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Friday, April 12, 2024
Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use
Merto North Public Hearing by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson
PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Join Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson virtually or in person for a public hearing on the Bronx Metro-North Neighborhood Plan. More event information can be found here.
When: April 16th, 10:00am
Where:
IN PERSON: 851 Grand Concourse, Room 711, The Bronx, NY 10451
ONLINE:
Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/3PJl25M
Meeting ID: 2344 964 1468
Passcode: bxbp041624
BY PHONE:
Or call in (646) 992-2010 (audio only)
Phone Conference ID: 2344 964 1468#
Tell Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson not to approve the Metro North Rezoning, and tell Community Board 11 to withdraw its conditional support of the Metro North rezoning because City Planning has not told the truth about the rezoning proposal, and has not mentioned which if any of the 21 conditions Community Board 11 is seeking that City Planning will meet.
The City Planning Commission has already put the City of YES for Housing Opportunity and Economic Development in the Metro North rezoning before the City Council has even voted on either item.
Governor Hochul Announces Over 400 Adult-Use Cannabis Licenses Issued in 2024
Cannabis Control Board Approves 101 Adult-Use Licenses, Bringing Total Adult-Use Licenses to 403 Issued in 2024 Thus Far
New Provisional Licensing Update to Speed Up Review Process
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Cannabis Control Board has issued 403 adult-use cannabis licenses in 2024 to bolster the legal market in New York. The Cannabis Control Board recently issued 101 licenses, building on significant progress to strengthen our state’s cannabis regulatory framework with the passing of several resolutions aimed at issuing new licenses, streamlining the adult-use cannabis licensing process, and enhancing critical enforcement measures.
“With the Cannabis Control Board’s issuance of 101 adult-use cannabis licenses, New York’s legal cannabis industry continues to make significant progress with over 400 licenses issued in 2024,” Governor Hochul said. “Strengthening New York’s equitable cannabis industry and ensuring the hard-working small business owners operating in the legal market have the licenses to open are the best way to protect the integrity of sales in New York.”
The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) recently voted to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance of a diverse range of 101 adult-use cannabis licenses across the supply chain, including microbusinesses, cultivators, processors, distributors, and retail dispensary locations. This resolution opens pathways for entrepreneurs and businesses to participate in the budding adult-use cannabis market, fostering economic growth and innovation.
In addition to issuing licenses, the CCB approved a resolution empowering the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to issue provisional adult-use cannabis licenses, with a goal of expediting the licensing process. This measure aims to provide provisional license holders with opportunities to begin operations swiftly while adhering to regulatory requirements, fostering a dynamic and competitive marketplace.
This key update will now allow provisional licenses to be awarded outside of regularly scheduled board meetings. Therefore, applicants will have the ability to go find their retail locations and come back to the Board when ready for final licensure.
A provisional license can be granted if an applicant has submitted all materials that are required as part of the license application for the license type they are seeking but have not yet secured a location for their licensed premises. The Board will still approve all final licenses before a licensee can begin operating.
Additionally, the CCB passed a resolution directing OCM to pursue the emergency adoption and revised proposed rulemaking around enforcement violations, hearings, and regulations. This resolution, titled "Part 133 - Violations, Hearings, and Enforcement Emergency Regulations," underscores the state’s continued commitment to safeguarding public health and safety.
The breakdown of the 101 license types approved includes:
- Adult-Use Cultivator License: 25
- Adult-Use Distributor License: 11
- Adult-Use Microbusiness License: 22
- Adult-Use Processor License: 8
- Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License: 25
- Provisional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License: 10
Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander said, “Our budding cannabis market takes another crucial step forward by strengthening our supply chain, and licensing 101 New York-based businesses who have the grit, skill, and ability to make sure our equitable market has the power to deliver the quality cannabis products New Yorkers expect to purchase when they walk into a legal dispensary.”
Cannabis Control Board Chair Tremaine Wright said, "These resolutions represent a significant milestone in our efforts to establish a robust and responsible adult-use cannabis market. By issuing this new batch of licenses, enhancing enforcement protocols, and introducing provisional licensing, we are creating a framework that prioritizes equity, transparency, and public safety."
New York State remains dedicated to fostering a thriving cannabis ecosystem that prioritizes small businesses, promotes economic prosperity, social equity, and responsible consumption for New Yorkers aged 21 and over. New York State continues to surpass equity goals (nearly 60 percent of licenses issued in 2024) outlined in the MRTA, set at 50 percent licensing for Social Economic Equity (SEE) applicants.
Riverdale Main Streets Alliance - Join us on Sunday, April 14 - Riverdale Community Clean-Up
Riverdale Community Clean-up:
Join us on Sunday, April 14 at 9:00am!
Please meet at KRVC: 505 West 236th Street
All we do, depends on you!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please email laura4bronx@gmail.com to sign up
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Questions? Email us at rmsabx@gmail.com Our mailing address is: Riverdale Mainstreet Alliance 444 W 258th St Bronx, NY 10471-2102 |
Reminder: Spring into Networking with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce
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DEC and OGS Remind New Yorkers to Keep 'Lights Out' to Protect Migrating Birds
State-Owned and Managed Buildings Take Measures to Reduce Light, Prevent Bird Collisions
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) today remind New Yorkers to take action to protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the ‘Lights Out’ initiative. Joining national and international efforts, State buildings participating in Lights Out will keep non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully throughout New York.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “We all play a role in protecting the environment and wildlife and the national Lights Out initiative is a simple way to help a variety of bird species survive and thrive during the busy migration season. DEC is proud to join our New York State partners to lead by example and take actions to reduce bird collisions.”
New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “Reducing excessive outdoor lighting is an easy and practical step we can take to minimize one of the many dangerous obstacles birds face during their long annual migrations. OGS is proud to join with DEC and our other partners in state government to help our avian friends safely navigate to their spring nesting sites and wintering grounds.”
Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds through the state. Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can cause migrating birds to become disoriented, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction. According to the National Zoological Park and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fatal light attraction has led to collisions with windows, walls, floodlights, or the ground and the death of an estimated 365 to 988 million birds annually in the United States.
Lights Out directs State-owned and managed buildings to turn off non-essential outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to dawn during the spring migration April 15 through May 31, and also during the peak fall migration, Aug. 15 through Nov. 15. State agencies are also encouraged to draw blinds, when possible, and turn off non-essential indoor lighting during Lights Out times. In addition to benefiting migrating birds, Lights Out promotes sustainability and provides a cost-savings to the state.
DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I BIRD NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (available in Spanish), information on the annual I BIRD NY Challenge, and additional educational resources. The New York State Birding Trail map is also available at www.ibirdny.org and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.
DEC manages and oversees five million acres of public lands and conservation easements and plays a vital role in both protecting New York’s natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. From fishing on scenic streams, hiking and rock climbing, swimming and boating, birding, and nature study, or simply relaxing in a tent under the stars, there are endless adventures to be found. Visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-
Massachusetts Construction Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Crimes and Making a False Statement
Defendant Operated an “Off-the-Books” Payroll and Caused Over $2M Loss to IRS
A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty to an employment tax scheme and making a false statement at an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearing.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Mauricio Baiense, formerly of Quincy, owned and operated Contract Framing Builders Inc. (CFB), a Medford, Massachusetts, construction business. Baiense was responsible for paying to the IRS the payroll taxes withheld from CFB employees’ wages and for filing the quarterly employment tax returns.
From approximately April 2013 through December 2017, Baiense operated an “off-the-books” cash payroll for CFB. To generate cash for the payroll, Baiense wrote checks drawn on CFB’s bank account to purported subcontractors, which were in fact nominee entities that Baiense controlled. Baiense then cashed or directed others to cash approximately $11 million in such checks at a check cashing business.
Baiense and another man then used a portion of the cash to pay some of CFB’s employees’ wages. Baiense did not report the cash wages to the IRS and did not pay the required employment taxes on them. Baiense also helped prepare at least one false employment tax return that underreported the actual wages paid to CFB’s employees.
In total, Baiense caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $2,824,577.45.
Finally, when questioned at an OSHA hearing regarding a workplace accident, Baiense made a false statement. OSHA was investigating the workplace death of an individual working for CFB. During the hearing and while testifying under oath, Baiense falsely claimed that the deceased employee did not work for CFB at the time of the accident.
Baiense is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each of the seven counts of willful failure to collect or pay over employment taxes, five years in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and three years in prison for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. He also faces up to five years in prison for the false statement. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts, OSHA Region 1 Administrator Galen Blanton, Special Agent in Charge Harry Chavis Jr. of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Boston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone of the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General in Boston made the announcement.
IRS-CI, OSHA and the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General
Extradited Colombian National Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Conspiring To Import Cocaine Into The United States
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that LIBIA AMANDA PALACIO MENA was sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S. PALACIO MENA pled guilty on December 21, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Libia Amanda Palacio Mena's sentence marks a significant blow to drug trafficking networks, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises. Through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, this Office and our partners uncovered the complex network Palacio Mena and others orchestrated alongside FARC operatives and other violent drug trafficking organizations. This outcome underscores that those who conspire to flood our streets with narcotics will face stiff consequences for their actions.”
According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings:[1]
PALACIO MENA conspired with her co-defendants and other individuals associated with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (“FARC”) — a violent organization based in Colombia that was dedicated to the overthrow of the Colombian government and responsible for the production and distribution of the majority of the cocaine that eventually reached the U.S. — to source and distribute tons of cocaine destined for the U.S. PALACIO MENA negotiated with individuals she believed to be narcotics traffickers from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (the “Mexican DTO”) seeking to establish a cocaine supply line from Venezuela to the U.S. These individuals, however, were actually confidential sources working at the direction of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (the “DEA”).
In dozens of communications recorded during the investigation, PALACIO MENA presented herself to the Mexican DTO as a broker for large cocaine and weapons transactions. PALACIO MENA touted her connections to, among others, Colombian political leaders, the FARC, and the Cartel of the Suns — a group of high-ranking Venezuelan officials who abused the Venezuelan people and corrupted the legitimate institutions of Venezuela to facilitate the importation of tons of cocaine into the U.S. in partnership with the FARC. After exploring working with various drug traffickers and introducing the confidential sources to several possible partners for sourcing and transporting cocaine, PALACIO MENA ultimately introduced the confidential sources to one of her co-defendants, who agreed to use his political and logistics connections in Colombia to assist the venture.
In December 2021, to prove their bona fides and establish the quality of their supply, PALACIO MENA sold the confidential sources a five-kilogram sample of extremely pure cocaine from a FARC-associated farm outside of Medellín. PALACIO MENA was arrested in Colombia in February 2022, in the midst of negotiating a much larger partnership with the Mexican DTO, which they envisioned entailing the shipment of approximately 500 kilograms of cocaine per week.
In addition to the prison term, PALACIO MENA, 50, of Medellín, Colombia, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit and Bogota Country Office, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s Office in Bogota.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
[1] Communications, conversations, and statements discussed and quoted herein are described in substance and in part, and many of these conversations occurred in Spanish.