Department of City Planning Kicks Off Engagement for Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan

 

First remote public meeting and online survey in this community-focused process will dive into existing conditions and New Yorkers’ vision for this part of Manhattan 

This plan will look to craft strategies to foster more vibrant, 24/7 mixed-use neighborhoods 

Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick today announced the launch of an online survey and the first remote public meeting for the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan, an initiative to foster vibrant, 24/7 mixed-use neighborhoods across 42 centrally-located blocks where housing is currently not permitted under today's half century-old zoning rules. Taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 pm, the public info session offers a chance for New Yorkers to learn about and join the conversation on Midtown South’s present conditions and what they hope to see in the future. RSVP here. 

“It's hard to get more centrally-located than Midtown South, an amenity and transit-rich area that is being held back by outdated zoning. It’s time we changed that. Through this process, we’ll aim to transform this area into a 24/7 community that provides homes to a wide range of New Yorkers, a great mix of jobs, and updated amenities. But we’ll only succeed with your input. I encourage everyone to get involved in shaping a brighter future for this neighborhood,” said Dan Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning.  

“The Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan will not only build housing that our city desperately needs, but it will also reinvigorate some of Manhattan’s most central, opportunity-rich neighborhoods, building on their dynamic possibility,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “I’m grateful to the Department of City Planning for not only taking a look at the zoning regulations in the area, but for thinking more comprehensively about issues like housing, businesses, and the public realm. And to top it off, DCP is starting their public engagement process early. I encourage New Yorkers to share their thoughts and help shape the future of Midtown South by joining public information sessions and taking the online survey.” 

“The Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan presents a tremendous opportunity to rejuvenate neighborhoods and provide another desperately needed solution to our housing crisis. Borough President Levine, Council Member Bottcher, and I are grateful for the chance to work on an innovative project like this that will hopefully help bring new life back into areas we represent. I am excited to begin the engagement process and look forward to hearing feedback from my constituents,” said City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers. 

“We need to take a hard look at neighborhoods that don’t allow any residential uses, because this presents the opportunity to create more desperately needed affordable housing in Manhattan. Given the reduction in office use, it is common sense that we look to convert these buildings into housing wherever possible. I look forward to working closely with the Department of City Planning, Community Boards 5 and 4 and my colleagues in government to assure that we get this rezoning right and ensure a prosperous, livable Midtown,” said Council Member Erik Bottcher. 

The interactive online survey contains questions for New Yorkers to answer about their connection to Midtown South, what they most like about their community today, what their priorities are for the future of these neighborhoods, how DCP can best share information on this process, and more. This information will help to shape the study and planning process over the coming months. Those who live, work, play, shop, own property or are patrons of Midtown South are encouraged to complete the survey, which will remain open through the end of the year. 

During this remote public meeting, DCP will connect with existing residents, local organizations, Business Improvement Districts, small businesses, community board members, and others to learn about their priorities for Midtown South. DCP will also provide more information on land use rules as well as existing businesses and services. The meeting will go over the study’s timeline as well as details on how attendees can remain engaged. There will be ample opportunities for public comments and questions at the event. 

“The Garment District Alliance fully supports the goals of the proposed Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan and we applaud Mayor Adams for initiating this process. Creating opportunities for residential conversions in neighborhoods like the Garment District will help to alleviate the city’s housing crisis and lead to revitalization in areas that have been impacted the most by the pandemic. We eagerly await the Garment District’s transformation into a 24/7 neighborhood where people can work, visit, and live,” said Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance. 

“We look forward to the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan and believe it is critical that there is thoughtful input from a wide range of stakeholders through this public engagement process,” said James Mettham, President, Flatiron NoMad Partnership. “By updating antiquated zoning regulations, the plan can create opportunities to build desperately needed housing and catalyze a further mix of uses, spaces, and experiences that make Flatiron and NoMad an epicenter of possibilities in a ‘New’ New York.” 

Midtown South is home to over 7,000 businesses and contains over 135,000 jobs, enjoying great access to transit and proximity to Midtown Manhattan. While the neighborhood has a strong base, it does face the challenges of changing work patterns, including companies switching to hybrid or remote work formats, and an aging building stock, with 89% of them constructed before 1961. Current zoning rules also generally do not permit housing in this area, preventing New Yorkers from living close to jobs and stymieing new models of work such as live/work. The study area’s general boundaries are West 40th Street to the north, West 23rd Street to the south, Fifth Avenue to the east, and Eighth Avenue to the west. 

The Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan aims to expand housing opportunities, including affordable housing, bolster critical economic activity, and enliven the area’s public realm. Together, these goals will help to ensure the neighborhood’s long-term success.  

This kickoff event will be followed by more opportunities for New Yorkers to get involved this fall and into next year.  

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City. 

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space. 

MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCE $38 MILLION FOR ASYLUM SEEKER LEGAL SERVICES AND CASE MANAGEMENT

With Eligibility for Temporary Protected Status Expanding Today, State Commits $38 Million in New Funding to Help City Provide Legal Services 

City’s Asylum Application Help Center Has Assisted Over 5,000 Individuals Submit Asylum Applications Already 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $38 million in new state funding to bolster the city’s efforts to provide legal services for asylum seekers. The announcement comes on the first day that the federal rule extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelans who entered the country before July 31, 2023 takes effect. To coincide with the federal rule taking effect today, the city will begin assisting eligible Venezuelan asylum seekers submit their paper applications for TPS and work authorization, in addition to their fee waiver forms at the city’s Asylum Application Help Center, also partially funded by state resources.

  

“Throughout this crisis, New York City has led the nation in answering the call to support arriving asylum seekers, and that work continues again today in partnership with New York State,” said Mayor Adams. “We were proud to lead the call to ‘Let Them Work’ and are grateful that the federal government heard us and has expanded the pathways to work for many of those in the city’s care. With the expansion of Temporary Protected Status taking effect today, our teams are already hard at work helping them apply for work authorization, and this investment from the state will bolster those efforts to help thousands of migrants obtain work and eventually move out of shelter.”

 

“For more than a year, the state and city have worked side-by-side to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis we’re experiencing,” said Governor Hochul. “After months of coordinated advocacy from New Yorkers, the federal government has made thousands of migrants from Venezuela newly-eligible for Temporary Protected Status. Our job now is to ensure these individuals fill out all the appropriate paperwork so they can attain work authorization, find a job, and exit taxpayer-funded shelter.” 

 

“In just a few months, our Asylum Seeker Application Help Center has assisted thousands of individuals and families complete their federal asylum applications and helping them move one step closer to obtaining work authorization and participating in the American Dream,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Now, with this investment from the state, we can build on that model, stand up satellite sites across the city to serve even more asylum seekers, and help Venezuelans who recently received TPS from the federal government. Thank you to Governor Hochul and her team for this investment and for answering our call for more support on this national crisis.”

 

“This is a tough crisis to manage but the pathway out of crisis is through work and helping migrants live independently,” said New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. “Governor Hochul has been focused on funding and programs to help people leave shelter. This funding doubled down on earlier state funding for legal services, case management, and connections to legal employment.” 

 

In the coming weeks, the city and state will scale efforts at the Asylum Application Help Center, expanding case management and legal services to help more asylum seekers in the city’s care obtain work authorization, stabilize their lives, and provide for themselves so they can move out of shelter.

 

The city and state also plan to partner to expand access to legal and casework services by:  

• Opening additional Application Help Center satellite sites across the city;  
• Launching roving teams within the city’s emergency shelter sites to help asylum seekers apply on the spot for TPS and work authorization; and  
• Scheduling those who enter the shelter system and are eligible for TPS for appointments to immediately apply upon entering the city’s care.  

Since this humanitarian crisis began, New York City has taken fast and urgent action — opening 210 emergency sites, including 17 other large-scale humanitarian relief centers. The city has also stood up navigation centers to connect asylum seekers with critical resources, enrolled thousands of children in public schools through Project Open Arms, and more. Earlier this spring, the city released “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” detailing how the city will continue to manage the influx of asylum seekers and advocate for support from federal and state partners.

KRVC - Please Support our October Events!

 

We have so many great events coming up in October! Monday Fundays, Book Club, Art Gallery Opening, Community Concert & Art Exhibition, Halloween Events & More! We could use your help. Please DONATE so We Can Produce all These Great Events!

Monday Fundays are Mini-Festivals right in front of our Community Space! October 2, 16, 23

October 4th

Join us for a discussion of

Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin

A 1953 semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of John Grimes, an intelligent teenager in 1930s Harlem, and his relationship with his family and his church.

October 12

Opening of our next Gallery 505 Exhibit at 7pm

live music and refreshments

Janice DeMarino holds an MFA from Hunter College and taught art in the NYC private sector from 1994 to 2020. The artist is a recipient of awards from the Birch Wathen Lenox School to work on encaustic projects at R & F Handmade Paints in NY, as well as in Anversa Italy. She also received an award to pursue papermaking at Dieu Donne Papermill.  Women’s Studio Workshop granted DeMarino a fellowship to create handmade paper works in their studio facilities in Rosendale, NY. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and independent venues throughout New York. 

 

"My encaustic paintings develop as I paint and as I introduce collage elements. The process, which involves layering oil paints and hot wax, usually takes over. Encaustic paintings have a translucency to them. Sometimes images seem to rise and fall as I create each piece."

Janice DeMarino

October 15th

Join us for an afternoon of live music and fine art in our beautiful Henry Hudson Park

October 28th Halloween fun on Mosholu Avenue

October 31st

Our annual Halloween party at 505BX

Look forward to seeing you!

505BX.org

BFRDC ENDORSES JOE BIDEN FOR RE-ELECTION

 

The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club (“Club” or "BFRDC") voted on September 28, 2023 to endorse Joseph R. Biden in the Democratic Primary for the 2023 US Presidential election. The club included in their endorsement Kamala Harris for Vice President. Members spoke in support of the move, noting the importance of endorsing and building support for a Democratic candidate now considering that the Democratic Primary for US President is scheduled in New York for April 2, 2024, and petitioning begins on December 12, 2023. 

In her remarks, Club President Virginia Krompinger emphasized the need for all Democrats to continue working to help Democrats running in both the 2023 and 2024 elections. Referring to former president Donald Trump, “We cannot wait to support Democrats in an environment where Republicans are mounting challenges and will support a candidate like him.” She also voiced concern that "the US Constitution does not clearly prohibit a candidate (like Trump) from running for the presidency or serving if elected, even if he is convicted of a crime and jailed." 

Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz said in a communication to Club members, “…it’s clear now more than ever that the future of our democracy is at stake. Literally. Who would have ever thought that this could even be a possibility?” 

Telecommunications Consultant Pleads Guilty to Violating Sanctions on Iran

 

Farhad Nafeiy, 70, of Alamo, California, was charged with and pleaded guilty yesterday to a violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in the Northern District of California. 

Under IEEPA, the President of the United States is granted authority to address unusual and extraordinary threats to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. Under that law, the President has issued orders prohibiting certain activities and transactions with Iran and the Government of Iran. The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued regulations, referred to as the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), implementing those orders. These sanctions on Iran generally prohibit, among other things, exporting or facilitating the export of U.S.-origin products to Iran and providing services to Iran.

According to court documents, Nafeiy obtained licenses – or approvals – from OFAC for advising non-Iranian telecommunications companies on doing business with Iran. However, those licenses did not authorize Nafeiy to provide any hardware, software or technology directly to Iran. Nafeiy exceeded his OFAC licenses, thereby violating the ITSR and IEEPA, by directly providing software upgrades to telecommunications equipment in Iran. Nafeiy admitted in his plea agreement that he knew he exceeded these licenses when he did so. In his plea agreement, Nafeiy further admitted that the total amount of sales of such software upgrades to Iran was approximately $400,000. Nafeiy separately was charged with, and admitted to, evading his federal income taxes, and specifically not paying income tax on some of the proceeds of these sales. 

On Aug. 10, Nafeiy was charged by information with one count of violating IEEPA and one count of tax evasion. Sentencing is set before the Honorable Aracelli Martínez-Olguín on Jan. 24, 2024.

Homeland Security Investigations and the IRS-Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Kingsley for the Northern District of California and Trial Attorney David Ryan of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Kathleen Turner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Former Trial Attorney Elizabeth Abraham provided valuable assistance in prior phases of the prosecution.

Two German Nationals Charged With Enticement And Sexual Abuse Of A Minor

Thomas Alexander Brandenstein and John-Philipp Piehl-Brandenstein Allegedly Enticed a 15-Year-Old Boy to Engage in Sexual Activity and Then Traveled to New York to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity with the Minor 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging THOMAS ALEXANDER BRANDENSTEIN and JOHN-PHILIPP PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN with enticing a 15-year-old victim (the “Minor Victim”) to engage in sexual activity and then traveling across state lines in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with the Minor Victim.  BRANDENSTEIN was arrested on September 29, 2023, in Queens, New York, and was presented yesterday in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.  PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN remains at large.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Thomas Alexander Brandenstein and John-Philipp Piehl-Brandenstein preyed upon a 15-year-old victim for sex and then traveled from Germany to the United States, where they met with the victim and engaged in illegal sexual acts at a Manhattan hotel.  My Office is committed to keeping our borders safe from sexual predators, and thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office, Brandenstein and Piehl-Brandenstein have now been charged for their egregious conduct.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “The defendants are alleged to have traveled thousands of miles to commit unimaginable crimes against an underage victim.  These charges serve as notice to anyone contemplating such heinous acts that we will take every measure necessary to safeguard the children of New York.  HSI New York is proud of the collaboration with our federal partners to charge these predators before they could inflict more trauma on young New Yorkers.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

From March 2023 through July 2023, BRANDENSTEIN and PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN, who are German nationals, enticed the Minor Victim, who was 15 years old at the time, to engage in illegal sexual activity.  While in Germany, BRANDENSTEIN used internet-enabled messaging applications to send sexually explicit communications to the Minor Victim, including an image of a naked male in which the male’s penis was exposed.  BRANDENSTEIN also sent sexually explicit videos to the Minor Victim, which depicted BRANDENSTEIN lying in bed, blowing kisses, and exposing his penis and masturbating, among other things.  BRANDENSTEIN further communicated with the Minor Victim over these messaging applications about his plans to travel to New York with PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN, sending the Minor Victim a video message depicting the two men on an airplane and writing, “next stop, New York.”

In June 2023, BRANDENSTEIN and PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN traveled from Germany to Florida and then New York, where they met with the Minor Victim to engage in illegal sexual activity at a Manhattan hotel (the “Hotel”).  Between July 5, 2023, and July 13, 2023, BRANDENSTEIN and PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN reserved a room at the Hotel (the “Room”).  BRANDENSTEIN brought the Minor Victim to the Room and BRANDENSTEIN and PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN engaged in illegal sexual activity with the Minor Victim.  Some of that illegal sexual activity was video recorded.  On July 13, 2023, BRANDENSTEIN and PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN departed from New York and returned to Germany. 

There may be more victims of this alleged conduct.  If you have information to report about sexual abuse or sexual assault perpetrated by THOMAS ALEXANDER BRANDENSTEIN or JOHN-PHILIPP PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN, contact HSI through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2423 or sextrafficking_outreach@hsi.dhs.gov and reference this case.  From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199.  Hearing-impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

BRANDENSTEIN, 57, of Berlin, Germany, and PIEHL-BRANDENSTEIN, 38, of Berlin, Germany, are charged with one count of enticing a minor victim to engage in illegal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. 

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

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative efforts of HSI and the New York City Police Department.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.   

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi S. Steiner is in charge of the prosecution.

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

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

As Federal Student Loan Payments Resume This Month, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips for Borrowers to Avoid Scams

 

Student Loan Borrowers are Reminded to Only Use Trusted Government Websites and Not Respond to Unsolicited Offers of Student Loan Relief or Assistance

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 

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to help federal student loan borrowers avoid scams. As federal student loan borrowers resume payments this month after a three and a half year-long pause, this may cause confusion about the repayment process and make borrowers vulnerable to potential scams. 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.

“The pause on federal student loan payments has officially ended, and many New Yorkers may be searching for new solutions to ease the burden of making their payments,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “Unfortunately, potential scammers will also be using this time as an opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting borrowers looking for relief or assistance. I’m reminding all student loan borrowers to be extra vigilant during this time and to read our tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a student loan scam.”

What You Need to Know to Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams:

• Don't trust any person or program that promises you special access or guaranteed eligibility. You might be contacted by a scammer saying they will help you get your loan cancelled or reduced for a fee. You will never need to pay for advice or help with your federal student loans or any deferment or income-based plans. All federal student loan borrowers can enroll directly and stay updated at no cost by contacting the U.S. Department of Education directly at StudentAid.gov. If you’re contacted unexpectedly with any of these offers, it's a scam. 

• Be wary of scammers that make false claims or say you have an incomplete application. If you have any questions about your application status, go directly to the U.S. Government federal student loan portal to access your account and confirm any details. To access the portal, go to StudentAid.gov.

• Stay updated with trusted information and sources.The U.S. Department of Education webpage provides borrowers with accurate and the most up-to-date information about the program. They also recommend logging in to your StudentAid.gov account to ensure your contact information is up to date and to sign up for alerts for when new information becomes available.

• Protect yourself from phishing scams. If you didn’t initiate the communication, don’t share your personal information. Keep your personal information, including your Federal Student Aid ID and social security number private. The U.S. Department of Education will never call or text you with a request of confidential information. Make sure you work only with the U.S. Department of Education and never reveal your personal information or account password to anyone. Genuine emails to borrowers will only come from noreply@studentaid.gov; noreply@debtrelief.studentaid.gov and gov@public.govdelivery.com.

• If you encounter a scam, report it.Contact the official Federal Student Aid website to file a complaint, or contact the Federal Trade Commission. The U.S. Department of Education offers additional tips and resources  You can also contact your loan servicing company or the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243. 

• Don’t forget to regularly monitor your credit report and score. As you begin the repayment process, stay one step ahead and make it a routine to check on your credit report and look for inconsistencies. Visit annualreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to get your free reports.

• Looking for help navigating your student loans? EDCAP (Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program) is an independent, New York State funded, nonprofit program of the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) that helps New Yorkers navigate the student loan system. They offer free, one-on-one counseling with their student loan experts. To schedule an appointment call (888) 614-5004 or email them at edcap@cssny.org for more information.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, 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 more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Joint Statement from Speaker Adrienne Adams and Housing & Buildings Chair Pierina Sanchez on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Denial of Legal Challenge to Rent Stabilization Law

 

“New York City needs more truly affordable housing, not less, and preservation of existing units under the Rent Stabilization Law enables New Yorkers to afford and remain in their homes. The Supreme Court’s decision today to deny a case challenging the legality of rent stabilization follows previous court precedent and is a welcome relief for New Yorkers. In the face of a national affordable housing shortage, the Rent Stabilization Law remains necessary in order to prevent harmful rent increases that threaten the stability of families and communities. As our city continues to confront a housing crisis that undermines affordability, contributing to record homelessness and a rising number of evictions, programs that preserve affordable housing must be a focus of our city, state and federal governments to protect from potential threats.”