Permits Filed For 2065 Valentine Avenue In Tremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story residential building at 2065 Valentine Avenue in Tremont, The Bronx. Located between East Burnside Avenue and East 180th Street, the lot is near the 182-183 Streets subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Alaudin Kolenovic of AK Premier Contracting Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 66-foot-tall development will yield 9,562 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 13 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 735 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a 30-foot-long rear yard but no accessory parking.

Badaly Engineering is listed as the architect of record.

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

State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Legislators Call on Governor Hochul to Fully Fund Safety Net Hospitals

 

Pictured left to right: State Senators Nathalia Fernandez, Jessica Salazar, Gustavo Rivera, and Zellnor Myrie

New York State Senators Gustavo Rivera and Zellnor Myrie were joined by several colleagues in holding a press conference in Albany calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to fully fund safety net hospitals. Specifically, the legislators urged Governor Hochul to reinstate the $700 million in funding for safety net hospitals that was cut from the Governor’s FY 2024 proposed budget and allocate an additional $600 million to allow these anchor institutions to make sustainable investments for the patients they serve.

 

Safety net hospitals primarily serve uninsured and/or low-income individuals residing in most underserved communities that suffer from disproportionate rates of chronic disease, poor social determinants of health, and experienced significantly worse health outcomes during the pandemic. Medicaid rates have not been meaningfully increased in New York since 2008 and because safety net hospitals largely care for Medicaid-dependent or uninsured patients, these hospitals are unable to offset the low reimbursement, forcing them to run deep negative operating margins.

 

To solve this problem, NYS Senator Rivera, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, introduced the Health Equity Stabilization and Transformation Act, which would allow the State to leverage a larger share of Federal Medicaid funds and ensure safety net hospitals are reimbursed appropriately. If the FY 2024 budget includes the $1.3 billion for safety net hospitals, this Act would unlock an additional $2.6 billion in unused federal government dollars for the State and free up roughly $2 billion in Disproportionate Share Hospital funding to use for other priorities.

 

“Safety net hospitals are a lifeline for the communities they serve,” said

State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “It is critical that Governor Hochul follows through on her commitment to improve health equity by fully funding safety net hospitals in this year’s budget and passing the Health Equity Stabilization and Transformation Act – millions of New Yorkers are counting on it.”

 

"Safety net hospitals have been there for our communities when we needed them most,” said State Senator Zellnor Myrie. “By passing the Health Equity Stabilization and Transformation Act, we can end the two-tiered system of care in our state and leverage additional federal dollars to make sure our safety nets have the resources they need to continue providing care to the New Yorkers who depend on them."

 

“There are millions of people in New York State who depend on safety net hospitals for care,” said Assemblymember Latrice M. Walker. “They predominantly serve low-income patients who are often dependent on Medicaid or don’t have insurance. The governor’s proposed budget cuts will have an adverse impact on patient care and the financial stability of hospitals that serve some of the most vulnerable among us. These are hospitals that were on the frontlines during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Now it’s time for the state to step up for them, not only with proper funding, but also by passing the Health Equity Stabilization and Transformation Act, which will change the way hospitals are reimbursed for Medicaid patients.”

 

"Safety Net hospitals are important for my district and there should be an increase in funding, not a decrease in funding,” said Assemblymember Nikki Lucas. “At a time when everyone talks about equity and fairness, how is it that decisions that are being made about healthcare funding in areas that have been underserved for so many years, can be so unequitable and unfair. New York's safety net hospitals are essential community healthcare providers that have been chronically underfunded and overlooked for decades. This is a perfect opportunity for everyone who raises the equity flag to stand up for what is right. I am standing with my colleagues to call on Governor Hochul to reinstate the $700 million from last year’s budget and provide an additional $600 million that will allow these safety net hospitals to invest in critical services and programs.”

 

JOSE GONZALEZ SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR 2017 MURDER OF FDNY EMT YADIRA ARROYO

 

Gonzalez Was Convicted of First-Degree Murder in March; Defendant Ran Victim Over with Her Ambulance

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that Jose Gonzalez has been sentenced to life in prison without parole today for the murder of FDNY Emergency Medical Technician Yadira Arroyo, who he ran over with her ambulance in March 2017.

 District Attorney Clark said, “Today, Jose Gonzalez was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the horrific and senseless death of Yadira Arroyo, a mother of five. It closes a long and difficult chapter for the victim’s family and her FDNY colleagues, who have waited for justice for six years. Despite the sentencing, Yadi will forever be missed by her loved ones, and the pain will always be there. We take comfort in knowing that her memory will live on through her loved ones and the communities she served while working as an EMT for 14 years.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jose Gonzalez, 31, last of 2388 Creston Avenue, was sentenced today to life in prison without parole by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus. Gonzalez was found guilty of first-degree Murder on March 8, 2023, after a nearly a one-month long jury trial. The trial against Gonzalez was delayed after multiple court hearings on the defendant’s mental fitness to stand trial. He was deemed unfit in May 2022 and was sent to a psychiatric facility and was then deemed fit to stand trial in September 2022.

 According to the investigation, on the evening of March 16, 2017 in the vicinity of Watson Avenue and White Plains Road, the defendant grabbed on to the back of the victim’s ambulance and rode on it, then jumped off and stole a backpack from a young man. The robbery victim flagged down Arroyo’s ambulance and she got out of the vehicle and spoke briefly to Gonzalez. The defendant then jumped into the driver’s seat of the ambulance, and Arroyo and her partner, who was in the passenger seat, told him to get out. Gonzalez put the car in reverse, striking Arroyo, then drove forward, pinning her under the vehicle and dragging her across the intersection. He crashed the vehicle into a snowbank and exited the ambulance.

 An on-duty MTA Police Officer, Daniel McDade, was nearby and saw the defendant drag the victim with the ambulance and confronted him. When Gonzalez tried to run away, the Officer tackled the defendant and handcuffed him, with the help of several civilians.

 Arroyo sustained multiple injuries and was taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

 District Attorney Clark thanked former MTA Police Officer Daniel McDade; the 43rd Precinct Detective Squad, specifically NYPD Detective Robert Rentas; and NYPD Detective Christopher Skulsky of Bronx Homicide for their work in the investigation.

U.S. Attorney Charges Convicted Sex Offender On Probation With Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor And Making Extortionate Interstate Communications

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the arrest of CAMERON MCEWEN, a 21-year-old convicted sexual offender, in Middletown, New York.  The Complaint charges that MCEWEN persuaded a 16-year-old girl living in Alaska (“Victim-1”) to engage in sexually explicit activity, take photos and videos of herself doing so, and transmit the photos and videos, via Snapchat, to MCEWEN.  MCEWEN threatened to hack into Victim-1’s cell phone and Snapchat account if she did not comply with his demands.  MCEWEN was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison in White Plains federal court and detained without bail. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Cameron McEwen was on probation following a previous conviction for rape when he allegedly continued to commit sexually abusive and vile crimes, including with a minor victim.  This case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children from those who prey on them, and this Office is committed to safeguarding children from these predators.”  

According to the criminal Complaint filed in White Plains Federal Court:[1]

In April 2023, MCEWEN knowingly used a social media platform to communicate with and entice Victim-1, as well as send extortionate interstate threats to Victim-1. 

MCEWEN, using Snapchat display names “X,” “Cam,” and “fendii.kashout,” and posing as multiple different people, initially connected on Snapchat with an 18-year-old individual, who he offered to pay for sexually explicit images and videos.  When that individual sent MCEWEN the requested content, he threatened to leak the images and videos to the individual’s family and friends and harm her if she did not find another person to send MCEWEN sexually explicit material. 

The individual sought out Victim-1, who connected with MCEWEN on Snapchat.  MCEWEN then began sending Victim-1 messages threatening to hack Victim-1’s Snapchat account and cell phone if she did not send him sexually explicit photos and videos.

CAMERON MCEWEN, a/k/a “X,” a/k/a “Cam,” a/k/a “dzys.world,” a/k/a “itsbeendrippy,” a/k/a “fendii,” a/k/a “fendii.kashout,” was convicted in Orange County Court on January 13, 2022, of rape in the second degree and was on New York State probation when he committed the alleged offenses charged herein.

CAMERON MCEWEN, 21, of Middletown, New York, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, which carries a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison, and one count of making extortionate interstate communications, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison. 

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) agents in both Alaska and New York, the New York State Police Troop F, and the Middletown Police Department.  He also thanked the Ketchikan Police Department for its participation and support in this ongoing investigation. 

Mr. Williams stated that the investigation is ongoing and requests that any individuals with information concerning CAMERON MCEWEN and any individuals who may have encountered someone using the Snapchat user names “X,” “Cam,” “dzys.wlrd,” “itzbeendrippy,” “fendii,” and “fendii_kashout,” please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI and reference this case. 

The allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein are only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Be Part of the Action - Shape Bronx Transportation May 3, 2023

 

Reimagining The Bronx Commute: MetroNorth, Micromobility & Employer / Employee Impact

New MetroNorth stations & new affordable micro-mobility options are poised to transform how residents and workers commute. Join us to learn how, and ways your can shape the conversation.

About this Event

 

The construction of new MetroNorth stations, along with access to affordable micro-mobility technology and commuter incentives will offer residents and workers alike new modes of transit, new opportunities, and new connectivity to Manhattan and points north.

This event is co-hosted by Spring Bank.

Register - Click Here

New York Lawyers And Doctor Sentenced For Defrauding New York City-Area Businesses And Their Insurance Companies Of More Than $31 Million Through Massive Trip-And-Fall Fraud Scheme

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that attorneys GEORGE CONSTANTINE and MARC ELEFANT and orthopedic surgeon ANDREW DOWD were sentenced yesterday and today for their participation in a massive trip-and-fall fraud scheme between 2013 and 2018.  CONSTANTINE and DOWD, who were convicted at trial in December 2022 of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, were each sentenced to 102 months in prison.  ELEFANT, who pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced to 24 months in prison.  U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein imposed all three sentences.    

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “George Constantine, Andrew Dowd, and Marc Elefant abused their professional licenses and degrees and exploited some of the most vulnerable members of society – many of whom were poor, drug addicts, or homeless – in order to enrich themselves through this egregious trip-and-fall fraud scheme.  As officers of the court, Constantine and Elefant had a duty to honestly represent their clients and uphold the rule of law.  Instead, they filed hundreds of fraudulent lawsuits that were filled with lies and stole millions of dollars from small businesses and insurance companies.  Likewise, Dowd, as a medical doctor, took an oath to do no harm.  But motivated by pure greed, Dowd performed hundreds of medically unnecessary surgeries, earning thousands of dollars per surgery.  These sentences send a clear message to all who chose to engage in fraud – no matter their professional title or degree – that they will be held accountable.”

According to the Indictment, the evidence presented in court during trial, and other statements made during court proceedings:

Between 2013 and 2018, CONSTANTINE, ELEFANT, and DOWD, among others, engaged in an extensive fraud scheme (the “Fraud Scheme” or “Scheme”), through which Scheme participants defrauded businesses and insurance companies by staging trip-and-fall accidents and filing fraudulent lawsuits arising from those staged trip-and-fall accidents.  CONSTANTINE and ELEFANT were personal injury lawyers involved in the Scheme, while DOWD was an orthopedic surgeon.

Fraud Scheme participants recruited individuals (the “Patients”) to stage or falsely claim to have suffered trip-and-fall accidents at particular locations throughout the New York City area (the “Accident Sites”).  In the course of the Fraud Scheme, Scheme participants recruited more than 400 Patients.  Members of the Fraud Scheme often recruited Patients who were extremely poor.  For example, it was common for Patients to ask for food when they would appear for their intake meetings with the lawyers.  Many of the Patients did not have sufficient clothing to keep them warm during the winter and had poor quality shoes.  Members of the Fraud Scheme also recruited Patients who were drug addicts, and it was common for Scheme participants to recruit Patients from homeless shelters in New York City.

In the beginning, Scheme participants would instruct Patients to claim they had tripped and fallen at a particular location, when in fact, the Patients had suffered no such accidents.  Eventually, at the direction of the lawyers who filed fraudulent lawsuits on behalf of the Patients, Scheme participants began to instruct Patients to stage trip-and-fall accidents, i.e., to go to a location and deliberately fall.  Common Accident Sites used during the Fraud Scheme included cellar doors, cracks in concrete sidewalks, and purported “potholes.”

After the staged trip-and-fall accidents, Patients were referred to specific attorneys, including CONSTANTINE and ELEFANT, who would file personal injury lawsuits (the “Fraudulent Lawsuits”) against the owners of the Accident Sites and/or insurance companies of the owners of the accident sites (the “Victims”).  The Fraudulent Lawsuits did not disclose that the Patients had deliberately fallen at the Accident Sites or, in some cases, had not fallen at all.  During the course of the Fraud Scheme, the defendants, together with others, attempted to defraud the Victims of more than $31,000,000.  CONSTANTINE personally filed nearly 200 Fraudulent Lawsuits and earned more than $5 million dollars in settlement fees from these fraudulent cases.  ELEFANT likewise filed nearly 200 Fraudulent Lawsuits and earned millions of dollars in settlement fees.

The Patients were also instructed to receive ongoing chiropractic and medical treatment from certain chiropractors and doctors, including DOWD.  The Fraud Scheme participants advised the Patients that if they intended to continue with their lawsuits, they were required to undergo surgery, which was critical to boosting the value of any potential settlement.  Patients generally were told to undergo two surgeries.  Fraud Scheme participants looked for doctors, like DOWD, who were willing to perform surgeries, even when others would not.  During the course of the Scheme, DOWD performed nearly 300 medically unnecessary surgeries and earned more than $3.2 million dollars.  DOWD received approximately $10,000 per surgery.  

In addition to their prison terms, CONSTANTINE, 60, of Plainview, New York, DOWD, 67, of Miller Place, New York, and ELEFANT, 50, of Woodmere, New York, were each sentenced to three years of supervised release.  CONSTANTINE was further ordered to pay $4,774,709 in forfeiture.  DOWD was further ordered to pay $2,900,905 in forfeiture.  ELEFANT was further ordered to pay $955,281.54 in forfeiture.  Restitution will be decided by the Court within 90 days of today’s sentencings.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Mr. Williams also thanked the National Insurance Crime Bureau for their assistance in the investigation.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

 

The time has come! Bronx week is just around the corner, and we are so excited for you all to see what we have been working on! Bronx Week 2023 will celebrate the very best our Borough has to offer with an array of events for our veterans, seniors, educators, parents, entertainers, youth, business leaders, healthcare professionals, volunteers and so many other members of our community. For more information about this year's events, click here.

In anticipation of Prom season, we will be collecting prom dresses and suits for our Prom Dress and Suit Giveaway taking place Friday, May 19th at Borough Hall. We hope you can help make this Prom season magical for our Bronx high school seniors. To register for the giveaway, click here.

 

Lastly, The New York Academy of Medicine is working with the Bronx Borough President’s Office and Council Members Eric Dinowitz and Marjorie Velazquez to conduct an online and paper survey of adults age 65+ who live in The Bronx. We want to hear from each of you about how well the borough is meeting your needs and suggest ways that The Bronx can better support older adults and people of all ages. Your responses will be anonymous, and the collected data from this survey will be shared directly with the Bronx Borough President’s Office, along with concrete recommendations on how to make The Bronx the best borough for people to age-in-place. You can complete this survey in English, Spanish, Bengali, Chinese, Italian or Russian online or email cstem@nyam.org to receive a paper survey in any of these languages. Thank you so much for your time and your input.

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

IN THE COMMUNITY Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Bronx Denim Day March against Sexual Assault! Survivors deserve to be heard and they deserve to take up space. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reminding us that our circumstances do not define us. Thank you to our District Attorney Darcel Clark and Baychester Community Center for hosting a Child Abuse Prevention Event. Our children learned about internet safety, body safety, bullying, prevention and so much more. Thank you DA Clark for always prioritizing the safety of our youth and families.

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Releases Guide with Scam Prevention Tips for Homeowners

 

Part Four of Five-Part Consumer Alert Series to Help New Yorkers Navigate Housing Scams 

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics 

Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez: “Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve owned your property for decades, it’s important to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself from nefarious scammers so you don’t lose out on thousands of dollars, or even worse, your home.” 

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection announced the release of a comprehensive guide with scam prevention tips for homeowners. Homeownership evokes a feeling of pride and the start to long-term financial stability; it is also the biggest financial decision many people make. These tips aim to provide New York homeowners with the knowledge they need to help protect this significant investment. The guide is part four of a five-part consumer alert series to help New Yorkers navigate housing scams, which are a continuously growing risk for consumers. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

“Scammers are always looking for new ways to take advantage of consumers, and homeowners are often targeted for their personal information, money or property,” Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said. “Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve owned your property for decades, it’s important to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself from nefarious scammers so you don’t lose out on thousands of dollars, or even worse, your home.” 

"Scammers continue to become more sophisticated with ever-evolving tactics aimed at exploiting the dream of homeownership for their own gain," said Superintendent of the State Department of Financial Services Adrienne A. Harris. “The information in this guide provides homeowners with an important defense against these scams, and the Department stands ready to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.”

Below are tips to help homeowners protect their properties:        

Protect your property from deed theft and fraud. The deed is the legal document that proves who owns the home. Deed fraud happens when scammers either forge signatures or convince the homeowner to unknowingly sign paperwork that transfers the deed. Some red flags to look for include when a person:

• Asks you to transfer your property rights to them.
• Provides a guarantee or promised result. Legitimate organizations and individuals can only promise to work hard for you. They cannot guarantee results.
• Requests an upfront fee to modify, refinance or reinstate your mortgage.
• Pressures you to sign over the deed to your home or sign any paperwork that you haven't had a chance to read, and you don't fully understand.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Deed Theft or Fraud:

• Check out the NYS Homeowner Protection Program, which offers free housing counseling and legal assistance to homeowners.
• Monitor your deed. Ask your county clerks' office or the New York City Register's Office to see your property records if you suspect deed theft or fraud. Some cities and towns have systems to notify property owners when new documents are recorded on their property. New York City residents can sign up for the Notice of Recorded Document Program, which will automatically mail you a notification when a new document is recorded against your property.

Avoid fraudulent refinancing offers. Homeowners often look to refinance for lower interest rates to help ease financial pressures. Remember to shop around for the best loan and pay attention to potentially deceptive offers.

• Be wary of reduced rates that are significantly lower than market interest rates. This may be a sign of various hidden fees or even a bait-and-switch tactic.
• Confirm the identity of the refinancer. The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) maintains a database of licensed mortgage brokers and loan originators.
• Ask to see everything in writing before you agree to the refinancing terms. According to the Federal Trade Commission, lenders must disclose the following key information to you:
  • Clearly outline the changes to your loan.
  • Clearly tell you the total fee the company will charge you for its services.
  • Warn you that you could lose your home — and damage your credit — if you stop paying your mortgage.

Know your options if you fall behind on your mortgage. Unfortunately, during times of financial hardship homeowners are often targeted by scammers who prey on their desperation.

• Contact your lender, a certified housing counselor or the NYS Homeowner Protection Program for advice and available options if facing financial problems or foreclosure.
• Beware of anyone who contacts you with a solution to your financial problems. Never do business with anyone who calls you, sends you mail or knocks on your door with offers to help fix your foreclosure or default. Do not respond to advertisements and fliers making similar offers.
• Never pay up front for mortgage relief services. Be cautious of anyone that requests an upfront fee to help prevent a foreclosure. Mortgage relief scams often target homeowners facing foreclosure with promises to modify the loan in exchange for an upfront payment.
• The Home Equity Theft Prevention Act governs certain sales of homes that are in foreclosure or default. If you are planning to sell a home that is in foreclosure or default, you should be aware of your rights under the Act and know what to expect from a legitimate buyer.
• Know your rights. If you are facing foreclosure, review the Residential Foreclosure Actions Consumer Bill of Rights.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. 

For other consumer protection tips and consumer alerts, consumers can visit the DCP website or follow DCP on social media via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.