Friday, July 8, 2022

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More
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(Friday) Extra, Extra
New Member Breakfast
NYC Redistricting Process
NYC Small Business Advisory Commission

Legislative News
NYS Department of Financial Services Regulations
Department of Buildings After Hours Program
Alternate Side of Street Parking Restored
New Regulations from Dept. of Consumer Affairs & Worker Protection

Upcoming Events
Member Spotlight
La Central YMCA Ribbon Cutting in the HUB

NEW MEMBER BREAKFAST WELCOMES BUSINESSES TO
THE BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to welcome new members to the Chamber family during our July New Member Breakfast. A morning of networking and understanding services and programs offered by our organization. Members benefit from business development services, advocacy, connections, and educational programs to enhance Bronx businesses and our borough's economic development. The entire Chamber team is grateful to our new members and the Board of Directors for their consistent support of Chamber operations and programs.

Want to learn more about becoming a member of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce? Click HERE or email membership@bronxchamber.org
NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL REDISTRICTING PROCESS
Next week the NYC Redistricting Commission will release draft maps of proposed changes to New York City Council district lines. It is vitally important that we pay attention to these proposed changes and provide feedback.


The Bronx and New York City need you to be engaged in drawing the lines for our government's City Council district maps.

The U.S. Constitution requires a census or count of the population every ten years. This census triggers the redistricting of federal, state and local legislative districts across the nation. New York City’s population grew from 8.2 million people in 2010 to 8.8 million in 2020. That’s roughly 630,000 people new to the city throughout 51 City Council districts.

In New York City, the City Charter assigns the task of drawing 51 new New York City Council maps to the Districting Commission. For more detailed information read the Redistricting Commission Primer Guide, Click HERE

The commission has 15 members. Seven are appointed by the mayor. Eight are appointed by the New York City Council. Five are appointed by the Council majority and three by the Council minority. Learn who your Commissioners are, Click Here

Public testimony can be submitted by email to publictestimony@redistricting.nyc.gov or by mail: 253 Broadway, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10007. The Commission can be followed on Twitter at @districtingNYC. The Commission’s website is www.nyc.gov/districting

MAYOR ADAMS OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR THE
NYC SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMISSION
The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) launched the nomination period for the Small Business Advisory commission which will be open from now until July 29, 2022.

Mayor Eric Adams established the commission with his Executive Order 15, part of his larger “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City Economic Recovery” which aimed to stimulate the city economy which was harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chaired by SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim, the commission will consist of at least 30 members, all of whom will be appointed by the mayor. “New York City’s small business owners are experts in their fields. They know better than anyone else how the city can speed up our economic recovery,” said Kevin D. Kim, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services on July 7. “With the Small Business Advisory Commission, we are harnessing the power of small businesses across the city by making sure they have a seat at the table to move our recovery forward.”

To nominate a business owner to serve on the NYC Small Business Advisory Commission, Click HERE
THE BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON NEW
NYS DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATIONS
New York State Department of Financial Services has proposed a new regulation that ignores its statutory obligation to support the Check Cashing Industry and will have an immediate impact on the industry and the communities it serves.

On June 15, 2022, DFS released a Proposed Regulation that, if adopted in its current form, would: 1) drastically reduce the maximum check cashing fee for government-issued checks from the current rate of 2.27%, to 1.5%; 2) drastically reduce the maximum check cashing fee for all other checks from 2.27% to 2.2%; and 3) eliminate the current regulated CPI-U mechanism for adjusting the maximum check cashing fee annually and substitute a process in which check cashers can only apply for an increase every five years.

The Proposed Regulation ignores the statutory obligation of DFS to support the check cashing
industry. It will have an immediate and material adverse impact on the industry, causing many
existing licensed locations to close, and will result in the elimination of check cashing services to
millions of New Yorkers who currently rely on those services. The Proposed Regulation will also
cause the loss of critical ancillary services provided by check cashers. Finally, the closing of check cashing locations will necessitate the elimination of thousands of jobs, the majority of which are currently held by minorities.

The New York check cashing industry was formed by the New York State Legislature in 1944 under Article 9-A of the New York Banking Law. Since it was created, it has evolved into a full-service community based financial services industry delivering a wide variety of products and services which are either not available at banks or credit unions or are not offered at the same low-cost as offered by check cashers. In addition to check cashing, licensees offer domestic and international money transfers, low-cost money order sales, electronic bill payment services for thousands of billers (including payments of rent to the NYC Housing Authority), prepaid debit cards, and more.

Millions of New York consumers rely on check cashers because they offer convenient locations, expanded hours of operation, friendly service, and a unique mix of financial products and services. Check cashing locations are safe and convenient while charging fully transparent fees that are among the lowest in the U.S. Check cashing fees are set by the NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS).

The check cashing industry consists primarily of small businesses and employs approximately 4,000 people statewide. Check cashers hire from the communities served and majority of the employees of check cashers are women and minorities. In many communities, check cashers provide an economic engine for the residents that live and work there.

For more detailed information on this matter, Click HERE

The Legislative Affairs Committee of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce wants feedback from members regarding this proposed rule change. Please Click HERE to provide feedback or convey your willingness to serve on this issue specific Working Group.

RECENT CHANGES TO NYC REGULATIONS & ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Department of Buildings After Hours Program
Beginning Tuesday, June 7, 2022, Department of Buildings offices will be open every Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm for homeowners, tenants, small business owners, and building managers.

During Buildings After Hours, homeowners, tenants, small business owners and building managers are encouraged to visit their local borough office where DOB staff can answer questions and provide the information needed to:

plan for a home renovation or construction project
address an open violation on a property
obtain more information about a property
use online resources including the Buildings Information System (BIS) and DOB NOW.

Staff from the following offices will be available at every borough office: borough commissioner’s office, borough operations, development inspections, enforcement inspections, and plan examination. Staff from the Administrative Enforcement Unit will be available in the Manhattan borough office.

Alternate Side of the Street Parking Resumes

After a reprieve of more than two years, full alternate-side parking is back in New York City, requiring some drivers who park on the street to play musical chairs twice a week instead of just once.

Beginning July 5, 2022 alternate side parking regulations for street cleaning will be restored to pre-pandemic frequency as posted on the signage throughout the City. We are excited to be getting more of the tools we need to do our job of keeping the city healthy, safe, and clean.

DCWP Notice of Adoption: Open Captioning, Automated Employment Decision Tools, Force Fed Production

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection released a notice of adoption for DCWP’s rules regarding force-fed products, open captioning in motion picture theaters, and automated employment decision tools. The rule will become effective on August 5, 2022.

SAVE THE DATE - 2022 GALA: CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS
Thursday September 29 - 6:30PM
Marina Del Rey, Bronx NY

Celebrating Our Members

Join us for fun, networking and fundraising at this can't-miss Bronx Chamber Signature Event recognizing the importance of Chamber members and the vital services the Bronx Chamber of Commerce provides to the borough and New York City.

Take a look at the 2021 Gala - Click HERE


For more information, email dolores@bronxchamber.org

Upcoming Events
Wednesday, July 13 from 10:00am to 12:30pm
Small Business Financing
Workshop

Entrepreneurs know that financing is key to starting and growing a business, but the array of options can be difficult to navigate. This course teaches you how to apply financiers’ method of evaluation –the 5 Cs of Business Credit –and explores the advantages and disadvantages of debt-based, equity-based, and crowdfunding financing.


Thursday, July 20 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pride 365: LGBTQIA+ Business Reception

Ponce Bank, The Bronx Community Foundation, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and Third Avenue Business Improvement District in partnership with the Office of the Bronx Borough President will announce a first of its kind Pride 365: LGBTQIA+ business empowerment initiative on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 6:00pm at Ponce Bank, located at 980 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx.
 
The initiative seeks to empower LGBTQIA+ businesses and residents while building localized community wealth in the Bronx.



Thursday, July 28 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Summer BBQ
Networking Event

Join us for a summer celebration barbeque at the Pelham Split Rock Golf Course! Enjoy fresh barbequed food, smores, drinks and speed networking with your fellow Bronx businesses and chamber staff.

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!
2022 Chamber Video Debut
Get to know (or re-familiarize yourself with) the work of the Bronx Chamber and the many ways we serve as your A.C.E. in business through our three pillars: Advocacy - Connections - Education
Many thanks to our media partner BronxNet Community Television

Grant Opportunities
The $250 million COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program provides financial assistance to New York State small businesses burdened with a range of operational costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, from structural changes and building upgrades to health-related supplies and materials. The Program offers qualifying businesses relief from the added economic burden by providing tax credits to help reduce the pandemic-related financial impact.
  
Small businesses can receive a tax credit of 50% of qualifying expenses up to a maximum of $25,000 in tax credits based on qualifying expenses of $50,000. 


Barstool Sports has created the Barstool Fund in support of the 30 Day Fund to help small businesses survive with grants up to $100,000. To be considered, the fund is looking for businesses with a proven track record of success and owners who kept most of their employees on during the pandemic. Applications will be accepted throughout the year.


Governor Hochul Announces Effort to Prevent Underage Drinking and Drunk Driving During Summer Concert Season

 

Department of Motor Vehicles Investigators will Check for Fake IDs at Popular Concert Venues

Enforcement Efforts Help Promote Healthier Choices Among Young New Yorkers and Enhance Safety on Roadways


 Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that state Department of Motor Vehicles investigators are conducting enforcement initiatives to stop the use of fake IDs for purchasing alcohol at summer concerts. Known as Operation Prevent, the effort also includes investigators from the State Liquor Authority, State Police, State Parks Police, and local law enforcement. During the campaign, enforcement sweeps are being conducted at venues across the state.

"Seeing live music is a wonderful experience, and New York has so many great venues all across our state, but I urge everyone to celebrate responsibly," Governor Hochul said. "We want New Yorkers to enjoy these events safely, and this enforcement effort will be crucial to helping prevent underage concertgoers from purchasing alcohol and potentially getting behind the wheel."

Operation Prevent enforcement sweeps will be conducted at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, CMAC in Canandaigua, and the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, as well as other locations where underage concertgoers are likely to gather.

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Our investigators are experts at detecting fake IDs. It may look realistic to you, but they know how to spot the telltale signs of a fraudulent document. We are not trying to ruin anyone's fun. We are trying to keep everyone safe."

State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said, "As underage drinking leads to reckless behavior that can result in dangerous, lifelong consequences, the SLA remains committed to working with our partners in the DMV and in local law enforcement to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage youth.  Working collaboratively, we can discourage both businesses from selling to minors as well as young New Yorkers attempting to purchase alcohol using fake IDs."  

New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "Underage drinking and the use of fake IDs by minors to purchase alcohol will not be tolerated. Safety is our top priority, and the New York State Police will be diligent in working to discourage, detect and apprehend underage users. I want to thank our partners for their shared commitment in putting a stop to underage drinking and the tragic impact that it can have."

Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, "Alcohol consumption by youth and young adults can have negative effects on their mental and physical health, and ability to make safe decisions. When it comes to underage alcohol use, parents and other caring adults are the most important influence. Make a plan together to help your family celebrate summer safely."

Customers under the age of 21 found to be using fake or another individual's IDs to buy alcohol can be ticketed and their licenses can be revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

Operation Prevent is supported by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. The committee coordinates traffic safety activities in New York, and it awards federal highway safety grant funds to local, state, and not-for-profit agencies for projects to improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries due to crashes.

AS COVID-19 CASES RISE, NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE CALLS FOR NEW ALERT SYSTEM, HYBRID MODEL FOR CITY WORKERS

 

"Living with COVID doesn’t mean ignoring it. As cases are rising, the city must reinstate a color-coded COVID threat assessment system to better inform and guide people trying to protect themselves and their families amid an ongoing pandemic. Our office pushed for the creation of such a system for months. When this administration created one, it was already out of compliance with its own system – then ignored that system when the alert level was raised. While it’s true that our tools and strategies must evolve with the virus, those methods and metrics must be clear to New Yorkers.


"In line with those adapting approaches, it is past time for the city to support hybrid models of work wherever possible. My office is working remotely currently, and when we return in person, it will be on a hybrid schedule. 


"Private companies are recognizing the new reality and offering hybrid options to prospective employees, and the city should be leading as a model, not lagging behind and losing valuable talent by creating unnecessary barriers and risks. Employees and employers alike know that hybrid work systems are possible. While clearly not all municipal jobs have the potential for hybrid work, exploring and enabling hybrid systems wherever possible is essential for a safer city and stronger workforce.


"For New York City to best serve its residents, it must hire and retain the best employees. Right now, the administration is chasing them away."


DEC Announces Six New Certified Climate Smart Communities

 

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Local Actions Support Nation-Leading Goals of New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

Certified Climate Smart Municipalities Are Models for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Building Local Climate Resilience

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the latest round of communities to achieve certification as part of New York State's Climate Smart Communities program, which supports local efforts to meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges posed by climate change. By taking meaningful steps to mitigate and adapt to climate change, six local governments successfully met the criteria to be recognized as leaders during the second quarter round of review.

"DEC applauds the work of these six communities helping address the climate crisis by acting locally and bolstering New York State's climate leadership," Commissioner Seggos said. "We look forward to working with our Climate Smart Communities and other local leaders who are ramping up clean energy, improving climate resiliency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, among other actions, to benefit quality of life and advance the State’s climate goals."

The town of New Castle achieved silver certification, which is the highest level currently available. New York's new bronze-certified Climate Smart Communities are the towns of Ancram, North East, Wawarsing, and Yorktown. The town of Huntington was recertified at the bronze level and increased its total points by completing additional climate actions.

Established in 2009, the interagency Climate Smart Communities program provides guidance and technical support to local governments to take locally driven climate action. The first step to becoming a Climate Smart Community is to register by pledging to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. To date, 356 local governments representing more than 9.4 million New Yorkers adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge.

The certification program launched in 2014 to document and celebrate the accomplishments of communities taking climate action. There are now 94 total certified Climate Smart Communities in New York State, nine silver and 85 bronze. To be certified, communities must demonstrate an active climate change task force that includes residents and municipal representatives. Most certified communities complete greenhouse gas inventories that calculate emissions at the local level and help local leaders identify how best to help New York State meet its ambitious greenhouse gas reductions mandates.

New York's newest certified Climate Smart Communities:

Capital District
Town of Ancram

The town of Ancram achieved bronze level certification in part by installing solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station at Town Hall, and increasing access to renewable energy for residents and local businesses by streamlining the permitting process for rooftop solar and running a community solar campaign.

Mid-Hudson
Town of New Castle

The town of New Castle has newly achieved silver level certification, having received bronze in 2021. New Castle was also the state’s first municipality to take the pledge and register as a Climate Smart Community. New Castle’s continued commitment to local climate action enabled the town to achieve its silver-level certification, including actions such as converting all of the town’s 531 streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs, installing electric vehicle charging stations for public use, and developing a climate vulnerability assessment to identify and reduce risks to the community from climate change.

Towns of North East, Wawarsing, and Yorktown
These municipalities demonstrated climate leadership through actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve community resilience to climate change, earning them all bronze-level certification. The town of North East’s actions included launching waste reduction and climate change education programs to inform and inspire the public. Wawarsing updated its zoning codes to preserve natural areas like wetlands and stream buffer zones, which offer protection from flooding. Yorktown streamlined the permitting process for battery energy storage systems to help drive the decarbonization of energy supply and reduce energy demand and power outages.

Long Island
Town of Huntington

The town of Huntington carries on its commitment to climate action by recertifying its bronze-level designation, achieved in March 2022. Huntington’s accomplishments include installing solar panels at Town Hall and electric vehicle charging stations at the town’s train station, as well as implementing a bike share program at parks and beaches.

For more information, see the online certification reports that describe all the actions each certified community took to achieve certification.

All six of the newly awarded communities also participate in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities program, which assists local governments to implement clean energy actions and save on energy costs. Ancram, Huntington, New Castle, North East, and Yorktown completed a least four high-impact actions and are designated as Clean Energy Communities. The town of Wawarsing completed three high-impact actions under the program.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “It is up to all of us to ensure a healthier, more sustainable New York, and continued local action to combat climate change is an essential piece of these efforts. Congratulations to these six communities for furthering their commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy, improving air quality for residents and stewarding our environment for generations to come.”

Climate Smart Communities Coordinators

On Earth Day this year, DEC announced a new initiative, called Climate Smart Communities Coordinators, which brings three regional partners serving as technical support providers and strategic planners to guide local governments in the development of successful local climate action initiatives in three territories covering New York State.

Climate Smart Communities Coordinators will use the New York State Climate Smart Communities Certification program as a roadmap for providing technical support to communities to help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to climate change, and thrive in the new green economy.

Municipalities can learn more and connect with the Climate Smart Communities Coordinator for their territory by visiting this webpage: https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/122923.html

Climate Smart Communities Funding Programs

In May, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $14 million is available through the Climate Smart Communities Grant program. Three of the communities certified today received funding through the DEC Climate Smart Communities Grant program - the towns of New Castle, North East, and Huntington. Established in 2016, this 50/50 matching grant program supports municipalities in completing certification actions and implementing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to extreme weather.

DEC is currently accepting applications for the Climate Smart Communities Grant program through 4 p.m. on July 29, 2022. Visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/109181.html#CSC for more information and to view the Request for Applications (RFA) for the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program.New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings.

Five Men Indicted for Crimes Related to Transnational Repression Scheme to Silence Critics of the People’s Republic of China Residing in the United States

 

Defendants Include Federal Law Enforcement Officer and Private Investigator Who Lied to FBI Agents and Obstructed Justice

 A federal grand jury in Brooklyn returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging five defendants, including one current federal law enforcement officer and one retired federal law enforcement officer, with various crimes pertaining to a transnational repression scheme orchestrated on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Defendants Fan “Frank” Liu, 62, of Jericho, New York; Matthew Ziburis, 49, of Oyster Bay, New York; and Qiang “Jason” Sun, 40, of the PRC were charged in March 2022 with allegedly perpetrating a transnational repression scheme that targeted U.S. residents whose political views and actions are disfavored by the PRC Government. Among other items, these defendants allegedly plotted to destroy the artwork of a PRC national residing in Los Angeles, who was critical of the PRC government and planted surveillance equipment in the artist’s workplace and car to spy on him from the PRC. Liu and Ziburis were arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint in March 2022, while Sun remains at large.

The superseding indictment adds two new defendants, Craig Miller and Derrick Taylor, to the scheme. Miller is a 15-year employee of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), currently assigned as a deportation officer to DHS’s Emergency Relief Operations in Minneapolis, and Taylor is a retired DHS law enforcement agent who presently works as a private investigator in Irvine, California. Miller and Taylor are charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly destroying evidence after they were approached by FBI agents and asked about their procurement and dissemination of sensitive and confidential information from a restricted federal law enforcement database regarding U.S.-based dissidents from the PRC. Both Miller and Taylor were arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint in June 2022.

“We will defend the rights of people in the United States to engage in free speech and political expression, including views the PRC government wants to silence,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen. “As charged, these individuals aided agents of a foreign government in seeking to suppress dissenting voices who have taken refuge here. The defendants include two sworn law enforcement officers who chose to forsake their oaths and violate the law. This indictment is the next step in holding all of these defendants responsible for their crimes.”

“As alleged, this case involves a multifaceted campaign to silence, harass, discredit and spy on U.S. residents for exercising their freedom of speech – aided by a current federal law enforcement officer and a private investigator who provided confidential information about U.S. residents from a restricted law enforcement database, and when confronted about their improper conduct, lied and destroyed evidence,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This office will always work closely with our law enforcement partners to root out corrupt officials in all levels of government and will prosecute those who act on behalf of a hostile foreign state to target the free speech of U.S. residents on American soil.” 

“This case exposes attempts by the government of the PRC to suppress dissenting voices within the United States. Actions taken by the defendants – two of which are current or former federal law enforcement officers – demonstrate how the PRC seeks to stalk, intimidate, and silence those who oppose it,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI battles transnational repression because it is an evil in its own right, and an assault on the freedoms of an open society. Our community’s safety and our nation’s security were jeopardized by this criminal behavior, and we remain dedicated to combating transnational repression and bringing to justice those that perpetrate it.”

Liu and Ziburis are charged with conspiring to act as agents of the PRC government. Liu, Ziburis and Sun are charged with conspiring to commit interstate harassment and criminal use of a means of identification. Liu and Sun are charged with conspiring to bribe a federal official in connection with their scheme to obtain the tax returns of a pro-democracy activist residing in the United States. Both Miller and Taylor are charged with obstruction of justice, while Taylor is charged with making a false statement to the FBI.

If convicted, Liu faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment; Ziburis, Sun and Taylor face up to 25 years’ imprisonment; and Miller faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The defendants will be arraigned at a later date.

As alleged, Liu and Ziburis operated under Sun’s direction and control to discredit pro-democracy PRC dissidents residing in the United States, including those in New York City, California and Indiana. with efforts to disseminate negative information about, and to spy on, stalk, harass and surveil U.S.-based dissidents.

According to the indictment, one of Liu’s co-conspirators (“Co-conspirator”) retained Taylor to obtain personal identification information regarding multiple PRC dissidents residing in the United States, including passport information and photos, and flight and immigration records, which Taylor allegedly tasked to two DHS law enforcement officers, including Miller. As alleged, Miller and the other DHS agent obtained the information from the restricted database and improperly provided it to Taylor, who shared it with the Co-conspirator. Liu, Ziburis and Sun used this information to target and harass these U.S. residents while acting on behalf of the PRC government.

According to court documents, Miller and Taylor both lied about their past conduct when confronted by the FBI. According to the indictment, Miller deleted text messages with Taylor from his phone while being interviewed by the FBI, and Taylor instructed a co-conspirator to withhold evidence from the U.S. government. When interviewed by the FBI, Taylor falsely claimed that he obtained the records in question from a friend who was using the “Black Dark Web” — likely a reference to the dark web.

According to the indictment, the Co-conspirator called Taylor and claimed he received a subpoena from the Department of Justice seeking the Co-conspirator’s communications with Taylor, and Taylor directed the Co-conspirator to withhold such information from the U.S. government.

According to court documents, when interviewed by the FBI, Miller initially claimed to be in sporadic contact with Taylor and said the two did not discuss work matters. After agents admonished Miller to be honest, Miller admitted that Taylor provided him names to run through law enforcement databases. Miller granted consent to the FBI to search his phone, and ultimately admitted that he ran the queries for Taylor and sent the results to Taylor via text message, and that Taylor had provided a gift card in return. Miller then admitted that he deleted the text chain with Taylor during the interview earlier that day and that he fabricated all earlier statements about the text chain, including whether the chain included the names requested by Taylor.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander A. Solomon and Emily J. Dean for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Grigg for the Central District of California and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Svendsen for the District of Minnesota. U.S. Attorney Peace also thanked the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Professional Responsibility, for its assistance in the investigation.

The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.

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

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 125 Months in Prison for Stabbing Pharmacy Employee and Attempted Robbery

 

Defendant was Sentenced Following His Guilty Plea to Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery

 In federal court in Brooklyn, Rayvaughn Williams was sentenced by United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to 125 months’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to attempted Hobbs Act robbery in connection with his August 12, 2019 attempt to rob a pharmacy in Canarsie, Brooklyn, during which Williams repeatedly stabbed a pharmacy employee.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.

“Rayvaughn Williams tried to rob a neighborhood pharmacy and ended up senselessly, viciously attacking an innocent employee merely because he could not open the cash register fast enough,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Today’s sentence sends a message that those who engaged in violence in our communities will be held accountable.”

“This sentencing brings yet another violent criminal to justice,” stated ATF New York Special Agent-in-Charge DeVito. “This atrocious and unwarranted violent attack on an innocent person is unacceptable. Fortunately, the victim survived due to the quick response of the EMTs and the investigative efforts of our partners at NYPD’s Brooklyn Robbery Squad. ATF will continue to work with our partners to keep our communities safe.” 

“Violence will never be tolerated in our city,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell.  “And actions must have consequences. Today’s sentence removes a career criminal with multiple arrests for armed robbery from our streets, and the people of Brooklyn can breathe a little easier. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and all of our own officers and detectives who brought this case to a successful conclusion.” 

According to court filings and statements made by the defendant at his guilty plea proceeding, on August 12, 2019, Williams entered the Canarsie Plaza Pharmacy and claimed he was there to pick up a prescription.  When the employee could not find a record of the prescription, Williams removed a knife from a plastic bag he was carrying and demanded money.  When the employee tried but failed to open the register, Williams vaulted over the counter and stabbed the employee repeatedly.  The employee was seriously wounded, but survived the attack.

MAYOR ADAMS AND CHANCELLOR BANKS ANNOUNCE KICKOFF OF 2022 FREE SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM

 

Free Breakfast and Lunch Will Be Available to All New Yorkers Under Age of 18

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) Chancellor David C. Banks today officially announced the kickoff of the 2022 summer meals program, which offers free breakfast and lunch to any person in New York City 18 years old and younger this summer. No registration, documentation, or identification will be necessary to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal, and meals will be distributed at more than 300 designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks across the five boroughs. Today’s kickoff took place at the launch of the Summer Rising program at the Island School in Manhattan. These programs are providing New York City’s youth with upstream solutions with the resources needed to learn, have fun, and make a difference in the future.

“New York City children deserve a space to learn, to be a kid, and not worry about where to get their next meal, and our free summer meals program helps them do just that,” said Mayor Adams. “One of my top priorities as mayor is ensuring that our children have the necessary and nutritious meals they need to learn and grow into the great New Yorkers who will one day run our city. Today’s kickoff of free summer meals, coupled with the launch of Summer Rising, only further highlights this administration’s unwavering commitment to the young people of this city. I’m grateful to our city partners, food service workers, and all the New Yorkers working to feed, nurture, and take care of every one of our kids.”

 

“It is essential that our youngest New Yorkers have access to healthy and nourishing meals, particularly while school is not in session during the summer months,” said NYCDOE Chancellor Banks. “I’m so proud that we are again able to offer free breakfast and lunch to all of New York City’s children throughout the summer. This would not be possible without the tireless work of all of our dedicated food service workers on the ground, making sure our children are fed and cared for.” 

 

A full list of 2022 summer meal locations can be found on the NYCDOE's website, by texting NYC Food to 304-304, or by calling 311. 

 

Additionally, as per the guidance released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the New York State Department of Education, the NYCDOE is proud to offer a daily pre-packaged cold take-out meal to all children in New York City 18 years old or younger, in addition to hot meals served. 

 

As is the case throughout the school year, breakfast and lunch meals reflect the NYCDOE’s commitment to the highest standard of nutrition. All meals meet or exceed USDA standards and do not use food additives, such as artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Children will have access to a variety of fresh fruit, whole grains, vegetables, and salads to enjoy. Plant-based meals are available at all locations. Halal meals are available at select locations across the city and we are happy to announce that kosher meals will be available beginning the morning of July 12 at select locations across the city.

 

“Consistent access to delicious, nutritious, and plant-powered meals is essential for the healthy development of our children. The DOE’s Summer Meals program is critical to fighting child food insecurity during the summer months,” said Kate MacKenzie, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Food Policy. “I thank our food service workers and our partners across the city, without their dedication and hard work, this amazing program would not be possible.”

 

Permits Filed For 55 Clifford Place In Tremont, The Bronx


Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a four-story building at 55 Clifford Place in Tremont, The Bronx. Located between Walton Avenue and Townsend Avenue, the lot is one block from the 174-175th Streets subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Gil Broitman of Brooklyn Grid is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 51-foot-tall development will yield 6,830 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 12 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 569 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, and a 33-foot-long rear yard.

Xiaojun Wang of Just Consulting Engineering PLLC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project requires an expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.