Thursday, July 7, 2016

COMPTROLLER STRINGER AUDIT FINDS CITY GAVE OUT $59.2 MILLION IN SENIOR CITIZEN TAX BREAKS TO DECEASED NEW YORKERS AND CORPORATIONS



Comptroller Stringer has identified nearly $75 million in lost tax revenue as a result of six audits of DOF since 2014.


  

Audit Report on the New York City Department of Finance’s Administration of the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption Program

SR16-087A
July 7, 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This audit of the New York City Department of Finance (DOF) concerns its administration of tax benefits granted to property owners under the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption program (SCHE), which provides a partial property tax exemption for senior citizens who own one, two, or three family homes, condominiums, or cooperative apartments in New York City.  The Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption appears as a reduction of the assessed value of the property, which is used to determine the property tax.  The assessment value of the property can be reduced by a maximum of 50 percent depending on the owners’ income.
New York State Real Property Tax Law (RPTL), Section 467 (Section 467), established a partial property tax exemption for senior citizens who own one, two, or three family homes, condominiums, or cooperative apartments.1  Section 467 states that any homeowner who has been granted an exemption must file a completed application every twenty-four months from the date such exemption was granted.  In 1974, the New York State Board of Equalization and Assessment (SBEA) issued an opinion stating that property owned in the name of a corporation may not be granted the SCHE.2  In 1998, the New York State Board of Real Property Services (SBRPS) issued an opinion stating that a property with four or more units would require the SCHE to be prorated to the unit being utilized as the owner’s primary residence; however an entire structure would qualify for the exemption if the property contains three or fewer units.3
Homeowners who receive a SCHE also automatically qualify for and receive an Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR) exemption based on their income and homeownership status.4  If SCHE was found to be inappropriately applied in prior years, New York State’s Exemption Administration Manual Pertaining to the Partial Tax Exemption on Real Property of Senior Citizens states that a “municipality may rescind the exemption in a subsequent year.”
Audit Findings and Conclusion
DOF improperly credited the SCHE to 3,890 properties that were not eligible resulting in a loss to the City of at least $48,529,687. DOF failed to remove the SCHE from at least 3,246 properties after the homeowners had died.  This resulted in a loss of property tax revenue of at least $35,976,029 from Fiscal Years 2012 through 2017.  In addition, DOF failed to correctly prorate the exemption amounts granted to 573 properties that contain four or more units.  These properties received 3,219 excessive exemption amounts to which they were not entitled, which resulted in a loss of property tax revenue of at least $11,176,036 from Fiscal Years 2011 through 2016.  DOF also allowed corporate owners of at least 71 properties to receive 307 exemptions for which they were not eligible.  This resulted in a loss of property tax revenue of at least $1,377,622 from Fiscal Years 2011 through 2016.  Additionally, DOF improperly credited properties of deceased homeowners and corporate owned properties with Enhanced STAR exemptions totaling $10,647,896.  Thus, this audit identified $59.2 million in lost tax revenue to the City.
Finally, DOF failed to enforce the requirement that homeowners reapply for SCHE every two years as required by Section 467.   The lack of a reapplication process may have allowed properties to continue getting the SCHE and the Enhanced STAR exemptions for many years after they were no longer eligible.
Audit Recommendations
The audit made 12 recommendations, including that DOF should:
  • Verify whether all the homeowners that applied for the SCHE are deceased and remove the SCHE and Enhanced STAR exemption from those properties retroactively from the date of death.
  • Ensure that it implements controls to remove the exemptions from properties whose owners are deceased, retroactively to the date of death.
  • Recover the $35,976,029 in erroneous SCHE exemptions that were applied to properties after the qualifying homeowner(s) were deceased if DOF determines that the subsequent owner was not eligible for SCHE.
  • Recover the $10,460,540 in erroneous Enhanced STAR exemptions that were applied to properties after the qualifying homeowner(s) were deceased if DOF determines that the subsequent owner was not eligible for the Enhanced STAR.
  • Recover the $11,176,036 in excessive exemptions that were granted to properties containing four or more units.
  • Recover the $1,564,978 in erroneous exemptions ($1,377,622 in SCHE and $187,356 in Enhanced STAR) that were granted to the properties owned by either a corporation or LLC.
Agency Response
DOF generally agreed with the audit’s recommendations and stated that it would address the issues identified.  Further, the agency stated that it “appreciates the Comptroller’s audit findings regarding the administration of the Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE) Program.”  However, with regard to the recommendations that DOF recoup prior erroneous exemptions, DOF officials stated that “[w]hile DOF agrees that benefits to business entities should be recouped, the agency is still reviewing the issue with regard to individuals. Our main concern is unfair treatment to ‘innocent purchasers’ who might have been unaware of a benefit on their property — for example, after an ownership change.  Many home owners pay their taxes through mortgage service companies and may not be fully aware of the specifics as to how their taxes are computed.”
__________________________________________________
1 NYS RPTL § 467(6)(c)
2 NYS SBEA Volume 3 – Opinions of Counsel SBEA No. 54
3 NYS Volume 10 – Opinions of Counsel SBRPS No. 64
4 A prior audit by our office reviewed instances where corporations and LLCs improperly received STAR exemptions, although they were not entitled to receive such an exemption.  Audit Report on the Department of Finance’s Administration of the School Tax Relief Program, Audit Number FM15-070A, issued June 17, 2015.

Reception in Support of Mark Gjonaj - Monday - July 11, 2016



You Are Cordially Invited to 
A Reception in Support of 
Mark Gjonaj's Re-Election Campaign
for New York State Assembly
80th Assembly District
Monday - July 11, 2016
6:00 pm- 9:00p m
  
F&J Pine Restaurant 
1913 Bronxdale Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462

Please click HERE to download contribution form


For those who cannot attend, contributions can be mailed to:
Friends of Mark Gjonaj
2018 Williamsbridge Road
Bronx, NY 10461

For more information, please contact 347-671-4355 

~ Thank you for your continued support! ~

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Bronx LGBTQ - 2016 Bronx LGBTQ Pride & Health Fair - Saturday, July 16th



  The Bronx LGBTQ Center and Montefiore Hospital are pleased to announce the 2016 Bronx LGBTQ Pride & Health Fair, which returns this year on Saturday, July 16th from Noon to 6PM at the amphitheatre in Crotona Park, which is located just south of Indian Lake in the park.

Entertainment:
Hosting this year's pride event will be The Bronx Diva herself, Ms. Appolonia Cruz,Lady Clover, and Vivika Westwood Mugler

Headline Performer: Kevin Aviance

Spinning: DJ TK
Performances by:
 


Hazee Reyes aka Tiffany Alofukit
Alexa DU Mont
Rob Vassilarakis Poet
Lucy Rodriguez Rios LIVE Performance
Brianna Lez-brianna
Constance Bústi-ae
Samore Love Princess Seqouia
Fern Gilford LIVE Performance
Damion Anthony LIVE Performance
Daniella Mendez Trans Activist
Eve Black
R Walton aka #BeX LIVE Performance
MsBamboo LIVE Performance
Chanel International
Lola L. Mendez
Ova Floh LIVE Performance
Randy Amadis Cruz LIVE Performance
BeBe Sweetbriar LIVE Performance
Tiffany Lazarre Diamondz LIVE Performance
Frankie Allday LIVE Performance


Speakers:
In addition to the performers who will entertain us, and we will have a number of guest speakers who will address the crowd for just a few minutes on topics as diverse as HIV, Suicide Prevention, LGBTQ History, Pride, and more.

Elected Officials:
Local elected officials will return this year in a strong show of support.

Exhibitors:
Several health care organizations and medical providers will be on-site offering free health screenings and limited medical services.


We look forward to celebrating pride with you on July 16th at Crotona Park in The Bronx!


NYS ESD Outreach Reminder: LaGuardia Central Terminal B Redevelopment Project Informational Event



REGISTER TO ATTEND:
Learn about the Upcoming Subcontracting Opportunities Available with the
LaGuardia Central Terminal B Redevelopment Project.

July 20, 2016
9:30AM- 12:30PM
Bronx Museum of the Arts
1040 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10456

REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT. VISIT


For more information.


Mtg notice agenda - Full Community Board 6 - July 14, 2016



THE CITY OF NEW YORK BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD 6

1932 Arthur Avenue, Room Telephone: (718) 579-6990

Fax: (718) 579-6875 Email: brxcb6@optonline.net

MS. WENDY RODRIGUEZ                                       MS. IVINE GALARZA
Board Chairperson                                                       District Manager

TO: All interested parties.

FROM: Wendy Rodriguez, Board Chairperson

DATE: July 6, 2016

RE: Upcoming community board meeting.

________________________________________________

Please be advised that the next meeting of Bronx Community Board #6 will be held as follows:

DATE: Thursday, July 14, 2016

LOCATION: Bronx Community Board #6 district office

1932 Arthur Avenue – Room 403-A (Corner of East Tremont Avenue)

Bronx, New York

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

Please also take note that the sole item on the meeting’s agenda will be

the selection and hiring of the community board’s new District Manager.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Andrew Caspersen Pleads Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court To Defrauding Investors Of Over $38 Million And Misappropriating Over $8 Million From His Former Employer



  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ANDREW CASPERSEN pled guilty to defrauding investors of over $38 million and misappropriating over $8 million from his former employer.  CASPERSEN pled guilty to one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff. 
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated:  “Andrew Caspersen’s guilty plea today closes a sad chapter in a tale of deception and betrayal.  Parlaying his privileged background, Caspersen concocted a wild fraud scheme that involved made-up private equity ventures, fake email addresses, and fictional financiers.  Through a litany of lies, Caspersen took millions from unwitting investors, including some of his own family and friends.”
According to allegations contained in the Information filed against CASPERSEN and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:
The Scheme to Defraud Investors
Beginning in November 2014 and continuing until his arrest in March 2016, CASPERSEN engaged in a Ponzi-like scheme to defraud investors, including his close friends, family members, and college classmates, by falsely claiming that their funds would be used to make secured loans to private equity firms and would thereby earn an annual rate of return of 15 to 20 percent.  In total, CASPERSEN attempted to defraud more than a dozen investors of nearly $150 million.  As a result of the false and fraudulent representations made by CASPERSEN, investors wired a total of approximately $38.5 million to shell company bank accounts controlled by CASPERSEN.  In truth and in fact, CASPERSEN never used investor funds to make the secured loans that had been promised.  Instead, CASPESEN used investor funds for purposes that investors had not authorized, including to make securities trades in his own brokerage account and to make periodic interest payments to earlier investors.
In order to carry out his scheme to defraud investors, CASPERSEN incorporated entities with names closely resembling those of legitimate private equity funds (the “Legitimate Funds”).  However, the entities incorporated by CASPERSEN (the “Fake Funds”) were merely shell companies created by CASPERSEN solely for the purpose of perpetrating his fraud scheme, and were in no way affiliated with or authorized by the Legitimate Funds.  CASPERSEN opened and controlled bank accounts for each of the Fake Funds (the “Fake Fund Accounts”).
In soliciting investments in the Fake Funds, CASPERSEN made the following false representations to investors, among others: in recognition for his prior work with Park Hill Group, CASPERSEN had been offered a “friends and family” investment allocation in a security that was allegedly offered by a private equity firm; CASPERSEN was personally investing in the security, and offering it to his family and a limited number of friends; the investment was a credit facility secured by a portfolio of assets owned by one of the Legitimate Funds; the investor would receive quarterly interest payments, ranging from 15 to 20 percent; the investment was practically risk-free, as the loaned funds would remain in a bank account; the investor could withdraw the principal at any time with 90 days’ notice; and investor funds should be wired to one of the Fake Fund Accounts.  The purported involvement of the Legitimate Funds was an attractive selling point for investors.   
As the scheme evolved, CASPERSEN also made additional misrepresentations in soliciting investors in connection with a purported investment opportunity in one of the Fake Funds CASPERSEN had created (“Fake Firm-5 Fund”) to resemble one of the Legitimate Funds (“Firm-5 Fund”).  CASPERSEN had been employed at a multinational firm as an investment principal from 2003 through 2012 (“Firm-1”).  According to CASPERSEN’s false statements to investors, Firm-1 wanted to purchase secondary ownership interests in Firm-5 Fund.  Due to uncertainty that Firm-1 could buy out all the original investors, Park Hill Group offered to make a loan to Firm-1, and Firm-1 agreed to take a loan from Park Hill Group.  CASPERSEN and Park Hill Group were working on behalf of Firm-1 to solicit investors for the loan, but, at some point after Firm-1 agreed to take the loan, it transpired that Firm-1 did not need the loan in order to purchase the secondary private equity interests.  However, because Firm-1 had already agreed to the loan, Firm-1 was obligated to pay interest on the loan.  CASPERSEN told potential investors that the loan was risk-free, as it was collateralized by the assets of Firm-1.  As with the earlier solicitations in the Fake Funds, investors were similarly misled by the purported involvement of the legitimate Firm-5 Fund in this investment.
To carry out the scheme, CASPERSEN registered a domain name and created a fake email address to make it appear that a “John Nelson” from Firm-1 was communicating with investors. CASPERSEN obtained recent quarterly and annual reports for the Legitimate Funds, and sent such reports to prospective investors to induce them into believing that their investments would be secured by the assets of the Legitimate Funds, when in fact they were not.  CASPERSEN also drafted promissory notes between investors and the Fake Funds, in which CASPERSEN made one or more of the following misrepresentations, among others: the Fake Fund would pay the investor his or her principal “in immediately available funds” together with interest on the unpaid principal; the interest on the outstanding unpaid balance would accrue at an annual rate of 15 to 20 percent; interest would be paid quarterly; upon 90 days’ notice to the Fake Fund, the investor may redeem his or her principal; and the Fake Fund “shall maintain cash or cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than” the total of the outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest.
In connection with the scheme, CASPERSEN received approximately 18 payments, in a total amount of approximately $38.5 million, from more than 10 individuals and entities for investments in the Fake Funds.  Notwithstanding CASPERSEN’s statements to the contrary, CASPERSEN never used any investor funds to make any loan to any entity, or otherwise invest in any fund or investment vehicle associated with any private equity fund.  Rather, CASPERSEN operated a Ponzi-like scheme in which he misappropriated investor funds from the Fake Fund Accounts and converted them to his own use and use by others, including by using investor funds to meet CASPERSEN’s periodic interest payment commitments to earlier investors. CASPERSEN transferred the funds he received from investors into his personal brokerage accounts, and used the funds to execute securities trades for his own benefit.  Specifically, CASPERSEN traded heavily in options, including options based on the Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipts S&P 500, an exchange-traded fund based on the S&P 500 with ticker symbol “SPY,” and options based on PowerShares QQQ, an exchange-traded fund based on the Nasdaq 100 Index.  For example, CASPERSEN’s trades of SPY options with November 2015 expiration dates caused approximately $14.5 million in losses.  By mid-February 2016, as a result of CASPERSEN’s trading activity, his brokerage account contained approximately $112.8 million in cash, an amount which would have been more than sufficient for CASPSERSEN to repay all of his investors.  Rather than repay his investors, however, CASPERSEN continued trading in options based on the performance of the S&P 500 Index.  From February 11, 2016, through March 9, 2016, CASPERSEN lost approximately $108.2 million in options trading.
The Scheme to Divert Funds from the Park Hill Group
From January 2013 through March 2016, CASPERSEN was employed in the secondary advisory group at Park Hill Group.  In July 2015, CASPERSEN opened a bank account under the name “PHG Operating LLC,” which was controlled by CASPERSEN for his own benefit and was unknown to Park Hill Group (the “Fake PHG Account”).
In September 2015, following instructions provided by CASPERSEN, Firm-5 sent a wire transfer in the amount of $8,137,453, representing payment for legitimate work that Park Hill Group had done, to the Fake PHG Account, believing it to be a legitimate account used by Park Hill Group.  On or about the same day, CASPERSEN transferred $8 million from the Fake PHG Account to his brokerage account, in order to execute trades in securities for his own benefit, largely in SPY options.  In November 2015, CASPERSEN transferred approximately $8.1 million to an account belonging to Park Hill Group, thereby replacing the payment from Firm-5 that he had misappropriated.  The $8.1 million transfer was traceable to funds that CASPERSEN had obtained by defrauding investors as described above.  Also in the fall of 2015, CASPERSEN engaged in a similar fraud with respect to a $762,267 payment that he misappropriated from Park Hill Group, and later repaid using the proceeds of his securities fraud scheme.
CASPERSEN, 39, pled guilty to one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud.  Each count carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.  The maximum fine on these counts is $5 million, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
CASPERSEN’s sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2016.

IDC LEADER JEFF KLEIN - Hidden Dangers in Day Care



STATEMENT FROM
INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE LEADER JEFF KLEIN

Knowing children are safe while in day care will bring great relief to parents across this state. In November, I released an alarming investigation, "The Hidden Dangers in Day Care," exposing violation-ridden facilities. We've unfortunately seen cases where under providers' watches children were seriously injured and in nightmarish cases children have died. This is simply unacceptable. That's why I carried the torch in the Senate to increase transparency for our parents and crack down on bad actors. We unanimously passed this measure in the Senate. I also led the charge to place report cards on every day care in New York City, letting parents see vital information right at the door. This passed both houses and will soon be signed into law. I applaud Governor Cuomo for taking emergency action yesterday to ensure that children across this state are safe while in day care.

NYPD SEEKS INPUT ON PROPOSED BODY CAMERA POLICY





The NYPD wants input from the communities we serve on an important NYPD policy before it is finalized: our body camera policy.
 
The NYPD will be equipping 1,000 officers in 20 precincts throughout the city with body-worn cameras.  In partnership with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law, the NYPD is seeking input from the people who live, work or go to school in New York City into the policy that will govern the use of these cameras through an online questionnaire.
 
The questionnaire can be completed in minutes, is mobile-friendly, and can be submitted anonymously. It is designed to get community input on important policy issues, including the types of events that should be recorded and who should be allowed to see the body camera footage. The questionnaire may be found at www.nypdbodycameras.org. This website contains a summary of the proposed policy, the full draft of the proposed policy, and the confidential questionnaire. 
 
The site will remain open until July 31, 2016.  NYU will collect the responses and comments and provide them to the NYPD for the NYPD's consideration in drafting the final policy.
 
Please provide your input, and please forward this email to other members of your organization or community. The NYPD wants to hear what New Yorkers think.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER 
JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS

Bronx Democratic County Committee Dinner - 1 Week Away!


Click on the program to make it larger, and for more information.





News from the BLACK, LATINO, AND ASIAN CAUCUS



BLACK, LATINO, AND ASIAN CAUCUS APPLAUDS ADOPTION OF FY’17 BUDGET

  The Members of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus celebrate the successful adoption of the FY 2017 budget, which represents the Council’s commitment to equity and support for all New Yorkers.

  New York City’s stature in the global arena is in large part due to its wonderful level of diversity, with more than two-thirds of New Yorkers identifying as Black, Latino, or Asian/Pacific Islander. As the largest Caucus of the Council and the only Caucus dedicated to uplifting communities of color, the BLAC takes this responsibility very seriously, and is proud of the thousands of working hours invested by the Council to contribute to this mission. We especially thank Speaker Mark-Viverito and Finance Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, both proud BLAC Members, for their tireless work in championing fair and progressive funding choices for our great city.

   The Caucus’ top FY 17 priority was securing 60,000 slots for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and 6,000 slots for year-round youth employment, as well as a commitment from the Administration to implement universal youth employment by 2019. The BLAC is pleased with the funding of the 60,000 summer job slots and the creation of a youth jobs task force to address the growing need for the program’s expansion.

  The BLAC also amplified the voices of thousands of students and education advocates by prioritizing the funding of the CUNY Merit-Based Scholarship program. The Council allocated over $17.3M for the scholarship program, helping to alleviate the financial burdens of many undergraduate students across the city.

   “Unemployment and educational inequality are two issues that affect far too many New Yorkers,” said Council Member Robert Cornegy, Co-Chair of the BLAC. “This year’s budget has secured $54.5 million for 60,000 slots in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), with an additional $1.5 Million allocated for career training and job readiness. After much advocacy, we kept our promise to CUNY students by securing $16.5 million for CUNY merit based scholarships. Also, the Council has allocated $32 million in total for youth services with $1 million for community education programs that supplement and complement classroom teaching for NYC students.”

   Other successful Caucus priorities include the NYCHA Family Reentry Pilot Program, anti- violence community programs, language access and adult literacy solutions, foreclosure prevention assistance. More details on the BLAC’s advocacy in the FY 17 budget can be found in the accompanying report.

  “The BLAC was instrumental in advocating for and securing funding in the FY17 budget for programs that will have significant impact in communities of color throughout the City. The funding for 60,000 SYEP slots, including 6,000 year-round slots, will ensure that youth have access to summer-jobs that will enhance job skills and training for future employment opportunities. Another important program, NYCHA’s Family Reentry Pilot Program, will continue receiving funds in order to keep families intact in public housing. These are real wins for all New Yorkers, and we’re proud of the role the BLAC played,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres, Co-Chair of the BLAC.

BLACK, LATINO, AND ASIAN CAUCUS STANDS AGAINST POLICE VIOLENCE IN BATON ROUGE

   The Members of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus extend their deepest condolences to the family of Alton Sterling, who was tragically killed yesterday by police in Baton Rouge, LA.

   Our national landscape is peppered with the bodies of countless unarmed people of color who are being routinely killed by police simply for “looking suspicious” or for engaging in everyday behavior that would otherwise not warrant such extreme and lethal responses by police. As members of our respective communities, many of us easily forget that police violence and misconduct are not unique to specific localities. Rather, it is undeniably clear that the use of excessive force by police is a systemic issue across our nation, and we cannot allow this to continue happening anywhere, because injustice in one community threatens justice in all communities. We stand in solidarity with the people of Baton Rouge during this difficult time, and pledge to continue fighting against all forms of police violence whenever and wherever they occur.

BLACK, LATINO, AND ASIAN CAUCUS DENOUNCES VIOLENT ACTS BY RECKLESS OFFICER

   The Members of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus are outraged at the reckless violence that took place over Independence Day weekend when Delrawn Small was needlessly killed by an NYPD officer’s unnecessary use of deadly force. Mr. Small was involved in an interaction with the off-duty officer and Mr. Small was unarmed. Nevertheless, he was gunned down in front of his family, including his infant daughter.

   The Caucus has long advocated for the use of a special prosecutor in cases like this one. We are cognizant of the fact that Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will have jurisdiction in this case. However, we have grave concerns. We believe it is grossly inappropriate that the NYPD take any part in the official investigation, especially in the collection and retention of evidence. As an entity that has demonstrated that it prioritizes personnel over process, the NYPD has repeatedly hidden behind the “blue shield” to protect bad officers and allow them to continue harming communities of color. Officer Wayne Isaacs has already been the subject of claims of racially- charged violence—exactly two years ago today, Isaacs was alleged to have used racist slurs while beating a civilian, for which the NYPD paid a $20,000 settlement in the resulting lawsuit. We are deeply disturbed that the NYPD goes to such great lengths—at taxpayers’ expense—to keep dangerous officers on the streets.

   Each time we fail to hold police accountable for their misconduct, New Yorkers lose more faith in a system they see as irreparably broken. Without trust in law enforcement, our city becomes more polarized and less confident in the government’s ability to protect its most vulnerable residents.


Tuesday, July 5, 2016

For Whom The Bell May Toll



  Rumors are that the U.S. Attorney will be if not already has knocked on a few doors in Bronx County.
    Nothing is official yet, but going back to the New York Times article of last year, my subsequent discussions with certain elected officials for my column 100 PERCENT about the Times article, and the recent arrest of a prominent union leader may have given authorities the final piece to the puzzle which may have some unexpected results in the world of Bronx politics. 
    I hope that I am wrong, but the Bronx could be in for a big surprise within the next 24 - 48 hours. 


Bronx Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty To 13 Counts Of Preparing And Filing False And Fraudulent Tax Returns



  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced that CHRISTOPHER AHERN pled guilty today to a 13-count Information, charging him with preparing false and fraudulent income tax returns for his clients.  According to the Information, AHERN filed tax returns that fraudulently claimed more than $4.7 million in credits and expenses.  AHERN pled guilty today before United States District Judge Deborah A. Batts.   
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “By repeatedly filing fraudulent tax returns for his clients, Christopher Ahern committed federal crimes and deprived the government of close to $5 million in taxes.  We remain committed to charging and convicting those who commit and facilitate tax fraud.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen said: “Unscrupulous income tax return preparers hurt not only their clients, who are ultimately responsible for what is reported on their tax returns, but all law-abiding taxpayers, who have to shoulder an additional burden.  Accordingly, the investigation of unscrupulous preparers remains one of the top priorities for IRS-Criminal Investigation.  Today, Mr. Ahern is held accountable for his egregious practices.”
According to the allegations in the Information to which AHERN pled guilty, and statements made during his plea proceedings:
AHERN owned and operated a tax preparation business called Get My Refund Fast, located in the Bronx, New York.  From 2012 through 2013, AHERN’s business prepared, and submitted to the IRS, nearly 5,000 tax returns.  These tax returns were false and fraudulent in that they claimed education credits to which the clients were not entitled.  AHERN received more than $1.5 million in fees from his clients for preparing and filing the fraudulent returns.
AHERN, 40, of Little Neck, New York, pled guilty to 13 counts of making and presenting false, fictitious, and fraudulent claims to the United States, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
AHERN is scheduled to be sentenced on November 1, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., before Judge Batts. 

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center - July 2016 Events



Please publicize the following July 2016 cultural events at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center.located at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue Bronx.


On Thurs. July 7th, enjoy a delectable lunch followed by the lively rhythms of Michael Gaskin, pianist/singer, at 1:00 PM. He will perform patriotic songs as well as selections from the Great American songbook, ragtime, Latin and ethnic, show tunes and waltzes for listening, singing and dancing. Lunch menu: Breaded Sole Fish Fillet, or vegetable liver, cous cous, vegetable mix and fruit. Recommended Senior Meal Contribution: $2.00 and Senior Event Donation: $1.00 Refreshments will be served.Non-senior Meal Fee:$5.00 and Event Fee: $2.00 Contact JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center office at 718-549-4700 for advance meal reservations.

The center will open on Sun. July 17th. Lunch of sesame chicken, brown rice w/pigeon peas and beet salad will be served at 1:00 PM followed by entertainment at 2:00 PM. Recommended Senior Meal Contribution: $3.00 and Senior Event Donation: $2.00 Refreshments will be served. Non-senior Meal Fee: $5.00 and Event Fee: $3.00 Contact JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center office at 718-549-4700 for advance meal reservations and program information. 

On Thurs. July 21st, singer Phyllis Schapiro will present a program of Latin, Brazilian and Jazz music at 1:00 PMfollowing lunch at12:15 PM. Lee Feldman, pianist/song writer, will accompany her. Phyllis currently performs at several NY jazz venues including Cleopatra's Needle and BarThalia at Symphony Space. Lunch menu: Tilapia Francaise or veggie burger, Cuban rice, Kale and fruit.  Recommended Senior Meal Contribution: $2.00 and Senior Event Donation: $1.00 Refreshments will be served. Non-senior Meal Fee: $5.00 and Event Fee: $2.00 Contact JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center office at 718-549-4700 for advance meal reservations.

The Cynthia Sayer Trio will entertain at JASA Van Cortlandt's Volunteer Recognition event on Wed. July 27th.Award-winning instrumentalist, vocalist and bandleader, Cynthia Sayer single-handedly re-popularized the 4-string banjo in jazz. Sayer is
celebrated as one of the top 4-string jazz banjoists in the world today. A multi-instrumentalist, Sayer's banjo, piano, ukulele and tenor guitar, playing can be heard on feature film and TV soundtracks.

Lunch of Salmon, Quinoa, California vegetables and fruit will be served at 12:00 noon followed by the Volunteer Recognition ceremony at 12:45 PM. The Cynthia Sayer trio will perform at 1:30 PM.Recommended Senior Meal Contribution: $3.00 and Senior Event Donation: $2.00 Refreshments will be served. Non-senior Meal Fee: $5.00 and Event Fee: $3.00 Contact JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center office at 718-549-4700 for advance reservations.



News From Congressman Engel


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Engel Announces $412,111 to Help NYC Prepare for the Zika Virus

     Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, announced $412,111 in federal funding to help New York City thwart the spread of the Zika virus. The State of New York will receive an additional $474,016.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has allocated a total of $25 million to help states, cities and territories mount strong responses to the Zika virus. This funding can be used to purchase needed resources, such as screens and mosquito repellant, and to help local health officials identify cases of Zika and organize response activities.

“Now that mosquito season is upon us, it is critical that our City and State be ready to detect local Zika infections, launch prevention campaigns and link infected New Yorkers with the services they need,” Engel said. “While these awards will provide significant support to New York, more federal assistance will be necessary to launch a comprehensive response to the Zika virus.

“Federal agencies need these resources to conduct vital research, manage mosquito populations, and educate the public about this public health crisis. While House Republicans have been content to sit on President Obama’s emergency funding request and put forward inadequate funding packages laden with partisan riders, House Democrats have fought for a robust federal response that would address the threat of Zika head-on. I will continue fighting to get this kind of response through Congress.”


Engel to HUD: Extend “reverse mortgage” option to co-op owners

    Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, called on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro to issue regulations swiftly to allow co-op owners to take part in HUD’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program.

“While Congress extended the reverse mortgage option to co-op owners through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, HUD has not issued the regulations needed to execute this section of housing law,” Engel said.  “I spoke to Secretary Castro last week, and followed up with a letter, urging him to issue regulations so that co-op owners can also take advantage of this program.”

If you are 62 or older and own a private home or approved condominium, you may qualify for a “reverse mortgage” though the HECM program. This option permits homeowners to convert a percentage of the equity in their home into cash. That sum, along with interest and other necessary payments, does not need to be repaid until the home is sold or the owner passes away.

“Reverse mortgages are a valuable tool for older Americans,” Engel said. “Through the HECM program, homeowners can put the equity in their home towards medical care and other major living expenses. It just makes sense that those who own co-op units ought to be afforded this option. I hope that HUD will act quickly to carry out this section of the law, as Congress intended, and allow co-op owners to realize this significant benefit.”

The full text of Congressman Engel’s letter to Secretary Castro is below.

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July 1, 2016

Julián Castro
Secretary
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20410

Dear Secretary Castro,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on June 27th. I am writing to follow up on our conversation regarding reverse mortgages.

As you know, if you are 62 or older and own a private home or approved condominium, you may qualify for a “reverse mortgage” though the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. This program allows homeowners to convert a portion of the equity in their home into cash.

Congress has allowed those who own units in a residential cooperative housing corporation – or “co-op” – to participate in this valuable program through language in P.L. 106-569 and P.L. 110-289. Specifically, the HECM statute states:

 The term “mortgage” means a first mortgage or first lien on real estate, in fee simple, a first or subordinate mortgage or lien on all stock allocated to a dwelling unit in a residential co-operative housing corporation, or a first mortgage or first lien on a leasehold.

Despite Congressional action on this issue, and the considerable benefits that this program could bring to older co-op owners, HUD has not yet issued regulations to implement this portion of the statute. I am writing to request that HUD expedite this process and issue these needed regulations as soon as possible.

Again, thank you for taking the time to discuss this issue. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Eliot L. Engel
Member of Congress