Attorney General James Delivers 1.2 Million Eggs to New Yorkers

 

AG James Filed Suit Against One of Nation’s Largest Egg Producers for Price-Gouging Eggs During COVID-19 Pandemic

 New York Attorney General Letitia James secured 1.2 million eggs that will feed New Yorkers still suffering the economic impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health crisis. An agreement signed with Hillandale Farms Corporation, resolves an August 2020 lawsuit brought by Attorney General James against one of the nation’s largest producers and wholesale distributors of eggs for illegally gouging the prices of eggs in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the agreement, Hillandale will refrain from any further excessive pricing of eggs — a violation of New York’s anti-price-gouging law — and will donate 1.2 million eggs — or 100,000 cartons — to food banks located throughout New York state. The food banks will distribute the eggs to thousands of food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters dedicated to providing food for New Yorkers in times of need.

“As New Yorkers scrambled to stock up on food, one of the nation’s largest egg producers raised prices to unprecedented levels and made it harder for New Yorkers to feed their families,” said Attorney General James. “Hillandale may have run afoul of our state’s price gouging laws and hatched a plan that targeted our state’s most vulnerable in its darkest hour, but, today, we’re delivering 1.2 million eggs to feed hungry New Yorkers and make things right. New Yorkers can trust that I will always stand up for our state’s working families.”

According to Attorney General James' suit last year, starting in March 2020 and continuing through at least April 2020, Hillandale allegedly gouged the prices of eggs that it sold to major grocery store chains, U.S. military facilities, and wholesale food distributors throughout the state — charging New York customers exponentially higher prices than it did before the pandemic. The lawsuit alleged that during those two months alone, Hillandale made millions of dollars from unlawfully increasing the price of these eggs, many of which were sold in grocery stores located in low-income communities.

Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that Hillandale, a company based in Ohio and Pennsylvania, began raising prices in March 2020, as the pandemic grew to emergency levels. From January 2020 to early March 2020, Hillandale charged Western Beef Supermarket prices ranging from $0.59 to $1.10 for a dozen large white eggs. On March 15, 2020, Hillandale raised that price to $1.49. As the pandemic progressed, Hillandale raised the prices it charged Western Beef repeatedly, eventually reaching $2.93 per dozen — almost five times the price Hillandale initially charged in January.

Similarly, the suit alleged that Hillandale raised its prices on eggs sold to Stop & Shop, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Associated Supermarkets, and at the commissary stores at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and at the U.S. military bases at Fort Hamilton and at Fort Drum. 

Today’s agreement resolves claims brought by the Office of the Attorney General against all six Hillandale Farms companies in the lawsuit, including Hillandale Farms Corp.; Hillandale Farms East, Inc.; Hillandale Farms of PA, Inc.; Hillandale Farms Conn, LLC; Hillandale Farms of Delaware, Inc.; and Hillandale-Gettysburg, L.P. In addition to ensuring Hillandale ends the gouging of egg prices, the company has committed to donating 1.2 million eggs to food banks across New York state.

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR CARRYING OUT MULTIPLE UNPROVOKED SLASHINGS IN THE BRONX

 

Defendant Attacked Eight Men Within Four Days

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on a total of 66 charges--including multiple counts of Attempted Murder, Assault and Robbery charges--for viciously slashing and assaulting eight people in the Bronx. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, who allegedly has ties to the Bloods, attacked nine people in the Bronx during a span of four days, slashing most of them in the neck. The defendant mostly targeted men over the age of 50, with the two oldest victims being ages 65 and 75 years old. We will seek justice for the victims in these unprovoked attacks; and for Bronx residents who have the right to walk freely in their communities without fearing for their safety.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, JayQawn Byers, 22, of 4331 Byron Avenue, was arraigned today on 66 counts, including seven counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, 15 counts of first-degree Assault, 16 counts of second-degree Assault, seven counts of thirddegree Assault, Attempted Assault in the third degree, two counts of first-degree Robbery, two counts of Attempted Robbery in the first degree, second and third-degree Robbery, Attempted Robbery in the second and third degree, fourth-degree Grand Larceny, Attempted Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Petit Larceny, Attempted Petit Larceny, fifth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and seven counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Michael Gross. Remand was continued and the defendant is due back in court on June 25, 2021.

 According to the investigation, on August 4, 2020 at 888 Hunts Point Avenue, Byers approached his first victim, Earl Harrell, 55, and allegedly knocked him down to the ground. He then allegedly kicked Harrell in the head multiple times while he laid on the floor. When the victim lost consciousness, Byers allegedly took Harrell’s money and wallet and fled the scene. The victim suffered traumatic brain injury and was in a coma.

 According to the investigation, on August 5, 2020 at 346 Baychester Avenue, Byers allegedly approached and slashed Anthony Gibbs, 59, on the left side of his neck and face. The victim sought treatment at a local hospital and received 24 stitches. Approximately five hours later, at 2134 White Plains Road, the defendant allegedly approached Michael Solnik, 65, from behind and slashed him on the left side of his neck. The victim received 20 stitches. Approximately 20 minutes later, Byers approached Danny Estus, 45, who was walking down the street on White Plains Road, and allegedly slashed him in the neck. 

 According to the investigation, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on August 6, 2020, in front of 3821 White Plains Road, the defendant approached Shamil Mohamed, 40, and allegedly slashed him in the neck and mouth. Approximately 30 minutes later, the defendant approached Jose Baez, 38, on White Plains Road and allegedly slashed him in the face. Shortly after Byers attacked Baez, the defendant approached Ramon Capellan, 75, who was sitting outside on his walker. Byers allegedly demanded money from Capellan, then slashed the victim in the neck, face, and arm.

 The defendant was arrested on August 7, 2020. While in custody, Byers allegedly punched a detainee, Lamont Odom, 48, who was inside the holding pen with him at the 47th Precinct.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Robert Regnier, Michael Simpson, Kevin Mockel and NYPD Officer Edwin Vega, all of the 47th Precinct. District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Dwayne Leeshue of the 41st Precinct, NYPD Detective Robinson Martinez of the 49th Precinct, and NYPD Detective Jonathan Virtuoso of the 45th Precinct for their assistance in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 4/2/2021

 

Dear Friends,

As we are finally excited to see more sunshine, tulips and daffodils springing up-the warmer season and Easter are significantly a time of hope, new life and new beginnings. While we were humbled to safely celebrate Easter and bring the Easter Bunny last week on Pelham Parkway, and among students and staff of St Joseph’s School for the Deaf, this new sense of freedom is also a reminder of the journey we have gone through and that we still have to be cautious, get tested and vaccinated, wear masks and social distance. 

The COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help stop the pandemic. This week I was proud to get my first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine at Jacobi Hospital. In an effort to stop the spread and help communities gradually and safely return to normalcy, we are glad to bring more vaccination appointments to all those eligible in District 13. Please call our office at 718-931-1721 to schedule yours.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day and I took the opportunity to visit one of the local autism centers in our District to further pledge my support and raise awareness about its challenges, as we further promote acceptance and inclusion. We need to continue to work to create more spaces where everyone is given equal opportunities to succeed.

We wrapped up March-Women’s History Month, by announcing the winners of our Essay Contest with middle and high school students in District 13. Congratulations to Karen Avanesov from PS 71, Ryan Almeda and Arsi Tinaj from St. Francis Xavier School, who will be receiving Amazon Fire 7 Tablets.

You can still take advantage of our Free Tax Preparation for constituents in District 13 in partnership with Urban Upbound as the IRS has postponed the Tax Deadline to May 17th. 

We are proud of serving you and being with you throughout this pandemic. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj

District 13, Bronx

274 Day and Counting

 

I just don't get Albany. We have a governor who has been said to have killed innocent people in nursing homes, nine women have come forward to accuse him of conduct unbecoming an elected official, starved the city of vital vaccines, had his family and high rolling friends vaccinated when they shouldn't have been, and is in the middle of a book deal scandal, what more is needed to get this guy out?

I did nothing yet the U.S. Attorney investigated me finally saying there was not enough evidence to indict me, so I am clean as a new born baby. That is after they are washed and all the blood and whatever else is off them before being put in the nursery.

Permits Filed For 2570-2576 Young Avenue In Pelham Gardens, The Bronx 2570-2576 Young Avenue in Pelham Gardens, The Bronx

 

2570-2576 Young Avenue in Pelham Gardens, The Bronx via Google Maps

Permits have been filed for four three-story residential buildings at 2570-2576 Young Avenue in Pelham Gardens, The Bronx. Located between Allerton Avenue and Mace Avenue, the adjacent lots are within walking distance of the Pelham Parkway subway station, serviced by the 5 train. Saman Rabbanifar under the Young Avenue Development LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 30-foot-tall developments will yield between 3,759 and 4,749 square feet, with 2,835 to 3,562 square feet designated for residential space. The buildings will each have three residences, most likely condos based on the average unit scope ranging from 945 to 1,187 square feet. The wood-based structures will also have cellars, basements, and three will have 30-foot-long rear yards. 2576 Young Avenue will have a 20-foot-long side yard.

Christian Lozada of CL Engineering P.C. is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program

 

Record High 269,527 Doses Administered Across New York State in the Last 24 Hours

More than 1.4 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker;

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 269,527 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours - a record high -, and more than 1.4 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. The week 16 allocation from the federal government is in the process of being delivered to providers. 

"Thanks to the hard work of our providers who work around the clock to get shots into people's arms, we are nearing 10 million total doses since the start of this unprecedented operation," Governor Cuomo said. "Our progress is significant, but we need to maintain it, which is why we are continuing our outreach in communities that need more accessibility and still relying on community leaders to help us address the skepticism. We are lucky to have a reliable partner in the White House, and as we receive more supply from the federal government, we are ready to expand this operation for universal eligibility which begins April 6."

New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

• Doctor's letter, or
• Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
• Signed certification        

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11 AM today is as follows.                                

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 9,925,232

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 269,527

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,454,072

Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 31.8%

Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 19.2%

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

4,540 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

913 Patients in the ICU; 565 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.02%

63 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Vaccinations for COVID-19 are progressing as fast as we can get shots in arms, and while that's good news, the pandemic isn't over and New Yorkers have to stay vigilant. It's critical that we continue washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing across the state to slow the spread and keep each other safe," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is expanding eligibility and opening new vaccination sites statewide with a particular focus on historically underserved communities, and we're holding fast to that commitment. However, New Yorkers should take continuing infections and new variants into account as we move forward toward the light at the end of the tunnel together."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 257,646
• Total Positive - 7,787
• Percent Positive - 3.02%
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,540 (-64)
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.59%
• Patients Newly Admitted - 596
• Hospital Counties - 51
• Number ICU - 913 (+19)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 565 (+20)
• Total Discharges - 162,936 (+590)
• Deaths - 63
• Total Deaths - 40,635

Cardinal Dolan Celebrates Holy Thursday with Blessing for New Yorkers; Presides at Opening of Low-Income Housing and Food Distribution in the Bronx

 

Cardinal Timothy literally jogged into the courtyard at 1932 Bryant Avenue on Holy Thursday to Bless and open the 319 unit low income housing building called Second Farms being in the West Farms area of the 17th Council District. Cardinal Dolan with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Councilman Salamanca and members of the construction team were on hand. This is the first of six new low income housing projects around the Bronx by Catholic Charities, that are on part of current or former Catholic Church property. 

Second Farms is made up mostly of low income housing with ten percent of the apartments that were set aside for homeless people. That would account for thirty-two  of the 319 apartments. One such now formerly homeless person Emily, thanked Cardinal Dolan, BP Diaz Jr., and the rest of the team for her new modern apartment.  

Cardinal Dolan was seated in the front row with Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz Jr.

Cardinal Dolan Blessed the newbuilding at 1932 Bryant Avenue, complete by Sprinkling some Holy Water on the building.

Cardinal Dolan holds the second box of food that was given out to each person, as Bronx BP Diaz Jr. places this first box into this woman's cart.

All the work of b\Blessing the new building and handing out boxes of food, did not stop Cardinal Dolan from stopping to bless people individually.