations

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that defendant CHRISTOPHER OAKES received a sentence of thirty-six months in prison today for his role in the felony drug misbranding and adulteration charges arising from this Office’s investigation of the abuse of animals through the use of performance enhancing drugs and as charged in United States v. Navarro et al., 20 Cr. 160 (MKV).  OAKES’s sentence followed the February 24, 2022, sentencing of thoroughbred trainer MARCOS ZULUETA to a term of thirty-three months in prison, and the guilty plea of harness trainer RICK DANE, JR., on February 18, 2022. OAKES and ZULUETA were each sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, who will preside over the sentencing of DANE on June 21, 2022. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “These three defendants, Christopher Oakes, Marcos Zulueta, and Rick Dane, Jr., each undertook a duty to care for and protect the health and safety of the animals under their control. Each man flagrantly violated that duty in pursuit of purse money. Oakes’s sentence today, like Zulueta’s sentence, reflects the callousness of their crimes, and the gravity with which this Office takes the kind of abuse that each practiced.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Informations, prior charging instruments and other filings in this case[1], and statements during court proceedings:

The charges in the Navarro case arise from an investigation of widespread schemes by racehorse trainers, veterinarians, PED distributors, and others to manufacture, distribute, and receive adulterated and misbranded PEDs and to secretly administer those PEDs to racehorses competing at all levels of professional horseracing. By evading PED prohibitions and deceiving regulators and horse racing officials, participants in these schemes sought to improve race performance and obtain prize money from racetracks throughout the United States and other countries, including in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”), all to the detriment and risk of the health and well-being of the racehorses.  Trainers, like OAKES, ZULUETA, and DANE, who participated in the schemes stood to profit from the success of racehorses under their control by earning a share of their horses’ winnings, and by improving their horses’ racing records, thereby yielding higher trainer fees and increasing the number of racehorses under their control. Veterinarians involved in the scheme profited from the sale and administration of these medically unnecessary, misbranded, and adulterated substances.

OAKES, ZULUETA, and DANE each operated their respective doping operations using customized, misbranded drugs that were intended to be untestable by racing officials. Through his fraud – and using a sham corporation, “Northfork,” to hide his actual financial interest in various horses – OAKES defrauded others of over a million dollars in purse winnings by training and racing horses that he had “doped” using a plethora of adulterated and misbranded performance-enhancing drugs (“PEDs”), including (among others) blood builders, vasodilators, “drenches,” “bleeder” pills, and other drugs not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). OAKES was also willing to engage in surreptitious delivery of drugs to notorious doper and co-defendant Jorge Navarro, who was previously sentenced to five years in prison in this matter.

ZULUETA, like OAKES, supported Navarro’s racehorse doping and likewise administered illegal drugs to his racehorses under his care and control. Navarro and ZULUETA routinely discussed their use of a particular “blood builder” PED they referred to as “Monkey.” On one recorded call between ZULUETA and Navarro, Navarro stated: “the Monkey—the Monkey hits the horses hard,” later confirming, “the Monkey and the orange one . . . As far as I’m concern[ed], the Monkey and the orange one has something similar which is hitting the horses a lot.” On another recorded call, Navarro informed ZULUETA that “‘the Monkey is breaking down the horses . . . It’s breaking down . . . it’s breaking down the horses. It’s making their blood very thick.’” Still, rather than dissuade Navarro from using the product, ZULUETA agreed with Navarro that he could simply lower the dosage he was administering to his horses, while risking the horses “breaking down.” Following that conversation, ZULUETA, too, continued to procure that blood builder for use on his own horses.    

DANE was a New York-based trainer of standardbred horses who regularly obtained misbranded and adulterated PEDs from co-defendant Seth Fishman, and assisted in the distribution of Fishman’s products, including by “vouching” for potential clients of Fishman. Though Fishman was nominally a veterinarian, Fishman did not practice veterinary medicine, but rather used his license as a means of shielding clients, like DANE, from regulatory scrutiny – every drug that Fishman sold to DANE and others, including drugs obtained from various compounding pharmacies, were illegally misbranded, as DANE well knew. A jury convicted Fishman of two counts of misbranding conspiracy on February 2, 2022.

In addition to the prison sentence, OAKES, 59 of Bear Creek Township, PA and ZULUETA, 54 of Bensalem, PA, were each ordered to pay a forfeiture penalty of $62,821 and $47,525, respectively.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI New York Office’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and its support of the Bureau’s Integrity in Sports and Gaming Initiative. Mr. Williams also expressed the Office’s appreciation for the Food and Drug Administration, the investigative support and substantive expertise of which was integral to the success of this case.

[1] As to Oakes’s, Zulueta’s, and Dane’s co-defendants, the entirety of the texts of the Indictments, Informations, and the descriptions of the Indictments and Informations set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers to be Cautious in Charitable Giving Amid Ukranian Crisis

  New York Attorney General Letitia James provided warnings and tips to New Yorkers who are seeking ways to support the Ukrainian people amid the ongoing conflict. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) warns that they should be wary of sham charities attempting to take advantage of this humanitarian crisis and ensure they are giving to credible organizations.

“At a time of great chaos, confusion, and destruction, it is imperative that New Yorkers be on alert for potential risks to when donating to charitable causes,” said Attorney General James. “Many New Yorkers are eager to do their part to help the Ukrainian people, but scammers often take advantage of crises to exploit our generosity and compassion. We will continue to do all that we can to support Ukraine, and I encourage anyone who has experienced any issues to contact my office.”

Charitable Giving

New Yorkers seeking to donate to charities should take the steps below before donating over the phone, through mail, or online to ensure that their contributions reach the causes they intend to support. Important tips to keep in mind include:

• Solicited by Email? Find Out Who is Soliciting. If you receive a solicitation by email, find out who is behind that email address. Contact the charity whose name is in the email or visit its website to find out if the email is really from the charity. Do not give personal information or your credit card number in response to an email solicitation unless you have checked out the charity.  
• Be Careful When Giving Through Social Media or Other Fundraising Sites. Before giving through these social media or fundraising sites, research the identity of the organizer of the fundraising efforts and ask the same questions you would of a charity. Online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes may not thoroughly vet those who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should take a close look at the site’s FAQs and Terms and Conditions to see what fees will be charged. Also, don’t assume that charities recommended on social media sites, blogs, or other websites have already been vetted. Research the charity yourself to confirm that the charity is aware of the campaign and has given its approved permission for the use of its name or logo. If available, sign up for updates from the campaign organizer to keep abreast on how contributions to the campaign are being spent.  
• Check Before Giving. Donate to charities you are familiar with and carefully review information about the charity before you give. Most charities are required to register and file financial reports with OAG's Charities Bureau if they solicit contributions from New Yorkers. Check OAG's website for financial reports of charities or ask the charity directly for its reports.
• Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Find out how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and individuals your donation will support. Find out more than just the cause. Find out what organization or entity will receive the money and what programs it conducts or what services it provides.  
• Look Into Newly Formed Organizations Carefully. Often, in the aftermath of tragedies, new organizations emerge to meet community needs. While most of these organizations are well-intentioned, and some may provide innovative forms of assistance, some may not have the experience or infrastructure to follow through on their promises, and some may turn out to be scams.  
• Exercise Caution Before You Text A Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message.  
• Don't Give Cash. Give directly to the charity either by check made payable to the organization or through the charity's website.  
• Be Careful About Personal Information. Be cautious before giving credit card or personal information over the phone, by text message or via the Internet. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization to which you give such information and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate.  
• Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work, or that a fundraising or charitable scam is taking place, please contact the Charities Bureau at complaints@ag.ny.gov. 

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Department of Homeland Security Providing Temporary Protected Status to Ukrainian Nationals Present in the United States

 

"Russia's unjustified and unprovoked attack on the sovereign and democratic country of Ukraine has led to human rights abuses, senseless violence against innocent civilians and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has created more than one million refugees in only a week. 

"New York State is home to the largest Ukrainian community in the country, and I applaud the Biden Administration and Secretary Mayorkas for protecting Ukrainian nationals present in the United States from returning to a war zone.

"As I've said before, with the Statue of Liberty standing tall in our harbor, New York stands ready to open our arms and provide a safe haven to all Ukrainians."

AS COVID CASES PLUMMET AND VACCINATION RATES REACH NEW HEIGHTS, MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEXT PHASE OF PANDEMIC RESPONSE

 

Mayors Adams Suspends Key to NYC, Removes Mask Mandate in NYC Public Schools for K-12 Students

 

Comprehensive Announcement Comes After Data Shows NYC at “Low” Alert Level

 

More than 17 Million Vaccines Already Administered in New York City

 

Adams: “We are open for business and NYC has its groove back.”

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced several changes to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that will continue to protect the health and safety of all New Yorkers, while simultaneously boosting the city’s economic recovery. In the face of quickly declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and more than 17 million doses of vaccines administered, Mayor Adams announced the suspension of the Key to NYC program and the removal of indoor mask mandates in city public schools for K-12 students.

 

“Two years ago, New York City was the epicenter of the pandemic, but thanks to New Yorkers getting vaccinated and getting boosted we have made tremendous progress,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I’ve said time and time again that the numbers and science will guide us as we continue to recover and rebuild, and now New York City is back, and vaccinations are why we’re back. New Yorkers should be getting out and enjoying our amazing city. The fight may not be over, but we’re clearly winning the war. We are open for business and New York City has its groove back.”

 

Beginning Monday, March 7^th:

 

• Key to NYC rules will be suspended. Indoor venues, including restaurants, fitness facilities, and entertainment spaces will no longer be required to check for proof of vaccination before customers enter. Businesses previously covered by Key to NYC rules will still have the flexibility to require proof of vaccination or masking indoors if they choose.

 

• Masks will no longer be required on public school grounds for kindergarten to 12^th grade students. While these public school children will be able to remove their masks, if they so choose, schools will continue to maintain strict COVID-19 protocols, including increased ventilation, a daily screener to ensure those with symptoms do not come to school, and test kit distribution. Masks will continue to be required for all settings with children under 5 years of age (where none of the population is yet eligible for the vaccine), including programs contracted by the New York City Department of Education with 3- and 4-year-old children as well as 3k and 4K classrooms in district schools.  

 

Mayor Adams today also announced that all other COVID-19 mandates will remain in effect. Under the rules, employees will still be required to be vaccinated unless they have received a reasonable accommodation from their employer.

 

Additionally, Mayor Adams released a new color-coded system that tracks COVID-19 alerts and keeps New York City residents apprised of the risks they face in New York City. This new system will better help New Yorkers understand the current level of COVID-19 risk and how they can best protect themselves and others based on the current risk. The system consists of four alert levels that outline precautions and recommended actions for individuals and government based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Community Burden Indicator.

 

COVID-19 Alert Levels:

 

Alert Level: Low

·        There is low COVID-19 community spread.

·        Precautions: Stay up to date - get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19; consider wearing a face mask in public indoor settings where vaccine status is not known; and get tested if you have symptoms or are at high risk for poor health outcomes. Basic public health precautions, like good hand hygiene and staying home if sick, should be followed.

·        Recommended Government Actions: Maintain current employer and school vaccine mandates; require face masks in settings with vulnerable individuals and where vaccine status is not verified, such as health care facilities, congregate settings, and public transportation; consider mandating up-to-date vaccination status in certain settings if there is a sustained increase in cases or a new concerning variant.

 

Alert Level: Medium

·         There is medium COVID-19 community spread.

·         Precautions: Stay up to date – get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19; wear a mask in public indoor settings where vaccine status is not known; get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed, recently traveled, or attended large gatherings; stay home if sick; keep hands clean. Take additional precautions — such as avoiding crowded indoor and outdoor settings — if at-high risk due to age, underlying health condition, or being unvaccinated, or if interacting with high-risk individuals.

·         Recommended Government Actions: Continue action from Low Alert Level. Consider requiring face masks in additional high-risk settings where it is crowded and distance cannot be maintained, such as schools. Consider reinstituting Key to NYC requirements if there is a sustained increase in cases or a new, concerning variant.

 

Alert Level: High

·         There is high COVID-19 community spread. Pressure on the health care system in New York City is substantial.

·         Precautions: Stay up to date – get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19; wear a mask in all public indoor settings and crowded outdoor spaces; get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed, recently traveled or attended large gatherings; stay home if sick/exposed; and keep hands clean. Consider avoiding higher-risk activities, such as crowded, indoor gatherings.

·         Recommended Government Actions: Continue action from Medium Alert Level. Increase testing and vaccination capacity; ensure adequate vaccination, testing and isolation capacity in congregate settings; require face masks in all public indoor settings. 

 

Alert Level: Very High

·         There is very high COVID-19 community spread. Health care services are overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases.

·         Precautions: Stay up to date – get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19; wear a mask in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor spaces; get tested; stay home as much as possible, especially if sick/exposed; and keep hands clean. Avoid nonessential activities and crowded spaces. Maximize physical distancing in all public settings, including in workplaces.

·         Recommended Government Actions: Continue action from High Alert Level. Ensure congregate settings are less crowded; consider implementing restrictions on nonessential activities, offering telework and sheltering in place to keep essential functions (such as health care and schools) operating.  

 

“Throughout the pandemic, New Yorkers have stepped up and utilized the tools to overcome the challenges of the past two years,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “With the steady decline in cases and hospitalizations from the Omicron peak, we are now safely entering a new phase of the pandemic. I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams for his continued partnership as we work together to fight the pandemic and keep our schools and businesses both safe and open.”

“Our new COVID Alert system gives New Yorkers a roadmap for how to reduce their own risk in the event that we see another surge or increase in transmission,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “COVID Alert will keep New Yorkers informed, including about actions to expect from city government. As we look to the months ahead, we must continue to do all we can to prevent unnecessary suffering due to COVID-19.” 

 

“Our ‘Stay Safe, Stay Open’ plan worked. Cases are down 99 percent and we did not have to close a single school since January,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “Making masks optional gives families and educators a choice, while remaining vigilant through high levels of testing and following the advice of our public health experts and the CDC.”

 

“We are winning the fight against COVID because New Yorkers have stepped up and gotten vaccinated — 96 percent of adult New Yorkers have received at least one dose. We have also continued to prove that our schools are the healthiest place for our students to be,” said Dr. Ted Long, executive director, NYC Test & Trace Corps; and senior vice president of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “I want to thank every New Yorker who has protected their loved ones and neighbors by getting vaccinated — you earned this — and acknowledge the incredible work of our health care heroes who made these milestones possible.”

 

Housing Lottery Launches For 2381-2383 Lorillard Place In Tremont, The Bronx

 

2381-2383 Lorillard Place in Tremont, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2381-2383 Lorillard Place, a pair of four-story residential buildings in Tremont, The Bronx. Designed by Gerald J. Caliendo and developed by Aviram Chen, the structures yield seven residences each. Available on NYC Housing Connect are six units total for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $60,858 to $139,620.

Amenities includes pet-friendly policies, a shared laundry room, and security cameras. Units come equipped with name-brand appliances and finishes, energy-efficient appliances, and hardwood floors. Tenants are responsible for electric and gas, which includes stove, hot water, and heat.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,775 for incomes ranging from $60,858 to $139,620.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than March 24, 2022.

Police Commissioner Sewell Appoints Mark T. Stewart as NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs

 

 Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell on Wednesday announced she has appointed Mark T. Stewart to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs at a moment of critical importance in the department’s ongoing mission to protect all New Yorkers and ensure a safe, just and prosperous city.

Mr. Stewart’s appointment places him in charge of the Police Department’s Community Affairs Bureau, giving him responsibility for building new, strong relationships between NYPD officers and the New Yorkers they are sworn to serve in every neighborhood. This role will allow him to lead the NYPD in forging cooperation between the police and community leaders in order to identify key safety issues affecting the public and create meaningful solutions.

Mr. Stewart will work to ensure the NYPD rededicates itself to building trust with the city’s communities, in part by listening to new ideas that will help move New York City forward.

“I welcome Mr. Stewart, I thank him for his public service, and I look forward to working with him as we fulfill our vision to reflect the values and concerns of all the city’s citizens,” said Police Commissioner Sewell. “I am confident that his leadership will not only inspire those within the Police Department, but reflect his deep passion for and commitment to all of the people of New York City.”

About Deputy Commissioner Stewart:

Deputy Commissioner Stewart previously served as the Coordinating Supervising Rackets Investigator for the New York County District Attorney, Violent Criminal Enterprise Unit, from June 2010 to February 2022. He also assisted in the investigating and prosecuting violent gangs and illegal firearms traffickers.

Prior to his appointment as the Coordinating Supervising Rackets Investigator, Deputy Commissioner Stewart served as a Senior Rackets Investigator, from April 2006 to June 2010, in the New York County District Attorney, Central Investigations Unit.

Deputy Commissioner Stewart is a retired NYPD detective with two decades of crime-fighting experience. From July 1984 to November 1988, he served as a New York City Transit Police Officer. He was promoted to Detective in November 1988, where he was assigned to the NYPD’s Transit Major Case Squad. Deputy Commissioner Stewart was promoted again, to Detective Second Grade, in December 2000, and assigned to the 6th Precinct Detective Squad. He retired from the NYPD in 2004.

DEC SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT ON INTERSTATE FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR STRIPED BASS

 

Comments on Proposed Management Actions to Rebuild Striped Bass Stocks Due April 15

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public input on the development of Draft Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Striped Bass through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). The Draft Amendment proposes new options to the FMP to help rebuild the stock and significantly update the management program. DEC encourages New Yorkers to review proposed changes, participate through in-person or virtual webinar events, and provide comments to ASMFC by April 15, 2022.

“From Long Island’s saltwater beaches to the rocky shores along the Hudson River, striped bass are an iconic and historic fishery for New York anglers,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “DEC is committed to working collaboratively with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and neighboring states as this plan is developed to ensure striped bass are managed sustainably using the best available science and data.”

DEC is hosting two public hearings in New York’s Marine and Coastal District to solicit New Yorkers’ input on the development of the Draft Amendment. Meeting spaces have limited seating capacity and DEC encourages fishing clubs and organizations to send key representatives to provide public comments. Hearings are scheduled:

Wednesday, March 16, 6 to 8 p.m., DEC Division of Marine Resources, 123 Kings Park Blvd, Kings Park; and

Wednesday, March 23, 6 to 8 p.m., DEC Region 3, 21 South Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz.

In addition, audio from the hearings will be livestreamed and participants can listen to the hearings via links available on DEC’s website. Those joining the livestream will be limited to listening only and are encouraged to submit written comments to ASMFC. Public written comments will be accepted until April 15, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and should be sent to Emilie Franke, FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (fax) or at comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Draft Amendment 7).

ASMFC is hosting additional virtual webinar hearings during March for the public to review the proposed options and provide comments. A recording of the hearing presentation is available on ASMFC’s YouTube page. For more information, visit ASMFC’s website.