Saturday, October 27, 2018

Attorney General Sessions Delivered the Following Statement About Today’s Tragedy in Pittsburgh

“Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Every American has the right to attend their house of worship in safety. Today 11 innocent people were suddenly and viciously murdered during religious services and several law enforcement officers were shot. These alleged crimes are reprehensible and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Accordingly, the Department of Justice will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty.

“It has been an important week for us to show gratitude for the hard work of our law officers around the country. And today was no exception. I want to thank the FBI, ATF, Pittsburgh police, and especially the heroic officers who were so quick to respond to the shooting, including the multiple officers who were shot. These officers ran to danger to save others, which reflects the highest traditions of policing in this country. There can be no doubt that they saved lives today.

“The Department of Justice will continue to support our state and local partners and we will continue to bring the full force of the law against anyone who would violate the civil rights of the American people.”

Attorney General Sessions Delivers Remarks Announcing the Ongoing Investigation Into Suspicious Packages

Over the past week, more than a dozen suspicious packages have been sent through the United States Postal Service to a media outlet, a Hollywood actor, and at least seven high-ranking current and former political leaders in the Democratic Party.

This is utterly unacceptable. Political violence—or the threat of violence—is antithetical to our vigorous system of self-government.

It is a threat to that respect for law and process that allows our people to accept legislation, elections, and court rulings with which we do not agree.

This is the central feature of our system of government: you advocate for your beliefs enthusiastically but we peaceably and lawfully comply with the results.

Please know that from the beginning this investigative team has made this matter a top priority, focusing their great talents and expertise on neutralizing this threat.

They have moved swiftly and professionally, using extraordinary technical expertise, to apprehend the one alleged responsible.

This is a demonstration of the skill, the capability, and determination of our American law enforcement.

So I am pleased to participate in this announcement that a suspect is in the custody of the FBI.

I want to remind everyone that the defendant in this case—as in every case—is innocent until proven guilty.

He has been charged today with five federal crimes, including interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives, threats against former presidents and certain other persons, threatening interstate communications, and assaulting current and former federal officers.

For these charges, the defendant faces up to 48* years in prison.

These charges may change or expand as the investigation continues.

This is a law-and-order administration. We will not tolerate such lawlessness, and especially not political violence.

And so I want to thank FBI Director Wray and his team, all of our law enforcement partners who are here: ATF, the Secret Service, our Postal Inspectors, the Capitol Police, and the New York City Police Department. And United States Attorney Berman of the Southern District of New York, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Ariana Orshan.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from across America responded immediately to the cause and contributed to this effort. We are proud of each one of them.

I want to reiterate that the defendant in this case is innocent until proven guilty.

But let this be a lesson to anyone—regardless of their political beliefs—that we will bring the full force of law against anyone who attempts to use threats, intimidation, and outright violence to further any agenda.

We will find you. We will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study - Parkchester/Van Nest Public Workshop/Open House

It was billed as a public workshop/open house and help plan around future Metro-North service in your neighborhood!

However, it appeared to be a what would you like to see by the new Metro North station, and very little about the Metro North service. There were plenty of people from the various city agencies involved with lots of charts and drawings, but no concrete answers. Over a dozen people from the City planning Commission, people from the Parks Department, Housing Preservation Development Department, and Department of Transportation, but no real answers.

As you will see residents gave their suggestions as to what they wanted to see by the new train station, which ranged from a fitness center to curb cuts for buses to let people off at the station and other suggestions. The Bronx DOT Commissioner was on hand to say that the city no longer makes curb cuts for buses, but now extends the curb out as a bus bulb. Other ideas were taken as the study area is about one half a mile around from where the new Metro North station is to go, That however was not conveyed to members of the public who were giving their suggestions for the the strip of East Tremont Avenue adjacent to the rail lines. Not noted also was that Amtrak and CSX railroads share and have priority as to the use of the New Haven Line of the Metro North Railroad, or that this particular Metro North line covers the states of New York and Connecticut.

When I asked what the fare would be from Parkchester to Grand Central Station no one was able to give me a clue. As to other Metro North related questions, I received the same 'We don't know yet' answers to the frequency of service, accessibility from the full area around the station, and the answers were "We are here today to hear what the community wants'.

Above - The station area is in a bold line, with the impacted area around. Parkchester to the south, and Van Nest to the north.

Below - A chart with the various educational levels and incomes of people living around the new Metro North station.

Above - A City Planning Commission worker puts community suggestions on a map of the area around the proposed Parkchester Metro North station.

Below - With all the suggestions on it, the area sheet is gone over to make sure the suggestions are written and have been done correctly.

BP DIAZ & BRONX TOURISM COUNCIL HOST 24th ANNUAL TOUR DE BRONX!

On Sunday, October 28, 2018 (TOMORROW), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in conjunction with The Bronx Tourism Council and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, will host New York State’s largest free bicycling event, the 24^th annual Tour de Bronx.

More than 6,000 cyclists will take part in the event, which features a 25 and 40 mile route. Following the ride, cyclists are invited to the Tour de Bronx Festival at the New York Botanical Garden featuring live entertainment and refreshments.

REGISTRATION

East 163^rd Street & Grand Concourse

The Bronx 9:00 a.m

STAGE/PROGRAM/LAUNCH

East 161^st Street and Grand Concourse

The Bronx 10:30 a.m.

AFTER-RIDE FESTIVAL

New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Boulevard

The Bronx 2:00 p.m.

Friday, October 26, 2018

NY Man Arrested At Peace Bridge, Charged With Unlawfully Importing Marijuana He Legally Obtained From A Canadian Dispensary Into The U.S.

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Dratch, 23, of Montgomery, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a controlled substance, importation of a controlled substance, and smuggling goods into the United States. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fne.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 25, 2018, the defendant was encountered entering the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry, and was referred for a secondary inspection. During his initial inspection, Dratch stated he did not have any drugs, weapons, or prohibited items.

During the secondary inspection of the defendant’s vehicle, a canine search resulted in an alert to a trained odor on the glove compartment area. A search resulted in the discovery of six envelopes containing marijuana, two jars of marijuana resin, four additional packages containing THC-infused gummy worms, and a piece of paper with “118 George St.” and “289-396-8078” written on it. The address and number linked to the internet address “https://weedmaps.com/dispensaries/47483/about.” The website displayed MMJ Canada – Hamilton as well as various marijuana products for sale. The defendant was arrested at that time.

During a search of recent text messages in Dratch's phone, a message to an individual identified as "Max" on the same day stated: “lol bro I just had 100mg edible and I got stopped by customs and now they're asking me so much (expletive).”

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

BP DIAZ CALLS FOR CHANGES TO SCHOOL TECH REGULATIONS

Directive 10 is out-of-date, and must be amended to allow schools to purchase Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, Samsung Galaxy Tablets, Amazon Kindles and other portable devices

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is calling for urgent amendments to Directive 10, an out-of-date set of rules that prevents city public schools from purchasing portable technology such as such as Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, Samsung Galaxy Tablets and Amazon Kindles.

In a letter to New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, whose office administers these rules, Borough President Diaz notes that Directive 10 currently prevents New York City public schools from purchasing such items using capital funding as they could with traditional desktop computers. The letter goes on to urge the comptroller to update these regulations to allow students access to the most current technology possible.

“Tablet computers have become almost ubiquitous, and have potentially limitless potential to expand learning opportunities in our classrooms. However, New York City’s public school students remain limited in their ability to take advantage of them because of the regulations laid out by your office’s Directive 10, which prevents the use of capital funding to purchase them,” states Borough President Diaz in the letter.

The full letter to Comptroller Stringer can be read at https://on.nyc.gov/2NWqGyH.

“In order to best prepare our students for higher education and the workforce it is our duty to ensure they have access to the most current technology, and that includes tablets and portable laptops,” said Borough President Diaz. “Directive 10 is holding our students back, and I urge Comptroller Stringer to change these regulations and allow our public schools access to the full range of technology options.”

Earlier this month, Borough President Diaz issued a report, “Programming New York City Students for Success,” which outlines an expanded view of computer science education in New York City public schools. Included within that report are recommendations that buttress the borough president’s call to update Directive 10, including the need to continuously evaluate and revise computer science curriculum to keep it fresh, as well as the need to ensure access to computer science in areas where funding has historically been lacking.

That report can be read at https://on.nyc.gov/2Ow0Q9X.

Wave Hill events November 8-15, Feed the Birds Weekend!

Lately, the gardens have abounded with birds—from dark-eyed juncos to blue jays and hawks and eagles wheeling overhead. Perfect timing for a return of Feed the Birds, back for a full weekend this year on November 10 & 11. Stop by to learn about how local birds have adapted to survive the winter, and help them prepare for dropping temperatures. Also coming up is the November 11 performance by the Dalí Quartet—the second of our 2018‒2019 season in Armor Hall. The Quartet will bring a lively mix of Latin American, Classical and Romantic genres to the historic space overlooking our stunning fall gardens.

Sat, November 10

Family Art Project: Local Birdies for Wave Hill House

Goldfinches, woodpeckers, dark-eyed juncos, blue jays and robins are just a few of the local bird species that inhabit the grounds of Wave Hill. We’ll make bird drawings with colored pencils, oil pastels and templates. Some projects may be added to the Wave Hill House holiday decor. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Feed the Birds Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, November 10

In The Shop: 20% Off All Bird Feeders and Birdhouses

For Feed the Birds Weekend, enjoy 20% off all bird feeders and birdhouses in The Shop. Feed the Birds Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, November 12

Closed to the public.

Tue, November 13

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, November 13

Gallery Tour

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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.

MAZON and SAGE Convene Leaders to Address LGBT Senior Hunger

This week, a group of leaders from anti-hunger, LGBT, aging, and economic justice organizations convened to discuss an often-overlooked challenge facing LGBT older Americans – that of hunger.

The event was hosted by MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger and SAGE, bringing together nearly 50 key stakeholders to share insights, exchange ideas and strategies, and discuss policy solutions to tackle this issue.

LGBT seniors are 60% more likely to experience food insecurity than their non-LGBT peers, and addressing the unique challenges facing LGBT older Americans is critical as this population grows.[1] Twenty-seven percent of all LGBT adults relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and experienced food insecurity in 2016.[2] LGBT elders are also less likely to seek out meal programs and other charitable food programs out of fear of anti-LGBT discrimination and harassment.[3] Additionally, there are efforts underway to remove and/or not enforce anti-discrimination policies on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression for USDA programs like SNAP, the senior-only Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

“There is widespread understanding that LGBT seniors are facing challenges in healthcare and housing, but the third “H” of basic needs – hunger – has been overlooked for far too long,” said Abby J. Leibman, President & CEO of MAZON. “As an ally organization in partnership with those in the LGBT community, MAZON is proud to convene leaders in this space so we can best advocate on behalf of this particularly vulnerable – but highly resilient – population.”

SAGE CEO Michael Adams speaks at the summit

“While we know LGBT elders face higher rates of social isolation, poverty, and a lack of access to culturally competent services and supports, not enough attention has been paid to the hunger LGBT older people disproportionately face on a daily basis,” said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “Nobody should go hungry in their later years. Our LGBT community owes a debt to our elder pioneers to ensure that they are food secure and, ultimately, can age well. SAGE is proud to partner with MAZON on this much needed convening that we hope will draw more attention to this important issue.”

REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT TO HOLD MTA TRANSIT UPDATE

MTA Updates in New York’s 13^th Congressional District Anticipated to Begin with Construction for 12 Deep Station and Impact 168th Street, 191st Street and 181st Street Commuters

Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will announce scheduled MTA updates and transit renovations planned throughout his district during a press conference with MTA leadership on Wednesday, October 31^st at 9:00 a.m. at the 168^th Street Subway Station (Washington Heights – 168^th Street).

“I have worked closely with MTA and Chairman Joe Lhota on the ongoing renovations within the New York subway and rail stations throughout my district, including the replacement of the 6 Deep Station Traction Elevators at 181st and 190th Streets on the A line and the 12 Deep Station Traction Elevator Replacement Project on the 1 Line,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “I am delighted that transit improvements will be made throughout my district. As we move forward with updates, all residents should be advised of changes to the construction schedule for 12 Deep Station, which is now 168th Street, 191st Street and 181st Street and will impact daily commuter routes as updates begin in January 2019.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO VISITS THE OLDE TOWNE OF FLUSHING BURIAL GROUND TO UPDATE COMMUNITY ON COMMEMORATIVE PLAZA PROJECT

Mayor Bill de Blasio today joined Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FACIP and Council Member Peter Koo to share the designs for a $1.63 million project to reconstruct a commemorative plaza at the site of the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground.

"Reconstructing this plaza is a way for New Yorkers to rediscover this sacred historical space, and it's a fitting honor for those buried here," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "As Queens week draws to an end, we're commemorating an important part of our history and the vision of this community, which worked hard to get recognition for this site."

“The Burial Ground is the final resting place for hundreds of ancestors. Such sacred ground on park property must be treated with dignity and respect. The reconstruction of a commemorative plaza is the result of tireless efforts on the part of the community to honor those buried here,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.

“Parks is thrilled to have been able to work directly with the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground Conservancy and local community members to design a fitting commemorative plaza, where New Yorkers can come to reflect and remember the lives of loved ones, and ancestors,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver. “We are grateful to the Mayor, Borough President, and Council Member for their support to see through the community’s vision on this space.”

“The Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground is a hidden gem in our community that has been deprived of the recognition it deserves for decades,” said Council Member Peter Koo. "The community fought long and hard for a proper memorial that honors those African and Native Americans who were interned here, and their activism is finally coming to fruition. With this memorial, we let the bones beneath our feet know that times have changed and the disrespect and dishonor they received in life no longer carries over into death. Thank you to Mandingo Tshaka and the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground for their relentless advocacy to ensure this historical site receives the proper recognition and respect from the City of New York.”

“I have been a long-time supporter of improving the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground and I’m thrilled to help announce this critical initiative. This project will help ensure that this site receives the respect it deserves and that a proper memorial is created to honor those who are buried here. I thank Mayor de Blasio, Borough President Katz and Councilman Koo for providing this important funding and I thank the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground Conservancy for all their tireless work and commitment,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng.

“The Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground Conservancy believes this site, now listed on the New York State and National Registry of Historic Places, is as much a part of Flushing history as any other mentioned. Native Americans and African Americans have been in Flushing since Queens was established. This will be a teaching site as well as a long-needed memorial to the forgotten souls interred here and so long disrespected. The Conservancy members joined with Mandingo Tshaka who discovered the burial ground existed. Working with our Council people, Borough Presidents and Parks we finally got to this conclusion, and we know that our work is not done,” said Robbie Garrison, Co-Chair of The Olde Towne Flushing Burial Ground Conservancy.

“We are thrilled that this project is coming to fruition with today’s design unveiling. We are very happy with the design, which honors the people that are interred here and have never been acknowledged before. We want to thank the Mayor, the Borough President, the Council Member, Parks and all of our past elected officials for their work to get us to this day,” said Eugene T. Kelty, Jr., Chair, Queens Community Board 7.

The project, led by NYC Parks, will reconstruct 1.6 acres of the 3.5 acre Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground along 46th Avenue between 164th and 165th streets. Parks will construct a commemorative plaza and reconstruct pathways that provide better circulation throughout the site. The plaza will include a wall which will honor those buried there, it will include their engraved names and an interpretive sign will provide historic information about the site. A butterfly garden will be added with new benches and plantings to create an area of tranquility for all visitors, surrounded by cardinal directions written in local a Native American language. The design was created in consultation with the local community members and the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground.

This project is currently in the design phase, and is tentatively scheduled to go before the Public Design Commission in November. It is funded with $1.62 million including $600,000 from Borough President Katz, $520,000 from Council Member Koo, and an additional $500,000 from Mayor de Blasio.

The‘re-discovery’ of burial grounds within our municipality is an experience shared by many cities world-wide. The City of New York has buildings and parks that stand on former burial grounds. In the 1990’s, when Parks began a renovation of the site, local activist Mandingo Tshaka drew attention to its previous history. In response, Parks commissioned a $50,000 archaeological study in 1996. Archeologist Linda Stone concluded that the site served as the final resting-place for between 500 to 1,000 individuals. Death records for the town of Flushing exist for the period 1881 until 1898, and show that during this period, 62 percent of the buried were African American or Native American, 34 percent were unidentified, and more than half were children under the age of five.

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study - RAIN OR SHINE! Parkchester/Van Nest Public Workshop/Open House

Please join us and help plan around coming Metro-North service in your neighborhood!

EVENT TOMORROW!
Parkchester/Van Nest
Public Workshop and Open House

Rain or shine, the Bronx Metro-North study will be holding our Parkchester/Van Nest Public Workshop and Open House tomorrow! Come when you can and stay for as long as you like and help to help plan around future Metro-North service in your neighborhood.

The interactive self-paced event is an important opportunity for the community to join city agencies to plan around future Metro-North service – share your local expertise, hear from your neighbors, contribute your ideas to improve Tremont Avenue, plan for the station area, consider what the service means for jobs, health, housing, youth and more.

We'll have coffee, tea and treats to keep everyone going and warm. So bring an umbrella and help plan around future Metro-North service in your neighborhood!

WHEN

Saturday, October 27, 2018
10AM–1PM: Workshop/Open House
1PM–1:30PM: Group Visioning Activity
(Self-paced activities. Come when you wish and stay for long as you are able to.)

WHERE

St. Raymond’s Elementary School
Monsignor Tierney Auditorium
(Enter at corner of E Tremont Ave and Purdy St.)

Light refreshments will be provided. For any questions or special needs, please email bmns@planning.nyc.gov or call 718 220 8500

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