Housing Lottery Launches For 1821 Prospect Avenue In Crotona, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1821 Prospect Avenue, a seven-story residential building in Crotona, The Bronx. Designed by S&S Architectural Design and developed by Shaya Seidenfield, the structure yields 33 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 32 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $100,252 to $198,250.

Amenities include an elevator, covered parking with assigned parking spaces, green space, and a shared laundry room. Residences come with intercoms, air conditioning, high-speed internet, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove and heat. Hot water is included in the rent.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 31 studios with a monthly rent of $2,924 for incomes ranging from $100,252 to $146,900, and one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $3,733 for incomes ranging from $127,989 to $198,250.

FORMER CITY PARKS SUPERVISOR ENTERS GUILTY PLEA TO HARASSING A SUBORDINATE AT BRONX PARK

 

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced a former Supervisor at the City Department of Parks and Recreation (“DPR”) pled guilty to threatening and harassing conduct toward a subordinate, which occurred inside a maintenance closet at a park located on East 156th Street in the Bronx between July and August 2021. DOI’s investigation was prompted by allegations reported by DPR. The office of Bronx County District Attorney Darcel Clark is prosecuting the case. 

FRANCISCO BRACERO, 64, of New York, N.Y., who is also known as “Cisco,” was charged in July 2023 with Forcible Touching, a class A misdemeanor; Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor; and Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation. BRACERO entered a guilty plea to Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation, and was sentenced to a conditional discharge. An order of protection for the victim was imposed.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “The City should have zero tolerance for any City employee who victimizes another with threatening and harassing behavior, as this defendant did. Today, this now former City employee faces the consequences of his misconduct. I thank the complainant for reporting this unacceptable conduct to the Parks Department, the Parks Department for informing DOI of that report, and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their continued partnership on these important prosecutions.” 

According to the criminal complaint, between July 15, 2021 and August 2, 2021, inside of 720 East 156th Street, in the Bronx, BRACERO grabbed the buttocks of a female subordinate with his hand, without her consent, and stated that he wanted to grab her breast. This conduct caused her alarm and fear for her physical safety, according to the complaint.

BRACERO began working for DPR in July 2002 and was an active DPR Supervisor at the time of the alleged conduct. When he retired in September 2022, BRACERO was receiving an annual salary of approximately $80,262.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE CALLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH INVESTMENTS IN CITY BUDGET

 

As part of a comprehensive approach to public health and safety in New York City, Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams called for targeted investments in key initiatives. At a joint hearing of the City Council Committees on Health and on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction, he emphasized the cascading consequences of a lack of resources for mental health care.

“Barriers to effective care include a host of issues related to lack of adequate insurance, stigma and discrimination, lack of access to stable housing, etc,” said Public Advocate Williams before the committees. “The increased visibility and vulnerability of these individuals, compounded with a decrease in resources as cities around the country struggle to meet demand, have devastating consequences.”

The Public Advocate pointed to his office's 2019 report and 2022 supplement, Improving New York City’s Responses To Individuals In Mental Health Crisis, and particularly highlighted two areas of potential investment:

Respite Centers - Respite Care Centers are an alternative to hospitalization for those in crisis and serve as temporary stays in supportive settings that allow individuals to maintain their regular schedules and have guests visit. Currently, there are 4 Health Department Community Partners operating respite centers serving adult New Yorkers, a drop from the 8 centers in 2019. The Administration for Children’s Services also operates a respite program for youth.

Increasing Supportive Housing - Supportive housing is affordable housing with supportive social services in place. Currently, the city is lagging behind in providing supportive housing, with a long and often-delayed application process. This should include supportive housing for incarcerated individuals and individuals re-entering communities post-release. 

In addition, Public Advocate Williams called for the preservation and expansion of lifesaving Overdose Prevention Centers, "which opened in 2021 and in their first six months of operation helped prevent over 300 overdoses". He also uplifted the Progressive Caucus' request from last year for "$20 million to shift the city’s two existing OPCs in Manhattan to 24/7 operations and open four additional centers, one in each borough that does not have an OPC.”

Gangster Disciples and Sisters of the Struggle Members Sentenced for Gang-Related Murders

 

A high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples and a leader of its parallel female organization, the Sisters of the Struggle (SOS), were sentenced for their roles in a murder conspiracy stemming from gang-related retribution that resulted in the shooting deaths of three men.

Philmon Deshawn Chambers, also known as Dolla Phil, 35, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve two consecutive life terms in prison plus 10 years in prison. Andrea Paige Browner, also known as Drea, 29, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to serve two concurrent sentences of 30 years in prison.

According to court documents, Chambers held a “Position of Authority” within the national Gangster Disciples criminal organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement Team.” Enforcement teams within the Gangster Disciples are directed to discipline gang members for violations of gang rules through physical assault or murder. Co-defendant Lesley Chappell Green, also known as Grip, 35, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was a member of the Enforcement Team and held the title of “Assistant Chief Enforcer.”

On Dec. 10, 2018, a Gangster Disciples member was murdered in Athens. Chambers and Browner sought retaliation for the member’s death and believed three unnamed Athens residents were responsible. On Dec. 14, 2018, Browner met an individual at a downtown Athens motel and learned that he was related to one of the individuals she believed killed the Gangster Disciples member. Browner sent text messages directing Chambers to travel to the motel, which he did. Chambers then followed the individual home and shot and killed him. Browner notified a Gangster Disciples associate that she and Chambers would be leaving town because the police would be looking for them.

On Dec. 15, 2018, Browner was taken into custody in Mt. Enterprise, Texas; however, Chambers, who had been in the vehicle with Browner, fled from law enforcement. Chambers was suspicious that someone was cooperating with law enforcement, and incorrectly concluded that two individuals were “snitches.” Chambers directed Green to carry out the murders of those two individuals. The two individuals were lured by Green, as directed by Chambers, to drive from Athens to Lawrenceville, Georgia, to break into storage sheds and steal items to send to Chambers as “aid and assistance” as he was hiding out from law enforcement in a Gangster Disciple “safe house” in Killeen, Texas. On Dec. 19, 2018, the two individuals were murdered and their bodies were concealed in the storage unit. Chambers and Green, along with Robert Maurice Carlisle, also known as Different, 37, of Lithonia, Georgia, and Shabazz Larry Guidry, also known as Lil Larry, 29, of Decatur, Georgia, conspired to dispose of the victims’ bodies, which included potentially burning the bodies or dumping the bodies in a landfill.

A federal jury convicted Chambers in August 2023 of racketeer influenced and corruption organization (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, carry and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and causing the death of a person using a firearm. Browner was also convicted in August 2023 of RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and causing the death of a person using a firearm.

Carlisle and Guidry both pleaded guilty on June 8, 2023, to RICO conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on March 22. Green was sentenced on Feb. 20 to life in prison after a federal jury convicted him on Aug. 17, 2023, of RICO conspiracy.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia; Supervisory Senior Special Agent Robert Gibbs of FBI Atlanta Field Office; and Chief Jerry Saulters of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department made the announcement.

The FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and Gwinnett County Police Department investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Kenneth Kaplan, formerly of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Walker for the Middle District of Georgia.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Justice Department’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Five Men Charged With Murder In Connection With Failed Robbery Attempt That Left Two Dead

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and David Gibson, the Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Police Department, announced the arrest of ILARIO CONTRERAS, JERPI DIAZ-FELIZ, a/k/a “Jorge Diaz-Feliz,” JHOAN DIAZ-FELIZ, VICTOR JIMENEZ, and JOSEPH PEREZ.  The defendants are charged with murder in connection with an attempted gunpoint robbery of a Mount Vernon warehouse that sells various unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products.  Two individuals — one employee of the warehouse and one member of the robbery crew — were shot and killed during the failed robbery attempt.  The defendants were arrested and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the Complaint, these five defendants carried out a violent armed robbery that left two dead in Mount Vernon.  The dedication, bravery, and expertise of our law enforcement partners led to the swift arrest of this dangerous crew.  This was an outstanding coordinated effort to uphold the law and keep the public safe.  This Office is determined to ensure that these defendants now face justice.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “These five subjects allegedly orchestrated an attempted armed robbery of a warehouse that sells to smoke shops, which quickly turned deadly as a shootout ensued, culminating in the death of both an employee and one robbery crew affiliate.  The defendants’ alleged brazen actions demonstrated extreme disregard for public safety and posed a significant threat to the community.  The FBI will not cease its relentless pursuit of those who choose violence, especially using firearms, to further their criminal behavior.  We urge the public to contact us at 1-800-Call-FBI or at tips.fbi.gov with any additional information related to this case.” 

Mount Vernon Police Commissioner David Gibson said: “I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York Police Department for their partnership, assistance, and continued support in this investigation.  I would also like to thank the Westchester County Police Department and the Westchester Real Time Crime Center for their vital assistance and teamwork.  The Mount Vernon Police Department and the Patterson-Howard administration takes crime in our City seriously.  We want to send a message to those who seek to commit heinous crimes in our community.  We will partner with local, state, and federal partners to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. ”

As alleged in the Complaint filed today in White Plains federal court:[1] 

On or about March 19, 2024, ILARIO CONTRERAS, JERPI DIAZ-FELIZ, JHOAN DIAZ-FELIZ, VICTOR JIMENEZ, JOSEPH PEREZ, and others known and unknown attempted to rob at gunpoint a warehouse in Mount Vernon that sells various unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products.  As employees of the warehouse were assisting customers, approximately 10 to 15 people, including the defendants, approached the employees and customers with weapons and forced them back into the warehouse at gunpoint.  A still image from video surveillance outside the warehouse is depicted below:

Shortly after the defendants and others approached the employees and customers with firearms, a gunfight between the warehouse employees and defendants broke out.  As a result, one of the employees and one of the robbers were killed.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

CONTRERAS, 23; JERPI DIAZ-FELIZ, 25; JHOAN DIAZ-FELIZ, 23; JIMENEZ, 35; and PEREZ, 26, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, one count of possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and murder through the use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the work of the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and the Mount Vernon Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the Westchester County Police Department, the New York City Police Department, and the Westchester Real Time Crime Center for their invaluable assistance.  

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared D. Hoffman and Justin L. Brooke are in charge of the prosecution.

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

NYS Private Sector Employment Up 3,200 Jobs in February 2024

 

Unemployment Rate Down 0.1 Percentage Point Over the Month

 According to preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 3,200, or less than 0.1%, to 8,332,000 in February 2024. The number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 0.2% in February 2024.

     New York State's private sector jobs (not seasonally adjusted) increased by 91,200, or 1.1%, over the year in February 2024, which was less than the 1.6% increase in the number of private sector jobs in the U.S.

     New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.5% in January to 4.4% in February 2024. At the same time, New York State's labor force (seasonally adjusted) decreased by 3,400. As a result, the statewide labor force participation rate held steady at 61.4% in February 2024.

     The number of private sector jobs in New York State is based on a payroll survey of New York businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more complete data become available the following month. The BLS calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) of approximately 3,100 households in the State.

Note: Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, February 2023 versus February 2024.

Statewide Industry Employment

February 2024 – Seasonally Adjusted

• On a net basis, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the state increased by 100 over the month, while private sector jobs increased by 3,200 in February 2024.
• At the same time, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the nation increased by 275,000, while private sector jobs increased by 223,000.

NYS Trailed Nation in Job Growth

Over-the-Month % Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, January 2024 – February 2024

Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs Increased in February 2024

Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs (in 1000s), January 1990 – February 2024

Statewide Unemployment

February 2024 – Seasonally Adjusted

• The statewide unemployment rate decreased from 4.5% in January to 4.4% in February 2024.
• New York City’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.2% to 5.1%. Outside of New York City, the unemployment rate decreased from 4.0% to 3.9% in February 2024.
• The number of unemployed New Yorkers decreased over the month by 8,700, from 439,000 in January to 430,300 in February 2024.

NYS Unemployment Rate Decreased Over the Month

Labor Force Statistics, February 2023, January 2024 – February 2024

Labor Force and Number of Unemployed Decreased in February

Total Labor Force & Number of Unemployed, January 2009 – February 2024

Unemployment Rate Decreased in NYS, Increased in US Unemployment Rate, NYS & US, January 2009 – February 2024 Unemployment Rate Decreased in NYC, Decreased in Balance of State Unemployment Rate, NYC & BOS, January 2009 – February 2024 Substate and Industry Employment  February 2024 – Not Seasonally Adjusted New York State Gains Private Sector Jobs Over the Year Over-the-Year Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, February 2023 – February 2024 Note: The sum of sub-state area job estimates will usually differ from the New York State total. This is because the State total is calculated separately from the sub-state areas and is estimated based on an independent sample. Leisure & Hospitality Jobs Increased by 4.5% Over the Year Over-the-Year Change in Jobs by Major Industry Sector, February 2023 – February 2024 *Government includes public education and public health services. Note: The responsibility for the production of monthly estimates of state and metro area nonfarm employment by industry moved from the NYS Department of Labor’s Division of Research and Statistics to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), starting with the March 2011 estimates. More detailed information on the change is available on the BLS web site. Many economic data series have a seasonal pattern, which means they tend to occur at the same time each year (e.g., retail jobs usually increase in December). Seasonal adjustment is the process of removing seasonal effects from a data series. This is done to simplify the data so that they may be more easily interpreted and help to reveal true underlying trends. Seasonal adjustment permits comparisons of data from one month to data from any other month. In New York State, payroll jobs data by industry come from a monthly survey of business establishments conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data are preliminary and subject to revision. Jobs data by industry do not include agricultural workers, the self-employed, unpaid family workers, or domestic workers in private households. Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate is based partly upon the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York each month.  Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, has a sample size of 18,000 establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

DEC Releases for Public Review and Comment Draft Eligibility Guidelines for Water Quality Improvement Project Program Grants for Municipal Stormwater Projects

 

Draft Guidelines Now Available for Public Comment Through April 19, 2024

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released for public review and comment draft eligibility guidelines to support projects funded through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program under the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act). This action delivers on elements of Governor Kathy Hochul’s clean water and resiliency plan to protect New Yorkers from extreme weather driven by climate change. The guidelines specifically address funding eligibility for Bond Act opportunities that will be made available for municipal stormwater projects, one of several focus areas of the WQIP program.

 

“Properly functioning stormwater infrastructure is vital to ensuring the health and safety of our communities during and after weather events,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Projects funded through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act will increase the ability of more New York communities to better withstand flooding and severe weather events, and DEC encourages comments on these draft guidelines to help shape the future of New York’s stormwater systems.”

 

WQIP grants implement projects that directly improve water quality or aquatic habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. The guidelines support funding for construction or implementation projects that fit designated criteria for municipal stormwater projects.

 

The full eligibility guidelines are available in this week’s Environmental Notice Bulletin.

 

Public comments on the draft guidelines will be accepted until Friday, April 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. and can be submitted in writing: by mail to Stephanie June, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12223; and by email to Stephanie.June@dec.ny.gov (Place “Bond Act” in the subject line). Questions can be directed to (518) 402-8179.

Disadvantaged Communities 

The Bond Act requires that disadvantaged communities shall receive no less than 35 percent, with the goal of 40 percent, of the benefit of total Bond Act funds ($4.2 billion). Disadvantaged communities are those identified by the Climate Justice Working Group, pursuant to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Consistent with this Bond Act requirement, DEC will aim to prioritize 40 percent of grant awards benefit disadvantaged communities.

 

New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 

On Nov. 8, 2022, New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act. State agencies, local governments, and partners will be able to access funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change.

Since the Bond Act passed, an inter-agency working group comprised of multiple state agencies has been implementing a transparent and collaborative process to identify needs for environmental funding across the state to help develop program logistics. In the last year, the state announced a $200 million funding investment toward the state’s existing Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs, $100 million available for zero-emission school buses, $100 million available for Clean Green Schools, $13.1 million to support construction of the Adirondack Rail Trail, and State-administered forestry projects to plant 25 million trees by 2033. Find more Bond Act-related information and sign up for progress updates.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF NYC'S WORST LANDLORD, DANIEL OHEBSHALOM

 

"I've long said that the only two ways to stop the abuses and negligence of the worst landlords in our city were to arrest them or take their buildings away -- and now, Daniel Ohebshalom has experienced both. He has spent years at the top of our Worst Landlord Watchlist, hiding behind other associates, but now his actions, and the harm he has caused, are clear. 

"I commend the city for this decisive action -- accountability is the best route to improving landlord practices and the conditions at their buildings. We can’t stop at one building or owner – we need to change the systems that have permitted putting profit over people for too long, and impose severe consequences for severe negligence."