Attorney General James Announces Arrest and Arraignment of Buffalo Police Officer on Murder Charge

 

Lance Woods Was Off-Duty When He Allegedly Fatally Shot His Wife

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the arrest and arraignment of Lance Woods, 53, of Lewiston, on the charge of Murder in the Second Degree in connection with the murder of Alexis Skoczylas. Lance Woods is a police officer with the Buffalo Police Department (BPD).

Woods was arraigned by Town of Somerset Justice of the Peace Pamela Rider, who presided over the proceedings in Niagara County’s centralized arraignment part. Woods has been remanded into custody.

On Saturday, February 14, while at home with his family, Woods allegedly shot his wife, Ms. Skoczylas, causing her death.

Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The OAG would like to thank the Town of Lewiston Police Department, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Niagara Falls Police Department, and the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership. 

Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty at trial or by plea.

Governor Hochul Announces $3.8 Million New York State African American Heritage Grant Program

Funding To Help Highlight the Sites and People Connected to a Broad Spectrum of Black History Across New York

Governor Hochul announced a $3.8 million new grant program to support and promote the history and achievements of African Americans and people of African descent throughout the State. The New York State African American Heritage Grant Program (NYS AAH) will provide grants to assist nonprofit organizations and local governments in documenting, interpreting, and preserving places and stories of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in New York.

“At a time when crucial elements of public history are under assault from Washington, New York State is stepping up to the stories of all of our residents. This new grant program will help expand the ways we teach, preserve, and celebrate Black history in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “We look forward to working with community partners to foster a greater understanding of Black New Yorkers’ contributions to our state.”

Funded through a state appropriation to the Commission on African American History, the grant program was created to educate the public about sites and people connected to a broad spectrum of Black history across New York. All eligible projects must focus within the period from 1627, when the first enslaved Africans arrived in New Amsterdam, to 1975, the latter part of the Black Arts and Black Power movements.

There are two project categories in the grant program: education projects and capital projects. Up to $2.8 million will be available for education grants to support education, interpretation, programming, research, and/or documentation projects that highlight, uncover, uplift, and amplify the contributions and history of African Americans in New York State — with a maximum award of $150,000. Up to $1 million is available for capital grants that support pre-development planning and design, construction, or a combination of both for existing buildings, structures, or sites related to African American heritage– with a maximum award of $200,000. Detailed information about the grant program is available at parks.ny.gov/grants.

The New York State African American Heritage Grant Program is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Division for Historic Preservation, in partnership with the New York State Commission on African American History (Commission) and the New York State Department of State (DOS).

Nonprofit organizations registered in New York State and municipalities (city, village, town, county) committed to embracing, preserving, and sharing the history, placemaking, and achievements of African Americans in New York State through targeted education and capital projects are eligible to apply to the NYS AAH Grant Program. Examples of nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for this opportunity include Black cultural institutions, local preservation organizations, historic sites or museums, historical societies, Friends Groups, faith-based organizations, and burial ground or cemetery associations.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in upcoming informational webinars. Interested applicants can sign up for informational updates here. All applicants will be required to complete a brief online pre-application questionnaire to confirm the project’s eligibility for this program.  Upon eligibility confirmation, the full application package will be provided. Additional information, including dates of upcoming webinars and availability of the pre-application, will be announced in spring 2026.

The grant program builds on the work of the New York State Commission on African American History. Established by Governor Hochul in 2022, the Commission serves to highlight contributions by Africans and African Americans to New York State and the Nation.

 

The East Bronx History Forum will be holding its meeting on Wednesday, February 18th at 7:30 pm in the lower level of St. Clare of Assisi Church at 1027 Rhinelander Avenue.

 

Dear East Bronx History Forum Member,

This month’s History Forum meeting will take a closer look at the neighborhood just northwest of Pelham Parkway, historically know as Astor Village. The lecture will be led by the EBHF president, Rich Vitacco. If you missed the walking tour of this neighborhood in 2023, we will highlight some important destinations which include multiple educational institutions such as the New York Institute for Special Education, St. Catherine’s Academy and Columbus High School. The more well-known alumnae of Columbus include actress Ann Bancroft, computer scientist Evelyn Berezin and former attorney general of New York State and Bronx borough president, Robert Abrahams.

  

We will be following the legacy of John Jacob Astor IV and his untimely demise on the Titanic and the passing of his real estate fortune to his son Vincent. The Astor family legacy extends back to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and to some of the family’s other businesses such as a theater, beverage company, apartment blocks, and a nut shoppe. The neighborhood of northwestern Queens: Astoria, bears their surname. However, the family never seemed to have made a visit to this neighborhood on the East River.

   

We will also track the development of the New York Westchester and Boston’s (NYW&B) Pelham Parkway station. Some other items will include construction photos of the NYW&B before going into full service in 1912 and photos prior to the recommissioning of it by the New York City Transit Authority to the Dyre Avenue line in 1941. The lecture will also focus on the old Community Center of Israel Synagogue located at Esplanade and Pearsall Avenues and also touch on the lives of some deceased service members from the neighborhood who left a lasting impact on this Bronx community and the nation.

   

There is ample free parking just north of the main entrance on Paulding Avenue. Please, remember to follow us at BronxNYC.com, and on our Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo and Youtube account pages for the most current updates or information.

 

       Hope to see you!

       Dorothy A. Krynicki 

       Secretary

Photo Caption: A bird's eye view of the Astor Village neighborhood as depicted from a 1923 real estate auction brochure.

Permits Filed for 554 East 191st Street in Fordham, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story residential building at 554 East 191st Street in Fordham, The Bronx. Located between Hoffman Street and Bathgate Avenue, the lot is closest to the Fordham Road subway station, served by the B and D trains. Aaron Yaghoobian of Mercer Co. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 55-foot-tall development will yield 19,064 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 28 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 680 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, sixth floor rooftop terrace, and a 20-foot-long rear yard.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

NYCEM ISSUES WEATHER ALERT FOR SUNDAY, FEB. 15 THROUGH MONDAY, FEB. 16

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for New York City beginning Sunday night, February 15, through Monday morning, February 16.  

   

“We know how challenging the weather has been over the past several weeks for New Yorkers,” said Acting NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Thankfully, this snow is not expected to be severe, but it’s still important to plan ahead and use caution on untreated roads and sidewalks. City agencies are monitoring conditions and will be ready to respond to any impacts.   

   

Snowfall is expected to begin as early as 9:00 p.m. Sunday, with the heaviest precipitation anticipated between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Snow is forecast to taper off by approximately 8:00 a.m. Monday. There is a 70 to 75 percent chance of snow, with current projections indicating around 1 inch accumulation citywide. There is also a low probability of localized totals reaching up to 2 inches.  

   

No significant winds are expected with this system. Temperatures on Monday are forecast to rise into the low 40s, supporting gradual melting throughout the day.  

   

New Yorkers are advised to allow for additional travel time overnight and during the Monday morning commute. Residents should use caution on untreated sidewalks, streets, and roadways, as conditions may be slippery.  

   

Have a Plan

Before Winter Weather  

-Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. NYC law requires them.  

-Wear warm layered clothing, hats, and sturdy boots.  

-Check your snow equipment. Keep rock salt and shovels.  

-Winterize your car. Prepare a kit with blankets, food, water, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, reflectors, and first aid kit.  

-Register with your utility provider if you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment. Keep backup power ready.  

-Keep essential supplies at home so you can stay safely indoors during and after a storm.  

-Know how to get help with heat through the Home Energy Assistance Program. Call 311.  

   

During Winter Weather  

-Stay indoors if possible.  

-Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.  

-Watch for frostbite (numbness, pale or waxy skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness). Call 911 if you see symptoms.  

-Use heating equipment safely. Never use stoves, ovens, kerosene heaters, or grills to heat your home.  

-Do not leave space heater or electric blankets unattended.  

-Run generators only outdoors and away from windows.  

-Report heat or hot water outages to your landlord, then call 311 if not resolved. NYC law requires minimum indoor temperatures from October 1 through May 31:  

    Daytime (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.): At least 68°F inside when it's below 55°F outside  

    Nighttime (10 PM - 6 AM): At least 62°F inside, regardless of outside temperature  

    Hot water: At least 120°F year-round  

-Take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.  

-Ask neighbors or community groups for snow removal help if needed.  

   

After Winter Weather  

-Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with access needs.  

-Clear snow safely. Shovel slowly. Take breaks. Keep hydrants clear  

-Prevent carbon monoxide risks by clearing car tailpipes and using detectors.  

   

Stay Informed  

-Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app, or call 311. Alerts are available in multiple languages, including a dedicated group for basement apartment residents.  

-Keep a battery-powered radio available if power is lost.  

-Stay away from downed power lines. Treat them as live and call 911 if they are causing a life-threatening situation.  

-To report downed trees in NYC, call 311. For life-threatening emergencies involving a tree, such as one blocking a road or near power lines, call 911 immediately.  

-For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311. 

  

MAYOR MAMDANI CREATES NEW BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT IN CONEY ISLAND — JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER 2026

 

The People’s Playground will be Brooklyn’s 24th and the City’s 78th BID — Strengthening Local Small Businesses, Enhancing Public Space, and Increasing Economic Activity in the Area 

Today, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the NYC Department of Small Business Services celebrated the formation of the new Coney Island Business Improvement District (BID) following the Mayor’s signing of the Certificate of Incorporation on February 15, 2026.   

  

With a first-year operating budget of up to $1 million, the Coney Island BID will deliver supplemental services to strengthen small businesses around the world-renowned amusement district, improve neighborhood livability, promote growth, and create vibrant public spaces that support year-round economic activity. With the Mayor’s signing of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Coney Island BID is on track to be operational by July 2026, in time for the peak summer season in a neighborhood that welcomes more than five million visitors each year. To date, SBS has invested more than $850,000 in Coney Island to support commercial revitalization, merchant organizing, and neighborhood stewardsh ip.  

  

“The formation of the Coney Island Business Improvement District is about investing in the small businesses and working families who make this neighborhood iconic all year long,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “By strengthening sanitation, public space, and business support along Mermaid and Surf Avenues, we’re building a Coney Island where local commerce thrives, corridors are cleaner and safer, and economic opportunity is rooted in the community.”   

  

“The creation of the Coney Island Business Improvement District is the culmination of a multi-year process of research, community consultation, pilot programs, and demonstrated local support,” said SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross. “This self-sustaining entity will build on Coney Island’s global reputation as the People’s Playground while delivering shared prosperity for the small businesses that line Mermaid and Surf Avenues. The Department of Small Business Services is proud of the role its Neighborhood Development Division played in this effort and congratulates the Alliance for Coney Island and all members of the BID steering committee.”  

  

The newly formed Coney Island BID will include storefronts and properties along Mermaid Avenue and Surf Avenue, serving as a year-round partner for the local business community. Services will include:  

  

•   Sanitation and maintenance  

•   Public space programming and beautification  

•   District marketing and events  

•   Business support and technical assistance  

•   Advocacy on behalf of local merchants and property-owners     

NYC Restarts Work On Four Bus, Bike Lane Projects In Brooklyn And The Bronx

 

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) will restart four previously halted street redesign projects aimed at improving bus reliability and traffic safety in The Bronx and Brooklyn. The initiatives include a new bus lane on Fordham Road in The Bronx and three protected bike lane projects across Brooklyn neighborhoods including Fort Greene, Flatbush, and Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. NYC DOT will oversee implementation, with construction scheduled to begin this spring.

In The Bronx, the Fordham Road Bus Lane project will introduce offset bus lanes between Sedgwick Avenue and Boston Road, serving approximately 130,000 daily riders on the Bx12, Bx9, Bx17, and Bx22 routes. According to NYC DOT, offset bus lanes are expected to provide the greatest improvements to bus speed and reliability, similar to a recent redesign on Hillside Avenue in Queens that increased bus speeds by up to 28 percent. The agency will finalize designs following community engagement and anticipates completion later this year.

In Brooklyn, NYC DOT will complete the final block of a protected bike lane on Ashland Place in Fort Greene, converting the southernmost block into a one-way street and installing a two-way protected lane. The redesign will also transform a portion of Hanson Place into a shared street to expand pedestrian space. Additional improvements include new parking-protected bike lanes along Cortelyou and Dorchester roads in Ditmas Park, standard bike lanes on 14 streets across Midwood, Flatbush, and East Flatbush, and intersection upgrades to enhance visibility. Along Brooklyn and Kingston Avenues in Central Brooklyn, where more than ten schools are located within one block, parking-protected bike lanes will be installed between East New York Avenue and Wingate Park at Winthrop Street, along with a protected loop around the park and additional lanes on Rutland Road and Fenimore Street.

“New Yorkers deserve fast, reliable bus service and to feel safe when they’re traveling with their families and loved ones on city streets,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “This is just the beginning. We are doubling down on delivering on our buses and street safety while building trust in community engagement.”

This weeks Talking Politics

 

The nurses are back at least some of them are, who's not running this year, we dig deeper into the Bronx Times 'Fingergate' with my guest Anthony Rivieccio, plus lot's more live at 12 pm, or anytime at the link below.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1JPt4g-2m8]