Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul Re: Death of Robert Brooks

 

“Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks. I have been clear that it is the responsibility of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to provide appropriate care and protection for those in its custody, and I will not tolerate anyone who violates that responsibility. That is why I ordered an immediate and full investigation into the death of Robert Brooks and further directed DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello to begin the termination process for the 14 individuals who were involved in his fatal attack. The State of New York has zero tolerance for individuals who break the law, and I am committed to holding everyone involved fully accountable. Once again, I want to offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Brooks’ family and loved ones as they grieve his tragic death. I am grateful to the Attorney General and her team, our State Police, and everyone working with us to ensure justice is served in this case.”

Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Robert Brooks

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Robert Brooks, who died on December 10, 2024 after an encounter with New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in Marcy, Oneida County.

On December 9, Mr. Brooks was transferred from Mohawk Correctional Facility to Marcy Correctional Facility, both in Oneida County. Mr. Brooks, who was handcuffed with his hands behind his back, was then taken to a medical examination room where the events captured in the video took place. Mr. Brooks was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of December 10.

The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released video from body-worn cameras that four correction officers were equipped with during the incident. The footage includes both the four videos at their full length and versions of the four videos cropped to show only images of Mr. Brooks and the officers’ interactions with Mr. Brooks. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public 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 may have 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 content that viewers may find disturbing.

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches for 268 Barbey Street in East New York, Brooklyn

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 268 Barbey Street, a 14-story mixed-use building in East New York, Brooklyn. Designed by Dattner Architects and developed by Abraham Hoffman under the Empire State Dairy LLC, the structure yields 336 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 80 units for residents at 40 to 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $31,612 to $218,010.

268 Barbey Street in East New York, Brooklyn via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include parking, bike storage, gym, playground, community center, media room, party room, outdoor areas, business center, children’s playroom, outdoor terrace, rooftop terrace, doorman, and package lockers. Units include washers and dryers, name-brand appliances and finishes, air conditioning, and hardwood floors. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove and heat.

At 40 percent of the AMI, there are 11 studios with a monthly rent of $823 for incomes ranging from $31,612 to $49,720; 16 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $874 for incomes ranging from $33,909 to $55,920; and five two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,031 for incomes ranging from $40,869 to $67,080.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are four studios with a monthly rent of $1,290 for incomes ranging from $47,623 to $74,580; 17 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,374 for incomes ranging from $51,395 to $83,880; nine two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,631 for incomes ranging from $61,440 to $100,620; and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,868 for incomes ranging from $70,766 to $115,560.

At 100 percent of the AMI, there are three studios with a monthly rent of $2,224 for incomes ranging from $79,646 to $124,300; eight one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,375 for incomes ranging from $85,715 to $139,800; one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,832 for incomes ranging from $102,618 to $167,700; and one three-bedroom with a monthly rent of $3,255 for incomes ranging from $118,320 to $192,600.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there is one studio with a monthly rent of $3,423 for incomes ranging from $125,520 to $141,310; one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $3,661 for incomes ranging from $125,520 to $181,740; and one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $4,376 for incomes ranging from $150,035 to $218,010.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than January 24, 2025.

VCJC News & Notes 12/27/29

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders

1. Shabbos
   
   

   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 12/27/24 @ 4:17 pm
   Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely. 
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 12/28/24 @ 5:21 pm

   If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.

   Kiddush sponsored by BenZ Panush celebrating Chanukah.

   Light Chanukah candles before the Friday candles and after the end of Shabbos.
    

2. Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center!

   Monday, December 30, 2024, at 7:00 PM
   Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, 3880 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463 Take the stairs or elevator to the first floor.

   Join us for a joyous evening of tradition and community as the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center hosts its annual Chanukah Celebration on the night of the 6th Candle!

   What to Expect:
   Musical Entertainment: The talented Chaim Zadok will delight us with festive music.
   Delicious Refreshments: Savor traditional latkes and jelly donuts, free for all attendees.
   Exciting Raffles: Try your luck! Raffle tickets are just $1, with plenty of fantastic prizes to win.
   FREE ADMISSION: This event is open to everyone—families, friends, and neighbors are all welcome!

   For more information, contact us at 718-884-6105

   Come and share in the spirit of Chanukah with music, food, and fun for the whole community!

   Happy Chanukah!

Our mailing address is:

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

3880 Sedgwick Ave

Bronx, NY 10463