Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Security Guard At The 9/11 Memorial Pleads Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court To Firearms Trafficking


  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York  announced that MAQUAN MOORE, a 9/11 Memorial security guard, pled guilty to firearms trafficking in connection with his trafficking of more than 25 firearms from locations outside of New York into Manhattan.  MOORE pled guilty today to an Information in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Maquan Moore was in the business of peddling illegal firearms in busy downtown New York.  When individuals attempt to bypass the critically important system of licensing for lawful ownership, the result is a less safe society for all of us. One shudders to think the harm these weapons could have caused in the wrong hands.”
According to the Complaint, Information, and other statements made in open court:
Beginning in December 2017, a joint task force of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) and the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) made multiple undercover purchases of firearms from MOORE, who at the time was working as a security guard at the 9/11 Memorial.  These firearms included several assault-style weapons, such as a MAC-10 machine pistol, and various other handguns and rifles.  On the evening of February 1, 2018, an undercover officer purchased from MOORE additional firearms, many of which had been brought by MOORE’s co-conspirator, Morris Wilson, from Florida to New York.  In connection with MOORE and Wilson’s arrest, the ATF/NYPD Task Force seized 21 additional firearms.
MOORE, 29, of Manhattan, pled guilty to one count of firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of five 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.
Wilson is charged in a Criminal Complaint with conspiracy to traffic in firearms, firearms trafficking, and interstate transportation and receipt of firearms. The allegations contained in the Criminal Complaint as to Wilson are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mr. Berman praised the efforts of the ATF and NYPD in this case.

News From the Bronx District Attorney


TWO BRONX WOMEN INDICTED ON ASSAULT CHARGES FOR BRUTALLY BEATING SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT WOMAN
Defendants Robbed Victim, Threatened To “Kill Your Baby” 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that two Bronx women have been indicted on various Assault and Robbery charges for repeatedly attacking a pregnant woman, causing her to have a seizure. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The footage of this vicious attack against a pregnant woman is unbearable to watch. The defendants allegedly jeopardized two lives over a petty feud with a mutual friend.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Serenity Dunham, 18, of East 181st Street, and Tiffany Nurse, 27, of Third Avenue, were indicted on two counts of Attempted Assault first-degree, Attempted Assault second-degree, two counts of second-degree Assault, third degree Assault, two counts each of first and second-degree Robbery, third-degree Robbery and two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Both defendants were arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was continued for Nurse and she is due back in court on June 1, 2018. If convicted of the top charge of first degree Robbery, she faces up to 25 years in prison. 

 Justice Villegas offered Serenity Dunham Youthful Offender Status, over the objections of the prosecutor. Dunham pleaded guilty to all charges at the arraignment and was entered into the CASES (Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services) program. If she completes the one-year program, she will receive a conditional discharge.

 According to the investigation, on February 1, 2018, in the stairwell of a building at 820 Saint Ann’s Avenue, the defendants allegedly struck Tylesha Mohammed, 18, in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. The defendants proceeded to repeatedly kick and punch the victim, striking her stomach and face. Nurse allegedly threatened “we’re going to kill your baby” before the defendants stole the teen’s phone. The victim, who was seven months pregnant at the time, suffered a seizure and sought medical treatment for various injuries, including swelling of the head and stomach and lacerations on her arms and lips.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Officer Jonathan Burke of the 40th Precinct Detective Squad for his hard work.

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


14 MEMBERS OF CRACK-DEALING GROUP THAT PLAGUED JOHN ADAMS HOUSES INDICTED ON CONSPIRACY AND NARCOTICS CHARGES

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that 14 people have been indicted on Conspiracy and other charges for dealing crack cocaine in the John Adams Houses in Mott Haven. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “Thanks to the efforts of a year-long joint investigation, we have eliminated a drug organization that affected the quality of life of residents of this city housing complex. The defendants not only peddled crack cocaine but they did so publicly as well as in stairwells and jeopardizing the safety of the entire building. We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who endanger our communities.” 

 New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said, “I commend the investigators and prosecutors whose efforts resulted in these arrests involving narcotics sales in and around the Adams Houses. The NYPD continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold responsible those who distribute narcotics in our communities.” 

 DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated, “DEA applauds the law enforcement collaboration that led to today’s arrests. This unity was a force multiplier in our goal of removing drug dealing from the Adams Housing Projects and surrounding areas.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants are variously charged in six indictments with Conspiracy, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Attempted Burglary and Possession of Burglar’s Tools.

 Thirteen of the defendants were arrested on Thursday March 1, 2018 by NYPD Bronx Narcotics Violent Crime Squad, Bronx DA Investigators and agents from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. They were arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert A. Neary and are due back in court on May 30, 2018. They face up to nine years in prison on the top count.

 According to the investigation, which utilized court-authorized eavesdropping, between February 23, 2017 to February 26, 2018 the defendants sold and distributed cocaine in the John Adams Houses, with undercover officers making 32 buys of crack cocaine. Three defendants are also charged with Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree, and for possessing a crow bar, a wrench, a lock pick and a drill in relation to a planned break-in of a Bronx home

 The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Raymond Valdez, who has been indicted for the September 30, 2017 murder of Pedro Adrono.

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

DEFENDANTS EBONY LANIER 43, 835 EAST 152 STREET, BRONX 
ALLAN RIVERA, 31, 520 EAST 137 STREET, BRONX 
ALEXIS CASTRO, 40, 1028 EAST 212 STREET BRONX 
DAVON DILWORTH, 26, 1990 7TH AVENUE MANHATTAN 
BILLY DIAZ, 44, 644 WALES AVENUE BRONX 
JAMEL MCDONALD, 34 880 TINTON AVENUE BRONX 
JOSHUA TAYLOR, 28, 721 TINTON AVENUE BRONX 
KRISTOPHER MEADE, 39 107 EAST 105 STREET MANHATTAN 
LAMONT DAVIS, 27, 680 TINTON AVENUE BRONX 
ROBERT DIXON, 38, 664 UNION AVENUE BRONX 
THEODORE BROOKS, 34, 700 EAST 156 STREET BRONX 
SAUL COLON, 35, 345 EAST 145 STREET, BRONX 
RAYMOND VALDEZ, 29 790 EAST 152 STREET 
TABITHA HENRY, 25, 680 TINTON AVENUE APT BRONX (NOT YET APPREHENDED)

Wave Hill Events Mar 16‒Mar 23


Sat, March 17    Family Art Project: Suminagashi and Orizomegami Papers
Learn the Japanese art of paper marbling and dying in this easy workshop presented by Winter Workspace artist Austin Thomas. Lightly touch the surface of water with a brush for a floating-ink effect, or fold ink-absorbent paper to create fantastic geometric designs. You will marvel at these two ancient techniques. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 18    Family Art Project: Suminagashi and Orizomegami Papers
Learn the Japanese art of paper marbling and dying in this easy workshop presented by Winter Workspace artist Austin Thomas. Lightly touch the surface of water with a brush for a floating-ink effect, or fold ink-absorbent paper to create fantastic geometric designs. You will marvel at these two ancient techniques. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 18    Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday
Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. This year’s Session 2 artists are Michele BrodyTamara Kostianovsky, Athena LaTocha, Maika’i Tubbs and two New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellows, Ashton Agbomenou and Yelaine Rodriguez. For more about who is in residence on Sundays, visit wavehill.org. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–3PM
Sun, March 18    Garden & Conservatory Highlights Walk
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, March 19
Closed to the public.

Wed, March 21    2018 Horticultural Lecture #3: Timothy Young—Writers and Gardens in the Archives
The stories of great gardens are told in their physical presence—and on paper. Archives show the planning and execution of gardens through journals and sketches. They also reveal the philosophy of the gardener. This lecture focuses on the archival legacies of several 20th-century writers and artists who built gardens, including Vita Sackville-West, Robert Dash and Rupert Barneby and Dwight Ripley. Timothy Young holds the title of Curator of Modern Books and Manuscripts at Beinecke Library at Yale University. Individual tickets: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member or student. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are recommended, online at wavehill.org. The lecture takes place at the New York School of Interior Design at 170 East 70thStreet in Manhattan.
NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 6‒7:30PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM, November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS RICHARD A. CARRANZA AS SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR


Superintendent of Houston Independent School District during Hurricane Harvey

Proven record of narrowing the achievement gap, turning around struggling schools and championing education for English Language learners in diverse cities

  Mayor Bill de Blasio  appointed Richard A. Carranza as New York City’s next Schools Chancellor. As Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, Carranza led the effort to re-open schools after Hurricane Harvey. Carranza also previously served as the Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, where he raised graduation rates to historic highs. With a strong commitment to equity and excellence, Carranza has a proven record of narrowing the achievement gap and turning around struggling schools in these diverse districts.

“Richard Carranza understands the power of public education to change lives, and he has a proven record of strengthening public schools and lifting up students and families,” said Mayor de Blasio. “He understands the tremendous work New York City educators do every day to put our children on the path to success. Richard is the right person to lead our school system forward as we build on the progress we’ve made over the past four years and make our vision of equity and excellence for every child a reality. Carmen Fariña leaves a tremendous legacy not only from her four years as Chancellor, but as an inspiring and innovative educator and public servant for more than 50 years.”

“With a proven record of leadership and success in Houston, San Francisco and Las Vegas, and a warmth that will help him connect with students, parents and teachers alike, Richard Carranza is uniquely well-positioned to build on the incredible progress we’ve made here in New York City. Richard understands that schools are so much more than the places our children go to learn—they are the heart of our communities. I look forward to working closely with him to ensure all of NYC’s children and their families thrive,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray.

"I am thrilled Richard will be New York City Schools Chancellor,” said Chancellor Carmen Farina. “We are philosophically on the same page and he has a proven track record as an educator with a laser focus on what's in the classroom. He's made critical investments in professional development, strengthened the leadership pipeline for principals and has immersed himself in the community to empower families. Every step of his career, he's focused on equity for all not just some. I know he will deepen the Equity & Excellence agenda and bring new ideas that will make New York City better." 

“As the son of blue collar workers and a lifetime educator, it is an honor to serve New York City’s 1.1 million children as Schools Chancellor,” said Richard Carranza. “I want to thank the Mayor and First Lady for the opportunity to join an administration that knows public education is an investment in our future. I will work every day to further the progress Chancellor Fariña has made in strengthening our public schools for generations to come.”

In Houston, Carranza was widely praised for leading the successful effort to re-open schools two-weeks after Hurricane Harvey. This included coordinating transportation for students living in shelter and providing counseling for all students and staff. During his eight years as Deputy Superintendent and then Superintendent in San Francisco, Carranza drove remarkable progress in academic outcomes, outpacing gains in the state and narrowing the achievement gap.  He raised graduation rates for African-American students by 13.9 percentage points, and for Hispanic students by 15.4 percentage points, significantly faster than the overall growth rates in California as a whole.

About Richard A. Carranza

Richard A. Carranza has served as Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District since August 2016. HISD is the largest school district in Texas and the seventh largest district in the United States, with a predominately Hispanic and Black student population.

Prior to Houston, Carranza worked for the San Francisco Unified School District, first as Deputy Superintendent for Instruction, Innovation and Social Justice then Superintendent. Before moving to San Francisco, he served as Northwest Region superintendent for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, where he oversaw 66 schools with more than 66,000 students. He began his career as a high school, bilingual social studies and music teacher, then a principal in Tucson.

Carranza is the past chairman of the Board of Directors for the Council of the Great City Schools, where he served as a national spokesperson on significant issues facing urban school districts. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, the American Association of School Administrators Executive Committee, and the K to College Advisory Board.

Education Week profiled Carranza as a national 2015 Leader to Learn From. He earned a bachelor of arts in secondary education from the University of Arizona and a master of education with distinction in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He has completed his doctoral coursework through Northern Arizona University and is currently pursuing a doctorate of education through Nova Southeastern University in Educational leadership.

Carranza is a fluent Spanish-speaker and accomplished mariachi musician. He is married to Monique and has two daughters. 

News From Congressman Eliot Engel


Engel Statement on March 5th Deadline for DACA Renewal

  “Today is the day DREAMers have been dreading since President Trump unilaterally decided to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, more commonly known as DACA. It’s a sad day indeed.

“For months, Congress, under Republican rule, has done nothing but pay lip-service to the very real problem the President created when he killed DACA. Despite a near constant outcry from Democrats, advocates, DREAMers themselves, their friends, and their families, the GOP has done nothing. As a result, 800,000 DACA recipients have been left to twist in the wind, with hundreds losing their legal status every single day, opening them to the very real possibility of deportation. Though, court rulings have provided temporary reprieve by halting the termination of DACA, DREAMers still urgently need a permanent legislative fix. Unfortunately, there appears to be no solution in sight from Republican leadership, which is absolutely shameful.

“As discouraging as this process has been, it’s not at all surprising. The GOP has been pushing a not-so-subtle xenophobic agenda for some time now, and the plight of the DREAMers was never a real priority to their party. If they really cared about DREAMers, they could have at any point in time passed a continuing resolution that included a DACA renewal. But instead, they used these kids as a bargaining chip to try and advance their hardline, anti-immigrant agenda.

“Since the decision was made to end DACA, Congress has passed five continuing resolutions to fund the government on a short-term basis. I have voted against all five of them because they did not protect our DREAMers. The time for talk is over. Republicans must immediately bring to the floor a clean Dream Act before more families are torn apart by their heartless ploy. Enough games.”

STATEMENT ON STATE DEPARTMENT FAILURE TO USE ANTI-PROPAGANDA FUNDING

  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the Department of State’s reported failure to use $120 million designated to combat Russian propaganda:

“Weeks after Secretary Tillerson lamented that it’s ‘very difficult’ to stop Russia’s meddling in our elections, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that this Administration isn’t even interested in trying. Last summer, I pressed the State Department to use the resources Congress provided to push back on Russian propaganda, yet the Department hasn’t spent a single dollar. I’m tired of excuses and I’m tired of waiting. When Secretary Tillerson appears before our Committee later this month, I expect to hear why this Administration has again ignored Congress and what his Department intends to do to deal with this attack on our democracy.”

Monday, March 5, 2018

STATE COMPTROLLER DiNAPOLI ANNOUNCES SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS


Competitive Offering to Feature Tax-Exempt and Taxable Bonds

 State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the details of the competitive sale scheduled for March 8 of tax-exempt and taxable New York State General Obligation bonds totaling $215.2 million. The state expects to sell $146.2 million for new money transportation, education and environmental purposes.  Depending on market conditions, the state also expects to sell $69 million to refund a portion of certain outstanding General Obligation bonds to reduce the state’s debt service costs.

The net proceeds of $123.7 million of the new money portion of the Series 2018A Tax-Exempt Bonds will finance projects authorized by the following voter-approved bond acts: Environmental Quality (1972), Environmental Quality (1986), Clean Water/Clean Air (1996), Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation (2005) and Smart Schools (2014). The net proceeds of $63.6 million of the refunding portion of the Series 2018A Tax-Exempt bonds will refund certain outstanding General Obligation bonds. The Series 2018A Tax-Exempt Bonds will mature over 14 years.

The net proceeds of $36.6 million of the Series 2018B Taxable Bonds will finance projects authorized by the following voter-approved bond acts: Environmental Quality (1972), Environmental Quality (1986), Clean Water/Clean Air (1996), Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation (2005) and Smart Schools (2014). The Series 2018B Taxable Bonds will mature over 10 years.

The net proceeds of $12.7 million of the Series 2018C Tax-Exempt Refunding Bonds will provide funds to refund certain outstanding state General Obligation bonds. The Series 2018C bonds would mature over 9 years.  

The bonds will be awarded pursuant to electronic competitive bidding to be held via BiDCOMP/Parity on behalf of the Comptroller of the State of New York on March 8, 2018 unless postponed, as set forth in the Notices of Sale published in The Bond Buyer on March 2, 2018. The bonds will be dated the date of delivery, expected to be March 15.

A copy of the Preliminary Official Statement is available.

TO BATTLE CONGESTION, MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES STEPPED-UP ENFORCEMENT OF “DON’T BLOCK THE BOX”


Mayor’s congestion initiative includes “Clear Intersections” which will see NYPD write violations at fifty targeted intersections in all five boroughs

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the NYC DOT and the NYPD had prepared enhancements to 50 key intersections where block- the-box violations will now be aggressively enforced.  DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and NYPD Chief Thomas Chan made the “Clear Intersections” announcement at one of the targeted intersections -- at Broadway and Broome Street in the SoHo section of Manhattan.

“Late last year, we announced a series of initiatives designed to address congestion issues around New York City, a symptom of the city’s record population and economic vitality,” said Mayor de Blasio.  “Blocking the box is one area where focused NYPD enforcement can and will make a big difference to keep traffic moving around hotspots in every borough.”

“The NYPD is dedicated to the Mayor’s initiative to improve traffic flow and to move traffic safely,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Thomas Chan.  “Drivers who block intersections are contributing to overall congestion, and their disregard of this particular traffic rule comes at the expense of other drivers including emergency vehicles.  Additionally, pedestrians are endangered when they have to navigate between vehicles that are blocking crosswalks.  The NYPD’s enforcement efforts will reduce congestion and improve pedestrian safety.  Motorists should be advised that officers will be out in force issuing summonses to those who block the box.”

“Today, DOT and NYPD are bringing back “don’t block the box” to 50 busy intersections around the City,” saidDOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.  “We know traffic can be frustrating, but blocking the box just causes gridlock for everybody — bus riders, pedestrians, cyclists and your fellow motorists.  Please be courteous and safe — and don’t block the box.”

In Manhattan, vehicle travel times have declined by 23% since 2010.  Drivers who enter intersections without sufficient space on the other side “block-the box,” which can have cascading effects on traffic and create dangers to pedestrians who cannot cross streets safely. The Clear Intersections effort includes 50 key intersections citywide and is part of a comprehensive series of efforts announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio last October to ease congestion in busy thoroughfares across the five boroughs.  Block-the-box violators face minimum fines of $115 and possible points that can lead to the loss of a driver’s license. 

As part of Clear Intersections, DOT has installed special markings and/or updated signage at key intersections (see list below) to make drivers aware of the restrictions.  The City chose intersections along major routes leading to river crossings, highway on-ramps, and commercial centers. NYPD will increase enforcement at these locations to keep traffic moving, hiring an additional 50 uniformed officers to enforce block-the-box violations.

Clear Intersections will be in effect at the following locations:

1.         Broadway West 57 Street
2.         Dyer Avenue & West 41 Street
3.         Fort Washington Avenue & West 165 Street
4.         3 Avenue & East 36 Street
5.         Broadway & Spring Street
6.         Delancey Street Bowery
7.         Delancey Street & Allen Street
8.         9 Avenue & West 207 Street
9.         10 Avenue & West 40 Street
10.       West Side Highway (9A)/12 AV & West 51 Street
11.       Broadway Canal Street
12.       Canal Street & Centre Street
13.       Delancey Street & Essex Street
14.       Hudson Street Beach Street/Ericsson Place
15.       3 Avenue & East 57 Street
16.       3 Avenue & East 58 Street
17.       3 Avenue & East 59 Street
18.       3 Avenue & East 35 Street
19.       6 Avenue & Watts Street
20.       10 Avenue & West 41 Street
21.       Broadway and Broome Street
22.       Broadway and Chambers Street
23.       Broadway West 66 Street
24.       Amsterdam Avenue & 181 Street
26.       Hudson Street & Laight Street
27.       Hudson Street & Vestry Street

29.       Northern Boulevard Queens Boulevard
30.       Queens Boulevard & Roosevelt Avenue
32.       21 Street & 49 Avenue
33.       Laurel Hill Boulevard & 65 Place
34.       Queens Midtown Expressway *N S/R & Grand Avenue
36.       71 Avenue Austin Street
37.       37 Avenue & 138 Street
38.       Metropolitan Avenue & 60 Street

40.       135 Street & Third Avenue

42.       Atlantic Avenue & Pennsylvania Avenue
43.       86 Street & 7 Avenue
45.       Flatbush Avenue & Myrtle Avenue

Staten Island
46.       College of Staten Island & Victory Boulevard
47.       Narrows Road South Hylan Boulevard w/b @ Steuben Street
49.       Narrows Road South & Fingerboard Road
50.       Narrows Road North & Fingerboard Road

EDITOR'S NOTE: 

In typical Mayor Bill de Blasio fashion we see only one of fifty intersections targeted in the Bronx, while five intersections are targeted in Staten Island. It appears that Staten Island is no longer the 'Forgotten Borough', but that the Bronx has become the 'New Forgotten Borough'.

We also can not see why this enforcement has not been ongoing from the first day of the first term of the current mayor. Did this mayor all of a sudden realize the problems of New York City? Did it take four years for a mayor who was the Public Advocate to find out the needs of New York City? But in the long run it will be the drivers of New York City who pay for this, especially the 'For Hire Drivers' who wind up getting stuck inside the Box. Where is the City Council 'Horse, Buggy, and Stagecoach' Cowboy Committee Chair on this new enforcement?