Armed Security Guard At Manhattan Federal Building Pleads Guilty In Connection With Sexual Assault Of Asylum Seeker

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, an armed security guard at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building located at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, in connection with SOLANO-ARIAS’s sexual assault of an asylum seeker (the “Victim”) on May 4, 2023.  SOLANO-ARIAS pled guilty to lying to federal law enforcement agents following his sexual abuse of the Victim.  As part of his guilty plea, SOLANO-ARIAS admitted that while acting under color of law as an armed security guard at 26 Federal Plaza, he engaged in a non-consensual sexual act with the Victim.  SOLANO-ARIAS was arrested on May 5, 2023, and pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jimmy Solano-Arias abused the trust and privileges bestowed on him as an armed security officer at a federal building.  Instead of working to keep the many federal employees and visitors at 26 Federal Plaza safe, Solano-Arias exploited his position of authority to sexually abuse an individual seeking asylum protection in the United States.  This Office is committed to holding all those in positions of public trust accountable when they abuse their power and violate the constitutional rights of others.” 

According to the allegations in the Indictment, Superseding Information, other public court documents, and statements made during court proceedings:

On May 4, 2023, SOLANO-ARIAS was employed as a security guard by a company that contracts with the Federal Protective Service of the Department of Homeland Security to provide armed security services at 26 Federal Plaza.  SOLANO-ARIAS wore a black and gray security guard uniform and carried his employer-issued firearm on his waistband.

Early in the morning on May 4, 2023, the Victim went to 26 Federal Plaza for the purpose of submitting an asylum application.  Once there, SOLANO-ARIAS offered to assist the Victim with his asylum paperwork.  Instead of providing assistance, however, SOLANO-ARIAS led the Victim through non-public areas of 26 Federal Plaza, eventually secluding the Victim in a locked office on the second floor.  Inside the locked office, SOLANO-ARIAS demanded that the Victim perform oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS.  When the Victim attempted to resist SOLANO-ARIAS’s demands, SOLANO-ARIAS reached to the company-issued firearm on his person.  Fearing that SOLANO-ARIAS would kill the Victim, the Victim performed oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS, which caused physical pain and injury to the Victim.  Following the assault, when the Victim was able to leave the office, he immediately reported the sexual assault to law enforcement.

The following morning, when SOLANO-ARIAS arrived at 26 Federal Plaza for his shift, law enforcement agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) approached SOLANO-ARIAS and asked to speak with him.  SOLANO-ARIAS agreed to speak with the federal agents.  During the interview that followed, SOLANO-ARIAS lied to the federal agents about his sexual abuse of the Victim, initially disclaiming entirely that he had engaged in a sexual act with the Victim and then falsely claiming that the sexual act was consensual when it was not.  SOLANO-ARIAS was arrested after the interview. 

SOLANO-ARIAS, 42, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents, 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 a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.  

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING STEPDAUGHTER FOR SIX YEARS, SINCE SHE WAS 11 YEARS OLD

 

Defendant Used Girl in Pornography

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing his young stepdaughter for six years and creating a large volume of pornography using the child. 

 Bronx District Attorney Clark said, “What the defendant did to this young girl is repugnant beyond words. I cannot fathom the trauma inflicted on the victim, who was only 11 years old when the abuse started. Our Office will continue to provide her with support for as long as she needs it.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Israel Rivera, 30, last of 877 Taylor Avenue, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 20 years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Laurence Busching on April 9, 2024. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child and Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance on January 26, 2024.

According to the investigation, between 2016 and 2023, Rivera sexually and physically abused his stepdaughter while she was between the ages of 11 and 17 years old, in various homes in the Bronx. The defendant also produced pornographic photographs and videos that were recovered from two cell phones as well as social media accounts, featuring the girl. The defendant refused to let the girl go to school or leave his home and watched her daily activities through surveillance cameras. In May of 2023, the victim texted 911 to report the abuse, and police responded to the defendant’s home and rescued the child. The victim’s mother, Yaritza Torres, a codefendant in this case, is alleged to have also sexually abused the young girl, forcing her to have sex with her and Rivera. Her case is pending.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Police Officers Wilfredo Rodriguez from the NYPD Bronx Special Victims Squad, and Terence Barrientos from NYPD Police Service Area 8 and Forensic Interviewer Cassey Hidalgo of Safe Horizon’s Bronx Child Advocacy Center for their assistance.

Governor Hochul Advances $5.8 Million Through New York State Grown and Certified Program to Support New York Agricultural Producers

New York Farm Viability Institute Named Regional Funding Program Administrator to Benefit New York Farms and Food Processors

Round Two of NYS G&C Program Funded Through Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative 

Governor Kathy Hochul today advanced $5.8 million through the New York State Grown and Certified Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Development Program to support New York agricultural producers. The New York Farm Viability Institute has been named as the regional funding program administrator as part of Round II of the NYS G&C program funded through Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. The program will support New York farms and food processors by funding projects across the state to enhance on-farm infrastructure and technology capabilities, as well as to support existing and new NYS G&C program participants.

“New York’s farmers are the backbone of our state, and my administration is committed to supporting the future of our agricultural industry,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this program, we’re investing in New York farm production and food processing here in our state to ensure the industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”

As program administrator, NYFVI will develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the $5.8 million grant program. $5 million will be dedicated to capital projects designed to improve critical farm infrastructure or help farms implement innovative technologies and state-of-the-art equipment, with the remaining $800,000 to support research and development projects for the development of new products to be marketed under the NYS G&C program.

Funding will be allocated to REDC regions as follows:

• Finger Lakes and Central New York – $1 million for capital projects; $200,000 for research and development projects
• Long Island, New York City and Mid-Hudson – $1.5 million for capital projects; $200,000 for research and development projects
• Mohawk Valley, Capital Region and North Country – $1.5 million for capital projects; $200,000 for research and development projects
• Southern Tier and Western New York – $1 million for capital projects; $200,000 for research and development projects

NYFVI staff work with the Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop an application process for farms and food businesses.

To be eligible for funding, all projects must implement new and innovative practices or approaches designed to meet industry needs and consumer demand. They must also have a direct, timely benefit to support New York’s agricultural industry and hold significance to the region served by focusing on one or more of the following priority areas:

• Production automation and labor efficiency
• Distribution capacity enhancement
• Processing and packing
• Food safety
• Environmental sustainability directly related to NYS G&C participation
• New product development targeting consumer demand

Additional information about the program — including how to apply for funding — will be made available in the coming months.

NYFVI will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the program, including conducting educational and promotional activities to ensure industry participation; accepting and evaluating proposals; awarding grants; executing and administering contracts, including contract oversight and reporting to the Department; and ensuring that awarded entities enroll in NYS G&C.

The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. Regional Councils reviewed proposals for administration of this program and provided scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies. Applicants utilized the New York’s Consolidated Funding Application, the state’s single application for state resources, which includes programs for numerous agencies. It is designed to provide expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs. A full list of Round XIII awards that have been made can be found here.

Funding for the NYS G&C ITRD Program was included for the first time in 2022 through Round 12 of the REDC initiative and offered as a second iteration in Round 13. Prospective grant applicants can review program details and sign up for an alert to be notified by the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) when applications are being accepted by signing up at this link on the NYFVI website.

The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. Regional Councils reviewed projects from this program and provided scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies. Since the Regional Councils were implemented in 2011, more than $420 million has been awarded to 602 agricultural projects.

About NYS Grown & Certified

The NYS Grown & Certified program was launched to help meet the growing consumer demand for local foods grown or produced to a higher standard. The program certifies New York State producers who adhere to high food safety and environmental stewardship standards. It is supported by a marketing campaign including on-product labels, promotional materials, and sales materials. Currently, more than 3,000 producers are participating in New York State Grown & Certified, representing more than 750,000 acres of farmland. For more information on NYS Grown & Certified, visit its website, and/or follow the program on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

About the Consolidated Funding Application

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here.

About the Regional Economic Development Councils

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State’s approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

DEC Releases Proposed Regulation to Implement Black Bass Fishing Tournament Permit and Reporting System

Public Comments Accepted through June 10

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the release of a regulatory proposal to implement a fishing tournament permit and reporting system for black bass (largemouth bass and smallmouth bass). The no-cost black bass tournament permitting and reporting system would help identify the distribution and occurrence of black bass tournaments across the state.

 

“New York is a national destination for black bass fishing tournaments thanks to the quality of our bass fisheries,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This proposal would require a free permit for bass tournaments and help fisheries managers better understand tournament activity in New York State, advancing efforts to ensure high quality black bass fishing opportunities for all anglers.”

 

Black bass are New York’s most sought-after freshwater sportfish. The number of black bass fishing tournaments has increased significantly over time, but the overall scope and scale of tournament activity in New York is currently unknown, limiting the ability of DEC fisheries biologists to fully understand and manage these important fisheries for the benefit of both tournament and recreational anglers.

 

The information derived from the free permit system would help DEC respond to issues such as user conflicts, overuse of the resource, and concerns about fish populations. Tournament catch data would also be used by fisheries biologist to further DEC’s understanding of black bass fisheries for improved management. In addition, the proposed regulation would allow for the listing of approved tournaments on DEC’s website. Having this information publicly available would assist tournament organizers with scheduling and inform recreational anglers about when and where tournaments are held.

 

Highlights of the proposal include:

• Requiring free permits for black bass fishing tournaments held on or after Jan. 1, 2025; 
• Defining a fishing tournament and a fishing tournament director;
• Setting timeframes for permit applications, report submissions, and DEC review; and
• Providing DEC with the ability to place conditions on tournaments.

 

The full text and a summary of the proposed regulation are available on DEC's website and additional information is available on the Black Bass Fishing Tournament Permit webpage. DEC is interested in anglers' viewpoints and encourages public feedback on this proposal. Comments will be accepted through June 10, 2024, and can be submitted via e-mail to regulations.fish@dec.ny.gov (subject: "Fishing Tournament Permits Proposal Comments") or via mail to the Inland Fisheries Section, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753. 

Housing Lottery Launches For 451 Tenth Avenue In Hudson Yards, Manhattan

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 451 Tenth Avenue, a 44-story residential skyscraper in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards. Designed by Handel Architects and developed by Related Companies, the structure yields 270 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 135 units for residents at 40, 60, and 120 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $29,075 to $183,000.

Amenities includes pet-friendly policies, gym, pool, recycling center, concierge, and an on-site resident manager. Residences come equipped with washers and dryers, air conditioning, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes.

At 40 percent of the AMI, there are 53 studios with a monthly rent of $848 for incomes ranging from $29,075 to $45,200, and one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $903 for incomes ranging from $30,960 to $50,840.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are nine studios with a monthly rent of $1,315 for incomes ranging from $45,086 to $67,800; 44 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,403 for incomes ranging from $48,103 to $76,260; and one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $1,671 for incomes ranging from $57,292 to $91,500.

At 120 percent of the AMI, there are two studios with a monthly rent of $2,716 for incomes ranging from $93,120 to $135,600; 15 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,905 for incomes ranging from $99,600 to $152,520; and ten two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,473 for incomes ranging from $119,075 to $183,000.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than June 10, 2024.

MAYOR ADAMS CELEBRATES LARGEST ALL-AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT IN 40 YEARS, CITY’S FIRST SOCCER-SPECIFIC STADIUM MOVING FORWARD AFTER WILLETS POINT PHASE 2 VOTE

 

Willets Point’s 23 Acres of Land Will Include All Affordable Housing Project, New Hotel, Over 150,000 Square Feet of New Public Open Space, and Soccer Stadium 

 

Willets Point Development Will Add Over $6 Billion in Economic Impact, Create Over 14,000 Construction Jobs and More Than 1,500 Permanent Jobs 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today celebrated a historic win for affordable housing and economic development in the city of New York after the City Council voted to approve the Willets Point Phase 2 development as part of the Uniform Land User Review Procedure (ULURP). The complete Willets Point Transformation — which Mayor Adams announced in November 2022 with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), New York City Councilmember Francisco Moya, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, the New York City Football Club (NYCFC), and Queens Development Group (QDG) — will feature the largest 100-percent affordable housing project in 40 years and include more than 150,000 square feet of new public open space, over 20,000 square feet of retail space, a 250-key hotel, and the city’s first soccer-specific stadium that will be privately financed by NYCFC. 

 

The project is expected to generate over $6 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years — creating over 14,000 construction jobs and over 1,500 permanent jobs. Mayor Adams’ vision for the transformation of Willets Point builds on core goals in his “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery” and “Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness,” including leveraging neighborhood infrastructure investments to catalyze equitable community development and creating housing opportunities in neighborhoods with strong access to jobs, transit, schools, parks, and other amenities. 

 

“Housing is the goal — and with today’s City Council vote, I’m proud to say that we just scored the goal of the decade,” said Mayor Adams. “We’re bringing 2,500 affordable housing units, 150,000 square feet of public open space, thousands of good-paying jobs, and the city’s first soccer-specific stadium to a neighborhood in Queens that used to be known for its junkyards. We’re building a brand-new community out of the ‘Valley of Ashes’, and we couldn’t have done it without all our partners, including Councilmember Moya and the rest of the City Council, Borough President Richards, NYCFC, Queens Development Group, our union members, and everyone living in Willets Point who made their voices heard and demanded a new future for themselves. After today’s vote, we’re one step closer to delivering that future.” 

 

“This is one of the most ambitious projects the city has undertaken in decades, and we are proud to finally make good on creating an entirely new neighborhood at Willets Point,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I am thrilled that the City Council has approved the ULURP for Willets Point Phase 2. Thank you to Councilmember Moya, Borough President Richards, Queens Development Group, NYCFC, and the hard-working team at NYCEDC for delivering this historic victory for New Yorkers.” 

 

“History has been made today for Queens and New York City as this monumental project receives approval from the City Council, and we take another major step forward in delivering one of the most ambitious developments in the country and a model for public-private partnership” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Thanks to Mayor Adams’ leadership, the tireless work of Councilmember Francisco Moya, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and other elected officials, and our partners in the private sector, New York City will forever be transforming the ‘Valley of Ashes’ into a brand-new neighborhood with the largest affordable housing project in 40 years, much needed open space and infrastructure, a privately financed soccer-specific stadium, and thousands of quality jobs. Willets Point will truly become one of the premier sports and entertainment hubs in New York City, and NYCEDC is enormously proud to have played a role in realizing this vision.” 

 

Construction for the first phase of 100-percent affordable housing at Willets Point is already underway, a year ahead of schedule. In December 2023, Mayor Adams and city officials broke ground on the first 880 units of affordable housing, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The next housing development to commence construction will be an additional 220 affordable homes set aside for low-income seniors. 

 

The Willets Point Phase 2 project will deliver the remaining 1,400 of the 2,500 total affordable homes, as well as a new 250-key hotel, and a soccer-specific stadium that will be the permanent home of NYCFC. The 25,000-seat stadium will be the first privately-financed major league stadium in New York City in generations. No new parking will be created for the stadium. Instead, NYCFC will utilize parking at Citi Field on match and event days based on an agreement with the New York Mets. Additionally, the stadium will be the first fully-electric stadium in Major League Soccer and the first fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City. The stadium is expected to be completed and operational by the 2027 MLS Season. Phase 2 will also deliver key infrastructure that builds upon the work of Phase 1 and enables Willets Point to grow and function as the city’s newest neighborhood.  

 

With the creation of a new soccer-specific stadium, Willets Point will become the city’s premier sports hub, with the New York Mets’ Citi Field and U.S. Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center both within walking distance of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Mets-Willets Point subway and Long Island Rail Road station. 

 

The proposal was first recommended in 2018 by the Willets Point Task Force, a group of Queens stakeholders represented by state and local elected officials; Community Boards 3, 4, and 7; economic development groups; community-based organizations; and local civic associations. Over four months, the task force identified community priorities and produced recommendations for the city-owned land, including a scenario that reimagined the neighborhood as a hub for a new soccer stadium with public facilities, programmed open space with active and passive uses, and new homes at a range of affordability levels. 

 

The 2,500 100-percent affordable homes will cover seven buildings, including one with 220 homes for low-income seniors. Additionally, QDG will participate in HireNYC, a city program that connects local residents to jobs. They will seek to achieve high standards of environmental sustainability through either LEED Gold U.S. Green Building Council certification or Enterprise Green Communities. 

 

New York City has made a significant investment to support the development of the Willets Point neighborhood, including the remediation of close to 200,000 tons of contaminated soil and infrastructure investments, such as new streets, signage, sidewalks, curbs, trees, lights, draining, stormwater management, water mains, hydrants, sewers, and utilities. Additionally, because Willets Point is in a flood-prone area, the city is taking a holistic approach that centers on resiliency by raising the new streets and buildings out of the 100-year floodplain to protect from future storms.  

 

“There is only one way to solve a severe housing crisis and that’s with big, bold solutions like building a brand-new neighborhood with the largest affordable housing project in decades. Today isn’t just a victory for Willets Point, it’s a victory for every person who has struggled to find affordable housing in New York City,” said New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “We’re going to solve this housing crisis because in this city we say ‘yes’ — ‘yes’ to housing in our neighborhoods, ‘yes’ to economic opportunities, and ‘yes’ to a brighter future.” 

 

“This site will soon be transformed into a hub for economic growth and job opportunities, alongside thousands of new affordable homes for New Yorkers,” said New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin. “HDC is proud to partner with the city on developments like Willets Point as we seek to advance bold solutions that address the housing crisis and strengthen our local economy.” 

 

“This is a transformative project that, with today’s approval, will allow great planning to turn into great results, and deliver thousands of income-restricted affordable homes, billions of dollars in economic activity, good jobs, open space, and a new stadium that will benefit New Yorkers for decades to come,” said New York City Department of City Planning Director and City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick. 

 

“DDC is always very active in Queens and has close to $1 billion in infrastructure work taking place throughout the borough, installing new storm sewers, adding new green infrastructure, and upgrading streets and public spaces,” said New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “An incredible project like this deserves the best infrastructure we can deliver, and DDC is ready to take on whatever work is necessary to complete the city’s newest neighborhood in Willett’s Point.” 

 

“DEP’s project engineers have done tremendous work in building new storm sewers and water mains to support this community,” said New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Chief Climate Officer Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “This new underground infrastructure is built to last for more than a century and will benefit more than just Queens — it will also keep New York harbor waters clean by adding sewer capacity and reducing combined-sewer overflows during storms.” 

 

"I am grateful for Councilmember Moya’s steadfast leadership and unrelenting tenacity to bring this project to reality; he has known from day one the power soccer has to bring a community together," said New York City Football Club Vice Chairman Marty Edelman. “Without our fans and partners like Councilmember Moya, Council Speaker Adams, and the entire City Council, our Club would not be able to make good on a promise we made ten years ago to build New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium in the five boroughs. Today's City Council vote gets us one step closer to bringing this promise to life in Queens — the World’s Borough will be our home for The World’s Game.”  

 

“Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Adams, Councilman Moya, Speaker Adrienne Adams, Borough President Donovan Richards, Andrew Kimball, Adolfo Carrion and so many others we get to cement the future of Willets Point as a vibrant neighborhood with affordable housing at its core,” said Jeff Blau, CEO, Related Companies, and Scott Wilpon, partner, Sterling Equities, on behalf of Queens Development Group. “Together, we are going to create 2,500 units of affordable housing – desperately needed homes for families and seniors that will stand for generations. We are going to have a neighborhood in a place that was once a maze of unpaved roads featuring the city’s first soccer-specific stadium. We’re going to finally have a community.” 

 

“Today’s City Council approval of the Willets Point Phase II Redevelopment Project is an essential step forward to bringing well-paying union construction jobs to the hard-working New Yorkers in this often-overlooked area of Queens,” said Gary LaBarbera, president, New York City and New York State Building and Construction Trades Council. “Our members look forward to contributing to this vital initiative, providing family-sustaining wages and supporting their path to the middle class. We are happy to welcome the privately-financed NYCFC stadium to our community, along with the economic promises and the community investment the Club will bring.” 

 

“The Willets Point redevelopment stands at the intersection of the present we’re in now and the future we hope to build for this community,” said Manny Pastreich, president, SEIU 32BJ. “Creating high quality jobs with prevailing wage and benefit standards coupled with affordable housing and a new soccer stadium is the kind of revitalization this area has been waiting for and we’re proud to support. We congratulate NYCFC and Related on their project's approval. Our members can’t wait to cheer on their home team right here in Queens!" 

 

“The approval by the New York City Council of New York City FC’s new world-class stadium is another historic step for Major League Soccer as we continue to build the sport in North America,” said Don Garber, commissioner, Major League Soccer. “Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to The City Football Group, New York City FC’s supporters, Mayor Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilman Francisco Moya, and everyone who worked so hard over the years and believed in this project.”