Three Hudson County Men Charged with Narcotics and Firearms Related Offenses Inside Jersey City Apartment Building

 

 Three Hudson County, New Jersey, men were charged by complaint with narcotics and firearms related violations, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced. 

Shiquwan Johnson, aka “Big Shy,” 37, is charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Johnson is associated with a neighborhood street gang that operates around the Bergen Avenue/Lexington Avenue area in Jersey City. 

Douglas Sherman, aka “Dougie,” 40, is charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises.

Perry Capers, aka “Diddy,” 36, is charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Capers is also associated with the neighborhood street gang that operates in and around Bergen Avenue and Lexington Avenue in Jersey City.

All three defendants appeared on Feb. 16, 2023, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen. Johnson and Sherman consented to detention and Capers was released and placed on home incarceration.

According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Law enforcement officers began investigating an apartment building in January 2023 and observed numerous hand-to-hand drug transactions on a near-daily basis. The investigation revealed multiple stash locations for narcotics and firearms in the building, including inside an apartment unit rented by Sherman, a pipe, and a mailbox associated with the apartment unit rented by Sherman. While executing search warrants on Feb. 15, 2023, law enforcement officers recovered hundreds of grams of suspected cocaine and tens of grams of suspected heroin, three firearms, and additional ammunition.

Johnson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Sherman and Capers face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited investigators the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, for their assistance.

This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Governor Hochul Announces 2022-23 Carey Gabay Scholarship Program Winners

 

Five Outstanding Incoming SUNY Students to Receive Full Scholarships

Honors Carey Gabay's Legacy and Commitment to Social Justice, Leadership, and Mentorship

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the five 2022-23 winners of the Carey Gabay Scholarship Program. The scholarship honors Carey Gabay, an attorney and public servant who was tragically killed as an innocent victim of gun violence in 2015. It is awarded to incoming SUNY students who exemplify Gabay's commitment to social justice, leadership, and mentoring, as well as his personal story of academic success and overcoming his economically-disadvantaged background.     

"A product of the Bronx public schools and a dedicated public servant, Carey Gabay represented the best of us and the New York Dream in action, and I am proud that these five outstanding students will be able to honor his legacy," Governor Hochul said. "In the face of significant obstacles, these students have excelled in school and become leaders in their community and through this scholarship, will be able to continue their work of making our state a better place for all to live, work, and play."      

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, "Carey Gabay, a college classmate and friend, has been missed by all who were fortunate to know him. In his life, he was a thoughtful, exemplary public servant who fought tirelessly to make sure everyone, from all walks of life, would have every opportunity to pursue their dreams. He was truly inspirational, and though he is no longer with us, this scholarship can continue his legacy as each of the five recipients work with all of us to build the more just and equitable world Carey so ardently sought."    

Founder of the Carey Gabay Foundation Trenelle Gabay said, "When Carey's life was taken by a senseless act of gun violence, I was stricken with grief. My concern was how do I turn a tragedy into a recollection of life, the life he once lived with integrity. I knew that he would have turned this tragedy into an opportunity to prevent others from experiencing the harm that he did. Carey's dream of making New York better lives on through this scholarship. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for continuing this program to ensure that disadvantaged youth can reach their full potential."    

Gabay grew up living in public housing and attending public school in the Bronx. After a successful high school career, he went on to graduate from Harvard University and Harvard Law School. He had a longstanding commitment to public service and giving back to those around him, and while at Harvard University, he ran to become the president of his undergraduate student body. During his career, he worked tirelessly in public service, beginning in 2011 as assistant counsel to the former governor and later as first deputy counsel for the Empire State Development Corporation.     

The Carey Gabay Memorial Scholarship for students to attend four-year SUNY colleges will cover all costs of attendance, including tuition, room and board, college fees, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.    

The winners of this year's scholarship are:    

Genesis Ceron - Maspeth, Queens, New York    

Genesis Ceron's parents worked around the clock to make ends meet for Genesis and their family. Because of their busy schedules, Genesis took on tremendous responsibilities, including becoming a caretaker, tutor, interpreter, and translator for members of her family. In line with this spirit of giving, Genesis went on to become a peer mentor and the president of her school's Key Club which focuses on student-led service.      

Genesis is attending Stony Brook University.     

Brian Cruz - Valatie, New York    

Brian Cruz moved from Mexico to the United States in the summer before his fourth-grade year. Having no knowledge of the English language, Brian struggled in school, but through hard work and dedication, he learned English and went on to excel in math. He later became involved in the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute and went back to Mexico for a summer to help teach English to students in his village. Brian will become the first generation in his family to attend college.      

Brian is attending the University at Albany.      

Nicole Jackson - Brooklyn, New York    

Nicole Jackson grew up in Brooklyn, New York with her parents and sister and tragically lost her father to gun violence during her youth. Feeling the urgency to advocate for community safety and empowerment, Nicole became an active participant in cSTEP, a program designed to promote the education of low-income, students of color within the STEM field.  She is currently training to become a Teaching Assistant and will help next year's incoming freshmen become more acclimated to their new environment.

Nicole is attending Stony Brook University.     

Rafia Tasnim - Hudson, New York    

The daughter of two Bengali immigrants—a stay-at-home mother and a Walmart stocker—Rafia Tasnim grew up unable to afford new clothes or school supplies, but with a strong desire give back to her community and help others. Motivated by the powerful example set by her two older sisters, Rafia excelled in school, worked three jobs, and organized a clothing drive for low-income families during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic—all while supporting herself and her family. Rafia plans to become a nurse and travel to underdeveloped nations to improve health care systems and develop health education programs for those in need.   

Rafia is attending Stony Brook University.      

Yi Xiao - Forest Hills, Queens, New York  

Growing up with severe scoliosis, Yi thought he would be confined to a wheelchair in pain for the rest of their life. After multiple hopeless meetings with doctors, Yi's family traveled to New York to seek treatment and through three surgeries over two years, Yi was finally able to stand again and eventually walk. Knowing no English and having missed two years of school to recover, Yi was nervous to begin school, but through hard work and dedication, learned English, excelled in class, and went on to help other students prepare for exams and college applications.    

Yi is attending Stony Brook University.  

About The State University of New York  

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the state's only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2021, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.  

VCPA is Hiring Seasonal Staff & Summer Interns

Youth Programs Manager

Full-Time • Seasonal

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance seeks a Youth Programs Manager who is motivated, self directed, and energetic with strong interest in youth development and outdoor environmental work to lead the Urban Ecology Teen Internship (Urban Eco-Teens), conduct educational and volunteer activities for high school students, and assist with other programs in the park. 

See job description for details.

 

Environmental Educators

Part-Time • Seasonal

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance seeks two (2) Part-time Environmental Educators who are motivated, self directed, and energetic with strong interest in youth development and outdoor environmental work to lead education and volunteer programs in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.

See full job description for details.

Urban Eco-Teens Internship
Part-Time • Seasonal
Urban Eco-Teens is a paid internship for high school students that prepares a new generation of students for college, stewardship, and careers in the environmental fields.
Eligible interns attend a tuition free, accredited, rigorous college course called Sustainable Cities at Manhattan College.
UET Summer 2023 Interns: Apply by May 5, 2023.
UET Crew Leaders: Apply by May 20, 2023.
Visit our internship page to learn more about the Urban Eco-Teen program.

 

Garden 2 Market Internship

Part-Time • Seasonal

Garden 2 Market (G2M) Interns spend their summer exploring the local food system and building community at the VCPA garden and market. Eligible interns attend a tuition free, accredited, rigorous college course called Sustainable Cities at Manhattan College.

Applications for Interns and the Crew Leader will open in March.

 

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park

 

NYC Ultimate Trail Running Series in Van Cortlandt Park

Saturday, March 4 at 10am

Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and King of the Mountain Events for this first-of-its-kind NYC Ultimate Trail Running Series, featuring 8K (4.97 miles) filled with rolling single-track trails, mixed with stairs, wooden boardwalks, and sections of paved and double wide paths. Proceeds benefit the care and maintenance of the trails.

Run or walk!  Use promo code HEARTVCP by 2/14 for a 14% discount. 

Register Now.

 

VCPA Merch Shop!

Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance!

Shop Now!

 

Become a Member

Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes while supporting their favorite park!

Join Now.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

DEC Announces First-Ever Spring Long Island Wild Turkey Hunting Season

 

Responsible Management of Reintroduced Wild Turkeys Results in Rebounding Healthy Turkey Population

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the dates for the first-ever spring Long Island wild turkey hunting season. The opening of this new season is the result of wild turkey reintroduction efforts DEC initiated in the mid-1990s. 

“DEC is excited to give Long Island hunters an additional local turkey hunting opportunity,” said Cathy Haas, DEC Regional Director. “Not only does this new season give more opportunities to local hunters, it also serves as an example of how locally extirpated populations can be successfully reintroduced and flourish. Both the fall and new spring seasons are possible thanks to the diligent work of DEC’s regional wildlife staff, as well as the cooperative efforts of local hunters and volunteers who took the time to share their turkey sightings, allowing our staff to assess population health and growth.”

In 2009, the first fall-only wild turkey season opened in the region. DEC carefully monitored this new season over the ensuing years and confirmed the Long Island wild turkey population could continue to thrive while under hunting pressure. Long Island proved to be a region where safe and successful hunting of wild turkey was possible, with no hunting safety incidents reported throughout 14 fall seasons.

The spring wild turkey season will open on May 1 and run through May 31, consistent with management practices in New York State and the Northeast. 

Season Dates: May 1-31

Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise until noon

Manner of Taking: Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot no larger than number 2 and no smaller than number 9, or with a bow. Hunters may not use crossbows or rifles. Handguns are not permitted while hunting on State lands.

Valid License and Tags: Hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license and a turkey permit to participate in the hunt.

Spring Turkey Season Bag Limit for WMU 1C:

• No more than one bearded turkey per day; and
• No more than one bearded turkey in wildlife management unit (WMU) 1C

Additional information on NYS Turkey Hunting Regulations can be found on DEC’s website. Successful hunters will be strongly encouraged to bring harvested birds to the Ridge Hunter Check Station located at 484 Randall Road, Ridge, NY. DEC staff will be recording biological data to help evaluate the season and population structure. Visiting the check station will not be mandatory, but all birds harvested must be reported within 48 hours by phone (1-866-426-3778) or via DEC’s Game Harvest Reporting webpage. For check station hours of operation, visit DEC’s Hunting on Long Island webpage or call the Region 1 Wildlife Office (631-444-0310).

Status of Wild Turkey on Long Island

Long Island’s wild turkey population is an example of successful restoration and management efforts. Populations of wild turkey on Long Island disappeared in the late 19^th Century due to reduced forested habitat, as these environments were cleared for colonial farms and firewood. In the mid-1990s, DEC trapped approximately 75 wild turkeys in upstate New York and released these birds at three locations in Suffolk County. The Long Island population is now estimated at more than 3,000 birds and growing.

Wild turkeys have become a common sight at many locations in Suffolk County and some locations in Nassau County, and the population has reached a level that in some locations, nuisance permits have been issued in order to control the amount of damage the birds are causing. DEC monitors population size and distribution through annual August turkey surveys, bow hunter sighting logs, and harvest indices. Based on that information, DEC determined the population is sufficient to support a spring hunting season. 

Areas Open for the Spring Season

All of Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County) is open for spring turkey hunting. The demand for spring turkey hunting on DEC-managed lands makes it necessary for hunters to follow specific access procedure to ensure equal hunting opportunities for all. More information is available on the DEC website at DEC’s Hunting on Long Island webpage. Properties open to shotgun spring turkey hunting require entering a drawing and advance reservations. Lands that will be open for spring turkey on Long Island are:

DEC-Managed Lands in Suffolk County:

• Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery Only
• East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery Only
• Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery Only
• Ridge Conservation Area – Archery Only
• Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest – Shotgun and Archery
• Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve – Shotgun and Archery
• Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest – Shotgun and Archery

Cooperative Hunting Areas that will allow spring hunting season are:

• Barcelona Neck Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery
• David A. Sarnoff Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery
• Kings Park Cooperative Hunting Area – Archery Only
• Otis Pike Preserve Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery

Tidal Wetlands Properties (archery only, no reservation required)

• Fireplace Neck
• Havens Point
• Long Beach Bay

DEC-managed lands open to shotgun turkey hunting will be closed to other users from two hours before sunrise until noon throughout the season. Properties owned by local, county, and/or state (State Parks) governments may or may not allow spring turkey hunting. Hunters and recreationalists should reach out to the landowner to determine if access restrictions are in place. For more information on hunting seasons and regulations, please visit the DEC’s hunting webpage. For tips and further details on regulations on turkey hunting, contact DEC regional wildlife office at (631) 444-0310 or visit DEC’s Turkey Hunting Regulations webpage.

Additional information can be found at the following webpages:

Hunting on Long Island  - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8373.html

Long Island Public Hunting Areas  - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40399.html

Public Hunting Opportunities in Suffolk County, Long Island  - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40414.html

Conditions for Use of DEC-Managed Lands in Suffolk County - https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/40419.html

Wave Hill Events March 9-March 16

Find your way to garden bliss at Wave Hill this week. In Wave Hill House, join us for a tranquil meditation and calming sound-bath session. The birds are ready to be spotted—a thrilling Spring Birding opportunity awaits. Take a leisurely stroll with your family and watch the magical transformation of nature as you count different species of birds in the gardens and woodland.⁣⁣ Get creative at the Family Art Project–learn how math connects to the natural world and use flowers and seeds to create your craft.

Family Art Project: Fibonacci Pinwheels 

Sat, March 11, 2023, 10AM–1PM  

Sun, March 12, 2023, 10AM–1PM                                                        Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Wave Hill House 

Math is everywhere you look in the natural world, including the amazing Fibonacci Sequence. These numbers in nature will inspire us to craft our own paper-folded pinwheels. Embellish your creation with flowers and seeds and then take it for a spin!   

Registration not required. 

The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety: 

• Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

• If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

• Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

• Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.  

Meditation and Sound Bath  

Sat, Mar 11, 2023, 11AM–1PM  

$40; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Wave Hill House 

With Wave Hill’s majestic and regal Armor Hall space as the setting, dosha healer Sara Hart and sound healer Drew Campbell guides you through a combined sensory meditation and sound-bath experience in celebration of seasonal spring awakenings.  Enjoy the melodious tones and healing vibrations of a variety of musical singing bowls. 

 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.  

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above.  

This seated or laying down, restorative-style meditation is held in Armor Hall, a large open room on the main level of Wave Hill House. The House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by an elevator.  

Spring Birding 

Sun, Mar 12, 2023, 9:30–11AM 

$15; including admission to the grounds 

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center  

Welcome migratory birds back to Wave Hill this spring! Explore the gardens and woodlands with birders Paul Keim, Kellye Rosenheim or Gabriel Willow to look for resident and rare birds as they pass through on their northern journey or settle down for the season. Severe weather cancels. A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. 

 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.  

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

One walk follows a route through woodland trails and mixed-material pathways with varying elevations; the other follows more accessible paved areas within the more central parts of the garden. 

 

HOURS: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

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

Riverdale in Brownsville

 

Developers Close On $100M Refinance For Riverdale Osborne Towers In Brownsville, Brooklyn

Daytime view of Riverdale Osborne Towers

The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) and Proto Property Services have closed on a $100 million refinance for Riverdale Osborne Towers, a 525-unit affordable housing complex in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The partners plan to use the financing to complete extensive renovations and facility modernization throughout the complex, which is addressed as 420-440 Watkins Street. The funds will also ensure the property remains financially stable and preserves long-term affordability for residents.

Constructed in 1976, Riverdale Osborne Towers complex comprises four nine-story residential buildings. In addition to affordable units, there is also a preschool, 10,500 square feet of retail space, and a grocery store.

When CPC and Proto Property Services acquired the property in 2007, it was reported to suffer from a pervasive rodent problem and had large holes in hallway ceilings, rotting walls, non-working elevators, and other unsafe conditions. The partners were selected by Catholic Charities to redevelop and renovate the property to create more habitable conditions.

“The need for quality affordable homes in New York is critical, and helping to preserve and improve our city’s existing affordable housing is as important as creating new housing,” said Tell Metzger, senior vice president, equity investments at CPC. “We are proud to work with Proto and our other partners on this refinance so that we can continue to provide the Riverdale Osborne tenants with the affordable, high-quality housing they can be proud to call home.”

Physical upgrades include the construction of a new central lobby and on-site management office, modernized tenant kitchens and bathrooms, upgrades to the façade and surrounding grounds, and elevator repairs, among other major facility upgrades. The owners have also removed tenants who were illegally occupying vacant apartments, switched out existing building staff, and enforced new security protocols.

Initial project costs were estimated at $39 million. The $100 million refinance was provided by Rockport Mortgage Corporation as a HUD223(f) loan.