NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for August 2023

 

Leaving the summer of 2023 with a continuing record of safety and security gains

New York City saw overall crime decline again in August, led by continued sharp reductions in violence, and the tangible effects of proactive policing – including hundreds of individuals in possession of illegal firearms arrested, and dozens of fewer shootings committed. For the month of August 2023, New York City saw a 23.5% drop in shooting incidents compared to August 2022 (88 v. 115). The decrease in shootings extends the 26.1% decrease in shooting incidents citywide through the first eight months of 2023, compared to the same period a year ago (684 v. 926) – meaning 315 fewer people have been shot this year compared to last year. Additionally, homicides fell by 10% (269 v. 298) in comparison to the previous year’s first eight months.

As the summer of 2023 closes, the city is poised to sustain its momentum in driving down crime. August’s shooting declines reflect the continuing effectiveness of the NYPD’s gun-violence reduction strategies, which help allow every New York City neighborhood to thrive. The NYPD is focused on combating gun violence and working with its law enforcement and community partners to carry out that important work. In August 2023, the NYPD continued to make historic numbers of gun arrests: 342 arrests were effected. Overall, NYPD officers have seized 4,611 guns and made 2,916 gun arrests through the first eight months of 2023.

Overall index crime was driven down by 1.5% in August 2023 (11,400 v. 11,574) compared to the same period a year ago. New York City saw a reduction in five of the seven index crime categories in August 2023, including a 3.2% decline in murder, a 23.4% drop in rape (111 v. 145), a 6% reduction in robbery (1,560 v. 1,659), a 15.1% decline in burglary (1,185 v. 1,395), and a 2.8% drop in grand larceny (4,620 v. 4,751). Hate crimes citywide declined 18% (42 v. 51) compared to last year. At the same time, grand larceny auto increased by 24.3% (1,497 v. 1,204), driven by the well-documented exploitation of vulnerabilities in the ignition systems of certain Kia and Hyundai models that make them vulnerable to theft.

 In the subway system in August, major crime decreased 6.6% (170 v. 182), reflecting the NYPD’s ongoing work to improve the overall public-safety landscape in the city’s vital transportation system.

Through the first eight months of 2023, New York City has seen reductions in five of the seven index crime categories, including murder down 9.7% (269 v. 298), rape down 12.8% (963 v. 1104), robbery down 5.9% (10,904 v. 11,592), burglary down 10.8% (9,273 v. 10,393), and grand larceny down 2.3% (33,265 v. 34,058). Since the start of the NYPD’s Summer Violence Reduction Plan, in May, major crime in the involved deployment zones has been driven down by 8.5% compared to last year, and shootings have declined by more than 23.5%, mirroring the continuing decline in shootings citywide.

Due to the success of the Merchants Business Improvement Program in the 103rd, 114th, and 109th Precincts, the NYPD is teaming up with business leaders, prosecutors, and other community stakeholders to help expand the program across all of Queens. Approximately 142 small and large businesses are participating, and the NYPD has issued 83 trespass affidavits. Programs like this will help keep patrons and business owners safe while also continuing to drive down crime.

Members of the NYPD remain steadfast in their work to combat crime, improve quality of life, and earn the confidence of everyone who lives in, works in, and visits the city. In August 2023, NYPD officers made 4,796 arrests in the seven major crime categories, a 19.4% increase compared to the same period last year. In the first eight months of this year, officers made 35,429 such arrests – the most for any eight-month period since 1999.

“The men and women of the NYPD work tirelessly each day and night to advance public safety and quality of life in New York City,” said Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “As this summer ends, with our city having made considerable progress in reducing crime and violence, New Yorkers can count on the NYPD’s ongoing vigilance in every neighborhood. We will continue to use our momentum to ensure that New York remains the safest big city in America.”

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.**

(EDITOR'S NOTE:

This is for reported crime only, former Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said that there is no way to gauge how much crime goes unreported, but much crime goes unreported.)

Index Crime Statistics: August 2023

	August 2023	August 2022	+/-	%
Murder	30	31	-1	-3.2%
Rape	111	145	-34	-23.4%
Robbery	1560	1659	-99	-6.0%
Felony Assault	2397	2389	8	0.3%
Burglary	1185	1395	-210	-15.1%
Grand Larceny	4620	4751	-131	-2.8%
Grand Larceny Auto	1497	1204	293	24.3%
TOTAL	11400	11574	-174	-1.5%

Additional Statistics For August 2023

	August 2023	August 2022	+/-	%
Transit	170	182	-41	-29.9%
Housing	559	559	0	0.0%
Shooting Incidents	88	115	-27	-23.5%

Hate Crimes Statistics Summary for August 2023

(Representing August 1st – August 31st years indicated)

Motivation	2022	2021	Diff	% Change
Asian	7	7	0	0%
Black	4	5	-1	-20%
Disability	0	0	0	0%
Ethnic	1	4	-3	-75%
Gender	2	2	0	0%
Hispanic	2	0	2	200%
Jewish	17	22	-5	-23%
Muslim	0	0	0	0%
Religion	0	4	-4	-100%
Sexual Orientation	8	5	3	60%
White	1	2	-1	-50
TOTAL	42	51	0	-18%

Note: Statistics above are subject to change upon investigation, as

active possible bias cases may be reclassified to non-bias cases and 

removed from counted data.

Council Votes to Establish City’s First Lithium-ion Battery Swap Program to Remove Uncertified Batteries from Circulation and Reduce Fire Hazards

 

The New York City Council voted to establish a first-of-its-kind trade-in program that provides new lithium-ion batteries and powered mobility devices, such as electric scooters or electric bicycles. Such devices would be provided at reduced cost or no cost in exchange for used batteries and mobility devices that do not meet fire safety standards or are otherwise illegal. This bill is an important next step in the Council’s ongoing efforts to curb lithium-ion battery fires.

In addition, the Council voted to pass a comprehensive package of legislation to improve water safety throughout New York City, an issue highlighted in Speaker Adams’ 2023 State of the City address. The bills would mandate the City survey locations to site more public pools, require that second graders have access to free swimming lessons, and implement essential reporting measures concerning pool and beach staffing, and, safety, including information on the seasonal recruitment of lifeguards.

The Council also passed bills to support Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and small businesses, another priority in the Speaker’s State of the City, as well as bills to promote municipal workforce retention, emergency food program awareness, and long-term sustainability.

“The Council took decisive action to protect our communities by establishing an unprecedented trade-in program for uncertified lithium-ion batteries to reduce dangerous fires caused by those that don’t meet safety standards,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “This program will support the workers, who power our economy and rely on electric bikes and scooters, to exchange the batteries for their devices. The Council’s legislation to expand access to public pools, provide free swimming lessons, and improve water safety for New Yorkers is matter of public safety and justice, given one out of three Black students in New York can’t swim. In addition, we expanded access to information on CDFIs so that our city’s M/WBE’s can better connect with the financial resources that support their success. I’m proud to follow through on these priorities established in my State of the City address, and I thank my colleagues for their work to pass this critical legislation.”

Three Defendants Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Offenses for Obstructing Access to a Reproductive Health Services Facility

A Jury Found Defendants Blocked Access to a Clinic in Northwest D.C. 

A federal jury convicted three defendants of charges of federal civil rights offenses in connection with the Oct. 22, 2020, invasion of a reproductive health care clinic in Washington, D.C.

According to evidence presented at trial, Jonathan Darnel, 41, of Arlington, Virginia; Jean Marshall, 73, of Kingston, Massachusetts; and Joan Bell, 74, of Montague, New Jersey, engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. As part of the conspiracy, Marshall and Bell traveled to the Washington, D.C. area to meet with Darnel and participate in a clinic blockade that was directed by another co-conspirator and broadcast on Facebook.

According to evidence presented at trial, Marshall and Bell were among a group that forcefully entered the clinic and blockaded two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains and ropes. Once the blockade was established, Darnel – who remained outside the clinic – live-streamed their activities on social media. The evidence also showed that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using a physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services.

The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 11 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $350,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who presided over the trial, ordered the defendants immediately detained as required by statute. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Five additional co-conspirators were convicted in August on the same counts. Lauren Handy, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia; John Hinshaw, 67, of Levittown, New York; Healther Idoni, 61, of Linden, Michigan; William Goodman, 52, of the Bronx, New York; and Herb Geraghty, 25, of Pittsburgh, were also convicted of felony conspiracy against rights and a FACE Act offense. One co-defendant, Jay Smith, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 months in prison. Another co-defendant, Paulette Harlow, is awaiting trial on similar charges.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating this case, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in Pittsburgh, Newark, New York City, Boston and Detroit and the Metropolitan Police Department.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting this case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York and Southern District of New York.

U.S. Attorney Charges High School Teacher With Attempted Transfer Of Obscene Material And Receipt And Possession Of Child Pornography

 

Kostas Fekkas Received and Possessed Sexually Explicit Content from a 12-Year-Old Girl and Sent Sexually Explicit Content to an Undercover Agent Posing as a 13-Year-Old Girl

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced that KOSTAS FEKKAS, a/k/a “Constantine Fekkas,” a/k/a “C.J. Justice,” was arrested on September 14, 2023, and charged via a criminal Complaint filed in White Plains federal court with possession of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and attempted transfer of obscene material.  FEKKAS was presented in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy, who ordered that FEKKAS be detained.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Kostas Fekkas’s alleged conduct is despicable.  As a teacher, Fekkas was entrusted with the care and well-being of children, who he in turn allegedly sought to victimize.  I’m grateful to our diligent law enforcement partners and the dedicated prosecutors of this Office for bringing charges in this important case, and I encourage anyone who believes they may have information regarding Fekkas’s alleged conduct to report this information at 1-866-DHS-2423 or www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form

HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “As parents, we entrust our children's safety to the school each day, believing they are in safe hands.  The accused stands charged with heinous crimes against an individual he believed to be a child, unaware that it was an undercover agent.  It brings me a sense of relief to know this individual has been removed from both the streets and the classroom.”

As alleged in the Complaint filed yesterday:[1]

In December 2022, an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl named “Riley” had a conversation on Kik (a mobile messaging application) with someone with the username “C.J.Justice” (“C.J.”).  C.J.’s Kik account was registered to the email address kfekkas@mercy.edu.  Among other things, C.J. introduced himself as a 30-year-old male from New York who teaches high school physics; sent multiple photographs of himself to Riley that resembled a photograph of FEKKAS that had been posted on a public charter school’s website; repeatedly asked Riley for photographs, including photographs of her “body”; sent a video of someone masturbating and several photographs of an erect penis, including one from inside a classroom, to Riley; described the various kinds of sexual acts he wanted to engage in with Riley; and told Riley that he had sex “with a 10th grader once” and had “been searching ever since” to have sex with a minor again.

In March 2023, law enforcement seized FEKKAS’s cellphone and executed a search warrant to review the data extracted from the cellphone.  They discovered that FEKKAS used a mobile application called HideU to hide, among other things, (i) a sexually explicit video in which a young female (“Victim-1”) was rubbing and inserting her fingers into her vagina; (ii) a photograph of the same female with her pink sweatshirt pulled up to expose her breasts; and (iii) a photograph of the same female naked from the head down to her knees.  In the video and the photographs, she was wearing a bracelet that spelled out an abbreviated version of her first name.  The name on the bracelet matched the name of a Snapchat user who had a chat conversation with “Lysol1834,” the Snapchat account username on FEKKAS’s cellphone.  After comparing Snapchat records with passport information, law enforcement confirmed that Victim-1 was a girl who was 12 years old at the time the photographs and sexually explicit video was taken.

Prior to his arrest, FEKKAS was a teacher at a public charter high school located in upper Manhattan, New York.  It also appears that FEKKAS previously worked at several other schools in the Bronx and Westchester counties.

There may be more victims of this alleged conduct.  If you have information to report, contact HSI through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.  From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199.  Hearing-impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

FEKKAS, 34, of Hartsdale, New York, is charged with attempted transfer of obscene material, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  

The minimum and maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative efforts of HSI and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Releases Roadmap and Guidebook for P-12 Schools to Transition Bus Fleets to Zero-Emission

 

Resources Will Help School Districts and Bus Operators Remove Fossil Fuel Vehicles and Transportation Emissions

Supports Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 85 Percent by 2050 and the State’s Requirements for All New School Buses Sold in New York State be Zero-Emission by 2027 and All School Buses on the Road be Zero-Emission by 2035

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Electric School Bus Roadmap and The Electric School Bus Guidebook to help New York P-12 schools transition bus fleets to zero-emission. These new resources provide school districts and bus operators with the technical and financial assistance necessary to remove fossil fuel vehicles from service and help reduce transportation emissions with a focus on disadvantaged communities and high-need school districts. Today’s announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and New York State’s requirements that all new school buses sold in New York State be zero-emission by 2027 and all school buses on the road be zero-emission by 2035.

“As New York State continues to lead the way in the fight against climate change, we must address the ways that fossil-fuel powered transportation directly affects our families and communities with emissions from school buses at the top of that list,” Governor Hochul said. “Providing the tools for school districts to swap out diesel and gas school buses with zero-emission bus fleets will help students and their communities across the state breathe cleaner air and enjoy a healthier way of life.”

The New York State Electric School Bus Roadmap outlines costs, challenges and proposed recommendations that New York State and key partners – including utilities, manufacturers, and operators – can implement. It also covers vehicle choice, procurement, and fleet planning options that will accelerate zero-emission school bus adoption. Highlights of the roadmap include:

• Electric school buses currently on the market can be affordable and attainable for schools when available state and federal incentive programs are utilized, making the cost of owning and operating an electric school bus comparable to, or lower than, a diesel or gasoline bus.
• Electric school buses can meet the bus route needs of most schools which have an average bus route of 80 miles per day.
• Low cost Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers provide sufficient power for electric school buses through overnight charging. Ninety-six percent of school buses, outside of New York City, return to depots for at least 12 hours overnight.

The roadmap will be updated every three years to reflect changing zero-emission school bus market conditions.

Additionally, The Electric School Bus Guidebook provides information and resources for school districts and bus operators to help them become more familiar with key terms and processes for transitioning to zero-emission school bus fleets. The first three guides focus on the benefits of zero-emission buses, the procurement process, and charging stations to inform discussions with school boards and the public. More guides will be added to the main guidebook throughout 2023 and will cover best practices for bus routing, safety, workforce development, and technician training. The guidebook will continue to be updated periodically as new information becomes available to receive these updates, sign up on NYSERDA’s Electric School Bus web page.

Both the roadmap and guidebook pinpoint critical factors and decisions that school districts and bus operators face when considering clean bus options. Zero-emission buses include both battery electric buses and hydrogen fuel cell buses which are expected to be available for purchase in New York State in the coming years. Both types of buses eliminate diesel and gasoline fumes that can drift into, and then linger within buses – negatively impacting air quality and child health.

Transportation contributes to 30 percent of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions, one of the largest sources of emissions in the state. New York has 45,000 school buses, which makes up approximately 10 percent of the nation’s total. New York State continues to make funding and resources available to help support the cost to transition to clean fleets. Funding for clean school buses is also available through the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program and under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

The Bond Act makes $500 million available under the Public School Bus Electrification Program to help school bus fleets start transitioning their buses and depots to accommodate zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. For more information on the Bond Act, visit www.ny.gov/bondact.

New York State's $1 billion investment in electrifying its transportation sector is vital to advancing the State's sweeping climate and clean energy plan. Reducing carbon emissions and pollution from vehicles creates cleaner air and healthier communities, particularly in underserved areas. A range of initiatives grow access to electric vehicles and improve clean transportation for all New Yorkers including EV Make Ready, EVolve NY, the Drive Clean Rebate, Charge Ready 2.0, the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program and federal funding under the NEVI Program.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with nearly 400 registered and more than 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

Wave Hill Weekly Events: Oct 5 — Oct 12 Indigenous Peoples' Weekend

 

This week we have two special events happening at Wave Hill. First, on Thursday, Oct 5, we’ll remain open late for a site-specific, outdoor, dance performance celebrating the power of fungi. It's the culmination of a two-residency at Wave Hill for Dance Heginbotham. The company will be developing their playful You Look Like a Fun Guy work, and the free performance for the public on Oct 5 will show the work. Our free Shuttle Service to the #1 Train and Metro-North Riverdale station will be extended for the event that evening.

Then join us this weekend as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend, October 7–9. In Glyndor Gallery, on Saturday, October 7, hear from exhibiting artists and a guest curator about art on view in the gallery, as they hold a conversation centered on envisioning our relationship to the land from an indigenous perspective. On Sunday, October 8, go on an indigenous themed birding walk. On both days, from 10AM to 1PM, make corn husk dolls at the Family Art Project and learn about the important role of corn in indigenous cultures. The gardens will be open on Monday Oct 9 as the event series continues, and a free guided garden walk will be offered in the afternoon. All programs are free with admission to the grounds.

Public Garden Highlights Walk   

Thu, Oct 5, 2023, 12–12:45PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration is not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide—come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, Oct 5, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration is not required 

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.  

 

Dance Heginbotham: You Look Like a Fun Guy 

Thu, Oct 5, 2023, 6–6:30PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration is not required 

Following a two-week creative residency on the Wave Hill grounds, Dance Heginbotham shares a preview of You Look Like a Fun Guy, a site-specific, outdoor event celebrating the astonishing nature, behavior and psychedelic power of fungi.   

 

Inspired by American composer John Cage’s interest in mycology and his methods of composing music, You Look Like a Fun Guy celebrates Cage’s rigorous and playful modus operandi, through movement, text, music and subtle modulation. Co-commissioned by The Ringling in Sarasota, FL as part of its Ecoperformance Commission. 

 

About Dance Heginbotham 

Acclaimed for its vibrant athleticism, humor, and theatricality, Dance Heginbotham, led by Artistic Director John Heginbotham has established itself as one of the most adventurous and exciting companies on the contemporary dance scene. Praised by The New York Times as having "a true theater artist's instinct for commanding his audience," Heginbotham is known for striking choreography that is perceptive, bright and witty. 

 

"Audiences have a chance to enter into Heginbotham’s entertaining universe, and they shouldn’t miss it. …His works seem to have personalities of their own. You want to know them.” - The New Yorker 

 

http://www.danceheginbotham.org/

 

 

Family Art Project: Corn Husk Dolls

Sat, Oct 7, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, Oct 8, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration is not required 

Join us in celebrating Indigenous People’s Day. Explore corn's role in indigenous cultures and learn about its versatility as a food and art material. Tie, weave and shape dried husks to make your own figurine. At 11:30AM, families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. 

Meet the Artists: Esteban Cabeza de Baca and Heidi Howard, in conversation with Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas

Sat, Oct 7, 2023, 2–3PM 

Free with and admission to the grounds

Registration is not required 

Join exhibiting artists Esteban Cabeza de Baca and Heidi Howard in conversation with Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas, Curator and Director of Exhibitions, Socrates Sculpture Park, who will discuss the works on view in the current exhibition Light from Water in Glyndor Gallery. Presented during Indigenous People’s Day weekend, the discussion will focus on an indigenous perspective to their work, addressing how we can live with the land and the natural world in an ecological, sustainable way.

“Meet the Artist” is an ongoing series of conversations between exhibiting artists and curators. The program provides an opportunity for Wave Hill visitors, the artist’s community and others to learn more about an artist’s creative process and the themes that shape their work.

 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Birding 

Sun, Oct 8, 2023, 9:30–11AM 

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration required 

Join Bronx-based BIPOC birder Haley Scott from the Feminist Bird Club on a birding walk with an indigenous perspective. Hear about the effects of colonialism on bird populations and how common bird names evolved from the Algonquin language to reflect the language of European settlers. It’s peak fall migration, so expect to spot a wide variety of birds in the garden and skies above Wave Hill during this special walk and talk. Birders of all levels welcome. A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Space is limited; adults only please. 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. If you have any questions about this program or have registration questions, please contact us information@wavehill.org or by calling the number and extension provided above.

Haley Scott is a BIPOC bird watcher and guide for Feminist Bird Club and NYC Audubon. She is from the Bronx, NY and is an enrolled member of the state-recognized Unkechaug Indian Nation. She has a BS in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont. It was there where she developed her passion for bird watching and environmental and outdoor education. As a college student, she spent a semester as a bird watching mentor; teaching elementary school students about native birds and local wildlife. After receiving her degree in Environmental Studies, she taught environmental education for K-5 students at a local non-profit youth development organization in The Bronx. Haley is passionate about protecting wildlife, environmental conservation, and promoting safe and accessible outdoor exploration opportunities for women, BIPOC and members of the LGBTQ community. Through her work she hopes to further educate her community about local and large-scale environmental issues and influence appreciation for and re-connection with urban parks and wildlife.

 

Public Garden Highlights Walk   

Sun, Oct 8, 2023, 2–3PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration is not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide—come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Public Garden Highlights Walk   

Mon, Oct 9, 2023, 2–3PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration is not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide—come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Hispanic Heritage Celebration

 

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON USE OF FLOYD BENNETT FIELD TO SHELTER ASYLUM SEEKERS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement after the City of New York and the federal government came to an agreement on the use of on Floyd Bennett Field to shelter asylum seekers:

 

“New York City has entered into a lease agreement with the federal government that allows us to use Floyd Bennett field as an emergency site to shelter some of the more than 113,300 asylum seekers who have sought our care since the spring of 2022. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to reimbursing New York City fully for the use of this site, and I’m looking forward to further partnerships with our friends in Albany as we manage this ongoing crisis.

 

“But let’s be clear: If the federal government were to issue an emergency declaration, additional federal space and funding would become available to better manage this crisis. Further, as I have said before, because we haven’t seen meaningful policy changes that would alter the course of this crisis, we’ve been forced to unsustainably open new site after new site as asylum seekers continue to arrive by the thousands. This is not an adequate solution or any sort of long-term plan by the federal government to this national problem.

 

“We will continue to advocate for expedited work authorizations for asylum seekers, a federal declaration of emergency, more federal funds, and a national and state decompression strategy. We are hopeful that this announcement is an example of the state and federal governments’ commitment to leading on this national humanitarian crisis.”