STATEMENT ON VILE AND SEXIST STORY BY THE NEW YORK POST

 

The following is a statement from Fabien Levy, press secretary to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, on a vile and sexist story released by The New York Post this afternoon referring to the personal relationships of Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright and New York City Department of Education (DOE) Senior Advisor to the Deputy Chancellor for School Leadership Tracey Collins:

 

“The New York Post and everyone associated with this story should be ashamed of themselves for suggesting that Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright — an Ivy League-educated, former major non-profit executive, who has a long career of groundbreaking accomplishments — was hired as some sort of favor, or in return for ‘sleeping’ with her long-term partner. This sexist rhetoric and vile insinuation are beyond the pale and have no place in public discourse.

 

“In addition, DOE Senior Advisor Tracey Collins is a veteran educator with more than 30 years of experience. There was a retirement in the Division of School Leadership this spring, and Tracey applied for the publicly posted, competitive position and went through a rigorous process that did not include City Hall’s oversight. DOE has made clear that she was, far and away, the most qualified of all applicants for the position, which is why she was the only finalist presented to Chancellor Banks. Once again, it is flat out sexist and vile to suggest an accomplished, highly trained, lifelong public servant was only given this position because of who her long-time partner may be.

 

“The New York Post owes both women an immediate apology.”

Governor Hochul Announces State Landmarks to be Illuminated Red Tonight in Honor of Light the Night for Fallen FirefightersThe GMMC bridge is lit red in honor of International Firefighters Day.

 

15 State Landmarks To Be Lit the Evening of Saturday, October 8

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 15 state landmarks will be illuminated red the evening of Saturday, October 8, in honor of Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.

"Firefighters are courageous, selfless public servants and tonight we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to keep New Yorkers safe," Governor Hochul said. "We keep those who are no longer with us in our hearts and remind those who continue to serve that we will always support them in any and every way we can."

Landmarks that will be illuminated include:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal

Speaker Adams, Civic Leaders, and School Community Celebrate Renaming of PS 48Q as The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service

 

Speaker Adrienne Adams joined school community leaders, local elected officials, parents, and students to celebrate the official renaming of PS 48Q as The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service. In 2021, the New York City Department of Education approved the renaming of PS 48Q after former Mayor Dinkins, the first African American Mayor of New York City. Led by Patricia Mitchell, who served as Principal of PS 48Q for 14 years, a group of school leaders, teachers, and parents agreed to honor Mayor Dinkins and his lifelong legacy of public service.  

The stated vision of The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service is to “build leaders who are well-rounded and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve community issues, leading scholars to become change agents in our ever-evolving global society.” By renaming the school in honor of former Mayor David N. Dinkins, the school community and students will strive to exemplify the legacy set by its namesake. 

“Mayor David N. Dinkins was a trailblazing, inspirational, and honorable leader in our city whose commitment to a more just and equitable world never wavered,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “He devoted his life to public service and improving the communities that make up the “Gorgeous Mosaic” that is New York City. By renaming PS 48Q in his honor, our community is uplifting Mayor Dinkins’ legacy and ensuring that the next generation of leaders will be inspired to serve their communities. I am grateful for the leadership of District 28 Superintendent Dr. Tammy Pate, Principal Joan Stanley-Duvernay, CEC 28 President Vijah Ramjattan, and former Principal Patricia Mitchell, whose vision and dedication made this historic day possible.” 

“Mayor David Dinkins was the kind of dedicated leader whose commitment to service will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “His recognition of our great city as a ‘gorgeous mosaic’ is the lens through which we all ought to view the beauty of our differences, and use it as a catalyst for growth in our communities. It is an honor to help solidify his legacy within our great school system.” 

“We are so proud to celebrate the life and leadership of Mayor David N. Dinkins,” said Dr. Tammy Pate, Superintendent of Community School District 28. “It is incredibly important for all institutions, and especially educational institutions, to hold the history and legacy of leaders who, through work and advocacy, seek to improve the lives of all people. How great an added gift that his work has the opportunity to also fan the flame of public service in our scholars. The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service will uphold Mayor Dinkins’ legacy for generations to come.” 

“This marks a new beginnings for PS 48Q,” said Joan Stanley-Duvernay, Principal of PS 48Q. “The school now named The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service is positioned to impactfully improve the lives of the school community and the community at large. I am honored and humbled to be the principal of The David N. Dinkins School, and we will work to keep his legacy alive.” 

About Mayor David N. Dinkins 

David Norman Dinkins served as the 106th Mayor of the City of New York. He was elected as the city’s first African American Mayor and took office on January 1, 1990. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Dinkins graduated from Trenton Central High School, Howard University, and Brooklyn Law School. A recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, he served as a United States Marine during World War II. Prior to being elected Mayor, Dinkins served in the New York State Assembly in 1966 and later as the Manhattan Borough President from 1985 to 1989. During his tenure as Mayor, Dinkins created the Beacon Schools program, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, and the “Safe Streets, Safe City” plan. He was responsible for securing a 99-year deal with the USTA National Tennis Center, revitalizing Times Square, and rehabilitating housing in New York City. Mayor Dinkins passed away in November 2020. 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Sign Up for our Town Hall on Wednesday!

Join Us For An In-Person Town Hall!

The Congresswoman will discuss recent legislative victories, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, and share a number of upcoming opportunities for NY-14 constituents. She will also take questions from the audience. For those who are unable to join in person, or non-constituents, we encourage you to join us virtually on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. WHEN: Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at 6:00 PM                Doors open at 5:00 PM WHERE: Bronxdale High School                   925 Astor Ave, Bronx, NY 10469 LIVESTREAM: Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter TRANSLATION: Spanish and ASL translation will be available.

REGISTER HERE

You can also register by calling our office at 718-662-5970. The Congresswoman will be taking questions from the audience. To send a question ahead of time, please email aoc.townhall@mail.house.gov or call 718-662-5970 with your name, neighborhood and question.   We’re looking forward to meeting you in-person!

 

Man Charged With Setting Chinatown Spa On Fire With Victim Trapped Inside

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Laura Kavanaugh, Acting Fire Commissioner for the New York City Fire Department (“FDNY”), announced the unsealing yesterday of a one-count Indictment charging MARIO LUCAS with arson.  LUCAS was initially charged by Complaint and arrested on August 8, 2022.  LUCAS’s case has been assigned to the Honorable Edgardo Ramos. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Mario Lucas committed a horrific arson of a Manhattan business with a victim trapped inside.  Luckily, the victim survived.  As reflected by the charge today, this Office is committed to holding individuals who would commit violence in this City accountable for their crimes.”

John B. DeVito, ATF Special Agent in Charge said:  “This alleged heinous act of arson is unacceptable.  Thankfully, the victim has survived.  ATF remains steadfast in our commitment to bring our expertise and resources to investigate and apprehend those who commit violent crimes.  We will continue to work alongside our local partners to build safer communities.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said:  “As alleged, the arson Mario Lucas sparked in June was not just a crime against a single victim in one business, but a violent assault that endangered an entire community and all the first responders who rushed in to help.  I commend our NYPD officers for their prompt response in arresting Mr. Lucas and thank them for their outstanding work in this case along with our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the ATF’s New York Field Division, and the FDNY.”

Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh said:  “Intentionally setting a fire is a heinous crime, and doing so while knowing there is a person trapped inside is reprehensible.  We are grateful to our Fire Marshals and all law enforcement for quickly apprehending this man and keeping him off our city’s streets.” 

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, the Complaint, and statements made in open Court:[1] 

At approximately 4:46 p.m. on June 19, 2022, LUCAS entered a spa located in Chinatown (the “Spa”), in Manhattan, New York.  LUCAS then appeared to engage in a conversation with an individual working in the Spa (the “Victim”).  At approximately 4:55 p.m., the Victim exited the lobby into the back room of the Spa, and LUCAS remained in the lobby.  At approximately 4:56 p.m., LUCAS opened his backpack and pulled out a white plastic bag that appeared to contain a plastic container full of liquid.  LUCAS then poured that liquid around the lobby of the Spa.  After pouring the liquid, LUCAS took a lighter out of his pocket and lit the liquid on fire.  The room then went up in flames. 

LUCAS tried to open the front door, but the door would not open.  The Victim appears to have still been in the back room at this time.

Video from outside the Spa shows, at approximately 4:59 p.m., smoke and fire within the Spa.  A crowd gathered around the Spa on the street, and a man used a bar stool to force open the door.  At approximately 5:00 p.m., LUCAS escaped from the Spa and ran down Eldridge Street.  Approximately one minute later, the Victim exited the Spa.

Law enforcement was able to track LUCAS’s movements through security camera footage collected from various locations in the vicinity of the Spa.  This footage showed that LUCAS removed his hooded sweatshirt and shirt and left them on the street.  He also dropped his black backpack.  LUCAS appeared to be suffering from severe burns and appeared to be trying to remove his clothing as a result.

At a location approximately two blocks from the Spa, members of the NYPD intercepted LUCAS and placed him in an ambulance.  LUCAS provided NYPD with a Guatemalan identification card bearing the name “Mario Lucas.” 

LUCAS, 46, of Guatemala, is charged with arson resulting in injury to another person, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. 

The maximum and minimum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the ATF, NYPD, and FDNY. Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in this case. 

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 and the Complaint, and the description of the Indictment and the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James Stops Efforts to Dismantle the U.S. Postal Service

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement after Judge Emmet G. Sullivan of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision permanently stopping Postmaster General Louis DeJoy from taking certain measures that would degrade mail service and further undermine the United States Postal Service (USPS).

“After he assumed leadership in June 2020, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy pushed through drastic changes to the U.S. Postal Service’s operations that slowed mail operations nationwide, harmed everyday Americans, and made a mockery of the right to vote. No one can act with impunity, and today the rule of law prevailed. My office will continue to defend New Yorkers — and Americans — against actions that slow essential services and threaten the integrity of our democracy.”

In August 2020, Attorney General James led the attorneys general of Hawaii and New Jersey, as well as the city of New York and the city and county of San Francisco in filing a lawsuit to stop the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle USPS. The lawsuit argued that significant changes to USPS operations under DeJoy’s leadership substantially impacted USPS mail service in New York and nationwide and posed a threat to the integrity of the November 2020 presidential election. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, the court granted a preliminary injunction which immediately halted the Trump Administration’s attempts to disrupt USPS operations.

Governor Hochul Announces Opening of $5.9 Million Supportive Housing Development in Suffolk County

Mercy Gardens Provides 19 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing in Central Islip

Project Will Help Formerly Homeless Families and Individuals with Mental Illness

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of Mercy Gardens, a $5.9 million supportive housing development in Central Islip, in Suffolk County. Supported with $5.2 million in state funding, this project created 19 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals and families.

"We are making unprecedented investments in supportive housing projects across the state, and Mercy Gardens will provide much-needed housing and support services to help transform the lives of New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "This $5.9 million development will provide Central Islip individuals and families with the on-site care and services needed to thrive, and my administration will continue working tirelessly to expand much-needed supportive housing across New York State."

Developed by Mercy Haven, Inc., Mercy Gardens features two newly constructed buildings. One has 14 one-bedroom apartments for formerly homeless individuals with mental illness and the other has 5 two-bedroom apartments for single adults and families that have experienced homelessness.

Mercy Gardens complements Governor Hochul's statewide plan to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

The project was constructed with $5.1 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which is administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The Office of Mental Health also provided nearly $118,000 in capital funding. The project also received more than $310,00 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and Mercy Haven contributed more than $340,000.

Vocational, education and recreational programs will be provided to residents and Mercy Haven's main office and community garden are nearby, providing access to additional supportive programming for residents.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "Governor Hochul has demonstrated her commitment to the importance of supportive housing in effectively addressing homelessness across the state. We are grateful to our partners for bringing this project to fruition and congratulate Mercy Haven on the successful completion Mercy Gardens."

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "The supportive housing units in Mercy Gardens will provide people living with mental illness attractive and welcoming housing and the services they need to live and thrive in their own homes and communities. Governor Hochul's commitment to supportive housing is enabling New Yorker's with mental illness to live independently and become valuable contributors to their communities."

Former Associate Principal And High School Teacher Sentenced To 15 Years For Child Enticement And Possession Of Child Pornography

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JONATHAN SKOLNICK was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for enticing minor children to send him nude and sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves over the Internet.  On April 5, 2022, SKOLNICK pled guilty before U.S. Judge Colleen McMahon, who imposed his sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For approximately seven years, Jonathan Skolnick abused his position of trust as an associate principal and teacher in New York City schools by posing as a teenage girl online and successfully enticing minor victims, including his own students, to send him child pornography.  This lengthy prison sentence holds Skolnick accountable for his horrific crimes and the extraordinary harm and trauma he caused to many minor victims and their families.” 

According to the Indictment, court documents, and based on statements made in open court:

Between in or around August 2012 and in or around June 2018, JONATHAN SKOLNICK worked as a high school teacher at a school in Brooklyn, New York.  In or around July 2018, SKOLNICK became an associate principal at a middle school in the Bronx, New York, where he worked until his arrest in September 2019.  While in those roles, SKOLNICK posed as a teenage girl online, contacted minor victims by email, social media message, and text message, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the minor victims, and enticed the minor victims to send him nude and sexually explicit photographs and videos.  Many of the minor victims were students at the schools where SKOLNICK worked. 

During the time period of his crimes, SKOLNICK used at least 21 different email and social media accounts to contact nearly 100 different individuals and solicit nude and sexually explicit images and videos.  When certain minor victims stopped communicating with SKOLNICK, he threatened to release the photographs and images that the minor victims had sent.

In addition to his prison term, SKOLNICK, 40, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.  

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE ASYLUM SEEKER STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION

 

"I thank the mayor for declaring a state of emergency to address the two crises asylum seekers face: the real dangers that they seek refuge from in our country, and the man-made crisis created by conservative leaders who put a higher value on political points than people in need. The far right is doing the wrong thing, and people of progressive values – or even good conscience – have been and will continue to combat it with compassion and solutions.

"The state of emergency emphasizes, rather than excuses, our city’s need to uphold the right to shelter, and for those shelter conditions to align with my homeless bill of rights. The city must make sure to exhaust all options, including hotels and large venues like the Javits Center, before turning to options like the tents we have seen proposed, regardless of site– and any such structure needs to be subject to the same standards of services as other facilities, laid out in the homeless bill of rights. I have too often seen temporary solutions become more permanent patches on failing systems, and that cannot be allowed.

"On a city level, we must reform the CityFHEPS voucher system by eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic delays to moving people from shelters into permanent housing. Permanent, deeply affordable housing is the only way to address the city’s existing homelessness crisis, and will also help us meet the moment by making more space available in shelters.

"State and federal government must also step up – people in dire need can’t depend on political winds, and can’t wait until after Election Day for aid. We need to explore working with other municipalities to provide opportunity for asylum seekers, and we need funding from the federal government to meet this emergency that ultimately stems from a broken immigration system and decades of destructive foreign policy. On all levels of government, we have an obligation to do what we can, with what we have, for people who came to this country seeking safety and support."

Coffee & Conversation: New York State Assistance for Your Business

 

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Register - Click Here On Thursday, October 13 at 10:00am we welcome Elizabeth Lusskin, Executive Vice President for Small Business and Technology at Empire State Development overseeing small business and technology programs for NYS Governor Kathy Hochul to Coffee and Conversation. To attend and learn about federal business incentives, combatting inflation, and the Hochul economic plan, Click Here. The next cohort of guests include: Hon. Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Land Use, 10/25/2022 at 10:00am, click here to register Hon. Marjorie Velasquez, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Consumer Affairs and Worker Protection, 11/8/2022 at 10:00am, click here to register For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly! The Bronx Chamber of Commerce's Coffee and Conversation series brings together decision makers, influencers, and thought leaders shaping the economic future of the Bronx and highlights priorities identified by Bronx Chamber members.