Soccer Streets: Mayor Mamdani Transforms 50 School Blocks Across New York City Into World Cup Field Days for Students

 

Mayor Mamdani's 'Soccer Streets' series will travel to 50 schools across the five boroughs, turning car-free blocks into day-long soccer pitches, block parties and community celebrations leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today launched "Soccer Streets," a traveling series of field days visiting 50 public schools across the five boroughs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At each stop, car-free streets outside schools will be transformed into soccer pitches, art stations and block-party celebrations. The activations began May 1 and will continue school to school through the last day of school on June 26.  

  

As part of Soccer Streets, students will play pickup matches, run drills, paint team flags and celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event coming to New York City this summer.   

  

“The World Cup is coming to New York City, and we want every kid in this city to experience the joy of the game,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Soccer Streets takes that energy directly into our neighborhoods — closing streets to cars, opening them to play and making sure this celebration isn't reserved for people who can afford a ticket. Open Streets is one of the best tools we have to reclaim public space for the public and these activations are another step toward bringing the World Cup to our city’s young people.”  

  

“For so many schools, the street outside their door is the only outdoor space they have. Soccer Streets shows what's possible when we give that space back to kids — for play, for learning, for community,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We're thrilled to partner on this celebration, and we want every school in the city to know the door is open to join Open Streets year-round.”  

  

“Outdoor play and physical activity are essential to the whole child,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “Initiatives like this remind us that the street right outside a school door can be just as powerful a learning environment as the classrooms inside it. I’m grateful to all partners who had a hand in making this possible and can’t wait for our students to have this experience.”  

  

“Growing up I loved soccer. It was more than just a game. I learned it has the power to unify all of us, create belonging, and teach skills that go far beyond the field,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. “From supporting the U.S. National Team to youth clubs across the country, we’ve seen that when you feed people’s dreams they grow. Teaming up with Mayor Mamdani to bring that spirit to neighborhoods across New York City feels truly magical. Seeing streets filled with kids playing, families cheering, and communities connecting through this beautiful game—that’s what makes soccer so special. Especially ahead of the World Cup, there’s no better way to celebrate.”  

  

“The World Cup is about more than the games in the stadium. It’s about sparking the joy of the game in young people and bringing communities together around this historic celebration,” said World Cup Czar Maya Handa. “Every borough will participate and every neighborhood should benefit from the World Cup coming to our city.”  

  

“Open Streets for Schools hold a special promise for the future of the city,” said Leslie Davol, Executive Director of Street Lab. “We’re seeing students, families, teachers, and neighbors, working side-by-side to transform streets into places to gather, bringing learning from out behind the walls, and inspiring the whole community. It’s a grassroots movement, rising from the ground up and from the boroughs in. We’re excited to be working with this administration to help bring this new vision of NYC streets to life.”  

  

The City is partnering with the nonprofit Street Lab and Chobani to bring Soccer Streets to schools across the five boroughs.   

  

Schools interested in participating can contact Street Lab to learn more and get involved. Soccer Streets is a part of NYC DOT's Open Streets for Schools program, which allows schools to close an adjacent street to traffic for recess, outdoor learning and safer pickup and drop-off. Several Soccer Streets locations are already Open Streets schools. Applications for the 2026–27 school year are open now and the City is encouraging more schools to join the program.    

Soccer Streets builds on Mayor Mamdani’s broader effort to ensure every New Yorker — not just tourists — can participate in and enjoy the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Last month, Mayor Mamdani, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee announced a free, citywide slate of Official NYNJ Fan Events across all five boroughs, including live match viewings, cultural programming, engagements at local businesses and interactive experiences for New Yorkers.    

HSTF: Chinese National and Las Vegas Man Charged in Scheme to Import Deadly Synthetic Opioid into U.S.

 

Law Enforcement in the People’s Republic of China Confirmed That a Defendant Was Arrested as Part of a Parallel Investigation

A Chinese national and a Las Vegas man have been charged by federal indictment for their roles in a scheme to import large quantities of the powerful synthetic opioid protonitazene in the U.S. and distribute it as counterfeit pills. These charges stem from an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), with assistance and collaboration with the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Public Security.

According to court records, beginning in approximately September 2024, Jia Guo, a/k/a “idmaster21,” a/k/a “imyourBDOguy,” a/k/a “OXY GUY,” of China, and Seven Schmidt, a/k/a “Vegas,” of Nevada, operated a drug trafficking organization that sourced protonitazene overseas and shipped it into the U.S. for distribution. Protonitazene — often used in counterfeit pill production — is significantly more potent than fentanyl. A quantity as small as 200 grams can produce hundreds of thousands of pills, each potentially lethal.

“This case shows why President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Force matters,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The indictment alleges that a China-based supplier and a domestic distributor worked together to bring a deadly synthetic opioid into the United States and turn it into counterfeit pills for distribution across the country. These pills are made to look familiar, but one pill can kill. If you use South Florida as a gateway to import synthetic opioids, make counterfeit pills, or profit from addiction, you will face federal prosecution. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

“The bilateral investigation with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security underscores DEA Asia Pacific Division’s unwavering commitment to the protection of American lives: disrupting criminal organizations responsible for distributing dangerous synthetic opioids across the United States is one of DEA’s main priorities,” said Special Agent in Charge David L. King of the DEA Asia Pacific Division. “We commend the Chinese Ministry of Public Security for their thorough and swift investigative work on this case, which was initially presented at the February 2026 Bilateral Drug Enforcement Intelligence Working Group, hosted by DEA Asia Pacific Division in Colorado.”

“This was the very definition of agents and officers working in unison to bring these criminals to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley of the DEA Miami Field Division. “Lives will be saved because of their efforts.”

“The US Postal Inspection service remains committed to removing these poisons from our communities,” said Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of the USPIS, Miami Division. “These charges serve as a warning to others that, using the US Mail to distribute dangerous drugs has consequences.” 

Guo allegedly coordinated the illegal procurement and shipment of protonitazene from China to co-conspirators, including an associate in Miami-Dade County. That associate allegedly used pill presses to manufacture counterfeit pills, which were then distributed to drug dealers throughout the U.S. 

Schmidt allegedly ordered distribution quantities of the counterfeit pills and arranged for their shipment from South Florida to Nevada using the U.S. Postal Service.

As part of the investigation, China’s Ministry of Public Security took law enforcement action in China against Guo. In April 2026, Chinese officials arrested Guo and the freight forwarder, who Guo conspired with to send controlled substance parcels to the U.S. As part of the investigation, the Ministry of Public Security seized 10 parcels filled with controlled substances that Guo sent which were for recipients in the U.S. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of Public Security for its assistance and coordinated efforts.

Guo and Schmidt are charged with conspiracy to import protonitazene into the United States from China and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute protonitazene. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the two counts.

U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, Special Agent in Charge Aley, Special Agent in Charge King, and Inspector in Charge Rojo made the announcement.

DEA Miami, USPIS Miami, and DEA Beijing are investigating the case with the assistance from and in collaboration with China’s Ministry of Public Security. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Homestead (FL) Police Department, the Henderson (NV) Police Department, DEA Dallas, DEA Las Vegas, DEA Seattle, the Miami-Dade Sherriff’s Office, and the Miami Beach Police Department also provided invaluable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Monique Botero is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitchell Hyman is handling asset forfeiture. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Prosecutorial, Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) Beijing Resident Legal Advisor, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this matter.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Miami comprises of agents and officers from DEA and USPIS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

HOLLIS MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE FOR KILLING PAWN SHOP OWNER DURING 2022 ROBBERY

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally beating Arasb Shoughi during a pawn store robbery in March 2022. The defendant sold two watches to the 60-year-old store owner and then violently attacked the victim with what appeared to be a metal pipe, striking the man repeatedly on the head. Lopez-Portillo stole jewelry and coins, as well as the victim’s ring and other personal property.

District Attorney Katz said: “Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo brazenly robbed a local business in the middle of the day and beat store owner Arasb Shoughi so severely that he never recovered. The defendant then fled the state with some of the stolen goods to escape accountability. Nothing can undo what happened, but we hope today’s sentence of 25 years to life in prison provides a measure of solace to Mr. Shoughi’s loved ones.”

Lopez-Portillo, 52, of Hollis, was convicted by a jury in April of two counts of murder in the second degree, two counts of robbery in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ira Margulis sentenced him today to 25 years to life in prison.

DA Katz said that, according to the charges and trial testimony, on March 28, 2022, at approximately 12:46 p.m., Lopez-Portillo entered the Global Pawn Shop on Jamaica Avenue in Hollis wearing a black face mask, black hood, black gloves and sunglasses. He sold two wristwatches to Shoughi who gave him cash in exchange.

Shoughi then left the employee side of the shop and entered the customer side to place the watches in a display case. Lopez-Portillo took off one glove, discreetly displayed what appeared to be a metal pipe and, when Shoughi’s back was turned, hit him on the head. The victim fell to the floor and the defendant hit him again repeatedly causing Shoughi to bleed profusely.

Lopez-Portillo then went to the rear of the shop and with his ungloved hand took various items including coins and jewelry and put them in his backpack. He hit Shoughi again until the victim was motionless and then took the victim’s ring and other personal property.

A woman entered the shop and saw Lopez-Portillo behind the counter. She went outside and called police. The defendant left the pawn shop but not before hitting Shoughi three more times in the head.

The victim was taken to the hospital with severe head and brain trauma and died on April 17, 2022.

Video surveillance tracked Lopez-Portillo backward from the pawn shop and showed him leaving a nearby apartment building on Jamaica Avenue earlier that morning.

Lopez-Portillo fled to Baltimore after the murder where he stayed for two weeks before he was apprehended at a Greyhound bus station and extradited to New York. The defendant’s suitcase, which was recovered from a residence in Baltimore, contained coins, watches and jewelry. Some of the coins were identified as coming from Shoughi’s shop.

Fingerprints found at the pawn shop matched those of the defendant.

Statement from Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Committee on Health, on Hantavirus

 

“The City Council is in close communication with the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and other public health partners as one New York City resident, and two additional New York State residents, have been quarantined in Nebraska for monitoring following the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius.

While these reports are concerning, the Health Department has assured New Yorkers that the risk to the public at this time remains extremely low. Hantavirus infections are exceedingly rare, and there is currently no indication of broader risk to New York City residents.

Our city’s Health Department remains one of the premier public health agencies in the nation, and we are grateful for the experts who continue to do critical work every day to keep New Yorkers healthy and safe.

The City Council will continue to monitor this evolving situation and remain in touch with city, state, and federal public health partners to ensure appropriate public health protocols remain in place.”

More than 25 Defendants Charged in Nationwide Tren de Aragua Crackdown Resulting in the Seizure of Over 80 Firearms and Narcotics in Homeland Security Task Force Investigations

 

The Department of Justice announced charges against more than 25 individuals as part of a nationwide crackdown targeting the foreign terrorist organization (FTO), Tren de Aragua (TdA). Many of the defendants charged in this Homeland Security Task Force operation are illegal aliens from Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras. TdA has been linked to various violent crimes inside and outside the United States, including murder, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, and controlled substance trafficking. Charges have been filed across six U.S. Attorney offices, including the Districts of Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee, and Eastern Washington for offenses that include firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, among others.

This operation resulted in the seizure of more than 80 firearms and approximately 18 kilograms of drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA, and Tusi, a mixed substance that contains ketamine and/or MDMA. More than $100,000 in U.S. dollars was also seized. A number of investigations are still ongoing.

Firearms seized in the District of Colorado.

Since Jan. 20, 2025, the Department has federally charged over 260 members and associates of TdA.

“In a few days, the Justice Department and its partners on Joint Task Force Vulcan carried out a nationwide takedown of vicious Tren de Aragua terrorist networks — depraved, violent offenders who have illegally invaded our country and preyed upon American communities,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This effort underscores the Trump Administration’s dedication to restoring public safety, dismantling violent firearms and drug trafficking networks, and enforcing law and order.”

“Today’s enforcement actions reflect ATF’s unwavering commitment to dismantling violent transnational criminal organizations that traffic in firearms and fuel violence in our communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Robert Cekada. “Working with our local, state, and federal partners, we are identifying and disrupting the networks that arm and enable groups like Tren de Aragua. The seizure of firearms and dangerous narcotics underscores the critical nexus between illegal firearms trafficking and drug-related violence. ATF will continue to use every available tool to hold offenders accountable and protect the American public.”

“DEA has been instrumental in dismantling factions of the violent foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua, with enforcement actions spanning from Colorado to Tennessee, Florida, and beyond,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “TdA fuels instability and chaos, threatening communities across the United States. By leveraging DEA’s expertise alongside our federal partners through the Homeland Security Taskforce, we are harnessing the full force of the U.S. government to protect and safeguard our nation.”

“This is a massive and impactful takedown of over 25 TdA terrorists who wreaked havoc on our streets,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI and our fiercely dedicated federal, state, and local partners continue to put criminals trafficking drugs and guns endangering American lives, in prison in huge numbers. HSTF’s goal is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations in the United States by using all available law enforcement tools to do so.  The incredible work and grit by the all the agencies of the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan paid off with great results in this roundup with more to come.”

“The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our HSI special agents and the unwavering commitment of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon. “The Homeland Security Task Force’s mission is to safeguard the United States from transnational threats by leveraging intelligence-driven investigations and robust interagency collaboration. This TdA takedown demonstrates the power of unified action in disrupting dangerous criminal networks and protecting our communities.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) follows the money that fuels organizations like Tren de Aragua,” said IRS-CI Chief Jarod Koopman. “The charges against these more than 25 individuals show how financial investigations can expose and dismantle these networks. When we disrupt their finances, we disrupt their ability to traffic drugs, move firearms, and spread violence. Working with our partners through the Homeland Security Task Force, we are protecting communities across the country.”

Firearms seized in the Middle District of Tennessee.

The operation resulted in numerous federal prosecutions including:  

DISTRICT OF COLORADO:

• Two Venezuelan nationals who entered the United States under the previous Administration’s policies are charged with conspiracy to illegally traffic in firearms, and one is charged with distributing “tusi,” a drug containing ketamine and MDMA. According to the criminal complaint and indictment, the defendants are alleged to have sold numerous firearms, including with obliterated serial numbers and several high-capacity firearms and magazines and ammunition, to an ATF undercover agent. The case was investigated by ATF, DEA, and HSI, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Twelve firearms and “tusi,” containing ketamine and MDMA, were seized in this ongoing investigation.

MIDDLE DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE:

• Five defendants including two alleged associates of TdA or of a TdA splinter faction known as “Anti-Tren” have been charged in connection with drug and firearms trafficking. These defendants were arrested in Nashville, Tennessee; Louisiana; and Washington state and are facing several charges including drug trafficking conspiracy, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, firearms trafficking conspiracy, and other drug and gun trafficking offenses. Three of the five defendants are illegal aliens residing in Nashville, a fourth defendant is a Honduran national and lawful permanent resident residing in Nashville, and the fifth defendant is an illegal alien residing in Kennewick, Washington. The indictment and criminal complaint allege that since approximately 2025, the defendants have participated in trafficking in firearms and narcotics throughout the Middle District of Tennessee and elsewhere. HSI, ATF, FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and other law enforcement agencies conducted multiple undercover operations that have resulted in the seizure of 25 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, extended magazines, a drum magazine, more than $8,000 cash and seizures of methamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine, and cocaine in the Middle District of Tennessee, with more firearms and narcotics being seized elsewhere as a result of this investigation. Of the 25 firearms seized in the Middle District of Tennessee, eight firearms were previously reported as stolen, and two have been tied to other crimes of violence based upon National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) results. Specifically, a Glock .40 caliber pistol has been preliminarily associated with a shooting in Nashville, that occurred on Nov. 30, 2023. And a Canik 9x19mm pistol has been preliminarily associated with a shooting involving multiple victims in Nashville, on Sept. 17, 2024.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA:

• A criminal complaint has been filed charging three illegal aliens with alleged ties to TdA, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The three defendants are alleged to be associates of a defendant charged in the Middle District of Tennessee with ties to TdA, who facilitated the sales of large amounts of narcotics and firearms on separate occasions between the three charged defendants and an ATF undercover agent in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. In conjunction with these arrests, ATF agents seized 500 MDMA pills, two firearms, cocaine, ketamine, and methamphetamine.

TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities include a variety of violent and criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, commercial sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other acts of violence to enforce and further the organization’s criminal activities.

TdA has a splinter faction known as “Anti-Tren” — comprised of current and former members of TdA who are operating without or against the authority of TdA leadership in South America. Members of TdA and Anti-Tren have been identified and arrested across the United States, including in Colorado, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Illinois, New Mexico, Washington, Georgia, Nebraska, Texas, and elsewhere. Members of TdA and Anti-Tren have also been known to engage in gun trafficking, drug trafficking, burglaries of ATM machines (also known as “ATM jackpotting”), and to coordinate their criminal activities with each other across state lines and with leaders located in South America, including Venezuela and Colombia. These cases are part of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded  at the direction of the Attorney General to target Tren de Aragua. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Those include Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Western District of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; District of Nevada; and the District of Arizona; as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.  Additionally, the Bureau of Prisons, FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Homeland Security Task Forces are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.

Defendant Maikel Jesus Albornoz-Jimenez, a citizen of Venezuela illegally residing in Nashville, charged in the Middle District of Tennessee wearing what appears to be a Fuerzas de Acciones Especiales de la Policía Nacional Bolivariana (FAES) uniform.

These arrests are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTFs Denver, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Seattle comprise agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Secret Service, among other federal, state, and local partners, with the prosecutions being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee, and Eastern Washington.

An indictment and criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Governor Hochul Announces $2 Million Loan to Combat Rising Insurance Costs for Affordable Housing

Empire State Development Closes on $2 Million Loan to Milford Street Captive Insurance to Support Affordable Housing Providers With Escalating Insurance Premiums

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $2 million loan to Milford Street, an insurance collective created, owned and operated by members of New York’s affordable housing industry to combat rising liability insurance premiums. A captive is a form of self-insurance that can lower premiums, and Empire State Development’s (ESD) investment will help ensure the sustainability of this innovative approach to tackling New York’s affordable housing insurance costs.

“New York is the best state to raise a family, and through my Let Them Build initiative, we’re building more homes faster so that new and current families can have long-lasting opportunities here — but we can’t stop there,” Governor Hochul said. “This investment in Milford Street will continue to advance our housing agenda, leading to more affordable units built for tenants. We need to build in New York, and we’re going to support the partnerships that will tackle these insurance costs.”

New York City affordable housing liability insurance premiums increased at an annual rate of 21 percent between 2019 and 2023, per a March 2024 report by the New York Housing Conference. These rising costs discourage the development of new affordable housing, place pressure on affordable rents and carrying charges, and force current operators to defer necessary maintenance, adversely impacting housing quality.

Governor Hochul is committed to addressing high insurance costs, and the investment in Milford Street Captive Insurance complements other efforts to tackle increasing housing insurance premiums. In February, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) announced the administrators for its $5 million Risk Reduction and Insurance Affordability pilot program, the first program in the nation to help non-profit housing providers reduce costs by using insurance captives. The program was created as part of the Governor’s FY 2026 Enacted Budget in order to assist non-profit affordable housing providers, giving them new tools to maintain affordability and keep costs down for tenants. Urban Homesteading Assistance Board and Housing Partnership Network will work directly with non-profit affordable housing providers across the state to assess the risk profile of their properties and assist them in using insurance captives.

EDITOR's NOTE:

Isn't this an election year for Kathy Hochul?

STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR'S STATEMENT ON ANTI-SEMITIC GRAFFITI IN WOODHAVEN

 

There is no place for antisemitism in my hometown of Woodhaven or anywhere in New York. Last night, Nazi hate symbols were spray painted along the Orange Trail in Forest Park. This vile act of antisemitism seeks to intimidate our Jewish community and spread hate and fear. Our community will not tolerate it.

I spoke directly with the 102 Precinct and I commend their swift coordination with the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate and pursue those responsible. I also commend the Parks Department for acting quickly to remove these hateful markings and restore the space for my constituents who use this trail every day.

We will not allow hatred to take root in our community. We will confront antisemitism with moral clarity, hold those responsible fully accountable, and stand united against every form of hate. Love will always win over hate in New York.

Permits Filed for 1327 Leland Avenue in Soundview, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 1327 Leland Avenue in Soundview, The Bronx. Located between Westchester Avenue and Cross Bronx Expressway, the lot is near the Parkchester subway station, served by the 6 train. Shimon Neuman of Madison Tower LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 40-foot-tall development will yield 9,515 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 11 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 865 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a 20-foot-long rear yard.

Nikolai Katz is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet for the two-story structure on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Grant Park Completes Construction In Claremont, The Bronx

 

NYC Parks has completed the $17 million reconstruction of Grant Park in Claremont, The Bronx, converting 15 formerly vacant lots and a decommissioned one-block stretch of Grant Avenue into a unified 4.7-acre public open space. The project was funded through the Jerome Avenue Rezoning Initiative, with $16.5 million in mayoral funding and $500,000 from the Bronx Borough President’s office.

The reconstructed park combines the former Grant Playground, Grant Park Passive Area, and Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary into one continuous landscape. New spaces, which include a large open lawn for informal recreation and a central pathway connecting the north and south entrances, feature new shade trees, seating, plantings, lighting, steel picket fencing, and secure gated entries.

A sports and fitness area anchors one corner of the park, featuring a full-size basketball court with steel bleachers and a 1,300-square-foot adult fitness area. The Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary, a community garden established in 1996, was updated with a low-profile fence to preserve the space while improving visibility across the park. Portions of street at both ends of the site were also rebuilt as pedestrian plazas flush with the sidewalks.

The nearest subway stations are the 167th Street station, served by the B and D trains, and the 170th Street station, served by the B and D trains.

Riverdale Block Party Festival - ONE WEEK AWAY!

 

Happy Mother's Day to all!

RIVERDALE BLOCK PARTY is only one week away! Join us on Sunday, May 17  from 12:00-4:00pm! West 259th Street & Riverdale Avenue We welcome you to come join the endless fun at our neighborhood's largest annual community festival!   Scroll all the way down to see what we have planned! Our block party festival is just a few days away! We are excited for this jam packed day of festivities and have a lot planned: 60+ vendors Variety of food, drink, and snack options Live DJ Vintage car display Taekwondo demonstration Cousins Maine Lobster truck Ice cream truck Zumba demonstration Magician performance Live guitarist Doggie parade Yoga demonstration Free dance & possible salsa demonstration  Amazing raffles Professional photographer Face painting and so much more.. We are still happily accepting volunteers, sponsors, and raffles. Reach out to rmsabx@gmail.com

New Yorkers for Parks - 🌼Celebrating another year of daffodil blooms🌼

 

We’re so grateful to everyone who participated in the 2025 Daffodil Project!

Every year thousands of New Yorkers blanket our city in joyful yellow blooms during this historic volunteer effort and living memorial. It’s a chance for neighbors to connect, steward the shared spaces that build community, and advocate for a more vibrant parks system.

If this initiative means something to you, consider making a gift to support NY4P.

This fall marks the Daffodil Project's 25th anniversary! If you're receiving this email, you're on our mailing list and we'll keep you in the loop about registration in August and bulb distributions in the fall.

Warmly, 

Team NY4P

Support the Daffodil Project

THIS IS OUR WHY: DHS Honors Angel Moms on Mother’s Day

 

This Mother’s Day, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) honors mothers, children, and spouses forever changed by violent crimes committed by illegal aliens who should have never been in our country.

After having been shuttered under the Biden Administration, the Trump Administration relaunched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE) to serve as a resource for victims and their families, providing direct access to alien custody information, victim services, and guidance.

As families across the nation observe Mother’s Day, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recognizes the courage of mothers who advocate for loved ones lost to violent crime — a powerful reminder of the lasting impact on families and communities.

“He had a great sense of humor and beautiful eyes that lit up a room,” said Maureen Maloney, remembering her son, Matthew Denice, 23, who was killed by a drunk driving illegal alien on August 20, 2011, in the sanctuary state of Massachusetts. “When he was in high school, he was voted as ‘most dependable.’ Everyone loved him. He was the kind of guy that would go to parties, pick people up and drop them back off at home. He cared deeply for people. People always say ‘the happiest day of my life was…’ but I’ll never get to say that ever again in life, since the moment my son was taken from me.” 

Matthew Denice

“Even though she was tiny, she had a BIG influence,” said Patty Morin, whose daughter, Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was murdered on a trail in the sanctuary state of Maryland on August 6, 2023, by a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador with gang ties. “She was such a happy, joyous person. There has been such a loud silence because of her absence.” 

Rachel Morin

“Kayla loved her mommy; loved animals, especially her cat Oreo; cared about the homeless; treasured her family and friends; loved God and going to church; was very forgiving and would make sure nobody was left out and made sure the loneliest kid had a friend,” said Tammy Nobles, whose daughter, Kayla Hamilton, 20, was murdered in her Maryland home on July 27, 2022, by a criminal illegal alien and MS-13 gang member from El Salvador. “The pain of losing Kayla hits your soul. It changes you as a person and as you see the world. Our grief is forever. We have to live with the void of not having her here. Her murderer got 70 years and I got life.”

Kayla Hamilton

The VOICE Office was founded to help mothers like these and others affected by crimes linked to illegal immigration; it uses a victim-centered approach to provide them with information and services. Over the past year, the VOICE Office fielded nearly 900 calls — each representing a person seeking help amid trauma with a nexus to immigration.

According to ICE data from that same period:

• 87% of callers were victims or members of victims’ families.
• 25% of callers requested victim services or referrals.
• Callers identified 815 total crimes linked to immigration violations.
• 62% of callers sought case status information or updates regarding offenders in custody.

The crimes reported by callers included some of the most serious offenses investigated by law enforcement agencies nationwide:

• 32% reported violent assault.
• 15% reported rape or sexual assault.
• 9% reported homicide or manslaughter.
• 7% reported family or partner violence.
• 6% reported stalking or intimidation.

The VOICE Office cuts through complexity, offering clarity and access to:

• Offender custody information.
• Guidance on enforcement and removal.
• Referrals to victim assistance resources.
• Registration for the DHS Victim Information Notification Exchange.
• Support from trained personnel.

Surviving victims and families often face emotional, legal, and logistical challenges long after a crime occurs. The VOICE Office helps ensure victims get through that process.

ICE encourages victims, family members, advocates, and witnesses seeking assistance to contact the VOICE Office toll-free hotline at 855-48-VOICE (855-488-6423), available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

You can find additional information about available services and victim resources at ICE.gov/VOICE.

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