A.G. Schneiderman Announces $18.5 Million Multi-State Settlement With Target Corporation Over 2013 Data Breach

  Agreement With 47 States And D.C. Represents Largest Multistate Data Breach Settlement To Date 

Settlement Requires Target To Improve Data Security, In Addition To Paying Monetary Penalty And Providing Previously Negotiated Credit Monitoring For Impacted Consumers

New York To Receive Over 635K

  New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that 47 states and the District of Columbia have reached a $18.5 million settlement with the Target Corporation to resolve the states' investigation into the retail company's 2013 data breach, which affected more than 41 million customer payment card accounts and exposed contact information for more than 60 million customers. The agreement represents the largest multistate data breach settlement achieved to date and will bring $635,224.33 to New York State.

Click here to read the settlement.

"New Yorkers need to know that when they shop, their data will be protected,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “This settlement marks an important win for New Yorkers – bringing over $635,000 into the state, in addition to the free credit monitoring services for those impacted by the data breach, and key security improvements to help protect Target consumers moving forward."

The states' investigation—led by the Attorneys General of Connecticut and Illinois—found that in November of 2013, cyber attackers accessed Target's gateway server through credentials stolen from a third-party vendor. The credentials were then used to exploit weaknesses in Target's system, which allowed the attackers to access a customer service database and to install malware on the system that was used to capture consumer data, including full names, telephone numbers, email and mailing addresses, payment card numbers, expiration dates, CVV1 codes, and encrypted debit PINs.

In addition to the monetary payment to the states, the settlement agreement requires Target to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security program and to employ an executive or officer who is responsible for executing the plan. The company is required to hire an independent, qualified third-party to conduct a comprehensive security assessment.

The settlement further requires Target to maintain and support software on its network and to maintain appropriate encryption policies, particularly as pertains to cardholder and personal information data. The agreement also requires the corporation to segment its cardholder data from the rest of its computer network and to undertake steps to control access to its network, including implementing password rotation policies and two-factor authentication for certain accounts.

In December 2013, following a recommendation from the New York Attorney General’s Office, Target agreed to provide free credit monitoring to potential victims of the data breach in New York.

States participating in the settlement include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAPING FEMALE RELATIVE

Defendant Also Sentenced to 20 Years Post-Release Supervision; Will Register as Sexual Offender 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison followed by 20 years post-release supervision for choking and raping a female relative in her apartment in December 2015. 

  District Attorney Clark said “This crime is especially heartbreaking as the victim was raped by one of her own family members. For this despicable act, the defendant will spend 18 years behind bars, have 20 years post-release supervision and must register as a Sexual Offender.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Russell Smith, 45, of Manhattan, was sentenced on May 19, 2017 to 18 years in prison and 20 years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Administrative Justice Robert Torres. Smith was convicted by a jury of first-degree Rape on Sept. 18, 2016. 

  According to trial testimony, on Dec. 20, 2015, Smith grabbed the now 40-year-old victim by her neck inside her apartment and raped her. DNA proved Smith had had sexual intercourse with her.

The Broadway Corridor resolution from the Community Board 8 Traffic and Transportation Meeting May 25th

Traffic and Transportation Committee

Bronx Community Board No. 8

5676 Riverdale Avenue

Bronx, New York 10471

Resolution

Dated: May 25, 2017.         

WHEREAS, Broadway between West 242nd Street and the City Line (“Broadway Corridor”) is a wide street, comprised of at least two northbound lanes and two southbound lanes, with parking on each side; and

WHEREAS, the New York City Department of Transportation (“DOT”) has presented a plan for safety improvements from West 242nd Street to the City Line; and

WHEREAS, DOT cites speeding as an issue along the corridor and states speeding is especially prevalent during off peak hours; and

WHEREAS, DOT cites a number of accidents between 2010 and 2014 on the Broadway Corridor;

WHEREAS, DOT recognizes Broadway as an important bus route for 9 NYC Transit lines, some of which connect to the subway lines; and

WHEREAS, Broadway is also known as U.S. Route 9, a designated truck route; and

WHEREAS, Broadway is the western boundary of Van Cortlandt Park; and

WHEREAS, DOT installed two signalized crossings (traffic lights) on Broadway and West 246th Street and at Broadway at the Tortoise and Hare Statue Park entrance in November 2016; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that speeding has been greatly reduced on the Broadway Corridor since the installation of these new traffic lights; and

WHEREAS, DOT has stated that it cannot study the effects of these new traffic lights for at least one year from the date of their installation;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that lack of parking is an issue on the Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that they would like DOT to study the possibility of angle parking along Van Cortlandt Park; and

WHEREAS, DOT proposed the addition of parking spots along the Broadway Corridor which could be installed regardless of the plan being implemented; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that double parking is an issue on the Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the wide 13’ parking lane permits the flow of traffic around double parked vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, which would narrow the traffic lanes, double parking would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that, Van Cortlandt Park, as a renowned cross country and track destination, attracts schools from across the country to sporting events and that during these events, large buses double park along the Broadway Corridor on both sides of the street; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, which would narrow the traffic lanes, double parking of these buses at the sporting events would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, DOT proposes that the curbside bus stops on the northbound side of the Broadway corridor will be eliminated and replaced with bus bulbs thereby forcing buses to stop in a moving traffic lane to pick up and drop off passengers; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that if the DOT plan was implemented, the new bus stops would stop the flow of traffic on Broadway Corridor; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that similar changes as those proposed have been implemented in Manhattan and have caused devastating congestion;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed protected bike lane may be dangerous to pedestrians entering and exiting the park, especially individuals with baby carriages which enter the bike lane first; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed protected bike lane may be dangerous to motorists exiting their vehicle, particularly with packages, carriages and children on the Northbound lane because of the narrowed lane with oncoming traffic and the bike lane on the other side of the vehicle; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the proposed plan may be dangerous to motorists exiting their vehicle, particularly with packages, carriages and children in the Southbound lane, being reduced to an 8’ width, with oncoming width; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the public would prefer bike lanes in the park and not in the street;

WHEREAS, the narrowing of lanes coupled with double-parked vehicles and buses stopping in traffic lanes will create congestion and gridlock on the Broadway Corridor;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that if the plan was implemented, the congestion and gridlock will cause vehicles to use alternate streets in North Riverdale such as Post Road, Fieldston Road and Riverdale Avenue;

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that if the plan was implemented, the congestion and gridlock will cause emergency vehicles to be hindered in their vital functions; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony from the public that the Broadway Corridor has been made dangerous by the failure of DOT to maintain the striping of key crosswalks and intersections; and

WHEREAS, the Committee heard testimony that the businesses on West 242nd street and Broadway rely on the use of the service lane on West 242nd Street and that the proposed plan will hurt their businesses.

THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee does not approve the DOT plan as presented but finds that certain elements of the plan may be beneficial; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee appreciates the efforts of Council Member Cohen for bringing safety issues of the Broadway Corridor to the forefront of community discussion; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends the restriping of the intersection at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue so as to narrow the intersection for pedestrian safety; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT install the additional parking spots identified along the Broadway Corridor; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT study the possibility of angled parking along Van Cortlandt Park; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends that DOT initiate a study to analyze the effects of the two new traffic lights on Broadway Corridor promptly after the one year period; and

BE IT RESOLVED that should the DOT study of the traffic lights reflect additional measures needed, that DOT reconfigure the timing of the traffic lights in order to slow traffic further; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the Committee recommends additional traffic lights on the Broadway Corridor; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the committee recommends aggressive enforcement of double parked vehicles on the Broadway Corridor;

BE IT RESOLVED that, at the Broadway exit from the southbound Henry Hudson Parkway, DOT study the elimination of the northbound lane on to Broadway, where two pedestrians have been injured, thereby directing all exiting cars to the existing lane controlled by a traffic light, as recommended in the Van Cortlandt Park Master Plan approved by Community Board #8.

BE IT RESOLVED, that DOT conduct a separate and distinct study of the area between Manhattan College Parkway and West 242nd Street in order to analyze the entire activity of this important transportation and commercial Hub;

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT move the bus stop on the west side of Broadway between Manhattan College Parkway and West 242nd Street from its current spot to a new location further north to alleviate some of the issues at this Hub;

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT consider the possibility of a traffic circle at Broadway and Manhattan College Parkway to alleviate some of the issues at the Hub; and

BE IT RESOLVED that DOT investigate the installation of unprotected, designated bike lanes on the northbound and southbound side of Broadway.

BE IT RESOLVED DOT initiate a study of alternatives for bike lanes along the Broadway Corridor, including the installation of unprotected, designated bike lanes on the northbound and southbound side of Broadway, in and out of the park, and present this study to this committee in a separate and distinct proposal from the safety plan presented herein.

In Favor: Sylvia Alexander; Margaret Donato; Myra Joyce (Community Committee Member); Joseph O’Brien; Dan Padernacht; Georgia Santiago

Opposed: Eric Bell

Abstain: Daniella Fuchs

MAYOR DE BLASIO WINDS UP 'CITY HALL IN THE BRONX WEEK' IN RIVERDALE

  'City Hall in the Bronx Week' by Mayor Bill de Blasio was a unique way of bringing the Mayor, First Lady, and just about every citywide department head to the Bronx with so many events that involved the mayor and citywide commissioners that are rarely seen here in the Bronx, I was able to cover several events (which are posted in the archive section on the left), but I have to say that to me the best event was the last one of 'City Hall in the Bronx' where Mayor de Blasio ended the week in Riverdale to say a few words at the Riverdale Jewish Center. 

  The mayor not being Jewish faith gave an inspirational speech that was on topic to the targeted audience of Jewish worshipers, but also recognized that without respect of one another there would be no civilization. He spoke of a crowded subway car where people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds are together packed in a cramped space, but the people all respect each other while the train moves on. It was a very enlightening speech in which another side of Bill de Blasio was seen, a man who loves the city he is running. 

 The photos below are outside of the synagogue after the mayor spoke out of respect. It as a wonderful site to see Mayor de Blasio standing where the Rabbi does, and speaking which I hope not to forget.

Above - As Mayor Bill de Blasio leaves he thanks Auxiliary Police Captain of the 50th Precinct for all the hard work he does for the community.

Below - The mayor was happy to pose with several of the Auxiliary officers who were on hand.  

Above - The local elected officials Congressman Eliot Engel, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, and Councilman Andrew Cohen have their photo taken with the mayor. Also in the photo is Sarah Cohen the daughter of Councilman Cohen, and possibly the next council member when her father is term -limited out of office in four years. 

Below - Congressman Engel and Assemblyman Dinowitz must feel real safe standing with the police officers present for the mayor's visit. 

City Hall in Your Borough at Bronx House

Mayor Bill de Blasio came to Bronx House to unveil the plan to celebrated the anticipated expansion of the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) on Friday.

With the Mayor were State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein Speaks about the benefit to homeowners especially seniors who are on a fixed income of the program.

Below - Mayor de Blasio brought people to help show the benefits of the program, and how to apply.

Above - Mayor de Blasio talks with community leaders Edith Blitzer and Andres Seigel.

Below - The mayor chats with World War two veteran Ed Peck, as Bronx House Executive Director Howard Martin watches.

Above and Below - The mayor spoke to many of the seniors in the room, who were happy that they were able to talk directly to the mayor.

Senator Jeff Klein, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Joined by Elected Officials & Seniors, Celebrate Major Property Tax Savings That Are On The Way for Homeowners

SCHE/DHE program expansion set to help thousands more live affordably in New York

Senator Jeff Klein, Mayor Bill de Blasio, joined by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Bronx seniors, celebrated the anticipated expansion of the Senior Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) on Friday.

This year, Senator Klein fought to increase the income eligibility for the SCHE and DHE programs which provide major property tax exemptions to residents living on fixed incomes. In The Bronx, seniors could potentially save upwards of $1,000 a year through the exemption.

The proposal  received support from Mayor de Blasio.

The New York State Senate recently passed legislation carried by Independent Democratic Conference member Senator Diane Savino, which would raise the income cap for SCHE/DHE to $50,000 for a full 50% property tax exemption and to $58,400 for a partial exemption, which will provide much-needed relief to New York City homeowners. The eligibility levels have not been raised since 2006. The current income limit for a full 50% reduction is just $29,000.

It is expected to pass in the Assembly, where Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh carries the legislation.

“Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years without worrying that they can no longer afford their homes, the places where they raised their children and hold cherished memories. It is important that for seniors and disabled homeowners living on tight budgets we create an affordable New York by bringing real property tax relief by raising the income eligibility for SCHE and DHE to 2017 levels. I’m proud that the IDC has been the driving force behind this policy and I thank the Mayor de Blasio for his support,” said Senator Klein.

“Since the creation of these programs, life has changed significantly in New York City. We’ve watched the cost of living increase, but the income requirements for SCHE and DHE have remained stagnant,” said Mayor de Blasio. “New York City’s seniors should not be worrying about how they’ll afford to stay in their homes. At a time when we’re facing tax cuts for billionaires by billionaires, it is our duty to do all we can for those most deserving of some assistance.”

The program will help seniors save big in The Bronx. On average a qualifying homeowner in:

• Throggs Neck will save $1,029 a year
• Morris Park will save  $2,637 a year
• Melrose will save $1,589 a year
• University Heights will save $1,523 a year
• Soundview will save $2,339 a year
• Riverdale will save $1,017 a year

On average a homeowner who qualifies for the program under the expanded income threshold could save up to $1,750 a year.

This proposal would also increase the cap for partial exemptions to $58,400, with property tax exemptions provided to qualified senior and disabled homeowners on a sliding scale.

SCHE/DHE at $50,000 (Proposed)
Income Range	Abatement
$57,500 - $58,400	5%
$56,600 - $57,499	10.0%
$55,700 - $56,599	15.0%
$54,800 - $55,699	20.0%
$53,900 - $54,799	25.0%
$53,000 - $53,899	30.0%
$52,000 - $52,999	35.0%
$50,100 - $51,999	40.0%
$50,001 - $50,999	45.0%
$0 - $50,000	50.0%

ORCHARD BEACH OPENED FOR THE SUMMER

 MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMMISSIONER SILVER, SPEAKER HEASTIE, BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ AND LOCAL OFFICIALS OPEN ORCHARD BEACH FOR SUMMER, HIGHLIGHTING $50M INVESTMENT IN RESTORING ITS HISTORIC PAVILION

  Mayor Bill de Blasio, Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and local officials officially opened Orchard Beach to the public for its summer season. Orchard Beach’s historic Pavilion is set to be restored through a $50 million investment that includes $20 million in capital funding committed by the Mayor, and $10 million in funding each from Governor Cuomo, State Assembly Speaker Heastie, and Borough President Diaz. Orchard Beach is The Bronx’s only public beach, and draws visitors from across the city. Its pavilion has been closed to the public since 2007, when deteriorated conditions rendered it unsafe.

"Together, we’re building a future for Orchard Beach that’s worthy of its history. Bronxites deserve to see the centerpiece of the Bronx Riviera restored to its former glory," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Orchard Beach and our other beautiful public beaches are open for the summer starting this weekend."

“The Assembly is proud to commit $10 million to support the preservation of recreation space at Orchard Beach. I want to thank Mayor DeBlasio, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Governor Cuomo for their funding investments and their commitment to work together to improve Orchard Beach,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

“Orchard Beach is one of the jewels of our borough, and it has the potential to be an even greater tourist attraction, drawing in visitors from all over the region, if not the world. The Parks Department has put forth an excellent plan for the redevelopment, and I was proud to commit $10 in capital funding from my own office’s budget last year. We have seen a tremendous commitment of resources from Mayor Bill de Blasio, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to move this project forward, and I am grateful for the support each of their offices has given to this important project. Mayor de Blasio’s visit to Orchard Beach today shows that he understands the need for a revitalized and renovated Orchard Beach Pavilion, and I look forward to partnering with his administration and others to move this project forward,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

The City’s eight public beaches will open for the season on Saturday, May 27, and remain open through Labor Day Weekend.  Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; swimming is prohibited at all other times. 

The design process for restoring the historic pavilion will commence over the coming year, with construction expected to be complete by 2021. The project will be managed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The restoration of the historic north and south pavilions will reopen the building to the public, creating more room for programming and beach-related activities, as well as improve accessibility to the beach through the main entrance of the pavilion.

"What better way to launch the beginning of the beach season than at Orchard Beach, a vital recreation venue not just for the Bronx but all of New York City. I am thrilled we are making it even better with a major investment in renovating and upgrading its aging pavilion," saidCouncil Member Mark Levine, Chair of the Committee on Parks.

History of the Orchard Beach Pavilion:

This building is designated NYC Landmark structure. It was designed and built during 1935-37 using W.P.A. funds during the tenure of Parks Commissioner Robert Moses.

The imposing building consists of a pavilion with monumental entry porticos, ramps, crescent shape dining loggias, waiting areas, observation terraces, and promenade—all facing the crescent shaped, man-made beach. The interior of the building consists of kitchens, pantries, storage spaces and a huge central dining hall.

During the early years of operation, the pavilion created a carnival-like atmosphere. An orchestra played dance music in front of the pavilion and firework displays were launched offshore on Chimney Island. After decades of neglect, the pavilion closed to the public in 2007 when deteriorating conditions left it unsafe. When reopened, it will once again become an amenity to thousands of beachgoers.

STATEMENT REGARDING BRONX OFFICIALS ENDORSEMENT IN BRONX COUNCIL DISTRICT 18 RACE

   Michael Beltzer, a Democratic candidate for City Council and Bronx Democratic Committee Member, made the following statement upon receiving a release from The Bronx Democratic Party:

"As a proud Bronx Democrat, I can't say I am surprised in Elected Officials coming out to endorse another sitting Official in District 18. It has long been an old tradition in the County to close ranks and exclude the constituents and party members from the decision-making process. If you read the statement carefully, it acknowledges achievements made in the past to fix issues that still aren't rectified. These times, where our communities are facing immense pressures from displacement and wage stagnation, require forward thinking and planning to grow not just for this generation, but for the ones to come. 

It is very concerning to me that though these officials have been mentored themselves, they could not collectively prepare a new and inclusive leader for all the people."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Mr. Beltzer is a declared candidate in the 18th City Council race.