NYC Comptroller Welcomes DOC Transparent Inquiry Response, Publishes Dashboard Of Jails Staffing and Management Challenges

 

The data - now available on both the Comptroller and DOC’s dashboards - tracks increasing jail population, violent incidents, staffing shortages, court appearances, and missed medical appointments.

Rates of sick leave trending down yet remains double pre-pandemic averages.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander welcomed the Department of Correction’s (DOC) release of new data tracking metrics and conditions in city jails, in response to months of requests from the Comptroller’s office for data transparency. In light of the ongoing crisis in the city’s jails, the Comptroller’s office began requesting data from DOC in January, with the goal of providing regular information to the public on key agency metrics, including staff absenteeism, rates of violence, missed medical appointments, and the growth of the jail population. That data is now available on a dashboard published today, available here.

“What we can’t see, we can’t fix. For years, the Department of Correction has locked away its data, failing to provide real transparency to the public. The Comptroller’s office has had the agency on its watch list since 2018, in order to track operations and management problems that have snowballed into a humanitarian crisis. I’m pleased that following formal requests from our office, critical DOC data is now finally available to the public on both their website and on ours. Transparency about staffing absences, the provision of basic services including medical care and access to the courts, and the prevalence of violence are essential for accountability and change,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The Comptroller’s dashboard shows that the number of uniformed staff out sick spiked from about 500 per day in 2019 to 3,000 in April 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. Staff on sick leave rose again in late 2020 and throughout 2021. While sick leave usage has fallen since January 2022, the share of uniformed staff out each day remains double pre-pandemic levels. During June 2022, uniformed staff logged 170,789 hours of sick leave – 154,789 hours due to illness and 16,000 hours due to injuries. In June 2019 (before the pandemic), DOC recorded 87,892 hours of uniformed staff sick due to illness and 17,509 hours due to injuries.

The dashboard shows:

• As of the beginning of August 2022, the jail population stood at 5,708—with 119 more people in custody than in July, but 1,600 fewer people detained compared to August 2019.
• The average share of staff out sick per day is 12%, down from 13% in June.
• The average number of staff restricted from working with people in custody due to medical conditions is 608, or 9% of total headcount – more than double the average rate in 2019.
• After increasing violent incidents in 2021, assaults on staff and fights has decreased. As of July 2022, there were 65 assaults on staff, down 9 incidents from June.
• 42 slashings/stabbings occurred last month, up from 39 in June. For the calendar year-to-date, the total number of slashings and stabbings is up 40% over the same period in 2021.
• Adjusted for the jail population, the rate of use of force, including incidents and allegations, rose from 28.27 to 32.69 per 100 (as of the most recent quarter).
• The share of detained people making court appearances each day is at 9%, returning to pre-pandemic levels after dipping to a low of 2% in April 2020.
• The average length of detention is now 125 days for the calendar year-to-date (January-July 2022), up from 79 for the same period in 2019.

New York City’s DOC operates all city jails including the complex on Rikers Island. The conditions on Rikers Island have been subject to a federal monitor since 2015. As noted in the monitor’s April 2022 Report, “the level of dysfunction within the Department’s staffing framework is unmatched by any jurisdiction with which the Monitoring Team has had experienced.” New York City plans to replace the complex with four, borough-based jails, but the average daily jail population currently exceeds the capacity of these new jails by about 2,400, and has trended upwards in recent months.

Comptroller Lander continued, “A dozen people have already died this year in the custody of our correctional system. Getting arrested in New York City should not be a death sentence. As James Baldwin said, ‘Not everything that’s faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it’s faced.’ Our city cannot look away from this crisis. DOC’s new data transparency is one step in facing it.”

DOC began providing the data to the Comptroller’s office this spring. The Comptroller’s office shared a mockup of its new dashboard with DOC for feedback on August 5 pursuant to an information sharing agreement, in anticipation of public release. DOC then announced its own dashboard on August 22, so the new data will now be available to the public on both the Comptroller and DOC websites (and downloadable from the Comptroller’s site). The dashboard will be updated monthly as new data is made available and will highlight changes over time.

You can view the Comptroller’s dashboard at: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/department-of-correction-doc/dashboard/.

MAYOR ADAMS, MEMBERS OF 1969 ‘AMAZIN’ METS JOIN AGEE FAMILY TO OPEN I.S. 419 – TOMMIE L. AGEE EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS

 

Named After Famed Mets Centerfielder, I.S. 419 is One of 11 New School Buildings Opening in 2022, Adding More Than 5,700 School Seats Citywide

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the School Construction Authority (SCA), elected officials and members of the World Series Champion 1969 “Amazin” Mets today joined the family of legendary Mets outfielder Tommie Agee to celebrate the opening of the Tommie L. Agee Educational Campus, I.S. 419 in Queens to start the school year.

 

Agee, who died in 2001, spent five seasons playing centerfield for the New York Mets, from 1968 to 1972. Regarded as one of the club’s all-time best centerfielders, Agee helped the Mets win their first World Series at nearby Shea Stadium in 1969. Agee’s wife, Maxcine, and daughter, J’nelle, as well as teammates Cleon Jones and Art Shamsky, joined the celebration of the school’s opening.

 

“Tommie Agee was not only part of the greatest ball club in this country, but a star player on the greatest team there ever was: the 1969 Amazin’ Mets,” said  Mayor Adams. “His presence fed the energy of New York City and we’re thrilled to celebrate Tommie’s contributions today at the new Tommie L. Agee Educational Campus. By continuing to create and improve the school buildings that the city’s children need and deserve, we are investing in New York City’s future. Congratulations to Tommie’s family, former teammates, and all Mets fans.”

 

“This brand new state-of-the-art facility is another example of the SCA’s ability to provide much needed new school seats to New York City’s students and families. I am proud of the SCA’s continued track record in helping to reduce overcrowding and provide nurturing learning environments,” said SCA President and CEO Nina Kubota. “I would like to thank all of the District 24 elected officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders for their support of our Capital Plan, which has enabled us to provide this new facility to meet the needs of this school community.”

 

“Our school buildings are extensions of our children, their families, our neighborhoods, and, most importantly, of our communities. The Tommie Lee Agee School is an incredible example of just that — a school that has the power to bring people, teammates, family members, students, and community members together to honor one of their own,” said DOE Chancellor David C. Banks. “Thank you to our partners at SCA for this beautiful new school building and, of course, to the New York Mets for modeling teamwork and community for our young folks and our city every day.”

 

“Tommie would have been so very proud to be recognized with his name on this beautiful state-of-the-art facility, making educational opportunities available to the students of East Elmhurst,” said J. Maxcine and J’nelle Agee. “Tommie was a true gentleman, on and off the field, and gave back in so many ways through his service and foundation. We, along with the New York Mets, are proud to share his contributions with the Queens community he called home.”

 

“This is such a fitting dedication — to name a school after Tommie in Queens,” said Sandy Alderson, president, New York Mets. “Queens was Tommie’s home. He lived, worked, and played here, and I know how proud he would be since education and community involvement were so important to him. The Mets are grateful to share this special day with Tommie’s family and teammates.”

 

The new state-of-the-art school — located at 111-12 Astoria Boulevard — will serve students from grades 6 to 8. The 646 new seats will help alleviate overcrowding in District 24 as part of the more than 2,800 new seats created in Queens for the 2022-2023 school year.

 

The building is a fully air-conditioned, accessible five-story intermediate school. The facility provides 18 standard classrooms and two district special education classrooms, as well as reading and speech resource rooms. The school also includes a District 75 program, which contains eight additional classrooms with dedicated student restrooms, rooms for occupational and physical therapy, a guidance room, and a multi-purpose room. The building also includes:

 

• An art classroom;
• A science demonstration lab and prep room;
• A music suite with sound-proof practice cubicles;
• A library;
• A gymnatorium, exercise room, and outdoor playground;
• A full kitchen, cafeteria, and staff lunchroom;
• Guidance, medical, and administration suites; and
• A parent room.

 

DEC ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF FINAL THREE SEGMENTS OF NEW YORK STATE BIRDING TRAIL

Statewide Trail Provides Birding Opportunities for All New Yorkers, Regardless of Age, Ability, Identity, or Background

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the grand opening of the final three regions of the New York State Birding Trail, highlighting the state’s world-class and wide-ranging birding opportunities. The Adirondacks-North Country, Catskills, and Southern Tier segments bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to more than 300, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.

“Across the state, the New York State Birding Trail showcases the state’s diverse variety of habitats and landscapes and the more than 450 species of birds found here," Commissioner Seggos said. “The completion of the trail map is just the beginning. We look forward to working with our many birding partners for years to come to help residents and visitors enjoy the unique and special opportunities for birding found only here in New York State.”

Birdwatching has become one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities. DEC manages the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with partners that include the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail network includes promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.

The Adirondacks-North Country segment includes 41 locations on a mix of public and private lands throughout Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Montgomery, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Warren counties with species such as loons, boreal chickadees, and the Canada Jay. In addition to unique birding opportunities, this region offers breathtaking views of the Adirondack High Peaks.

Covering five counties, the Catskills segment includes 23 locations on public lands in Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. From Forest Preserve lands and iconic State parks to a national wildlife refuge and the popular Ashokan Rail Trail, visitors can combine birding with other pursuits like hiking and biking. The Catskills Visitor Center is a great place to start a birding adventure in this region.

The Southern Tier segment includes 34 locations in Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Tioga counties. New York’s Southern Tier is full of breathtaking scenery, from the deep forests of Allegany State Park to the gorges and towering rock formations of Watkins Glen State Park, Rock City, and McCarty Hill state forests. With so much natural diversity, birders can enjoy unique opportunities to view a wide variety of wood warblers and other forest bird species.

New segments of the Birding Trail were opened in a phased approach. DEC announced the New York City trail segment in October 2021, Greater Niagara in February 2022, Long Island in March 2022, Hudson Valley in April 2022, and Central-Finger Lakes and the Capital Region in May. With 312 locations, the Statewide Birding Trail provides birding opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background, across New York State.

DEC continues to solicit input from a wide range of New Yorkers and organizations that represent Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and is making trail information available in both English and Spanish. Bird walks will be held in collaboration with organizations working with BIPOC communities.

The New York State Birding Trail map is available at www.ibirdny.org and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.

In addition to State-owned and managed locations for the Birding Trail, publicly and privately managed sites can complete a simple self-nomination process to be considered for inclusion on the trail. Sites all meet criteria to help ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the state. Additionally, each site will post signage noting it as an official location on the birding trail. For information on the nomination process, see www.ibirdny.org.

DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I Bird NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (available in Spanish), additional resources, and information on the recently announced 2022 I Bird NY birding challenges.

DEC manages and oversees nearly five million acres of public lands and conservation easements and plays a vital role in both protecting New York’s natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. From fishing on scenic streams, hiking and rock climbing, swimming and boating, birding, and nature study, or simply relaxing in a tent under the stars, there are endless adventures to be found. Visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/, connect with us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram and Twitter. 

Nos Quedamos - Stage Garden Rumba this Saturday, August 27th at Sunshine Community Garden 2pm-5:30pm

 

Nos Quedamos and Pregones/PRTT host another session of STAGE GARDEN RUMBA this SATURDAY, August 27th from 2pm~5:30pm at Sunshine Community Garden, 1768 Bryant Ave, The Bronx (174th St. & Bryant Ave.). This is a FREE outdoor event.*

The 2022 series' theme is "Bronx Bees and Honey," and like the South Bronx, the ultimate symbol of environmental resilience and adaptability!

Hyperlocal and universal, Stage Garden Rumba brings together voices of joy and revolution to fuel our collective imagination and propel us into the future. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?  Get your South Bronx summer glow this Saturday with Stage Garden Rumba!

* Weather forecasts predict a great day to kick back and be entertained and enlightened in a regional community garden!

EMCEE Caridad De La Luz is a multifaceted performer known as “La Bruja.” She raps, acts, sings, hosts, dances, writes, and teaches others how to do the same. Winner of the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship 2020-2021, she has been one of America's leading spoken word poets for over 15 years.   MUSIC DeLaCeiba is an Hondureño born poet/rapper/DJ/scholar/father/husband/activist that grew up in South Central Los Angeles.   Oñí Añá is a group of drummers who have studied the art of batá drumming and the chants of the Yoruba tradition in the United States since very young. Their aim is to show how these traditions are being passed on to and preserved by new generations via live performance.    People of Earth is a global music collective set on blurring the barriers between the great art forms of the terrestrial sphere, creating an explosive blend of the music of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil and beyond.   Los Cielitos is a Bolero project from husband and wife duo Jill Peacock, Canadian vocalist and bass player, and Yasser Tejeda, Dominican guitarist and vocalist. Their classic take on Latin American Boleros brings back the greatest love songs from the 1930's, 40s, and 50s.   POETRY Rich Villar is a poet, essayist, educator, and performer. He is the author of the poetry collection COMPREHENDING FOREVER and a 2022 BRIO Award Recipient from the Bronx Council on the Arts.    Bonafide Rojas is the author of four collections of poetry: Notes On The Return To The Island, Renovatio, When The City Sleeps, and Pelo Bueno. He's appeared on Def Poetry Jam & has been published in numerous anthologies & journals.   True Rodríguez is a poet, playwright, and visual artist from Queens, NY. In her work, True deconstructs the titles thrust upon women, highlighting women's evolution in various social, political, and cultural constructs to show there is no one way to woman.   ACTIVISM Wanda Salaman is the executive director of Mothers on the Move (MOM) which sets out to create a future with clean air, well-resourced and community-controlled schools, safe streets, green spaces, good jobs, and more control over the wealth that our labor creates.   Mili Bonilla is a long-time activist who was raised in the South Bronx. She was a founding committee member and Lead Organizer of South Bronx People for Change.

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR FEATURED ARTISANS — Come ready to be dazzled and ready to support!

Karla Mayenbeer Cruz: Author, The Adventures of Pepita Morales at City Hall: The Fight to Save el Jardin.   Olga Ayala: “Hecho A Mano” handmade crafts. Jewelry and functional art in polymer.   Mercedes Molina:  Creative Spiritual Doll Maker.

Permits Filed For 1309 Findlay Avenue In Concourse, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a four-story residential building at 1309 Findlay Avenue in Concourse, The Bronx. Located between East 169th Street and East 170th Street, the lot is near the 170th Street subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. NY Creative Developers Inc. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 53-foot-tall development will yield 11,669 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 25 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 466 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, and a 31-foot-long rear yard.

Noel Wong of ADB Associates is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for an expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

New Construction Permits Filed For 2043 Webster Avenue In Fordham Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story mixed-use building at 2043 Webster Avenue in Fordham Heights, The Bronx. Located between East 178th Street and East 180th Street, the lot is near the Tremont Avenue subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Arjan Gjushi is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 34,404 square feet, with 28,847 square feet designated for residential space, 5,208 square feet for commercial space, and 348 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 44 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 655 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, a 35-foot-long rear yard, and 13 enclosed parking spaces.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

VCJC News & Notes 8/26/22

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 8/26/22 @ 7:19 pm Shabbos morning services, Rosh Chodesh Elul at 8:45 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 8/27/22 @ 8:22 pm   High Holidays and Memberships Our annual membership year starts with Rosh HaShannah. Please renew your membership now.  Dues are $250 per person by check or in the office.  You can also buy/renew your membership online with a small processing fee.  Rosh HaShannah starts the evening of Sept. 25.  It's not too soon to buy your tickets for services!  Tickets are $125 per person by check or in the office.  You can also buy your tickets online with a small processing fee.  We expect all men who buy tickets to also be members and encourage all women to do the same.    High Holiday Greetings We are again offering you the opportunity to send High Holiday greetings to your family, friends, and the community.  Pricing is $20 for a small ad (6 line limit) and $30 for a large ad (10 line limit, twice the size, but larger font). A postal mailing has gone out.  If you did not receive it, you are welcome to contact the office directly to place the ad.  Ads are not being sold on the website, only through the mailing or directly in the office.  The deadline is Sept. 6.    Book of Remembrance The Book of Remembrance will be issued again this year.  Pricing is shown on the website, although we ask that you purchase through the office.    Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

NY State of Health Partners with GetCoveredNYC, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to Promote Affordable Health Insurance at NYC Supermarkets

 

Certified Enrollment Assistors Available at Gristedes and D'Agostino Supermarkets 

NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today announced its partnership with grocery chain Gristedes and D’Agostino supermarkets, located across New York City. Together with GetCoveredNYC and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NY State of Health Enrollment Assistors will be on-site at select markets August 27-29, to provide information about affordable insurance options, answer questions and make enrollment appointments. 

“Anytime we can make access to health insurance information convenient, the easier it becomes for a consumer to enroll in a health plan that is right for their family,” NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said. “Our supermarket partners recognize the value of affordable health insurance coverage, and we thank them for giving us the opportunity to meet with customers in their stores.” 

Details on which supermarket locations will have NY State of Health Assistors on site are included here. 

“GetCoveredNYC's mission is to ensure we are meeting New Yorkers where they are—whether it's by phone, by text, in person, or even at their local grocery store—to help them get the support they need when enrolling in health insurance," GetCoveredNYC Outreach Director Alexander Medina said. "We are very excited to be working alongside New York State of Health and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to bring health insurance information services to where New Yorkers are in their communities.” 

  

Enrollment is open for all programs, Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, and Qualified Health Plans (QHP). Since the start of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) in March 2020, coverage was automatically extended to New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus or Essential Plan. After the federal PHE ends, consumers will once again need to take action to keep their coverage. To avoid a gap in coverage, consumers can sign up for NY State of Health text alerts to receive important health insurance updates, including when it’s time to renew, by texting START to 1-866-988-0327. 

Individuals eligible to enroll in Qualified Health Plan may be eligible to receive expanded federal tax credits through the American Rescue Plan Act to lower their premiums, including higher income New Yorkers who may be eligible for the first time. Nearly 99 percent of NY State of Health enrollees qualify for free or low-cost insurance that covers important benefits, including doctor visits, immunizations, mental health services, prescriptions, and hospital care.  Child Health Plus provides additional dental and vision coverage. 

In addition to making appointments with an enrollment assistor at NY State of Health events, consumers can also: 

• Call the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777: 

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

• Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

• Log onto the website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. 

• Speak with an enrollment assistor. Find an assistor here.