Billy Joel accepts the Key to the City of New York from Mayor Eric Adams. Image Credit - NYC Mayor

Mayor Adams Announcements: Summer Of Possibility Extends Into August, Disability Pride Month Buildings Lighted, Key To The City Awarded To Billy Joel

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Mayor Adams made several recent announcements, which are printed below: Summer of Possibility free programming, services extended through August; City Hall buildings  lit red, yellow, white, blue, and green for Disability Pride Month anniversary; Musician, Philanthropist Billy Joel Receives Key to the City

MAYOR ADAMS, DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCE $2 MILLION IN EXPANDED SUMMER PROGRAMMING AND SERVICES TO KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE IN FINAL MONTH OF SUMMER

Part of Adams Administration’s “Summer of Possibility” Celebrating City’s Unrivaled Summer Offerings

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard today announced $2 million in expanded programming and services to continue to keep young people safe in the final weeks of summer.

The expanded programs and services will be invested in historically underserved neighborhoods, including the six priority New York City Police Department (NYPD) precincts identified in “A Blueprint for Community Safety,” a forward-thinking roadmap with upstream solutions to address gun violence throughout the five boroughs. Today’s announcement is a part of Mayor Adams’ “Summer of Possibility,” a celebration of New York City’s unrivaled summer offerings, at a time when crime is down, jobs are up, and the city is more livable than when the Adams administration came into office.

“This summer, our administration has kept crime down, young people safe, and highlighted the very best in fun and entertainment New York City has to offer,” said Mayor Adams. “In the final weeks of summer, we are doubling down on our efforts and investing millions in continuing to make sure we stop violence before it happens on our streets. When we invest in summer programming, we give our young people not just a space to enjoy themselves but prevent crime from happening in our communities. Together, we will make sure to bring our summer to a close by ensuring our young people have all the resources needed to thrive and enjoy our city.”  

“With this $2 million expansion of summer programming, the Adams administration continues its investment in public safety by ensuring that young people, especially those in historically underserved neighborhoods, have the necessary resources to thrive,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “From Saturday Night Lights to Cornerstone and Beacon programs, these initiatives not only enrich lives, but also foster community trust and empower our youth to achieve their full potential. As we celebrate the “Summer of Possibility,” we are seizing every opportunity to build a safer, more vibrant city together.”

“When we expand our summer programming, we provide a space for young people to simply be themselves, have fun, and, most importantly, stay safe,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “I want to thank DYCD and our providers who have stepped up to answer the call in the final weeks of summer and helped us, again, deliver a record year of providing countless opportunities for our young people.”

“As one of the lead agencies of the Mayor’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, DYCD’s expansion of summer programming hours is vital to public safety. I know our Beacon, Cornerstone, and Saturday Night Lights partners, along with the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, New York City Public Schools, and Cure Violence organizations, are more than up to the challenge,” said DYCD Commissioner Howard. “We are especially proud that extended hours are available in all five boroughs, including the six priority precincts with the highest levels of gun violence, where more resources will keep young people engaged during key times of the week. Mayor Adams has made it clear that public safety is a shared responsibility, and DYCD will remain vigilant in doing our part to keep all New Yorkers safe.”

“Major crime continues to drop in New York City because the men and women of the New York City Police Department are building trust and strengthening relationships with all the people we serve,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Shootings are down another 9 percent, and murders are down 11.5 percent since last year. One of the best tools we have to keep combating violence is our ability to engage young people in recreational activities, particularly during the warmer months. This is a ‘Summer of Possibility’ indeed, and the expanded programming announced today will make our city even safer tomorrow than it is today.”

“Our partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development on the Cornerstone program creates a fantastic outlet for New Yorkers of all ages to visit New York City Housing Authority community centers to engage in positive activities and access valuable resources and services,” said New York City Housing Authority Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We’re grateful to the Adams administration for making this investment in expanded summer programming and services, which will go a long way toward keeping the communities surrounding these centers safe and connected to a variety of amazing summer offerings.” 

DYCD will be expanding programming and hours across select Saturday Night LightsCornerstone, and Beacon programs. Saturday Night Lights offers free high-quality sports programming at nearly 140 locations across the city, during a time of the week when crime historically spikes. The program aims to engage young people, build trust between law enforcement and communities, and help enable youth to develop the skills, knowledge, and meaningful relationships necessary to reach their fullest potential. Beacons are school-based community centers serving children aged six and older and adults throughout the five boroughs. Cornerstone operates at 99 New York City Housing Authority community centers throughout the five boroughs, providing engaging, high-quality, year-round programs for adults and young people.

Expanded programming and services through the end of August include Saturday Night Lights now operating on Sundays and extended hours on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Select Beacon and Cornerstone locations will have extended hours from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. For a full list of program sites, visit the DYCD Summer Safety Plan website

From the largest-ever summer streets and open restaurants programs to expanded Summer Rising hours, new cooling centers, and investments in pools across the city, the Adams administration is continuing to ensure that there has never been a better time to enjoy summer in New York City. New Yorkers can visit the Summer of Possibility website for more information on free cultural and parks events, open beaches and pools, as well as hiring halls, apprenticeships, volunteer opportunities, and more.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY HALL, MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS TO BE LIT RED, YELLOW, WHITE, BLUE, AND GREEN TO HONOR DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH

 

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that City Hall and several other municipal buildings will be lit red, yellow, white, blue, and green tonight in honor of Disability Pride Month, which celebrates the achievements and promotes the visibility and awareness of the disability community. Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to mark the passage of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed on July 26, 1990. This year marks the 34th anniversary of the ADA.

 


“The signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law 34 years ago marked a monumental step forward for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we honor the spirit of the ADA and its profound impact on our society. Here in New York City, we are committed to building a city that is accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all. From fostering inclusive employment opportunities to improving infrastructure, we continue to break down barriers and create a city where everyone can thrive.”

“On this ADA anniversary, we honor the historic commitment and ongoing efforts of Mayor Adams, as well as all of our city agency partners and community stakeholders by investing in employment opportunities and a safe and accessible infrastructure to create an inclusive and equitable city for all,” said New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Christina Curry. “Lighting City Hall and other municipal buildings in honor of Disability Pride Month is a vibrant display that underscores New York City’s dedication to the disability community.”

“Talent is our city’s greatest asset, and on the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, our city has never been better positioned to uplift and enhance the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities,” said New York City Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal. “New York City has always been a shining beacon of hope, and, in the last year, we have doubled down on our commitments to ensure the disabled community has access to employment and economic opportunities that provide a living wage and dignity so they can pursue their dreams.”

In addition to City Hall, the following city buildings will be lit in the disability pride colors at sundown:

  • Bronx County Courthouse: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
  • Brooklyn Borough Hall: 209 Joralemon St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building: 1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
  • Queens Borough Hall: 120-55 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens, NY 11424
  • Staten Island Borough Hall: 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

MAYOR ADAMS AWARDS KEY TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO LEGENDARY NEW YORK MUSICIAN AND PHILANTHROPIST BILLY JOEL

 

Key to the City of New York Celebration Comes as Joel Ends Historic Monthly Residency at Madison Square Garden

 

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams last night awarded a Key to the City of New York to New York musician and philanthropist Billy Joel for his decades of contribution to popular music and service to the city. From his iconic songs that serve as anthems for the city to his extensive contribution to philanthropic causes, Joel’s influence and dedication to New York is unparalleled. More than 10 years after being named Madison Square Garden’s first-ever music franchise, Joel last night concluded his record-breaking monthly residency with his 150th lifetime performance at the venue. 

 

“For more than half a century, Billy Joel has put us all in a New York State of Mind, telling timeless tales about weary musicians, love and loss, and the ever-changing political times,” said Mayor Adams. “A native New Yorker, Billy is one of the most celebrated musicians of all time and turned one of the world’s most iconic venues, Madison Square Garden, into his second home, playing monthly for more than 10 years, contributing to a record-breaking 150 lifetime shows. Offstage, Billy has also left a lasting legacy, starting Charity Begins at Home to lend a helping hand to those in need across the tri-state area. Today, I am honored to celebrate the Piano Man himself — Billy Joel — with a Key to the City of New York.”

 

When presented with the Key to the City backstage at MSG prior to the final residency show, Joel said, “This is a dream come true. It really is.”

Billy Joel accepts the Key to the City of New York from Mayor Eric Adams. Image Credit - NYC Mayor

Billy Joel accepts the Key to the City of New York from Mayor Eric Adams. Image Credit – NYC Mayor

Joel is one of best-selling artists of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide. Born in the Bronx, Joel is known for his versatile piano playing and storytelling lyrics.

Over his illustrious career as a singer-songwriter and pianist, he has received numerous accolades, including six Grammy Awards, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Tony Award for his contributions to Broadway’s “Movin’ Out” Musical. His timeless hits, such as “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “New York State of Mind,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” have left a lasting mark on the music industry and continue to resonate with audiences all across the globe even decades after their release.

 

Along with music, Joel has made significant contributions to philanthropic causes, including Farm Aid, Elton John AIDS Foundation, GRAMMY Foundation, UNICEF, and countless others. In 1978, Joel established Charity Begins At Home to support charities in the tri-state area that are dedicated to combatting child abuse, domestic violence, autism, and cancer. 

In addition to his residency run, Joel has also performed alongside other music greats at two of Madison Square Garden’s most extraordinary benefit concerts — “12-12-12, The Concert for Sandy Relief,” which raised awareness and money for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, and “The Concert for New York City,” which was held to help aid 9/11 victims and heroes.

 

The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered “Freedom of the City” to Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city’s wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.

Banner Image:  Billy Joel accepts the Key to the City of New York from Mayor Eric Adams. Image Credit – NYC Mayor


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