When I lived in the Bronx NY, it was the first and only time I observed a black as pitch squirrel. It was a sight to behold. However squirrels in general can do extensive damage if they get into the attic. They just love gnawing on electrical wiring and can cause electrical fires.
About 35 years ago, I was visiting Toronto and saw my first black squirrels. They were very numerous there. I see that some carrying the melanistic gene must have made their way to NY. I used to see them in my Queens neighborhood, with normal grey squirrels in the same litter.
We are in Michigan: Monroe County/Lenawee County. The black squirrels stay, for the most part, in Lenawee County. (Close to the Raisin River) Brown/Red are in Monroe County. The black squirrels are nasty and will take over territory of the other ones by chewing off privates.