Arms Dealer Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Export American Made Ammunition Used in War Against Ukraine

 

Defendant Exported Ammunition Through JFK Airport

Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Italian national Manfred Gruber was sentenced by United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez to 18 months in prison for conspiracy to commit export control violations.  Gruber pleaded guilty to the charge on March 30, 2026.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and David Peters, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), announced the charges.

“The defendant was held accountable for his scheme to send military‑grade ammunition to Kyrgyzstan before reexporting the ammunition to Russia to support its war effort,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Today’s sentencing reaffirms that people who illegally divert weapons will be brought to justice.”

“Manfred Gruber's guilty plea reflects our unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. export-control laws and protecting national security.  His actions undermined federal regulations designed to safeguard our defense materials, and this outcome demonstrates that violations of these laws will be addressed with the utmost seriousness,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

As set forth in court filings, the defendant was the Director of Sales for Italian Company-1, a large wholesale distributor of firearms and ammunition.  The defendant served as a key member of an international procurement network for Russia during its war against Ukraine, purchasing ammunition from the United States and reexporting it to Kyrgyzstan in violation of DOC licenses issued to Italian Company-1, which required that the ammunition stay in Italy.  The defendant did not apply for, obtain, or possess a license to export or reexport ammunition to Kyrgyzstan.

The defendant illegally exported ammunition worth over $540,000 from the United States to Kyrgyzstan, via companies that the defendant and his co-conspirator controlled in Italy.  After reaching Kyrgyzstan, most of this ammunition was subsequently reexported to Russia.   

In one example of the defendant’s illegal transactions, U.S. Company-1, headquartered in Nebraska, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company-1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy.  In violation of the license, the defendant, using a cutout company, Italian Company‑2, reexported U.S. Company-1 ammunition to Sergei Zharnovnikov, an arms dealer from Kyrgyzstan who has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate export controls by sending U.S.-made firearms and ammunition to Russia. A contract found on Zharnovnikov’s phone indicated that he had contracted with a Russian company for ammunition manufactured by U.S. Company-1. Zharnovnikov was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment earlier this year.  See United States v. Zharnovnikov, 25‑cr‑45 (HG). 

In addition, U.S. Company-2, headquartered in Tennessee, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company‑1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy.  The defendant exported the ammunition from U.S. Company-2 to Italy, and then reexported the U.S. Company-2 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan.

The defendant was aware that U.S. law prohibited the reexport of U.S. ammunition without further licenses, which he did not obtain.  To help the unlawful export scheme succeed, the defendant took steps to disguise the true destination of the ammunition.  For example, in encrypted messages on or about September 23, 2023, the defendant and a co-conspirator discussed splitting up a shipment of 100,000 bullets.  In the defendant’s words, this was necessary “so it goes unnoticed” by “FBI.”

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  

Mayor Mamdani and Office of Chief Medical Examiner Announce New Identification of World Trade Center Victim Using Breakthrough Forensic Technique

 

Adult woman is first 9/11 victim identified through forensic investigative genetic genealogy

 

Since 2001, OCME has worked to identify the remains of those who died at the World Trade Center using the most advanced forensic science techniques    

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) today announced the identification of a previously unknown victim of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center using the breakthrough technique of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), in collaboration with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

The adult woman, whose name is being withheld at the request of her family, is the first 9/11 victim identified using FIGG and the 1,654th victim identified overall through the ongoing analysis of remains recovered from the attacks, which killed 2,753 people in New York City. 

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11 attacks, we honor the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were stolen that day, and we remain committed to the families who have spent 25 years waiting for answers,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The identification of this victim through forensic investigative genetic genealogy is a powerful example of what is possible when we pair cutting-edge technology with an unwavering commitment to those we lost. We will continue to work until every possible answer is found and every family that has been waiting can have the clarity and closure they deserve.”

“A quarter century after the day that forever changed our world, we are keeping the promise to identify those who died at the World Trade Center in 2001 and return them to their loved ones,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Graham. “This sacred commitment is propelled by our dedication to apply the most innovative scientific techniques, and FIGG represents a promising new addition to our toolkit. Thanks to this collaboration with the NYPD Investigative Genetic Genealogy Squad, we are generating identification leads that otherwise might not have been possible.”  

Since 2001, OCME has worked to identify the remains of those who died at the World Trade Center using the most advanced forensic science techniques. This latest identification is the result of a new collaboration that combines OCME’s forensic capabilities with NYPD’s genealogical expertise. 

FIGG pairs specialized DNA technologies with genealogical investigative techniques to produce identification leads that are then confirmed by OCME through DNA or other forensic methodologies. 

In addition to the new 9/11 identification, OCME continues to link remains to previously identified victims so they can be returned to their families. Recent links have been confirmed for three individuals using FIGG, DNA reference samples obtained through renewed family outreach and ongoing retesting of remains recovered since 2001. 

The new identification is the latest identification of a World Trade Center victim since August 2025. Some 1,099 victims — 40% of those who died — remain unidentified. The Administration will continue this work in the coming months and years ahead, using every available scientific tool to identify victims and provide answers to the families who have been waiting for them.

Assemblymember John Zaccaro - FREE Family Fun Day & Back To School Giveaway is BACK

 

Friends,

Even though summer is winding down, it doesn't mean that the fun has to end!

Join me, and Team JZ, for a FREE Family Fun Day and Back-To-School Giveaway. There will be FREE games, fun for all ages, and FREE backpacks for your child*!

Here are the details:

WHEN: Saturday, August 29, 2026

WHERE: Bronx Park East - Near Ben Abrams Playground (Lydig Ave and Bronx Park East)

TIME: 11am - 2pm

Looking forward to spending an afternoon together as we close out another incredible Bronx summer.

In Gratitude, 

John Zaccaro, Jr

*Children must be between the ages of 4 and 12 and accompanied by an adult.

Mayor Mamdani Launches “Renew Crew” to Bring Faster Repairs and Better Parks to New Yorkers

 

A new team of two dozen painters, electricians, plumbers and other trade specialists will deliver fast, visible improvements at playgrounds, recreation centers and sports courts in three weeks or less

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today announced the launch of Renew Crew, a new team of 24 painters, electricians, plumbers and other trade specialists focused on making fast, visible improvements to playgrounds, recreation centers and sports courts across New York City.

Designed to address everyday repairs efficiently, Renew Crew will focus on the improvements park visitors notice most: from repainting chipped playground equipment and fences to repairing park amenities, replacing protective flooring on playgrounds, restoring site features like play equipment or fencing and addressing general wear and tear. By tackling these high-impact projects quickly, the team improves the visitor experience while extending the life of park infrastructure.

Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Shimamura marked the launch with a repair blitz at Dry Harbor Playground in Queens, where maintenance crews are repairing and repainting two basketball courts, play equipment, a shuffleboard court, bocce and horseshoe courts, the park house exterior, benches, bollards, a drinking fountain, fence posts and rails. Crews are also installing protective flooring on playgrounds, removing dead trees, mulching planting beds, pruning trees and enhancing horticulture around the 9/11 memorial.

Similar fixes are underway at a playground in every borough, including Fort Four Playground in the Bronx, American Playground in Brooklyn, Annunciation Playground in Manhattan and Old Town Playground on Staten Island. Each year, the Renew Crew will tackle as many as 30 projects in three weeks or less.

“The only thing worse than waiting for your turn on the swings is waiting for the swing to be fixed,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Renew Crew’s team of 24 painters, plumbers and other specialists recognize that play is a City service and well-maintained parks are essential infrastructure. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to wait months for the basic repairs that make our parks better. We’re going to get the job done quickly and make sure every neighborhood has public spaces that New Yorkers can be proud of.”

“Renew Crew will fix up our playgrounds and parks in record time — bringing the timeline for repairs down from months to weeks,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “This team of two dozen parks pros will bring their expertise in everything from painting to plumbing to deliver the repairs that matter the most to New Yorkers. In a city as fast-moving as ours, every second of play is precious.”

“Renew Crew is an opportunity to show New Yorkers just how dedicated our staff are to caring for the parks they love,” said Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Every fresh coat of paint, repaired play feature and restored park amenity reflects our commitment to creating cleaner, safer and more welcoming public spaces for every community. Renew Crew is more than a maintenance initiative — it’s a commitment to making park improvements faster, more visible and more responsive to the needs of New Yorkers. Every improvement, no matter how small, helps create a better experience for everyone who visits our neighborhood parks.”

To stay up to date on the Renew Crew’s progress visit NYC Parks’ online tracker.

Attorney General James Secures $400,000 from Online Medication Provider for Deceiving Consumers

 

Parent Company of Popular Online Health Providers Like Keeps and Nurx Trapped Customers in Expensive Recurring Subscriptions That Were Difficult to Cancel

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $400,000 from Thirty Madison, Inc. (Thirty Madison), an online provider of medications, for misleading and deceiving customers, causing them to sign up for costly recurring subscriptions. Thirty Madison provides both prescription and non-prescription medications for a variety of conditions ranging from hair loss to migraines to skin conditions through its brands Cove, Keeps, and Nurx. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Thirty Madison failed to clearly disclose its subscription terms and non-refundable fees. Thirty Madison also failed to provide a simple cancellation process, in violation of the law. As a result of OAG’s investigation, Thirty Madison must pay $400,000 to the state, change its subscription practices, and offer restitution to certain subscribers, including those whose subscriptions automatically renewed.

“As New Yorkers struggle with a rising cost of living, deceptive recurring fees can add up quickly and make life even harder to afford,” said Attorney General James. “I will not allow New Yorkers seeking accessible health care options to be trapped in costly subscriptions. Companies cannot mislead their customers about subscription terms, and my office will continue to take action to make sure New Yorkers are not unlawfully forced to make expensive recurring payments.”

New York law requires subscription terms to be clearly disclosed to customers, including the minimum length of the subscription, whether the subscription renews automatically, and the cancellation policy. Businesses must also obtain affirmative consent for automatic renewals and offer an easy cancellation mechanism. The OAG’s investigation found that Thirty Madison did not clearly disclose its subscription terms to consumers and made it difficult to cancel subscriptions, in violation of New York law. Thirty Madison also failed to:

• Clearly notify consumers that they were purchasing an auto-renewing subscription and that prices increased after the first order;
• Adequately disclose non-refundable fees associated with a subscription;
• Alert consumers that finalizing certain subscriptions required the disclosure of sensitive personal data;
• Inform consumers of how to cancel their subscriptions; and
• Process cancellations in a timely manner, resulting in additional charges.

Thirty Madison also required customers to complete multiple steps to cancel their subscriptions, causing consumers to receive several additional emails before the company honored a request to cancel.

The settlement with OAG requires Thirty Madison to pay $400,000 to the state and provide refunds to eligible subscribers who filed complaints with Thirty Madison, the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, or OAG. Thirty Madison must also provide restitution to eligible consumers, including those who were charged after requesting cancellation, charged for products that were not shipped, charged for products they did not specifically agree to receive, and charged unexpected fees.

Thirty Madison must also improve its disclosures, ensure consumers' cancellations are processed quickly, inform consumers of all its intake requirements, and automatically process certain refunds.

This is Nothing More Than Using New York State Resources to Campaign, Kathy Hochul Should Be Ashamed of This Political Use of the Governor's Website

Five Years of Governor Hochul, Five Years of Delivering for New Yorkers

 Putting Money Back in Families Pockets by Cutting Middle Class Taxes, Universal Child Care, Tripling Child Tax Credit and Increasing Minimum Wage

Keeping New Yorkers Safe With Landmark Gun Safety Laws and Investments in Law Enforcement

Fighting for New York’s Families With Record Investments in Education, Universal Free School Meals and Distraction-Free Learning

Generating New Economic Opportunities for New Yorkers and Securing Jobs of the Future

Enacted the Most Significant Housing Deal in Decades, Secured Landmark Reforms to Speed Up Housing and Infrastructure Development and Lower Costs as Part of Her “Let Them Build” Agenda

Protecting New Yorkers’ Fundamental Rights

Transforming the State’s Infrastructure, Transportation, Reducing Congestion and Making Public Transit More Accessible and Reliable

Securing New York’s Energy Future by Making the State a National Clean Energy and Climate Leader Advancing Offshore Wind, Solar Power and Nuclear Power

On August 24, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul took her oath of office as the 57th Governor of New York. In Governor Hochul’s inaugural address, she laid out a clear vision: make New York more affordable, safer and fairer for every family. The Governor pledged to take on the State’s toughest challenges head-on and invest in what makes New York, New York.

Five years later, Governor Hochul has delivered on that promise, putting money back in New Yorkers' pockets, keeping communities safe, defending fundamental rights from Washington's attacks and fighting for hardworking families. And she’s just getting started.

Learn about Governor Hochul’s accomplishments on the Governor's website.

Making New York More Affordable

• Cut middle class tax rates to their lowest level in 70 years
• Raised New York’s minimum wage
• Tripled the size of New York’s Child Tax Credit
• Banned insulin copays — the first state in the nation to do so
• Implemented a historic $25 billion, five-year housing plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, with more than 87,000 homes created or preserved to date
• Provided inflation rebate checks to over 8 million New York households
• Raised the maximum weekly unemployment benefit by $300 a week
• Established nation’s first-ever prenatal leave policy
• Banned hospitals and health care providers from reporting medical debt
• Delivering $1 billion in energy rebates to New Yorkers who need it most to help offset the rising costs for home energy and gas at the pumps
• Secured reforms to lower auto insurance premiums by cracking down on fraud and prioritizing consumers
• Enacted common sense consumer protections like making it easier for New Yorkers to Click to Cancel from subscriptions, and shedding light on Surveillance Pricing.

Keeping New Yorkers Safe

• Invested nearly $4 billion in law enforcement and public safety since becoming governor
• Signed into law a package of immigration protections to safeguard the rights of all New Yorkers and stand against ICE overreach
• Enacted landmark gun safety legislation, strengthening New York's Red Flag law and bolstering restrictions on concealed carry weapons
• Oversaw a 62 percent decline in shootings across New York since its pandemic-era peak and a 10 percent reduction in overall index crime.
• Removed more than 26,000 illegal guns off the street
• Historic subway safety investments that have driven down transit crime to the lowest levels in a generation, excluding the pandemic
• Passed first-in-the nation legislation to require 3D printing companies to ensure their machines are equipped with technology that prevent people from printing guns at home
• Restored discretion to judges in setting bail and empowered them with more tools to keep dangerous criminals off the streets
• Amended New York's discovery laws to prevent gamesmanship that deprived victims of justice, including victims of domestic violence
• Cracked down on retail theft with new worker protections and allocated $80 million in security funding to combat retail theft. Retail theft is down 14 percent
• Responded to the rise in hate crimes by expanding hate crime–eligible offenses.
• Signed legislation to invest $70 million in Securing Communities Grants and establish buffer zones to protect houses of worship
• Strengthened treatment to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies by expanding involuntary commitment and Kendra’s Law
• Made a historic $1 billion investment in mental health care, putting New York first in the nation on Mental Health America’s “State of Mental Health in America” 2026 report

Fighting for New York’s Families

• Took cell phones out of schools with a nation-leading statewide distraction-free learning policy
• Universal free school meals for over 2.7 million children, saving families $1,600 per child each year
• Became the first governor to fully fund Foundation Aid for schools, ensuring a $10.2 billion increase in school aid as governor
• Put New York on a path to Universal Childcare with over $10 billion in total statewide investments in childcare.
• Cracked down on addictive algorithms targeting kids helping to make New York the top-ranked state for tech laws and policies that support healthy, flourishing childhoods, both online and offline.
• Launched Back to Basic initiative to improve literacy and math education statewide
• Free associate degrees for adult learners, opening pathways for over 4 million New Yorkers without a degree or credential
• Overseeing historic expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) by ensuring middle class New York families can access aid
• Froze undergraduate tuition rates at SUNY and CUNY’s four-year colleges for the fourth consecutive year.
• Provided more than 2,500 teenagers with Mental Health First Aid training to help them identify behavioral health issues in their peers and provide proper supports

Creating Economic Opportunities and Securing Jobs of the Future

• Sued to halt illegal tariffs imposed by President Trump under the Trade Act of 1974
• Launched the FutureWorks Commission to protect the economic security of workers while harnessing the economic benefits of AI
• Created the performance-based Green Chips incentive program which secured Micron’s $100 billion investment in Central New York — the largest private investment in New York’s history, creating 50,000 jobs
• Launched Empire AI, a first-of-its-kind partnership with New York’s top research institutions coming together to establish a world-class AI computing center for the public good
• Landed a $1 billion investment from Chobani, the largest food manufacturing investment in the nation
• Stood up a clean energy economy that as of 2024 created more than 184,000 jobs, among the most in the country
• Deployed over $1 billion through the Low Interest Capital (LINC) program and other financing initiatives to expand access to credit for small businesses across New York State and providing record funding for the State's Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers

Transforming New York’s Infrastructure

• Advanced transformational transit projects like the Interborough Express, the New Midtown Bus Terminal and the Second Avenue Subway, moving them from talk to reality after decades of inaction
• Opened Grand Central Madison, providing a one-seat ride from Long Island to Manhattan's east side and significantly increasing LIRR service
• Implemented the nation's first congestion pricing program, reducing traffic and raising revenue for critical investments in the transit system
• Pushed forward the I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse, reshaping the region’s transportation network and reconnecting communities
• Fully funded the MTA’s historic 2025-2029 Capital Plan, securing the future of mass transit for millions of riders
• Restored federal funding for the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel project, preserving thousands of union jobs and protecting the nation’s most important rail project
• Secured the MTA’s long-term fiscal future as it faced a post-pandemic fiscal cliff and increased subway and bus service, improving the commutes of millions
• Responsibly financed the State’s infrastructure investments as reflected by the State’s AA+ credit rating, its highest level since 1972

Securing New York’s Energy and Environmental Future

• Imposed the nation's first moratorium on new hyperscale AI data centers in order to establish the strongest framework in America to protect ratepayers, communities, our energy grid, and our natural resources
• Holding utility companies accountable to reduce energy bills with her Ratepayer Protection Plan
• Directed the New York Power Authority to develop and build an advanced nuclear plant upstate to power 1 million homes and businesses. Also is pushing the creation of an 8.4 gigawatt Nuclear Reliability backbone to ensure the grid has enough energy.
• Opened the first utility-scale wind farm and blocked attempts from the federal government to halt important renewable energy projects
• Made New York a national leader in solar energy, hitting 2025 target of 6 GW ahead of schedule while also ahead in meeting the 2030 goal of 10 GW
• Built out or contracted for more than 1,000 miles of transmission lines, including the Champlain Hudson Power Express that at its peak will deliver up to 20 percent of New York City’s, all of it clean hydropower from Quebec, Smart Path and Smart Path Connect.
• Delivered $1.4 billion in energy savings through Solar For All and REACH
• Invested $300 million in power-ready sites to attract advanced manufacturing and tech companies
• Enacted nation-leading cyber protections to keep the grid secure and reliable
• Secured a historic $2 billion for a cleaner, more sustainable New York, the largest climate investment in New York State history.
• Successfully pushed passage of a $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air And Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act
• Committed billions of dollars to clean water and sewer projects and announced this year another $3.75 billion over the next five years to make water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects more affordable for communities statewide

Protecting New Yorkers’ Fundamental Rights

• Protected reproductive freedom in New York amidst the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson
• Expanded New York’s shield laws to protect healthcare professionals unjustly persecuted by other states
• Enshrined the Equal Rights Amendment in the New York State Constitution
• Signed legislation to fight maternal mortality and expand Medicaid coverage for pregnancy-related appointments
• Ensured New York Providers can deliver reproductive healthcare to patients in states where abortion services are outlawed or restricted

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This amounts to nothing more than using this state website for Kathy Hochul to campaign for reelection. It also proves that Kathy Hochul does not deserve to be reelected for using state resources for political purposes. 

After Decades of Delay, Mayor Mamdani Moves to Fix the City-Owned Section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

 

City to build temporary bypasses to protect neighborhoods from congestion and preserve access to historic destinations, including the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park, while construction is underway

 

Every year of inaction costs the City $160 million and threatens highway closures that would force dangerous through traffic — including 13,000 daily truck trips — onto local streets

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced plans to rehabilitate the City-owned portion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street. The infrastructure is 20 years past its design life and deteriorating under the weight of 130,000 vehicles every day — more than double the capacity for which it was designed.

“For decades, prior administrations have failed to deliver urgent long-term repairs to BQE Central — but we can no longer afford to wait for the perfect solution,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We’re going to fix the aging concrete, repair the deteriorating triple cantilever and build temporary roads that keep the highway operable during construction to avoid sending tens of thousands of cars and trucks onto local streets. This plan allows us to safely fix the BQE without slowing our city down or wasting decades more on magical thinking. The cost of inaction is too high, and the risks to New Yorkers are too important to delay any longer.”

“This administration does not shy away from hard truths or difficult problems,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “Without significant rehabilitation, BQE Central will continue to weaken, more and more cars and heavy trucks will be forced onto local streets, key freight transportation networks will be disrupted and the cost to the City will continue to rise. This plan tackles one of our City’s most pressing infrastructure challenges with the urgency, efficiency and clarity necessary to keep New Yorkers safe and moving. We must and will act now.”

“Time is up. We are fixing the triple cantilever. After decades of kicking the can down the road and indecision that failed to yield substantial results, we will act with urgency to rehabilitate the City’s portion of the BQE to ensure the safety of New Yorkers and minimize the likelihood of massive traffic diversions into Brooklyn neighborhoods,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “While the City and the State must right the wrongs of Robert Moses with the BQE and other infrastructure plowed through urban communities, decades of political paralysis have left us out of options. Confronting the reality of cracked concrete, exposed steel and extensive rust damage simply cannot wait for another blue-ribbon commission.”

For decades, previous administrations have failed to deliver a rehabilitation of the City-owned section known as BQE Central, despite every year of inaction costing the City an additional $160 million in escalation alone and increasing the risk of a shutdown that would force a significant portion of daily vehicle trips, including all 13,000 daily truck trips, onto local streets.

Mayor Mamdani’s plan to stabilize BQE Central will use temporary bypass structures that allow NYC DOT to repair deteriorated sections of the highway and improve drainage, railings and lighting while protecting local streets from dangerous through traffic, facilitating the movement of goods and preserving access to historic destinations including the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

NYC DOT plans to build a temporary, two-level highway bypass on top of Furman Street, below the promenade, from Atlantic Avenue to Columbia Heights. This bypass will be no higher than the existing Queens-bound highway and will not block the promenade. The agency plans to build a second temporary, elevated highway bypass from Columbia Heights, over the Brooklyn Bridge approach, to the Manhattan Bridge.

The approximately $4 billion, 10-year rehabilitation will break ground in 2030 and extend BQE Central’s design life for another 40 years. This reflects the shortest-term rehabilitation plan needed to keep the structure safe and stable while also allowing the City to work with the State, which controls the northern and southern segments of the BQE, on a long-term vision for the entire highway.

The City and State are advancing major near-term investments in traffic safety and quality-of-life upgrades to neighborhoods along the BQE corridor, with a focus on historically disadvantaged communities along the State-owned sections of the highway that have borne the brunt of the BQE’s effects. Projects include a traffic safety redesign of Third Avenue in Sunset Park; $17 million in upcoming capital upgrades to Park Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill; and $26 million for capital implementation of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway in Gowanus and Red Hook, completed earlier this year.

Additionally, the City and State are making billions of dollars in long-term investments to shift vehicle trips to more efficient and sustainable modes, from the Interborough Express — a transformative new transit line between Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Jackson Heights, Queens — to the Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service action plan and Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign, as well as initiatives that will shift freight movement from trucks to waterways, rail and cargo bikes.

NYC DOT will begin the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) process this fall for the BQE Central project and host robust community engagement through informational sessions and the public scoping process. The agency expects to complete an environmental impact statement in summer 2028. For more information about the project and public meetings, visit nyc.gov/bqe. 

Zimmerman Playground Completes Renovation in Allerton, The Bronx

 

Construction is finished on the $6.9 million reconstruction of Corporal Louis Zimmerman Playground, a 0.97-acre public park at 650 Britton Street in Allerton, The Bronx. Completed by NYC Parks through its Community Parks Initiative for underserved neighborhoods, the project reconstructed the playground from the ground up and unified a site split across two disconnected levels into a single ADA-accessible layout. The grounds now include play equipment, a spray shower, a synthetic turf field, two basketball courts, and adult fitness equipment.

Work began in October 2025, according to the Bronx Borough President’s office. New ADA-compliant ramps now connect the upper and lower levels, resolving accessibility gaps that had long separated the playground’s play areas.

On the upper level, new play equipment and safety surfacing replaced outdated fixtures, alongside swings for all ages and abilities, the spray shower, and shaded seating. The resurfaced handball wall carries a colorful mural.

The lower level features a synthetic turf field, built for sports, movie nights, and community events. Two basketball courts, one full-size and one junior-size, replaced the site’s single court, with adult fitness equipment nearby. Seating includes bleachers, picnic tables, and benches, among them a dedicated area at the corner of Britton Street and Barker Avenue built for the community’s bingo nights. New water service brought a bottle-filling station and drinking fountains, brick and stone veneer walls were reconstructed along the perimeter, interior fencing was reduced to improve sightlines, and shade trees were planted along the sidewalks and around the field.

NYC Parks acquired the property in 1931 with money from the War Memorial Fund, and the playground opened on July 15, 1934 as one of nine War Memorial Playgrounds dedicated by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia to New Yorkers killed in the First World War. Its namesake, Corporal Louis Zimmerman, was an NYPD police officer and Bronx resident who served with Headquarters Company, 305th Infantry, 77th Division, and was killed in action on November 5, 1918, six days before the Armistice. The playground was last renovated in 1996 and 1997.