Drug Dealer Charged With Heroin Overdose Deaths In The Bronx And New Rochelle

   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Patrick Carroll, the Commissioner of the New Rochelle Police Department (“NRPD”), announced the arrest of and unsealing of an indictment against FRANKIE BEQIRAJ charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and alprazolam. The indictment alleges that heroin distributed by BEQIRAJ and his co-conspirators resulted in the deaths of Robert Vivolo and Leonides Madrid.

BEQIRAJ was presented in federal court in Manhattan before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses today and ordered detained. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim stated: “As alleged in the Indictment, Frankie Beqiraj worked with others to sell a whole range of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and alprazolam. As alleged, two young people are dead, victims of Beqiraj’s alleged heroin dealing and of the opioid epidemic that is sweeping the country. Thanks to the exceptional work of our partners at the New York City Police Department, the New Rochelle Police Department, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Beqiraj will be held accountable for the drugs he allegedly peddled and the tragic deaths that resulted.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill stated: “The defendant in this case faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison – and a maximum of life behind bars – after investigators linked the heroin that he distributed to two overdose deaths, one in the Bronx and one in New Rochelle. It is the latest example of our commitment to holding drugs dealers criminally responsible. I want to thank the NYPD and the New Rochelle PD investigators, as well as the Southern District, for their work on this case.”

NRPD Commissioner Patrick Carroll stated: “The arrest and indictment of Frankie Beqiraj, holding him accountable for the death of New Rochelle resident Leonides Madrid, is an example of the New Rochelle Police Department’s commitment to fight against the opioids epidemic that our community faces today. Working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners, the NYPD, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Attorney sends a strong message to drug dealers that we will do all we can to arrest and prosecute those selling drugs in our community.”

As alleged in the Indictment against BEQIRAJ [1]:

From July 2016 up to January 2017, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, FRANKIE BEQIRAJ and others conspired to sell one kilogram and more of heroin, as well as cocaine, oxycodone, and alprazolam. The use of heroin distributed by BEQIRAJ and his co-conspirators resulted in the deaths of Robert Vivolo, 25, of the Bronx, New York, on October 21, 2016, and of Leonides Madrid, 28, of New Rochelle, New York, on January 9, 2017.

FRANKIE BEQIRAJ, 27, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison.

The statutory maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, the NRPD, and the Westchester County Overdose Response Initiative. Mr. Kim thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the investigation.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Bronx Man Sentenced To 18 Years In Prison For Sex Trafficking Of Minors And Related Offenses

   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DAVID HOPE, a/k/a “Capo,” was sentenced yesterday to 18 years in prison for running a criminal sex trafficking and prostitution enterprise involving minor girls, as well as possession of child pornography and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. In addition, KEMAR WILLIAMS, a/k/a “K-bag,” a co-defendant in the case, was sentenced yesterday to 42 months in prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors with Hope. HOPE and WILLIAMS pled guilty on December 1, 2016, and December 8, 2016, respectively, before United States District Judge Sidney H. Stein, who also imposed yesterday’s sentences.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “David Hope sexually exploited and trafficked vulnerable women and minor girls, and Kemar Williams assisted in the exploitation. Hope and Williams used physical violence, weapons, coercion, and intimidation to exert control over their trafficking victims. Both have now received the significant sentences that their crimes deserve.”

According to the Indictment, Complaint, and other documents filed in the case, as well as statements made during the plea and sentencing proceedings:

Since at least 2013, HOPE directed and conducted a criminal sex trafficking and prostitution enterprise (the “Enterprise”) that recruited and exploited minor girls and young women, and then prostituted them using an online classifieds website for his own profit. HOPE, who was wheelchair-bound, operated the Enterprise at his apartment in the Bronx, New York (the “Hope Apartment”), Connecticut, and elsewhere. WILLIAMS participated and engaged in the Enterprise and facilitated the prostitution of minor girls.

HOPE recruited minors who looked up to him to participate in the Enterprise and other criminal activity. HOPE, who was known to carry a firearm, employed myriad tactics – including manipulation, intimidation, coercion, threats, and violence – to recruit and maintain the girls and young women he sold for sex. For example, on at least two occasions, HOPE physically beat one of the adult women he prostituted, and on at least one occasion, threatened that victim with a firearm. At least four minor victims were exploited by HOPE’s Enterprise.

In or about November 2015 when he was arrested, HOPE also possessed on his cellphone a sexually explicit video of one of the minor girls whom he trafficked.

In or about January 2015, HOPE possessed a defaced firearm (the “Firearm”) after he had been previously convicted of a felony crime. Specifically, on January 16, 2015, when New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) officers were executing a search warrant at the Hope apartment, HOPE instructed a minor female to throw the loaded Firearm out the rear window of the HOPE Apartment. Before it was thrown out the window, the Firearm was in the bed where HOPE was sleeping.

Mr. Kim praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He thanked the NYPD for its assistance throughout the investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force for their assistance with investigating HOPE’s operations in Connecticut. Mr. Kim also thanked the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the ATF/NYPD Joint Robbery Task Force (SPARTA) for its assistance in the early stages of the investigation.

Any individuals who believe they have information concerning the exploitation of children may contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-212-384-1000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/.

School Security Guard Charged In White Plains Federal Court With Four Murders In Connection With Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy

  Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), George P. Beach II, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and Peter J. Graziano Jr., Chief of the Village of Chester Police Department (“Chester PD”), announced the arrest of JOSEPH BIGGS, a security guard at a school in Hastings-On-Hudson, New York, for a quadruple murder committed in Chester, New York in April 2016. BIGGS was charged in a 17-count Superseding Indictment, along with NICHOLAS TARTAGLIONE, a retired police officer who was previously arrested and charged in this case, for their participation in a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine and for the murders of Martin Luna, Urbano Santiago, Miguel Luna, and Hector Gutierrez in furtherance of that conspiracy. The new indictment also includes firearms and kidnapping charges against both defendants in connection with the murders.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim stated: “As alleged, Joseph Biggs, a school security officer, participated in the brutal drug-related kidnapping and murder of four people in a bar in Chester, New York. Biggs allegedly committed these cold-blooded crimes with Nicholas Tartaglione, a retired police officer. Murders are always frightening, but when allegedly committed by people entrusted with the safety of others, it is all the more disturbing.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. stated: “The FBI and our law enforcement partners in this investigation are following leads wherever they take us, and we will continue to search out any information that will help us solve the case. We are purposefully methodical, and careful about gathering facts and evidence, and we won’t stop until we bring to justice all of those responsible for the murders of these four men.”

NYSP Superintendent George P. Beach II said: “I praise the work of law enforcement in bringing these two suspected men to justice. Illicit drugs can not only be fatal to their users, but the crimes that surround these illegal operations are deadly and dangerous to our communities. With these two alleged actors charged, dangerous drugs are not making it to our streets, and those streets are now safer. The State Police pledge to continue to work and partner with other law enforcement agencies. The work we are doing will make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

Village of Chester Police Chief Peter J. Graziano Jr. said: “We are fortunate and humbled to be able to work with such talented people as a team in the arrest of Mr. Biggs in connection with the unspeakable and callous murder of these victims. That Mr. Bigs is alleged to be involved in a case such as this and be entrusted with the safety of children defies explanation.”

As alleged in the Indictment filed today in White Plains federal court[1]:

From at least in or about June 2015 up to and including April 2016, NICHOLAS TARTAGLIONE, JOSEPH BIGGS, and others conspired to sell five kilograms or more of cocaine. In April 2016, NICHOLAS TARTAGLIONE and JOSEPH BIGGS participated in the killing of Martin Luna, Urbano Santiago, Miguel Luna, and Hector Gutierrez in furtherance of that cocaine distribution conspiracy. Specifically, on April 11, 2016, TARTAGLIONE and BIGGS lured Martin Luna to a bar called the Likquid Lounge in Chester, New York under false pretenses, where he was held captive and killed. The other three victims – Urbano Santiago, Miguel Luna, and Hector Gutierrez – accompanied Martin Luna to the bar, where they were then held captive, shot, and killed.

JOSEPH BIGGS, 55, of Nanuet, New York, was taken into federal custody this morning. BIGGS was presented in White Plains federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith McCarthy and ordered detained. His case has been assigned to United States District Judge Kenneth M. Karas. NICHOLAS TARTAGLIONE was previously arrested on December 19, 2016, and has been detained in federal custody since that date.

A chart containing the charges and maximum penalties the defendants face is attached. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the New York State Police, and the Village of Chester Police Department. Mr. Kim also thanked the City of Middletown Police Department for its assistance in the case.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Maurene Comey and Michael Gerber are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

United States v. Nicholas Tartaglione and Joseph Biggs, S3 16 Cr. 832 (KMK)

COUNT		CHARGES		MAXIMUM PENALTIES
1		Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.		Life in prison Mandatory minimum: 10 years in prison
2		Murder of Martin Luna in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.		Life in prison or death Mandatory minimum: 20 years in prison
3		Murder of Urbano Santiago in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.		Life in prison or death Mandatory minimum: 20 years in prison
4		Murder of Miguel Luna in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.		Life in prison or death Mandatory minimum: 20 years in prison
5		Murder of Hector Gutierrez in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.		Life in prison or death Mandatory minimum: 20 years in prison
6		Use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime resulting in the death of Urbano Santiago.		Life in prison or death   Mandatory minimum: 10 years in prison
7		Use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime resulting in the death of Miguel Luna.		Life in prison or death   Mandatory minimum: 10 years in prison
8		Use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime resulting in the death of Hector Gutierrez.		Life in prison or death   Mandatory minimum: 10 years in prison
9		Kidnapping conspiracy.		Life in prison
10		Kidnapping resulting in the death of Martin Luna.		Life in prison or death   Mandatory minimum: Life in prison
11		Kidnapping resulting in the death of Urbano Santiago.		Life in prison or death   Mandatory minimum: Life in prison
12		Kidnapping resulting in the death of Miguel Luna.		Life in prison or death   Mandatory minimum: Life in prison
13		Kidnapping resulting in the death of Hector Gutierrez.		Life in prison or death   Mandatory minimum: Life in prison
14		Travel or use of interstate facility with intent to commit crime of violence, resulting in death of Martin Luna.		Life in prison
15		Travel or use of interstate facility with intent to commit crime of violence, resulting in death of Urbano Santiago.		Life in prison
16		Travel or use of interstate facility with intent to commit crime of violence, resulting in death of Miguel Luna.		Life in prison
17		Travel or use of interstate facility with intent to commit crime of violence, resulting in death of Hector Gutierrez.		Life in prison

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Statement from NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer on Mayoral Control

 Comptroller Stringer released the following statement on mayoral control reauthorization:

  “Our kids should be above politics. Their futures can’t be treated as pawns in a political game. And the largest school system in the nation shouldn’t be used as legislative leverage. That’s why Albany must immediately reauthorize mayoral control. The question is whether it’s the right thing or wrong thing to do, and there is no doubt that extending mayoral control is to everyone’s benefit.

“I can assure Albany of two things. First, we are doing everything we can to watch the dollars and cents and hold the DOE accountable. Second, going back in time to a pre-mayoral control system would be disastrous. Our kids would lose out and our schools would be in chaos.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  As a former parent leader all the way to the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council when former U.S. Prosecutor Joel Klein had to get a waiver to become chancellor of the NYC public school system, and Mayoral Control was instituted I beg to differ with City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Comptroller Stringer - Parents watched as games were played by then Mayor Bloomberg to prop up test scores by holding back to many poor performing third-grade children so that the next fourth-grade NY State exams the first year of Mayoral Control would show improvement. 

What were the Average Yearly Progression goals set by the New York State Department of Education the first year of Mayoral Control, and why was New York City given a waiver in meeting those targeted goals? In fact many if not a majority of all New York City public schools have not be able to meet their AYP goals, and many have never met the first targeted AYP goals from the first year of Mayoral Control. 

No, City Comptroller you can not assure Albany leaders that you are holding the NYCDOE accountable with a system of non-disclosure no bid contracts that are lumped together for mayoral appointees to vote yes or be replaced on the Panel For Educational Policy as we have seen under Mayor Bloomberg. 

Mayoral Control needs to end, and control of the public school system needs to be returned to the community as in the rest of New York State.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO SEVEN TO FOURTEEN YEARS IN PRISON FOR ROBBING 81-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN ELEVATOR

Defendant Threatened to “Cut Up” Victim If She Refused to Cooperate 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to consecutive terms totaling seven to 14 years in prison for robbing an 81-year-old woman he threatened to cut with a razor blade in her apartment building elevator. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “It is hard to fathom that someone could terrorize an elderly person. The victim continues to work through the trauma of the incident and struggles to leave her apartment. We hope this sentence provides her with justice and some sense of security that he will be behind bars.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Homer Griffin, 51, of Grand Concourse, was sentenced today to two consecutive terms of 3 ½ to seven years in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Hornstein. Griffin pleaded guilty to third-degree Robbery and third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon on March 31, 2017. 

  According to the investigation, on the afternoon of March 3, 2017, in the area of Grand Concourse and Marcy Place, Griffin followed the victim as she stepped into her apartment building elevator. He then pretended to help her exit the elevator before holding a blade to her face and telling her, “I want the money, give me the money. I’m going to cut you.” Griffin fled with $200.

  District Attorney Clark thanked Detective Daniel Angen of the 44th Precinct Detective Squad and Ellen Kolodney, BXDA Elder Abuse Coordinator, for their work in this case.

BP DIAZ HOSTS BRONX LGBTQ PRIDE CELEBRATION

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., hosted the borough’s seventh annual LGBTQ & Allies Pride Awards Ceremony at Billy's Sports Bar on River Avenue across from Yankee Stadium. 

  Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, CEO of the Joseph Addabbo Family Health Center, will be awarded the 2017 John Wade Award, which honors LGBTQ individuals for excellence in government service.

   Honorees included legendary performer Dominique (Tyra A. Ross) Jackson, Renee Reopell, Director of the Adolescent AIDS Program at Montefiore; and Raul Rivera, a community organizer with Spaceworks.

   Serving as co-emcees this year were be the legendary Vivika Westwood Mugler and Tym Moss, with Bronx shero Appolonia Cruz also performing at the event. Photos of this event are below.

Above - Vivika Westwood greets Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. after changing outfits from the one Below where Vivika did the opening number 'Can't Take Our Rhythm'.

Above - Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark was in attendance with her security detail. 

Below - City Councilman Jimmy Vacca speaks to BP Diaz.

Above and Below - Everyone wants their picture taken  with BP Diaz.

Above - Elder Antionettea Etienne gave the invocation.

Below - Tym Moss dances to 'No Raining on My Parade'.

Above - Bronx BP Diaz Jr. tells of the importance of this event to not only the growing Bronx LBGTQ community, but to everyone who has not recognized the LGBTQ community for what each individual is.

Below - Tracy McDermott and Dirk McCall of BP Diaz's staff receive acknowledgements. 

Congressman Eliot L. Engel - Marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day

   Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, marked National Gun Violence Awareness Day today by introducing a resolution with Congressman Tony Cárdenas that would compel Congress to take action in the face of gun tragedies.

H.Res.370, would require that any moment of silence held on the floor of the House of Representatives due to a tragedy involving gun violence be promptly followed by a hearing to discuss the cause of the tragedy and how similar events might be prevented in the future.

“National Gun Violence Awareness Day is a day to reflect on our shared responsibility as American citizens to address the scourge of gun violence that has devastated so many communities,” Congressman Engel said. “It is unacceptable that each time an American loses their life to a senseless act of gun violence, Republicans in Congress refuse to vote or even hold hearings to address the epidemic. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. I am proud to cosponsor this measure urging Congress to take immediate action.” 

Throughout his career, Congressman Engel has pushed for common-sense reforms to our gun laws. Earlier this year, he introduced H.R. 2089, the Protect Law Enforcement Armor (PLEA) Act that would ban the sale and import of armor piercing handguns.

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION CALLS FOR DESIGN BUILD AUTHORIZATION FOR ITS MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

At major $1.9 billion BQE rehab project, broad stakeholder coalition urges Albany passage of New York City Design Build authority to shave time and cut costs from major capital projects

  De Blasio Administration officials announced that New York City was ramping up its campaign for Design Build authority for major infrastructure projects that will maintain New York City’s economic strength and mobility.  DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora were joined by elected officials, business leaders and advocates in front of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE) in downtown Brooklyn.  The Administration has dedicated $1.9 billion in capital funding over the next five years to completely rehabilitate the aging sixty-year old roadway.   They stressed the need for Albany passage of Design-Build authority to fund and complete the infrastructure work there -- and for seven other major projects.

“The BQE triple-cantilever is a critical economic lifeline to our city. Like many roads, bridges and buildings across the five boroughs, it is overdue for carefully planned and executed rehab work,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Throughout New York City, we have serious capital needs that cannot wait for an emergent crisis. It is critical we attend to these needs right away and in the fastest and most cost-effective way possible. Design Build authority would save us time and money, which means our roadways would open sooner, emergency room wait times would decrease and the NYPD could begin training at their new facility. Design Build has been invaluable for the State, it can and should be for the City too.”

“The BQE-Atlantic to Sands is overdue for rehab – critical and complex work that no one in the world would take on without Design Build," said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.  “As a road central to the regional economy, the BQE must be fixed safely and efficiently, and Design Build could save us as much as $300 million and two-years’ construction time on this single project.  I thank Mayor de Blasio for his commitment to this and other major capital projects.  We look forward to our work with state partners to give us the authority we need to get these jobs done with the least disruption and inconvenience."

“The history of Design Build in New York State shows that important City projects could benefit greatly if we were allowed to use this more efficient method for project delivery,” saidDDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora. “Police precincts, highways and public hospitals could be built with shorter construction times at lower cost if the City had the Design-Build process that agencies such as the State DOT and State Thruway Authority have already employed on projects such as the new Tappan Zee Bridge. I am grateful to the legislators who are working to get this passed in Albany, and to the Mayor for sending a strong message of support.”

Today’s speakers cited the urgent need for Design-Build authority in state law to speed major capital projects.  Design Build streamlines the construction process by merging design and construction phases, saving both time and money.  Authorized for use by several New York state agencies since 2011, Design Build was used most prominently by the New York State Department of Transportation for the BQE's Kosciusko Bridge last month, just five miles north of the downtown Brooklyn BQE section controlled by New York City.

The rehabilitation of the 1.5-mile portion of the BQE between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street is the largest among major infrastructure projects planned by New York City.   Known for its distinctive triple-cantilever tiered structure (topped by the Brooklyn Heights promenade), the section of roadway is actually a succession of 21 different bridges.  Constructed in the 1940s, the Atlantic-to-Sands section of roadway has never been rehabilitated despite growing increasingly congested in the years since:  in the 1970s, 100,000 vehicles traveled it daily, with the number now exceeding 140,000 vehicles on an average weekday.  Trucks are a large share of that traffic, 17 percent during rush hours, as the road serves not only as a major access point to East River bridges to Manhattan but also as a major means of moving freight within the five boroughs (90 percent of truck traffic has a NYC destination).  With no breakdown or acceleration lanes, this narrow and congested section of the BQE suffers a disproportionate number of collisions and traffic delays.

In 2016, New York City DOT completed an in-depth inspection of the BQE Atlantic-to-Sands structure, the first since its original construction.  That inspection found that while the highway was structurally sound and safe, a full-scale rehabilitation was necessary in the next decade.  During 2016, DOT also substantially repaved the roadway on much of the structure, which has helped alleviate some of the breakdowns and traffic issues.

State legislation under consideration in Albany, A8134/S6427, sponsored by Assembly member Michael Benedetto and Senators Andrew Lanza and Martin Golden, would grant New York City authority to use Design-Build for eight designated major projects with a combined proposed budget of $2.5 billion.  Those projects are:

1) BQE - Atlantic to Sands, Brooklyn (Department of Transportation)

Budgeted cost: $1.89 billion ($1.72 billion for DOT; $170 million for Parks)

·       In addition to addressing the structural conditions on one of the most heavily traveled roads in New York City, the project will result in other significant enhancement by: 1) increasing vertical clearance along the Queens-bound BQE; 2) widening lanes and where feasible, adding standard shoulders to address high-crash rates and to bring the roadway up to national interstate standards; 3) making pedestrian improvements and increasing access to Brooklyn Bridge Park, especially at the Atlantic Avenue interchange; 4) improving drainage and lighting throughout the corridor.

2) Rodman's Neck Training Facility, Bronx (Department of Design and Construction on behalf of NYPD)                                 

Budgeted cost: $275 million

·        This project consists of the renovation of NYPD’s Rodman’s Neck Firearms Training Facility. The 48.7-acre site contains six open firing ranges and 21 wood frame and modular buildings.

·        The project consists of administrative spaces, armory, climate-controlled ammunition storage, a tactical village for enhanced training and additional shooting points to increase number of officers who can be trained simultaneously. The new facility will offer enhanced capabilities for movable targets and tactical training environments.

3) Crossroads Youth Facility, Brooklyn (DDC on behalf of Administration for Children’s Services)                                              

Budgeted cost: $129 million

·       The City is undertaking a major renovation and upgrade of its Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn.  The project’s design and construction will be managed by DDC.

4) Horizons Adolescent Facility, Bronx (DDC on behalf of Administration for Children’s Services)                                                 

Budgeted cost: $170 million

·        DOC plans to rebuild the Horizon Detention Center in the Bronx. The project’s design and construction will be managed by DDC.

5) New NYPD Precinct - SE Queens (DDC on behalf of NYPD)                                            

Budgeted cost: $70 million

·       This project would create a new NYPD Precinct, the 116^th in Southeast Queens,created out of the southern portions of the existing 105th precinct.  The new precinct would serve the communities of Laurelton, Rosedale, Brookville and Springfield Gardens.

·       The new 116^th Precinct will address an increase in this area’s population and requests for law enforcement services, and help reduce response times.  Compared to the other 76 precincts Citywide, the current 105^th Precinct has the 5^th-largest precinct population (118,577 residents) and the 5th largest square mileage (12.43 square miles).

6) Staten Island Ferry Resiliency (DOT)                                                                     

Budgeted cost: $25 million

·        Almost 23 million passengers ride the Staten Island Ferry each year. In 2012, as a result of Superstorm Sandy, ferry passenger terminals in both Staten Island and Manhattan, along with the Ferry Maintenance Facility on Staten Island, were subject to heavy flooding and major mechanical/electrical system damage.

·       This major resiliency project includes the assessment, design and construction of systems necessary to ensure that this vital transit system is well-prepared and sufficiently resilient to withstand major flooding and increased incidents of severe weather in the future.

7) Pelham Parkway Bridge over Hutchinson River Parkway, Bronx (DOT)

Budgeted cost: $54.5 million

·       Pelham Parkway crosses the Hutchinson River Parkway just east of Stillwell Avenue.   A stone-arch bridge built in 1942, it consists of two spans with a total deck area of about 17,600 feet. The structure carries a total of six lanes of traffic, with sidewalks on both sides, for a total bridge width of 146.8 feet.

·       The project will bring the bridge into a state of good repair.

8) Elmhurst Hospital Emergency Room Renovation, Queens (Health + Hospitals)      

Budgeted cost: $20 million

·       Located at 79-01 Broadway, the project consists of renovating and expanding the Emergency Department at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, one of New York City’s busiest Trauma Centers with approximately 1200 trauma admissions per year.

·       The project addresses the demand for additional space to accommodate the hospital’s increased volume. Plans include more than 10,000 additional square feet of new space, an increase in treatment bays (48 to 80), an increase in nursing support areas, five additional isolation rooms, and centralized radiology services.

The Design-Build legislation would give the same benefit and cost savings to City agencies that New York State has realized on its projects, including eight projects that were authorized in the most recent State Budget. Design-Build contracts would be subject to applicable federal, state, and local requirements for disadvantaged business enterprises and minority and women-owned business enterprises. The Mayor recently announced the following MWBE commitments: Setting a Citywide goal of 30%; the Creation of the Mayor’s Office of MWBE and interest rate contract financing in the state of 3% up to $500,000 per loan. The use of Design-Build as a project delivery method will allow the City to complete more projects, increasing opportunities for MWBE firms. The City proposal includes Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for all projects utilizing Design-Build. Projects that utilize Design Build typically realize cost savings of at least 6 percent and an average time savings of 18 months.

“Speed and cost are important considerations in health care, and Design Build helps with both,” said Stanley Brezenoff, interim President and Chief Executive Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. “With Design Build, we can make better use of our limited resources and respond more quickly to real community need for services. We are always looking for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, so for us, Design Build is a no-brainer.”

“The Rodman’s Neck Training Facility in the Bronx and an additional NYPD Precinct in Southeast Queens will provide needed infrastructure that will assist the NYPD in protecting New York City residents and providing essential law enforcement services,” said NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill.