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Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Rockabill Nabs $89M Package To Complete Affordable Housing Development At 671 Tinton Avenue In South Bronx
Rockabill Consulting has closed on an $89 million financial package to facilitate completion of 671 Tinton Avenue, a new affordable housing property in the South Bronx. The development, known as St. Anselm Apartments, is located in the Woodstock neighborhood and will comprise 126 apartments, including 63 supportive housing units.
Renderings from ESKW/A, the project architect, depict a 12-story brick building with ornamental archways on the ground floor, a standard punched window system and a full-height window wall between the brick elements.
When complete, the mix of income-restricted units will include eight set aside for households at or below 40 percent Area Median Income (AMI), 71 units at or below 50 percent AMI, 25 units at or below 60 percent AMI, and 21 units at or below 70 percent AMI. There will also be one superintendent’s apartment.
Supportive services will be provided by local non-profit company Nazareth Housing and will include case management, legal and medical referrals, assistance with employment and job readiness, counseling, education, children’s programming, and benefits assistance.
“We are pleased to have secured financing that will allow Catholic Homes and the Archdiocese to create new affordable homes and provide social services in this high-need area of the Bronx,” said Niall Murray, managing principal and founder of Rockabill Consulting. “Rockabill is deeply appreciative of our continued partnership with Catholic Homes, HCR, OTDA, TD Bank and Richman Housing Resources, all of whom share our commitment to improving the housing safety net and helping communities and families thrive.”
Financing for St. Anselm’s includes $39.2 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $22.6 million in subsidy from New York State Housing Finance Agency. The project also will receive an award from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for rental assistance for the supportive units. TD Bank provided a $47.4 million construction loan and Richman Housing Resources is the tax credit syndicator.
Former Leader of Clan Del Golfo Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Related Charges
Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, aka Otoniel, Also Ordered to Pay $216 Million in Forfeiture
In federal court today, a citizen of Colombia was sentenced to 45 years in prison for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise as a leader of the multibillion-dollar paramilitary and drug trafficking organization known as the “Clan del Golfo” (CDG).
According to court documents, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, aka Otoniel, 51, of Antioquia, Colombia, was also sentenced to 45 years in prison for engaging in a maritime narcotics conspiracy and 45 years in prison for engaging in a narcotics importation conspiracy. The sentences will run concurrently. As part of the sentence, the court ordered Úsuga David to pay $216 million in forfeiture. The defendant pleaded guilty to all three charges in January 2023.
“Otoniel led one of the largest cocaine trafficking organizations in the world, where he directed the exportation of massive amounts of cocaine to the United States and ordered the ruthless execution of Colombian law enforcement, military officials, and civilians,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This sentence sends a clear message: the Justice Department will find and hold accountable the leaders of deadly drug trafficking organizations that harm the American people, no matter where they are and no matter how long it takes.”
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates DEA’s commitment to defeating deadly criminal networks who have no regard for human life,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram. “DEA investigated Otoniel – one of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers in the world – for almost 20 years. Under Otoniel’s leadership, the Clan del Golfo shipped massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, terrorized the Colombian people, and killed civilians, law enforcement officers, and rivals in Colombia who threatened the organization’s trafficking operations. I commend the men and women of the DEA for their many years of outstanding work that culminated in today’s sentencing.”
“The human misery caused by the defendant’s incredibly violent, vengeful, and bloody reign as leader of the Clan del Golfo drug trafficking organization may never be fully calculated due to its magnitude, but today’s lengthy sentence delivers appropriate justice and sends a message to other paramilitary and cartel leaders that the United States will seek their arrest and extradition in order to hold them accountable in our courts of law,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York.
“Today’s 45-year sentence of Clan del Golfo’s notoriously violent leader illustrates the United States’ tenacious approach to securing justice against those who threaten the security of our nation and communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe. “Cartel leaders like Úsuga David will be found, extradited, and prosecuted.”
“Today’s sentencing of notorious Clan del Golfo leader Dairo Antonio Úsuga David is the culmination of years of collaborative efforts between HSI and our local, federal and international law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. “Criminals should take note of this sentencing and heed its warning; HSI remains committed to these joint efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations whose illicit activities threaten the national security of the United States and the safety of our communities.”
Between June 2003 and October 2021, Úsuga David was the leader of a continuing criminal enterprise responsible for exporting multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia to Mexico and Central America for ultimate importation into the United States. Additionally, Úsuga David participated in conspiracies to distribute narcotics via maritime vessels and also to manufacture and distribute cocaine, knowing and intending that the narcotics would be illegally imported into the United States.
The Clan Del Golfo
The CDG is one of the most violent and powerful criminal organizations in Colombia, and it is one of the largest distributors of cocaine in the world. With as many as 6,000 members at times, the CDG exercises military control over vast amounts of territory in the Urabá region of Antioquia, Colombia, one of the most lucrative drug trafficking areas within Colombia due to its proximity to the Colombia-Panama border and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Clad in military uniforms, CDG members employ military tactics and weapons to reinforce their power and incite wars and violence against rival drug traffickers, paramilitary organizations, and Colombian law enforcement authorities who threaten the CDG’s control.
The CDG funds its operations primarily through a multi-billion-dollar drug trafficking operation. It imposes a “tax” on any drug traffickers operating in territory under its control, charging fees for every kilogram of cocaine manufactured, stored, or transported through areas controlled by the organization. The CDG also directly exports cocaine and coordinates the production, purchase, and transfer of weekly and bi-weekly multi-ton shipments of cocaine from Colombia into Central America and Mexico for ultimate importation to the United States.
To maintain control over CDG territory, Úsuga David and the CDG employed an army of “sicarios,” or hitmen, who carried out acts of violence, including murders, assaults, kidnappings, torture, and assassinations against competitors and those deemed traitors to the organization, as well as their family members. The CDG murdered and assaulted Colombian law enforcement officers, Colombian military personnel, rival drug traffickers and paramilitaries, potential witnesses, and civilians. Úsuga David and the CDG used violence to promote and enhance the reputation and position of the CDG with respect to rival criminal organizations; preserve, protect, and expand the CDG’s power and territory; finance the CDG’s operations and enrich its leaders through the collection of drug debts; maintain discipline among its members and associates; and protect CDG members from arrest and prosecution by attempting to silence potential witnesses and retaliating against law enforcement authorities and those assisting law enforcement.
Úsuga David served as a high-ranking leader within the CDG from its inception and was its principal leader for approximately 10 years. During his reign, Úsuga David oversaw all of the CDG’s activities and directed its members to engage in extensive criminal acts, including acts of violence, mandated shutdowns of all business activities and civilian movement within designated regions of Colombia, retaliation against law enforcement authorities and potential witnesses, the exertion of control over drug manufacturing facilities and trafficking routes, and the exportation of cocaine in multi-ton quantities.
Úsuga David assumed power and territorial control over vast swaths of the Colombian coastline and personally directed members of the CDG to commit acts of violence to reinforce that power. This included violence against civilians. For example, in early 2012, following the death of Úsuga David’s brother in a police raid, Úsuga David ordered a multi-day shutdown be imposed on towns and communities within the CDG’s control. During the strike, CDG members ordered that all businesses remain closed, and that residents stay in their homes. Úsuga David ordered CDG members to execute those who did not adhere to his orders.
Úsuga David also personally ordered CDG members to commit murders of specific individuals, including the murders of rival drug traffickers and members of the CDG who betrayed him or the organization. For example, Úsuga David ordered the assassinations of multiple individuals who worked for a rival drug trafficking organization.
In addition, Úsuga David regularly directed CDG members to use violence, intimidation, and murder to dissuade law enforcement authorities from performing their duties and to silence potential witnesses. For example, at Úsuga David’s direction, the CDG carried out organized campaigns, referred to as “Plan Pistolas,” to kill Colombian law enforcement and military personnel using military-grade weapons, including grenades, explosives, and assault rifles. Úsuga David offered bounties for the murder of Colombian police officers and military personnel to intimidate law enforcement authorities and prevent them from capturing him or interfering in the CDG’s business. Úsuga David’s organization made numerous attempts to assassinate individuals who were believed to be cooperating with law enforcement.
Úsuga David was also extensively involved in the narcotics activities that funded the CDG and enabled its power. He oversaw the CDG’s drug trafficking exports and directed a network of “debt collectors” tasked with the enforcement and collection of taxes paid by drug trafficking organizations that operated in regions controlled by the CDG. In addition, Úsuga David controlled cocaine manufacturing facilities and used the CDG’s extensive distribution network to export cocaine independently for his own personal profit.
As part of the sentence, the court ordered Úsuga David to pay a $216 million forfeiture money judgment. The forfeiture money judgment is subject to the agreement between the U.S. government and the Government of the Republic of Colombia concerning the sharing of forfeited proceeds and instrumentalities of crime.
The DEA, HSI, FBI, New York City Police Department (NYPD), and New York State Police (NYSP) investigated the case. The United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida and Eastern District of Texas, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), Judicial Attachés in Bogotá, Colombia, and attorneys assigned at the Special Operations Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Port Authority Police Department, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, the Colombian National Police, the Colombian Ministry of National Defense, the Colombian Ministry of Justice, and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided valuable assistance in the investigation, arrest, and extradition of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Navarro, Gillian Kassner, and Tara B. McGrath for the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian for the Eastern District of New York is handling forfeiture matters. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Emery for the Southern District of Florida and Alexander Li for the Southern District of New York led the prosecutions for their respective offices.
The investigation, extradition, and conviction of Úsuga David is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE RESPONDS TO PLANS FOR NEW MIGRANT SHELTER ON RANDALL’S ISLAND
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement in response to the city’s plans to construct a new Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center on Randall’s Island.
“As the scope and urgency of this humanitarian crisis grows, the insufficient state response and near-total lack of real federal aid have forced the city – which has of course made its own missteps – to now choose from the best of bad options. I urge Albany and Washington to see the reality of the challenges facing people seeking asylum in our city and finally step up, instead of looking away.
“It is vital that this new site meets the standards of New York’s right to shelter, and that it is constructed with safeguards against issues such as flooding and transit access which we raised last time one was built. It is also crucial that local residents and leaders are not blindsided by the announcement of new shelters – my office has legislation to require detailed, public plans for future shelter siting, and passing this bill would help to prepare communities for the realities and responsibilities of helping bring our newest New Yorkers into our neighborhoods, not onto the streets.”
The Public Advocate’s legislation, Intro 780, would create a commission to develop a citywide shelter siting plan for both emergency and longer-term shelters. Under the bill, currently in committee, the commission would develop a five year plan, updated annually, that determines the best locations for shelters by analyzing the relationship between shelter locations, access to communities of origin, public transit, and essential services. It would also help to determine the need for shelters in specific locations, finances required to provide them and any essential, alternative or emergency services required for such shelters, including through public input.
Governor Hochul Announces the Establishment of World-Class AMD Design Centers in New York State
High-Performance Semiconductor Design Company Commits to Creating 165 New Jobs in Two New York State Locations
NYS Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that AMD, a California-based designer of high-performance semiconductors, has chosen to grow its next generation technology business in New York State. The company has established state-of-the-art research and design facilities in spaces at the Linden Oaks Office Park in Monroe County, and at the Westgate Business Park in the Village of Fishkill in Dutchess County. AMD has additionally committed to creating up to 165 new jobs by 2025 as a result of the project. The new facilities will focus on the design and validation of mixed-signal integrated circuits and packaging for processors that are used in cloud computing, data centers, gaming, and PCs. Both locations are now fully operational.
"It is through incredible projects like this that we are further demonstrating New York's continued commitment to fostering the growth of innovative semiconductor businesses,” Governor Hochul said. “I am incredibly proud to support AMD’s forward-thinking investments in Monroe and Dutchess Counties that are moving our communities forward and further cementing New York’s reputation as the national hub for high-technology research, development, design and manufacturing."
Founded in 1969, AMD drives innovation in high-performance and adaptive computing technologies that help to enable the future and push the boundaries of what is possible. AMD processors are at the heart of devices and services across a broad set of markets including cloud computing, enterprise, communications, healthcare, aerospace, automotive, PCs, gaming and more.
Empire State Development is assisting AMD with the project by providing up to $5 million in performance-based Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for the statewide job creation commitments. Starting with an initial investment of $3.3 million, the company expects to continue to further finance operations at both locations over the next several years. Greater Rochester Enterprise also offered critical assistance for this project.
Growing the semiconductor industry in New York State is a top priority of Governor Hochul. In January, as a key component of her State of the State address, she announced the creation of GO SEMI: the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration. GO SEMI, led by Empire State Development, will be supported by experts from numerous state agencies and will work in coordination with our federal and local partners and oversee investments in the semiconductor industry, and will shape and implement a broader, national model for maximizing industry and community returns on such public/private partnerships.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York State is home to some of the most talent-rich tech companies in the semiconductor industry. By supporting AMD and other businesses committed to growing next-generation technologies, we are bolstering the economy, creating good-paying jobs and fueling transformative opportunities throughout the state."
AMD Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Mark Papermaster said, “AMD employees in Monroe and Dutchess County are focused on research and design efforts to develop next generation high-performance processors. We are excited to expand our presence in the region, which is renowned for its top research universities and engineering talent, and to continue advancing leading-edge semiconductor innovation in the U.S.”
For additional information about AMD, visit: www.amd.com/en.html.
Leader Of Drug Trafficking Organization Responsible For Trafficking More Than 5,000 Kilograms Of Cocaine Sentenced To Prison
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CAMILO ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ, a/k/a “Viejo,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to 25 years in prison for trafficking at least 5,000 kilograms of cocaine. ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “My Office is dedicated to holding drug kingpins like Enriquez-Nunez accountable. Thanks to our partners at the DEA and the prosecutors of this Office, more than one ton of cocaine was seized before it could hit the streets, and this top cocaine trafficker faces years in prison.”
According to the Superseding Indictment and statements made in court proceedings and filings:
From approximately 2019 through 2022, ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that transported between 5,000 and 10,000 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York, New Jersey, and Florida. ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ laundered at least $10 million of proceeds from his drug trafficking organization and personally made millions of dollars in profits.
In September 2021, law enforcement agents seized a shipment of approximately 920 kilograms of cocaine that ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ had transported from Puerto Rico for distribution in the New York area. A photograph of the seized cocaine is below:
In July 2022, law enforcement agents arrested ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ in Puerto Rico and seized approximately 338 kilograms of cocaine, $750,000 in drug proceeds, and four assault rifles belonging to him. A photograph of those seized items is below:
ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ has a prior federal cocaine trafficking conviction and engaged in this cocaine trafficking while on federal supervised release following his prior conviction.
While imposing today's sentence, Judge Engelmayer described the conduct as drug trafficking on an “epic, steroidal level.”
In addition to the prison term, ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ, 43, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico for their assistance in the case.
Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment 'Part Three'
Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and Bronx elected officials gathered inside the Kingsbridge Armory to announce plans for the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory which was given to New York City in 1993. This would be the third time plans to redevelop the Kingsbridge Armory have occurred.
In 2008 Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed 'The Shops at the Armory' which would redevelop the Kingsbridge Armory into a huge shopping mall. That proposal was defeated in the city council due to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s and local community opposition to the Bloomberg plan. The city council also overrode a veto of then Mayor Bloomberg.
In 2012 with the backing of Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr. and local elected officials the Kingsbridge National Ice Center proposal was brought forward with the backing of New York Ranger Icon Mark Messier and Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes serving as spokespeople for the nine ice rink proposal. Problems occurred the next eight years in getting financing for the KNIC Ice Center and the deal fell through leaving the armory without a future for the second time.
Now in 2023 Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams announced the state and city have given through grants totaling two-hundred million dollars to redevelop the armory. A Request For Proposal will be let in September with a deadline of the end of 2023 for the RFP's to be in by. The RFP's will be gone over and sometime in 2024 one will be chosen and work can finally begin to redevelop the Kingsbridge Armory which has laid vacant since New York City took it over in 1993.
Governor Kathy Hochul was the first speaker to announce the new plan to redevelop the Kingsbridge armory with the state and city giving half each of a two-hundred million dollar grant for the redevelopment.
Mayor Adams spoke next about getting stuff done in the Bronx the borough he said he has visited the most since taking office. Others in the front row of elected officials would speak.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat would speak next congratulating the local elected officials for working out the deal for the funding.
Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez thanked the governor and mayor for their help in getting things going to redevelop the armory after thirty years in the hands of the city.
Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero stood in for Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.
Sandra Lobo of the Northwest Bronx Church and Clergy Coalition who have been involved in the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory since the city acquired the site first proposed an educational park for the armory.
The elected officials in the front row Deputy Bronx BP Janet Peguero, Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, spoke, in the second row are part of State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Eric Dinowitz, Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia, and State Senator Jamaal Bailey. Across the isle in the front row are NWBCC spokesperson Sandra Lobo, Assemblyman George Alvarez, State Senator Robert Jackson, and Congressman Jamaal Bowman.
Other Bronx elected officials on hand for the announcement included (L-R) Deputy Bronx BP Janet Peguero, State Senator Gustavo Rivera behind Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assemblyman George Alvarez (whose district the armory lies in), Congressman Jamaal Bowman in front of Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia, Council members Marjorie Velazquez, Pierina Sanchez, Eric Dinowitz, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and Councilman Rafael Salamanca.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
State Senator Gustavo Rivera on the release of the "Together for Kingsbridge" Visioning Plan
"Despite the challenges that the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory has faced, I cannot help but feel optimistic about the future of this project with its unprecedented level of alignment and investment. Its transformation is finally being imagined and determined by the people who live here, who pass by it every day, and who will directly benefit from the redevelopment of this emblematic monument. The Together for Kingsbridge Visioning Plan is the product of a community-led process to make sure we transform this historic asset into an economic engine and neighborhood hub that serves our community. I want to thank Governor Hochul for committing to turning the $100 million loan I secured in the 2017-18 state budget and every year since into a permanent grant for the Armory's redevelopment. This funding, in addition to the $100 million committed by Mayor Adams, will help ensure this project enters its next phase on firm financial ground.
I'm looking forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to make sure that our communities' vision is reflected in the transformation of this neighborhood icon and that our community is the one that benefits from this community asset, including securing labor agreements to ensure the creation of quality jobs. I'm very grateful to the dedicated community leaders who have worked for decades to ensure that the Armory is transformed by the Bronx and for the Bronx, and to all the Bronxites who showed up and offered their input to make this plan a reflection of the vibrant, resilient community that we are."