VCJC News & Notes 11/25/22

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 11/25/22 @ 4:13 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:45 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday date @ 5:16 pm   Reminder - Membership Meeting 11/27!  There will be a membership meeting on Sunday, 11/27/22 at 10AM to vote on and, hopefully, approve sale of property in Suffolk County.  Only paid members for 2022-2023 may attend and vote. The meeting is set up for both in person and Zoom/phone attendance.  If you are a member, please make every effort to attend this important meeting.  It should be short.   Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

Real Estate Developer and Attorney Both Admit to Multimillion-Dollar Mortgage Fraud Scheme

 

 A New Jersey real estate developer and attorney each admitted to conspiring to orchestrate a mortgage fraud scheme that led to over $3.5 million in losses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Victor Santos, aka Vitor Santos, 63, of Watchung, New Jersey, and Fausto Simoes, 69, of Millington, New Jersey, each pleaded guilty by videoconference to Count One of an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit bank fraud before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court.

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

From September 2007 through November 2008, Santos, a real estate developer, and Simoes, an attorney, conspired with each other and others to fraudulently obtain mortgage loans with a total value of more than $4 million. Santos orchestrated the scheme to recruit fake, or “straw” buyers to purchase 12 properties in Newark. Using the identity and credit of these straw buyers allowed Santos, Simoes, and their conspirators to conceal their identities from the lender as the actual purchasers of the properties. Santos and others induced people to be straw buyers by agreeing to pay each straw buyer at least $5,000, secure tenants to lease the purchased properties, and cover costs associated with the property, including fees associated with the real estate purchases and the mortgage payments on each of the fraudulently obtained mortgages. Santos, Simoes, and others also caused the submission of fraudulent and false loan applications and documents to the mortgage lender.

Simoes conducted the closings of 10 of the fraudulent transactions and helped perpetuate the fraud by falsely reporting that the straw buyers were providing the cash required at closing when, in fact, Simoes received those funds from a shell company controlled by Santos and another conspirator. For several transactions, Simoes also failed to disclose to the lender that the shell company controlled by Santos and another conspirator would receive a substantial payout from the loan proceeds.

Shortly after the properties were acquired, Santos and his conspirators broke their promises to pay the mortgages. The straw buyers, in whose names the mortgages were obtained and thus were responsible for the payments, did not have enough money to pay the fraudulently obtained mortgages and defaulted, which caused the lender, Fannie Mae, and insurers to lose more than $3.5 million. 

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1 million or twice the gross gain to the defendants or twice the gross loss to others whichever is greatest. Sentencing for Santos is scheduled for April 12, 2023, and for Simoes, April 13, 2023.

Two other conspirators previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE RESPONDS TO NEW POLL SHOWING WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR BANNING SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

 

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement in response to new polling that shows broad nationwide support for policies to restrict and end the use of solitary confinement. His bill with Committee on Criminal Justice Chair Carlina Rivera to create an enforceable ban on solitary in New York City has supermajority support in the City Council in spite of continued efforts to advance misconceptions and misinformation about the legislation.

"This new polling shows that there is nationwide bipartisan support for ending solitary confinement, a torture that is currently permitted and practiced within our city. Furthermore, this support falls in line with the framework our bill codifies – prohibiting the harm of isolation, while allowing for separation to ensure safety, de-escalation, and investigation of misconduct.

"Americans are united against continuing torture. Yet here in New York City, purported to be a progressive beacon, some still deny not just the need for an enforceable ban, but the existence of solitary confinement in our jails at all. If the city wants to ‘own’ the problems on Rikers, it has to admit that this problem still exists. Continuing to repeat falsehoods about solitary, and the bill to ban it, is harmful to people on both sides of the bars. 

"Our bill has supermajority City Council support, and it’s time to pass it. As elected leaders, we need to stand up for our values and stand behind the facts and data, not the hysteria and misinformation. Rikers is in crisis, and changing that status quo will require coming together to address the reality of the harm, not ignoring it."

Read the full poll and methodology from Data For Progress here.

 

Good news has been in short supply in recent days. Hatred has been rearing its ugly head on social media and in real-world violent attacks. Many of us are entering this Thanksgiving holiday with a heaviness of heart. We have no choice but to directly confront the great challenges of this moment—and the good news is that we can. Through policies that protect vulnerable communities. By directly challenging bigotry and intolerance wherever it’s spread. By standing with open arms to welcome and support all New Yorkers regardless of where they come from or what background they have.  New York City at its best does these things better than anywhere else in the world. We’ve proven it again and again. It’s something to be truly thankful for, today and every day. I hope that those of you who are celebrating this holiday are able to share and receive love with your family, your community, and all those around you. May that spirit guide us in our important work ahead. Happy Thanksgiving, Mark

Release of BWC Footage from an officer involved shooting that occurred July 9 2022 in the confines of the 113rd Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 9, 2022, in the confines of the 113th Precinct.

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here

Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Nassau County

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Miguel Romero, who died on November 19, 2022, in a motor vehicle incident involving members of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD).

On the evening of November 19, Mr. Romero was walking near the intersection of Front Street and New York Avenue in Uniondale when he was struck by an NCPD vehicle. Mr. Romero was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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

These are preliminary facts and subject to change. 

U.S. Attorney Announces Agreement With New York University To Increase Accessibility Of Student Housing Facilities

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced a voluntary compliance agreement under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) with New York University (“NYU” or the “University”) to increase the accessibility of NYU’s student housing facilities for individuals with disabilities.  The agreement covers all of NYU’s student housing facilities in the New York metropolitan area.

Title III of the ADA requires that privately owned places of public accommodation, including colleges and universities, remove physical barriers to access to existing facilities where it is readily achievable to do so, comply with accessibility standards for new construction and alterations, and modify policies and practices where necessary to ensure full and equal enjoyment of services and facilities.

The out-of-court agreement resolves a compliance review during which the U.S. Attorney’s Office identified various aspects of NYU’s student housing facilities that were not in compliance with Title III of the ADA and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, including violations of the new construction provisions of the ADA and barriers to access to existing facilities. 

NYU’s New York-area campuses include student housing facilities in Manhattan, in Brooklyn, and on Long Island for the University’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools.  The agreement covers a total of more than 4,000 student housing units, which are located within 22 NYU-owned student housing facilities and 10 facilities leased in full or in part by the University.

NYU has agreed to prepare a plan under which it will survey and make alterations to its student housing facilities within five years, update its student housing emergency preparedness plans, and improve the accessibility information related to student housing on its website.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The ADA requires colleges and universities to ensure that no individual is discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of their services and facilities.  We are pleased that NYU has committed to improving accessibility within the University’s student housing facilities and hope that other colleges and universities will follow suit and increase access to their facilities for individuals with disabilities.”

Under the agreement, NYU will:

• Conduct architectural surveys and seek public comment from the University community and then submit an accessibility plan for review to this Office, outlining how the University will comply with the agreement.
• Ensure that an appropriate number of accessible student housing units (and bathrooms serving those units) are available to students with disabilities and are dispersed throughout the University’s student housing facilities which serve NYU’s (i) general student population, (ii) graduate student population, (iii) Grossman School of Medicine, (iv) Long Island School of Medicine, (v) law school, and (vi) Brooklyn campus.
• Ensure that each student housing facility in which accessible housing units required by the agreement are located has accessible features, including accessible entrances, approaches, bathrooms, and signage; and that an appropriate number of additional housing facilities have an accessible entrance, first floor common area, and bathroom.
• Update its student housing emergency evacuation, sheltering, and shelter-in-place plans for individuals with disabilities after seeking public comment from the University community.
• Update its website to identify accessible entrances, routes, and transportation options for its student housing facilities; identify newly added or renovated accessible features of the student housing facilities; and provide information to assist students and prospective students with disabilities in securing and utilizing accessible housing and housing accommodations at NYU.

Governor Hochul Announces More Than $68 Million Awarded in Round XII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

 

First Batch of Approved Awards Include 74 Shovel-Ready Projects

Full List of Awardees Thus Far Available Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $68 million has been awarded to support 74 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XII included core capital grant and tax-credit funding from Empire State Development, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. Funding will support impactful projects that align with each region's strategic goals. The application for Empire State Development Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted. Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region's economic development priorities can apply through the Consolidated Funding Application.

"Through the Regional Economic Development Councils, we continue to make strategic investments across New York that align with each community's top priorities," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to announce this next round of awards that were recommended by stakeholders who live and work in the regions they represent. This investment will help bring more opportunity for New Yorkers, spur economic development, and fuel the future success of communities across our state."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Regional Councils continue be a strong economic driver for our state's economy. These awards represent projects that showcase each region's strengths and will go a long way to transform the local economies across the state."

This first round of projects was recommended by each Regional Council because of their project readiness and alignment with each region's strategic plan. Highlights include:

• Kite's Nest (Capital Region) - $1,600,000 ESD Grant: The Kite's Nest ReGeneration Capital Project is transforming a two-acre formerly industrial Hudson Riverfront property into a campus for education, youth employment, environmental justice, and the arts. The campus will serve as an anchor in Hudson's 2nd Ward neighborhood as a place to nurture youth leadership and catalyze relationships across communities, generations, and organizations. It will feature a carbon neutral building, event space, greenhouse, and extensive outdoor amenities.
• Advanced Motors & Drives Manufacturing (Central New York) - $1,300,400 ESD Grant, $325,000 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit: Advanced Motors & Drives will expand its manufacturing capabilities by adding two new manufacturing lines and upgrading and expanding its current facilities in East Syracuse, Onondaga County. The project will position AMD to be a leader in two important emerging manufacturing technologies: the renewable energy section (windmill energy), and the large-traction electrification of vehicles (buses, delivery trucks, off-road construction vehicles, etc.).
• Roechling Medical Expansion (Finger Lakes) - $1,500,000 ESD Grant, $227,000 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit: Roechling Medial Rochester, the North American flagship facility in the Roechling Medical family is expanding to better serve the increasing U.S. medical device needs. The Rochester facility is a leader in the medical device injection molding and assembly markets. Funding supports the addition of a new Roechling facility in the Rochester / Gates area and expands current specialty clean room capacity operations.
• Life's WORC WORCForce Initiative (Long Island) - $735,000 ESD Grant: Life's WORC will renovate a building to create the WORC Force Center. The new program will help individuals with special needs identify their calling, enjoy a robust sense of community, and live with greater joy. The center will be equipped with multiple vocational training centers, including a retail environment, computer lab, automotive shop, professional kitchen, and other settings that promote workplace skills. It will also serve as a venue for special seminars and events.
• The Milk Factory (Mid-Hudson) - $1,500,000 ESD Grant: The Milk Factory is an adaptive reuse of the iconic Borden Milk Condensery located in the Village of Walden, in Orange County. Constructed in 1884, the 20-acre property that will become the Milk Factory features 12 contiguous brick structures with elegant brick masonry, now in ruins after a fire and neglect. While breathing life into the ruins of the factory, the adaptive reuse will create a modern self-sustaining small village for the community as well as travelers to live, work and play. The Milk Factory is a winery/distillery, and boutique hotel that will feature hotel rooms, extended stay suites, restaurant, a gym, spa, and retail shops.
• Mohawk Lifts Automation Improvements (Mohawk Valley) - $300,000 ESD Grant: Mohawk Lifts, LLC., the leader in heavy duty auto lifts has been a staple to the community for over 40 years in Amsterdam, Montgomery County. Mohawk Lifts will grow its operations by updating manufacturing equipment and processing (adding automation to their process, updating the steel cutting/burning table, investing in material handling and welding support equipment, and creating a new factory floor layout to increase productivity and efficiency). These improvements will support increases to market share and growth into material handling distribution lifts, an area of competitive advantage with leading technology recently developed by the engineering team, and an increase to their workforce to support the new growth.
• National Black Theatre Victory Development Project (New York City) - $2,500,000 ESD Grant: The historic National Black Theatre is anchoring a new mixed-use development in Harlem. Born out of Dr. Barbara Ann Teer's 1968 vision to provide space for Black creatives, the project delivers a state-of-the-art, permanent home for the city's longest-running Black theater as part of an arts complex that includes retail, restaurant and mixed-income apartments.
• Thousand Islands Winery Facility Expansion (North Country) - $86,000 ESD Grant, $152,890 Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit: The Thousand Islands Winery, located in Alexandria Bay, Jefferson County will expand its wine and wine slushy manufacturing capabilities to meet current market demand. The winery will phase out its manual pouch filling process and replace it with an automated pouch filling operation. This expansion will create one of the most advanced wine pouching capabilities in the state and allow the company to have greater control of its supply chain.
• Best Bev NY Project (Southern Tier) - $3,200,000 ESD Grant: Best Bev, LLC. provides co-packing, material sourcing, storage, and brand distribution for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Currently located in Pennsylvania, BestBev will establish a facility in New York State. To move its operation, Best Bev will undertake the renovation of a leased facility in Tioga County including the purchase of machinery and equipment, and furniture and fixtures.
• BestSelf Headquarters Child Advocacy Center (Western New York) - $2,000,000 ESD Grant: BestSelf Behavioral Health, the largest community behavioral health provider in Western New York, will renovate 899 Main Street on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The centrally located facility will allow the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf to relocate and expand, enabling it to provide services to all children in the area. The facility will also house a community training center that will help with workforce development efforts.

The Regional Economic Development Council process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. To date, through the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, more than $7.6 billion has been awarded to support more than 9,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region's strategic plan.

About the Consolidated Funding Application

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The Consolidated Funding Application process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The Consolidated Funding Application serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the Consolidated Funding Application as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the Consolidated Funding Application here.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.