Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $50 million investment to construct a new biofabrication research and imaging facility on the State University of New York at Buffalo campus that will help discover new medicines and cures to save lives. The new facility will act as a hub for faculty from multiple disciplines – including engineering, medicine, structural biology, biomedical informatics, dental, pharmacy, life sciences, and arts and sciences – to collaborate on research in regenerative medicine, advanced therapeutics, drug discovery, and medical devices.
“Investing in a new biofabrication research and imaging hub at the State University of New York at Buffalo will help ensure our state is a leader in this essential, life-saving field,” Governor Hochul said. “The research and advancements that will come out of this facility will not only help New Yorkers have a better quality of life going forward, but will also support innovative and better health for people around the world. I applaud the State University of New York at Buffalo for leading in this cutting-edge research and know that this investment will help turbo-boost innovation.”
The $50 million investment is made possible by the capital support SUNY received from the 2025-26 enacted state budget. The new facility will contain enhanced imaging capabilities, expanding the State University of New York at Buffalo’s research in neurology to include the study of diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, strokes, and Alzheimer’s, with a focus on the link between the biology of aging that led to certain neurological conditions. The State University of New York at Buffalo is also committing $16.7 million to support faculty research.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership and with investment from the Governor and State Legislature, SUNY campuses like the State University of New York at Buffalo continue to be at the vanguard of cutting-edge research and scholarship. We are excited about this investment into the university, which will allow faculty to keep building on their existing biotech research, and expand to include new areas, in service of improving health outcomes. Thank you to Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for their comprehensive support of SUNY’s research and innovation goals.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for her ongoing investment in research at SUNY campuses. This new facility at the State University of New York at Buffalo will help SUNY, and New York State, maintain our position as a leader in research while also working to improve the health of all of humanity.”
State University of New York at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi said, “This transformative commitment will strengthen UB’s capacity for groundbreaking scientific discovery and accelerate innovation by enhancing opportunities for researchers across disciplines to collaborate on investigations that enrich our understanding of complex diseases and advance human health. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for this meaningful investment in UB’s mission of excellence and impact, which will enable our faculty to maximize the full potential of biofabrication and imaging to improve health outcomes for communities across the state and around the globe.”
As part of this funding commitment, the State University of New York at Buffalo will engage in a rebranding to more fully align to the SUNY name and logo in order to consistently demonstrate and amplify SUNY’s leadership on research and in recognition of the campus’s role in New York State’s public higher education system. SUNY will work with each University Center on their own similar branding process.
State Senator Baskinsaid, “At a time when the federal government is recklessly slashing health-related budgets and stripping medical professionals of their status, this significant investment by Governor Hochul for the construction of a cutting-edge research center on the SUNY Buffalo campus is a tremendous step forward in saving lives while reinforcing how the University is a vital research facility in our state. Additionally, the investment will benefit the creative thinkers who work tirelessly to cure some of the most dreaded diseases we face.”
Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokessaid, “We are grateful to have a Governor in Kathy Hochul who is focused on improving research methods to improve the people’s health. The University at Buffalo remains at the forefront of everything they do and this funding, to create this collaborative effort built around discovering new medicines and new areas of care, will serve all of us, directly or indirectly.”
Assemblymember Karen McMahonsaid, “The University at Buffalo is well-established as a premier research institution, particularly in the medical field. This investment from New York State will ensure UB maintains that reputation, and will help students and professionals explore the frontiers of biofabrication and medicine for years to come. As UB’s representative in the NYS Assembly, I am proud to see its continued growth in our community.”
About The State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visitwww.suny.edu.
About the State University of New York at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is a State University of New York flagship university. UB’s more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is the largest and most comprehensive university in the State University of New York system (SUNY), and is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America’s leading research universities. UB is consistently recognized as one of the world’s most exceptional, most affordable universities.
Governor Kathy Hochul joined Catholic Charities’ annual Thanksgiving celebration to help distribute turkeys alongside Cardinal Timothy Dolan and local elected officials, emphasizing her faith-driven commitment to serving “the least of my brothers and sisters.” She highlighted the hardship faced by New Yorkers when SNAP food benefits were recently used as “political collateral damage,” noting the state stepped in with $100 million for struggling food banks so no one would be denied access to food. Hochul praised Catholic Charities’ volunteers, called for year-round solidarity with families in need, and underscored that New Yorkers stand together in times of hardship. She also urged gratitude and greater support for veterans, many of whom face homelessness and food insecurity despite having served their country.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Thank you, brother, good morning everyone. I want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving season and recognize our elected officials. We have Assemblymember Jordan Wright here, and I wanna give a special shout out to Monsignor Sullivan and the incredible work that he has done for so many years with Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities as an organization that I know very well, my father was a Catholic Charities Captain.
So every Lenten season, he would take his little daughter Kathy to go knock on doors and ask for money to raise and support those who have less than all of us. And that is the teachings of my faith that lead me to where I am today in this position as Governor, that sense of moral responsibility to others to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
But also I take special note today of Matthew 25. When we think about the Lord telling us that what you do for the least of my brothers you’re doing for me. Today we’re helping some of our brothers and sisters, and life is sometimes hard for people and we have to make sure that we never forget them — not just during the holidays my friends, but year round. And it is a shame, It’s a shame the stress that our people were under over the last month when their SNAP benefits, their food benefits were being held as political collateral damage — to hurt people and make them suffer enough. We stood out here, we had to spend millions, a hundred million dollars to go to food banks that were already struggling. But no one ever should have been denied even for a second, the knowledge that food would be there during a shutdown — never in our history has that happened.
So I come here today with a heart full of gratitude for all of the volunteers, Catholic Charities, the people who are here today. We’re here to lift you up to say, we see you, we understand you. As I said, life can be hard sometimes, but I believe to our core we’re better than that — we’re New Yorkers, we stand together, we help each other in our time of need.
That is how I was raised as a social justice Catholic. That is how I know everyone in New York feels not just during this holiday time, but year round. So just want to say thank you and never forget also to thank those who served in our military. Many of them are homeless and they’re struggling as well, and that is not the return from putting their lives on the line to save our country and to support our values as Americans. They deserve better than that. So again to our veterans, if there’s anyone here — a heart full of gratitude for me on behalf of 20 million New Yorkers as well.
New York Steps Up as Federal Supportive Housing Funding Declines, Protecting Vulnerable New Yorkers Amid National Cuts
State Funding Will Create 645 Units of Permanent Supportive, Transitional, and Emergency Housing in the Capital District, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Southern Tier, and Western New York
Projects Include Funding for Housing with On-Site Support Services to Assist Formerly Homeless Veterans, Older Adults, Survivors of Domestic Violence, and Individuals Living with Serious Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorders and Their Families
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $125 million has been awarded to 13 projects that will create 645 units and nearly 1,000 beds of permanent supportive, transitional, and emergency housing in the Capital District, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Southern Tier, and Western New York for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness.
“Creating new supportive housing, which combines affordable housing and services, is a fundamental part of our work to address the housing and homelessness crisis in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “This investment will help families and individuals who have experienced homelessness across our state remain stably housed while supporting strong neighborhoods and a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”
The grants — awarded through a competitive process by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) — are an important component of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will help create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations. The 13 projects awarded funding will provide housing with on-site support services for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, including veterans, frail elderly, survivors of domestic violence, and those living with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
With these awards, HHAP has committed all of the $125 million in funding provided to the program in the SFY 2026 budget for the creation of new permanent supportive housing. HHAP is still accepting applications for $25 million in additional funding Governor Hochul secured in the SFY 2026 budget for the preservation and stabilization of existing supportive housing units constructed with funding from HHAP, as well as $1 million for emergency shelter repairs.
The projects awarded funding include:
Capital District
DePaul Properties, Inc. – $9.5 million to develop 34 units/72 beds of permanent supportive housing in Schenectady to house individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, including survivors of domestic violence, adults age 55 and older, persons with mental illness, and young adults. This is part of a larger project, Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) Campus Apartments, which also includes 26 affordable units in what will be the new construction of a four-story building, plus a new two-story building with a daycare and community support services.
Central New York
The Rescue Mission – $15 million to construct a new, 80-unit emergency shelter in Auburn, Cayuga County, with an additional eight units of permanent supportive housing for those who have experienced homelessness. The project, the Auburn Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter and Permanent Supportive Apartments, includes the new construction of a three-story, all-electric building with separate entrances and spaces for the permanent and emergency tenants, support services space, laundry, and common room. The new shelter will replace and expand an existing shelter.
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes Area Counseling & Recovery Agency (FLACRA) – $2.5 million to develop five units and nine beds of permanent supportive housing in Waterloo, Seneca County, for individuals and families with a head of household diagnosed with substance use disorder. This project, FLACRA Supportive Housing Waterloo, involves the construction of three new buildings on two sites, which will include one three-bedroom, single-family home and two townhome style buildings with two one-bedroom apartments in each.
Long Island
Concern Housing – $14.9 million to develop 88 units of permanent supportive housing in Brentwood, Suffolk County, for individuals with mental illness. This is part of a larger project, Joseph’s Village, that includes the rehabilitation of three buildings on the Sisters of Saint Joseph Campus, which will have an additional 88 affordable units. The buildings will be all-electric and meet the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Mohawk Valley
People First – $5.1 million to develop 19 units of permanent supportive housing in Utica, Oneida County, for individuals over age 55 and young adults, as part of a larger project that includes an additional 83 affordable units. THRIVE Cornhill will include the construction of two new, four-story, wood-frame, all-electric buildings. Building one will include 57 one-bedroom and 21 two-bedroom units and amenities, including a community room, computer lab, laundry room, and fitness center. Building two will contain commercial space on the ground floor and 24 apartments with 6,500 square feet of common space on the upper floors.
New York City
New Destiny Housing Corporation – $12 million to develop 97 units/278 beds of permanent supportive housing in Brooklyn, including 34 one-bedroom units for formerly homeless individuals and 63 units/244 beds for formerly homeless families that include members who are survivors of domestic violence. The project, Atlantic Avenue West, involves the new construction of a 14-story all-electric building with a total of 162 units/452 beds. The building will also include program offices, security desk, laundry room, library, playroom, fitness room, and other amenities.
CAMBA Housing Ventures, Inc. – $12.5 million to develop 73 units/101 beds of permanent supportive housing in Brooklyn for individuals who are, or families that include someone who is, over age 55 who have experienced homelessness. The project, Kingsborough Seniors, includes a total of 171 units/233 beds and includes the construction of a new 15-story building with amenities such as a computer room, bicycle parking, a fitness center, multiple outdoor terraces, public art throughout the building, rooftop garden, a walking loop, an activity terrace, and a grandparents’ room for residents to host intergenerational gatherings.
WellLife Network, Inc. – $15 million to develop 88 units of permanent supportive housing in Brooklyn for individuals and families who have experienced chronic homelessness or are living with mental illness. Osborn Street Apartments will include a total of 146 units/249 beds of affordable housing in a newly constructed, nine-story, all-electric building with program offices, a recreation room, exercise room, children’s play area, and laundry rooms.
West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, Inc. – $5.9 million to develop 40 units of permanent supportive housing in the Upper West Side of Manhattan for individuals age 55 and older who have experienced chronic homelessness. The newly constructed 12-story passive housing building, at 105 W 108th Street, will feature a total of 84 affordable units, a community room, support services offices, and a rear yard.
Southern Tier
Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc. – $8.3 million for the substantial rehabilitation and new construction of two residential buildings in Binghamton that will preserve 14 existing units and provide 7 new units of permanent supportive housing and a total of 69 beds across the two three-story buildings. Griswold Street Apartments will transition from natural gas to fully electric building systems that will provide heat and central air conditioning.
Western New York
Eagle Star Housing, Inc. – $6.5 million for the new construction of a one-story building in Cheektowaga, Erie County, with 20 units/beds of transitional housing for homeless veterans. The new building, the Cheektowaga Veterans’ Home, will preserve 16 beds and add four new beds. It is designed to look and function like a house, with central gathering areas for living, dining, and cooking.
DePaul Properties, Inc. – $15 million to develop 60 units/103 beds of permanent supportive housing in Wheatfield, Niagara County, for families and individuals, including older adults and veterans who have experienced homelessness or mental illness. The newly constructed, three-story Granary Apartments will also include an additional 20 affordable units for people with mental illness. The building will be all-electric and is designed to be solar-ready.
Citizen’s Opportunity for Development and Equality, (CODE) Inc. – $3.2 million to develop 12 units of permanent supportive housing in Jamestown for individuals with mental illness or those who have experienced long-term homelessness. The project, Blooming Gardens, includes the new construction and the substantial rehabilitation of 18 buildings across 12 sites, with a total of 48 units and 140 beds. All-electric systems will be utilized to eliminate the use of fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and common living needs.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has made landmark investments to expand the supply of permanent supportive housing options across the state, recognizing that stable housing is the foundation for healthier lives and stronger communities. When completed, these projects will create much-needed permanent supportive, transitional, and emergency housing across New York State that will provide hundreds of vulnerable New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness with the secure housing and targeted services they need to achieve stability, live independently, and thrive.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “These investments in homeless housing across New York are a critical step toward providing safe, stable homes for our most vulnerable residents. By creating 645 units of permanent supportive and emergency housing, we are addressing the immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This $125 million investment also helps offer tailored support services to help veterans, survivors of domestic violence, older adults, and those with mental health or substance use challenges thrive. Thank you to Governor Hochul for this commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive New York.”
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Attaining stable housing is critical for individuals experiencing mental health or other challenges on their recovery journey. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s ongoing investments in mental health initiatives and supportive housing, more veterans, older adults, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals facing mental health and/or substance use disorder challenges and their families are able to live and thrive in their community. This housing plan will provide a strong foundation for individuals and families across New York State to prosper.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “These statewide awards are providing a critical funding infusion to expand housing for our most vulnerable populations. By investing in projects like these, we are expanding opportunities for all New Yorkers to live in healthy, comfortable, and energy efficient homes while ensuring they have better quality of life as part of their community.”
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to serving all who served is transforming lives across New York State. Through her leadership and vision, and under Commissioner Guinn’s outstanding stewardship of the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, these vital investments are creating more than just housing — they are restoring dignity, stability, and hope to all who served and their families. The Eagle Star Housing initiative in particular is one that reflects what we know to be true: when New Yorkers come together with compassion and purpose, we ensure that no one who served is left without a safe, secure place to call home.”
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) President & CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “DASNY is proud to support the Granary Apartments project in Niagara County, which will create 80 units of safe, affordable housing, including 60 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans, older adults, and individuals who have experienced homelessness. Projects like this strengthen communities and help our most vulnerable neighbors rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in addressing homelessness across New York State.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Creating safe, supportive homes for older adults and young people is essential to building stronger, more resilient communities across New York. The THRIVE Cornhill project represents a significant investment in Utica’s future—expanding access to affordable, all-electric housing and integrating on-site services that promote stability, independence, and long-term well-being. Projects like this demonstrate how state resources can be leveraged to meet community needs while advancing sustainability and equity in housing development.”
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “Governor Hochul’s continued investment in affordable housing demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that vulnerable New Yorkers have access to safe, stable housing. By directing more than $125 million toward nearly 1,000 supportive and emergency beds, we are providing survivors of domestic violence, older adults, and individuals facing homelessness with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and thrive in New York. I commend Governor Hochul and OTDA for selecting the partner who will advance these vital projects at this critical time, thereby strengthening our communities.”
State Senator Brian Kavanagh said, “Today’s allocation of over $125 million to build new permanent supportive housing across New York is an important part of our efforts to tackle the intersecting crises of housing unaffordability, lack of essential services, and homelessness. Supportive, transitional, and emergency housing all play a crucial role in our communities, providing a safe and stable environment for those in need, and ensuring access to services and resources that help individuals and families rebuild their lives. These investments reflect our shared commitment to affordable, sustainable housing as the foundation of stronger communities. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Carl Heastie and our colleagues in the legislature for working to include funds in the State budget, and Commissioner Barbara Guinn and everyone at OTDA for their work in ensuring these critical resources reach every corner of our state. I look forward to continuing our work to expand housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.”
State Senator Samra Brouk said, “Our most underserved community members–including veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals with serious mental illness–need our support to heal and thrive. I applaud Governor Hochul for investing in the preservation and stability of supportive housing units throughout New York State to help individuals and families who have experienced homelessness live with safety and dignity.”
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “Supportive housing is a lifeline for vulnerable New Yorkers, providing them a safe place to live and connecting them with invaluable services. This $125 million investment in supportive housing will soon bring relief to hundreds of homeless and at-risk individuals around the state, including here on the Upper West Side through a grant to the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing. I applaud Governor Hochul for today’s announcement and look forward to continuing our work to provide safe and affordable housing to all New Yorkers.”
Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Larry Gilroy and Dr. Marion Terenzio said, “We’re proud to see this investment in permanent supportive housing come to Utica. THRIVE Cornhill will provide safe, stable homes for 19 of our most vulnerable neighbors while creating a vibrant mixed-use development that benefits the entire Cornhill neighborhood and strengthens our regional economy.”
DePaul President Mark Fuller said, “The support of Governor Hochul, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, community partners and funders, have been integral in ensuring the construction of the Granary Apartments in Wheatfield and the Schenectady Community Action Program Campus Apartments. DePaul looks forward to the opportunity to uplift vulnerable populations in Niagara and Schenectady counties, providing the housing stability and support services needed for individuals to live with dignity and hope.”
Rescue Mission Chief Executive Officer Dan Sieburg said, “We are grateful to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for this transformative $15 million investment to address the growing need for emergency housing in Cayuga County. The Rescue Mission is committed to putting love into action by providing shelter, stability, and support to those experiencing homelessness. This new 80-bed emergency shelter and eight permanent supportive housing units in Auburn, developed in partnership with Housing Visions Unlimited, will expand our capacity to serve individuals in crisis and help them build pathways toward lasting independence.”
Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency President and Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Carlson said, “We are deeply grateful to the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) for awarding funding for FLACRA’s Waterloo Housing Project. This incredible investment will provide the Seneca County community with five new apartment units for families and individuals—creating safe, stable, and affordable housing that supports recovery and self-sufficiency. This project represents the power of innovative partnerships, bringing together FLACRA, the Finger Lakes Land Bank, our development partners MM Development Advisors, Hamilton Stern Construction and IN/EX Architecture, local stakeholders, and community partners. Together with HHAP, we are building supportive, recovery-focused housing that advances our mission of serving the community through whole-person care and building lasting hope across the Finger Lakes. We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort to strengthen our rural communities and create new opportunities for all.”
Concern Housing Executive Director Ralph Fasano said, “We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, OTDA Commissioner Barbara Guinn, and the HHAP staff for their confidence in Concern Housing and their continued commitment to addressing the housing crisis. The HHAP award for Joseph’s Village in Brentwood will allow us to restore and repurpose the historic 100+ year-old buildings of the Sisters of St. Joseph into 176 units of supportive and affordable housing. This collaboration honors the legacy of the Sisters while creating a vibrant community for individuals and families in need of a safe, dignified place to call home.”
People First Executive Director Robert R. Calli said, “The Thrive/Impact Cornhill redevelopment project represents a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life within an integral neighborhood of the city of Utica. With the significant financial award approved by OTDA and HHAC, the ability to impact lives and change mindsets within our community now becomes a reality.”
New Destiny Chief Executive Officer Nicole Branca said, “This HHAP award will allow New Destiny and our development partner, The Albanese Organization, to develop a life-saving building in the Cypress Hills area of Brooklyn.Domestic violence is the leading cause of family homelessness in our city but building projects like this will help change that reality. Atlantic Avenue West will include 97 new homes specifically marked for domestic violence survivors and their children coming from shelters. We thank Governor Hochul, OTDA, and all our government partners on the Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation for enabling New Destiny to continue building much needed permanent housing for survivors.”
CAMBA/CAMBA Housing Ventures President and CEO Valerie Barton-Richardson said, “CAMBA Housing Ventures (CHV) is deeply honored to have been awarded competitive HHAP financing from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for Kingsborough Seniors. HHAP’s critical financing will support our standard of developing high-quality, sustainable, supportive and affordable housing coupled with CAMBA’s onsite integrated services that help vulnerable New Yorkers live with stability and dignity. A NYCHA-awarded site, Kingsborough Seniors furthers our model of developing on underutilized public land, and will provide 244 total units for formerly unhoused and low-income seniors with community facility space to foster connection, independence, and opportunity. Impactful developments such as Kingsborough Seniors are made stronger with successful partners like OTDA.”
WellLife Network Chief Executive Officer Sherry Tucker said, “WellLife Network is proud to partner with New York State OTDA on this vital Brooklyn housing initiative. With this HHAP award, we will expand affordable housing and supportive services that prevent homelessness and help residents remain safe, stable, and connected to their community. Together, we are strengthening the Brownsville community and ensuring more New Yorkers have a place they can truly call home.”
West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing Executive Director Paul R. Freitag said, “WSFSSH was delighted to receive an HHAP award for the second phase of our WSFSSH at West 108th Street redevelopment project. The building will include significant energy efficiency features to achieve Passive-House certification and WSFSSH will provide a comprehensive array of senior-focused social services. Thanks to HHAC’s award, 83 extremely low-income older New Yorkers — 40 of which have histories of homelessness — will have a community where they can thrive.”
Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango Chief Executive Officer Mark Silvanic said, “On behalf of Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, we are incredibly thankful to HHAP for the recent award that will fund the renovation and expansion of two of our properties in Binghamton, New York. This support is instrumental in making our vision a reality. Without the backing of funders like HHAP, the battle against homelessness would be nearly impossible. We are excited to see the positive impact these improvements will have on our community and the lives of those we serve.”
Eagle Star Housing Executive Director Zach Fuller said, “We are honored to receive this award from New York State and HHAP in support of our mission to serve homeless Veterans. Thanks to this funding, Eagle Star Housing will construct a new transitional housing facility in Cheektowaga, housing 20 beds and expanding access to compassionate, high-quality housing. We’re proud to partner with HHAP on this vital initiative and deeply grateful to everyone at HHAP and OTDA for their unwavering commitment to uplifting those who have served our country. Together, we’re building a stronger, more supportive community for our Veterans.”
Citizen’s Opportunity for Development and Equality Executive Director Christopher Jock said, “CODE Inc. is deeply appreciative of the support provided through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The HHAP award is a vital component in making the Blooming Gardens project a reality, enabling us to create safe, affordable, and supportive housing for individuals and families in need. This investment underscores New York State’s continued commitment to addressing homelessness and strengthening communities across the state.”
With Over 8.2 Million Inflation Refund Checks Out the Door, Governor Fulfills Her Commitment to Putting More Money in New Yorkers’ Pockets
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 8.2 million checks have now been mailed to eligible New Yorkers under the state’s first-ever Inflation Refund Check program.
“Today marks the day that over 8.2 million inflation refund checks have been mailed out, putting money back into the pockets of individuals across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “We followed through on our commitment to deliver meaningful relief to hard-working New Yorkers, and will continue, every day, to look for additional opportunities to deal with the nation’s ongoing affordability challenge.”
Governor Hochul secured the Inflation Refund Check initiative in the FY 2026 State Budget. It’s the largest program of its kind in state history — providing $2.2 billion in direct, unrestricted financial aid to more than 8.2 million New Yorkers.
Over the last two months, inflation refund checks of up to $400 have been mailed to those who meet eligibility criteria. The main phase of large-scale check mailing is now complete. However, checks will continue to be mailed in small numbers in the weeks ahead as the State Tax Department determines that additional taxpayers are eligible.
Here’s a breakout of the number of checks and amounts going to each region of the state:
Inflation Rebate Check – Enacted Budget
Beneficiaries
Total Benefit ($M)
Western NY
585,000
152.7
Finger Lakes
513,000
134.3
Southern Tier
251,000
66.7
Central New York
321,000
83.8
Mohawk Valley
198,000
52.4
North Country
156,000
42.4
Capital Region
475,000
122.8
Mid-Hudson
924,000
234.2
New York City
3,536,000
828.8
Long Island
1,251,000
316.4
All
8,210,000
2,035
Inflation Refund Checks are a key element of the Governor’s Affordability Agenda. Other elements include:
Cutting taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years;
Expanding New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child, and;
Ensuring universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards today announced the “Queens Holocaust Memorial,” a new public site to honor the memory of the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust as well as the survivors who rebuilt their lives in New York City. The memorial will be located on the grounds of Queens Borough Hall and serve as a permanent site of remembrance, education, and unity. The city and the Office of the Queens Borough President have allocated a total of $3 million to support the project’s development; the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will oversee the site designation and coordination with community stakeholders and civic leaders. The City will advance a formal design process to build a commemorative garden and public artwork. The artist selection process will be led by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ “Percent for Art” program in consultation with artists, historians, and Holocaust survivors.
“It is not enough to say ‘never again’ — we have to live it with our actions too. By preserving the stories of both victims and survivors, by creating a permanent space for remembrance and reflection, by promoting understanding and solidarity across generations, this memorial will live out the meaning of ‘never again,’” said Mayor Adams. “As our city and our country confront the rising tide of antisemitism, our administration will not remain silent. We will use our office to call out hate wherever we find it, encourage compassion wherever we need it, and create a city where everyone can live side by side in harmony.”
“No matter how much time passes since the evils of the Holocaust, New York City’s commitment to the pledge of ‘Never Again’ must never waver. That is why, in the face of rising tides of heinous anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial across our society, I could not be prouder to lead this effort alongside the administration and the Queens’ Jewish community in creating this critically important memorial here at Queens Borough Hall,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The Queens Holocaust Memorial will not only pay a touching tribute to the six million innocent Jews murdered by the Nazis and the survivors who settled in our borough afterward, but it will also serve as daily inspiration for our fight to forge a future free of anti-Semitism. I thank all our city and community partners for their commitment to see this memorial through.”
“When hate crimes, vandalism, and extremist rhetoric targeting Jewish communities are happening both nationally and globally, this memorial will stand not only as a powerful testament to those lost and to those who rebuilt, but also as a rebuke to intolerance and a reminder of our imperative to confront hatred with moral clarity,” said Moshe Davis, executive director, Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism.
“This Holocaust Memorial Garden we begin to build today, is a reminder of what can happen if we forget the past. It will also serve to keep our focus on the present, while we hope for our future,” said Michael Nussbaum, chairman, Holocaust Memorial Garden. “The Memorial Garden will be a place where anyone can come to reflect and seek peace.”
New York City is home to more Holocaust survivors than any other city in the world. Following the liberation of the concentration camps, thousands of survivors came to New York, many settling in Queens, where they rebuilt their lives, raised families, established businesses, enriched the city’s cultural institutions, and helped make New York a global center of Jewish life.
The memorial was originally proposed by the Queens Jewish Community Council in partnership with local civic and faith leaders. The City of New York will formally designate and dedicate the site for the purpose of a Holocaust Memorial through a DCAS assignment letter. The Queens Jewish Community Council will lead additional fundraising efforts to support the design and construction of the commemorative artwork. When complete, the Queens Holocaust Memorial will be the first major Holocaust memorial in Queens, joining other sites of remembrance throughout New York City. The memorial site will host Holocaust remembrance ceremonies, educational programs for students, and community gatherings that promote understanding and solidarity across generations and communities.
“I have seen how education helps young people understand the world around them and recognize the dangers of prejudice and intolerance. This memorial garden will give students and families a place to learn, reflect, and confront the realities of antisemitism and other forms of hate crimes,” said Toby Stavisky, New York State senator. “Michael Nussbaum and I both began our careers as social studies teachers, and we know how important it is to reach children early. That’s why I committed $1 million in capital funding to help bring this project to life. This garden will serve as a living classroom and a reminder that understanding our history is essential to ensuring that ‘never again’ is not forgotten.”
“This Holocaust Memorial in Queens honors the profound anguish and undeniable truth of actual genocide that tore families and communities apart. But it also reflects the extraordinary resilience of those who survived. Of people who carried unimaginable pain yet still chose hope, rebuilding, and the promise of a new future,” said Sam Berger, New York State assemblymember. “Many Holocaust survivors, my grandparents among them, came to Forest Hills seeking safety, dignity, and a chance to start again. They didn’t just rebuild their own lives. They helped build Queens. Their strength, their values, and their determination are woven into the rich and diverse history of this borough. They opened businesses, raised families, contributed to our civic life, and helped create the vibrant community we are proud to call home.
“Trauma leaves its mark, but it does not have to define us,” continued Berger. “This memorial stands as a reminder of the past we must never forget, and as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who transformed their suffering into a legacy of resilience, community, and hope.”
“The Queens Holocaust Memorial Garden will create a lasting place of reflection and remembrance for the Jewish community in Queens. This garden will stand in honor of the six million Jews who were systematically persecuted and murdered, as well as the millions of non-Jewish civilians, soldiers, and prisoners of war who also perished across Europe,” said Melinda Katz, district attorney of Queens. As time passes and we lose more Holocaust survivors—those who witnessed these atrocities firsthand—it becomes our collective responsibility to preserve their stories and protect the truth. I thank Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Memorial Garden Chairman Michael Nussbaum for their commitment in bringing this meaningful project to life. This memorial will serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred to ensure that history never repeats itself.”
“This Holocaust Memorial Garden is symbolic of the times we live in. A garden shows the beauty that surrounds us, while the memorial honors the memories of those who were brutally murdered during the Holocaust. It is vital to continue to honor the memory of the Holocaust, while also providing support to the remaining 14,700 survivors who live in New York City,” said Masha Pearl, executive director of The Blue Card. “This is a beautiful creation, and we are honored to take part in this memorial. Thank you to Mayor Eric Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for making this vision a reality.”
In 1789, just years after America’s triumph over tyranny in the Revolutionary War, President George Washington established the first National Day of Thanksgiving, declaring “the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” Decades later, in the midst of the bloody Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln implored the Nation to join in unity for “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” In every generation since, this spirit of reverence, trust, and gratitude has preserved our way of life and made America the strongest, greatest, and most resilient Nation the world has ever known.
From the pilgrims who settled our continent and the patriots who won our independence on the battlefield to the pioneers who tamed the west and the warriors who have preserved our freedom in distant lands, the spirit of gratitude and grit embodied by those who celebrated the first Thanksgiving more than 400 years ago have stood at the very heart of what it means to be an American.
This year, God has bestowed abundant blessings all across our land and indeed the entire world. As we give thanks to Him, we continue to advance our Nation through strong leadership and commonsense policy. As a result, the American economy is roaring back, we are making progress on lowering the cost of living, a new era of peace is sweeping around the world, our sovereignty is being swiftly restored, and the American spirit is coming back greater and more powerful than ever before.
As we prepare to celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, this Thanksgiving, we summon the faith, resolve, and unflinching fortitude of the giants of American history who came before us. We vow to build a future that echoes their sacrifice. Above all, we offer our endless gratitude to Almighty God for His love, grace, and infinite blessings.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 27, 2025, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
How many more innocent Americans have to be victimized before Democrat politicians admit their sick, soft-on-crime insanity is a blood-soaked catastrophe?
Last week in Democrat-run Chicago, a 26-year-old woman was riding the ‘L’ train when a career criminal with 72 prior arrests — including eight felony convictions and seven misdemeanors — doused her in gasoline, chased her screaming through the train car, and set her on fire in broad daylight. She’s now fighting for her life with horrific burns because the predator who did this was walking free.
This animal was walking free because of the radical, dangerous “no cash bail” law proudly signed by Governor JB Pritzker and celebrated by Chicago’s defund-the-police Mayor Brandon Johnson. Just three months ago, after this same monster was arrested for another violent crime, a county judge cut him loose on electronic monitoring — a condition he repeatedly violated with zero consequences right up to the day he lit an innocent woman on fire.
While President Trump fights tooth and nail to make America’s cities safe again — crushing these reckless Democrat policy disasters, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with police, and surgingfederalresources into the neighborhoods Democrats have abandoned — delusional politicians like Pritzker and Johnson arrogantly double down on the same failed policies that handed a violent thug a can of gasoline and a match.
Enough is enough. President Trump is taking our streets back from the savages who terrorize them and from the Democrats who keep setting them free.
As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving 2025, families across the country are seeing signs of economic relief that the Trump Administration credits to its efforts to unleash American energy, cut regulations, and fight inflation, following what it describes as the worst inflation crisis in 40 years under Joe Biden and the Democrats. Local reports from states including Colorado, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and others show gas prices falling—often below $3 per gallon and in some places nearing $2—just in time for holiday travel, while multiple Farm Bureau surveys reveal that the cost of a classic 10-person Thanksgiving meal has dropped, with notable savings on turkeys and other staples and some states like Louisiana and Michigan coming in well below the national average. While emphasizing that this is not “mission accomplished” and that Americans are still paying too much after years of what it calls reckless Democrat spending and regulation, the Trump Administration frames these lower gas and grocery prices as early evidence that its push for bold, structural economic changes is beginning to deliver tangible savings for American families.
More Relief on the Way as Economic Wins Bring Savings to Gas Pump, Thanksgiving Table
As millions of American families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, they’re seeing a dose of the economic relief President Donald J. Trump is fighting to deliver. After inheriting the worst inflation crisis in 40 years from Joe Biden and Democrats, the Trump Administration’s actions to unleash American energy, slash regulations, and crush inflation are translating into lower gas prices in many states and a decrease in the cost of Thanksgiving dinner.
Make no mistake: this is not “mission accomplished.” Americans are still paying far too much after four years of reckless Democrat spending and regulation — and that’s why the Trump Administration is relentlessly fighting to deliver the bold, structural changes that will bring lasting relief to all American families.
Here’s what local news outlets are reporting as those signs of change start to appear:
KDVR-TV (Denver, CO): Cheapest gas prices in Denver hit less than $2 Sunday ahead of Thanksgiving weekend Gas prices in Denver are trending down just in time for the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend, with one station in the city even hitting less than $2 on Sunday, according to GasBuddy. Just in the last week, gas prices in Denver have fallen 14.5 cents per gallon, hitting a $2.47 per gallon average Monday morning, GasBuddy reported. That number is lower than the national average of $3.03 per gallon, and it is even nearly 30 cents lower than Denver’s average prices a year ago.
KIMT-TV (Des Moines, IA): Lower Turkey Prices Bring Thanksgiving Savings to Iowa Iowans can look forward to saving on their Thanksgiving meals this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s survey reveals the average cost of a classic 10-serving holiday meal is $55.18, down 5% from last year. In the Midwest, the average is slightly lower at $54.38. The survey highlights a decrease in frozen turkey prices as a major factor in the overall savings. Items like a 16-pound turkey, fresh cranberries, and dinner rolls have all seen price drops, attributed to lower wheat prices.
KSAT-TV (San Antonio, TX): San Antonio gas prices set to hit pandemic-era lows for Thanksgiving San Antonio drivers may have noticed some interesting movement at the pump this week… Thanksgiving travelers are still expected to see cheaper gas at the pump compared to last year.
The Detroit Free Press (Detroit, MI): Ingredients that go into Preparing a Thanksgiving Meal to Cost Less this Year In Michigan, those making the holiday meal will pay even less, $51.80 for a meal serving 10 people, Theresa Sisung, industry relations specialist for the Michigan Farm Bureau, told the Free Press.
WBIW Radio (Bloomington, IN): Indiana gas prices drop sharply ahead of holiday travel Hoosier drivers are getting a break at the pump just in time for the busy holiday travel season, with average gasoline prices in Indiana falling 12.3 cents per gallon in the last week.
WGRZ-TV (Buffalo, New York): The Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner is Down for the Third Year in a Row The American Farm Bureau Federation says the average price for a 16-pound turkey in the U.S. is $21.50. That’s down more than 16 percent from last year.
WKYC-TV (Cleveland, OH): Gas prices plummet in Northeast Ohio Gas prices have gone down in Northeast Ohio within the last week, bringing the average cost in Akron and Cleveland below $3 per gallon. Akron saw the biggest drop, falling 38.1 cents within the last week.
WMUR-TV (Manchester, NH): Lower gas prices expected for Thanksgiving travelers this year Anyone who plans to hit the roads for Thanksgiving travel this year will likely see the cheapest gas prices in the past few years. According to GasBuddy, gas prices in New Hampshire are expected to be the lowest they have been for the Thanksgiving holiday since 2021.
KDKA-TV (Pittsburgh, PA): Gas prices in the Pittsburgh area on the decline ahead of Thanksgiving travel One small consolation for your trip is the price of gas… We are on a downward trajectory. We should see some solid relief in Pittsburgh over the next few weeks in terms of falling gas prices.
WLUK-TV (Green Bay, WI): Gas prices drop ahead of busy travel week Average gasoline prices in Green Bay have fallen 5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.75/g today, according to GasBuddy… GasBuddy forecasts a national average price of gas of $3.02 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day, matching last year and marking one of the cheapest holiday averages since 2021.
The Shreveport Times (Shreveport, LA): Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey is Bargain in Louisiana, Where Costs Are Below U.S. Average A Thanksgiving family feast to feed 10 people in Louisiana this year is more affordable than any other state in the U.S. except for Arkansas, according to the annual American Farm Bureau cost survey. The cost for 11 market basket items including a whole frozen turkey in Louisiana in 2025 is $44.70. That’s more than $10 cheaper than the national average of $55.18.
WAND-TV (Decatur, IL): Illinois Farm Bureau: Turkey Prices have Dropped Around 16% Thanksgiving dinner prices in Illinois are going down. The Illinois Farm Bureau said that turkey prices have dropped around 16%, just over a dollar per pound. Other Thanksgiving staples like stuffing and pie crusts are also getting cheaper.
KJZZ Radio (Phoenix, AZ): Arizona Thanksgiving Meal Prices are Down 21 Cents from Last Year, Farm Bureau Says If you’re already preparing for next week’s Thanksgiving celebration, you might have noticed slightly lower food costs. A traditional Thanksgiving — we’re talking turkey and all the fixings plus desert for an Arizona family of 10 — will cost $53.17 or roughly $5.31 per person, according to the Arizona Farm Bureau.That’s down 21 cents from last year.
WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI): Thanksgiving Dinner Will Cost Less This Year With Michigan Families Getting Bigger Savings Good news is coming to Michigan dinner tables this Thanksgiving as families will spend less on their holiday feast compared to last year. According to the Michigan Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, the average cost for a traditional meal serving 10 people has dropped to $51.80 in Michigan — nearly $4 below the national average of $55.12.
According to a press release, the House Judiciary Committee reports that the Biden-Harris Justice Department secretly obtained Chairman Jim Jordan’s phone records from January 1, 2020 onward using a grand jury subpoena issued to Verizon on April 25, 2022, without his knowledge. The subpoena, tied to the “Arctic Frost” investigation that underpinned Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election case against former President Trump, sought extensive data including call logs, texts, voicemail, payment sources, IP addresses, and location information, and was paired with a nondisclosure order to prevent alerting Jordan. The release states that under Smith’s leadership, the DOJ also collected phone records of more than a dozen Republican members of Congress, with Jordan’s records requested by prosecutor Timothy Duree, who worked with senior prosecutor Thomas Windom, now referred to DOJ for criminal prosecution by the Committee. It further alleges that members of Smith’s team failed to fully cooperate with the Committee’s oversight efforts and accuses the Special Counsel’s office of weaponizing the justice system through partisan prosecutions, prosecutorial misconduct, and constitutional abuses.
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– In response to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan’s request for documents and communications between Verizon Wireless and former Special Counsel Jack Smith, newly obtained documents reveal that the Biden-Harris Administration Justice Department obtained Chairman Jordan’s phone records over a two-year period.
The Biden-Harris Justice Department obtained a grand jury subpoena issued on April 25, 2022—without Chairman Jordan’s knowledge—for “all call detail records” beginning on January 1, 2020, including but not limited to records for inbound and outbound calls, text messages, direct-connect communications, voicemail messages, addresses, as well as sources of payments, IP addresses, and location information.
The subpoena was accompanied by a nondisclosure order asserting that notifying Chairman Jordan of the existence of the subpoena could “result in flight from prosecution, destruction of or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the investigation.”
The Arctic Frost investigation, which launched on April 13, 2022, formed the basis of Smith’s election case against President Donald Trump. Under Smith’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Justice Department secretly obtained the phone records of over a dozen sitting Republican Members of Congress.
Chairman Jordan’s phone records were requested by Timothy Duree, a Justice Department prosecutor who worked with Thomas Windom, one of Smith’s top prosecutors who was recently referred to the DOJ for criminal prosecution by the Committee.
Several members of Smith’s Special Counsel team failed to fully cooperate with the Committee’s investigation into the Biden-Harris Justice Department’s weaponization of the rule of law. The disturbing tactics employed by Smith’s team during its partisan and politically motivated prosecutions of President Trump undermined the integrity of the criminal justice system. As Special Counsel, Smith was ultimately responsible for the prosecutorial misconduct and constitutional abuses committed by his office.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state will increase patrols to target impaired and reckless driving during the Thanksgiving travel season. Funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), the special enforcement period runs from Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, November 30 and also will address other unsafe driving behaviors, including violations of the state’s Move Over Law.
“Thanksgiving is the beginning of the busy holiday season with thousands of people traveling to gather and celebrate with friends and family,” Governor Hochul said. “Those celebrations should not be marred by tragedy caused by impaired or reckless driving on our roadways. I urge drivers to stay alert, stay sober and move over when you see vehicles stopped on the side of the road. I thank our troopers and local law enforcement for spending time away from their loved ones to work on Thanksgiving and throughout the holidays to help keep New York’s roadways safe.”
In addition to increased traffic volume during the Thanksgiving holiday period, it also is a time of the year associated with increased alcohol use. During the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period, law enforcement officers arrested 1,705 drivers for driving while impaired or intoxicated, and issued 10,078 speeding tickets, and 1,702 tickets for distracted driving.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “We want everyone to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with their friends and families this year and for years to come. Impaired driving can change the very fabric of a family and alter holiday memories forever. Nobody wants to live with the consequences of poor decisions that could have been easily avoided.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Every year, there are preventable tragedies and a wake of victims left behind because of the decisions made by reckless and impaired drivers. As we drive throughout the state to see our family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday, driver safety is absolutely imperative. The New York State Police proudly joins our law enforcement partners in the continued effort to discourage, detect, and apprehend impaired and drunk drivers.”
The State Police will supplement regular patrols statewide through efforts including fixed sobriety checkpoints and utilizing Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) patrol vehicles to better spot distracted drivers and those talking or texting on handheld devices. These unmarked vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000. Individuals arrested for drunk and drugged driving face the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work.
Construction Closures Suspended
To help ease travel during the busy holiday season, lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26 through 6 a.m. on Monday, December 1.
The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Motorists should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.
Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving.
In advance of the busy travel week for the Thanksgiving holiday, all 27 service areas located on the New York State Thruway are now open. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.
Travelers can also check NYSDOT’s 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the most important times of the year for families across New York to gather with their loved ones, and we want to make sure everyone gets to their destinations safely. By lifting construction restrictions during one of the busiest weekends for travel, we’re helping all New Yorkers spend less time in traffic and more time with one another. We urge all motorists to drive carefully this holiday season, and if you do come across one of our crews over the coming weeks, please slow down and give them room to do their jobs safely.”
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and suspending construction activities will help motorists get to their destinations with fewer delays. We urge motorists to make safety a priority-remain alert, don’t drive distracted or impaired, and slow down and move over if it’s safe to do so for all vehicles on the side of the road. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for patrolling the Thruway and keeping motorists safe.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association James Quattrone said, “The Thanksgiving holiday is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. It is also a time when some people may drive impaired which puts themselves and others in danger. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired and aggressive drivers. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy the long holiday weekend, be safe, courteous drivers, and have a plan to not drive impaired.”
New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Mount Pleasant Police Department Paul Oliva said, “As we enter the season of giving thanks for our blessings, local law enforcement will be out conducting Impaired Driver and Excessive Speed engagement details, ensuring that travel on our roadways is safe for everyone. Please drive attentively so all can make their destinations to enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends.”
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver.
