Latest Hebrew Home Proposal at CB 8 Land Use Committee Meeting Thursday Jan. 25th

  As you can see from the photo above the room was packed at Smith Hall for the Community Board 8 Land Use meeting on one subject the latest proposal by the Hebrew Home to build on its South Campus a Continuing Care Retirement Community. CB 8 Land Use Chair Charles Moerdler laid down the ground rules that no vote by the community board was going to take place, and that this was only an informational presentation by the Hebrew Home on its plans for the South Campus purchased in 2013. After the presentation CB 8 board members would be allowed to ask questions, and then time permitting members of the public would be able to.

  Mr. Dan Reingold CEO of the Hebrew Home/Riverwalk took the podium and started by saying the property to the south of the Hebrew Home campus was purchased in 2013 with an aim to give senior a three phased options as a Continuing Care Retirement Community. 

Phase One would be a place for seniors to retire while they were still in good health and able to do everyday things on their own normally.  

Phase Two would be an assisted living part of the campus where resident seniors who could no longer do everyday things on their own, but needed assistance to function normally. 

Phase Three would be a full skilled nursing part (as is presently the Hebrew Home) when resident seniors could no longer function on their own, and would get the fully assisted skilled nursing help they needed. The question is not the three options of senior living, but how they are to be placed and where on the recently purchased property zoned R1 for one family homes, and not apartment style building living. 

  When Mayor Bill de Blasio was first elected in 2013 (coincidentally), the mayor saw a need for more affordable housing, and affordable senior housing and care facilities. In March 2015 the organization Liveon NY came out with a proposal for 2,000 new senior housing units on current HUD 202 properties unused housing areas such as parking lots. Thirty-nine sites in the five boroughs were highlighted with three sites in the Bronx. One site was the Schervier Home where detailed photos of where property line were, and where to place another building on the parking lot and adjacent areas. These proposed new buildings however had zoning covenants not allowing for additional buildings. 

 In the March 2016 ZQA/MIH passed by the City Council and signed by the mayor there is mention of Long Term Care Facilities. LTCf's are 'As of Right' in all areas zoned R3-2 or above, and not in R1 or R2 zoned areas. They are permitted in R1 and R2 zones with the City Planning Commission approval of a special permit called ZR 74-901. This also does not subject the building(s) to minimum unit size or density factor calculations. Another way for a LTCF is to get a BSA Special Permit ZR 73-623 for non profit institutes with sleeping accommodations. However these special permits are for 'Affordable Housing' for seniors which many say that the Hebrew Home project is anything but Affordable Housing. The entrance fee as described by Mr. Reingold would begin at four-hundred thousand dollars, and go as high as one million dollars according to the size and area of the unit. The monthly maintenance fee would be approximately four to five thousand dollars, to which there were shouts from the audience that it was no where near affordable. 

  In the power point presentation there were three photos taken from drones at levels of the third floor, tenth floor, and twentieth floors by Skyview Mr. Reingold said. He added that worries of Skyview residents that their views would be blocked by the new CCRC are not founded. When it came to the public speakers three Skyview residents rebutted Mr. Reingold's comment that their view would not be obstructed, with one offering him to come to their apartment in Skyview to see, which he turned down. Mr. Reingold then spoke about the height of the over twenty story buildings which make up the Skyview complex. 

  The meeting came to a close with Chair Moerdler saying there would be a time frame of sixty days after the plans are submitted to the city for review for the community board to give a response. That there would be two meeting of the committee before a vote would be taken, and that the current chair of the board wrote the rules (while working at the CPC) for the Special Nature Area in which the Hebrew Home is located. He then adjourned the meeting. 

  The zoning regulations and special permit information comes from the seventy-four page 'CIty Planning Commission report 'Housing New York, Zoning for Quality and Affordability Overview'.

5 Members Of Washington Heights Drug Crew Charged With Distribution Of Cocaine, Heroin, And Fentanyl

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), James P. O’Neill, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), and George P. Beach II, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging AMIN HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Face,” MIGUEL GIL, JORALBI LORA, a/k/a “K,” ISMAEL GARCIA, a/k/a “Swiss,” and FRANCISCO TIBULCIOMERINO, a/k/a “Cousin,” with conspiring to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl in Washington Heights.  HERNANDEZ, LORA, and TIBULCIOMERINO were arrested last night, and will be presented today before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew J. Peck.  GIL and GARCIA are already in state custody and will be transferred to federal custody shortly.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, this drug crew was responsible for distributing highly addictive drugs, including fentanyl, an extremely lethal drug 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.  These arrests are part of our continued commitment to stem the opioid epidemic that is plaguing our nation and our City.  We thank our partners in the NYPD and DEA for their outstanding work in this investigation.”

DEA Special Agent-In-Charge James J. Hunt said: “As drug overdose rates rise throughout the country, this drug crew allegedly pushed a toxic medley of drugs onto our streets.  We will continue to investigate traffickers at all levels in an effort to stop the number of overdoses and drug-related fatalities.”

Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “This group was allegedly involved in the business of bringing potentially deadly drugs to the streets of Washington Heights.  But now they have learned that our Drug Enforcement Task Force is in the business of bringing them to the halls of justice.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today[1]

 AMIN HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Face,” MIGUEL GIL, JORALBI LORA, a/k/a “K,” ISMAEL GARCIA, a/k/a “Swiss,” and FRANCISCO TIBULCIOMERINO, a/k/a “Cousin,” conspired to distribute 280 grams and more of cocaine base, or “crack,” 500 grams and more of powder cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl.  Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the judge. 

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the DEA, the NYPD, and the State Police.  This case was done by NYPD and DEA’s REDRUM group in the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force.  The Task Force comprises agents and officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department, and New York State Police. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Maimin is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.    

 [1] As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth below, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. 

Bronx Man Charged With Armed Bank Robbery

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today the arrest of DAVID MICHAEL HYLTON in connection with a robbery of a bank in the Bronx, during which thousands of dollars were stolen.  HYLTON was arrested yesterday, and presented today in Manhattan federal court before the Honorable Andrew J. Peck.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, David Michael Hylton robbed a Bronx bank during business hours yesterday, wielding what appeared to be a shotgun.  Thanks to the FBI and the NYPD, shortly after Hylton got $7,000, the Violent Crimes Task Force got Hylton.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “As alleged, Hylton thought he could make a quick getaway after robbing a Bronx bank yesterday, making off with more than $7,000 in cold hard cash.  But thanks to members of the Joint Violent Crimes Task Force, he was caught red-handed and no longer remains a threat.  The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively investigate bank robbery cases to minimize the threat these alleged criminals pose to our community.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:[1]

On January 25, 2018, at approximately 10:00 a.m., HYLTON entered a bank in the Bronx, gained access to the secure teller area, and approached a bank teller.  HYLTON brandished what appeared to be a shotgun and demanded that the teller give him the money the teller was holding.  HYLTON took from the teller over $7,000 in United States currency.  HYLTON then fled and was later apprehended and arrested. 

HYLTON, 33, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of bank robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD Joint Violent Crimes Task Force.

The charge contained in the Complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Nigerian Man Extradited From South Africa For Participating In Business Email Compromise Scams

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that ONYEKACHI EMMANUEL OPARA was extradited from South Africa.  In December 2016, OPARA was arrested in South Africa on the basis of a provisional arrest warrant for participating in fraudulent business email compromise scams that targeted thousands of victims around the world, including the United States.  Collectively, the scams attempted to defraud millions of dollars from victims.  OPARA arrived in the Southern District of New York this morning, and will be presented today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew J. Peck.  Co-defendant David Chukwuneke Adindu was previously sentenced to 41 months in prison for participating in the business email compromise scams.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Onyekachi Opara attempted to dupe thousands of victims into transferring money to him and his co-defendant in a phony email scheme.  Today’s extradition shows that defendants who allegedly target American victims from a distance are nonetheless subject to the reach of American justice.”

           

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:   “Technology changes daily, so do the tactics used by scammers to prey on unsuspecting victims.  This case and others we are aggressively investigating every day prove, regardless of these criminals efforts to disguise their illegal activity, we won’t stop pursuing them.  FBI New York Cyber Crime agents and our law enforcement partners will search out suspects in these cases, even reaching internationally, to stop the next victims from losing their money.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

Between 2014 and 2016, OPARA and Adindu participated in Business Email Compromise scams (“BEC scams”) targeting thousands of victims around the world, including in the United States.  As part of the BEC scams, emails were sent to employees of various companies directing that funds be transferred to specified bank accounts.  The emails purported to be from supervisors at those companies or third party vendors that did business with those companies.  The emails, however, were not legitimate.  Rather, they were either from email accounts with a domain name that was very similar to a legitimate domain name, or the metadata in the emails had been modified so that the emails appeared as if they were from legitimate email addresses.  After victims complied with the fraudulent wiring instructions, the transferred funds were quickly withdrawn or moved into different bank accounts.  In total, the BEC scams attempted to defraud millions of dollars from victims.

OPARA, 29, of Lagos, Nigeria, is charged in an Indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the FBI.  Mr. Berman also thanked Oath’s E-Crime Investigations Team, the National Prosecuting Authority for South Africa, the South African Police Service, the United States Marshals Service, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and noted that the investigation is continuing.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Jail Time For Brooklyn Real Estate Developer Daniel Melamed

Melamed Ordered to Serve 20 Days in Jail Ahead of Feb. 14^th Sentencing

In November, Melamed Pleaded Guilty To 13-Count Indictment Related to Shell Corporations, Forged Letters that Defrauded HUD and Financial Institutions

Melamed Previously Found Guilty Of Unlawful Eviction of Rent Stabilized Tenants Following a Separate Prosecution by A.G. Schneiderman

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced that Brooklyn real estate developer Daniel Melamed, who pleaded guilty in November 2017 to a 13-count indictment admitting that he committed multiple fraudulent real estate schemes, was jailed today by State Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. Melamed was ordered to serve 20 days in jail, pending sentencing on this case and a June 2017 conviction for three counts of Unlawful Eviction. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 14, 2018.

“Daniel Melamed swindled taxpayers and harassed tenants in order to line his own pockets. Now he’s in jail,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will use every tool we have to bring bad landlords to justice.”

In November, Melamed pleaded guilty to a 13-count indictment, including Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree and two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, class C felonies; as well as four counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, four counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, and two counts of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, all class D felonies. Melamed admitted under oath to engaging in various real estate schemes that defrauded banks and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) by creating shell corporations and forged letters to illegally purchase and/or sell multiple Brooklyn properties between 2011 and 2014. His guilty plea followed charges brought by Attorney General Schneiderman in November 2016.

Melamed was previously found guilty in June 2017 of three counts of Unlawful Eviction of rent-stabilized tenants following a bench trial before Justice Chun. The June 2015 arrest of Melamed in that case was the first resulting from the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force.

A.G. Schneiderman Sues Tropical Breeze Car Wash For Allegedly Cheating Over 150 Minimum Wage Employees Out Of More Than $540,000 In Wages And Benefits

Attorney General Schneiderman Seeks Restitution, Damages, and Penalties Totaling $1.6 Million  

Lawsuit Marks Latest Case in Attorney General’s Ongoing Effort to Combat Wage Theft in Car Wash Industry – Winning Back More Than $2.5 Million in Stolen Wages for Over 1,000 Car Wash Workers Across NY  

Overall, AG Schneiderman Has Won Back Over $30 Million in Stolen Wages for More Than 21,000 NY Workers

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a lawsuit against Brooklyn-based Tropical Breeze Car Wash for allegedly cheating over 150 minimum wage car wash workers out of more than $540,000 in wages and benefits. The Attorney General is seeking nearly $1.6 million in restitution, damages, and penalties.

The lawsuit was filed today in New York Supreme Court, Kings County against U.S. Auto Wash, L.L.C. d/b/a Tropical Breeze Car Wash (“Tropical Breeze”); its owner, Benno Gmuer; and its managers, Philip Gmuer and Gregory Gmuer. As the Attorney General’s complaint alleges, the company cheated over 150 car wash workers out of over $500,000 in wages and over $30,000 in benefits, and failed to pay its fair share of unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation contributions.

“Every worker deserves an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Yet we allege that Tropical Breeze Car Wash shamefully stiffed workers at every turn. We’re taking them to court and seeking to recover every penny of unpaid wages for these workers, plus damages and penalties for the company’s egregious conduct. Unscrupulous employers should hear our message loud and clear: if you exploit workers, we will see you in court – and make sure that you pay every worker every dollar they’re owed.”

“We are here today because of the abuses and the lack of respect that we experience. We have come together to stop this abuse not just in this car wash but in car washes across New York, and I thank Attorney General Schneiderman for bringing this important case,” said Gerardo Gomez, a worker at Tropical Breeze Car Wash.

This lawsuit is the latest case in the Attorney General’s ongoing effort to clean up the car wash industry in New York. To date, Attorney General Schneiderman has recovered more than $2.5 million for more than 1,000 workers at 26 separate car wash locations in New York. In total, Attorney General Schneiderman has won back more than $30 million in stolen wages for over 21,000 workers across New York since 2011.

An investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s office revealed that at least as early as January 1, 2012 and through at least January 1, 2018, Tropical Breeze allegedly routinely underpaid employees for hours they worked, including overtime hours, time spent waiting on-site for the car wash to open, and time deliberately cut from employees’ time cards. As alleged in the complaint, Tropical Breeze did not pay employees for an additional hour at minimum wage when the employees’ workdays exceeded 10 hours, in accordance with the spread-of-hours requirement. Tropical Breeze also allegedly failed to pay employees for at least four hours of work when employees reported to work but were sent home early, known as “call-in pay.” Additionally, Tropical Breeze denied workers reimbursement for mandatory uniforms and failed to provide employees with earned sick leave.

In addition to underpaying workers, the Attorney General’s lawsuit alleges that Tropical Breeze maintained misleading and deficient employee records, illegally managing two separate payroll systems: one for “on-the-books” employees, who constituted only about a third of the workforce, and another for “off-the-books” employees, who made up the majority of the staff. Tropical Breeze never provided information to any of its workers about their rate of pay, known as wage notices, and never provided information to its off-the-books employees about their weekly wages and relevant deductions, known as payment statements.

Finally, Tropical Breeze allegedly repeatedly filed documents with New York State that underreported its employee count and payroll expenditures in order to avoid paying full unemployment insurance contributions and workers’ compensation premiums. The Attorney General’s office is requesting the court to order Tropical Breeze to pay any outstanding fees and penalties after submitting corrected information to the State. 

In total, the Attorney General’s office is seeking nearly $1.6 million in restitution, damages, and penalties, including six years of unpaid wages and benefits totaling $542,684 for approximately 150 employees; liquidated damages totaling $542,684 under the Labor Law; and over $475,000 in penalties for Tropical Breeze’s failure to distribute wage notices and payment statements as required by law. 

During most of the period covered by the Attorney General’s investigation, the applicable minimum wage was between $8.00 and $9.00 per hour. New York’s minimum wage is currently $11.00 per hour in New York City. Overtime laws require employers to pay covered employees one and one half times an employee’s regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 hours in a given week.

The Attorney General’s Office is committed to protecting workers’ legal rights. To file a complaint, please contact the Office’s Labor Bureau at 212-416-8700 or visit www.ag.ny.gov/labor/complaint-form.

Narcotics Dealer Sentenced To 21 Years In Prison For Sale Of Heroin And Fentanyl That Resulted In Manhattan Man’s Overdose Death

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DASHAWN HAWKINS, a/k/a “Jhonny Cash,” of New York, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 21 years in prison by United States District Judge Gregory H. Woods for selling heroin and fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of Colin Cameron, age 29, of New York, New York, on September 2, 2016. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “Dashawn Hawkins sold the lethal dose of fentanyl-laced heroin that cut short Colin Cameron’s life.  Now Hawkins has received the lengthy sentence warranted by his serious crime and its grim consequences.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings:

On or about September 1, 2016, DASHAWN HAWKINS, a/k/a “Jhonny Cash,” sold a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to Colin Cameron.  The next morning, New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) officers responded to Cameron’s apartment on the Upper West Side, where they found Cameron dead from a drug overdose.  In the month leading up to Cameron’s death, HAWKINS had sold heroin to Cameron nearly a dozen times, and had previously sold heroin to Cameron on a daily basis for almost two years before Cameron was able to maintain sobriety for several months.  In early August 2016, however, HAWKINS contacted Cameron out of the blue in order to start selling him heroin again.  Cameron told HAWKINS that he was unsure about buying heroin because he was on a medicine designed to block the effects of opioids.  This medicine is commonly prescribed for people going through recovery.  Despite this knowledge, HAWKINS sold heroin to Cameron throughout the month of August until Cameron’s eventual death.

After identifying HAWKINS as the dealer who sold Cameron the fatal dose of fentanyl-laced heroin, the NYPD arrested HAWKINS on October 20, 2016, and searched his apartment.  During the search, officers found, among other things, additional bags of heroin and substances used to cut heroin, fentanyl packaging, over $14,000 in cash, and a short-barreled rifle with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 34 rounds of ammunition.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department.

Two Men Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With 2014 Robbery And Murder

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a federal indictment charging FRANK BRIGHT, a/k/a “Frankie,” and JOHN DUNCAN, a/k/a “Balla,” a/k/a “Moreno,” with the murder of Amaury Paulino.  Paulino was shot and killed on Christmas Eve in 2014 during the course of an armed robbery in the vicinity of St. Nicholas Avenue and West 129th Street.

BRIGHT was arrested today and will be presented in federal court in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda K. Caracappa.  DUNCAN is in federal custody on another offense.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:   “As alleged, Bright and Duncan planned a gunpoint robbery of Amaury Paulino, which resulted in his murder.  The defendants will now face justice for their alleged roles in this violent robbery.  We thank our law enforcement partners for their extraordinary efforts investigating this murder.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt said:  “A cold case has brought two men before the bar of justice today after efforts by the NYPD, DEA, and U.S. Attorney’s Office to find those allegedly responsible for a 2014 Christmas Eve murder.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “According to the allegations, the two defendants in this case are violent criminals who shot and killed a man during a robbery on Christmas Eve.  I want to thank the members of the NYPD, the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office whose work secured today’s indictments and helps keep New York City safe.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment[1] and information in the public record:

On December 24, 2014, BRIGHT and DUNCAN robbed Amaury Paulino in the vicinity of St. Nicholas Avenue and West 129th Street.  During the course of the robbery, Paulino was shot and killed. 

FRANK BRIGHT, 31, and JOHN DUNCAN, 32, are charged in the Indictment with one count of robbery conspiracy, one count of robbery, and one count of murder through the use of a firearm and aiding and abetting the same.  A chart containing the charges and maximum penalties is below.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and the DEA.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit and Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Gina Castellano, Jordan Estes, and Jason Richman are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

COUNT		CHARGE		MAX. PENALTIES
1		Robbery conspiracy   18 U.S.C. § 1951		20 years in prison
2		Robbery   18 U.S.C. § 1951		20 years in prison
3		Murder through use of a firearm   18 U.S.C. § 924(j)		Death or life in prison

[1] As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. 

Bronx District Attorney News Cases of Interest

BRONX MAN WHO SLAMMED PUPPY TO FLOOR, INJURING HER LEG SO BADLY IT NEEDED AMPUTATION, SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN JAIL 

Defendant Must Register as Animal Abuser “Sally” Recovered from the Ordeal and Found a New Home

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Roberto Martinez, 25, of 946 Leggett Avenue, was sentenced today to a year in jail by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary. Martinez pleaded guilty to Aggravated Cruelty to an Animal, a felony, on October 13, 2017. Upon his plea, he was remanded and began serving his sentence. As part of the plea agreement, he must register as an animal abuser in the state registry and is not permitted to own an animal for five years. 

BRONX MAN TO GET 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTACKING TWO FEMALES HE KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND LEFT SEMI-NAKED 

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Assault and Attempted Robbery 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has pleaded guilty to two 2016 attacks in which he knocked the victims unconscious and removed items of their clothing. In one attack, he broke the jaw of a 15-year-old girl near Bronx Park

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Shaun Lewis, 28, of Lurting Avenue, pleaded guilty today to Attempted Assault in the first-degree and Attempted Robbery in the second-degree before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. He will be sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by 5 years post-release supervision on February 27, 2018. At the time of the attacks, the defendant was on parole for a robbery in which he beat a woman and may be sentenced to additional time for violating his parole terms.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK ANNOUNCES SHE WILL MOVE TO VACATE MURDER CONVICTION OF BRONX MAN AND CONSENT TO HIS RELEASE AFTER 20 YEARS IN PRISON 

Conviction Integrity Unit Re-Investigated 1996 Case, Discovered Evidence and Determined That Defendant Did Not Receive Fair Trial

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that she will move to vacate the conviction of a Bronx man in a 1996 murder, after a review of the case by the District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit determined that the defendant did not receive a fair trial.

District Attorney Clark said, “Larry McKee is serving 24 years-to-life for murder, but the Conviction Integrity Unit has uncovered potentially exculpatory evidence that was not provided to the defense at the time of trial. Because of this, I will ask the Court on Monday, January 29, 2018, to vacate McKee’s conviction in the interest of justice so he can be freed as soon as possible. 

McKee, 46, was sentenced to 24 years-to-life in prison after a trial in Bronx Supreme Court in 1997. He was convicted by a jury of second-degree Murder in the fatal shooting of 29- year-old Theodore Vance on February 19, 1996, on 176th Street between Andrews and Montgomery Avenues. 

McKee’s attorney, Michael Talassazan, contacted the CIU six months ago, provided some new evidence and asked the unit to review the case. Assistant District Attorney Risa Gerson re-interviewed witnesses and examined thousands of pages of the trial file. Gerson discovered grand jury testimony of a witness who had heard the victim’s last words, which indicated “a Spanish guy.”

The evidence raised a question as to whether the shooter had been correctly identified because McKee is black, and it should have been turned over to the defense. Once ADA Gerson determined that the testimony had not been turned over to the defense, she gave it McKee’s attorney. 

27% DECREASE IN EVICTIONS

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION REPORTS RECORD 27% DECREASE IN EVICTIONS AS ACCESS TO LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME NEW YORKERS IN HOUSING COURT INCREASES

In 2017 alone, there was a 5 percent decrease in residential evictions from 2016 and over the last four years, an estimated 70,000 people have remained in their homes

  The de Blasio Administration today announced that residential evictions by marshals declined 27 percent since 2013, when there were nearly 29,000 evictions annually.  Evictions decreased 5 percent in 2017, representing a total of 1,015 households and an estimated 3,000 New Yorkers across all five boroughs who were able to remain in their homes. The number of evictions in 2017 was 21,074 compared to 22,089 in 2016. Over the last four years, an estimated 70,000 people have remained in their homes as a result of decreased evictions. 

“Preventing homelessness is a key element to turning the tide, which is why we’ve expanded and invested in legal assistance for low-income New Yorkers,” said Mayor de Blasio. “By deepening investments in tenant legal services we’ve been able to build on our progress and help 70,000 people keep their homes.”

“Since 2014, 180,000 New Yorkers have benefited from our expanded tenant legal services and this is just the beginning,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks.  “Evictions are continuing to decline thanks to New York City’s new Universal Access Law and our deepening commitment to fighting homelessness.”

At the same time as evictions are down, the City continues to increase access to free legal representation for low-income New Yorkers facing eviction in Housing Court.  In 2017, Mayor de Blasio signed legislation making New York City the first and only city in the country to ensure that all tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or termination hearings in NYCHA public housing have access to free legal services. When fully implemented in 2022, this initiative is expected to provide legal assistance to 400,000 New Yorkers facing eviction and displacement each year.

The substantial decrease in evictions is a result of the de Blasio Administration’s efforts to make City-funded legal services and other prevention services for low-income tenants accessible. The City increased funding for legal assistance for tenants facing eviction and harassment from $6 million in Fiscal Year 2013 to over $77 million in Fiscal Year 2018, more than a twelve-fold increase in total.

The Universal Access Law, which is overseen by the Civil Justice Coordinator at the Human Resources Administration, is being rolled out beginning with high need neighborhoods.  Annual funding for legal services for tenants will increase to $155 million when Universal Access is fully implemented in Fiscal Year 2022.

These programs are leveling the playing field for tenants in housing court across the five boroughs.  So far, HRA’s tenant legal services programs have successfully contributed to an increase in legal representation for tenants facing eviction in Housing Court from 1 percent of tenants represented in court in 2013 to 27 percent in 2016, as 99 percent of landlords had legal representation.  HRA’s tenant legal services programs have provided more than 180,000 New Yorkers with legal services since 2014.

With the implementation of Universal Access underway, the City’s Public Engagement Unit and the Human Resources Administration will be conducting outreach in key areas as services are rolled out to ensure that tenants can take advantage of this important assistance.

Call 311 or visit the City's housing portal at nyc.gov/longliveny for legal help fighting eviction.

February Cultural and Health Activities at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center

Celebrate Tu B’shevat (Israel Arbor Day) with Suki, flute and Steve, guitar, on Tues. Feb. 6 th at 1:00 PM. Lunch of oven fried chicken or vegetarian liver with mashed butternut squash and steamed kale w/garlic will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 and $2.00 for the event. Holiday refreshments will be served. Please call in your meal reservations to the office 718-549- 4700 by: Fri. Feb. 2nd.

Students from the Manhattan School of Music will perform on Wed. Feb. 14 th at 1:00 PM. Lunch of beef moussaka or tuna salad will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 and $1.00 for the event. Please call in your meal reservations to the office 718-549- 4700 by: Fri. Feb. 9th.

New: Illuminations session offers a quiet hour of gentle flute music by Yael Acher accompanied by a respectful energy treatment by Linda Gnat-Mullin, a qualified Reiki practitioner/instructor, on Thurs. Feb. 15 th from 1 – 2 PM. The goal is to enable participants to de-stress and recharge and continue life from a strengthened and refreshed perspective. Space for this workshop is limited. Pre-register with the senior center office 718-549- 4700 by Fri. Feb. 9 th .

Note: On Feb. 15 th , lunch of salmon cake or grilled chicken breast will be served at 12:15 PM. Suggested senior meal donation: $2.00.

Celebrate February birthdays with Michael Gaskin’s lively piano/vocals on Thurs. Feb. 22nd at 1:00 PM. Michael will perform American standards as well as international favorites for dancing and listening. Lunch of lemon pepper tilapia or turkey salad will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 and $1.00 for the event. Please call in your meal reservations to the office 718-549- 4700 by: Mon. Feb.19 th .

Soprano Jenny Lynn Stewart will present “A Tribute to Barbara Cook” on Wed. Feb. 28 th at 1:00 PM. “Barbara Cook had ‘come to define cabaret’ in the mid-1970s following a Tony-winning (The Music Man, 1958) Broadway musical career… New York dramatic soprano Jenny Lynn Stewart, whose repertoire includes opera, musicals and cabaret, has been likened to a cross between a very young Barbara Cook and late opera great Eileen Farrell, and worked with Cook in a coaching session ahead of a Lincoln Center performance by Stewart a year ago last April…” from Centerline by Jim Bessman.

Note: On Feb. 28 th, lunch of beef stew or salmon salad with broccoli soufflé and brown rice will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 and $2.00 for the event. Please call in your meal reservations to the office 718-549- 4700 by: Fri. Feb.23rd.

Doriana Castro will continue to instruct Senior Fitness on Monday mornings at 10:30 AM and Tone and Stretch on Friday mornings at 10 AM through February.

Movement class with Judy Farnum, certified fitness instructor, will meet on Mon. Feb. 5 th , *12th (*Tai Chi/Yoga) and 26th at 3:00 PM. This class combines low impact aerobics with easy-to- follow exercise routines as a fun way to get moving to a wide variety of music including Classic Retro Pop, Latin Rhythms, Global Beats and more! *New more gentle movement class.

New: Tai Chi with Stan Scher, certified instructor, will meet on Tues. Feb. 6th and 20 th at 10:15 PM. Stan has recently taught UFT retired teachers and residents of the Amalgamated. Beginners welcome.

Health and Relaxation w/Kathleen continues on Thurs. Feb. 1st and 15th at 11 AM. Kathleen, a certified Yoga instructor, integrates Tai Chi and chair Yoga moves and stretches.

Flowing Yoga w/Kathleen will meet on Wed. Feb. 14 th and 28 th at 3 PM.

All meals at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center are catered by Mauzone (kosher) Meal Service. We offer a daily alternate choice of main entree. Please call the senior center office to request the alternative meal choice between 9:30 and 10:30 AM. Menu is subject to change. Refreshments are served at all special events.

We are located on the first floor of the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. Take the Bronx #1, 2 or 10 bus to the intersection of Sedgwick Ave. and Van Cortlandt Ave. West. For more information, please call the center office at 718-549- 4700.

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Senator Golden's Comments on the Opioid Crisis

" Senator Golden's comments regarding the opioid epidemic are racist, disturbing, and inaccurate. The life of an individual is not worth more because of their parent's profession and should not be addressed differently because of it. 

Additionally, the truth is that drugs do not discriminate when it comes to gender, race, or income. Addiction is a public health issue, not a criminal justice one, and should be treated as such across the board. Senator Golden should apologize for his troubling remarks and work in the best interest of all New Yorker's health, not just a select few."

Senator Martin Golden's comments are available from the link provided by Senator Rivera's office to the Brooklyn Eagle at http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2018/1/23/truck-ban-bqe-golden-says-it%E2%80%99s-possible 

The comment occurs towards the end of the article when the reporter goes into other questions that the lead story.

One area of concern is the rising rate of opioid addiction in New York state. “It’s not a ghetto drug. It’s happening to doctor’s kids,” Golden said.

People start out on painkillers and then turn to heroin when they can no longer find a doctor willing to prescribe painkillers, he said. “They cut heroin from fentanyl,” he said. Fentanyl is dangerous because it is much more potent, he said. “The kid is addicted by the second or third hit of heroin,” he said.

Golden added that he believes there are not enough rehab centers.

Congressman Eliot L. Engel Calls Report That President Trump Tried to Fire Robert Mueller “Deeply Troubling, But Not Surprising”

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement in response to reports that President Trump tried to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller in June of 2017:

“This report is deeply troubling, but not surprising. Anytime the President has felt a perceived threat he has looked to ‘fire’ his way out of it. Jim Comey, Sally Yates, Preet Bharara, the list goes on. The President wrongly believes the justice system is in place to serve his interests, not the American people’s. He couldn’t be more wrong. This isn’t some reality TV show where you can dismiss whomever you want, whenever you want, for whatever reason. Firing Robert Mueller would trigger a Constitutional crisis. It is essential that we protect the independence of this investigation, make sure the Special Counsel gets to the bottom of the Trump-Russia scandal, and find out whether obstruction of justice has taken place.”

Wave Hill Events Feb 9‒Feb 16 Valentine's Day

  Wave Hill does not typically plan many programs for Valentine’s Day. The gardens—rolling lawns, historical home, jewel-like garden spaces—are serene and welcoming, providing enough romance for any visitor looking to open his or her heart. But a special Family Art Project gives families extra inspiration, and a wellness workshop offers a second, hands-on opportunity for caring.

For something quite different, hop on our Eagle Train to EagleFest for a thrilling chance to observe eagles and other local birds in their natural habitat. Our naturalists are on board for the scenic ride up the Hudson.

Sat, February 10     Ride the Eagle Train

ALL ABOARD THE EAGLE TRAIN! Attending Eaglefest at Croton Point Park? Ride the Hudson River Line train from Grand Central Terminal to Croton-Harmon with Wave Hill naturalists Gabriel Willow and Paul Keimon the Eagle Train. Bring your binoculars to spot eagles and other aquatic birds in their natural habitat. Train tickets available through Metro North Railroad; Eaglefest information and tickets at teatown.org. Free shuttle buses will bring attendees to/from the Croton-Harmon Train Station to the event site at Croton Point Park. Once you get there, be sure to stop at the table Wave Hill is sharing with partner Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Tickets at http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_hudval_eaglefest.htm

DEPARTS GRAND CENTRAL STATION 9:20AM

Sat, February 10    Family Art Project: Hearts and Flowers, Love for Belugas

As we look ahead to Valentine’s Day, let’s spread the love like a pod of belugas! Listen to touching tales about these small, gentle, gray-white whales, then make a stuffed beluga sock-puppet for a heartwarming Valentine’s gift. Add a special notecard crafted from an abundance of hearts and paper flowers, or even decorate it with some arctic ice or ocean waves for belugas. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Valentine’s Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, February 10 through Wed, February 14    Valentine’s Day in The Shop

On this special weekend, spend at least $75 in The Shop and receive a Valentine’s gift of chocolate.Valentine’s Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM‒4PM

Sat, February 10    Winter Workspace Session 1 Open House

This winter, Glyndor Gallery is transformed again into studio spaces for artists to develop new work and offer opportunities for public interaction in the context of the garden. Individual artists share their studio practice with the public on this open studio day. This year’s Session 1 artists are Tomie Arai, Camille Hoffman, Pedro Ramirez, Jessica Rohrer, Jean Shin and Austin Thomas. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, NOON‒3:30PM

Sun, February 11    Winter Birding

The Hudson River Valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitats. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds; NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

Sun, February 11    Family Art Project: Hearts and Flowers, Love for Belugas

As we look ahead to Valentine’s Day, let’s spread the love like a pod of belugas! Listen to touching tales about these small, gentle, gray-white whales, then make a stuffed beluga sock-puppet for a heartwarming Valentine’s gift. Add a special notecard crafted from an abundance of hearts and paper flowers, or even decorate it with some arctic ice or ocean waves for belugas. Free with admission to the grounds. Valentine’s Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, February 11    Wellness Workshop: Luscious Lips and Silky Skin

Treat yourself to handmade self-care products or create gifts for your valentine or loved ones. Using all-natural organic ingredients, work with aromatherapist and skin care expert Melissa Rivera of Essence and Aroma to create tinted lip balms and scented salves. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. $55/$45 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Valentine’s Weekend event.

WAVE HILLHOUSE, 10AM−1PM

Sun, February 11    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, February 12

Closed to the public.

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM, November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.