BRONX DA DARCEL D. CLARK, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND CHILD PROTECTION EXPERTS ANNOUNCE “NO HIT ZONE” CAMPAIGN IN THE HUB

 

Aim is to Raise Awareness that Corporal Punishment is Top Risk for Child Abuse

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark joined Dr. Mel Schneiderman,, Senior Vice President of The New York Foundling’s Vincent J. Fontana Center for Child Protection, Dr. Jaime Hoffman-Rosenfeld, Child Abuse Pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, and Michael Brady, CEO of the Third Avenue Business Improvement District, to announce a new awareness campaign aimed at reducing child abuse. 

 Some stores in the area known as the Hub—where East 149th Street, Willis Avenue and Third Avenue meet—have agreed to be designated “No Hit Zones,” calm, safe and caring environments for children where adults and children pledge no hitting of any kind. The initiative addresses the most prevalent risk factor of child abuse: corporal punishment.

 The No Hit Zone initiative is a comprehensive program that includes multiple strategies to effectively influence attitudes, norms, and behaviors. Family homes, schools, hospitals, religious institutions, communities, and many more can be No Hit Zones. Signs posted in the No Hit Zone offer a 24-hour hotline number for parents and caregivers who may need crisis counseling.

 District Attorney Clark said, “I think this campaign will help people to realize how corporal punishment can increase the risk of child abuse, and I am pleased to launch it in the Bronx community with our dedicated partners Dr. Schneiderman and Dr. Hoffman-Rosenfeld. I know parents and caregivers sometimes are overwhelmed, and I want them to know help is available during crisis moments. I am grateful to Michael Brady, CEO of the Third Avenue BID, for his assistance once again in a community effort, and for the merchants and business owners who will post the signs.” 

 Dr. Schneiderman said, “The New York Foundling is thrilled to participate in the No Hit Zone initiative and commends the Bronx DA’s office in their efforts to create an environment of safety for children and families. The New York Foundling has been dedicated to protecting and supporting New York’s children for over 150 years. Through our Fontana Center for Child Protection, we work tirelessly to reduce child maltreatment, and are involved with many local and national efforts to reduce the reliance on and use of corporal punishment. We are proud to partner with other agencies and offices across the city to work toward this mission.”

 Dr. Hoffman-Rosenfeld said, “As a Child Abuse Pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore and the Medical Director of the Bronx Child Advocacy Center, it is with great honor and optimism that we are partnering with the District Attorney of the Bronx, Darcel Clark, to end hitting, spanking and other forms of corporal punishment of children. By taking this stand, we are sending a message that people, and especially children, deserve to live in an environment of safety and comfort, free from violence. Spanking is one of the most common risk factors for child physical abuse.”

 Mr. Brady said, “Being a parent and a caregiver is difficult. Oftentimes we feel there is no support. The No Hit Zone program encourages a balanced and healthy home life for children and families. The Third Avenue BID is proud to partner on this initiative and launch it in the busiest commercial district in the Bronx where thousands of families live, work, and shop.”

 The National No Hit Zone Committee is part of the National Initiative to End Corporal Punishment (NIECP), whose overall goal is to help develop, coordinate, and lead a national campaign to end corporal punishment in the United States. NIECP is sponsored by three organizations: the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, US Alliance to End the Hitting of Children, and the Vincent J. Fontana Center for Child Protection of the New York Foundling.

For more information, go to https://nohitzone.com/

FOLLOWING OFFICER TSAKOS’ MEMORIAL SERVICE, MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR CRASH VICTIMS RIGHTS AND SAFETY ACT

 

 Following the funeral of NYPD Officer Anastasios Tsakos, who was killed by a dangerous driver, Mayor de Blasio announced support for the Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act. The legislation, currently advancing through the State Legislature, takes aggressive action against dangerous driving and supports the families of crash victims.

 

“Officer Anastasios Tsakos should be home today with his wife and his two beautiful children. Instead, yet another life has been taken by a reckless driver. This cannot continue. We must pursue fundamental changes. In honor of Officer Tsakos, I’m calling on the State Legislature to immediately pass the Crash Victims Rights and Safety Act,” said Mayor de Blasio. “For Officer Tsakos and every victim of traffic violence on our streets, let’s deliver on the full power and promise of Vision Zero and keep our streets safe for generations of New Yorkers to come.”

 

"Vision Zero is about leaving no stone unturned to improve safety of all those who share our roads, whether through street redesign or legislative change. These important policy changes will keep us moving towards a safer city," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin.

 

“The tragic loss of Officer Tsakos last week really underscored all the work we still have left to do on Vision Zero,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman. “From 24/7 speed cameras to tougher standards for drunk driving and so much more, the Crash Victims Safety and Rights Act is the legislative package that honors Officer Tsakos’ memory and meets this moment. I look forward to speaking with State legislators about how its passage will save lives on New York City streets.”

 

"Creating safer streets for walking and bicycling is key to taking action on climate," said Ben Furnas, Director of the Mayor's Office of Climate and Sustainability. "Thank you to the State Legislature for taking up these critical proposals so that New Yorkers don't have to put their lives at risk just to get around."

 

The Crash Victims Rights & Safety Act includes:

 

* Traffic Crash Victim Bill of Rights: This legislation enacts rights for traffic crash victims in related legal proceedings similar to the federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act. This includes the right to receive timely crash reports and the right to attend crash-related hearings and submit impact statements. It would also require the State of New York to produce a report to the legislature with data about current crash victim compensation and support, including no-fault insurance and private insurance, to inform the need for adequate victim support.

* Sammy’s Law: Sammy’s Law is named after Samuel Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old boy from Brooklyn who was killed by a reckless driver in 2013. This bill would repeal the current state regulation that prevents New York City from easily setting 15 mph or lower speed limits on streets where pedestrians and vehicles mix. Each one-mph increase in speed results in nearly a three percent increase in mortality. Lower speed limits in New York City, authorized by the State Legislature in 2014, contributed to a 36 percent decline in pedestrian deaths. By widely authorizing speed limits lower than 25 mph, New York City would join other U.S. cities such as Washington, D.C., Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, and Minneapolis, MN.

* BAC lowered to .05: This legislation would lower the blood alcohol concentration limit for driving from .08 percent to .05 percent, and for aggravated driving while intoxicated from .18 percent to .12 percent.

* Dangerous driving “Rule of Two:” This bill clarifies existing law to overturn the “rule of two,” a judicial precedent that requires two reckless acts to convict a driver of criminal negligence, to make it easier for the most reckless drivers to be held accountable under existing misdemeanor law. This legislation would replace “reckless” with “dangerous” in “reckless driving” to avoid confusion with state of mind analysis.
* Speed safety cameras: This legislation would:  

- Allow the City to operate speed safety cameras 24/7

- Escalate penalties for extreme repeat offenders, including license suspension

- Allow records of speeding to be shared with auto insurance companies.

* Vehicle safety rating: This bill would require the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to create a pedestrian safety rating system that accounts for the risk a motor vehicle’s design poses to vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. It would also require that such ratings be displayed prominently at the point of sale and on a state website.

* Safe passage for cyclists: This legislation would provide a clear and objective definition of what a “safe distance” is for motorists when overtaking bicyclists on the road (at least three feet), provide a mechanism for accountability following a crash, and foster a culture of safer driving through education.

* DMV pre-licensing course: This bill aims to create a safer and more thoughtful road culture by requiring robust street safety education, starting when new drivers get their driver permits. The bill would require instruction in pedestrian and bicyclist safety as part of drivers’ pre-licensing courses and would educate new drivers on how to safely pass bicyclists on the road and the dangers that large multi-ton vehicles pose to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

 

"We have partnered with the de Blasio administration to launch Vision Zero and on our long-running campaign to secure and expand life-saving speed safety cameras. We are very grateful that he is fully supporting the Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act this year in Albany. Our just recovery and the lives of New Yorkers depend on the state legislature passing this package of bills this session, and we will continue to work with our partners in Albany and the de Blasio administration to expand the promise of Vision Zero on our streets," said Danny Harris, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.

 

"We can't bear to see one more family go through our nightmare of losing a loved one in a crash and are grateful for Mayor de Blasio's support of the Crash Victim Rights and Safety Act," said Amy Tam, member of Families for Safe Streets and mother of Allison Liao, a three-year-old who was killed in 2013 by a reckless driver while crossing the street in Flushing with her grandmother. "These lifesaving bills address the rampant speeding on our streets, reckless driving, the dangerous design of vehicles, and also provides support for those who have been personally impacted by a crash. We need our state legislature to pass this life saving package of bills without delay. The carnage on our streets has got to stop."

Councilman Mark Gjonaj Pet Food Giveaway

While people may be hungry during the pandemic Councilman Mark Gjonaj didn't forget that their pets may be hungry also, so this past Saturday he loaded up his van with two-hundred bags of pet food to give out to pet owners. There were fifteen pound bags of cat food, and sixteen pound bags of dog food that were given out on the Wallace Avenue Walkway of Pelham Parkway by Councilman Gjonaj and others. 

243 Days and Counting

 

The time is getting shorter that you will have me as your mayor. When you think of how your mayor is one year from now I want you to think back that year, and say am I better off without Bill de Blasio as Mayor or do I miss Bill de Blasio as my Mayor.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic May 4 2021

 

7-Day Average Positivity Rate 1.76%; Lowest Since November 5, 2020

2,573 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide; Down 611 Over the Last Week

625 Patients in the ICU; 381 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 2.25%

39 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

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

"New Yorkers have embodied the spirit of New York Tough, and it shows in our numbers more and more every day," Governor Cuomo said. "It is easier than ever to receive the vaccine and as the rate of vaccinations increases and the rate of infection decreases we are able to accelerate the reopening. While the light at the end of the tunnel has never been brighter, this war isn't over. I encourage New Yorkers to continue doing the things we know stop COVID in its tracks: wear a mask, practice social distancing and, most importantly, get vaccinated. I urge those who have yet to be vaccinated to do the right thing for themselves, their families and their communities and roll up your sleeve. We are all in this together." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 96,747
• Total Positive - 2,173
• Percent Positive - 2.25%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.76%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,573 (+34)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -611
• Patients Newly Admitted - 264
• Number ICU - 625 (+12)  
• Number ICU with Intubation - 381 (+2)  
• Total Discharges - 176,676 (+197)
• Deaths - 39
• Total Deaths - 42,129

Governor Cuomo Announces More Than 7 Million New Yorkers Now Fully Vaccinated

 

91,035 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours          

More than 1.1 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days           

Vaccine Dashboard Updated Daily on the State's Vaccine Program Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than 7 million New Yorkers are now fully vaccinated. 91,035 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1.1 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. 

"Thanks to our dedicated health professionals and volunteers, 7 million New Yorkers are now fully vaccinated — which is the highest number of fully vaccinated adults than in any other large state, according to CDC." Governor Cuomo said. "We will continue to work with our providers and community leaders across the state to ensure the vaccine distribution remains equitable and to address any persisting hesitancy people have about getting the vaccine. Anybody who is 16 years of age and older is eligible, but we're seeing that some of us are less eager to get it. We all have a duty to do what's necessary to protect one another, and getting vaccinated is part of that duty so that we can defeat this virus once and for all."  

All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on vaccine appointments near them.           

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 15,734,364

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 91,035

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,183,484

Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 46.6%

Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 35.2%   

Governor Cuomo Announces 7-Day Average Hospitalizations 2,839; Lowest Since November 26, 2020 - MAY 3, 2021

 

2,539 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

613 Patients in the ICU; Lowest Since November 24, 2020

379 Intubated; Lowest Since December 2, 2020 

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.94%

7-Day Average Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.79%; Lowest Since November 5, 2020; Down 50% Over the Last Month

37 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

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

"New Yorkers have shown strength and resiliency through an incredibly difficult time in our lives, and the numbers are declining as we make progress fighting this pandemic. As vaccination rates go up, we're making the vaccine easier to access and improving the state's public health by establishing walk-in appointments and new pop-up sites," Governor Cuomo said. "The infection rate is a function of what each of us does to slow the spread, and washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing remain critical behaviors that save lives. I urge everyone who can get the vaccine to make an appointment if you are not already vaccinated so we can put this pandemic behind us and rebuild New York."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 113,139
• Total Positive - 2,200
• Percent Positive - 1.94%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.79%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,539 (+4)
• 7-Day Average Hospitalizations - 2,839
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -635
• Patients Newly Admitted - 235
• Number ICU - 613 (-24)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 379 (-27)
• Total Discharges - 176,479 (+215)
• Deaths - 37
• Total Deaths - 42,088

Attorney General James and Acting Tax Commissioner Hiller Announce Convictions of Upstate Bars, Restaurants and Their Owners For Tax Evasion

 

Owners of Popular Establishments, Including Dark Horse Tavern, to Repay State Nearly $500,000

Businesses Underreported More Than $4 Million in Taxable Sales Over 5 Years

  New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller today announced the guilty pleas of the owners of a number of popular upstate restaurants and bars for tax evasion. George Seibel, 60, of Homer, and Anthony Caruso, 60, of Cortland, as well as the parent companies of their respective businesses — Dark Horse Tavern, A Pizza and More, Hairy Tony’s, and Dasher’s Corner Pub — pleaded guilty to Criminal Tax Fraud for underreporting more than $4 million in taxable sales. As part of their pleas, the defendants repaid the state the full $479,203.03 they owed to New York.

“We will not allow anyone to get away with stealing from the state’s coffers,” said Attorney General James. “These guilty pleas ensure that these establishments finally pony up the cash they illegally pocketed and rein in their dishonest behavior. I want to thank Acting Commissioner Hiller for her leadership and her department’s critical work in protecting New York taxpayers.”

“Business owners who blatantly disregard their obligation to pay over the sales taxes they collected from their customers deprive the communities where they operate of revenue needed for vital services and put similar businesses at an unfair disadvantage,” said Acting Commissioner Hiller. “I thank the Attorney General for her partnership on this case, and we’ll continue to work with all our law enforcement partners to bring these criminals to justice.”

A joint investigation by the Office of Attorney General (OAG) and the Department of Taxation and Finance revealed that — between 2010 and 2015 — Seibel and Caruso collectively underreported a total of more than $4 million in taxable sales, and failed to remit over $475,000 in sales tax collected from their six different restaurants and bars throughout Cortland and Onondaga Counties.   

Seibel and Caruso registered APAM, LLC with New York state and subsequently opened three pizzerias named A Pizza and More, located in Cortland, Homer, and Tully, New York. A Tax Department audit of sales tax returns for the period between December 1, 2011 and May 31, 2015 revealed that Seibel and Caruso underreported A Pizza and More’s taxable sales by $1,948,166.04. As a result, Seibel, Caruso, and APAM failed to remit $158,653.28 in sales tax due to New York state.     

Caruso individually registered Anthony Caruso, LLC with New York state and opened Hairy Tony’s, a pub located in Cortland, New York. A Tax Department audit of sales tax returns for the period between December 1, 2010 and May 31, 2015 revealed that Caruso underreported Hairy Tony’s taxable sales by $1,637,649.90, and failed to remit $131,024.98 in sales tax due to New York state.

Seibel individually registered Academy Avenue Enterprises, Inc. with New York state and opened Dark Horse Tavern in Cortland, New York. A Tax Department audit of sales tax returns for the period between March 1, 2012 and November 30, 2015 revealed that Seibel underreported Dark Horse Tavern’s taxable sales by $1,098,799.73, and failed to remit $90,895.47 in sales tax due to New York state.

Seibel also individually registered James & Main, LLC with New York state and opened Dasher’s Corner Pub, a pub and restaurant located in Homer, New York. A Tax Department audit of sales tax returns for the period between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2015 revealed that Seibel failed to remit $98,629.32 in sales tax due to New York state.

In December 2019, APAM pleaded guilty before the Honorable Gerald Keene in Cortland County Court to Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree — a Class D felony — and paid all sales tax owed in full.

Also, in December 2019, Seibel and James & Main, LLC each pleaded guilty before the Honorable William J. Foley in Homer Town Court to Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fifth Degree — a Class A misdemeanor — pertaining to their failure to remit sales tax concerning Dasher’s Corner Pub. All sales tax owed by Dasher’s Corner Pub has been paid in full, and Seibel was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge.

On Friday, before the Honorable Gerald Keene in Cortland County Court, Seibel pleaded guilty to two additional counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fifth Degree pertaining to his failure to remit sales tax concerning APAM and Dark Horse Tavern, and Caruso pleaded guilty to two counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fifth Degree pertaining to his failure to remit sales tax concerning APAM and Hairy Tony’s. Additionally, Academy Avenue Enterprises, Inc. and Anthony Caruso, LLC also pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fifth Degree pertaining to the Dark Horse Tavern and Hairy Tony’s respectively. All sales tax owed by Dark Horse and Hairy Tony’s have been paid in full. Seibel and Caruso were both sentenced to one-year conditional discharges.

The OAG wishes to thank the Department of Taxation and Finance for their valuable assistance in this investigation.