Monday, October 30, 2023

Housing Lottery Launches For 55 Dash Place In Fieldston, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 3893 Waldo Avenue, a four-story residential building at 55 Dash Place in Fieldston, The Bronx. Designed by Kutnicki Bernstein Architects and developed by Timber Equities, the structure yields 29 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are five units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $81,429 to $165,230.

55 Dash Place in Fieldston, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, a garage with assigned parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations, bike storage lockers, common area Wi-Fi, gym, storage, virtual doorman, package lockers, green space, and a rooftop terrace. Residences come with washers and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioning, intercoms, high-speed internet, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes.

55 Dash Place in Fieldston, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

55 Dash Place in Fieldston, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

 

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are three one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,375 for incomes ranging from $81,429 to $165,230, and two one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,450 for incomes ranging from $84,000 to $165,230.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than November 13, 2023.

Greenburger Center Finalizes $13 Million Deal For Hope House In Crotona, The Bronx

 

Render of Hope House, courtesy of Quinn PR

The Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice has secured a $13 million funding deal for constructing Hope House in the Bronx’s Crotona neighborhood, pioneering an Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) model for individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) accused of felony-level crimes. This initiative culminates a decade-long effort.

The funding for Hope House is made up of private donations, New Markets Tax Credit Program proceeds, a $5.6 million grant from New York State, and contributions from the NYC Council and NYS legislature.

Demolition is underway on the site on which Hope House will be constructed, with a groundbreaking ceremony slated for November 14, 2023, at Crotona Park, adjacent to the facility location at 849 Crotona Park North. Upon completion, the project will offer a long-term residential program for 16 individuals, with preference given to veterans and Bronx residents at the time of their arrest, extending its reach to individuals aged 18 and above from all five NYC boroughs.

“America must find a better default option than prison for people living with behavioral health issues or mental illness who become involved with the criminal justice system, where more than half of the incarcerated population has mental illness and an estimated 20 percent have serious mental illness,” said Francis Greenburger, founder and president of the Greenburger Center. “Hope House is a critical step toward America reforming its treatment of people living with these brain disorders.”

In collaboration with Argus Community Inc., Hope House will feature a Continuing Day Treatment Program (CDTP), leveraging Argus’ extensive experience in administering treatment programs.

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS SCOTT FRENCH AS HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR

 

HRA Administrator Lisa Fitzpatrick Retires After Nearly Four Decades of Dedicated Public Service

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Scott French as the next administrator of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA). Following more than a year as chief strategy officer at the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), and nearly a decade of work in various critical roles at the agency, French will oversee HRA and lead the administration’s work strengthening the city’s social safety net for New Yorkers in need.

 

As part of DSS, HRA assists more than 3 million low‐income and vulnerable New Yorkers annually through more than 14 major public benefits programs. French will assume the administrator role from Lisa Fitzpatrick, who is retiring after nearly four decades of dedicated public service in city government.

 

“From housing and child care to food and transportation assistance, the New York City Human Resources Administration plays a key role ensuring millions of New Yorkers can support themselves and their families,” said Mayor Adams. “Scott French has dedicated his career to supporting the most vulnerable New Yorkers, he understands the importance of continuing to strengthen our city’s social safety net, and he has the experience and expertise to deliver. I also want to extend my gratitude to former HRA Administrator Lisa Fitzpatrick for her nearly four decades of dedicated public service on behalf of New Yorkers.”

 

“Each and every day, city employees at HRA help deliver critical services and supports to New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Scott French has been a part of this work for decades and brings significant administrative expertise to now lead HRA. He steps into this role in the midst of exciting changes and is well positioned to leverage technology better and streamline processes to deliver for our clients. I look forward to continuing to work with Scott and the whole team at HRA.”

 

 “Over the course of nearly a decade of public service at DSS, Scott French has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering commitment to furthering the agency’s mission, especially during periods of unprecedented crises, including the ongoing asylum seeker crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic before that,” said DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “We look forward to greatly benefitting from his invaluable experience and expertise in his new role as administrator of HRA, as we continue to work to implement innovative anti-poverty initiatives, strengthen our delivery of services, and expand access to critical benefits for New Yorkers in need. I also want to thank and congratulate Lisa Fitzpatrick for her incredible tenure in city government. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her good health and success in this new chapter of her life.”

 

“The Human Resources Administration is essential to addressing poverty in the city and ensuring vital connections to robust social safety net supports for more than 3 million New Yorkers in need,” said HRA Administrator Scott French. “I am incredibly honored for the opportunity to lead this critical mission for the city, while working with a team of exceptional public servants and frontline staffers, who have consistently stepped up in times of crisis and despite unprecedented challenges, to ensure that vulnerable New Yorkers have access to the critical supports they need and deserve. I am grateful to Mayor Adams for this opportunity and look forward to working closely with Commissioner Park as we continue to identify new solutions and initiatives to help build an even more inclusive and affordable city for all New Yorkers.”

 

“Scott French has a proven track record of management accomplishments and implementing reforms to enhance services for clients and support front-line staff,” said former DSS Commissioner Steven Banks. “He is the right person for this job at this critical moment, and I applaud the mayor, the deputy mayor, and the commissioner for selecting him.”

 

 “Scott French brings not just years of experience and demonstrated knowledge of city government to his role as HRA administrator, but also a deep commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers,” said Molly Murphy, chief program officer, Education Alliance; former DSS first deputy commissioner. “He leads with compassion and respect for both clients and staff, and has repeatedly proven his ability to navigate challenging and novel situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring continued access to services for low-income individuals and families. Scott is insightful, creative, dedicated, and mission-driven, and as HRA administrator, will continue to use his extraordinary talents to address poverty and strengthen the provision of social services.”

 

“The Human Resources Administration is central in the fight against poverty in New York City, and Robin Hood looks forward to working with Scott French as he takes on the leadership for vitally important services as HRA’s administrator,” said Matt Klein, chief program and impact officer, Robin Hood. “During our time together in New York City government, I saw Scott bring strategic thinking, innovative ideas and a deep dedication to the wellbeing of New Yorkers in his prior roles at the Department of Social Services, and I am confident his mission-driven approach will serve the agency and its clients well. I know Scott believes in delivering high quality, responsive support to New Yorkers when they need it most, and we look forward to collaborating on the important work ahead.”

 

About Scott French

 

Scott French has served as chief strategy officer at DSS, overseeing key departmental executive leadership and staff, developing and implementing strategic external engagement strategies, and leading communications with City Hall and agency partners on critical interagency initiatives and projects, including the ongoing asylum seeker response effort.

 

French previously served in various critical roles within DSS, including as chief of staff; chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer; and director of the project management office. In his prior roles at the agency, French played a vital role in leading the integration of the HRA and the New York City Department of Homeless Services under DSS, ensuring the deployment of an effective emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic and furthering agency priorities to transform the shelter system, expanding and strengthening access to vital agency supports for New Yorkers in need, and improving overall social service delivery.

 

Before joining DSS in 2014, French served in key leadership roles at Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE). During his time at SAGE, he managed the institutional giving portfolio, ensured effective oversight of the organization’s comprehensive LGBTQ+ caregiver support program, and managed the overall strategic planning and implementation of The SAGE Center, the nation’s first governmentally funded senior center for LGBTQ+ older adults.

 

French received a B.A. from George Washington University. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University.

 

French will report to DSS Commissioner Park.


Sunday, October 29, 2023

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - 18th Annual Banquet and Scholarship Ceremony - Save the Date - Our 2023 Honorees

 

Banquet-2023-Save-the-date-with-honorees-04 image

Wave Hill Weekly Events Nov 9 – Nov 16 | Fall Birding & Jazz Fusion Concert

 

Some say Wave Hill is at its most beautiful in fallThe autumn landscape and Palisade views are breathtaking. They inspire this week’s Family Art Project – create your own version of the landscape to take home and enjoy. On Sunday, join us in the morning for birding while it's still peak migration season. And stay through the afternoon for a toe- tapping performance by AJOYO, the first in our 2023–2024 concert series, Roots & Branches. AJOYO fuses African, jazz and soul, much like the radiant blend of colors across the autumn landscape, for a sound that will uplift your spirit. 

Wave Hill will be open all day on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov 11. 

Last Chance: 
Wave Hill has two new evening events just around the corner. Wednesday, Oct 25 is Fungi FĂªte, an evening of dance, dinner and delightful conversation, featuring Dance Heginbotham’s You Look Like a Fun Guy and a four-course communal dinner highlighting the rich flavors of mushrooms and fungi. Come for an unforgettable evening in our gardens where art and nature come together to delight all your senses. Purchase tickets. 

And for all the true night owls, Oct 26 is Owl Prowl. Join us for an exclusive adventure with falconer Brian Bradley and his spectacular live owls, followed by an evening bird walk in our gardens with local NYC bird guides. Reserve your seat.   

Public Garden Highlights Walk
Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide—come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.  

Public Gallery Tour
Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Registration not required
Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.    

Veterans Day
Sat, Nov 11, 2023, 10AM-4:30PM
Regular admission
Wave Hill will be open on Veteran’s Day.  

Family Art Project: Rolling out Autumn Landscapes
Free with admission to the grounds
Registration not required.
Experience the many colors of Wave Hill’s seasonal landscape through sketching and painting. Then, transform your scenic art into a scroll that can be unfurled whenever you wish. 

Public Gallery Tour
Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Registration not required.
Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.   

Fall Birding
$15, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%
Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

Fall is peak migration time along the Hudson River and we have a front row seat! Join naturalists and bird guides Gabriel Willow and Paul Keim as you explore Wave Hill’s gardens, woodlands and the skies overhead to look for resident and migrating birds.  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. Severe weather cancels. 

Gabriel Willow is a naturalist with a particular passion for birds and urban spaces. He is an environmental educator and ecological tour guide in NYC, where he leads tours and teaches classes for NYC Audubon and Wave Hill, among others. His tours focus on seeking out the overlooked and ignored elements of wildness hiding all around us, ranging from boat trips on the East River and kayaking on Newtown Creek, to seeking the elusive Peregrine Falcons nesting on skyscrapers near Wall Street. He has created programs for Lincoln Center, the Morgan Library and Museum, the NY Botanical Garden and more. He is also an artist, illustrator and DJ. 

Paul Keim, once referred to as the Bat Man of Brooklyn, is a freelance naturalist with enthusiasm for bats, bugs and birds. Aside from birding at Wave Hill, his favorite place to bring his binoculars is Cape May. When he is not out in gardens and parks observing nature, he is watercoloring both indoors and out. He is a member of the Brooklyn Watercolor Society and is a fulltime professional printmaker by trade. 

Public Garden Highlights Walk
Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Registration not required.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide—come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.   

Concert: Yacine Bolares and AJOYO
$30 Adult/$16 Student with ID/$14 Child (8-18), including admission to the grounds. Advance tickets $2 off. Wave Hill Members save 10%
Tickets required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.

Spearheaded by French-Tunisian saxophonist and composer, Yacine Boularès, AJOYO has taken the jazz and world music scene by storm with their unique blend of North and West African traditions, jazz and soul. Together with Sarah Elizabeth Charles and Jesse Fischer, the spellbinding 6-piece ensemble celebrates life, love and justice through music: music for the heart, the mind and the body, the kind that is soulful, sophisticated and that makes people want to dance. 

Awarded Best Global Music EP at the Independent Music Awards in 2020, AJOYO will lead a joyful ceremony in Armor Hall that brings musicians and audiences close together through deep and unrelenting groove, virtuosic improvisations, and sophisticated compositions.  

Public Gallery Tour 
Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays
Registration not required. 

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.  

WINTER HOURS: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday  
Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday 

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

Riverdale Main Streets Alliance - Join In for 80's Night at Downey's Bar & Grill! Saturday, 11/4 @ 8p

 

Don't Miss Our 80's Night
DOWNEY'S BAR & GRILL
5790 Mosholu Avenue
Saturday, November 4th, 8PM
$25 Per Person


100% of the proceeds go to RMSA's efforts to beautify and support our community.


Instagram: @RMSABX

MAYOR ADAMS RECOGNIZES 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF SUPERSTORM SANDY, TAKES STEPS TO CONNECT MORE NEW YORKERS WITH EMERGENCY INFORMATION VIA NOTIFY NYC

 

New, Easy Text Message Opt-in and Bilingual Multimedia PSA Will Allow More New Yorkers to Access Critical Information Quicker

Notify NYC Has Provided Real-Time Information to More Than 1.1 Million New Yorkers Since 2009

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zachary Iscol today marked 11 years since Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New York City with a new set of measures to expand the reach of Notify NYC, New Yorkers’ no-cost go-to source for emergency information since 2009. Starting today, New Yorkers are able to sign up for the highest-priority, verified alerts across all five boroughs with a brand-new SMS opt-in feature — allowing people to sign up for Notify NYC alerts in their preferred language by texting “NOTIFYNYC,” “NOTIFYNYCESP” (Spanish), or “NOTIFYFRE” (French) to 692-692. With no mobile application download or email setup, this new capability makes it easier than ever for residents to stay informed and safe.

In addition, the Adams administration is launching a new public service announcement with a $373,000 investment to raise awareness of Notify NYC. Created in partnership with the Ad Council and designed to reach young speakers, the PSA emphasizes the city’s commitment to keeping New Yorkers prepared for any kind of emergency that may arise. The multimedia ad campaign will include English and Spanish TV and radio as well as digital banners, print materials, and outdoor assets.

“Expanding the reach of Notify NYC is a key component of our ongoing work to ensure that all New Yorkers have direct access to the important and potentially lifesaving information they need to stay safe — before, during, and after an emergency,” said Mayor Adams. “Superstorm Sandy wasn’t just a storm — it was a warning that another storm could hit our city at any time. As we experience more and more significant weather events due to climate change, our administration is preparing and protecting New Yorkers, equipping them with critical tools like real-time communication through Notify NYC. I encourage all New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC and take advantage of this important, free resource.”

“Eleven years ago, Superstorm Sandy taught New Yorkers the invaluable lesson of the role timely, accurate information plays in safeguarding our city. Today, we stand stronger and more prepared than ever,” said NYCEM Commissioner Iscol. “As we unveil Notify NYC’s new citywide SMS opt-in feature and launch our impactful public service announcement in partnership with the Ad Council, we are making a resolute commitment to every New Yorker. Today’s announcements show how we are continuously learning, adapting, and empowering our residents to take control of their safety. We are evolving as a city that stays informed, stays prepared, and above all, stays resilient — one alert at a time.”

The city’s go-to source for emergency information since 2009, Notify NYC has kept over 1.1 million New Yorkers informed in real-time, in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. In Fiscal Year 2023, the service issued 2,215 unique messages — an increase from 2,157 messages in Fiscal Year 2022. Notify NYC’s average response time from incident onset to message issuance is only roughly six minutes.

Alongside these steps to expand the reach of Notify NYC, the Adams administration is kicking off a comprehensive post-disaster housing recovery research study. Backed by a $449,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery fund, this effort will build on lessons learned from both Superstorm Sandy and . It will be led by NYCEM and the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations to rigorously evaluate and identify optimal residential response and recovery programs applicable to a variety of emergency situations. The aim is to consolidate these findings into a housing recovery playbook, setting a standard of best practices that will serve as a cornerstone for safeguarding our communities in future emergencies.

New Yorkers can continue to sign up for Notify NYC via traditional means, including by visiting nyc.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311, or following Notify NYC and NYCEM on social media.

Former Attorney Convicted of Bribery Scheme for Marijuana Business

A federal jury convicted a former attorney of engaging in a scheme to bribe the chief of police of Medford, Massachusetts, to obtain approval for a client to sell recreational marijuana.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sean O’Donovan, 56, of Somerville, Massachusetts, paid a bribe to influence the Medford police chief in connection with O’Donovan’s client’s recreational marijuana business. In February 2021, O’Donovan approached Individual 1, a close relative of the chief, and offered to pay Individual 1 $25,000 to speak with the chief about his client’s anticipated application to sell recreational marijuana in Medford. At the time, the chief had recently been appointed to serve on a committee to rank such applications on behalf of Medford’s mayor, who would ultimately select three applicants to open retail marijuana stores in Medford. After Individual 1 informed the chief of O’Donovan’s corrupt offer, the chief immediately alerted federal authorities.

Over the course of the investigation, O’Donovan, believing he had an agreement with Individual 1 and the chief, offered to pay Individual 1 approximately $25,000 in exchange for the chief’s favorable action on his client’s application. Specifically, O’Donovan sought to have the chief favorably rank his client’s application and, separately, advised and pressured the mayor to select the client to open a retail marijuana store in Medford. O’Donovan was slated to receive a stream of income of at least $100,000 annually from his client’s marijuana business if its Medford application were successful. O’Donovan never informed his client of the bribery scheme with Individual 1.

The jury convicted O’Donovan of two counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 7, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each honest services wire fraud count and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the federal funds bribery count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case.