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Celebrating Urban Life Since 1989

  • 5 for CNY - Learn How
  • Crouse Weight Loss 530 x 75
  • Land Bank - Restoring Properties
  • Mannion for NY_Vote on Nov 5th_Horizantal General Election
  • NYSF Urban CNY Banner 530 x 75
  • Second City 530x75
  • Malmgren Concert Duke Ellington
Lakefront (northwest) Neighborhoods News Syracuse - North

City of Syracuse to Host Open House to Present Initial Project Ideas and Concepts for Revitalizing City Lakefront Area

Public projects aim to preserve natural beauty of Onondaga Lake and transform Lakefront and Inner Harbor areas into vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods Syracuse, N.Y. –  The City of Syracuse, in conjunction with Onondaga County and New York State, is hosting an open house on Wednesday, May 4 for community members to view and share thoughts on proposals to revitalize Onondaga Lake as well as the Lakefront and Inner Harbor areas. Proposed community projects are intended to support natural resource protection, enhance waterfront access for pedestrians, improve inter-connectivity and transportation options, and provide economic revitalization opportunities. “Bodies of water are the soul of a city, and Syracuse is no exception. It was founded on the shores of Onondaga Lake and built around the historic Erie Canal, which once flowed through the heart of the City and served as the lifeline of its commercial and civic needs,” said Mayor Ben Walsh. “Today, the Inner Harbor and Lakefront area remains one of the last underdeveloped areas in the city, and it is time to turn this underutilized space into a vibrant destination for residents and businesses alike.” The City, County, and State are in the process of developing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). An LWRP is a comprehensive approach to re-imagining the City’s waterfront in which the public can advance community planning from vision to implementation. Projects selected for the LWRP will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, preserve and protect the environment, encourage economic investment, and seamlessly integrate into the fabric of our city. The community is encouraged to attend and provide feedback on these initial project ideas for the Lakefront. The Syracuse Waterfront Revitalization Area (WRA) includes land along Onondaga Lake, Onondaga Creek and the Inner Harbor generally between I-690 and I-81. Key landmarks and destinations within the WRA include NBT Stadium, Destiny USA, CNY Regional Market, Onondaga Creekwalk, Empire State Trail and Loop the Lake Trail, and St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater. Cor Developments  Syracuse Inner Harbor Concept  The preparation of a LWRP is an approximately 12-18 month process that will result in a planning document encompassing a community-driven vision for revitalization and specific project and policies to successfully realize key opportunities. Benefits of an LWRP include: providing clear direction for appropriate waterfront development; increasing opportunities to obtain public and private funding for future projects; establishing long-term partnerships between multiple levels of government; and aligning local, state and federal actions. Anyone with an interest in the City of Syracuse’s waterfront, including residents, businesses, and property owners are encouraged to attend the open house on May 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Freighthouse in the Inner Harbor. The project team will also be hosting a virtual public workshop and releasing an online survey for the community to provide their input. Please visit https://www.syracuselwrp.com/ for more information about upcoming meetings and staying informed on the process.

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City Scuffle Neighborhoods News

Attorney General Letitia James Office to Host Gun Buyback in Syracuse on May 7

Syracuse – The Office of New York Attorney General Letitia James is hosting a community gun buyback with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and the Syracuse Police Department on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at St. Lucy’s Food Pantry. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) accepts — with no questions asked — working and non-working, unloaded firearms in exchange for compensation on site. The OAG provides money in the form of prepaid gift cards when a gun is received and secured by law enforcement officers on site.  St. Lucy’s Food Pantry 425 Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 Saturday, May 7, 2022 10 AM – 2 PM The OAG will be providing the following amount for firearms turned in on site: $300 per assault rifle $150 per handgun $75 per rifle or shotgun $25 per non-working, replica, or antique gun *Additional $100 gift card will be issued per ghost gun/non-serialized gun* The OAG accepts both working and non-working firearms and there is no limit on the number of firearms an individual can turn in. The guns must be transported to the drop-off site unloaded, in the trunk of the vehicle, in a plastic or paper bag, or box. This is an amnesty program, in which no questions will be asked about the gun or the person dropping off the gun. This community event is a part of Attorney General James’ statewide efforts to combat gun violence and protect New Yorkers from harm. To date, Attorney General James has taken a total of nearly 2,700 guns out of communities since 2019.  

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Business News News

Syracuse and CenterState CEO Receive $500,000 Grant from Microsoft

Grant will help foster digital literacy, support entrepreneurship, small businesses and workforce training for digital industries Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and CenterState CEO announced they have received a $500,000 Skills for Jobs and Livelihoods grant from Microsoft Philanthropies. A team representing Microsoft, including Naria Santa Lucia, GM, Digital Inclusion and U.S. Community Engagement at Microsoft Philanthropies, met with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, and partners from CenterState CEO to discuss how community impact will be driven through the grant. “Microsoft Philanthropies is making another major investment in the Syracuse Surge,” said Mayor Walsh. “This is public-private collaboration at its very best. With this grant funding, the City of Syracuse and its Syracuse Surge collaborators will give more city residents the skills and abilities they need to build successful careers in the New Economy. I am deeply grateful to Microsoft for its early and consistent commitment to the Syracuse Surge and to the people of the City of Syracuse.” CenterState CEO will partner with the City of Syracuse, under the Syracuse Surge initiative to foster digital equity by enabling residents to increase their digital skills and better navigate online services; gain access to career pathways in software-related fields and launch and grow companies. Programs funded by the grant will focus on members of low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, as well as women. “By expanding access to digital skills, supporting small businesses, and accelerating the startup ecosystem, we are expanding opportunity,” said Naria Santa Lucia, Microsoft General Manager for Digital Inclusion and U.S. Community Engagement. “We are excited to work with the Syracuse community to drive digital literacy and workforce training programs needed for in-demand jobs.” “We are incredibly grateful to Microsoft for this investment in our community, which will enable us to better connect talent to the tech skills and resources that are critical to the jobs and economy of the future,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “Through this investment we can advance the intentional strategies and collaborative initiatives needed to ensure more members of our community have access to opportunities in a competitive digital economy.” Investments Made through Microsoft will Support: Digital Literacy Programming: Solutions will be implemented through digital equity and inclusion programming for Syracuse city residents that address key community needs. Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development:  Support will advance programs, including the Surge Accelerator and Surge for Small Business, led by CenterState CEO and aligned with the city’s Syracuse Surge strategy. New Economy (Tech) Workforce Training: Investments will support the development of programs in coding, software and digital customer service. These investments will also continue work funded by JP Morgan Chase AdvancingCities and the American Rescue Plan Act.  

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Opportunities

Immediate Job Opportunities at Crouse Health & Crouse Medical Practice

Crouse Health and Crouse Medical Practice have immediate openings (see  link below), including entry level positions, and we are seeking dynamic individuals to join our growing diverse and inclusive organization.   Crouse Health values diversity among its employees, patients, families, and the communities we serve. Individuals who are eager to work at an organization with educational and advancement opportunities for future growth are encouraged to apply today. Crouse Health and CMP Current Openings April 29_2022 In addition to the $15,000 Sign-on Bonus for experienced RNs, at Crouse, we have an active diversity and inclusion committee, a great culture, great benefits, tuition reimbursement, and an employee referral program. Please be advised that the New York State Department of Health has mandated that all NYS hospital workers, employees and members of the medical staff, as well as students, volunteers and any vendors who are present in any of our facilities — must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  Candidates may also contact me directly at 315-470-2762 or via email at twiggyeure@crouse.org. Twiggy M. Eure | Director of Diversity and Inclusion

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City Scuffle News Voices

Child Poverty Solutions Are a Matter of Political Will

Central New York Medical Professionals Suggest “Guaranteed Income” to End Child Poverty Local members of ‘Mayors for a Guaranteed Income’ include Rochester and Ithaca It’s traumatic to repeatedly hear about the poverty in Central New York. The good news is we have the ingredients to quell the suffering: money and solutions that work. We need a coalition to work with our local city and county government to implement these policies. Last year’s child payments eased monthly child poverty by an astounding 30%. Cash was spent on food and basic items with no evidence it decreased employment. Baltimore is just one city that is choosing to give cash to families with children after the continued success of these programs. Mayors are expanding similar programs nationally as the federal government abruptly cut off the spigot of cash payments despite their success. Local members of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income include Rochester and Ithaca. Local investments in child care and jobs help but don’t feed, cloth and help make rent payments that are needed now. Among my most painful experiences is listening to my father describe growing up in India, and calling out in hunger to his father. No one should need to go through what children have been described to experience in our county. Being a street physician and running up against the barriers that poverty puts in the way of treating mental health and addiction leaves people in a state of perpetual suffering. We see an astounding increase in overdose drug deaths. We may not be able to solve these problems with one program, but cash infusions have been shown to alleviate poverty, deep poverty and black poverty with little downside. A pilot proposal would be to use $60.9 million from Syracuse American Rescue Funds and $110 million from Onondaga County proposals for the aquarium and sports complex toward monthly payments for families up to 200-300% of the poverty level. County government, not the city, is responsible for human services. Eligible families could receive $200/month per child until funds run out. The program may be the most ambitious and well funded in the country. We could make our best effort to go from worst to first. We can’t continue business as usual in attacking child poverty. The continued appearance of Syracuse at the top of the child poverty list is traumatic for us to hear and for the children and families in poverty to bear. Ignoring, well meaning but partial proposals, repeated corporate tax cuts, and blaming those in poverty haven’t helped meet basic needs of many county residents. Even discussions about the vast evidence of systemic racism and its relation to poverty feels like a nonstarter for many in power. We can’t forget the need to address rural poverty as well–the above should be a countywide effort. Let’s build a county that cares for us all. Join our coalition, contact county and city leadership and let your voice be heard: we need to use our over $170 million towards eradicating child poverty today. Sunny Aslam, MD Robert Dracker, MD, President, Onondaga County Medical Society Rev. Eric Jackson, Plymouth Congregational Church Ofrona Reid, MD, CMO, Syracuse Community Health Center Jef Sneider, MD

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Entertainment

Syracuse University Department of Drama presents ‘As You Like It’

(Syracuse, NY) – The Syracuse University Department of Drama presents the final show of the 2021/2022 season with “As You Like It,” a ravishing new musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic story by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery. The production, directed by Rodney Hudson, will perform in the Storch Theater at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St., April 30 to May 7. Named as one of the best shows by the New York Times in 2017, “As You Like It” is an immersive fairytale experience that touches upon feuding families and lovers in disguise. Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind and niece Celia, escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars. This show is a celebration of community, togetherness and diversity. “This production of ‘As You Like It’ is a declaration of love,” said Rodney Hudson, director. “While it seems that American society has become more accepting and inclusive of the LGBTQI+ community, governmental policies have shown that the country needs more growth than some are willing to accept.” Hudson is passionate about issues of equality in the LGBTQI+ community and relates this story to the current and unjust “Parental Rights in Education” bill. He adds, “As a declaration of love, this production of ‘As You Like It’ investigates how we, as humans, accept the love around us and showcases the various forms love can have. We ask you the question, ‘Who can love?’ and invite you to join us on the journey as we find the answer.” The original story of “As You Like It” is believed to be written in 1599 and published in the First Folio in 1623. In the summer of 2017, with collaborators Taub and Sonya Tayeh, Woolery directed this new musical adaptation of “As You Like It” at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater with 200 New Yorkers as part of the The Public Theater’s Public Works Program. Founded by Woolery in 2015, the Public Works at The Public Theater is an initiative that seeks to engage the people of New York by making them creators and not just spectators. Working with partner organizations in all five boroughs, Public Works invites members of diverse communities to join in the creation of ambitious works of participatory theater. Covid-19 Safety Guidelines Masks are required at all times by everyone regardless of vaccination status, except while eating or drinking in designated areas. Food and drink will not be permitted in the auditorium. “As You Like It”    A musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery Music and lyrics by Shaina Taub Performances Friday, April 29, 8 p.m. (Preview) Saturday, April 30, 8 p.m. (Opening) Sunday, May 1, 2 p.m. (ASL Interpreted) Wednesday, May 4, 8 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2 p.m. (Open captioned) Saturday, May 7, 8 p.m. Sunday, May 8, 2 p.m.  

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News

Katko-Authored Bill to Help Rural Communities Access Federal Disaster Aid Advances to House Floor

Bill Ensures Fair Access to Federal Aid for Rural Communities Impacted by Flooding and Other Washington – U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) released the following statement on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advancing the bipartisan Small State and Rural Rescue Act to the House Floor: “After receiving broad bipartisan support from my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am proud to announce the bipartisan Small State and Rural Rescue Act has been sent to the House Floor. In recent years, rural communities in Central New York have been hit by severe and costly flooding. In the aftermath of these disasters, local officials in rural communities and small states often struggle to secure federal aid due to onerous obstacles in the disaster declaration process. My bill addresses this challenge by improving the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) coordination efforts with local officials in assessing disaster impact and helping to ensure rural communities have fair access to federal disaster aid. As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, which has jurisdiction over FEMA, I remain committed to improving federal relief efforts.” Background: Small states and rural communities often struggle to access federal disaster aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They face obstacles in demonstrating the severe localized impact of disasters and are underserved by existing relief programs. The Small State and Rural Rescue Act would expand and codify the responsibilities of FEMA’s Small State and Rural Advocate when helping state and local officials access federal disaster aid. The bill would also direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review on how FEMA mobilizes individual assistance in the aftermath of a disaster. Rep. Katko introduced this bill alongside U.S. Reps Dina Titus (D,NV-01), Carlos Gimenez (R,FL-26), Chris Pappas (D,NH-01), Michael Guest (R,MS-03), and Antonio Delgado (D,NY-19).

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City Scuffle News

County Legislator Asks Constituents to Write Letters Requesting More Time for I-81 FEIS Comment Period

Good morning everyone. Please see the attached letter (downloadable) requesting an Extension of the I-81 FEIS comment period. It takes awhile to get through 35,000 pages of information. I’ve shared it with the members of the Onondaga County Legislature. Please share it with anyone you choose to. (Sample letter) 2022-4-29-Onondaga-County-Legislature-Letter-re-I81 Let me know if you have suggestions and if we can share it will our fellow legislators.  Maybe, with discussion, we can get people across the table to sign it. As with the I-81 Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS), after studying it in NYCLU workshops at the Dunbar Center and reaching out to the EPA, the NYSDOT was notified of our concerns regarding increasing traffic patterns on the Southside to 42,000 cars a day and lack of air quality mitigation, when you consider residents on the Southside, especially our children have the highest rates of respiratory illness. The Devil is in the details. It will take a bit of time to go through 35,000 pages (the FEIS) to determine if those concerns have been met and if we have new ones to consider, such as the roundabout at Van Buren and Martin Luther King East becoming a “Dead End” which definitely does not create the “Connecting Communities” Syracuse and the NYSDOT have been touting and the fact that it does not address our traffic and increased air pollution concerns (Source:  Appendix C-3: Page 14   This shows that no data was collected or impact assessed on the vulnerable streets in the residential neighborhood). If you have concerns or are as outraged as I am, please feel free to send a copy of this letter to Mark Frechette and Rick Marquis at the following emails requesting a 90 extension for us to go through these 35,000 pages. We need to. I was raised learning the statement “When you want to hide something from Black people, put it in a book.” Yes. A 35,000-page book. It will take time. Add you name and email the Letter to: Mark Frechette (Mark.Frechette@dot.ny.gov) Rick Marquis (Rick.Marquis@dot.gov) Strength Through Solidarity Be well. Be blessed. Be safe.

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Health Neighborhoods News

Fight the Bite: Protect Yourself from Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes and Ticks

(Syracuse, NY) With some sunny days in the forecast and the arrival of spring in Central New York, the Onondaga County Health Department urges the public to protect themselves from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks now and throughout the fall season. Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta reminds residents, “After the long winter in Central New York, as we are doing yard work, hiking, going to parks, and spending time outside enjoying the warmer weather, it is important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito and tick bites that may transmit West Nile virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV), Lyme, and other diseases.” At the end of May, the Health Department will begin the annual mosquito surveillance and control program for 2022. This program collects and tests mosquitoes for viruses including WNV and EEEV. The program also uses larvicides (an insecticide) to control mosquito breeding in standing bodies of water. Personal Protection Measures The Health Department reminds residents that there are steps everyone should take to protect themselves from mosquito and tick bites during outdoor activities: Wear shoes, light-colored socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt—it is much easier to see ticks on light-colored clothing. Tuck in your shirt and tuck pant legs into boots or socks. Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Consider using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Use this EPA search tool to help you choose the repellent product that is right for you, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Not all products containing the repellants listed above protect against ticks; read the manufacturer’s label for details. Insect repellents should be applied only to intact skin or over clothing, and need to be reapplied regularly. Do NOT apply DEET or Picaridin directly onto children’s skin (apply to your own hands and then put it on the child). Repellent should not be used on babies younger than 2 months old. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing, and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Mosquito-Proof Your Home It is also important to mosquito-proof your home by replacing or repairing broken screens and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Keep your property free of standing water by cleaning clogged rain gutters; turning over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use; changing water in birdbaths every four days; properly maintaining swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; draining water from pool covers; and, using landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates. Signs and Symptoms of WNV and EEE Most people who are infected with WNV or EEE do not develop any signs or symptoms. However, both WNV and EEE are potentially serious illnesses. Signs and symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors (shaking), convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, irritability, drowsiness, numbness, paralysis, vomiting, diarrhea, and coma. Consult your healthcare provider if you have been bitten by a mosquito and develop any of these signs and symptoms. Check for and Remove Ticks After outdoor activities, it is critical to check your body for an attached tick. Early removal is important—the longer an infected tick is attached to the skin, the higher the chances are for transmitting disease. According to the CDC, an infected tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. Keep ticks away by mowing your lawn often and removing brush.  Playground toys, decks, and patios should be kept away from wooded areas. In addition, do not feed deer on your property. If you see a tick embedded in your skin, follow the steps below (or watch this video) to learn how to remove it: Take tweezers to the tick’s head or mouth, where it enters the skin. Pull the tick firmly up, in a steady motion, away from the skin. Clean the bite with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. Keep a record of the date, time, and where you were bitten. Symptoms of Tickborne Diseases Call your health care provider if a tick has been attached to your skin for more than 36 hours, or if you had a recent tick bite and develop any symptoms. Lyme is the disease most commonly transmitted by tick bites in CNY, but other viruses have been detected in our area including those that cause Borrelia miyamotoi disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Lyme disease symptoms may include a “bull’s-eye” rash, fever, fatigue, chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Lyme disease can be prevented and effectively treated with appropriate and timely medical treatment. Borrelia miyamotoi disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis may cause nonspecific flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, or fatigue. These symptoms may start days or weeks after the bite of an infected tick. Left untreated, these tick-borne diseases may become severe and may result in death. Keep an Eye On Your Pets Ticks and fleas can attach to your dog or cat and be brought into the house.  There are several oral and topical preventive measures available to protect your pet. Talk with your veterinarian for advice on how to keep your pets and family safe! More Information and Resources For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses or Lyme disease, contact the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.1649 or visit: Onondaga County Health Department ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html ongov.net/health/env/lyme.html New York State Department of Health www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/  www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/westnile/ www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/ www.cdc.gov/lyme/

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News

Governor Hochul Announces More than $6.3 Million to Support Victim Services in Communities Hardest Hit by Gun Violence

Two-Year Grants Will Allow Seven Programs in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Albany, Erie and Onondaga Counties to Expand Anti-Gun Violence Work and Increase Services for Victims and Families   New Funding Announced as New York State Marks National Crime Victims Rights’ Week    Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation, Directs State Landmarks to be Illuminated Blue, Green and Orange Tonight to Recognize the Importance of Victims’ Rights and Access to Justice On Wednesday April, 27th Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $6.3 million in federal funding that will allow seven programs in Brooklyn and Manhattan and Albany, Erie and Onondaga counties to expand their anti-gun violence work and increase critical services for victims and families. Administered by the New York State Office of Victim Services, the two-year grants will fund outreach staff to connect with victims and families, crisis responders, licensed social workers and other staff, as well as training, equipment and emergency funding for essential items such as clothing, housing and transportation expenses. “New York will never waiver in its commitment to ensuring that victims of gun violence and other crimes can access services wherever and whenever they need them,” Governor Hochul said. “We are taking a comprehensive approach to tackling gun violence while also ensuring all New Yorkers, no matter their race or background, are treated with dignity and respect. This funding will allow programs to expand their reach and provide individuals and families with critical help and support, including mental health services to address trauma resulting from long-term exposure to community violence.” Governor Hochul announced the grants and issued a proclamation designating this week as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in New York State. The Governor also directed that the following state assets be illuminated blue, green and orange – the colors designated for this year’s national observance – tonight, April 27, to recognize the importance of victims’ rights and access to justice: One World Trade Center Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Kosciuszko Bridge Carl McCall SUNY Building State Education Building Alfred E. Smith State Office Building Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct Empire State Plaza State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center Niagara Falls The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge Albany International Airport Gateway The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal Office of Victim Services Director Elizabeth Cronin said, “OVS is proud to support these programs and the important work they are doing in communities grappling with significant increases in gun violence since the onset of the COVID pandemic. They are not only responding in the immediate aftermath of a crime but providing long-term support and services to help individuals and families readjust to life and move forward after a traumatic event.” State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “We continue to hear loud and clear from communities that more is needed to address the devastating impact of gun violence. I commend my colleagues at the Office of Victim Services for working closely with community organizations to streamline access to this critical funding for victims of crime. These grants will help serve more New Yorkers, provide vital resources for communities, and complement programs, including SNUG Street Outreach, that DCJS supports on the ground. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership to prevent and reduce gun violence and the significant resources that she secured in the recently enacted budget.” Elected Leaders Express Support According to Senator Chuck Schumer, “One of the best ways to reduce gun violence is by increasing the resources to experienced local organizers and groups who have the relationships to prevent violence and to de-escalate dangerous situations. I am proud to deliver the over $6 million in federal funds for Community Violence Intervention programs from Buffalo to Brooklyn to help avert incidents of gun violence before it happens by showing young people there are opportunities for a better future. New York has long been a leader in CVI, and these programs time and time again show they are extremely effective, that is why I’ll keep fighting to bolster funding to these lifesaving programs to keep our communities safe.” Followed by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, “Over the past few years, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in violent crime across our nation and state. We must do more to combat gun violence and to support victims and their families, and this is an important step in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to fight crime and keep our communities safe.” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh stated, “Increased resources to turn back gun violence was one of the critical priorities I shared with Governor Hochul’s team when it started building the state budget. We asked for multi-year funding to expand anti-gun violence programs and assist victims and their families. These two year grants to organizations on the front lines in Syracuse and Onondaga County show the Governor listened and responded. We need every resource possible to overcome gun violence and assist our children, and I appreciate Governor Hochul’s help for Syracuse.” The Community Violence Intervention Act annually designates a portion of the state’s federal Victims of Crime Act funding for programs serving communities hardest hit by gun violence. This investment builds upon the Office of Victim Services partnership with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, which funds social workers and case managers at 12 state-supported SNUG Street Outreach programs. The SNUG program treats gun violence as a public health issue by identifying its source, interrupting the transmission and treating it by engaging communities and connecting individuals to services and support. Governor Hochul’s extension of Executive Order 211 allowed the Office of Victim Services to streamline its application process and work directly with programs interested in obtaining the funding. The following organizations will receive $6.36 million over two years: Living Redemption Youth Opportunity Hub (Manhattan): $1.95 million Elite Learners (Brooklyn): $1.5 million Kings Against Violence Initiative (Brooklyn): $980,000 McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center (Onondaga): $670,000 New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (Manhattan): $580,000 Erie County Medical

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