Friday, November 24, 2023

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

  

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More
Please view/allow images in your email program so you don't miss a thing!
(Friday) Extra, Extra
Happy Thanksgiving, the Bronx Chamber's offices are closed from November 23 - 24.
Small Business Saturday, 11/25/2023
Breaking Bread, Building Bonds Dinner a Success
Retail Theft Taskforce Launched

Legislation & Advocacy
Mayor Adams Appoints Jeff Garcia as Executive Director for the Office of Nightlife
Updates from Department of Consumer Affairs
CitiBike Expansion

Upcoming Events
Bally's Holiday Bash, 12/1/2023 at 7:00 pm, 500 Hutchinson River Parkway
Annual Bronx Chamber Holiday Party, December 14 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Pelham Bay Split Rock Golf Course, 870 Shore Road
Friday Extra
BREAKING BREAD, BUILDING BONDS WITH
NYC DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES
Breaking Bread, Building Bonds

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim for the 2023 Breaking Bread Building Bonds Dinner. This meeting determined to organize one thousand meals and conversations across the city, starting in early 2023, with ten everyday people from New York City's diverse communities that make our city.

This citywide initiative from Mayor Eric Adams aims to cultivate the immense diversity of our city and bring New Yorkers together to learn about common bonds, share cultures and traditions, and break down silos between communities. There is more that bonds us than divides us. 

These efforts seek to unite New Yorkers regardless of their background, build understanding, and aid in ending bias, hate, and discrimination. This initiative is being led by the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) and the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit (CAU).
MAYOR ADAMS LAUNCHES TASK FORCE TO COMBAT RETAIL THEFT 
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the release of a comprehensive plan to combat retail theft across New York City’s five boroughs.

With the exception of 2020, the total number of citywide shoplifting complaints has increased year over year since 2018, with the largest increase — 44 percent — from 2021 to 2022.

The increase in retail theft has had a particularly significant impact on retailers that are still recovering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Retail Theft Report — created through a collaborative effort between retailers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders that came together through a summit hosted by Mayor Adams at Gracie Mansion — includes both upstream, program-oriented solutions and enhanced enforcement efforts, as well as information on existing efforts across New York City agencies to combat retail theft.
LEGISLATION & ADVOCACY
Mayor Adams Appoints Jeffrey Garcia as Office of Nightlife Executive Director 

Mayor Adams held a press conference to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Garcia to the position of executive director of the city’s Office of Nightlife (“ONL”). Garcia is a born and bred New Yorker who has spent his career dedicated to public service, in and out of government, supporting the people and small businesses that make New York the greatest city in the world. He previously served as president of the NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge Association and served on the NYC Small Business Advisory Council.

For more information, Click Here
‘TIS THE SEASON! WITH SOME HELPFUL SHOPPING TIPS FROM DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND WORKER PROTECTION

Last week the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga issued annual Holiday Shopping Tips to help consumers navigate this holiday season. With these helpful multilingual tips, New Yorkers will be able to avoid seasonal scams and overspending while also learning how to create a budget and be smarter shoppers.
CITI BIKE EXPANSION IN THE BRONX

Citi Bike has been expanded in three phases. To encourage ridership in the most recent expansion area, Lyft (the operator of Citi bike) offers a 40% discount for new annual members, as well as other discounts for existing members and NYCHA residents/SNAP recipients. The deadline to register is December 31, 2023.

For more information, Click Here
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
NYC Funds Finder

NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street announced the launch of a new platform connecting small businesses with trusted resources they need to open, grow, and maintain their business. The user-friendly platform – NYC Funds Finder is where small businesses can review funding options, including loans and grants, and request free 1-on-1 financing assistance from the SBS team. 

NYC Funds Finder is a partnership between SBS and Next Street and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Next Street Scale, the platform that powers NYC Funds Finder, was created to address the hurdles that small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities, face in accessing the resources required to grow their business and build wealth. 
M/WBE Certification
Unlocking Opportunities


The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with NYC SBS to help guide you through the application process of getting certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE).

This certification program, offered by NYC Small Business Services, is a critical initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracting and procurement processes. The program seeks to create opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minority individuals and women, ensuring they have fair access to government contracts and economic opportunities, opens your business up to increased opportunities from New York City agencies, free advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Businesses, mentorship programs and workshops, networking events, and more.

The City has committed to awarding $16 billion in contracts to M/WBE certified organizations over the next decade--don’t miss out!

Are you eligible? (Qualification checklist below)

  • Business is legally authorized to transact business in New York City

  • Business has been in operation for at least one year

  • Business is more than 51% minority and/or woman owned
LOSS PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

Loss Prevention Technology Survey, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and our partners have issued a brief survey titled, "The Future is Here for Retail Theft Prevention." The survey seeks to understand business needs in the area of retail loss prevention. Take the Survey - Click Here
UPCOMING EVENTS
Bally's Golf Links Holiday Bash

December 1

Join Ballys for a festive celebration welcoming Bally's Golf Links Ferry Point to the Bronx!

This event promises a jolly good time for all.
Swing into the holiday spirit and enjoy a cocktail-style party. Your ticket includes festive-inspired specialty cocktails, light bites, and music entertainment by DJ BK.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to enjoy the holidays in style at Bally's Golf Links Holiday Bash. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

*21+ event
2023 Annual Holiday Party - Toy Drive

December 14 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Pelham Bay Split Rock Golf Course

$130 - Members $1,100 Table of Ten
$150 - Non-Members $1,250 Table of Ten

It's never too early to celebrate the holidays with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Save the date for our annual holiday party. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing, and live music.

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!

Permits Filed For 3336 Hull Avenue In Norwood, The Bronx

 


Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a four-story residential building at 3336 Hull Avenue in Norwood, The Bronx. Located between East 209th Street and East Gun Hill Road, the interior lot is within walking distance of the Norwood-205th Street subway station, serviced by the D train. Menacham Harfenes of MJH Construction Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 44-foot-tall development will yield 8,647 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 14 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 617 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 41-foot-long rear yard.

Sander Williams Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will not be need as the project calls for a vertical expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on the Arrest of Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas

 

The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the arrest of Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as “El Nini,” by Mexican authorities:

“Mexican authorities arrested Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as ‘El Nini,’ who we allege is one of the Sinaloa Cartel’s lead sicarios, or assassins. Until his apprehension, El Nini led security operations for the Chapitos and we allege that he and his security forces murdered, tortured, and kidnapped rivals, witnesses, and others who opposed the Chapitos.

Shortly after the apprehension of El Nini, I spoke with Mexican Attorney General Gertz to thank him for the extraordinary efforts of the Mexican authorities who made the arrest, and to whom we are all grateful for their courage. 

We are now seeking El Nini’s swift extradition from Mexico to face justice here in the United States.

Last month, in a meeting in Mexico City, I thanked our Mexican government and law enforcement counterparts for the extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel and one of more than a dozen cartel leaders we have indicted who have been extradited to the United States. 

Earlier this year, I announced charges against 23 leaders, members, and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel. Those charges reflect the aggressive approach the Justice Department is taking to disrupting and dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel, an organization responsible for operating one of the deadliest and most prolific drug trafficking operations in the world. Among those we charged are the cartel’s drug traffickers, their money launderers, their manufacturers, their chemical suppliers, and their leaders — as well as their security forces, which engage in horrific and brutal violence. 

The Justice Department is grateful to our Mexican counterparts for their work in that effort, and we remain committed to doing everything in our power to dismantle the dangerous drug trafficking cartels that are responsible for death and devastation in both the United States and Mexico.”

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on November 10, 2022 in the Confines of the 60th Precinct


Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on November 10,

The NYPD is releasing today body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on November 10, 2022 in the confines of the 60th Precinct. 

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here 


Attorney General James Releases Statement on Successful Defense of New York Gun Law

 

State Court of Appeals Rejected Challenges to Gun Possession Charges in Aftermath of SCOTUS Bruen Decision 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement after her office successfully argued against Second Amendment challenges in six cases in the New York State Court of Appeals involving gun possession charges. The six cases involved individuals who tried to overturn charges of illegal possession of a weapon in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. The New York State Court of Appeals declined to hear those Second Amendment challenges. 

“Gun safety laws protect New Yorkers and are commonsense tools in the fight against gun violence. Individuals who illegally possess a weapon are a threat to our communities and should be held accountable for the harm they pose. My office will always stand up to protect New Yorkers and defend the gun safety laws designed to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals.” 

The Court of Appeals issued decisions in six gun-related cases: David v. New YorkGarcia v. New YorkCabrera v. New YorkRivera v. New YorkPastrana v. New York, and Telfair v. New York. In all six cases the court did not accept the plaintiff’s Second Amendment challenges, ruling in Attorney General James’ favor that those claims were not made in the lower courts and therefore could not be argued in the appellate court.

Former New York City Correction Officer Sentenced to 29 Months in Prison for Smuggling Contraband into Rikers Island in Exchange for Nearly $10,000 in Bribe Payments

 

Defendant Smuggled Cell Phones and Accepted Payments for Narcotics

Former New York City correction officer Krystle Burrell was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 29 months’ imprisonment for accepting nearly $10,000 in bribe payments in exchange for smuggling contraband into Rikers Island.  Burrell was employed by the New York City Department of Corrections (DOC) and worked as a correction officer at Rikers Island. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.

“Krystle Burrell put her own interests above the safety of incarcerated individuals and other correction officers at Rikers Island by accepting payments for drugs and smuggling cell phones into the jail she was supposed to protect,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Public corruption is especially harmful when it affects the safety and security of our city’s jails and today’s sentence demonstrates that correction officers face serious consequences for smuggling contraband into Rikers Island.” 

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “New York City Correction Officers’ most significant responsibility is to maintain order and safety in our City’s jails.  By accepting bribes and smuggling contraband onto Rikers Island, this defendant endangered both the persons in custody, and fellow officers, that she was entrusted to protect. Her prison sentence sends a strong message that officers who misuse their positions of trust will be held accountable. I thank the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their partnership in our joint efforts to eradicate contraband smuggling in the City jail system.”

“Bringing contraband into a correctional facility undermines the security of the institution and threatens the residents and the officers tasked with keeping them safe,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “Above all else, correction officers are public servants – the majority of whom honor their oaths and serve as stellar examples to the community and those under their care. Ms. Burrell, who blatantly abused her position of authority, was the exact opposite.”

According to court documents and facts presented at today’s sentencing proceeding, Burrell accepted nearly $10,000 in bribes from co-conspirators on behalf of co-defendant Terrae Hinds in exchange for Burrell smuggling contraband into the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island for Hinds.  Burrell also accepted payments on behalf of Hinds for narcotics and other contraband so that Hinds could resell the contraband on Rikers Island.  After she pleaded guilty in federal court in September 2022 to bribery charges and while on bail pending sentencing, Burrell conspired with Hinds and others to smuggle contraband into the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn where Hinds had been transferred and was being held on federal charges.  In March 2023, Burrell was charged with the additional crime of smuggling contraband into a federal prison. Burrell pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into a federal detention facility and she was also sentenced today for this additional crime. 

Hinds previously pleaded guilty to bribing Burrell and is currently awaiting sentencing.

Update: The East Bronx History Forum’s 179th meeting will be on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm at the City Island Nautical Museum located at 190 Fordham Street.

 

 Dear East Bronx History Forum Member,

  

    The East Bronx History Forum is pleased to announce it will be holding its179th meeting on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm with an in-person presentation by retired United States Army Brigadier General Edward V. Kelly. The location of this month’s meeting will take place at the City Island Nautical Museum located at 190 Fordham Street.


Mr. Edward V. Kelly’s subject will be events surrounding the 1895 annexation by the City of New York of the Westchester County towns east of the Bronx River and south of Mt. Vernon and Pelham. The particular focus will be on the expansion of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) into the areas of the east Bronx. Some points of interest of the talk will include discussions about the history of the fire companies, their locations and the architecture of the firehouses.


Some of the original companies when the annexation took place will be discussed in detail such as Engine Company 61 in Westchester SquareEngine 62 in Williamsbridge, Engine 63 in Wakefield and Engine 64 in UnionportMany firehouses over time have gained nicknames such as two others up for discussion Engine 90 in Van Nest, known as 90 Proof and Engine 97 in Pelham Gardens commonly referred to as the Astor Hilton. Aside from some flashy nicknames, two of FDNY’s properties have gained landmark status within the past six monthsEngine Company 88 in Belmont and the Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office Communications Office in West Farms. The History Forum was proud to support and advocate for the designation of these two architectural gems.


Edward V. Kelly is an Honorary Assistant Chief of Department, Fire Department, City of New York and has researched and written the centennial histories of several FDNY units. He was born and raised in the Bedford Park neighborhood of the Bronx and graduated from Power Memorial Academy (1965) in Manhattan and United States Military Academy at West Point (1970). He has since retired from the United States Army as a Brigadier General.

        We look forward to seeing you for this fascinating talk about the architecture and history of Bronx firehouses. Bring a friend and make it an enjoyable evening and let’s show our support not just for the firehouses but our appreciation to the individuals who occupy them, New York’s BravestFor more information or updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram or at our website at www.BronxNYC.com Additionally, please consider making a donation to our gracious hosts of the City Island Nautical Museum at www.cityislandmuseum.org.


       Dorothy A. Krynicki 

       Secretary

       East Bronx History Forum



image0.jpeg

Photo Credit: NYPL.org,Engine 38, Hook and Ladder 51 on Williamsbridge Road 

near Eastchester Road, 1928. 


Thursday, November 23, 2023

Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison

 

U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell sentenced Ja’Vion RaShard Jackson (23, Coleman) to ten (10) years and five (5) months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, and promethazine with codeine, as well as three counts of distribution of controlled substances. Jackson pleaded guilty on August 14, 2023.

According to court documents, beginning in November of 2022, and on a few dates thereafter, Jackson sold an undercover officer more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 52 grams of fentanyl, and bottles of promethazine with codeine in addition to cocaine and methorphan. On January 12, 2023, agents executed search warrants at two locations associated with Jackson. At one location in Oxford, Florida, agents located quantities of marijuana, MDMA, and prescription pills. On the same date, Jackson was arrested at 715 Oakdale Avenue, Unit 38 in Brooksville. Agents served a search warrant on that residence and arrested another co-conspirator after locating methamphetamine, fentanyl, promethazine with codeine, and firearms inside a vehicle.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov.  Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).

The DEA encourages parents, teachers, care givers, guardians, and children to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.comwww.GetSmartAboutDrugs.cowww.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov.