Property Manager Of Poughkeepsie Housing Project Sentenced For Stealing HUD Funds

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that CARL IMMICH, formerly the property manager of Harriet Tubman Terrace Apartments, a Section 8 Housing Complex in Poughkeepsie, New York, was sentenced to 18 months in prison.  United States District Judge Cathy Seibel imposed today’s sentence.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated:  “Repeatedly and routinely, Carl Immich stole public money meant to subsidize housing for indigent tenants, and used it to dine out, travel, renovate his house, and play golf.  For his brazen fraud, Immich was sentenced today to time in federal prison.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, the Indictment, and statements made during court proceedings in the case:

Tubman Terrace is a large, low-income apartment complex in Poughkeepsie, New York.  The rental payments for nearly all of the apartments are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) pursuant to Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, 42 U.S.C. § 1437f.  From in or about June 2010 through in or about November 2014, HUD provided approximately $150,000 to $160,000 each month to Tubman Terrace. 

From in or about 2009, Tubman Terrace was managed by a management company, of which IMMICH is the principal and sole owner.  In that capacity, IMMICH served as the management agent and property manager of Tubman Terrace since in or about 2009.

From at least in or about December 2010 until at least in or about March 2015, IMMICH fraudulently obtained at least approximately $150,000 of HUD funds from the operating account of Tubman Terrace, which were paid to him or used for personal expenditures.  IMMICH did so through as least three different schemes: (1) he used credit cards intended for Tubman Terrace business expenses for personal expenses, which were then paid through Tubman Terrace’s operating bank account; (2) he obtained check payments from the Tubman Terrace operating bank account to cover other personal expenses; and (3) he obtained payroll checks for himself and his daughter reflecting no work or other entitlement by them to such salary. 

IMMICH, 54, of Rhinebeck, New York, pled guilty to theft concerning a program receiving government funds, and theft of government property.  In addition to the prison sentence, IMMICH was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $150,001 in restitution. 

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the HUD Office of Inspector General.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Settlement With JFK Airport Hotel That Illegally Price Gouged Hundreds Of Guests Stranded By Jonas Ice Storm

Investigation Found That Courtyard By Marriott Hotel At JFK Airport Hiked Room Prices By Up To 75% As 2016 Blizzard Halted Travel Throughout New York 

Settlement Requires Hotel To Pay Restitution To Consumers, Penalties For Violating NYS Price Gouging Law

A.G. Offers Tips To Avoid Cold Weather Scams

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a settlement with Granite JFK LLC and Crossroads Hospitality Company, which own and operate respectively the Courtyard by Marriott New York JFK Airport hotel, following an investigation finding that the hotel illegally price gouged more than 300 guests during the Jonas Ice Storm in January 2016. The Jonas Ice storm was the second biggest blizzard in New York City since 1869.

The settlement requires the hotel to pay over $48,000 in restitution to consumers and $17,500 as a civil penalty to the State of New York. Eligible consumers will be contacted by the Attorney General’s office.

“The Courtyard by Marriott took advantage of hundreds of stranded people who were simply seeking the safety of shelter during and after this massive blizzard,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “This settlement holds the hotel accountable for these actions and prohibits it from happening again. I encourage New Yorkers to consult our tips to avoid cold weather scams, and to report any incidents of fraud to my office.”

Due to reports of the Jonas Ice Storm heading for the Northeast with record breaking snowfalls in excess of 42 inches, hurricane-force winds, high surfs and coastal flooding, Attorney General Schneiderman issued a consumer alert warning both consumers and businesses about price gouging.  When the storm hit, New York City plunged to a halt because of the hurricane-like winds and massive snowfall.  Governor Cuomo issued a travel ban for all roads in New York City and Long Island, and Mayor de Blasio banned road travel and shut down most public transit in New York City from January 23, 2016 through January 24, 2016.  Airline service, bus and rail transportation service to and from New York was suspended. Because of flight cancellations and the travel ban, hotel airports in New York City were filled with stranded passengers and travelers.

The Courtyard by Marriott drastically increased its rates for consumers trapped by flight cancellations, extraordinary winter storm conditions and the travel ban. One week prior to the storm the average room rates at the hotel ranged from $99 to $209 per night. However, when the storm struck New York and left consumers desperate for shelter, the hotel increased the rates from 45-75% during the four days of January 22 through January 25, 2016 compared to daily rates of the previous weekend, January 15 through January 18, 2016.

General Business Law prohibits excessive increases in prices of essential goods and services like food, water, gas, generators, batteries, and flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation, during natural disasters or other events that disrupt the market. During and after severe winter weather events, these goods and services might also include snow plowing, snow removal from roofs, shovels and other snow removal equipment, salt, and contract services for storm-related damage. For example, some homeowners may be required to hire contractors to help with snow removal and home repairs, especially given the possibility of roof collapses and flooding as temperatures increase and snow melt.

Consumers should also protect themselves when hiring contractors to perform storm-related services by considering the following:

• Shop around. Get at least three estimates from reputable contractors that include specific information about the materials and services to be provided for the job.

• Get it in writing. Insist on a written contract that includes the price and description of the work needed.

• Don't pay unreasonable advance sums. Negotiate a payment schedule tied to the completion of specific stages of the job. Never pay the full price up front.

• Get references. Check with the Better Business Bureau, banks, suppliers, and neighbors. Always contact references provided to you.

• Know your rights. You have three days to cancel after signing a contract for home improvements. All cancellations must be in writing.

Attorney General Schneiderman urged New Yorkers to call his Consumer Fraud’s Bureau by calling 800-771-7755 or visiting http://on.NY.gov/2lsGMpT to file a complaint if they believe they are a victim of a scam.

Comptroller Stringer Debars Contractor that Cheated Immigrant Workers out of $1.7 million in Prevailing Wages and Benefits

K.S. Contracting Corporation employed a kickback scheme that preyed on at least 36 immigrant workers

   New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer today assessed $3.2 million in fines against K.S. Contracting Corporation and its owner, Paresh Shah, for cheating dozens of workers out of the prevailing wages and benefits they were owed under the New York State Labor Law. In addition to being assessed $3.2 million in unpaid wages, interest, and civil penalties, K.S Contracting and Mr. Shah will be barred from working on New York City and State contracts for five years.  K.S. Contracting was named as one of the worst wage theft violators in New York in a report by the Center for Popular Democracy in 2015.

“With President Trump taking clear aim at immigrants across the country, we need to stand up and protect the foreign-born New Yorkers who keep our City running. Every New Yorker has rights, and my office won’t back down in defending them,” New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said. “Contractors might think they can take advantage of immigrants, but today we’re sending a strong message: my office will fight for every worker in New York City. This is about basic fairness and accountability.”

K.S. Contracting was awarded more than $21 million in contracts by the City Departments of Design and Construction, Parks and Recreation, and Sanitation between 2007 and 2010. Projects included the Morrisania Health Center in the Bronx, the 122 Community Center in Manhattan, the Barbara S. Kleinman Men’s Residence in Brooklyn, the North Infirmary Command Building on Rikers Island, Bronx River Park, the District 15 Sanitation Garage in Brooklyn, and various City sidewalks in Queens.

The Comptroller’s Office began investigating the company after an employee filed a complaint with the office in May 2010. The multi-year investigation used subpoenas, video evidence, union records, and City agency data to uncover a kickback scheme that preyed on immigrant workers.

After a four-day administrative trial in May 2016, the Comptroller found that K.S. Contracting routinely issued paychecks to just half of its workforce and then required those employees to cash the checks and surrender the money to company supervisors. The Comptroller further found that those supervisors would then redistribute the cash to all of the employees on a jobsite, paying them at rates significantly below prevailing wages, and that K.S. Contracting falsely reported to the City agencies that all employees on the jobsite who received checks were paid the prevailing wage.

Between August 2008 and November 2011, the company cheated at least 36 workers out of $1.7 million in wages and benefits on seven New York City public works projects. K.S. Contracting reported that it paid its workers combined wage and benefit rates starting at $50 per hour but actually paid daily cash salaries starting at $90 per day.  The majority of the workers impacted were immigrants of Latino, South Asian, or West Indian descent.

Examples of Paysheets Used by K.S. Contracting

The New York City Comptroller’s office enforces state and local laws which require private contractors working on New York City public works projects or those with service contracts with City agencies to pay no less than the prevailing wage or living wage rate to their employees.

When workers are underpaid, the New York City Comptroller’s office works to recoup the amount of the underpayment plus interest.

Since taking office in 2014, Comptroller Scott M. Stringer’s Bureau of Labor Law has assessed over $20 million and barred 40 contractors from state and City contracts due to prevailing wage violations, both record amounts. The assessed violation number includes underpayment of wages and benefits with interest payable to workers, and civil penalties payable to the City treasury/To read more about how the Comptroller’s Office sets and enforces prevailing wage and benefit rates on New York City public works projects, please click here.

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Tribute to Frank Sinatra

The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center is having its 12^th Annual Winter fund raising event, a tribute to Frank Sinatra, on Sunday February 26, 2017. This will be a three-part event. In addition to entertainment, there will be a Do It your way raffle and a Chinese buffet with dessert. It will be held at Vladeck Hall, 74 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx, NY 10463.

The doors will open at 11 AM. Admission is free from 11 to 12, so everyone can come in to purchase any of the more than 60 raffles. (You don’t have to be present to win.) At 12 noon, there will be a delicious kosher Chinese lunch. At one o’clock the phenomenal Steven Maglio will thrill you with songs for Sinatra lovers. Following the entertainment, there will be dessert and raffle drawing. For this fabulous all afternoon event, tickets are just $35.00 in advance, $40.00 after February 21^st. There will also be Show and dessert only option, for which tickets are $20.00. Advance raffle ticket sales are available who cannot make it the 26^th. Catalog and order forms are available at the VCJC office.

To purchase tickets, get a catalog, or for more information, call 718-884-6105 or visit the VCJC office at 3880 Sedgwick Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, 9 AM to 5 AM Monday to Thursday or 9 AM to 1 PM Friday.

For more information contact --

Jack Spiegel

Cell- 646-296-1737

Email- jspiegel831@yahoo.com

The Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway Annual Breakfast 2017

SAVE THE DATE!!

The Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway

 

ANNUAL BREAKFAST

Will be held on

SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2017

AT

 

Bronx House Community Center

990 Pelham Parkway South

Bronx, NY  10461

 

The Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway

Working for our Community and Its People

 Call 718-792-4744 for further information

Bronx Jewish Community Council, 2930 Wallace Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Black Heritage Celebration Luncheon to honor six distinguished individuals for their contributions to our borough

Rep. Engel Renews Push to Keep Seniors Out of Poverty, Reintroduces Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act

   Congressman Eliot L. Engel has renewed his push to save seniors from poverty by reintroducing a bill that would guarantee every senior a reasonable Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) annually.

Last year, the Social Security Administration announced that seniors’ Social Security benefits would increase just 0.3 percent in 2017, a bump of about $5 per month for the average senior citizen. Engel’s bill, the Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act (H.R.991), would set a floor of 3% to ensure that every senior citizen receives at least a 3% COLA each year. The bill would also update the formula that the government uses to determine seniors’ yearly COLA to one that better reflects the costs seniors typically face.

“This year’s measly cost-of-living increase would be laughable if it weren’t for the very real dangers it poses for seniors,” Engel said. “Seniors’ Social Security benefits have not gone up more than 1.7% since 2012. These tiny bumps fail to account for the living costs seniors face and could force many to do without necessities, like medication – a choice no senior should be forced to make.

“This problem is made worse by Republicans’ assaults on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Thanks to the ACA, seniors in the so-called Medicare ‘donut hole’ have saved more than $23.5 billion on their prescription drugs. If the GOP repeals the law, seniors will have to pay more for services the ACA guarantees without copays like prescription drugs and preventive doctors’ visits, and those costs could be catastrophic for them.

“America’s seniors shouldn’t be forced to the brink of poverty because of an archaic formula and Republican apathy. I will continue to push for passage of the Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act and finally afford seniors the protections they deserve.”

The Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act is supported by the Seniors Coalition and the Senior Citizens League. Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09) are original cosponsors of the bill.

Engel Writes to City on Behalf of P.S. 41 Parents Regarding Elevated Lead Levels in School’s Water

Requests frequent updates and transparency regarding elevated lead levels in the school’s water

   Following reports of elevated lead levels in the drinking water at P.S. 41 in the Bronx, Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a leading member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, wrote to New York City officials urging transparency and frequent updates as the City addresses the issue.

Recent testing showed levels of lead that exceeded EPA limits. Though the City has promised swift action, questions remain regarding how the situation will be handled to best benefit those who live in the community.

“Reports of elevated lead levels in drinking water are always gravely concerning, but that concern is compounded when it’s happening in a school with young children,”Engel said.  “We need to make sure everything that can be done to protect the health and well-being of those in the community is being done, including testing and remediation.”

Text of the letter to the City can be found below:

February 10, 2017

Dear Mayor de Blasio,

I write regarding reports of elevated lead levels at P.S. 41 in my Congressional District. Such reports are gravely concerning. Given the dangers associated with lead poisoning, I hope that we can work together to address this issue expeditiously and ensure New Yorkers’ safety.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead exposure can have particularly harmful effects on children and pregnant women.¹ As such, reports of elevated lead levels in any public school are especially alarming. We must take every step possible to keep the P.S. 41 community informed and to facilitate the necessary health responses.

To that end, I pose the following questions on behalf of my constituents:

·         I understand that every New York City public school is currently being tested for elevated lead levels, and I applaud the City for taking this critical step. It is vital that this testing be carried out quickly, and that results are immediately shared with New Yorkers who may have been exposed to lead. I ask that you additionally share a complete list of testing results with my office. When will this testing be complete? Will testing results be made public as soon as they are available?

·         I understand that you have alerted the P.S. 41 community of lead’s health effects. According to the CDC, the best way to determine the level of lead in blood is via a blood test.² Will the CDC’s recommendations be shared with students’ parents/guardians and P.S. 41 staff?  

·         What steps are being taken to ensure that every affected P.S. 41 student and employee is screened for elevated lead levels and, if necessary, treated for lead poisoning?

·         I understand that affected water fixtures at P.S. 41 are being “remediated.” What exactly does this remediation entail? When are these activities expected to be complete?

As parents, there is nothing more important than the health and wellbeing of our children. It is absolutely essential that we keep the P.S. 41 community up-to-date on new developments, and that we do everything possible to connect them with the services they need.

As a Member of Congress, I am committed to working with you to share information with the P.S. 41 community, and to continue to work together to ensure that New York City has the resources and support necessary to keep every New Yorker – especially children – safe.

Thank you for your attention to this issue. I look forward to your prompt reply.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                Eliot L. Engel

                                                                                                                Member of Congress

C.C.:

Ms. Carmen Fariña

Chancellor, New York City Department of Education

Dr. Mary Travis Bassett 

Commissioner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Mr. Vincent Sapienza,

Acting Commissioner, New York City Department of Environmental Protection

1 “Lead.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/

2 “Childhood Lead Poisoning Data, Statistics, and Surveillance.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/data/index.htm.