Permits Filed For 1410 Vyse Avenue In Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 1410 Vyse Avenue in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Located between Freeman Street and Jennings Street, the lot is a short walk from the Freeman Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Moses Ostreicher under the 1410 Vyse LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 54-foot-tall development will yield 7,709 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 15 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 513 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a penthouse, cellar, a 30-foot-long rear yard, and two open parking spaces.

Oleg Ruditser of Engineering Professional Service is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

TODAY: AOC on NY1, 1010 WINS, PIX11, News12

 

TODAY: AOC on NY1, PIX11, 1010 WINS, News12

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will be on the following morning shows to discuss the Trump rally in The Bronx:

• NY1 Mornings on 1 airing at 8:30 AM ET
• PIX11 Morning News airing at 9:15 AM ET
• 1010WINS airing at 10 AM ET
• News12 The Bronx airing at 4 PM ET

EDITOR'S NOTE:

So why won't you debate your Democratic opponent Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez?

CHARGES FOR BOTH LIQUOR STORE OWNER AND TWO ALLEGED SHOPLIFTERS AFTER INCIDENTS ON WYCKOFF AVENUE

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Edwin Poaquiza and Kevin Pullatasi are charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing two bottles of liquor from Franja Wine and Liquors on Wyckoff Avenue. Separately, store owner Franscisco Valerio is charged with assault for allegedly discharging his weapon when attempting to pistol-whip a man on the sidewalk outside his liquor store.

District Attorney Katz said: “Two crimes, inside and outside a liquor store, resulted in three people being charged in this case.  As alleged, brazen thieves stole merchandise from a neighborhood liquor shop.  After the store was targeted by these shoplifters, the stolen merchandise was recovered and the two men were escorted out of the store.  At that point, the store owner was physically attacked by one of the men.  Unfortunately, as alleged, that led to a reckless shooting by the store owner on a public street in broad daylight.  All three of the defendants in this incident will have to answer charges against them.”

Francisco Valerio, 53, of Brooklyn, New York, was arraigned last night on charges of assault in the second and third degrees, reckless endangerment in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Judge Anthony Battisti ordered the defendant to return to court July 29. If convicted of the top count, Francisco Valerio faces up to seven years in prison.

Defendant Edwin Poaquiza, 20, of Brooklyn, New York was separately arraigned last night on a charge of petit larceny. Judge Battisti ordered the defendant to return to court on July 24. If convicted, Poaquiza faces up to 364 days in jail.

Defendant Kevin Pullatasi, 20, of Brooklyn, New York remains in the hospital for treatment for a gunshot wound and criminal charges against him are pending.

According to the charges and statements made in court

• At approximately 7:40 p.m. on May 20 inside the Franja Wine and Liquors at 785 Wyckoff Avenue, Luis Valerio, the owner’s brother and store employee, observed Pullatasi take a bottle of Ciroc vodka from the shelf and conceal it under his jacket.

• Luis Valerio then confronted Pullatasi.

• At that point, store owner Francisco Valerio observed Poaquiza take a brown liquor bottle from a store shelf and place it inside his jacket.

• Luis and Francisco Valerio then had Poaquiza and Pullatasi return the bottles of liquor while inside the store.

• Poaquiza and Pullatasi indicated that they wanted to purchase the alcohol.

• The Valerios asked the two men to leave and a verbal argument started. They then demanded that the men leave and pushed them out of the store.

• The Valerios remained in the doorway of the liquor store and Poaquiza and Pullatasi went outside the store and were on the sidewalk.

• Once outside the store, Poaquiza and Pullatasi engaged in a heated verbal argument with the Valerios.

• On the sidewalk, Poaquiza and Pullatasi turned and walked away from the owner and the employee.

• The employee continued to verbally engage Pullatasi and then Pullatasi ran back toward the doorway of the liquor store where the employee and owner were still standing.

• When Pullatasi got to the doorframe, one of the two men from store kicked Pullatasi.

• At that point Pullatasi kicked both men, punched them and tried to slam the door on their hands.

• Francisco Valerio – who has a concealed carry permit – took out his firearm, which had been concealed in his rear waistband.

• Francisco Valerio shot Pullatasi when attempting to strike Pullatasi with his gun.

• Pullatasi was shot once in the abdomen and was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated for internal bleeding as the result of the gunshot wound.

• Responding officers recovered a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol from Francisco Valerio.

• Francisco Valerio and Poaquiza were taken into custody. 

The investigation was conducted by Detective Paul Palminteri of the New York City Police Department’s 104th Precinct.

Two Alleged Members of a Transnational Money Laundering Organization Arrested for Laundering Millions of Dollars in Drug Proceeds

 

Two alleged members of a transnational money laundering organization were arrested on criminal charges related to their alleged involvement in a scheme to launder millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds for Mexican drug trafficking organizations, including the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels (also known as CJNG).

Li Pei Tan, 46, of Buford, Georgia, was arrested May 22. Chaojie Chen, 41, a foreign national residing in Chicago, was arrested on April 18.

According to court documents, Tan and Chen allegedly worked for a money laundering organization that laundered millions of dollars in proceeds related to the importation of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico, and the unlawful distribution of these drugs. Tan, Chen, and their co-conspirators allegedly traveled throughout the United States to collect proceeds derived from trafficking in fentanyl and other drugs (or to cause them to be collected). They allegedly communicated and coordinated with co-conspirators in China and other foreign countries to arrange for the laundering of these proceeds through financial transactions that were designed to conceal the illicit source of the drug proceeds.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Drug Threat Assessment, the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels are at the heart of the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

Tan and Chen are charged in separate criminal complaints with conspiring to commit money laundering. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia; and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram made the announcement.

The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit is investigating the case, with assistance from the DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit and the DEA’s offices in Chicago, Atlanta, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Trial Attorney Mary K. Daly of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edgardo J. Rodriguez for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Georgia and Northern District of Illinois.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Governor Hochul Continues Tackling Youth Mental Health Crisis with Nation-Leading Efforts to Protect and Support Young People

 

Nation-Leading Legislation to Address Harmful Impacts of Social Media and Protect Kids Online Among Governor’s Top Priorities in Remaining Weeks of 2024 Legislative Session

Expanding School-Based Mental Health Clinics to Serve Thousands More Students Statewide

Establishing the Nation’s Largest Program of Youth Assertive Community Treatment Teams to Support Children and Families

Governor Kathy Hochul reinforced her commitment to protecting the mental health of kids and teenagers by making it a top priority to enact nation-leading legislation addressing online safety and the harmful impacts of social media in the final weeks of the 2024 State Legislative Session. The Governor also highlighted significant progress in bringing mental health care and resources directly to more young people in their homes, schools and communities statewide.

“Each generation faces unique challenges – and our kids are facing a mental health crisis that requires us to confront the complexities of the digital age,” Governor Hochul said. “New York will continue leading the nation by combatting addictive social media algorithms, protecting kids online and ensuring they can get the support they need.”

The Governor was joined today by Jarret Hova, Senior Advisor and Policy Counsel to Attorney General James; Melinda Person, President of the New York State United Teachers; Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic to declare a strong commitment to advancing two pieces of legislation by the end of the Legislative Session in June. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act will restrict the addictive features of social media and the New York Child Data Protection Act will restrict the collection of minors’ personal data by online sites.

Attorney General James has been a key partner with the Governor in leading this effort, as the two stood together in October to introduce both bills alongside the sponsors.

Additionally, a young person spoke today to share her lived experience with these important issues. Mekka Vasquez, a high school student from Schenectady County, spoke in support of enacting the social media legislation as quickly as possible, and talked about the positive impacts of getting help from her district’s school-based mental health clinic satellite.

As part of her $1 billion investment in mental health statewide, Governor Hochul has also significantly expanded access to mental health care and resources for young people and their families. This focus on youth supports and services continued with additional investments secured by the Governor in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget.

Governor Hochul took steps in her Enacted Budget to expand mental health support for children across the state and ensure their voices are heard, making good on an agenda she unveiled in her State of the State address in January. The Governor announced $20 million in start-up funding for school-based mental health clinics and launched a rolling application, which will make it easier for interested schools to establish these satellites than through the state procurement process previously used. The announcement built on the $5.1 million awarded in November to support 137 new school-based clinics, including 82 at high needs schools, and bringing the total number of clinics to more than 1,200 statewide.

Last year, Governor Hochul also conducted a state-wide listening tour with young New Yorkers and hosted the first-ever state Summit on Youth Mental Health. Following the June 2023 summit, the State released a Youth Mental Health Listening Tour Report, which highlighted some of the key themes incorporated in the recommendations provided by more than 200 participants statewide.

Also, Governor Hochul is expanding the Youth ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) program to ensure resources and supports are available for more youth and families. These teams enable young people struggling with mental illness to stay in their homes and school communities, rather than receiving treatment in residential and inpatient settings. The FY 2025 Enacted Budget includes $9.6 million to add 12 new teams statewide.

DEC Announces Muskellunge Fishing Season Openers

 

Season Starts June 1 for Inland Waters and June 15 for Great Lakes Waters

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the fishing seasons for muskellunge begin on June 1 in inland waters and on June 15 in Great Lakes waters—Lake Erie, Upper Niagara River, Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, and tributaries to these waters.

“Muskies are a premier freshwater sportfish, and New York has some of the best trophy muskie fishing opportunities anywhere in the world,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “DEC’s fish and wildlife experts have done a remarkable job stewarding our fisheries and we encourage all anglers to take advantage of the high quality fishing opportunities across the state during this upcoming season.”

Often referred to as the "fish of 10,000 casts," muskellunge, or "muskies," are considered the ultimate trophy by anglers who pursue them. They are the top predator in waters they inhabit and are legendary in their ability to challenge and confound the angler. It is that challenge, combined with the potential for massive size (sometimes exceeding 50 inches and 50 pounds) and a well-earned reputation as a powerful fighter, that has inspired many anglers to forsake other fish in pursuit of the elusive muskie.

The St. Lawrence River, Upper Niagara River, and Chautauqua Lake are popular hotspots for trophy muskies. Other high-quality muskie waters are Waneta, Greenwood, Bear, and Cassadaga lakes, and the Susquehanna, Chenango, and Great Chazy rivers. In all, there are at least 13 lakes and 19 rivers that have muskellunge populations in New York State. Muskellunge are managed as a trophy fish in New York, reflected by minimum size regulations of 40 inches for inland waters and 54 inches for Great Lakes waters.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/.

For tips on how to catch muskies, see “Muskie 101” on the DEC website. For information on freshwater fishing regulations, visit DEC’s website. Information on fishing access is available through the DECinfo Locator and in the Tackle Box feature of the HuntFishNY app.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS TO NEW CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION

 

Appointments Include Former Elected Officials, Civic and Faith Leaders, Community Members

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of the full slate of 13 members of the Charter Revision Commission (CRC) announced yesterday. The CRC will be chaired by Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, and will be tasked with reviewing the charter and determining how to make New York City’s municipal government more responsive and transparent to the city’s residents. Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York State Conference, will serve as vice chair, and Kenny Ngai, a 20-year veteran of New York City law enforcement, will serve as secretary of the CRC.

The 13-member CRC will review the entire city charter to ensure that the city's municipal government works efficiently and remains responsive to all New Yorkers. More specifically, Mayor Adams has asked the CRC to focus on how the charter can contribute to public safety and provide opportunities for greater community input and transparency when legislation is proposed that would impact public safety. Additionally, Mayor Adams has asked the CRC to focus on how the charter can better promote fiscal responsibility and support working-class New Yorkers. The CRC will have the ability to evaluate processes for determining the financial impact of proposed legislation on current and future fiscal years, whether the financial impact is funded, and making that information more transparent to the public.

“Today marks a significant step forward towards enhancing transparency, responsiveness in city government, and further civic engagement as we appoint all 13 dedicated members of the Charter Revision Commission,” said Mayor Adams. “Their mission to explore innovative ways for the public to contribute to our city's governance will be critical in moving our city forward. Together, we will work to make New York City safer and more inclusive for all its residents.”

“I am honored and grateful to be named chair of the New York City Charter Revision Commission by Mayor Eric Adams,” said Carlo Scissura, chair, CRC. “As a lifelong New Yorker, it is truly remarkable to get to continue to serve the city I love. Having served on two previous charter commissions, I am excited to work with my fellow commissioners and to listen to the voices of New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”

“As someone who has spent their entire career working to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, I am honored to join the Charter Revision Commission to help identify ways that we can make city government more efficient and transparent,” said Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, vice chair, CRC. “Together, we will work to ensure that our city’s charter reflects the values and needs of every resident, especially those who too often find themselves without a seat at the table.”

“I am proud to accept this responsibility to serve on the Charter Revision Commission and look forward to working with my colleagues to identify ways that we can further the city’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and, above all, the safety of every New Yorker,” said Ken Ngai, secretary, CRC. “Our top priority is pursuing policies that create pathways to prosperity for all, and I look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the city to achieve that mission.”

The members of the CRC are:

Carlo Scissura (Chair)

Carlo Scissura has participated in two Charter Revision Commissions in the past. Scissura currently serves as president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, a position he has held since January 2017. Previously, Scissura was president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Brooklyn Chamber, Scissura served as both chief of staff and general counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for nearly five years.

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes (Vice Chair)

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes is president of the NAACP New York State Conference. She is also a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, a member of the NAACP Executive Committee, and an active member of various NAACP board sub-committees. Dr. Dukes is a woman of great strength and courage whose dedication to human rights and equality is exemplified by her role linking business, government, and social causes. Additionally, Dr. Dukes serves as the president of the Hazel N. Dukes & Associates Consultant Firm, specializing in the areas of public policy, health, and diversity.

Ken Ngai (Secretary)

Ken Ngai is a well-respected law enforcement professional with more than 20 years of experience protecting public safety in New York City. He has an extensive background in high-risk global financial crimes, undercover narcotics investigations, counter terrorist financing, and cyber environments. Ngai is an expert in identifying financial crime patterns, risk assessment, and enterprise risk management, as well as identifying trends and emerging threats to address and mitigate risks.

Kyle Bragg

Kyle Bragg served for four decades at the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 32BJ, and retired as president after serving in that position since 2019. He now serves as a trustee of several 32BJ funds and as chair of the union’s social and economic justice committee. He is also a member of the executive board of the National African American Caucus of SEIU and serves on the international union’s first Racial Justice Task Force.

Reverend Herbert Daughtry, Sr.

Reverend Herbert Daughtry Sr. is a civil rights activist who hails from a family that has produced five generations of church leaders. He serves as the national presiding minister of the House of the Lord Churches, headquartered in Brooklyn. With more than 60 years of involvement in church and community service, Reverend Daughtry Sr. has earned the title of “The People’s Pastor.”

Ruben Díaz Jr.

Ruben Díaz. Jr. represented his hometown and the people of the Bronx for more than two decades, serving in the state Legislature for seven terms and serving as Bronx borough president for three terms. During his career in public service, Díaz Jr. championed a “New Bronx” agenda on economic development, housing, education, and public safety.

Lorraine Grillo

Lorraine Grillo began her public service career as a community relations specialist at the New York City School Construction Authority, serving in several senior roles in the authority before being appointed as CEO and president in 2014. Grillo served as senior advisor to Mayor Bill de Blasio for COVID-19 recovery and as commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction from July 2018 until December 2021. She most recently served as first deputy mayor to Mayor Adams.

Christopher B. Lynch

Christopher B. Lynch is a lifelong public servant. For the last decade, he has worked as a substitute teacher with the New York City Department of Education. Previously, he served over 20 years with the New York City Department of Correction’s Health Management Division, retiring as a captain.

Stephanie McGraw

Stephanie McGraw is the founder and CEO of We All Really Matter (WARM), a domestic violence organization founded in 2010 out of her own vicious cycle of abuse. Through her journey, McGraw yearned to see service providers working through an inclusive, culturally competent lens. By establishing WARM, she became the first Black woman to create a domestic violence agency in Harlem. The organization now operates citywide and has expanded to provide economic empowerment services in Ghana and throughout Africa.

Max Rose

Max Rose is the vice chairman of The Soufan Group, a global intelligence and security consultancy, and chairman and CEO of Pontis Partners, a strategic advisory firm for private companies and nonprofits. A former congressman from New York’s 11^th District, Rose proudly represented Staten Island and South Brooklyn in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019-2020. Rose was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 2010 as an infantry officer and still serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as a major.

Jackie Rowe-Adams

Jackie Rowe-Adams worked tirelessly with youth and seniors as a music specialist with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation from 1986 until her retirement in late 2021. After losing two sons to gun violence, Rowe-Adams co-founded Harlem Mothers Stop Another Violent End, an organization instituted to end the dreaded scourge of violence in the Harlem community. She has received numerous awards and citations for her social activism, and her efforts have inspired love and respect from all who have had the opportunity to meet her. She is a life-long resident of Harlem.

Bishop Gerald G. Seabrooks

Bishop Gerald G. Seabrooks is the pastor of the Rehoboth Cathedral, a purpose-driven ministry located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Bishop Seabrooks has actualized “the holistic approach” by servicing humanity both spiritually and socially. He is also currently employed as a licensed guidance counselor and pedagogue by the New York City Department of Education. He previously served as the executive vice president of a prestigious community multi-service corporation for over 25 years.

Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz

Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz is the senior rabbi of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in New York. A much sought-after speaker and teacher with over three decades of experience in the rabbinate, Rabbi Steinmetz has mastered the art of presenting the timeless wisdom of ancient texts in a contemporary way.

Comptroller Lander Releases FY 2025 Executive Budget Analysis and Testifies to City Council

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released his office’s Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget Analysis and testified to the City Council on New York City’s economy and City finances.

Excerpts from Comptroller Lander’s testimony: 

“Stronger fiscal management is not contrary to deeper investment in programs that create opportunities and address severe affordability challenges facing working class New Yorkers. Quite the opposite, it helps us to preserve and target resources to where they are most needed, so that New York City can remain a place of opportunity for New Yorkers at all income levels, and the city can continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.”

“Strategic investments in areas like special education services may cost money in the short run but will ultimately improve student outcomes and reduce a billion in annual spending on special education Carter cases.”

“Instead of cutting core services, the City’s fiscal health and the lives of New Yorkers would be better served by planning and implementing long-term efficiency measures in each financial plan that gradually build over time and reduce waste, not service delivery.”

The Comptroller’s Office’s FY 2025 Executive Budget Report is available here. 

The hearing can be viewed online here.