Grace Belkin Street Re-Naming

    Grace Belkin was the District Manager of Bronx Community Board 8 from 1977 until 2006. 

  Please join Community Board No. 8 in the Grace Belkin Street Naming event being held on October 15, 2016 at 11am at West 246 Street and Henry Hudson Parkway West. 

BRONX MAN FOUND GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER FOR KILLING DAUGHTER’S BOYFRIEND

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been found guilty of first-degree Manslaughter for the fatal shooting of his daughter’s boyfriend during a fight inside a Wakefield apartment building. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant, who was an off-duty New York City Correction Officer at the time, responded to a young man’s punches with a gunshot. And after he shot the victim, he failed to provide any assistance whatsoever. He let him die.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Darryl Brown, 58, of 739 East 242nd Street, was convicted by a jury on Sept. 30, 2016 of first-degree Manslaughter after a two-week trial before Acting Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary. Brown faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 19, 2016. 

  According to trial testimony, on March 20, 2014, Brown, a Department of Correction Officer who was off-duty, noticed Vonde Cabbagestalk, 21, who was in a relationship with his daughter, speaking to another man in his building’s lobby. Brown demanded to know why Cabbagestalk was there and an argument escalated, with Cabbagestalk throwing some punches at Brown. 

  Brown was seen brandishing a semiautomatic gun, at which Cabbagestalk tried to swipe. Brown fired one shot, striking Cabbagestalk in the chest and killing him.

  According to testimony, a neighbor, who did not witness the incident, heard Brown’s daughter yell “No, daddy, no!” and called police after Brown and his daughter left Cabbagestalk bleeding on the floor and ran back to their apartment.

 The case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys L. Newton Mendys, Supervisor of the Criminal Enterprise Bureau, and Jennifer Petersen of the Public Integrity Bureau. 

  District Attorney Clark would like to thank the 47th Precinct Detective Squad for their assistance, as well as Bronx District Attorney’s Detective Investigators Brian O’Loughlin, John Reilly and Michael Bunyan.

Gas Leak at Wells Fargo Bank on Riverdale Avenue

 

  It is not a good sign when you see firemen outside a bank unless they are going in to make a deposit, withdrawal, or use the ATM machine. This Wells Fargo bank on Riverdale Avenue between West 236th and West 238th Streets however had the two local firehouses respond to a gas leak just after 10 AM. As you will see in other photos the fire department went to other stores and even on to the roof of the bank to try to find out where the odor of gas was coming from. It appeared to be coming from the AC/heating unit on the roof which s[read the odor of the gas throughout the bank and nearby. I was told that this had happened at the same time last year when the unit was converted from an air conditioner to a heating unit. The gas was never lit to heat the bank, and was flowing through the ventilation system. Con Edison arrived a short time after the company which installed the AC/heating unit. Holes were drilled into the sidewalk in front of the building to check for the odor of gas, which was not found, and the bank was reopened later in the afternoon after it was properly ventilated and the heating unit fixed.

Above - Firemen climb up the extended ladder to check the rooftop AC/heating unit which apparently misfired and sent the odor of gas into the bank ventilation system.

Below - Foremen are checking stores near and around the Wells Fargo bank to see if they have an odor of gas, or a gas leak also, but none did.

IDNYC, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Davidson Community Center, and Assembly Member Victor Pichardo Announce New Pop-Up Center in the Bronx

   On Thursday, October 6th at 11:00a.m., IDNYC, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and Assembly Member Victor Pichardo will announce a new IDNYC pop-up center at Davidson Community Center. Assembly Member Victor Pichardo will also enroll for IDNYC, immediately following the press event. Located at 2038 Davidson Avenue in the Bronx, the pop-up center will run from October 4th to October 13th with operating hours from Tuesday through Friday, 10:00AM to 6:00PM.

With application materials available in 30 languages and an expansion of documents that youth can now use to apply, the program has extended its outreach efforts to a broad range of New Yorkers. IDNYC benefits every city resident, including the most vulnerable communities – the homeless, youth, the elderly, undocumented immigrants, the formerly incarcerated, and others who may have difficulty obtaining other government-issued ID. One in ten New Yorkers use IDNYC and cardholders range from 14 to over 75 years of age. Benefits of IDNYC include access to libraries, fitness and health benefits, and individuals can use the card to open a bank or credit account at more than a dozen financial institutions.

“IDNYC now provides over 900,000 New York residents with tremendous access to the City,” said Commissioner Nisha Agarwal of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Trusted and approachable locations like the Davidson Community Center are essential in connecting IDNYC to community members in their neighborhoods.”

“I am extremely thankful to Davidson Community Center for hosting the IDNYC program,” said Assemblymember Victor Pichardo. “I am encouraging all of my neighbors to apply. No matter your walk of life, New Yorkers will be able to apply for an IDNYC card. I am proud to announce this pop-up as it will allow more New Yorkers to gain access to City resources and services. I commend Mayor de Blasio and his administration for their continued work in implementing this program.”

“It is a privilege to have IDNYC at the Davidson Community Center, providing Bronx residents of this community an opportunity to join the ranks of IDNYC cardholders in 2016, absolutely free, so that members feel confident to interact with law enforcement, enter a government building, or pick up their kids from school and proudly identify themselves as New Yorkers. The Davidson Community Center is a work/voluntary self-help organization with the unique history of cooperative programming involving the NYPD, African-American, Hispanic and other ethnic group communities including youth, adults, seniors, community residents, businessmen, municipal service workers, and civic leaders,” said Angel Caballero, Executive Director, Davidson Community Center, Inc..

Today, all local residents can set up their appointment to apply for their IDNYC card by calling 311 in the language that they speak or online at nyc.gov/idnyc.

NYCC 2016: "The Legend of Korra" Returns with Graphic Novel "Turf Wars" from Dark Horse Comics

THE LEGEND OF KORRA RETURNS  WITH GRAPHIC NOVEL “TURF WARS”  FROM DARK HORSE COMICS

Dark Horse Comics will release the first volume in a brand-new The Legend of Korra graphic novel series, The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars in June 2017.  This three-part graphic novel series is written by Nickelodeon TV series co-creator and executive producer Michael Dante DiMartino, drawn by Irene Koh (Batgirl, 1602, TMNT), with covers by Heather Campbell (Free Comic Book Day 2016: The Legend of Korra), colors by Jane Bak, and consultation by TV series co-creator and executive producer Bryan Konietzko.

Turf Wars begins with Korra and Asami leaving the spirit world and returning to Republic City only to find political hijinks and human vs. spirit conflict, as a pompous developer plans to turn the new spirit portal into an amusement park, potentially severing an already tumultuous connection with the spirits. In addition, the triads have realigned and are in a brutal brawl at the city’s borders where hundreds of evacuees have relocated.  In order to get through it all, Korra and Asami vow to look out for each other—but first, they’ve got to get better at being a team.

Dark Horse’s award-winning Avatar: The Last Airbender program has seen multiple number-one New York Times bestsellers and continues to grow with the current North and South series written by Gene Luen Yang, an Eisner Award winner and the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Turf Wars is the latest release in an ongoing partnership between Nickelodeon and Dark Horse to bring fans the very best in graphic novels.

The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars Parts 1–3 will serve as the official continuation of The Legend of Korra television series. 

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Arrest Of Bronx Man Masquerading As A Lawyer And Preying On Immigrants Seeking Legal Assistance

Rivera Has Collected Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars In Undeserved Fees For Immigration Work He Was Never Qualified To Perform

Schneiderman: Edwin Rivera Has Demonstrated A Blatant Disregard For The Law And We Are Sending Him To Jail

    Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today the arrest of Edwin Rivera, the operator of a Bronx accounting office formerly known as “Inmigracion Hoy News Today.” Rivera has represented himself as an attorney with over thirty years of experience and offered immigration services to undocumented consumers seeking assistance with the immigration status adjustment process. Immigrants who retained Rivera discovered that he had misrepresented the law, was not a licensed attorney, and in many cases, had not performed the services promised.  A warrant for Mr. Rivera’s arrest was issued by Bronx Supreme Court Judge Justice Betty Owen Stinson. The order provides that Rivera spend at least 30 days in jail and up to 6 months contingent on when he pays the restitution to the victims and provides the accounting.

“My office won’t tolerate fraudsters who line their pockets by defrauding some of our most vulnerable communities,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “The arrest of Mr. Rivera underscores my office’s commitment to protecting all New Yorkers from unscrupulous immigration service providers, particularly against repeat offenders.”

On August 21, 2016, New York Supreme Court Justice Betty Owen Stinson found Rivera in civil and criminal contempt for failing to comply with the Court’s previous orders. The Court’s decision is based upon a complainant who paid Rivera $10,000 and relied on his services from 2008 through 2015, and evidence gathered by an undercover investigator. Rivera has been ordered to serve up to six months in prison and repay $34,331 in fines and restitution to his victims. He has also been ordered to provide an accounting of his customers as well as all fees paid by them to the Attorney General’s office.

The Attorney General’s office first commenced an investigation into Rivera in 2004 when the office received a tip that Rivera was advertising in a Spanish language newspaper that the Dream Act had been enacted in November 2003 and fabricated an application process. The Dream Act is still pending before Congress.  Rivera charged $1,500 per Dream Act application. On November 18, 2005, the Court issued an order prohibiting Rivera from engaging in false advertising and deceptive services. Rivera continued to do so, and on July 29, 2008, the Court issued an order explicitly prohibiting Mr. Rivera from providing immigration services of any kind in New York State. Rivera continued to brazenly defy the Court’s orders and duped unsuspecting immigrants out of at least $60,000 in alleged legal fees.

The Attorney General’s investigation found that applicants paid Mr. Rivera significant sums to prepare immigration applications in hopes that it would lead to lawful permanent residency in the United States. However, when applications were filed improperly, or not at all, Rivera consistently refused to issue refunds to consumers. In many cases, the applicants found themselves in worse positions than before they sought Rivera’s assistance.

Rivera’s recidivism dates back to the mid 1990’s when he was prosecuted by the United Sates Attorney’s Office in Manhattan for defrauding the then Immigration and Naturalization Service. 

Attorney General Schneiderman has issued the following recommendations for consumers seeking immigration assistance:

• Check with the NYS Office of Court Administration Attorney Registration Unit at (212)428-2800 to verify if someone claiming to be an attorney licensed in New York is in fact admitted to practice in NY and registered with NY's Unified Court System.
• Make sure any representation agreement is made in writing and that you understand all the terms before signing. The agreement must be in the language understood by the consumer and list all fees and the scope of the representation.
• Do not give the consultant any original documents. Make sure you are given a copy of any agreement and ask that it be translated if the negotiation was in another language.
• Keep detailed records of any payments which should be made by check or credit card if possible, and ask for a signed receipt.
• Be wary of individuals offering inside connections with immigration authorities, or who otherwise suggest that they are able to guarantee results.
• Beware of notario fraud. Notaries public may take advantage of the literal Spanish translation of their title, notario público, a title describing an attorney in many Latin American countries. By taking advantage of the confusion, immigration consultants fraudulently claim expertise or promise results that they simply cannot deliver.

Consumers who have been victims immigration consultant frauds are urged to contact the New York State Attorney General's Consumer Helpline at 1-800-771-7755 or through the OAG's Web site www.ag.NY.gov.

This case was investigated by Senior Investigators Luis Carter and Edward Ortiz. Investigators Ismael Hernandez, Andres Rodriguez, Steve Pratt, and David Negron, all assisted in the investigation. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella.

Health Insurance Workshop at Jacobi Hospital - Thursday, November 16, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

HEALTH INSURANCE IS CONFUSING.

WE CAN HELP MAKE IT CLEAR.

Learn about the best health plan options for you and your family. Join us at a free event to get useful information on:

·         Updates to Medicare (Parts A, B, C and D) and Medicaid programs

·         New and affordable health plan options and how to enroll online

Plus: Enter to win a fitness tracker and enjoy light refreshments

Thursday, November 16, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, Conference Center, Building 4, 2nd Floor

1400 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY 10461

Register at Jacobihealth.eventbrite.com or call 212-788-3450

Register by November 9. Space is limited — sign up today to secure your seat!

Arthur Avenue Names One of America's Greatest Streets

   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined the American Planning Association (APA) and elected officials, business and community leaders from across the city as the APA named Arthur Avenue as one of the Great Streets of America, as part of the organization’s annual list of Great Places in America in celebration of National Planning Month.

Arthur Avenue is one of the classic streets of New York City, combining ethnic and economic diversity and a strong commercial and cultural base. It celebrates its rich Italian heritage and cultures with highly-rated restaurants, butcher shops, fine bakeries, world-class delis and groceries, and shops of all kinds, all in dense, compact mixed-used buildings.

“This is a tremendous recognition for Arthur Avenue, and The Bronx is proud to celebrate today as this amazing street is named one of the greatest in our nation by the American Planning Association,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The Belmont community is filled with amazing restaurants and shops, and is one of the finest tourist destinations in the region, if not the world. We already knew how great this neighborhood is…but now the rest of the country knows that the best place to be is right here in The Bronx, right here on Arthur Avenue.”

“Arthur Avenue is an example of how careful planning, public engagement and innovation can create a better place to live, work, play and visit,” said Carol Rhea, FAICP, president of APA. “This collaboration have made Arthur Avenue a legacy and destination.”

As part of National Community Planning Month, APA’s Great Places in America program recognizes streets, neighborhoods and public spaces in the United States that demonstrate exceptional character, quality and planning—attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth and inspire others around the country. The Great Neighborhoods, Great Streets, and Great Public Spaces of 2016 are places that are unique and exemplary in their amenities and infrastructure, cultural identity and use of sustainable and innovative practices.

“This distinction is an honor that further cements Arthur's Ave indelible contributions and significance to the Bronx and New York City. The street's remarkable history, long-standing businesses, cultural importance and people who have made it great is now receiving the recognition it rightfully deserves, and I am proud to represent the district where Arthur Avenue is located,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

“As Chairman of the Business Improvement District and one of many third and fourth generation business owners on Arthur Avenue, I want to express our gratitude for honoring Arthur Avenue as one of the five best streets in America.  Generations of Italian families, and those that support this community, have helped insure Arthur Avenue remains vibrant, authentic and true to its deep cultural roots. Anyone who has walked, shopped or dined on Arthur Avenue appreciates its unique qualities as an al fresco shopping bazaar. We hope the gracious recognition we received today will inspire many more and future generations to come find out what makes Arthur Avenue, or as so many refer to it ‘the neighborhood,’ such a special place,” said Peter Madonia, Chairman, Belmont Business Improvement District and Owner, Madonia Brothers Bakery.

"Since 1981, the Belmont Library has sat adjacent to Arthur Avenue, offering key services to the vibrant community while enjoying the energy, uniqueness, and spirit of the Bronx's own Little Italy," said New York Public Library Chief Operating Officer Iris Weinshall. "The dedicated staff at this branch can certainly attest to the greatness of this storied street and the people that bring it to life. We are proud to honor that tradition with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and The American Planning Association."

Since launching the Great Places in America program in 2007, APA has recognized 260 neighborhoods, streets and public spaces around the country. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement and a vision for the future.

For the third year, members of the public can suggest their favorite public space, neighborhood, or street to earn a “People’s Choice” designation. During the first half of October, individuals can offer suggestions via APA’s social media channels using the hashtag #APAgreatplaces. APA will select five finalists that the public can vote on via APA’s website. The “People’s Choice” winner is announced in early November 2016.

For more information about these streets, as well as APA’s Great Neighborhoods and Public Spaces for 2016 and previous years, visitwww.planning.org/greatplaces.
You can also find more information on National Community Planning Month by visiting www.planning.org/ncpm.

Above - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. accepts an official citation from the APA naming Arthur Avenue 'One of the Great Streets of America'.
Below - Some of the Great Eats available at Mike's Deli in the Arthur Avenue area.