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Saturday, June 18, 2022
Bronx Dems - Join us to phonebank for our Bronx Assembly Members!
Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 6/13/22-6/17/22
Dear Community,
This week, Governor Hochul signed a historic package of legislation aimed at expanding and protecting the right to an abortion in New York. The package included the FIRE HATE Act (S9039/A10094), my bill with Assemblymember Burdick to institute legal safeguards for individuals who travel to New York for reproductive or gender affirming healthcare. This legislation creates a cause of action for unlawful interference with protected rights under New York Civil Rights Law.
While other states are looking to criminalize abortion and gender-affirming care, New York continues to reaffirm its commitment to reproductive justice and serve as an model for the rest of our nation. I’d like to thank Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Burdick, and my Legislative colleagues for prioritizing this crucial legislation and ensuring that New York remains a safe haven for reproductive care.
Other legislation in the package includes:
- S9077A/A10372A: Relates to legal protection for abortion service providers
- S9079B/A9687: Prohibits misconduct charges against healthcare practitioners for providing reproductive health services to patients who reside in states where such services are illegal
- S9080B/A9718B: Prohibits medical malpractice insurance companies from taking adverse action against a reproductive healthcare provider who provides legal care
- S9384A/A9818A: Includes abortion providers and patients in the address confidentiality program
- S470/A5499: Authorizes a study to examine unmet health and resource needs and impact of limited service pregnancy centers
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
Assemblyman Michael Benedetto Drops by Rivers Run Community Garden in Coop-City to Deliver a Seventy-Five Thousand Dollar Check
Friday afternoon Assemblyman Michael Benedetto delivered a $75,000.00 check to the Rivers Run Community Garden in Coop-City. The monies will be used towards upkeep and improvements within the Community Garden such as new fencing, benches, walkways, plantings, landscape, and other maintenance needs.
Rivers Run is Coop-City's first riverfront green space and was developed by community based organizations, including Building 13 Association Inc., Riverbay Corporation, and the City of New York's Green Thumb program about eight years ago. Another partner to Rivers Run is the New York Botanical Garden, lending material support and guidance
"My job in Albany is to find good programs such as Rivers Run" said Assemblyman Benedetto. He added, Rivers Run is a wonderful community based organization that works with local residents to develop lots for planting vegetables and other activities. We need more community gardens throughout my district, and the Bronx. I hope this funding will help preserve Rivers Run as a model for others to look toward.
"Rivers Run is an incredible amenity for the Coop-City community," said Leslie Peterson of the Building 13 Association Inc., and Rivers Run Community Garden. "We appreciate these funds that Assemblyman Benedetto has secured for us, and we plan to use them to build on the good work we already do."
“Rivers Run is an incredible amenity for the Co-op City community,” said Leslie Peterson of the Building 13 Association, Inc. and Rivers Run. “We appreciate these funds that Assembly Member Benedetto has secured for us and we plan to use them to build on the good work we do.”
The grant funds are anticipated to be available to the community within the next few months.
Ms. Peterson thanked Assemblyman Michael Benedetto for the monies for the Rivers Run community garden.
Assemblyman Michael Benedetto looks like he is ready, as he has before, to get to work in the Rivers Run Community Garden.
Friday, June 17, 2022
Attorney General James Protects Bronx Tenants Housing Rights
Real Estate Lawyers Kucker, Marino, Winiarsky & Bittens LLP Harmed Rent-Stabilized Tenants’ Ability to Organize and Maintain Safe and Habitable Homes
New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that she has reached an agreement with Kucker, Marino, Winiarsky & Bittens LLP (Kucker) for unlawfully providing improper and damaging legal advice to New York tenants. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Kucker sent a letter to 263 unrepresented tenants in the Bronx giving them unwarranted legal advice about their rights to rent stabilization. Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA), a tenant organizing project, was already working with the tenants to fight for safe, affordable housing. Kucker’s letter gave tenants a false sense of security regarding rent stabilization, and CASA’s organizing efforts were stalled as a result. As part of the agreement, Kucker will pay $50,000 to CASA for the money and resources it spent to combat Kucker’s improper letter. Kucker will also adopt official trainings and procedures to ensure complete and ongoing compliance with their ethical duties.
Kucker sent the letter to six buildings in the Bronx: 1187 Anderson Avenue, 1195 Anderson Avenue, 1997 Anderson Avenue, 1220 Shakespeare Avenue, 1210 Woodycrest Avenue, and 1230 Woodycrest Avenue.
“As New York City continues to face a housing crisis, we must do everything we can to ensure tenants are informed of their rights and are protected against unscrupulous landlords and their lawyers,” said Attorney General James. “Today, we are holding Kucker accountable for jeopardizing New Yorker’s housing stability and failing to comply with the law. I will continue to use the full force of my office to stand up for tenants who are organizing their communities to ensure that safe, decent, and affordable housing is a reality for all New Yorkers.”
Today, about one million apartments in New York City are covered by rent stabilization. Rent stabilization protects tenants from drastic changes in rent and provides tenants with the right to renew their leases, which has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenants have a right under New York law to organize for better conditions and OAG has provided guidance to law enforcement agencies about how to protect this right. New York Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers also dictate that lawyers cannot provide legal advice to individuals who do not have their own legal representation.
In July 2021, OAG began an investigation into Kucker after Bronx Legal Services flagged an application submitted to New York City on behalf of the firm’s client requesting to deny rent stabilization status to 263 apartments. The letter failed to address potential rent stabilization protections for the tenants. During OAG’s investigation, Kucker admitted to improperly ghostwriting letters sent by the landlord to all 263 tenants containing legal advice about the submission to the state. At the same time, CASA was working with tenants of the buildings to organize an association to advocate for repairs and to fight the landlord’s submission to the state. The letter caused a major disruption in their organizing efforts, leading to further miscommunication and misinformation among tenants, and CASA had to divert resources in order to address the impact.
Under the agreement negotiated by OAG, Kucker must establish a range of practices and procedures that will ensure compliance with the law going forward. Within 60 days of signing the agreement, all Kucker attorneys and paralegals must attend a training that will cover their obligations under the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, including communications with unrepresented individuals and protocol for submitting applications to administrative bodies. Additionally, Kucker must pay $50,000 to CASA as restitution for the resources spent and frustration of mission CASA suffered due to the letter. Failure to comply with the law going forward will result in a $5,000 penalty for every violation.
This action marks the second time in the last two years that OAG has taken against Kucker. In June 2020, an investigation found that Kucker sent dozens of deceptive eviction notices to tenants during the statewide COVID-19 eviction ban. Kucker agreed to stop engaging in any “deceptive or fraudulent rent or debt notices” going forward.
“I applaud New York Attorney General Letitia James and her staff for reaching an agreement with Kucker, Marino, Winiarsky & Bittnes LLP, who were found to have provided improper legal advice to 263 Bronx tenants without legal representation who were working with CASA to improve safety conditions and the affordability of their apartments,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “My hope is that this agreement stands as an example demonstrating the lengths to which the city and state are prepared to undergo to ensure that tenants, especially during this health crisis, are safe, free from intimidation, and are allowed to stay in their apartments. I want to thank Attorney General Letitia James and CASA for their work in fighting for our residents.”
The OAG is pursuing similar investigations to uphold tenant protections and to hold landlords and their lawyers accountable for their unlawful actions. This week, Attorney General James shut down a landlord for exposing children to lead paint hazards in Syracuse. In April 2022, Attorney General James sued Brooklyn-based eviction lawyers for engaging in deceptive rent collection practices and initiating frivolous lawsuits against New York tenants.
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY SELECTED AS HOST CITY FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP™
FIFA Names New York/New Jersey a Host City for What Will be Largest FIFA World Cup™ in History, as 48 Teams Play in Tournament Across the U.S., Canada and Mexico
Celebrations Across Region to Take Place This Evening, with City Hall, Iconic Stadiums and Landmarks Lighting Up With Messages of Support
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy tonight celebrated FIFA’s announcement that New York/New Jersey has been selected as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Mayor Adams and Governor Murphy led a watch party at Liberty State Park joined by soccer fans, players and supporters at all levels of the game to celebrate the momentous occasion. Celebrations are expected to reverberate throughout the region as New York City Hall, the Empire State Building and other iconic landmarks and stadiums across all five New York City boroughs and the State of New Jersey light up with messages of celebration. New York City and New Jersey submitted a joint bid to host matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
“The biggest sporting event in the world is coming to the biggest stage, and New York City cannot wait to welcome the world to our region,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City is thrilled to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the drama and excitement here to the city that never sleeps! The momentum doesn’t end there, with world-class restaurants, hotels, shows, and more to keep all our visitors entertained. Not only will the World Cup strengthen our economy by providing a major boost, but it will showcase FIFA and the sport of soccer to all of America. As mayor of one of the most diverse cities in the world — and one filled with soccer fans — I know our city represents the diversity of this world game and we couldn’t be more ready to welcome the world in 2026.”
“We are honored to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with our neighbors across the Hudson, and we are fully prepared to deliver the world-class experience that the beautiful game deserves,” said Governor Murphy. “Future generations of New Jerseyans will remember fondly that, on the heels of a global pandemic, the biggest sporting event in the world was hosted by the greatest region in the world. In addition to building upon our lasting global legacy, as a host region we will also benefit from significant economic activity and impact, as well as opportunities to showcase the rich cultural diversity of our state. As we welcome the world today and every day, we are reminded that the values of inclusion and unity are not only foundational to the World Cup, but to who we are as New Jerseyans.”
“With some of the most welcoming and diverse communities anywhere in the world, New York is a natural fit to host the FIFA World Cup,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Our unparalleled cultural experiences and countless tourist attractions make us the ideal venue for the thousands of fans who will come to enjoy this historic competition. New York was made for the spotlight — we are ready to provide an unforgettable experience for millions around the globe, and I thank all who made this possible.”
“On behalf of the New York Football Giants and New York Jets, we are honored to be selected as an official venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Ron VanDeVeen, president and CEO, MetLife Stadium. “We look forward to hosting the world’s largest sporting event and welcoming the teams and their fans from around the globe to MetLife Stadium.”
“The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority is thrilled that FIFA has selected the NY/NJ region and MetLife Stadium to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Vincent Prieto, president and CEO, New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority. “The FIFA World Cup will shine a bright spotlight on the Meadowlands Region for an international audience. We look forward to offering superb experiences to fans from around the globe, including dynamic downtowns, plentiful shopping and dining hotspots.”
The New York/New Jersey region is incredibly well-prepared, well-equipped and excited to welcome visitors and fans from around the world during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. MetLife Stadium hosts two million guests annually, and the New York/New Jersey region is home to five airports servicing 181 countries. Additionally, more hotels are currently being built in the region than exist overall in the other candidate cities. As an entertainment, tourism, culinary and media capital of the world, New York/New Jersey has ample options for hosting and staging impressive corresponding events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in addition to standing out as a host city for matches.
The leaders behind New York/New Jersey’s bid are squarely focused on ensuring that this incredible opportunity benefits local and regional economies and serves as an inclusive cultural experience for the entire community.
New York/New Jersey is home to some of the most engaged and diverse soccer fans in the nation, representing countries from every corner of the world. The region’s soccer-friendly culture combined with its global and diverse population make for a community that will be thrilled to experience FIFA World Cup™ matches and will welcome guests with open arms.
In addition to matches played at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey will host FIFA Fan Fest sites around the region. The proposed training facilities are at Rutgers University, The Pingry School, Kean University, Red Bull Football Club Training Facility, and the New York City Football Club Training Facility.
The U.S. last hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup™ in 1994, when Giants Stadium played host to seven games, including a quarterfinal and semifinal match. Giants Stadium also hosted the opening match for the women’s FIFA World Cup in 1999.
Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years for Two Murders and Other Violent Crimes
Dylan Cruz was Sentenced following his Guilty Plea to Racketeering between 2010 and 2016
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Dylan Cruz, a member of the Red Lane Gorillas “set” of the Bloods street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 35 years in prison following his conviction on racketeering charges for his role in the July 2012 murder of Anthony Richard in Baldwin Harbor, the October 2014 murder of Ehrik Williams in Hempstead, the November 2010 attempted murder of a rival gang member in Roosevelt, and a several years’ long conspiracy to murder members of a rival “set” of the Bloods gang in Brooklyn. Cruz pleaded guilty to racketeering in December of 2021 along with co-defendant Richard Michel who is awaiting sentencing.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea.
“Dylan Cruz’s senseless, callous violence took the lives of two innocent young men and devastated their families, all because of suspected offenses against his fellow gang members and associates,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The relentless efforts of this Office and our law enforcement partners resulted in Cruz being held accountable for these murders that went unsolved for years. Today’s sentence should send a message to all that violent actors will be held accountable for their criminal acts, no matter how long it takes.”
“The details of this years-long investigation make clear: The NYPD and our law-enforcement partners will never tolerate violent gangs and the havoc they wreak in our communities,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “Today’s sentencing reflects this defendant’s callous disregard for life, and reaffirms our commitment to rid our streets of violent criminals by holding them fully accountable for their actions. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the New York Field Office of the FBI, the Nassau County Police Department, and everyone else who worked to make New York City safer for all the people we serve.”
According to court filings and statements made by the defendant at his guilty plea, between 2010 and 2021, Cruz, along with other members of the Red Lane Gorillas, engaged in a violent gang war against rival gangs, including the Crips and the 5-9 Brims set of the Bloods, in Nassau County and Brooklyn. Cruz conspired to kill members of the 5-9 Brims and on February 20, 2016, shot and seriously wounded a rival gang member and an innocent female bystander in Queens. On November 17, 2010, Cruz also shot a rival Crips gang member in Roosevelt that left the man paralyzed.
Cruz also engaged in extreme violence against anyone suspected of disloyalty or disrespecting his gang. On July 15, 2012, Cruz murdered Anthony Richard, whom he wrongly suspected of assisting the Crips in the 2010 murder of a member of their gang. Cruz followed Richard to Baldwin Harbor, waited until he parked his car, and then fired 15 shots into Richard’s vehicle, killing him and seriously wounding a passenger.
Just over two years later on October 14, 2014, Cruz murdered Ehrik Williams in Hempstead in the mistaken belief that Williams had robbed one of his associates. Cruz walked up behind Williams in broad daylight and fired multiple shots at him, killing him.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. As part of the program, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Annual IDA Report
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MAYOR ADAMS, HEALTH COMMISSIONER DR. VASAN ANNOUNCES NEW YORK CITY’S PLANS FOR COVID-19 BABY VACCINE ROLLOUT
City Will Begin Administering Vaccine to Children Aged 6-Months and Older as Early as June 22, Pending Final Guidance From CDC After FDA Grants Emergency Authorization
City-Run Sites Will Offer COVID-19 Vaccine in All Five Boroughs
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan today announced New York City’s plans to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged six-months and older next week, pending additional federal recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expected this weekend. To provide parents the most flexibility possible, DOHMH has also been conducting educational outreach to ready providers. Starting this weekend, DOHMH recommends parents reach out to their children’s pediatricians to see if they will make the COVID-19 vaccine available at their offices. Additionally, beginning on June 21, parents and guardians can also use New York City’s COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find convenient locations across the five boroughs to vaccinate young children, including 10 city Vaccine Hubs where the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children aged six-months through, and including, five years of age. These sites are expected to open as early as June 22, depending on final federal approval. The Pfizer vaccine will also be available at non-city sites to children six months and above.
“The next step towards a return to normalcy is around the corner for our youngest New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “I know how long parents and caretakers of our little ones have been waiting for the moment their youngest would have access to a COVID-19 vaccine, and as soon as that moment comes, I want them to know we will be ready. We are looking to make this process as seamless as possible for parents, which is why we’re preparing, through city sites and partnerships with trusted pediatricians, to vaccinate and protect all of our children as soon as this vaccine is ready and shipped. Parents will also have numerous opportunities to ask their questions and should feel comfortable knowing this vaccine is safe and vital to their children’s health.”
“The provision of the COVID-19 vaccine to our youngest New Yorkers marks a historic milestone for New York City and our response efforts,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “From the start of the pandemic, we have taken strict measures to protect our youngest New Yorkers from the transmission of COVID-19, and we are thrilled to now be able to deliver the vaccine to children under five. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and I urge parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated in order to protect their health, and the health of their families and school communities.”
“We’ve been waiting so long for a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine for our babies, and thankfully that time has arrived,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Vasan. “While we still await formal federal guidance, we want parents to know that the vaccine is here, it is safe, and it protects against COVID-19 and its most severe complications. As the city’s doctor, and as a father of a three-year-old, I have confidence in this vaccine, and I can’t wait to get my child vaccinated. I encourage parents to call their child’s pediatrician today or call 877-VAX-4NYC to make an appointment at one of our city sites next week. We’re ready for shots for tots!”
This morning, the Food and Drug Administration issued emergency authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages six-months and older. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to meet this weekend and if CDC recommends vaccination, then young children will be able to begin getting vaccinated as early as next week.
New York City clinics that have been serving children five years and older will transition to serving younger children once the vaccination campaign for babies begins. The locations and hours are below.
Vaccine Hubs | Days of Operation | Clinic Appointment Hours |
Manhattan |
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Times Square | M-Su | 10 AM – 5 PM |
NYC Health Dept. – Uptown Clinic (in East Harlem) | M-Sa | 9 AM– 5 PM |
Queens |
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Queens Mall | M-Su | 9 AM – 6 PM |
NYC Health Dept. – Corona Clinic | M-F | 9 AM – 5 PM |
NYC Vaccine Hub – Long Island City | Th-Su | 10 AM – 7 PM |
Bronx |
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NYC Health Dept. – Morrisania Clinic | W-Sa | 9 AM – 5 PM |
Staten Island |
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NYC Vaccine Hub – Empire Outlets | M-Su | 10 AM – 5 PM |
Brooklyn |
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NYC Vaccine Hub – The Jefferson | Th-Su | 10 AM – 7 PM |
NYC Vaccine Hub – The Livonia | Th-Su | 10 AM – 7 PM |
NYC Vaccine Hub – Brooklyn Children's Museum | W-Su | 9 AM – 5:30 PM |
City-run vaccination hubs will serve children between the ages of six months up to and including five-years old. Parents can also use New York City’s COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find a convenient location to get their child vaccinated or reach out to their personal providers to make an appointment. If parents plan to get their children under five-years old vaccinated at a pharmacy, they should check the Vaccine Finder website before they go.