NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S RESPONSE TO THE NYS COURT OF APPEALS REJECTING DISTRICT MAPS

"This last-minute order from the New York State Court of Appeals, just weeks before voting begins, will and already has created chaos and ultimately be a disservice to voters. Splitting primaries will raise costs and lower voter turnout, undoing the reforms of years past and causing voters to become disillusioned and disengaged. In New York City, after immense community engagement and input, advocates crafted ‘Unity Maps,’ which were ultimately unused. It is those maps which should now be considered as we move forward to create maps where communities and voters are well represented and heard.

"Regardless of where district lines ultimately fall, it now falls to the state to conduct a massive voter engagement and education effort, to attempt to mitigate the drop in voter turnout in a state where turnout is already historically low. This work needs to be done across neighborhood boundaries and language barriers, and it must be accompanied by collaboration with candidates who have had the time and resources they’ve spent now upended. It is important to create accommodations so that neither voters nor the people seeking to represent them are disenfranchised. 

"Amid a tide of conservative efforts to reduce voters’ voice and power, New York had an opportunity to stand as a beacon. The goal of redistricting is to ensure that voters are equitably, accurately represented and served by their government, and it is clear that in this decision and the ones that led up to it, New York has failed in that goal."

MAYOR ADAMS NOMINATES DAVID DO AS TLC COMMISSIONER, CHAIR

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the nomination of David Do as chair and commissioner of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). An experienced leader and regulator in the for-hire vehicle industry, Do — if confirmed by the New York City Council — would oversee the city’s work to help taxi drivers and the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and finally turn the tide on the taxi medallion debt crisis plaguing drivers.

 

“I am so proud to welcome a groundbreaking and supremely qualified and capable nominee like David Do to the TLC,” said Mayor Adams. “After a financial crisis and a devastating pandemic, a strong taxi industry is a prerequisite to a just and equitable economic recovery for our city, and this administration is going to deliver that for New Yorkers. Thank you to Acting Commissioner Ryan Wanttaja for his years of dedicated and continued service to the TLC and the city.”

 

“As the former chair and commissioner of the TLC, I know what is needed to regulate an ever-changing and vital transportation mode, and David Do clearly has what it takes,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “His depth of industry experience, collaborative perspective, and data-driven approach will bring innovation, accessibility, and equity to drivers and riders alike, and I look forward to working with him as he leads the agency.”

 

“I want to thank Mayor Adams for putting his trust in me to lead the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission at this pivotal point in the history of our industry,” said David Do. “Increased competition and the global pandemic have put our industry at a crossroads, and I look forward to partnering with Mayor Adams to deliver a strong economic recovery for our yellow and green taxi, livery, and for-hire industries. We will continue to work closely with our communities to ensure we protect our drivers, visitors, and passengers through advances in innovation, safety, accessibility, and equity.”

 

Under the New York City Charter, any nominee for TLC commissioner must be confirmed by the City Council.

 

About David Do

 

David Do currently serves as the director of the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV), where he has overseen the fast-moving and competitive for-hire vehicle industry, making it work for riders and drivers. At DFHV, he has leveraged technology and data analysis to drive decision-making — creating a centralized dispatch platform through which residents can summon a wheelchair-accessible taxi to enhance efficiency and improve administrative processing. As DFHV director, Do successfully launched DC Microtransit, an on-demand shuttle service to meet travel needs for residents living in hard-to-reach areas. He also led the agency’s COVID-19 response — overseeing the distribution of protective vehicle barriers and personal protective equipment to the industry so that drivers could continue to operate safely — as well as the transformation of several of DFHV transportation programs to meet the needs of partners and the riding public. Do previously served as the director of the Washington, DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, where he led the team to improve the quality of life for thousands of DC Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) through advocacy and engagement. In 2019, he received the Catalyst Award from the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Association — a federation of AAPI LGBTQ+ groups — for his work in the DC LGBTQ+ community, including holding the first events from the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs centered around Pride and LGBTQIA+ communities of color.

 

Do is a graduate of the University of California, Merced and the University of Maryland, College Park.

 

“The taxi and for-hire-vehicle industry is the other side of mass transit in a city that never sleeps and on the front lines of a fight for workers’ rights and job security in a changing economy,” said Bhairavi Desai, executive director, New York Taxi Workers Alliance. “We are looking forward to working with David Do, an experienced regulator rooted in transportation policy and thoughtful about the need to stabilize and rebuild our city's iconic taxi and for-hire-vehicle industry post-pandemic and after years of turmoil. We’re pleased to see the mayor put forth a nominee who wants to lead with policy, has been a life-long public servant, won’t be afraid to regulate some of the wealthiest companies in the world, and has a record of working to uplift working conditions for drivers. From debt relief to a raise for all, there is so much work to be done, and we look forward to doing so with David.”

DEC ANNOUNCES HUDSON ESTUARY TREES FOR TRIBS ‘POTTING UP’ APRIL 29

 

Annual Arbor Day Event Sponsored by DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs (tributaries) program will kick-off the spring planting season with a “Potting Up” event in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday, April 29. Volunteers are welcome to join DEC Estuary Program staff in potting up thousands of bare-root seedlings that will be used in the Trees for Tribs program.

“The Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs program provides a great opportunity for community members to work together as environmental stewards and assist in the efforts to protect vulnerable streamsides with tree plantings,” said Commissioner Seggos. “These plantings are important tools to stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion and water pollution, slow flood waters, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife.”

Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs plantings will take place throughout the Hudson Valley in May and June. Municipalities, environmental organizations, land trusts, watershed groups, and schools participate and volunteer. All ages are welcome, but younger volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. On-site training is provided. For information about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs planting sites and volunteer opportunities, please visit DEC’s website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5098.html#Tribs. Volunteer planters are coordinated by managers at each site.

The Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery provides the plants. They are native, New York seed-sourced riparian species, ideal for flood and erosion-prone areas. To learn more about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs, a video about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs is available on DEC’s YouTube at Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs or visit DEC’s Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs webpage.

To volunteer, please RSVP to HudsonEstuaryTFT@dec.ny.gov. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DEC Region 3 Headquarters, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz.

Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that promotes tree plantings and tree care and highlights the importance of trees to the environment, economy and overall quality of life. Now celebrating its 14^th year, more than 8,000 Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs volunteers have planted at least 56,000 shrubs and trees on 120+ acres at 324 streamside sites.

Financial Advisor Charged In White Plains Federal Court With Embezzlement From Client

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment in White Plains federal court charging ADAM BELARDINO, the Chief Executive Officer of the Maddox Group, a financial advisory firm in New York City and elsewhere, with wire fraud in connection with his embezzlement of more than $313,000 from a Maddox client, a 64 year old New Rochelle resident.  BELARDINO was arrested this morning and will be presented in White Plains federal court later today. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Adam Belardino abused the trust his client placed in him by stealing more than $313,000 the client gave him to be invested.  Clients like the victim in this case need to be able to entrust their money to financial advisors with confidence that the money will be invested in a manner that is appropriate for them.  This Office will aggressively pursue financial advisors and others who steal money entrusted to them by clients.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said:  “Belardino is charged today for allegedly stealing several hundred thousand dollars from a client in an illegal investment fraud scheme. Financial crimes of this nature can cause significant disruptions to the lives of those who are victimized. We urge everyone to exercise their due diligence when investing their money and to report suspicious activity to authorities as soon as possible.”

According to the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court[1]:

BELARDINO had managed the victim’s investments at another firm before he founded Maddox in July 2019.  In August 2019, BELARDINO convinced the victim to liquidate some of her portfolio and to transfer the liquidated funds to Maddox for investment.  The victim then transferred more than $313,000 to Maddox in eight separate transactions between August 2019 and October 2020.  Instead of investing the victim’s money as he had promised, BELARDINO used the victim’s money to pay the operating expenses of Maddox, including payroll and office rent; to pay down prior debt; to pay credit card charges, which consisted primarily of personal items; and to pay for personal travel. 

In September 2021, the victim directed BELARDINO to transfer her portfolio at Maddox to her brokerage account at another firm.  From September 2021 to February 2022, BELARDINO sent the victim and members of her family emails and texts in which he said he was liquidating the portfolio and would return the funds shortly.  BELARDINO also provided the victim’s family with documents suggesting that a wire transfer of the funds to the victim’s bank account was imminent or pending.  BELARDINO also deposited checks drawn on a checking account held by Maddox into the victim’s bank account for what he claimed was the full value of the victim’s portfolio. 

The victim never received any funds by wire and the checks BELARDINO deposited into her bank account were returned because the Maddox account did not have sufficient funds to cover the checks.  BELARDINO sent members of the victim’s family emails and texts in which he said in substance and in part that he was working with bank officials to resolve the problem and that his family would repay the victim if he was unable to do so.  BELARDINO also sent members of the victim’s family a document that falsely stated that the Maddox bank account had sufficient funds to repay the victim.

BELARDINO, 37, of New York City, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

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

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI.

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

Second Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Firearms Offenses And Admits To Participating In Fatal October 2019 Robbery

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DERRICK CASADO, a/k/a “Big Bank,” a/k/a “Papa D,” pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 28 grams and more of crack cocaine and using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in connection with a crime of violence—namely, the May 17, 2019 shooting of a rival gang member near Sheridan Avenue and Marcy Place in the Bronx.  CASADO was the fourteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case and the second to admit his participation in an October 5, 2019 robbery near 20 East 116th Street in Manhattan, during which CARLOS ROSARIO, a/k/a “Baby Bottle,” shot and killed Jonathan Rodriguez, who tried to intervene in the robbery.  On February 9, 2022, ROSARIO pled guilty to conspiring to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and murder in a gang-related incident on July 18, 2019, and two counts of discharging a firearm during gang-related incidents on July 20, 2019 and October 5, 2019.  ROSARIO also admitted his role in causing Rodriguez’s death.  All of the defendants pled guilty before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

According to allegations in the Indictment and Superseding Indictments filed in this case, as well as statements by the Government and defense at plea proceedings in this case:

Between 2017 and 2019, DARRELL LAWRENCE, a/k/a “Capo,” and DAVON MCCULLOUGH, a/k/a “Yung,” a/k/a “Dayday,” were leaders and suppliers of a narcotics conspiracy that operated principally on and around East 176th Street and Anthony Avenue in the Bronx, as well as in Maine and Virginia.  Many members of the conspiracy—including CASADO and ROSARIO—were also members of the Mac Ballers gang.  Members of the conspiracy trafficked in significant quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs; and they routinely used, carried, and possessed firearms to protect their drug operations and advance their gang interests.  For example, on May 17, 2019, CASADO traveled from the area of East 175th Street to Sheridan Avenue near East 169th Street and shot at a member of a rival gang who had insulted CASADO’s gang set on social media.  On July 18, 2019, ROSARIO attempted to shoot at other rival gang members in the vicinity of East 178th Street and Anthony Avenue; and two days later, on July 20, 2019, ROSARIO fired shots into the courtyard of an apartment complex at 2000 Valentine Avenue.  Then, on September 13, 2019, MCCULLOUGH drove two co-conspirators to commit a robbery of marijuana at a store near 2163 Second Avenue in Manhattan, knowing that at least one of the robbers would use a gun to commit the robbery.  During the ensuing robbery, both co-conspirators brandished guns and stole marijuana and proceeds of marijuana sales, among other things.  On October 5, 2019, CASADO, ROSARIO, and a third co-conspirator approached and robbed personal property from two individuals near 20 East 116th Street in Manhattan while ROSARIO brandished a firearm and assaulted one of the victims with the firearm.  Jonathan Rodriguez attempted to intervene, and as he approached ROSARIO from behind, ROSARIO turned and fired a shot, causing Rodriguez’s death.

CASADO pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 28 grams and more of crack cocaine and using, carrying, and possessing firearms in connection with a crime of violence, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  ROSARIO pled guilty to conspiring to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and murder, and two counts of using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during gang related incidents, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Among the other defendants to plead guilty in this case, LAWRENCE pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 280 grams and more of crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and on February 14, 2022, MCCULLOUGH pled guilty to using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime; using, carrying, and possessing a firearm that was brandished in connection with a robbery on September 13, 2019, and conspiring to retaliate against a cooperating witness, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of twelve years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

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

ROSARIO is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:30 a.m. on May 26, 2022.  MCCULLOUGH is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:00 a.m. on June 30, 2022.  LAWRENCE is scheduled to be sentenced at 12:00 p.m. on July 12, 2022.  CASADO is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:00 a.m. on October 27, 2022.  Each of the defendants will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations.

Governor Hochul, Secretary Fudge, Senator Schumer, and Representative Bowman Announce Approval of Loan Refinancing to Maintain Housing Quality and Affordability for Co-op City

State and Local Government Backing Supports Refinancing to Provide Immediate Injection of $124 Million to Make Repairs and Upgrades for 45,000 Co-op City Residents  

Refinance Will Help Ensure Quality Housing in World's Largest Housing Cooperative   

 Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, Senator Charles Schumer, and Representative Jamaal Bowman today announced that Riverbay Corporation, the management company for Co-op City, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Wells Fargo, the Mortgage Insurance Fund of the State of New York Mortgage Agency, and NYC Housing Development Corporation have processed and approved Co-op City's Department of Housing and Urban Development loan refinance. The refinance will maintain long-term housing quality and affordability for the tens of thousands of residents who call Co-op City home. Refinancing provides the housing company with $124 million in proceeds that will be used for capital improvements, including upgrades to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, façade maintenance, and electrical system upgrades.  

"My administration is committed to maintaining access to safe, quality affordable housing that enables New Yorkers to live with the dignity they deserve," Governor Hochul said. "This transformative injection of capital funding will allow us to modernize Co-op City, the largest housing cooperative in the world, and ensure long-term affordability for its 45,000 residents."   

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, "We applaud the successful completion of the refinance for the Bronx's Co-op City Complex. The Biden-Harris Administration and HUD are committed to stabilizing the housing market nationwide using every tool at our disposal, including utilizing Federal Housing Administration multifamily mortgage insurance as a key financing source. From supporting larger loans in major metropolitan areas to smaller loans in rural communities and suburbs, HUD is proud to be a partner in creating and preserving affordable housing across the country." 

Senator Charles Schumer said, "The Bronx's Co-op City provides an affordable home to more than 45,000 New Yorkers in an increasingly expensive housing market. That's why I worked to secure a timely refinance agreement for Co-op City, which will help maintain the quality, viability and long-term affordability of this one-of-a-kind community. The deal will also improve the lives of the residents by allowing repairs and other improvements to be made, all while providing affordable housing for generations to come. We haven't stopped pushing and working with HUD to lock in the refinance and we are proud to announce HUD approval."  

Representative Jamaal Bowman said, "Co-op City is truly a one-of-a-kind community, home to the largest affordable housing cooperative in America and more than 45,000 constituents that I am honored to serve. It is imperative that the Co-op City community has the funds needed to maintain their affordable housing and commercial space, which supports  all who live there. I am proud to have worked alongside the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Secretary Fudge's leadership, Majority Leader Schumer, and Governor Hochul to advance a timely refinance agreement for Riverbay Corp, which will unlock significant capital funds for urgent repairs. Co-op City is a prime example of what cooperative housing can look like across this nation and I look forward to seeing how this loan refinance will continue to support making this community even more sustainable, livable and affordable." 

The restructured $621.5 million mortgage loan from Wells Fargo extends the term of affordability for an additional 10 years and provides $124 million for the cooperative to undertake necessary capital repairs. With 15,372 homes, Co-op City is the largest cooperative housing development in the world. The Mortgage Insurance Fund of the State of New York Mortgage Agency, which is part of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and the New York City Housing Development Corporation, will provide credit support with $55 million and $15 million coverage of the loan, respectively. The loan includes $15 million for immediate capital repairs, including approximately $10 million for balcony and façade repair, $2.5 million for the replacement of residential water pumps and $2.5 million for the replacement of garage elevators. The loan also includes $109 million to replenish a reserve account for future repairs, all without raising maintenance charges for residents. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said, “Today’s announcement is a huge win for the residents and families of Co-op City. I am grateful for this important partnership that acknowledges the capital needs of Co-op City and this $124M investment will make a difference for Co-op City’s environmental sustainability. My gratitude to the elected officials, Riverbay Corporation, our private and financial partners who made this refinancing possible for the best interests of our residents and families.“

The 2012 Wells Fargo mortgage loan to Riverbay Corporation, which owns Co-op City, was the largest ever insured under the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Sec. 223(f) program, which protects lenders against loss on mortgage defaults at multifamily properties.  

Co-op City is home to over 45,000 residents on 320 acres - the single largest co-op development in the country. The site has multiple schools, three commercial malls, and its own power plant. It has provided tens of thousands of families the opportunity to grow up in a stable middle-class community. This refinancing arrangement will help ensure tens of thousands more have that same opportunity and provide proceeds to make capital investments that will benefit residents for years to come.  

Get your tickets for the Bronx Dems 2022 Spring Reception!

 

You're Invited: Bronx Democrats Spring Reception 2022

Please join Chairman Jamaal T. Bailey and the Bronx  Democratic County Committee for an indoor/outdoor  Spring Reception. Please RSVP to Darren@dynamicsrg.com Make checks payable to & mail to: The Bronx Democratic County Committee c/o Ariana Collado, 3666 Varian Ave., Bronx, NY 10466 Bronx Democratic Party   1952 Williamsbridge Road, The Bronx, NY 10461

MAYOR ADAMS RELAUNCHES INITIATIVES TO CUT RED TAPE FOR BUILDING AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, IMPROVE BUILDING SAFETY

 

Two Citywide Initiatives Help Building Owners Maintain Safe Structures, Comply With Code Instead of Facing Violations and Penalties

New Yorkers Can Call 311 to Request No-Penalty, No-Cost Inspections of Business Signs, Decks, and Retaining Walls

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today relaunched two programs that will help building and small business owners ensure the safety of their buildings without financial penalties — cutting red tape and eliminating barriers to critical safety evaluations and resources. The two citywide initiatives — the No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program and the No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program — will give small business owners, homeowners, and other property owners throughout the five boroughs assurance about the condition of their properties, while providing valuable guidance on proper maintenance.

 

Participants can call through May 31 to receive a free inspection by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) to determine whether outdoor structures are in good condition with no visibly apparent violating conditions. Following the inspection, DOB will connect with property owners to discuss findings. If any unsafe conditions are discovered, DOB will provide guidance on any issues that need to be fixed without issuing any violations or penalties, allowing owners the opportunity to make corrective repairs and ensure the safety of their property.

 

“Government is most effective when we bring services directly to the people, and these initiatives keep New Yorkers safe by doing exactly that,” said Mayor Adams. “We want to identify issues before they become safety hazards, and we are doing that by partnering with small business and property owners instead of penalizing them.”

 

“The Adams administration is here to work with New Yorkers and their small businesses,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “These programs by the Department of Buildings will help building owners identify problems and work with us to address them before they become a danger and a financial burden.”

 

“In relaunching these critical programs, the city is changing the paradigm for small businesses by putting education and support first — not costly penalties and onerous red tape,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Ensuring small businesses have a chance to address issues and ensure safety for themselves and their customers is the best way forward for all New Yorkers.”

 

“It’s no secret that proactive property maintenance is the best way to prevent costly damage and potential accidents,” said DOB Acting Commissioner Constadino “Gus” Sirakis, P.E. “I encourage small businesses and property owners in our city to take advantage of these programs and get started on their spring property maintenance to make sure their building is up to snuff.”

 

“New York City is coming through for small businesses by cutting red tape and helping them to avoid penalties,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “Through the power of education rather than punishment, we are improving their interactions with government and ensuring safety in our buildings for all New Yorkers.”

 

Through the No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program and the No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program, homeowners and business owners can request a free, no-penalty visual inspection by a DOB inspector of any accessory business sign, deck, porch, or retaining wall on their property — simply by calling 311 between April 27, 2022 and May 31, 2022. If, after an inspection, these outdoor structures are found to be in an unsafe condition, but repairs are made promptly, no penalties will be issued.

 

Weather, age, and improper installation can all cause outdoor structures to weaken and deteriorate over time. It is important for public safety that property owners ensure these outdoor structures are up to code and properly maintained. By law, property owners in New York City are required to maintain their buildings — including these types of outdoor structures — in a safe and code-compliant condition.

 

Since the annual No-Penalty Deck and Retaining Wall Inspection Program was first launched in 2005, DOB has performed hundreds of no-penalty inspections, saving homeowners both time and money by identifying potential safety issues before they become a bigger problem. DOB launched its first-ever No-Penalty Business Accessory Sign Inspection Program in 2020, offering to inspect business signs at no cost and without risk of penalties.