Permits Filed For 2444 Tiebout Avenue In Fordham, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a ten-story mixed-use building to be used for senior housing at 2444 Tiebout Avenue in Fordham, The Bronx. Located between East 187th Street and East 188th Street, the interior lot is near the Fordham Road subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Comunilife is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 70-foot-tall development will yield 55,816 square feet, with 36,469 square feet designated for community facility space and 19,347 square feet for residential space. The building will have 83 residences, with an average unit scope of 233 square feet. The concrete-based structure will 15 one-bedroom and 68 studios, a recreation room with kitchen, a shared laundry room, and administration and social services offices.

Monica Lopez Architect is listed as the architect of record.

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

Justice Department Announces First Criminal Resolution Involving the Illicit Sale and Transport of Iranian Oil in Violation of U.S. Sanctions

 

The Government Also Seized Almost One Million Barrels of Iranian Crude Oil

The Justice Department announced the successful disruption of a multimillion-dollar shipment of crude oil by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a designated foreign terrorist organization, that was bound for another country. This is the first-ever criminal resolution involving a company that violated sanctions by facilitating the illicit sale and transport of Iranian oil and comes in concert with a successful seizure of over 980,000 barrels of contraband crude oil.

According to court documents, on April 19, Suez Rajan Limited pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). On that same date, the company was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols for the District of Columbia to three years of corporate probation and a fine of almost $2.5 million. In addition, pursuant to a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) and a seizure warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Empire Navigation, the operating company of the vessel carrying the contraband cargo, agreed to cooperate and transport the Iranian oil to the United States – an operation which has now concluded. Empire Navigation incurred the significant expenses associated with the vessel’s voyage to the United States.

The contraband cargo is now the subject of a civil forfeiture action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The United States’ forfeiture complaint alleges that the oil aboard the vessel is subject to forfeiture based on U.S. terrorism and money laundering statutes.

The complaint alleges a scheme involving multiple entities affiliated with Iran’s IRGC and the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) to covertly sell and transport Iranian oil to a customer abroad. Participants in the scheme attempted to disguise the origin of the oil using ship-to-ship transfers, false automatic identification system reporting, falsified documents and other means. The complaint further alleges that the charterer of the vessel used the U.S. financial system to facilitate the transportation of Iranian oil.

The complaint further alleges that the oil constitutes the property of, or provided a “source of influence” over, the IRGC and the IRGC-QF, both of which have been designated by the United States as foreign terrorist organizations, and that the oil facilitated money laundering. The documents allege that profits from oil sales support the IRGC’s full range of malign activities, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, support for terrorism and both domestic and international human rights abuses.

Funds successfully forfeited with a connection to a state sponsor of terrorism may in whole or in part be directed to the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fun.

Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C. and FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office are investigating the cases.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart D. Allen and Rajbir S. Datta for the District of Columbia prosecuted the criminal case and they, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hudak, are litigating the civil forfeiture case. On both actions, they received assistance from Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Grady participated in prior phases of the investigation. The Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division is also prosecuting and litigating these matters. The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Criminal Division provided significant assistance in this matter. The Department thanks United Against Nuclear Iran for its valuable assistance.

A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation. The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.

Founder of Purported Artificial Intelligence-Driven Hedge Fund Charged With Defrauding Clients

 

Defendant Allegedly Preyed on Egyptian-American Coptic Christians, Spending Their Funds on Luxury Goods and Expensive Meals

A criminal complaint was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Mina Tadrus, the founder and chief executive officer of Tadrus Capital, LLC, with wire fraud in connection with a scheme to steal from clients of his purported hedge fund.  Tadrus was arrested this morning in Tampa, Florida and made his initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in the Middle District of Florida where he was released on a $100,000 bond.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office (IRS-CI), announced the arrest and charges.

“As alleged, the defendant preyed on the Egyptian-American Coptic Christian community through a scheme built on false promises that his purported artificial intelligence-driven hedge fund would earn them guaranteed annual returns, when in reality he never invested a dime and just used new investor money to pay the guaranteed monthly returns and line his own pockets,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office will vigorously prosecute those who, like the defendant, claim to use cutting edge technology but instead are committing old-fashioned fraud against the public to enrich themselves.”

Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s New York Regional Office for its assistance in this matter.

According to the complaint, between September 2020 and July 2023, Tadrus, a former registered stockbroker, operated Tadrus Capital LLC.  Tadrus promised clients he had met at a Coptic Christian Church in Brooklyn and elsewhere that its artificial intelligence-driven trading strategies would earn them guaranteed annual returns of 30% or more.  Tadrus did not appear to have engaged in AI-based algorithmic trading. Instead, Tadrus used the investors’ funds to pay a few employees and purchase luxury goods and expensive meals for himself and make good on the fraudulent “returns” to new investors.  In total, Tadrus misappropriated at least $5 million from his victims. 

If you were a Tadrus Capital LLC client and would like to file a complaint, please visit www.iC3.gov.  Please reference “Tadrus Capital” or “Mina Tadrus” in your complaint. 

The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Tadrus faces up to 20 years in prison. 

Attorney General James Secures Agreement with Insulin Maker Novo Nordisk to Cap Insulin Prices for Uninsured New Yorkers

 

Novo Nordisk Agrees to Cap Insulin Price at $35 per Monthly Prescription for Uninsured New Yorkers for Five Years and Streamline Process for Patients at Pharmacy Counter

AG James Previously Secured $35 Monthly Cap from Eli Lilly and Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured an agreement with one of the nation’s largest insulin manufacturers, Novo Nordisk Inc. (Novo Nordisk), to cap the price of insulin at $35 per monthly prescription for uninsured New Yorkers for five years. The agreement also requires Novo Nordisk to implement a program with pharmacies to let uninsured patients know before they pay that they are eligible for the insulin cap. Today’s agreement follows earlier agreements with two other large insulin makers, Eli Lilly and Sanofi, to cap insulin prices at $35 a month for uninsured New Yorkers.

“New Yorkers who rely on lifesaving medication like insulin should not have to ration their doses or forgo taking their medicine altogether because they cannot afford it,” said Attorney General James. “Today’s agreement will mean that uninsured New Yorkers do not have to choose between taking their insulin and putting food on the table. I will always use the powers of my office to help protect vulnerable New Yorkers, and to ensure no company takes advantage of them.”

More than 10 percent of New Yorkers have diabetes, and it is estimated that 464,000 of them rely on insulin every day. New Yorkers who live in the state’s poorest neighborhoods are 70 percent more likely to have diabetes. In fact, more than 16 percent of New York adults with diabetes have an annual household income of less than $25,000. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that the list prices set by insulin manufacturers for patients resulted in significant out-of-pocket costs for certain insulin users, causing some to ration their insulin or forgo it altogether. Over the past two decades, the list prices for insulin have increased dramatically, with prices from all manufacturers nearly tripling from 2002 to 2013. For a person with Type 1 diabetes, annual spending on insulin averaged $2,864 in 2012, and by 2016, nearly doubled to an average of $5,705. These dramatic cost increases were not driven by insulin manufacturing costs, which by one estimate would be no more than $133 per person per year.

As a result of today’s agreement, Novo Nordisk is required to cap the price of their insulin products, including Novolog, Novolin, and Fisap, at $35 per monthly prescription. Additionally, Novo Nordisk is required to implement a streamlined process at the pharmacy counter that would allow pharmacies to automatically advise cash-paying customers of their ability to fill their monthly prescription for $35 before leaving the pharmacy counter. To do this, Novo Nordisk must contract with a third-party messaging company that would immediately notify a pharmacy or pharmacist that an uninsured patient is eligible for the $35 monthly cap when they are filling their prescription.

In addition to the $35 monthly cap for any uninsured New Yorker, Novo Nordisk has also agreed to continue offering free insulin to the neediest consumers who meet income thresholds tied to the federal poverty line. Novo Nordisk has also agreed to continue offering its Immediate Supply Program, through which it offers an immediate, free supply of insulin to consumers at risk of rationing due to financial hardship. For uninsured New Yorkers below the federal poverty level who do not seek reimbursement from any federal or state health care program, Novo Nordisk will also offer insulin at no cost. More information on Novo Nordisk’s affordability programs can be found here. 

Governor Hochul Announces $7.7 Million to Support Addiction Workforce Development Through New Fellowship Program

 

Funding To Support Innovative Program at Four New York State Medical Schools

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $7.7 Million in funding will be distributed through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports to support a new workforce development and fellowship program at four medical schools across New York State. This innovative addiction workforce training initiative will support 83 New York State fellows with professional healthcare experience to gain educational training and development to best meet the needs of New Yorkers impacted by addiction.

“In my 2023 State of the State address, I outlined our commitment to supporting New Yorkers struggling with addiction across our state through significant investment in harm reduction, preventive, and treatment support programs,” Governor Hochul said. “As medical professionals study the disease of addiction, it is imperative that we provide the appropriate professional educational training needed to best serve this population.”

This program will allow medical students, current medical professionals, and certain state workers to enter the fellowship program by supporting their stipends (or salaries) and benefits, and will also support curriculum development, instruction, and supervision of the fellows. Enrolled addiction professionals will gain experience across multiple prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery settings.

Each of the awardees listed below will receive funding through the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Supplemental Grant covering the program’s implementation for two years:

• SUNY Upstate Medical University - $3,562,691
• New York University Grossman School of Medicine - $2,397,908
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine - $921,833
• The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences - $864,627

The enrolled fellows will represent the following healthcare professions: physicians, medical students, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, licensed social workers, occupational therapists, licensed mental health practitioners, psychologists, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs), Credentialed Prevention Professionals (CPPs), Credentialed Prevention Specialists (CPSs), and Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs).

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “Expanding and enhancing the addiction workforce is a vital part of OASAS’ efforts to support the full continuum of services across the state. These professionals perform important work on a daily basis to assist New Yorkers who have been affected by addiction. This new, innovative fellowship program will help addiction services workers across multiple disciplines receive vital training and other professional development, which will benefit individuals and communities across the state.”

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE RESPONDS TO THE MAYOR SAYING THE MIGRANT CRISIS WOULD ‘DESTROY’ THE CITY

 

"The mayor’s comments were more than politically damaging. They were dangerous, and could contribute to an increasingly hostile environment of xenophobia, which could ultimately threaten the safety of people who have come through unimaginable conditions seeking support. Whether the mayor meant for his words to be taken in that context, they have resonated in deeply harmful ways. Real concerns about resources, infrastructure, and frustrating federal inaction do not excuse words or attitudes that villainize our new and aspiring New Yorkers and Americans and pit people in need against one another. 

“The solution to a crisis created by bigoted conservative leaders is not to echo their rhetoric, but to refute it in words and actions. New York City has seen many waves of migration, has overcome many obstacles, and ultimately been stronger for it, including where there was no clear end in sight, such as the pandemic and more than one fiscal crisis. They did not “destroy New York City,” as some feared in the moment, partially because others tried to lead with hope and light. At the same time, turning people in need against one another could destroy the spirit with which New Yorkers unite and meet our moral obligation to support one another.”

The Public Advocate further discussed the comments and the migrant crisis this morning on The Brian Lehrer Show. Audio of his appearance is available here. 

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - This Week in District 13

 

Dear Neighbor,

The legislative session has officially resumed after a brief summer break, and my colleagues and I are ready to continue working toward a supportive and community-focused term. To ensure you are kept abreast of upcoming hearings and community outreach events (including an upcoming public information session regarding the Metro-North expansion in the Bronx), please refer to the ‘Legislative Corner’ section of this email.  

Over the next few weeks, my office will host events centered on community outreach and small business support services. Mobile Office Hours will also resume on Wednesday, September 13 at the Morris Park Library. For more information, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In this week’s email, you will find construction updates, back-to-school resources,  career development opportunities, small business networking events (in partnership with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce), English as a Second Language classes, mental health services, and more.  

To contact my office for additional information or for assistance, please call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Wishing you all a safe and wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Mobile Office Hours - Morris Park Library

On Wednesday, September 13, from 2 PM to 5 PM, my office will host Mobile Office Hours at the Morris Park Library! If you are experiencing issues with a city agency or would like to learn more about my office's services, I encourage you to stop by. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call 718-931-1721 or email District13@council.nyc.gov.

Bronx Metro-North Virtual Info Session

On Wednesday, September 20, from 6 PM to 8 PM via Zoom, the New York City Council and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson will host a virtual public information session related to the Bronx Metro-North rail expansion and rezoning projects. Registration information will be provided at a later date. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback throughout and after the event.

Info Session Goals

• Provide project overview

• Overview of the ULURP process + timeline for the Rezoning Application

• Answer questions from community members about the process

Construction Advisory

Department of Transportation - Traffic Study

The New York City Department of Transportation has completed its study regarding additional traffic controls at Waters Avenue and Westchester Avenue. As a result, a traffic signal has been approved; installation is tentatively scheduled to be completed by November 30. If you know of an area that will benefit from traffic controls, contact my office at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Night Time Lane Closures

The New York City Department of Design and Construction has announced a night time lane closure on Boston Road between Pelham Parkway Eastbound Main Road and North Service Road. Roadwork will take place Wednesday, September 13 to Friday, September 15 from 9 PM to 5 AM.

Owen Dolen Recreation Center

Please be advised that the reconstruction of the windows and doors at the Owen Dolen Recreation Center is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 22, 2023. For more information about this project, please click here.

Hutchinson River Parkway Bridge

From Tuesday, September 5 to Friday, September 29, the NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will continue maintenance of the Hutchinson River Parkway Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, either two southbound or two northbound lanes of the bridge will be closed (one lane will remain open at all times), weeknights from 12 AM to 5 AM (early morning).  This work is subject to weather condition; at least one lane of traffic will be accessible at all times.

Westchester Avenue Bridge

From Tuesday, September 5 to Friday, September 15, the NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will close the southbound Hutchinson River Parkway between Exit 1C: Pelham Parkway and the southbound entrance ramp from Westchester Avenue. The closure will occur Monday to Friday in the following stages:

• Single-Lane Closure from 10 PM to 5 AM

• Full Closure from 12:01 AM to 4 AM

From Tuesday, September 5 to Friday, September 15, the NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will close the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway between Exit 1B: E. Tremont /Westchester Avenue and the northbound entrance ramp from Hutchinson River Parkway East. The closure will occur Monday to Friday in the following stages:

• Single-Lane Closure from 10 PM to 5 AM

• Full Closure from 12:30 AM to 4:30 AM

Shore Road

The New York City Department of Transportation will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-land closures will continue through Friday, September 15.

Daytime

• Northbound - 7 AM to 9 AM

• Northbound and Southbound - 9 AM to 1 PM

Nighttime

• Northbound and Southbound - 10 PM to 7 AM

Movies Under The Stars: Spider-Man Across The Spider-Verse

On Saturday, September 16 at Loreto Park, the NYC Parks Department will host a special presentation of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Grab your friends and family for a night of adventure, as we follow Miles Morales (Spider-Man) across the Spider-Verse, saving the universe alongside his amazing Spider-Friends and so much more!

MTA Mobile Sales Van The MTA Mobile Sales Van will be at 3033 Middletown Road, from 1 PM to 3 PM, on the fourth Friday of each month. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about your MetroCard, apply for a reduced fare rate, replace expired or damaged cards, and more.

Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into the Death of Eric Duprey

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released video that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Eric Duprey, who died on August 23, 2023, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in the Bronx. 

The Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released a video from a building near where the incident occurred. The release of this video follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office in the course of an OSI investigation be released to the public in order to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.

Warning: This video contains imagery that viewers may find disturbing.