Union Contracts For City Projects, Gotham Football Club Receives Keys To The City, Queens Holocaust Memorial, Holiday Season Spending Report, Starbucks Worker Protection Settlement, Harlem Field of Dreams, Flash Flood Prevention Funding: Mayor Adams

Union Contracts For City Projects, Gotham Football Club Receives Keys To The City, Queens Holocaust Memorial, Holiday Season Spending Report, Starbucks Worker Protection Settlement, Harlem Field of Dreams, Flash Flood Prevention Funding: Mayor Adams

Editor’s note: Readers can see last week’s rundown by the Mayor here, and the weekly op-ed is here.  Last week, the Mayor presented the Keys to the City to the Gotham Football Club for their incredible win, bringing the soccer cup back to New York City. For those who don’t know, Civil Asset Forfeiture  funds (such as those used to build the Harlem Field of Dreams below)  are those received by the police department when they take someone’s vehicle, valuables, or cash when they arrest them.  Note they are seized upon arrest, not conviction, and many whose assets are thus seized are never convicted of any crime at all, but their property is, in most cases, never returned to them.  The process for getting it back upon case discharge is long, cumbersome, and expensive.  

From the CATO Institute’s page on this issue:  “Civil asset forfeiture is a process by which police officers seize a person’s property (e.g. their car, home, or cash) if they suspect the individual or property is involved with criminal activity. The individual does not need to be charged with, or convicted of, any crime for police to seize assets [emphasis added]. In most jurisdictions, police departments may keep the property they seize or the proceeds from its sale. What do Americans think of civil asset forfeiture?

Fully 84% of Americans oppose the practice of police taking “a person’s money or property that is suspected to have been involved in a drug crime before the person is convicted of a crime.” Only 16% approve”.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams attends the National Day of Romania hosted by the Consulate General of Romania in New York on Monday, December 1, 2025. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS COVERING MORE THAN $7 BILLION IN CITY PROJECTS TO BUILD CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND DELIVER GOOD-PAYING, UNION CAREERS

Two New Agreements Will Ensure Efficient Construction, Fair Wages, and
Community Hiring Opportunities Through More Than $7 Billion in City Capital Projects

Projects Include Recreation Centers, Clean Energy Systems, Libraries, and More

Announcement Builds on Previous Commitments to Advance Community Hiring Through City Contracts and Meet Mayor Adams’ Moonshot Goal of 30,000 Apprenticeships by 2030

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent) Executive Director Doug Lipari today announced two Project Labor Agreements (PLA) with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and Vicinity (BCTC). These PLAs — which cover more than $7 billion in city capital projects — establish fair wages, union benefits, and safety protections for workers on city projects. They will help connect more underserved New Yorkers to quality union careers and apprenticeship opportunities through community hiring requirements and allow the city to complete capital projects more effectively and efficiently through the use of standardized work rules.

“Under our administration, we haven’t just talked about creating opportunities, we’ve put our money where our mouth is and invested real dollars in real projects and delivered the good-paying jobs New Yorkers need,” said Mayor Adams. “If the city is going to build a new library or recreation center, we want to make sure those jobs pay well during the day and get workers home safe at night. With more than $7 billion labor agreements, we’ll do both — all while hiring from the local community and completing critical projects faster. That’s a win for everyone involved.”

“Project Labor Agreements are a proven tool for delivering capital projects efficiently, establishing fair wages and working conditions, and creating robust career pathways for New Yorkers,” said Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Doug Lipari. “These new PLAs reflect the city’s strong partnership with the Building and Construction Trades Council and solidify the city’s dedication to the future construction workforce through Community Hiring.”

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The newly signed PLAs announced today will serve a broad range of city capital projects. The Citywide Renovation and New Construction PLA will apply to new construction, renovation, and rehabilitation of city-owned buildings and structures; for instance, this PLA will apply to projects like construction of recreation centers and solar photovoltaic systems for public schools, as well as renovation of water treatment facilities and libraries like the recently announced renovation of Baisley Park Library in Jamaica, Queens. The PLAs follow last year’s announcement of a new infrastructure design-build PLA and furthers the Adams administration’s commitment to establish work standards for family-sustaining wages and benefits, industry-specific safety standards, and training opportunities.

The PLAs announced today also include community hiring requirements, which allows the city to use its purchasing power to set workforce and hiring goals on city contracts and provide hardworking New Yorkers good-paying union career opportunities that pave a path to the middle class. Since launching, nearly 100 city procurements — totaling more than$7.5 billion — have been released with community hiring goals. These include construction and building services contracts that require a significant portion of labor hours be performed by people who live in New York City Housing Authority housing or in a ZIP code where at least 15 percent of the population lives below the federal poverty threshold.

Today’s announcement will also create additional apprenticeship opportunities in the construction sector through community hiring requirements and advance Mayor Adams’ 2023 State of the City moonshot goal of connecting 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships by 2030. Through a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), the city, BCTC and the Building Trade Employers’ Association of New York City (BTEA) will work collectively to recruit and fill 700 pre-apprenticeship positions with residents of NYCHA housing and low-income communities. These pre-apprenticeship programs provide free skills and training and offer individuals direct entry into unionized apprenticeship programs. These efforts demonstrate the commitment to invest in the next generation of the City’s construction workforce and provide a pathway for career advancement.

“We are thrilled that city-funded projects are being produced with union labor, safer work requirements, and community hiring that will bring good job opportunities to the underserved while upgrading libraries, recreational centers, and other public works,” said New York City Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa.

“Thank you to President LaBarbera, Paul O’Connor and Santos Rodriguez along with Deputy Mayor Carrion Jr. and the whole mayoral team who worked on this project labor agreement,” said New York City Councilmember Julie Won. “As the representative of the council district that is home to UA Local 1 Plumbers, I am always happy to support apprenticeships and the expansion of PLAs in the City, and I will work to make it priority that we get new PLAs all future projects in my district.”

“In order for capital projects to reach their true economic potential, it is critical that they generate family-sustaining careers for hardworking New Yorkers,” said Gary LaBarbera, president, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “PLAs like the ones signed help them to do just that and more by establishing fair wages, safety standards, and community hiring initiatives that boost apprenticeship opportunities and open up more pathways to the middle class. We are happy to collaborate with the Mayor’s Office and NYC Talent on these agreements and our members look forward to being catalysts for these important projects that will improve the lives of countless New Yorkers.”

“It is great that New York City and the Building Trades continue their great relationship with the signing of these Project Labor Agreements. These city capital projects will create more opportunities for men and women to become apprentices in our programs. It will provide them with fair wages and union benefits, making their lives better and providing the pathway to the middle class,” said John Jovic, business manager/FST, Local 12 Heat and Frost Insulators. “I would like to thank Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera and his staff, as well as Mayor Adams and his staff for all their hard work in putting these Project Labor Agreements together.”

“Plumbers Local 1 and its 6,000 members are honored to host the signing of this historic PLA with NYC. The phrase ‘The great multiplier is defined as a factor or effect that causes a relatively small initial change to have a larger, widespread impact.’ This project labor agreement is exactly that, the great multiplier. It is by no means a small change, it is significant, but its impact on the future of New York City will be even more significant. It will not only upgrade critical infrastructure; it will also build a better New York City and continue to build for years to come. This future will be built by residents of New York City who will be given access into our great labor organizations,” said Paul O’Connor, business manager, United Association of Plumbers Local 1. “To quote George Meany ‘the basic goal of labor will not change. It is-as it has always been, and I’m sure always will be, to better the standards of life for all who work for wages, and to seek decency and justice and dignity for all Americans.’ This quote is as accurate today as it has always been. I want to thank Gary LaBarbera, the mayor, and his staff for securing not only this PLA but a prosperous future for New Yorkers.”

“This Project Labor Agreement is a win for New York City’s working families. It means more good-paying union jobs, stronger apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation, and a commitment to building our city the right way with skill, safety, and dignity,” said Joseph Azzopardi, business manager and secretary-treasurer, District Council No. 9, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. “I want to thank President Gary LaBarbera for his leadership and partnership, and Mayor Eric Adams for recognizing the value that union labor brings to every project. Together, we’re creating pathways into the trades and ensuring New York’s future is built by the very people who call it home.”

Mayor Eric Adams hosts a celebration ceremony and presents Keys to the City to members of the Gotham Football Club. City Hall. Monday, November 24, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

TRANSCRIPT FROM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025: MAYOR ADAMS HOSTS CELEBRATION CEREMONY AND PRESENTS KEYS TO THE CITY TO GOTHAM FOOTBALL CLUB MEMBERS

Mayor Eric Adams: Unbelievable, unbelievable victory. And you gotta– whenever you play sports, you know you gotta play through the hecklers and just stay focused and keep [at] it. That’s how you win. You don’t win when you worry about the haters. You win when you stay dedicated to the mission.

So, I want to thank you, Ari. History has been made. Gotham FC are our National Women’s Soccer League champions. Job well done. The batch has brought the cup to New York City once again. Juan Carlos, you and your team have made this city so proud. This team showed that the hopes and dreams of New Yorkers, of the entire Garden State region in New York, and it showed time and time again that you never can be counted out because you have the New York City grit, resiliency, and determination.

You have inspired thousands of soccer fans and young girls and boys to believe in themselves, to be brave, to be bold, and to be fierce. Fueled by the team’s slogan, “Always build, never finish,” and the unofficial coin, “Underdogs my [].”

You have built a winning team, one match at a time. We saw the mentality all season, culminating in the number eight playoff seed, number eight playoff seed. Beating the naysayers and the number one team in the league to make it to the championship game. And we saw it in that thrilling final. This is no team of underdogs. This is a team of champions.

The leadership of Captain Mandy Freeman showed how 24 teammates can bring home the trophy. This was a victory built by 24 players, and it’s one built by the fans. You can’t win it without the fans, so thank you fans for cheering them on throughout the entire season.

The diehards in the stadium seats, the fans in their jerseys and scarves and at the pubs and bars, the families cheering in living rooms. This was a victory for all ages. You showed us that women’s football is a dominant sport in our nation and belongs on the biggest stage.

Each and every one of you understands that being a champion doesn’t stop when you step off the field. You are teaching young women today they can be champions too, and you proved it. Leading the fight for equal rights, equal pay and equal access for all through your Keep Her in the Game program, which supports and empowers girls and their soccer coaches. You are helping make things better and easier for the next generation of soccer stars.

This all happens when we invest in women’s and women’s sports. When we invest, we all win. We must continue to create better opportunities and outcomes for our sisters across the nation. Thank you for all you do for women in New York City and New Jersey. This team is what New York and the Garden State are all about.

And this region can’t wait to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031. We’re bringing the biggest sporting events to the biggest stage, New York, New Jersey. There’s nowhere that better captures the breadth and diversity of the world’s greatest game. This investment in Gotham FC’s championship proves the future of the beautiful game is right here in New York City. And I want to hear one more deafening roar for our champions, Gotham FC.

Now, we honor this team of champions with the highest honor New York City gives, the key to the City of New York. On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers, congratulations to the National Women’s Soccer League champions.

Mayor Eric Adams hosts a celebration ceremony and presents Keys to the City to members of the Gotham Football Club. City Hall. Monday, November 24, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

NEW YORK – 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.”

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro 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 on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“Nothing compares to the holiday season in New York City, and the economic energy this time of year is something we can all celebrate throughout all five boroughs,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “This year, we are thrilled to welcome the millions of visitors whose spending will generate a significant economic impact and uplift the local businesses that keep our neighborhoods and communities thriving, from Bryant Park to Flushing to Fordham and beyond.”

Key takeaways from the analysis include:

• Manhattan retail hubs like Bryant Park, Times Square, and SoHo remain the most popular destinations for holiday shopping, with foot traffic increasing significantly on Black Friday as well as on December weekends. Overall, more than 1 million people visited these shopping districts on Black Friday in 2024 alone.

• Weekend foot traffic throughout December showed a more varied picture, with several key tourist destinations posting impressive growth. Times Square welcomed 48,000 more visitors on an average weekend in December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, while Fifth Avenue saw 27,000 more weekend visitors on average. 

• Compared to typical weekends throughout the rest of the year, December weekends in 2024 saw a major spike in activity across several iconic destinations. Bryant Park was 2.6 times busier, Fifth Avenue was 2.3 times busier, and Times Square was 1.5 times busier than an average weekend in 2024.

• The data also underscores the importance of the holiday shopping season for New York City’s tourism sector. On Black Friday 2024, two-thirds of Times Square visitors were from outside the city and roughly half were from outside the metro area, highlighting the city’s continued draw as a global holiday destination. 

• Business districts outside of Manhattan are also popular shopping destinations, primarily for city residents. In Queens, Jamaica and Flushing both attracted a combined total of nearly 170,000 visitors on Black Friday 2024, an increase of more than 11,000 from the prior year. Meanwhile, Fordham Road in the Bronx and Metrotech in Brooklyn also attract thousands of shoppers, and each experienced year-over-year growth of 11 percent on Black Friday. 

• Every way the data is sliced, core business districts remain vital to the city’s economy, especially during the holiday shopping season. Increased spending and foot traffic drives seasonal employment across the city, providing job opportunities for city residents and generating more than $500 million in economic impact annually.  

METHODOLOGY

NYCEDC used a variety of primary and secondary data sources to study the economic impact of the holiday season. The total economic impact estimate is based on seasonal retail employment, which NYCEDC analyzed through data from the New York State Department of Labor. The visitation and foot traffic data are based on NYCEDC’s analysis of anonymized cell phone mobility data from Placer.ai. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch brief New Yorkers on Thanksgiving Day Parade safety. West 81st Street & Columbus Avenue, New York, NY. Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced a landmark $38.9 million settlement with Starbucks for widespread violation of the city’s Fair Workweek Law— the largest worker protection settlement in New York City history. A multi-year investigation by DCWP found that Starbucks committed more than half a million violations of the law since 2021, illegally denying thousands of workers across more than 300 locations the right to stable and predictable schedules, as well as the right to pick up additional hours and earn more; instead, Starbucks arbitrarily cut schedules and illegally prioritized their own profits over their workers’ rights.

The settlement announced today requires Starbucks to pay more than $35.5 million in restitution to over 15,000 workers harmed by Starbucks’ unlawful practices, as well as any additional workers who come forward. The settlement also requires Starbucks to pay $3.4 million in civil penalties and costs and requires the company to comply with the law going forward. With today’s settlement, the Adams administration has now secured nearly $90 million in worker relief from different companies as it ensures New York workers get every dollar they have earned.

“It does not matter how big your business is or how much money your company makes, if you violate our workers’ rights, you will pay the price,” said Mayor Adams. “With this landmark settlement, we’ll put tens of millions of dollars back into the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers and reinforce every New Yorker’s right to a reliable schedule, full hours, and basic dignity. We’ll make sure that New York City remains a place where employees are treated fairly and working-class people can still get ahead.”

“The city’s Fair Workweek Law provides workers with vital protections, like the right to a predictable schedule so workers can plan their lives and earn stable incomes, but Starbucks chose to ignore these rights and prioritize their own bottom line,” said DCWP Commissioner Mayuga. “All workers deserve to be treated with dignity, and we are proud to stand up for our neighbors when a multibillion-dollar company like Starbucks chooses to systematically violate their employees’ rights.”

DCWP launched an investigation into Starbucks in 2022 after receiving dozens of worker complaints about several Starbucks locations. Based on the evidence gathered — including reports from hundreds of employees and data from Starbucks — DCWP uncovered a pattern of systemic violations beyond the initial locations. DCWP then expanded the investigation to all Starbucks locations citywide.

DCWP’s investigation found that most Starbucks employees in New York City never received regular schedules, making it difficult for workers to plan other commitments, such as child care, education, or second jobs. Starbucks also routinely and unlawfully reduced employees’ hours by more than 15 percent, making it difficult for employees to know how much money they would make week to week or whether they would earn enough to get by. Further, Starbucks denied workers the opportunity to pick up additional shifts, keeping them involuntarily in part-time work while continuing to hire new workers.

Under today’s agreement, most employees who worked for Starbucks in an hourly position in New York City will receive $50 for each week worked from July 4, 2021 through July 7, 2024. For example, an employee who worked for Starbucks continuously for a year and a half (78 weeks) will receive $3,900. Employees will receive a check in the mail this winter. Any employee who experienced a violation after July 7, 2024 may be eligible for compensation under the settlement by filing a complaint with DCWP.

The settlement also carves out claims related to layoffs following Starbucks’ recent closures of New York City stores. Under the law, laid-off employees have a right to reinstatement at other open locations. DCWP is monitoring Starbucks’ compliance with this obligation and assisting workers who want reinstatement. Workers who want to file a complaint to claim restitution or experience violations of their right to reinstatement should contact DCWP online or call 311.

Under the Fair Workweek Law, fast food employers in New York City must give workers regular schedules, work schedules 14 days in advance that are consistent with the regular schedule, premium pay for schedule changes, the opportunity to decline to work additional time, and the opportunity to work newly available shifts before hiring new workers. Fast food employers also cannot schedule a “clopening” shift (a closing shift one night, followed by an opening shift the very next morning) unless the worker consents in writing and receives a $100 premium to work the shift. Additionally, these fast food employers cannot fire or reduce the hours of a worker by more than 15 percent without just cause and must reinstate laid-off workers at their other locations.

The Workers’ Bill of Rights — a multilingual and comprehensive guide to rights in the workplace in New York City — summarizes the laws that protect workers, including employees, freelancers, workers classified as independent contractors, and job applicants in New York City, regardless of immigration status. The Workers’ Bill of Rights includes information on rights enforced by DCWP, like Paid Safe and Sick Leave, the Fair Workweek Law, the Temporary Schedule Change Law, and the city’s Delivery Worker Laws, as well as rights enforced by other state and federal agencies, like minimum wage and the right to organize. It also includes information about who to contact for more information or with questions, as well as how to file a complaint. Workers and employers can visit DCWP’s workers’ rights site or call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside New York City) for more information about the laws that DCWP enforces or to file a complaint. Complaints can be filed anonymously. It is illegal to retaliate against workers for filing complaints.

“This historic settlement marks a major victory for thousands of Starbucks baristas across New York City. For too long, Starbucks has acted with impunity: manipulating schedules, disrespecting workers, and ignoring legal protections put into place by New Yorkers to protect working people from unfair business practices,” said Lynne Fox, international president, Workers United. “The settlement money awarded to Starbucks baristas will help them make ends meet this winter. Thousands of Starbucks baristas in New York City and across the country remain on an Unfair Labor Practices strike and are demanding a fair union contract that memorializes job protections, better staffing, and higher pay. We are grateful to DCWP for holding Starbucks accountable for the baristas who keep their stores running.”

“Starbucks workers deserved predictable hours and a fair shot at full-time work, and this settlement delivers real accountability,” said Brendan Griffith, president, New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “We applaud DCWP for enforcing the Fair Workweek Law and making sure thousands of working people get money they were denied. At a moment when Starbucks workers across the country, including here in New York City, are on a unfair labor practice strike for living wages, fair schedules, and respect on the job, this action sends a clear signal that workers’ rights matter and must be upheld.”

“Far too often companies that abuse their workers, for reasons of pure corporate greed, do so without any repercussions,” said Theodore A. Moore, executive director, The Alliance for a Greater New York. “Thankfully, this is not one of those occasions. We applaud the work of Commissioner Mayuga and the amazing team at DCWP for their extraordinary enforcement of our city’s Fair Workweek Law. We hope this settlement will embolden workers to speak up and fight, while letting corporations know that their evil deeds will not go unpunished!”

“Baristas are what keep Starbucks running. From Astoria to South Slope, we are the ones who create the warm, welcoming environment Starbucks advertises. When this company cuts our hours, understaffs our stores, and busts our union, it makes it harder for us to do our job and create that great experience for customers,” said Kai Fritz, barista, Starbucks. “This settlement is a step in the right direction. It shows the power baristas have when we stand together and demand change. We are continuing to fight back against Starbucks’ greed and will not stop until we have a fair contract that ensures the support and protections we need to thrive.”

Mayor Eric Adams is joined by New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, New York Yankees All-Star CC Sabathia, and members of the Harlem community to celebrate the $9 million transformation of a dilapidated dirt field at Brigadier General Charles Young Playground in Harlem. Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams was today joined by New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, New York Yankees All-Star CC Sabathia, and members of the Harlem community to celebrate the $9 million transformation of a dilapidated dirt field at Brigadier General Charles Young Playground in Harlem into a state-of-the-art 150,000 square foot multi-sport synthetic turf field, also known as the “Harlem Field of Dreams.” The plan for the now completed project was first announced in Mayor Adams’ 2025 State of the City address earlier this year.

This revitalization project is a key component of a collaborative policing strategy led by the Adams administration, city agencies, and local community-based organizations aimed at transforming the relationship between communities and law enforcement. It builds on the administration’s upstream approach to public safety in New York City, which invests in free programming to keep young people safe and engaged when not in school. By focusing on youth development and violence prevention initiatives, the Adams administration continues to invest in a safer and more connected future for everyone — already contributing to a significant reduction in major crimes across the five boroughs, especially in shootings and homicides.

“If you build it, they will come, and today, we are announcing the completion of the ‘Harlem Field of Dreams’ as we make children’s dreams come true,” said Mayor Adams. “This $11 million project not only fulfills another one of our State of the City commitments by transforming a once-dilapidated field into a vibrant and enriching space where more than 800 young people can play baseball, football, soccer, and lacrosse, but also upholds our promise to making the smart, upstream investments that prevent crime in the first place. Today, we are giving hundreds of families both a safe place to send their children and an outside space for them to grow in as we continue to make New York City the best place to raise a family.”

“Today, we are proud to officially open the newly renovated athletic field at Brigadier General Charles Young Playground. The ‘Harlem Field of Dreams’ is now a reality — a space where Harlem’s young people and families can come together, play, and thrive,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “With a new synthetic turf field that supports multiple sports and expanded community programming, we are not only providing state-of-the-art facilities, but also creating lasting opportunities for health, connection, and growth. By honoring the legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young, this field will continue to inspire future generations for years to come.”

“Giving back has always been at the heart of everything I do,” said CC Sabathia, founder, PitCCh In Foundation. Through the PitCCh In Foundation, we’re proud to support spaces that empower young people to dream, grow, and thrive. This field represents opportunity, resilience, and community—values that shaped me growing up and continue to inspire me today. New York has become my second home, and I’m honored to help build brighter futures right here.”

The newly renovated athletic field at Brigadier General Charles Young Playground now accommodates five sports — baseball, softball, soccer, football, and lacrosse. The upgrades to the park include improved drainage and water detention, a new synthetic turf surface, drinking fountains, fencing, backstops, benches, dugouts, and a sports mister.

The $11 million project was funded through approximately $7.5 million in law enforcement asset forfeiture funds from the New York /New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, in partnership with the New York City Police Department and the New York City Police Foundation, along with contributions from former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players’ Association Youth Development Fund, the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program , the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, and the New York City Council.

The renovation builds on earlier improvements made by the Adams administration in 2023, including new asphalt and fencing for the main basketball court, repairs and new coatings for three basketball courts, and the conversion of one court into a soccer pitch. The field house bathrooms are also set to be upgraded with $2.5 million in funding provided by the Mayor’s Office, the City Council, and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office.

In addition to the capital improvements, free youth sports programming will be offered on the new field through the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development’s Saturday Night Lights program. This initiative gives young people safe spaces to play, while building trust between law enforcement and communities — helping youth develop skills and relationships that will support their future success.

The project reflects the Adams administration’s holistic approach to public safety, which begins with investing in programs and opportunities that keep young people safe and engaged. Last year, Mayor Adams announced the city’s first indoor baseball center in Washington Heights to provide year-round training, launched a new Saturday Night Lights website to better connect families with free sports programming, and pledged $163 million over five years to expand some of the city’s most successful youth programs in his State of the City address earlier this year. Mayor Adams also committed to opening more schoolyards in underserved neighborhoods for after-school, weekend, and summer use — ensuring that thousands more New Yorkers are within a 10-minute walk of safe, supportive spaces to play.

About Brigadier General Charles Young:

General Charles Young was born into slavery on a Kentucky plantation in 1864. A year later, his family escaped and settled in the abolitionist town of Ripley, Ohio. Young went on to become the third Black graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and served over 30 years in the U.S. Army. His career included historic appointments as the first Black national park superintendent, the first Black military attaché, and the first African American to reach the rank of colonel, making him the highest-ranking Black officer in the Army until his death in 1922.

In 1917, the U.S. Department of War forcibly “medically retired” Young, halting his promotion to general in response to resistance from white officers. To demonstrate his fitness for duty, the 53-year-old Young undertook a 497-mile horseback ride from his home in Ohio to Washington, D.C., though his appeal was unsuccessful. In 2022 — 100 years after his death — Charles Young was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General by the U.S. Department of Justice, recognizing his exemplary service and contributions to breaking racial barriers.

The Brigadier General Charles Young Playground in North Central Harlem is located just north of the 369th Regiment Armory, home to the “Harlem Hellfighters,” an African American regiment that saw more combat than any other unit during World War I and was one of the most decorated in the Army. The playground and landmarked armory together celebrate African American military heritage.

“Local Initiative Support Corporation’s partnership with the NFL Foundation and the New York Jets is devoted to increasing the quality, safety and accessibility of fields and play spaces. The Brigadier General Charles Young Park is essential to the health and sustainability of youth and families in the Harlem community,” said Beverly Smith, vice president, sports and youth development, Local Initiative Support Corporation. “For more than 25 years, our partnership with the NFL Foundation has resulted in over 450 new and improved recreation facilities across the country that are serving generations of neighborhood youth and communities.”

“Brigadier General Charles Young Field holds extra significance as it is the 125th Youth Development Park opened by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation across the country,” said Cal Ripken, Jr., vice chairman, Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. “I cannot believe how much of an impact the foundation named for our father has made. This is only accomplished through relationships with other organizations that share a passion for helping kids. Thank you to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Parks Capital team for making sure that this field was not only built but will continue to be a resource for New Yorkers in the years ahead.”

“When we invest in our young people, we invest in a safer future for all New Yorkers,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “I am proud to celebrate the culmination of this years-long effort to make Brigadier General Charles Young Field a place where young New Yorkers can play sports, make friends, and be mentored by caring adults in a safe and beautiful space. My office was proud to contribute to this renovation and to work alongside the many public servants and Harlem leaders that made today a reality.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch brief New Yorkers on Thanksgiving Day Parade safety. West 81st Street & Columbus Avenue, New York, NY. Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES $68 MILLION PLAN TO TACKLE FLASH FLOODING IN PROSPECT PARK AND NEARBY NEIGHBORHOODS,
PROTECT NYC AGAINST EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS

Investment Launches Brooklyn’s First-Ever Bluebelt to Reduce Stormwater Flooding and Protect Surrounding Ditmas Park, Kensington, Prospect Park South, and Windsor Terrace Communities Against Extreme Weather Due to Climate Change

Builds on Adams Administration’s Environmental Resiliency Work, Including
$146 Million Plan for Flooding Prevention at Jewel Streets in East New York

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and the Prospect Park Alliance (PPA) today announced the city’s plan to protect Brooklyn from flash flooding caused by climate change. The Adams administration has allocated $68 million to build Brooklyn’s first Bluebelt in Prospect Park and continue to restore the park’s lakeshore. The Bluebelt will use nature-based solutions — enhancing the park’s lake and wetlands — to manage intense rainfall. With up to $50 million allocated from DEP for the Bluebelt, this investment complements PPA’s ongoing $20 million lakeshore restoration plan. These actions will help protect Prospect Park, the Prospect Park Zoo, and surrounding neighborhoods against extreme weather events.

“Today’s announcement marks a major step forward in protecting Brooklyn from the growing threat of climate-driven flash flooding,” said Mayor Adams. “By investing up to $68 million to create Brooklyn’s first-ever Bluebelt at the iconic Prospect Park, we’re harnessing the power of nature-based solutions to strengthen the park’s lake and wetlands, and better manage intense rainfall. Working hand-in-hand with the Prospect Park Alliance, this project will safeguard Prospect Park, the Prospect Park Zoo, and the surrounding communities for generations to come. We are proud to make this investment in resilience, sustainability, and the future of Brooklyn.”

“By using Prospect Park to manage stormwater, we’re turning one of Brooklyn’s most cherished public spaces into a powerful tool for climate resilience,” said DEP Commissioner Aggarwala. “This project brings Brooklyn its first Bluebelt and demonstrates how restoring and enhancing the park’s natural drainage not only preserves its scenic waterways but also protects the surrounding neighborhood. Thanks to the partnership with NYC Parks and the Prospect Park Alliance, we are able to implement creative solutions that will benefit both the park and the community.”

“Our public parks are more than just beautiful places to take in the scenery — they are also natural infrastructure making our city more resilient. With this investment, we’re helping protect Prospect Park and the surrounding neighborhoods from flooding, which is critical as climate change leads to more extreme weather events,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “We look forward to working with our partners to bring an inventive Bluebelt system to Prospect Park, complementing the ongoing Lakeshore improvement project, and making ‘Brooklyn’s Backyard’ an integral part of New York City’s sustainable future.”

“Prospect Park plays an essential role in the health and well-being of our community, and through this Bluebelt initiative, it will play an even more important role in protecting our community from severe storms and flooding,” said Morgan Monaco, president, PPA. “This project demonstrates the importance of our city parks and green spaces as a first line of defense against climate change and supports the work we are accomplishing through our Lakeshore restoration, which will greatly enhance Brooklyn’s only lake for the benefit of all our visitors.”

The Adams administration’s investment comes after a year-long study by DEP of flooding in the surrounding Brooklyn communities and how stormwater moves through Prospect Park during heavy rain. Together with NYC Parks and the PPA, the nonprofit that operates the park in partnership with the city, DEP studied the park’s landscape and water systems to find ways to improve drainage. The study found that during intense storms, rainwater often rushes over the ground instead of flowing into the park’s 60-acre lake, leading to flash flooding. The 150-year-old lake also has limited capacity, which can cause it to overflow and strain the sewer system.

To address this, DEP is working with NYC Parks and PPA to enhance many original landscape design features, along with adding new ones to adapt for climate change. The improvements will include:

• Lowering Lake Levels Faster: Upgrading the lake’s drainage infrastructure to lower water levels in less than 36 hours, instead of three weeks — giving the park more capacity to handle large storms.
• Using Rain Gardens and a New Pond to Capture West Drive Floodwaters: A new pond and a continuous stretch of planted rain gardens along West Drive will slow and filter rainwater and ultimately drain to the lake after a storm, instead of flooding homes and streets to the south.
• Reducing Flooding on Flatbush Avenue and Helping Protect the Zoo with a Restored Pond: A new pond north of the zoo, in the location of a historic pond that was later filled in, will collect rainwater off of Flatbush Avenue and help protect the zoo from future flash flooding events like the one that forced it to close after the record-breaking storm in September 2023.

Map of Prospect Park Bluebelt interventions. Credit: DEP

DEP first pioneered the Bluebelt system in Staten Island, where it has proven successful at reducing flooding while also creating open green space communities and wildlife habitat. NYC Parks collaborates with DEP on Bluebelt designs in parks to integrate nature-based flood management that improves long-term resiliency and provides ecological, educational, and recreational benefits. Now, Brooklyn will benefit from the same approach. DEP has kicked off the design process with construction anticipated to start in 2029 and be completed in 2032.

Conceptual rendering of restored pond that will drain Flatbush Avenue
and help protect the zoo from flash flooding. Credit: DEP

Lakeshore Restoration Plan

The project complements Lakeshore — the current restoration of the shoreline of the lake — which the PPA is undertaking through $20 million in funding, including $18 million from Mayor Adams and $2 million from the New York City Council. This project will reconstruct the shoreline of Brooklyn’s only lake to improve its environmental resiliency and enhance the visitor experience. The reconstructed shoreline will closely follow the historic design by park creators Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and includes new lighting, seating, and viewing areas, as well as green infrastructure for stormwater management, newly landscaped areas to enhance wildlife habitat, and improved ADA access to this important park destination. The project is an extension of the award-winning Lakeside restoration from 2010, which includes the Shelby White and Leon Levy Esplanade with walkways and picnic areas featuring newly placed boulders, native trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants. Additionally, five acres of the lake were excavated to recreate Baier Music Island, which serves as a wildlife habitat.

Lakeshore waterfront restoration master plan and rendering. Credit: Prospect Park Alliance 

About the Bluebelt System

Originally implemented by DEP on Staten Island, the Bluebelt program preserves natural drainage corridors, including streams, ponds, and wetlands, and revitalizes and enhances them to optimize their functions of conveying, storing, and filtering stormwater. Bluebelts have proven to be an excellent mechanism for reducing urban flooding, while creating a rich, natural environment for the local community. As New York City prepares for rising sea levels and heavier rains due to climate change, Bluebelts offer a natural and effective solution for stable and sound stormwater management. As detailed in PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done, DEP is working to expand the Bluebelt system where feasible across the five boroughs. The agency currently manages 545 acres of Bluebelts and natural areas in the Bronx, Queens, and on Staten Island.

This announcement follows the Adams administration’s previous investment in combatting flooding in the Jewel Streets neighborhood in East New York, Brooklyn. The $146-million investment is addressing chronic flooding in the neighborhood and installing drainage infrastructure, such as storm sewers and catch basins, at four intersections in the north and south Jewel Streets. These investments have dramatically improved conditions, as the amount of time it takes water to drain at those intersections has plummeted from 60 days to just two days.

Banner Image:  New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch brief New Yorkers on Thanksgiving Day Parade safety. West 81st Street & Columbus Avenue, New York, NY. Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Image Credit – Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office