Thursday, January 12, 2017

EX-NYPD LIEUTENANT PLEADS GUILTY TO OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT; 42nd PRECINCT INTEGRITY CONTROL OFFICER STOLE TIME FROM NYPD


   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a former New York City Police Department lieutenant has pleaded guilty to Official Misconduct and agreed to repay compensation he received for claiming salary and overtime at his Bronx precinct when he was actually working a private detail at Yankee Stadium. 

    District Attorney Clark said, “What makes this crime by a police officer even worse is that the defendant served as his precinct’s Integrity Control Officer, who is supposed to root out corruption-prone officers. He has resigned from his job and will pay restitution of the few thousand dollars that was hardly worth disgracing his uniform.” 

   District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Archie Van Putten, 47, who was an NYPD lieutenant assigned to the 42nd Precinct in Morrisania, pleaded guilty today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Marc Whiten to Official Misconduct, an A misdemeanor. Van Putten has agreed to repay $3,453.62 in restitution. 

   District Attorney Clark said that, according to the investigation by the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau, on at least 20 occasions from 2014 to 2016, Van Putten reported to the 42nd Precinct for work, but instead of completing an 8-hour shift, he would leave early and work for a private vendor, the Yankee Stadium Paid Detail. Three times, Van Putten also reported working overtime, when he was in fact working for a private vendor. 

   The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Ann Lee and Allison Riesel of the Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Omer Wiczyk, Deputy Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, and Wanda Perez-Maldonado, Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, and the overall supervision of Stuart Levy, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division and Jean T. Walsh, Chief of the Investigations Division.

NYPD OFFICER CHARGED WITH DRIVING PATROL CAR WHILE INTOXICATED ON DUTY


Defendant Responded to Radio Call While Allegedly Under the Influence 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that an NYPD police officer has been indicted for Official Misconduct and driving while intoxicated while he was on duty and responding to a police call in the 52nd Precinct. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant was allegedly intoxicated while driving a patrol car to and from the scene of a complaint. Such irresponsible behavior is dangerous to the community he swore to protect, and will not be tolerated.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Richard Evans, 44, a police officer for 15 years, was indicted on Official Misconduct and four counts of Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett and released. He is due back in court on March 7, 2017. Evans faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted on the top charge.  

  According to the investigation, on December 8, 2016, during his midnight shift, Evans and his partner responded to a noise complaint on Webster Avenue near East 203rd Street. An individual at the scene called 911 to report that Evans appeared to be drunk, and Evans was observed slurring his words on video taken by another civilian at the scene. He drove back to the stationhouse, where two NYPD Sergeants and a Captain found him unfit to perform his duties. 

  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Stephen Knoepfler and Brian Connor of the Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Omer Wiczyk, Deputy Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, and Wanda Perez-Maldonado, Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, under the overall supervision of Stuart Levy, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division and Jean T. Walsh, Chief of the Investigations Division. 

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES MAJOR PROGRESS HELPING NEW YORKERS AFFORD THEIR HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS


Three years into Mayor’s housing plan: 41,600 families see rent-protected and needed repairs, 20,800 new affordable homes coming online for New Yorkers to rent

Affordable housing in 2016 hits 25-year high

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that his Administration financed more affordable housing in 2016 than in any time in the past 25 years. Three years in, his team has extended affordability for decades to come at 41,600 homes and spurred construction of 20,800 new affordable apartments.
  
There are apartments to serve everyone from seniors on fixed incomes, to formerly homeless families, to the nurses, teachers and first responders that make New York City run, and rents are generally set at about one-third of the income of incoming tenants.

Apply for affordable housing at nyc.gov/housingconnect or by calling 311.

The housing plan’s impact will be felt in more and more communities this year as the newly-built affordable homes that got underway just after Mayor de Blasio took office finish construction and begin renting to New Yorkers, and as the City’s targeted preservation programs lock-in affordable homes in neighborhoods facing gentrification.

“If you are worried about paying your rent, we are fighting for you every day. No matter how much it changes, this is still your city. It must be a place for everyone, or it won’t work for anyone. That’s why we are building and protecting the most affordable housing in a generation,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“This is about saving a mixed-income New York, and so we've held nothing back. We doubled the housing capital budget. We rewrote every term sheet to get more for the public in every housing project. We passed the biggest overhaul of City zoning in fifty years. And it is making a difference. Not since Ed Koch has this city built and protected as much affordable housing as we did in 2016. As we protect more buildings and our newly built apartments rent up, New Yorkers are going to see and feel a difference in their neighborhoods," said Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen.

The mayor stood with residents of at Monsignor Alexius Jarka Hall on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, where a $19-million preservation project will keep all 63 senior apartments affordable for another 35 years, as well as repair the building’s roof, exterior, plumbing and electrical system, and renovate each apartment’s kitchen. This work is typical in preservation agreements the City secures with building owners who agree to keep their property affordable. While rents for a one-bedroom apartment Williamsburg average $3,000 per month, no unit at Jarka Hall charges more than $1,000.

“It is good to know that in this crisis of affordability, there are political leaders who are willing to step forward to protect low-income housing in our communities, particularly that of some of our most vulnerable residents. The People’s Firehouse, Inc., and our sister organizations in the Mobilization Against Displacement, are working to retain the diversity and vitality of our North Brooklyn neighborhoods, while supporting housing policies which address changing demographics and expanding the range of those we serve,” Daniel Rivera, Executive Director, The People’s Firehouse, Inc., which owns the residence said.

With a combined total of 62,506 homes financed since 2014, Mayor de Blasio’s housing plan will reach the goal of building and preserving 200,000 units on time.

“Affordable housing is the bedrock of New York City’s diversity. Three years in, we are delivering results on record scale to ensure New Yorkers at every income can find or stay in housing they can afford, in the neighborhoods they love. Each of the 62,000 affordable homes we’ve financed represents an opportunity: for working families, the homeless, and the lowest income New Yorkers – all of whom have been hit by rising rents,” said HPD Commissioner Vicki Been. “This is a massive enterprise, involving not just an unparalleled investment of resources, but the creative thinking and commitment of the entire HPD team and our partners at all levels of government and across the affordable housing community, working together to shape a stronger, more inclusive City for generations to come.”

New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin said, “HDC applauds our many partners across government, private, and non-profit sectors who are dedicated to bringing the Mayor’s vision for a more equitable New York to reality. Creating and preserving more than 60,000 affordable homes since the inception of Housing New York is a great accomplishment, and certainly no easy task. This took a truly collaborative effort that has leveraged financing programs as diverse as the neighborhoods we serve to affect positive transformation and increased economic growth for our communities. I thank Mayor de Blasio for his leadership and dedication to improving the lives of all New Yorkers and look forward to even greater success in the coming years as we continue to work together to fulfill the goals of the Housing New York plan.”

New units financed under the Housing New York Plan are already starting to be available to come on line and families are starting to move into those homes. Nearly 10,000 newly constructed affordable homes have been made available to families in New York City since 2014 and the City estimates that another 3,500 new City-financed homes will be ready for families to move into in 2017.

In 2016, the City financed 21,963 homes: 6,844 newly constructed apartments and 15,119 preserved homes, representing a direct investment of $990 million by the City of New York, which leveraged more than $1.4 billion in bonds issued by the Housing Development Corporation, including $1.2 billion in Sustainable Neighborhood Bonds – the first social impact investment bond of its kind in the United States.

To meet the goals of Housing New York, the Mayor doubled the capital funding for HPD, and, most recently, in the ten-year capital plan included nearly $7.5 billion for affordable housing, and more than $1 billion in funding for the parks, libraries, road construction and other infrastructure necessary to support neighborhood growth and new housing opportunities.

Progress in 2016:

More senior housing: New programs, including the Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program have resulted in the new construction and preservation of 1,166 affordable apartments for a growing senior population, who too are often living on fixed incomes. This brings the total number of senior affordable apartments financed to date to more than 4,000. Significantly, the passage of Zoning for Quality and Affordability (ZQA) will allow for more and a broader range of senior affordable housing.

More apartments for the very lowest-income families: The federal government has historically provided housing support to the poorest households, while the City supported low-income working households. With Washington cutting back, the de Blasio Administration has stepped in with a new Extremely Low and Low Income Affordability (ELLA) program. In 2016, 19 percent of the homes financed were for New Yorkers making less than $19,050, or $24,500 for a family of three. Approximately 4,200 homes for extremely-low income families were financed last year, bringing the three-year total to 8,877.

New Rules for growth: Implemented the strongest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program in the nation that requires developers to create permanently affordable housing as a condition of development in areas rezoned for growth. MIH is responsible for over 4,500 affordable housing units, 1,500 of which will be permanently affordable.

Stable housing for the formerly homeless: Through a coordinated, multi-agency strategy to help stem the homelessness crisis and return families to stable housing, the City financed 2,546 apartments for the formerly homeless in 2016, bringing the HNY total to 5,160.

Easier Access: Introduced new affordable housing lottery rules to make it simpler and fairer to apply. The changes prohibit owners from rejecting an applicant solely on the basis of credit history or housing court history; promote a streamlined interview process to reduce applicant no-shows; offer greater language access and accessibility for people with disabilities at all stages of the application process; consistency in how developers and marketing agents communicate with applicants; increased privacy protections; and increased transparency of the appeal process.

Construction Type CY 2016 Starts HNY Starts to Date
New Construction
6844
20854
Preservation 15119 41652
Total Plan To Date
21963
62506

Click here for full housing production fact sheet.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES NEW CENTER FOR FAITH AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS


   Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the creation of the Center for Faith and Community Partnerships to transform the way in which faith organizations and other community organizations access City services. The Center for Faith and Community Partnerships will serve as a direct line to City Hall, connecting local and citywide coalitions of leaders to services that increase equity and inspire civic engagement throughout our neighborhoods.

“Many New Yorkers flock to their faith and community leaders in search of guidance and comfort in times of need, not knowing where to access City programs and services that can help them,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The new Center for Faith and Community Partnerships will bridge this gap and support the valuable work our leaders already do.” 

The Center for Faith and Community Partnerships will be housed within the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit and led by Jonathan Soto. The office will hire new staff members, including borough coordinators.   

“In the past three years, the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit has worked to connect everyday New Yorkers to City initiatives aimed to address affordable housing, public safety and other quality of life issues,” said Marco Carrión, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit. “A one-stop-shop for resources, information and other supports is needed and I am happy to welcome the Center for Faith and Community partnerships to our office’s strategic outreach and engagement efforts.” 

"Since its inception, the Mayor's Clergy Advisory Council has catalyzed key partnerships between citywide and neighborhood-based community leaders, leading to initiatives that have improved the lives of many New Yorkers," said Jonathan Soto, Executive Director of the Center for Faith and Community Partnerships."The Center for Faith and Community Partnerships will broaden the impact of City Hall's existing initiatives, and we look forward to bringing all New Yorkers into this important work."

“It is with great enthusiasm that I applaud Mayor de Blasio's latest initiative to connect New Yorkers to resources that exist within City government. The Center for Faith and Community Partnerships will creatively engage and partner with the City's faith and community leaders to deliver these much needed resources,” said Reverend Michael A. Walrond Jr., Senior Pastor at First Corinthian Baptist and Chair of the Mayor's Clergy Advisory Council.

"As we address the city's critical need for affordable housing, it is imperative that we seize every opportunity to press land into service for affordable homes," said Vicki Been, Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development.  "That is why HPD has been working closely with the Mayor’s Clergy Advisory Council and the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit to let faith-based institutions and other mission-driven organizations know about opportunities for the preservation and development of affordable housing, and work with them to provide their communities with tenant protection resources. We look forward to working with the Center for Faith and Community Partnerships to support the many faith and community based organizations with underused land that could help meet the need for quality, safe, affordable housing."

“Community and faith-organizations already help us to reach and serve New Yorkers from all walks of life,” said Michael Owh, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services. “The new center will increase our capacity to find new partners and develop relevant programs to meet the needs of our diverse residents.”

"Supporting our faith and community leaders by better connecting them to City services is critical to ensuring neighborhoods across the city are plugged into those resources," said NYC Chief Service Officer Paula Gavin. "NYC Service is excited to support this effort to help catalyze civic engagement and we thank the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit for their leadership."

THE BRONX PARTNERS WITH ZIPCAR TO GENERATE MORE TRAFFIC TO RESTAURANTS


  Aim is to increase business during post-holiday slowdown

  The Bronx Tourism Council announced an initiative with Zipcar to help promote restaurants and other businesses in the borough. The emphasis is on giving Zipcar members added value while introducing them to eating establishments not easily-accessible by subway. Restaurants, as well as some stores, will be offering 15% off food items and select products in areas such as Riverdale, Throggs Neck, City Island, and Arthur Avenue, recently named one of America’s Greatest Streets by the American Planners Association. These neighborhoods are off the beaten path and suffer most once the holiday rush is over and winter sets in.

“That’s no reason to stay home,” says Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of The Bronx Tourism Council. She adds, “There are plenty of delicious reasons to bundle up and get out there.”
“Our borough is home to some of the greatest restaurants and eateries the city has to offer, and this partnership between The Bronx Tourism Council and Zipcar will provide epicureans with an opportunity to explore the great tastes our borough has to offer. I congratulate Zipcar on this tremendous new partnership with The Bronx Tourism Council, and I look forward to working with them in the future,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Restaurants participating in the promotion include:

Riverdale:     
Bacco, 3524 Johnson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463
Blackstone, 3713 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463
Moss Café, 3260 Johnson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463


Throggs Neck:
Escape Latino, 1841 Hobart Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461
Ice House Café, 140 Reynolds Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465
Lucca Restaurant, 3019 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461
Outback Steakhouse, 270 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY 10475


Arthur Avenue: 
Catania’s Pizzeria & Café, 2307 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY 10458

City Island:    
Bistro SK, 273 City Island Avenue, Bronx, NY 10464

Other Participants:
Bronx Brewery, 856 East 136th Street, Bronx, NY 10454

Gun Hill Brewing Company, 3227 Laconia Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469
Gun Hill Tavern, 780 East 133rd Street, Bronx, NY 10454
                  

In addition to restaurants, the website will include boutique shops, museums and galleries to peruse, and specialty markets that offer a variety of products.

Kaleidoscope Gallery – 15% off select items, 280 City Island Avenue
Focal Point Gallery – 15-30% off select items, 321 City Island Avenue
Cerini Coffee & Gifts – 15% off select items, 2334 Arthur Avenue

Other participating institutions can be found in the Zipcar “Deals” page at Zipcar.com/bronxguide.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr - 2017 State of the Borough Address


You are cordially invited to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s
2017 State of the Borough Address.
The Honorable Ruben Diaz Jr.
President, Borough of The Bronx

cordially invites you to
The State of The Borough Address
Thursday, February 23, 2017
11:30 a.m.
John F. Kennedy High School
99 Terrace View Avenue
The Bronx
seating is limited

Independent Democratic Conference members receive leadership posts on influential committees


  Members of the Independent Democratic Conference gained top Senate committee leadership roles when they were handed up on Tuesday including appointments on Labor, Banks, Consumer Affairs, Children and Families, Health, Finance and Codes.

The influential chairmanships and vice chairmanships provide venues for IDC members to oversee important policy and legislative matters.

“As our conference grows, I’m proud that Independent Democratic Conference all of our members will continue to lead the way by serving on key Senate committees where they will shape policy and legislation that matters to all New Yorkers. I congratulate my members on their new positions and their deep dedication to this state,” said Majority Coalition and IDC Leader Jeff Klein.

Newly-minted Senator Marisol Alcantara will serve as the State Senate’s Labor Chairwoman. She brings with her a breadth of knowledge on labor issues. She served as a union organizer for SEIU 32BJ and, most recently, as an organizer for the New York State’s Nurses Association. She received a Master’s degree in Labor relations from the CUNY Murphy Institute of Labor. A daughter of transit workers, she is a member of the Steel Workers union.

The Senate’s Labor Committee will have the opportunity to discuss the IDC’s “No Worker Left Behind” policy which seeks to enhance wages beyond $15 for direct care workers and protect car wash workers from exploitation by making them eligible for the minimum wage. Also key in the IDC’s Changing NY Agenda, the “Made by New Yorkers,” proposal, which aims to bring manufacturing back to the state, generate jobs and brand products made in the state will be discussed in this committee.

“As a longtime labor organizer and activist, I understand both the enduring achievements of the labor movement and the importance of strong labor laws that ensure justice and humanity in the workplace. Most of our lives are spent at work, and New Yorkers deserve to be treated fairly and with respect by their employers. As such, I take the chairwomanship of the Labor Committee as a solemn responsibility to which I will bring strong values forged over a lifetime of working within the labor movement,” said Senator Alcantara.

Senator Jesse Hamilton will serve as the State Senate’s Chairman on Banks. An attorney, he worked for the City’s Department of Finance for 28 years.

“I previously worked as the ranking member of the Senate’s Committee on Banks and I’m proud to take the reigns this session. We have a lot of issues to examine like the exploitation of the elderly in the reverse mortgage industry and on M/WBEs. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” said Senator Hamilton.

IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky will continue to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Health Committee. Senator Valesky has worked as the Vice Chair on Health for two years.

“From making sure policy keeps New Yorkers healthy to ensuring the wellness of our hospitals, our health care institutions and everyone employed in the health care industry, I’m proud to serve once again as the Senate’s Health Committee Vice Chair. We will not let another Hoosick Falls happen again, and this year I will focus on protecting our public drinking water,” said Senator Valesky.

In his role, Senator Valesky will push legislation to adopt the EPA’s list of unregulated contaminants into state law, giving small communities the resources to test their water supplies for these dangerous substances. He will also call for a strategic water safety fund to drive a study and long term plan to ensure a safe water supply for all New Yorkers. These investments include identifying technologies to improve monitoring of public water supplies, identifying new revenue streams to invest in statewide water handling infrastructure and other recommendations to prevent further crises.

Senator David Carlucci will serve as the Chairman of Consumer Protection.

“Making sure that consumers are protected is critical for economic success.  As Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, I will fight to crackdown and eliminate scam artists and also promote best practices to help businesses grow and thrive,” said Senator Carlucci.

As Chair of Consumer Protection, Senator Carlucci will work on the IDC’s Utility Consumer Advocate proposal. This advocate would would operate independently and provide a meaningful voice for consumers who currently have no voice in the rate-setting process.

Senator Diane Savino will serve as Vice Chairwoman of both the Finance and the Code Committees. She’s previously served as the head of the Labor and Bank committees. The Finance Committee will have the opportunity to examine the IDC’s “College Affordability for All” proposal, which aims to expand Tuition Assistance Awards to more middle-class students across the state, regardless of immigration status.

“Both the Finance and the Codes committees are vital in the State Senate, and I’m honored to serve as vice chairwoman of each of these distinguished groups and continue fighting for the issues most important to New Yorkers,” said Senator Savino.

Senator Tony Avella will serve as the Chairman of the Children and Families Committee. He previously served as its chair in the 2015-16 session.

“I have dedicated my life to protecting working and middle-class New Yorkers and I look forward to continuing that effort as the Chairman of the Children and Families Committee. I am happy to continue in this role and look forward to ensuring the safety and well-being of New York’s families in that capacity," said Senator Avella.

The Children and Families Committee will address important issues such as raising the age of criminal responsibility for 16- and 17-year-olds, an issue where New York trails behind 48 other states. In addition, the committee will work on expanding afterschool programs, providing children and adolescents in a safe environment to grow academically and stay off the streets, as well as expanding the child care tax credit.

As a leader of the Senate, IDC Leader Klein is considered an ex officio member of every committee.

The IDC also handed up conference leadership roles for this year’s legislative session:

  • Senator Klein will serve as IDC Leader,

  • Senator Valesky will serve as IDC Deputy Leader for Legislative Operations,

  • Senator Carlucci will serve as IDC Whip,

  • Senator Savino will serve as IDC Liaison to the Executive Branch; and

  • Senator Avella will serve as IDC Assistant Conference Leader for Policy and Administration.

"Mark Gjonaj for NYC Council" Campaign Kick-Off "


  Last night the Mark Gjonaj for City Council campaign was kicked off with a well attended fundraiser at the F & J Pine Restaurant on Bronxdale Avenue. 13th City Council candidate candidate Mark Gjonaj had the following statement.

Dear Friend,

I hope you had a wonderful Holiday season. As we enter the new year, I am thrilled to announce that I am embarking on a new journey. In case you missed it, I have officially announced my run for New York City Council - District 13. I look forward to continue serving you. From City Hall, I will be in a better position to create more jobs, enhance our neighborhoods, increase our police force, and combat homelessness. I look forward to displaying the type of leadership my neighbors have come to know and expect from me.

With my campaign's first fundraising deadline quickly approaching next week, I hope I can count on your continued support and friendship. Please join me as we kick-off my candidacy for NYC Council.

For additional information, contact Vera at (718) 755-2920 or NewYorkersforMarkGjonaj@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your support.

Yours Truly,
Mark Gjonaj


Above - 13 City Council candidate Mark Gjonaj outlines his plan to help and improve the 13th City Council district he hopes to represent.
Below - Future 13th City Councilman (?) Mark Gjonaj stands with his lovely wife Roberta on his left, Sister Elsa (to his right), and his very proud mother Rosa.