BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEX ACTS WITH 13-YEAR-OLD BOY

Defendant Will Also Have Ten Years Post-Release Supervision and Register as Sex Offender Bronx 

 

  District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for criminal sex acts involving a 13-year-old boy, and will register as a sex offender. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant committed heinous crimes against a child, a jury convicted him and now will serve time in prison and register as a sex offender. We hope the victim can now move on with his life knowing this predator is behind bars.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Edward Gordon, 56, of 1451 Washington Avenue, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado to eight years in prison, followed by ten years of post-release supervision. Gordon will have to register as a sex offender. He was convicted by a jury on February 10, 2017, of three counts of second degree Criminal Sexual Act, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. 

  According to trial testimony, on February 25, 2014, Gordon engaged in oral sexual conduct and anal sexual conduct with the child in Gordon’s apartment.

NEW INDICTMENT IN 2012 MURDER OF HANSEL ARIAS; TWO GANG MEMBERS CHARGED IN FATAL STABBING

Re-Investigation of Killing Followed Bronx DA Darcel D. Clark’s Dropping of Charges Against Enger Javier in 2016 

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that, after a thorough reinvestigation of the murder of Hansel Arias, two Bronx men have been indicted for fatally stabbing Arias on August 19, 2012 in the Claremont section of the Bronx. 

   District Attorney Clark said, “After I moved to dismiss the case against Enger Javier in February, 2016, Bronx Homicide started a re-investigation of the crime, and I assigned a new Assistant District Attorney to the case. They re-interviewed witnesses and re-examined physical evidence. We re-examined the killing of Hansel Arias very carefully and we would not be pressured or hurried to a conclusion.

  “We needed to make sure that we could bring justice and a semblance of closure to Hansel Arias’ family. Now, two men will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for this brutal crime.” 

  District Attorney Clark said that defendants, Jose Rodriguez, AKA “Bebo,” 24, of 184 East 164th Street and Jesus Reyes, AKA “Cibao,” AKA Darinso Marte, 26, of 291 East 162 Street were arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. They were remanded and are due back in court on September 5, 2017.

  The defendants were indicted on second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter and first-degree Gang Assault. They face up to life in prison if convicted.

   According to the investigation, on August 19, 2012, at about 2:15 a.m., the defendants, members of the Trinitarios gang, were part of a large group that had been dispersed by police and then re-congregated near 1645 Webster Avenue.

  Arias was asked about his gang affiliation and an argument broke out, and Arias was attacked by several people. According to the investigation, Rodriguez allegedly grabbed a knife from Reyes and allegedly stabbed Arias in the chest, killing him.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO, COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE ANNOUNCE $5.7 MILLION COMMUNITY CENTER RENOVATION ON STATEN ISLAND

Investment will expand Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses  

   Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Member Debi Rose announced the City would invest $5.7 million to renovate a community center at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Mariner’s Harbor Houses on Staten Island. The renovated community center will expand the Department of Youth and Community Development’s (DYCD) Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses, providing an additional 150 residents with access to quality, community-based programming in two facilities that span more than 5000 square feet. The renovation is expected to be completed in early 2020.

Opened in 2016, the Cornerstone Program at Mariner’s Harbor Houses is funded by DYCD and operated by United Activities Unlimited. The initiative offers community members a variety of programming determined by residents, including homework assistance, sports clinics, mentoring programs, clothing drives and special events and trips.

“Community centers are the heart of our neighborhoods, and provide a place for all New Yorkers to come together, learn and have fun,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This renovation will ensure that more residents have access to engaging programs and activities, and strengthen the community as a whole.”

“We know that when our young people have nowhere to go after school, they are far more likely to run into trouble with the law” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “This substantial investment into the Mariners Harbor Community Center will provide invaluable programming, services, and most importantly a safe place for the residents of that community to learn & play. Investments like these have ripple effects throughout the neighborhood, and I applaud Mayor De Blasio, NYCHA, DYCD, for recognizing that all Staten Islanders need spaces like this to feel safe in their communities.”

"I commend Mayor de Blasio and Council member Rose for their investment in the renovation of this important program. Mariner's Harbor is a community that is farthest away from much of the North Shore development, so important upgrades to the community like this ensure the residents are getting the vital services they deserve,” said New York State Senator Diane Savino.

  

“The addition of a renovated center right next to the Cornerstone Program funded by DYCD and operated by United Activities Unlimited will give residents access to even more vital community services, and another place to keep them safe and engaged,” said Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Bill Chong.

“For NYCHA residents, community centers are more than just a building, they are a foundation for our​ neighborhoods,” said NYCHA General Manager Michael Kelly. “Investing in Mariner's Harbor Houses to double the current community center space means Staten Island youth will have an expanded area to call their own whether they're receiving help at a computer lab or homework assistance. Today, with the partnership of Mayor de Blasio, we're moving closer to achieving our NextGen NYCHA goal of creating safe, stable and connected communities.”

Mariner’s Harbor is one of 94 Cornerstone Programs at NYCHA community centers in all five boroughs. Started in 2010, the program is a joint NYCHA and DYCD effort to create vibrant, multi-generational community centers on NYCHA developments that are responsive to local needs and improve quality of life and well-being of neighborhood residents.

This investment is a part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to build stronger neighborhoods through enhanced community engagement and expanded programming for NYCHA residents. In March, Mayor de Blasio pledged $1 million to help build a community center at NYCHA Marcy Houses. In 2014, Mayor de Blasio expanded summer hours at 107 community centers in NYCHA developments, including Cornerstones, so that they remain open until 11 P.M. The later hours provide young people with a safe space for recreation and learning.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Irish Heritage Celebration

It may not have been St. Patrick's Day as Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Nunzio Del Greco explained why the Irish Heritage Celebration was being held during Easter Week. Mr. Bob Nolan was the emcee of the event which honored five fine Irish Americans. The Honorees were Ms. Carolyn Murphy VP of Marketing for Country Bank, Mr. John Doyle local civic activist, Mr. John McEvoy NYC Account Manager for Optimum Lightpath, Mr. Brian Anderson Community Outreach Director for Woodlawn Cemetery, and Mr. Mark Doyle (no relation to John Doyle) of Just Nuts entertainment. Sister Purificacion Ferrero gave the invocation, and blessed the BCC Luncheon. 

  

Left - Bob Nolan Emcee of the BCC Irish Heritage Luncheon.

Right - Sister Purificacion Ferrero giving the invocation.

Left - BCC President Mr. Nunzio Del Greco welcomes everyone, and tells of how the BCC has grown in the past year.

Right - The packed room for the BCC event.

Above - The proud Doyle family of Honoree John Doyle (center rear) includes his mother, father, brother, and friends. 

Below - BCC Chairman Joseph Kelleher sings some Irish songs with the Just Nuts Entertainment Group with Honoree Mark Doyle.

A group photo of the honorees, Sister Purificacion Ferrero, and the President and Chairman of the BCC, Mr. Nunzio Del Greco and Mr. Joseph Kelleher.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul Explains New State Budget at Bronx House

  Joined by State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Councilman Jimmy Vacca (Not pictured), Bronx House Executive Director Howard Martin, and a full room of area residents Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul gave a power point presentation on major aspects of the newly passed New York State budget.

Above - The elected officials and the audience listen to Councilman Jimmy Vacca who is pictured below.

Above - Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul shows her enthusiasm about the just passed state budget while she explains some of the key points of the state budget.

Below - Senator Klein and Assemblyman Gjonaj thank her for the informative presentation.

Lieutenant Governor's Post- Budget Announcement at Bronx House

Please join NYS Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj &  Lieutenant Governor of New York Kathy Hochul  for a Post-Budget Announcement Thursday April 13,2017 Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway S Bronx , NY 10461 10:30am  ** Doors open at 10:00am** PLEASE RSVP TO 718-409-0109 OR  ASSEMBLYMANGJONAJEVENTS@GMAIL.COM

STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMAN MARK GJONAJ; State Budget Moves New York Forward

   "I would like to thank my colleagues and Speaker Heastie for remaining strong and united throughout these important budget negotiations. While it was a long - and sometimes frustrating - journey, I am proud of our final agreement. This year's $153.1 billion budget is an investment in our neighborhoods, education and quality of life. I know it will serve as a blueprint to move our state forward and continue our progress in expanding opportunities for those that need a helping hand.

"This year's budget prioritized education. Tuition-free college for working and middle-class families is now a reality thanks to the Excelsior Scholarship Program. No one should be turned away from earning a college degree because of cost, and I am overjoyed that students will be able to achieve their career goals without the extreme financial burden many graduates feel today.

"Education is a great equalizer, but to make that a reality we need to keep driving funding to our schools. This year's budget invests in our kids and eliminates barriers so that every student can get an education that helps to shape their future. The budget includes a $50 million increase in Community Schools aid for a total of $150 million. This will allow schools to be converted into community schools that deliver valuable services to both students and families, including critical support to at-risk children, strengthening neighborhoods and preventing schools from being taken over by the state. This budget will also work to protect public libraries, an essential part of our neighborhoods. Additional funding was allocated to ensure that they can continue to provide services and resources to residents.

"A secure, affordable place to live is vital to every family's health and stability, particularly for children. This budget allocates $200 million for New York City Housing Authority capital repairs, $150 million for the Middle-Income Housing Program, $125 million for senior housing, and $41 million for home ownership programs. By ensuring that every household has adequate support brings stability and vitality to our neighborhoods.

"Millions of New Yorkers rely on mass transportation and ridership is only growing, so we must make smart investments when it comes to our infrastructure. The Assembly secured $65 million for the MTA Capital Plan to help accommodate more passengers and improve efficiency.

 

"New Yorkers should never have to worry about the water coming out of our faucets and drinking fountains. This budget includes $200 million for drinking and wastewater infrastructure improvements in New York City's watershed. We have all seen the devastating effects contaminated and polluted water can have on a community. Clean water is absolutely essential to our health and safety, it is important that we make robust investments in replacing our pipes and water mains.

"My colleagues and I work hard to ensure a fair and equitable quality of life for all, and I am confident this budget does exactly that," said Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj.

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW COHEN, NYC PARKS DEPARTMENT, & COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO BREAK GROUND AT VAN CORTLANDT PARK SKATE PARK

 Yesterday Council Member Andrew Cohen, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris-Rodriguez, Rosa, and members of the community broke ground at the Van Cortlandt Park Skate Park.  The skate park is part of the Master Plan for Van Cortlandt Park and funds were allocated to the project by the Mayor’s office and the New York City Council. Current Councilman Andrew Cohen said that this skate park project was started by former Councilman Oliver Koppell, his predecessor. Photos of the event are below 

Above - The original concept drawing which was brought to Community Board 8 for approval.

Below - A slightly different concept which I was told 'Has Evolved' by Parks Department officials. Certain items in the skate park were redesigned for safety reasons, and as more skate parks have been built, better qualities have been incorporated. 

Above - Councilman Cohen tells of the start of the skate park beginning under his predecessor Councilman Koppell. Note Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz with the VCP hat speaking to CB 8 Chair Dan Padernacht in the background.

Below - CB 8 Chair Dan Padernacht thanks the Parks Department and elected officials for the soon to be built skate park.

Above - Everyone grabs a shovel to throw out a ceremonial pile of dirt to start the construction of the new skate park at VCP, including future skaters.

Below - With shovels down all pose for the photo below.