Attorney General James Announces Investigation of Recent AT&T Outage

 

Consumers Across the Country Were Left Without Service for Hours

AG James to Investigate Causes and AT&T’s Response

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that she is investigating a recent cell service outage on the AT&T network that affected consumers in New York and nationwide. On Thursday, February 22, AT&T customers were unable to place calls, send text messages, or access the internet for up to 12 hours, leaving many unable to contact loved ones, conduct business, or access emergency services. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will be investigating the causes of and AT&T’s response to the service disruption, and is encouraging all affected New Yorkers to file complaints.

“Americans rely on cell service providers for consistent and reliable service to help them with nearly every aspect of their daily lives,” said Attorney General James. “Nationwide outages are not just an inconvenience, they can be dangerous, and it’s critical that we protect consumers when an outage occurs. I encourage any New Yorker who was affected by this disruption to file a complaint with my office.”

New Yorkers affected by the recent AT&T outage can file a complaint online with OAG. 

DEC Now Accepting Applications for Annual Buffer in a Bag Program

 

Free Seedlings Available to Qualified Landowners for Streamside Plantings

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the application period for the agency’s ‘Buffer in a Bag’ program opens on Friday, March 1. The Buffer in a Bag program supports Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State commitment to plant 25 million trees by 2033 to invigorate New York State’s tree planting efforts, advance steps to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s net-zero goal, and grow the state’s vital forest products industry.

 

"Planting along streams creates woodland buffers that are critically important for keeping soil in place, slowing floodwaters, intercepting pollution, and providing food and shelter for wildlife," said Commissioner Seggos. "Buffer in a Bag participants are helping to advance New York State's efforts to achieve our statewide 25 million tree planting commitment and reforest riparian areas, making these areas more resilient to severe weather impacts."

 

Qualifying private and public landowners may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting near streams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, protect water quality, combat climate change, and improve wildlife habitat.

 

To qualify, landowners must have property in New York State with at least 50 feet bordering a stream, river, or lake. Previous recipients are encouraged to reapply to continue to build riparian buffers. Applicants are eligible for one bag of 25 seedlings and recipients are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. A total of 250 bags will be available statewide during this round of applications.

 

Seedlings are provided by DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery. The Buffer in a Bag Program is managed by DEC's Division of Lands and Forests and supported by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Governor Kathy Hochul's 2024-25 Executive Budget sustains the EPF at a historic $400 million. The EPF provides funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

 

The application period closes at 3 p.m. on April 17, 2024, or when supply runs out, whichever comes first. Visit DEC's website for more information about the Buffer in a Bag application process and requirements.

 

Upcoming Deadline For Affordable Housing Lottery At 1009 Nelson Avenue In Highbridge, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1009 Nelson Avenue, a four-story residential building in Highbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Boaz M. Golani of BMG Architects and developed by Shaya Seidenfeld of MZS Realty, the structure yields 16 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are five units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $84,000 to $146,900

Residences come with air conditioning, hardwood floors, large windows, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Amenities include security cameras and online options for leasing, paying rent, and making maintenance requests. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove, heat, and hot water.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are five studios with a monthly rent of $2,450 for incomes ranging from $84,000 to $146,900.

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 6, 2024.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Bond Calendar for March and April

 

Tentative Schedule Includes $8.86 Billion of New Money and Refunding Debt Sales New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a tentative schedule for the planned bond sales for New York State, New York City and their major public authorities during the months of March and April of 2024. The planned sales of $8.86 billion include $4.77 billion of new money and $4.09 billion of refundings and reofferings as follows: $7.81 billion scheduled for March, $4.35 billion of which is for new money purposes and $3.46 billion of which is for refunding and reoffering purposes; and $1.05 billion scheduled for April, $417 million of which is for new money purposes and $631 million of which is for refunding purposes. The State Comptroller’s office chairs the Securities Coordinating Committee, which was created by Gubernatorial Executive Order primarily to coordinate the borrowing activities of the state, New York City and their respective public authorities. All borrowings are scheduled at the request of the issuer and done pursuant to their borrowing programs. The schedule is released by the committee to assist participants in the municipal bond market. It is contingent upon execution of all project approvals required by law. The collection and release of this information by the Office of the State Comptroller is not intended as an endorsement of the proposed issuances it contains, many of which will be subject to approval by the Office of the State Comptroller. The prospective calendar includes anticipated bond sales by the following issuers: the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the Environmental Facilities Corporation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Housing Development Corporation, the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, the New York State Housing Finance Agency, and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Calendar: Securities Coordinating Committee (SCC) Forward Issuance Bond Calendar

VCJC News & Notes 3/1/24

 

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

1. 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 3/1/24 @ 5:29PM
   Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely. 
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 3/2/24 @ 6:34PM

2. Center Light
   The Center Light mailing for the March edition will be a little late.
   You can still opt to receive the Center Light by email instead of postal mail (or both).  Let us know if you’d prefer email.

Our mailing address is:

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

3880 Sedgwick Ave

Bronx, NY 10463

DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Annual Residential brush Burning Prohibition Starts March 16

 

Earlier Than Usual Spring Conditions Leading to More Fires

Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives and Property

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to help prevent wildland fires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

“While we’re seeing record breaking fires in Texas right now, we’re also at a higher risk here in New York,” Commissioner Seggos said. "Before the annual burn ban goes into effect next month, we’re encouraging New Yorkers who burn woody debris to do it carefully, don't burn on windy days, and have water or equipment ready to extinguish it if needed. All fires must be attended until completely out.”

This winter season did not provide typical snow cover across much of New York State, leaving dormant vegetation from last year’s growing season exposed where it is susceptible to the daily fluctuation of spring weather. DEC is advocating extra vigilance before the burn ban goes into effect, as Forest Rangers and local firefighters have already responded to early fires in multiple counties. These fires were caused by debris burning with wind carrying the fire to grassy and wooded areas.

Since the ban was established, the eight-year annual average number of spring fires decreased by 42.6 percent, from 2,649 in 2009, to 1,521 in 2018. Warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC will post the Fire Danger Map for the 2024 fire season on DEC's website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

 

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC's website.

Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).