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Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Governor Hochul Announces $3 Million Expansion of Manhattan Telecommunications Corporation in New York City
$2.2 Million in State Funding Supports Expansion of Headquarters and 100 New Jobs
Strengthens New York City as Hub for Technology and Innovation
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Manhattan Telecommunications Corporation, a global communications solution provider for businesses worldwide, is investing $3 million to extensively renovate its 55 Water Street headquarters in New York City. As part of its growth plans, MetTel has committed to creating at least 100 new full-time jobs in software development and professional services while retaining 180 full-time jobs, supported by up to $2.2 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from Empire State Development. ESD was joined by the New York City Economic Development Corporation to mark the milestone with a ribbon cutting at MetTel's 55 Water Street headquarters.
"New York City stands as a beacon of innovation where creativity flourishes and the entrepreneurial spirit thrives," Governor Hochul said. "The expansion of MetTel serves as a testament to the region's stature as a dynamic tech hub, reaffirming our position at the forefront of innovation, growth, and job creation."
Founded in New York City in 1996, Manhattan Telecommunications Corporation (MetTel) has helped businesses and government organizations boost enterprise productivity, reduce costs and simplify operations through automation. These renovations will transform the headquarters into a cutting-edge workspace that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation. The company maintains significant operations in New Jersey, Utah, and Rhode Island which were also considered for this expansion project, in addition to a proposed new location in Florida.
Mayor Eric Adams said, "MetTel is a true New York City company - born and raised here - and I am so thrilled they are staying here. This public-private partnership is creating the jobs of tomorrow, unlocking technology that will help millions of New Yorkers, and supporting the entire city's recovery by hiring an additional 100 employees. Our administration is revitalizing commercial corridors, filling vacant storefronts, and investing in key growth industries — and we have regained 99 percent of jobs lost during the pandemic, because New York City is the place to build your economic future."Additionally, the NYCEDC Business Development team worked alongside MetTel and ESD throughout two years of ongoing conversations to ensure that this expansion occurred in NYC. Currently, MetTel is working with NYCEDC on bolstering workforce development related activities and strengthening their role within the Lower Manhattan business community.
New York State's strategic investments have cultivated an ecosystem of innovation and growth, nurturing the tech industry in every corner of the state. These targeted investments are instrumental in propelling New York City's growth as a world-class tech hub, serving as a catalyst for job creation and a hotbed for groundbreaking innovations that spur economic progress at both local and global scales. With its global reputation, access to capital, and dynamic ecosystem, New York City has become a magnet for startups and established tech companies, resulting in a robust and resilient tech sector. By supporting this vibrant ecosystem, New York State is driving economic prosperity and solidifying its position as a leader in the digital era.
Assemblymember John Zaccaro - First Annual Family Fun Day
Dear Friends,
The First Annual Family Fun Day event is approaching! Please join us for a day filled with food, music, entertainment and celebration for all. This is a free event for the community. We hope to see you all there!
When: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: District 80 Community Office, 2018 Wiliamsbridge Rd Between Neil and Lydig Avenues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our Community Office at (718) 409-0109.
NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE ADVANCES TRANSGENDER HEALTHCARE RIGHTS LEGISLATION IN CITY COUNCIL
As the rights of transgender individuals continue to be under attack nationwide, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams today advanced his legislation to affirm the rights of transgender New Yorkers in the hospital system. At a joint hearing of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity and the Committee on Health, he advocated passage of a bill to combat the inequities and injustices that transgender patients have long faced in healthcare settings.
“Transgender people have experienced oppression and barriers in different aspects of their lives, whether it pertains to healthcare or social and economic elements,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams to the committee. “These factors, coupled with high rates of discrimination and violence can impact the health disparities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. These impacts will continue to be felt in the future if we do not start to close the gaps. Through legislation, we can build a more inclusive and equitable City that ensures accessible healthcare to our transgender New Yorkers.”
The bill, Intro 066, would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to distribute signs on an individual’s right to be referred to by a preferred name, title, gender and pronoun to every hospital in the city.
This bill would also require DOHMH to establish guidance to encourage hospitals to list and conspicuously post the transgender-specific services offered by each hospital, and would require DOHMH to post such guidance on its website. DOHMH would also be required to coordinate with hospitals to update such list of transgender-specific services, and post the list of services and any updates on the department’s website.
1 in 3 transgender individuals report having to educate their doctors about basic transgender issues in order to receive appropriate care. About the same proportion of trans individuals who have seen a healthcare provider in the last year report having had at least one negative experience related to being transgender. As a result, 27% of transgender people report having not seen a doctor in the past year for fear of being mistreated.
When the bill was first introduced, the Public Advocate released a short-form documentary piece highlighting the obstacles that transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers face in accessing quality, gender-affirming health care. The piece, entitled Our Healthcare, features a roundtable discussion between members of the Office of the Public Advocate and a panel of transgender activists – watch it here.
“We have a duty to support and affirm transgender people,” closed the Public Advocate. “...While New York has made these great strides, transgender people still face barriers and gaps within the healthcare system. This bill creates clear guidelines for hospitals to follow and ensure there is more awareness and visibility for transgender people when they seek medical care. We must create a system of support that reiterates this city’s full commitment.”
Read the Public Advocate’s full statement to the committee below.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS
TO THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON
WOMEN AND GENDER EQUITY AND COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
JUNE 12, 2023
Good morning,
My name is Jumaane D. Williams and I am the Public Advocate for the City of New York. Thank you very much Chair Cabán and Chair Schulman and members of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity and Committee on Health for holding this hearing and allowing me the opportunity to provide a statement on the bill I am introducing.
For the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rippling effect on all of us across a range of intersecting issues. However, it has been amplified among marginalized communities of more color. Transgender New Yorkers have experienced oppression and barriers in different aspects of their lives, whether it pertains to healthcare or social and economic elements. These factors coupled with high rates of discrimination and violence can impact the health disparities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. These impacts will continue to be felt in the future if we do not start to close the gaps. Through legislation, we can build a more inclusive and equitable City that ensures accessible healthcare to our transgender New Yorkers.
Healthcare in the United States has rarely proactively considered the impact on transgender non-confirming patients. It is important to have signage readily available and accessible to transgender patients who want to know their rights and services that are offered at hospitals. Int 0066-2022 would ensure this happens by requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to distribute signs on individual’s rights to be referred to by a preferred name, title, gender and pronoun to every hospital in the city. This bill would also require DOHMH to establish guidance to encourage hospitals to list and conspicuously post the transgender-specific services offered by each hospital, and would require DOHMH to post such guidance on its website. DOHMH would also be required to coordinate with hospitals to update such lists of transgender-specific services, and post the list of services and any updates on the department’s website.
There has been nationwide backlash towards transgender Americans. The banning of gender-affirming care by 21 states such as Texas, Florida, and recently Missouri, is one of the many anti-trans legislation that has passed. These legislation will threaten the lives and well-being of so many people. More young people will be at risk due to not receiving the care they need, and will be endangered by this discriminatory law. As of 2023, there have been 556 bills introduced that block trans Americans from receiving basic healthcare, education, legal recognition, and the right to publicly exist within 49 states. 83 of them have passed, 369 of them are active, and 104 of them have failed. We have a duty to support and affirm transgender Americans and New Yorkers. In 2014, New York H+H/Metropolitan was the first City hospital to open a health center dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. Today there are a total of six centers that provide these crucial services with H+H Metropolitan Hospital in East Harlem being the most recent. While New York has made these great strides, transgender New Yorkers still face barriers and gaps within the healthcare system. This bill creates clear guidelines for hospitals to follow and ensure there is more awareness and visibility for transgender people when they seek medical care. We must create a system of support that reiterates this city’s full commitment. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill. Now is the time to take swift action.
I do want to make sure that all New Yorkers are clear that we have to make sure that everyone has the care they need without exception, and the minute we provide an exception, none of us are safe. I also always want to make sure to lift up Black trans women in particular, who are bearing the brunt of violence and discrimination against them.
Thank you.
Attorney General James Announces Takedown of Major Narcotics Trafficking Ring in Finger Lakes Region
Investigation Also Led to the Recovery of 19 Illegal Firearms and Over $440,000 in Cash
New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the takedown of a major narcotics trafficking ring that flooded communities in the Finger Lakes with fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other dangerous drugs. The takedown resulted in 177 charges against 48 defendants related to their participation in this trafficking network that operated in Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, and Yates counties. This operation resulted in the seizure of more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 10 kilograms of cocaine, with a total value of more than $9 million. Investigators also seized 19 firearms, including assault weapons and ghost guns, and more than $440,000 in cash.
“Our communities are being ravaged by fentanyl, opioids, and other dangerous drugs, and this organized crime group was fueling the fire,” said Attorney General James. “The dozens of individuals arrested and charged as a result of this investigation were flooding local communities with drugs, and were armed with deadly weapons to support their illegal activities. This major takedown was only possible because of my office’s strong connection with local law enforcement, and I thank my colleagues for their partnership. I will always use the great powers of my office to help support local communities as we all work to build a safer New York.”
The two-year investigation was led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and brought together the resources of more than a dozen state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation included hundreds of hours of covert surveillance and wiretaps and originated in Wayne County.
Phase One: Wayne County
As alleged in the indictment, the investigation began in Wayne County and identified three interconnected groups that were responsible for selling drugs in Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, and Yates counties. The first phase focused on traffickers based in Wayne County and was centered around Michael Danzey and his brother, Terrance Raggs. Danzy and Raggs were the primary sources of cocaine for this operation and distributed to a network of customers throughout Wayne County.
During the investigation, investigators also uncovered that in June 2021, Danzey attempted to murder an individual that he believed was stealing from him. The individual sustained multiple serious injuries as a result of the shooting, but ultimately survived. In the aftermath of the shooting, Danzey asked his brother, Raggs, to conceal evidence from law enforcement. In addition to charges related to drug trafficking, Danzey is also being charged with attempted murder in the second degree and Raggs is being charged with hindering prosecution in the second degree.
Aaron Sweeney and Ryan Faniel were two other central figures who sold cocaine and oxycodone in Wayne, Monroe, and Ontario counties. As the investigation developed, it was further revealed that Sweeney was also sourcing drugs from individuals in Rochester.
Phase Two: Avenue D, Rochester
Investigators learned that Sweeney obtained cocaine from Raquel Torres a/k/a “Ma,” of 236 Avenue D, Rochester, New York, leading to the discovery of distributors and resellers living within the 200 block of Avenue D. In addition to Torres, investigators learned that multiple drug resellers were living within a few blocks of each other on Avenue D including Alexis Broida a/k/a “Lexi”, Jacquinn Edwards, Jasmine Ofray, and Raymond Vega. This single block in the city of Rochester was a major trafficking hub that distributed these dangerous drugs throughout the region. Buyers would be directed to different houses on Avenue D to pick up their drugs, including houses referred to as the “Green House,” the “Blue House,” the “Yellow House,” and the “Camper” based upon their exterior appearance. These distribution houses were all run by Vega.
Phase Three: The Rivera Family
The investigative team learned that many of the Avenue D narcotics sellers had a single source for their cocaine supply, Luis Rivera. This information led to the third phase of the investigation, and through intercepted communications and other evidence, investigators established that Luis Rivera and his sons, Luis Emmanuel a/k/a “Manny” Rivera, Natan a/k/a/ “Nate” Rivera, and Jacob a/k/a “J” Rivera, along with their associates, were operating a multi-kilogram level fentanyl and cocaine distribution network. The Riveras managed their operation out of a residential building in Rochester where Luis was the superintendent and where his son Manny lived. Luis and J Rivera arranged large shipments of fentanyl from California to Rochester, and several of these shipments were intercepted by investigators. J Rivera, who was serving time in federal prison in Louisiana at the time, smuggled contraband cellphones into prison to manage these shipments and the overall drug trafficking operation. The Riveras also sold fentanyl in pill form, claiming that it was oxycodone, putting their buyers at even greater risk.
Luis and J Rivera have been charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.
They also created a limited liability company (LLC) to launder money from their drug operation to purchase investment properties. Luis, J, and Manny have also been charged with Money Laundering in the Second Degree.
Seized drugs and guns.
Seized fentanyl.
The takedown marked another major drug bust in the Attorney General’s Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (S.U.R.G.E.) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New York’s growing — and often violent — heroin, fentanyl, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks. Since launching in 2017, SURGE has taken 879 alleged traffickers off the streets.
The 48 individuals who were charged with various crimes in relation to their involvement in the narcotics trafficking operation, that include various counts of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class A, B, and C felonies), and Conspiracy to Commit those crimes, include:
Treshon Alexander, a/k/a “Tre,” 30 years old, Rochester, NY
Tyrone Berry, 41 years old, Lyons, NY
Alexis Broida, a/k/a/ “Lexi,” 30 years old, Rochester, NY
Derrick Brown, 39 years old, Lyons, NY
Geneva Rivera, a/k/a “Geneva Brown,” 31 years old, Grand Island, NY
James Butler, 76 years old, Newark, NY
Michael Danzey, 38 years old, Sodus, NY
Jacquinn Edwards, 36 years old, Rochester, NY
Ryan Faniel, 35 years old, Palmyra, NY
Romanis Glanton, 44 years old, Newark, NY
Jeanette Gonzalez, 48 years old, Rochester, NY
Jay Quanna Arrimintha Green, 28 years old, Rochester, NY
Karmalus Herrington, 48 years old, Newark, NY
Christopher Johnston, 27 years old, Penn Yann, NY
Alicia Lannon, 34 years old, Palmyra, NY
Daniel Littles, 35 years old, Lyons, NY
Carlos Luna, a/k/a “Flaco,” 46 years old, Rochester, NY
Christina Martin, 44 years old, Newark, NY
Nelson Martinez, 44 years old, Rochester, NY
Randolph Mattice, 55 years old, Canandaigua, NY
Brooke Miner, 25 years old, Newark, NY
Jamaal Moody, 32 years old, Newark, NY
Megan Murray, 31 years old, Fairport, NY
Jasmine Ofray, 36 years old, Rochester, NY
Andrea Parker, 51 years old, Palmyra, NY
Terrance Raggs, 45 years old, Sodus, NY
Tyquail Raggs, 24 years old, Sodus, NY
Jacob Rivera, a/k/a “J,” 32 years old, Rochester, NY
Luis Rivera, 66 years old, Rochester, NY
Luis Emmanuel Rivera, a/k/a “Manuel,” a/k/a “Manny,” 28 years old, Rochester, NY
Natan Rivera, a/k/a “Nate,” 25 years old, Rochester, NY
Daniel Rodriguez, 33 years old, Rochester, NY
Joshua Rodriguez, 28 years old, Rochester, NY
Xavier Roman, a/k/a “Javi,” 47 years old, Rochester, NY
Ulysses Sanchez, a/k/a “Chichi,” 34 years old, Rochester, NY
William Sanchez, a/k/a “Billy,” 45 years old, Rochester, NY
Matthew Simmons, 38 years old, Lyons, NY
Amber Streeter, 35 years old, Newark, NY
Aaron Sweeney, 23 years old, Fairport, NY
David Sweeney, 44 years old, Macedon, NY
Richard Taft, 36 years old, Lyons, NY
Nicholas Tandle, 39 years old, Geneva, NY
Victoria Tandle, 25 years old, Lyons, NY
Raquel Torres, a/k/a “Ma,” 45 years old, Rochester, NY
Raymond Vega, 56 years old, Rochester, NY
Scott Wheaton, 45 years old, Pulaski, NY
William Wheaton, 43 years old, Clifton Springs, NY
Brandon Williams, 30 years old, Savannah, NY
Michael Danzey is also charged with Attempted Murder and Assault in the First Degree, and related crimes, and Terrance Raggs is charged with Hindering Prosecution.
The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Attorney General James would like to thank the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne County District Attorney’s Office, Wayne County Probation Department, Canandaigua Police Department, Newark Police Department, Geneva Police Department, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Rochester Police Department, the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, United States Probation Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, California Sheriff’s Office, New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Rochester office, the Monroe Crime Analyst Center, and the United States Postal Inspector’s Office.
The investigation was led by Wayne County Detective Roger LaClair and OAG OCTF Detectives Phillip Sindoni and David Guidici, under the supervision of OCTF Supervising Investigator Timothy MacConaghy and retired Supervising Investigator Thomas M. Wolf, OCTF Assistant Chief Investigator John Monte and Deputy Chief Investigator Andrew Boss. The Attorney General’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates
Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for joining us for another week in review!
Please be sure to join us this Wednesday, at 6:30PM at Rosa's at Parks for Pride in the Boogie Down, an 80's-themed celebration of all things Pride. Dress in your best 80's attire for a night of dancing and festivities. We hope to see you there!
Last week, the devastating wildfires in Canada filled our New York City air with smoke. These wildfires, caused by lighting and exacerbated by a dry, arid spring, are a jarring reminder of the effects of climate change. We must act now if we are to leave our future generations a habitable planet. However, air quality conditions caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires have improved in New York City, and there is no health advisory in effect for the current air quality index forecast. For more information and tips on how to stay safe, click here.
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
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 IN THE COMMUNITY  The energy was electric today in Manhattan as we walked in the Annual Puerto Rican Day parade! Our Puerto Rican community continues to pour into our borough in so many ways and we are so grateful for their contributions to The Bronx. ¡Que Viva Puerto Rico!
I was so proud to join with Council Member Althea Stevens to present a check of one million dollars to Jordan L. Mott MS 22 Campus to renovate the auditorium for our young scholars at MS 22, the Bronx Writing Academy and Success Academy Bronx 2! Thank you to our Principals Rivera, Hassan and Aquino, our community partners and the team for your dedication to our students and families! I was proud to join with our nurses in support of pay equity. Our public hospital sector nurses are unified, fired up and ready for the best contract. Our nurses need contracts that respect and uplift their life-saving work. They deserve a contract that prioritizes adequate pay and safe staffing. New York City nurses have stood by our side during our most challenging times, and we must continue to support them in this fight for compensation and protection. UPCOMING EVENTS |
