NYPD and Partners Announce Plan for Crime Stoppers Rewards

 

Several Members of the Public Who Came Forward with Tips to Share Credit

 The Police Department on Friday, with its partners in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Transport Workers Union Local 100, and the New York City Police Foundation, announced that several members of the public who provided critical information about a suspect in Tuesday’s subway shooting are in line to share a combined $50,000 worth of Crime Stoppers rewards.

After Tuesday morning’s attack on the subway in Brooklyn, the NYPD issued a plea for help in locating a suspect identified by detectives – and several members of the public came forward with timely, accurate information that helped locate and apprehend the alleged shooter, Frank R. James.

NYPD detectives traced the many tips that streamed into the NYPD and constructed a timeline of events leading to Mr. James’s apprehension on Wednesday afternoon in Lower Manhattan. Members of the department’s Detective Bureau identified five individuals whose information contributed directly to the arrest of Mr. James – approximately 30 hours after the mass attack.

Each of the five individuals performed actions that, under the established Crime Stoppers procedures, elevate them to be considered for receiving reward money. The plan is for the combined $50,000 reward – comprised of contributions from the Police Foundation, the MTA, and TWU Local 100 – to be split evenly among those identified individuals.

The proceeds will flow to those five individuals in line with the standard criteria for distribution of all Crime Stoppers rewards, which is only upon the arrest and indictment of an individual. The Crime Stoppers process affords tipsters anonymity. Federal officials have charged Mr. James, 62, with carrying out an attack on a mass transit system and he has been ordered held without bail after a brief, initial appearance on Thursday in Brooklyn federal court.

"The public is who we serve, but they are also often our best partner," said Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. "We appreciate all of those who responded to our call for information to locate this suspect, including all of those whose tips did not pan out. We urged the public to join us in this effort to find this suspect and New Yorkers stepped up."

“Thanks to the help of these five good Samaritans, the NYPD was able to do its job and get a dangerous suspect off the streets just hours after his picture was released,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "The bravery of these five individuals are what truly make New York City the greatest city in the world. Thank you to the MTA, the Transport Workers Union Local 100, and the New York City Police Foundation for providing this $50,000 reward."

"The NYPD is a great partner in protecting millions of subway riders every day,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Witnesses who came forward with tips that helped detectives and federal agents put away the maniac accused of a horrific attack on our city acted the way we encourage New Yorkers to help each other – See Something, Say Something."

Susan L. Birnbaum, the President and CEO of the New York City Police Foundation, said: "The New York City Police Foundation is proud to have stepped forward with immediate funds to increase the reward and drive more attention to the urgent need to capture the person behind a terrible attack on New Yorkers."

"Transport Workers Union Local 100 applauds these alert tipsters," said Transport Workers Union Local 100 President Tony Utano. "They helped police pinpoint the location of this very dangerous criminal so he could be taken into custody. We now look forward to prosecutors taking the next step: Ensuring he never has the freedom to walk our streets or ride our subway trains again."

Permits Filed For 2183 Morris Avenue In Tremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a nine-story residential building at 2183 Morris Avenue in Tremont, The Bronx. Located between East 182nd Street and Anthony Baez Place, the lot is two blocks from the 182-183 Streets subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Arben Mitaj of Euro Tech Developers is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 84-foot-tall development will yield 37,726 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 60 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 628 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is now vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State Fiscal Year 2021-22 Tax Revenues $3.3 Billion Over Final Projections

 

Tax collections for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 totaled $121.1 billion -- $3.3 billion higher than forecast by the Division of the Budget (DOB) in the Amended Executive Budget financial plan released in February, and more than $30 billion higher than DOB’s initial forecasts from May 2021, according to the March State Cash Report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Tax collections for SFY 2021-22 were $38.8 billion higher than the previous year. However, receipts in SFY 2021-22 include $16.4 billion in business tax collections from the new Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET), which was not included in SFY 2021-22 Enacted Budget projections. PTET proceeds are expected by the Division of the Budget to be offset by lower personal income tax (PIT) collections in subsequent years. Excluding the PTET, overall tax collections were $13.6 billion higher than initial forecasts from May 2021. “The state ended the fiscal year in a good position due to higher than projected receipts and lower than projected spending,” DiNapoli said. “I’m pleased to see deposits were made to the rainy-day fund reserves to set aside some of the state’s gains. Following through with plans to increase these formal reserves should remain a priority in light of continuing economic challenges and significant new spending commitments made recently in the Enacted Budget.” PIT collections totaled $70.7 billion, exceeding prior year collections by $15.7 billion or 28.5%. PIT collections exceeded February Financial Plan projections by $2.6 billion and projections from the Enacted Budget by $9.7 billion, supported by strong withholding collections as well as an extra collection day in March. Consumption and use taxes, which include sales tax receipts, totaled $19.6 billion, exceeding the prior year total by $3.5 billion or 21.7%. Collections were $363.3 million higher than the latest projections and just under $1.5 billion higher than initial projections.  Business tax collections totaled $27.7 billion which was $18.9 billion higher than the previous year. This includes $16.4 billion in the PTET (which is anticipated to be offset by reduced PIT revenue in subsequent years). Not including the PTET, annual growth would have been $2.5 billion or 28.5%. Total business tax collections exceeded the latest projections by $5.6 million and initial projections by $18.1 billion. Without the PTET, business tax collections would have exceeded the latest projections by $285 million and initial projections by $1.7 billion. All Funds spending totaled $209.3 billion, which was $22.8 billion, or 12.2%, higher than last year. Total spending was $3.6 billion lower than the most recent projections and $452.4 million higher than initial projections. The General Fund ended the fiscal year with a balance of $33.053 billion, an increase of $23.9 billion from opening balance. This includes $4.5 billion of federal fiscal recovery funds made available through the American Rescue Plan. Financial plan management actions taken by DOB at the end of the year include: $7.6 billion in debt service prepayments and debt defeasance, which was $4.7 billion higher than the most recent forecast; $724 million set aside for public employee health insurance costs; $843 million was deposited to the state’s two rainy day reserves, which was $32 million lower than anticipated; and Undesignated funds in the General Fund balance (Refund Reserve) totaled $29.7 billion, which was $2.6 billion higher than last anticipated. This includes $16.4 billion in PTET proceeds. March Cash Report

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - APRIL 15, 2022

 

As New Yorkers Make Preparations to Travel and Gather with Loved Ones For Easter and Passover Holidays, Remember to Use the Toolkit: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment

9 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

"This holiday weekend will be a time of celebration for many of us, making it all the more important that we take the proper precautions against the spread of this virus," Governor Hochul said. "There are two new and highly contagious variants circulating, so if you are travelling get tested, and if you test positive please stay home and consult your doctor on available treatments. Be smart, wear your mask if you're around vulnerable family members and think it's necessary, and make sure the friends and family you are spending time with are vaccinated and boosted if eligible."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Cases Per 100k - 34.47
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 28.88
• Test Results Reported - 137,654
• Total Positive - 6,737
• Percent Positive - 4.71%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.68%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,216 (+30)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 253
• Patients in ICU - 147 (+3)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 63 (-3)
• Total Discharges - 293,129 (+226)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 9
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 55,265

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 70,488

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

• Total vaccine doses administered - 37,934,699
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 37,045
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 233,438
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.2%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 86.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 82.8%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 76.5%

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:

Borough	Tuesday, April 12, 2022	Wednesday, April 13, 2022	Thursday, April 14, 2022
Bronx	1.42%	1.47%	1.45%
Kings	2.84%	2.85%	2.81%
New York	4.50%	4.75%	4.75%
Queens	2.44%	2.52%	2.64%
Richmond	2.91%	3.08%	3.23%

Ribbon Cutting at Waring Playground

It was a warm spring afternoon at Bronx Park East and Waring Avenue along the Bronx River Parkway, for the Ribbon cutting of the newly reconstructed Waring Playground. This was the first park ribbon cutting for new NYC Parks Commissioner Susan Donahue, and also for new Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson. $3.6 million dollars went into the project of then City Councilman Ritchie Torres, then Mayor Bill de Blasio, and then Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. Students from nearby PS 96 who may use the new playground were also on hand to help celebrate the ribbon cutting. 

Parks Commissioner Donahue spoke first describing the different amenities of the playground, and saying that this was her first ribbon cutting at a NYC park. Congressman Ritchie Torres spoke next on how he as a city councilman collaborated with the community to find out what they wanted to see in their neighborhood park. Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson also said this was her first Park ribbon cutting he thanked then Bronx Parks commissioner, now Deputy NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and local Bronx Park East Community members. BP Gibson added that this playground is for the children such as those from nearby PS 96. Others who spoke included Community Board 11 Chair Al D'Angelo, BPECA members Diana Finch and Raphael Schweizer, and last but not least former Bronx Park Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa now citywide Deputy Parks Commissioner who said that she is still a Bronx girl, even though she may be working downtown. 

New York City Parks Commissioner Susan  Donahue welcomed everyone to the ribbon cutting of the new Waring Playground.

Former Councilman now Congressman Ritchie Torres said he will once again be representing the Bronx Park East community after redistricting next year as its congressman. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson spoke of the importance of play areas to children as they grow up, hoping that the new Waring Avenue Playground be put to good use, and that everyone keep an eye on it to make sure. 

Former Bronx Parks Commissioner, now Deputy NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa speaks about how this playground was finished months ahead of schedule. 

Diana Finch of BPECA says a few words about the playground.

Raphael Schweizer says a few words, and thanks a few more people.

The ribbon cutting, officially opening the new Waring Avenue Playground. 

Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson and Congressman Ritchie Torres stand at the top of the slide showing the Bronx X.

While BP Gibson took the stairs down, Congressman Torres tried out the slide.

MAYOR ADAMS CELEBRATES $4 BILLION ALLOCATED FOR CHILDCARE IN STATE BUDGET

 

Thousands of New York City Families Will Receive Access to Free, High Quality Childcare

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams was today joined by New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, elected officials, and parents to celebrate the allocation of $4 billion in the state budget for childcare in New York City over four years, as well as the authorization of new tax incentives to increase the number of childcare seats in New York City. The historic childcare expansion investment comes weeks after Mayor Adams and New York City parents asked state lawmakers to fight for an affordable expansion of quality education.

 

“Today is a win for New York City families and for our kids,” said Mayor Adams. “Raising a family in New York City shouldn't be hard, so we are making things a little easier for working families by expanding access to high quality childcare programs across our city. This historic investment of $4 billion will expand quality childcare comes at a crucial time, while families struggle with the increase in the cost of living and lost wages as a result of the pandemic. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the state that fought for New York City families and delivered. Promises made, promises kept.”

 

“We are grateful for Governor Hochul for her support for New York City's youngest children,” said Chancellor Banks. “This tremendous increase in funding will make it possible for thousands of working families to provide their children with the high-quality care they need, and the high-quality care they deserve. Education is a lifelong journey, and we are committed to ensuring that all children begin this journey with their best foot forward.”

 

“This administration made a promise to working parents across New York City to deliver critical childcare funding — and that’s exactly what we did,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “Childcare centers are foundational to families, creating a space for learn children to learn, grow, and simply to be kids. With this historic funding, we are beginning a transformative  moment for childcare, supports for high-quality providers, and bringing much-needed peace of mind to parents.”

 

While New York City will receive $4 billion over four years, the state allocated a total of $7 billion for the whole state. In addition to investing in New York City children and families, this investment will ensure New York City providers and childcare workers feel supported and have the resources necessary to run successful programs.

 

In addition, the state acted on two critical priorities the Adams administration pushed for to increase the number of childcare seats throughout the city. In the adopted budget, the state authorized the city to provide property tax abatements to property owners who retrofit property to establish childcare centers. It also authorized the city to offer a tax credit for businesses that provide free or subsidized childcare ​to their employees. Together, these incentives are estimated to create thousands of new childcare seats if fully utilized.

 

New York City has approximately 500,000 children aged 5 and younger. The Adams administration aims to maximize all funding to reach as many families in need who are currently not receiving care.

  

Bronx Man Sentenced To Over Nine Years In Prison For Coordinating Armed Home Invasion Robbery

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that OSCAR RIOS, a/k/a “Oski,” was sentenced to 115 months in prison for his coordination of an August 29, 2020 armed home invasion robbery in the Bronx, New York.  RIOS pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery on October 6, 2021 before U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan, who imposed today’s sentence. 

RIOS’s co-defendants, SHAWN GARCIA, a/k/a “Ralph Porter,” and SUTHA TAYLOR, a/k/a “Sutha Colon,” carried out the robbery and also pled guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.  GARCIA and TAYLOR were previously sentenced to 96 months and 121 months in prison, respectively.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Oscar Rios coordinated a violent home invasion robbery that resulted in one victim being shot and another victim being threatened at gunpoint.  The sentences imposed in this case send a clear message that those who plan and carry out such violent crimes will pay a heavy price.”

According to public filings and statements made in court:

On or about August 29, 2020, RIOS orchestrated an armed home invasion robbery of an apartment in the Bronx, New York (the “Apartment”), which co-defendants GARCIA and TAYLOR, along with a third co-conspirator (“CC-3”), carried out.  Shortly before the robbery took place, RIOS communicated with other uncharged co-conspirators to lure a resident (“Victim-1”) out of the Apartment.  Once RIOS learned that Victim-1 was about to leave, he informed GARCIA and TAYLOR via text message to commit the robbery. 

When Victim-1 opened the door to the Apartment, GARCIA, TAYLOR, and CC-3 ran into the Apartment and physically assaulted Victim-1, including by striking Victim-1 in the head several times with at least one firearm.  During this time, RIOS remained in a nearby building to serve as a lookout.  While the assault on Victim-1 was in progress, another resident of the Apartment (“Victim-2”) was thrown into the bathroom and ordered to remain there.  Victim-1 was then shot in the buttocks.  After the shooting, one of the robbers placed a dark garment over Victim-2’s head and demanded to know where Victim-1 kept his safe, which contained proceeds from Victim-1’s marijuana sales.  Shortly thereafter, RIOS texted GARCIA and TAYLOR to inform them that the area was clear for them to flee.  GARCIA, TAYLOR, and CC-3 then fled the Apartment, stealing a safe with cash proceeds from Victim-1’s marijuana sales, as well as other items found in the Apartment.

As a result of the assault and shooting, Victim-1 was hospitalized for several days.  

In addition to the prison term, RIOS, 28, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the ATF and NYPD, in particular, the Strategic Patterned Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (“SPARTA”) Task Force, which is composed of agents and officers of the ATF and the NYPD.