The Northern New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board met for the first time today as it seeks to boost the St. Lawrence County economy by providing funding to businesses and other enterprises using money from New York Power Authority electricity sales

Despite his self-professed expertise on the topic and grandiose pronouncements as the homelessness crisis in New York reached record levels, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has racked up a series of staggering homeless policy failures in recent years

Senators Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), Diane Savino (D-SI/Brooklyn), Avella (D-Queens), Alcantara (D-Manhattan), Hamilton (D-Brooklyn) and Jose Peralta (D-Queens), joined by advocates, released an investigative report detailing deplorable conditions at New York City hotels and cluster sites used for the homeless and called for a five-point legislative solution to the homelessness crisis.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a lawsuit against STAR Exemption Advisor, YCA Corp. and its business owner Arie Gal, for allegedly scamming thousands of new homeowners out of at least $1.5 million by charging them excessive fees to enroll them in the Basic STAR Exemption Program, which is otherwise free.  The lawsuit, filed in Nassau County Supreme Court, seeks to provide full restitution to all those affected, and a complete accounting to identify all consumers who are entitled to such refunds. The lawsuit also seeks additional costs, damages, and to permanently enjoin the respondents from marketing any Basic Star rebate or property tax reduction services within the State of New York

“The uncertainty surrounding future policy decisions by the Trump administration and the Republican Congress presents real risks to our City budget. My office conducted an analysis outlining potential Federal cuts—and I’m concerned many critical areas could be affected. From affordable housing to programs that support at-risk children, our social safety net could be fundamentally changed by backwards policies from Washington. We believe that whatever the White House and the Republican Congress do, our City must protect its most vulnerable residents.

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), today issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of a 58,000 square foot site in Long Island City, Queens. Activation of this underutilized site represents a unique opportunity to deck over a below-grade rail yard and create vibrant mixed-use, mixed-income housing development above with open space, community facilities and neighborhood retail.

The New York Power Authority has completed construction on a new winter mooring site for its ice boom tugboat and barge at the extreme northern end of the First Buffalo Marina on Furman Street.

New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Vicki Been and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin today announced the release of Housing New York: Three Years of Progress, describing the inroads made towards the goals of the Mayor’s housing plan. The new report comes on the heels of the Mayor’s announcement last week that his Administration financed more affordable housing in 2016 than in any time in the past 25 years.

32BJ announced today that its members have endorsed State Senator Bill Perkins in the special election for City Council District 9 based on his record of fighting for good jobs, affordable housing and immigrant rights

Tom Reed continues his efforts to support local infrastructure with the announcement of two major grants for water infrastructure systems in Chautauqua County. “We care about helping our local communities improve their water systems because it bolsters the regional economy, lightens the burden for local taxpayers and protects our environment,” said Reed. “These grants will have a major positive impact in not only the communities, but the entire Great Lakes watershed. It’s only right that we remain committed to these types of critical investments going forward.”

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that, after his push, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has signed off on a major refinancing agreement for Chelsea’s Penn South Co-Op, which will help ensure the development remains affordable for an extended period. Earlier this month, Schumer called on OMB to swiftly review and make the decisions necessary to approve the development’s efforts in refinancing its property

The New York Power Authority today announced it will help municipalities secure state-funded rebates to install charging stations in an effort to support Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s push to expand the use of electric vehicles.

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced Maria Torres-Springer will serve as the next Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development when its current commissioner, Vicki Been, returns to teaching at New York University. The mayor is also appointing James Patchett as President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced Maria Torres-Springer will serve as the next Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development when its current commissioner, Vicki Been, returns to teaching at New York University. The mayor is also appointing James Patchett as President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Vicki Been, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Commissioner Jamie Ruben join WHEDco, and BFC Partners to announce the start of construction on Bronx Commons – a 426,000 square foot, mixed-used development in the Melrose section of the Bronx that will include 305 affordable apartments, retail space, and the Bronx Music Hall, a new 14,000 square foot, 300-seat music venue and arts-centered community hub focused on the deeply-rooted history of cutting edge Bronx music.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $4.2 million is available to support programs providing training to building operations and maintenance workers on best practices to reduce energy use and energy bills in buildings across the state. The funding will advance the state’s goal to transition to 50 percent renewables by 2030 and reduce energy use in buildings by 23 percent over 1990 levels.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today unveiled a new Graduate to Homeownership Program to provide recent college graduates with homebuyer assistance to remain Upstate, especially in downtown areas. Despite being home to some of the nation’s top colleges, many Upstate communities struggle to retain recent graduates. This $5 million pilot program will incentivize homeownership with subsidized low interest loans, down payment assistance and homebuyer education courses to encourage young people to stay and continue revitalizing Upstate New York’s downtown areas

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Richard Buery and Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Vicki Been today announced the selection of eight Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise teams to lead the construction of six new 100 percent affordable housing developments on vacant City-owned land.

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that his Administration financed more affordable housing in 2016 than in any time in the past 25 years. Three years in, his team has extended affordability for decades to come at 41,600 homes and spurred construction of 20,800 new affordable apartments

Nearly 32,000 households were denied access to permanent housing assistance between FY 2005 and FY 2014. Report Outlines Steps State, City Must Take Immediately to Match the Scale of Crisis

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein and Youth Bureau Director Evelyn Clarke announce that the Ulster County Youth Bureau is accepting applications for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Youth Development grants. The Ulster County Youth Bureau administers the Youth Development Program (YDP) and Runaway & Homeless Shelter (RHYA) funding from OCFS and Ulster County to support youth programs.

Chelsea’s Penn South Co-op Has Provided Affordable Housing Options to Middle-Class Families in NYC For Over 50 Years; Development Co-op Could Be Enveloped With High Interest Rates That Would Take Financial Toll On Hundreds of Families. Schumer Pushes For Quick Review of New Refinancing Agreement So Affordability Provisions Remain in Place; Agreement Would Allow Penn South to Reduce Current Debt Payments & Lock In Current Interest Rates

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Vicki Been and New York City Housing Development Corporation President Eric Enderlin today announced the opening of the Housing Connect lottery for 107 affordable apartments at Crotona Terrace Building B, located at 1825 Boston Road in the Crotona Park East neighborhood of the Bronx

The New York Department of State will host a public meeting of the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council on Monday, January 23, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at 99 Washington Avenue in Albany; 123 William Street in New York City; and 65 Court Street in Buffalo. The meeting will be held via videoconference at all locations.