BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK STATEMENT ON NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR NYPD SERGEANT HUGH BARRY

  “The judge has issued his verdict in this case. We are disappointed but we accept his decision. However, I believe the death of Deborah Danner illustrates the larger issue of how we need changes in the way we address people with mental health issues.

 “There must be serious reforms to improve access to treatment so the situation does not rise to a crisis. Mental health professionals should be part of the response to emotionally disturbed persons.

 “I hope that measures will be taken to prevent another tragedy such as this.”

BRONX MAN INDICTED IN FATAL STABBING OF PIT BULL DOG LEFT IN HIS CARE BY OWNER

Defendant Charged With Animal Cruelty in Gruesome Death of “Onyx” 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on a felony Animal Cruelty charge for fatally stabbing and slitting the throat of an 18- month-old pit bull that was left in his care by the dog’s owner. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly stabbed the young dog more than 50 times and slit his throat, allegedly because the dog had bit him. This is an incredibly vicious crime and if the defendant is convicted he can face two years in prison. Cruelty against animals will not be tolerated.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Stephen Richardson, 33, of 1237 Fulton Avenue, was arraigned today on a charge of felony Animal Cruelty before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was set at $10,000 and he is due back in court on May 18, 2018. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison.

 According to the investigation, on December 29, 2017, the defendant was watching “Onyx,” an 18-month-old male pit bull, in his apartment, as he had been doing for about six months. The dog’s owner stopped to check on him as she did frequently, and found him in the bathtub dead with multiple stab wounds primarily to the face and neck.

 At the same time, police were responding to a 311 complaint about possible animal abuse at the building, and went to the apartment and arrested the defendant. A knife was recovered.

 According to the investigation, the defendant said the dog bit him and in return he stabbed the dog in the park. Veterinarians said the dog died of a minimum of 55 sharp force wounds, including several that caused lacerations deep into the skin and tissue.

 District Attorney Clark thanked P o l i c e Officer Anthony Alvino of the 42 ND Precinct and Dr. Alison Liu of the ASPCA for their assistance. 

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

Comptroller Stringer Announces NYC’s First “Making Rent Count” Pilot Program

In partnership with Banana Kelly, Comptroller Stringer to pilot new program to help New Yorkers boost their credit scores just by paying their rent

Over 600 New Yorkers across 27 buildings in the Bronx will be eligible for new pilot

  Comptroller Stringer, in partnership with the Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association, announced a new pilot program for the Comptroller’s “Making Rent Count” initiative, which will help New York City tenants establish or boost their credit scores just by paying their monthly rent. Working with Banana Kelly leadership, more than 600 tenants across 27 buildings in the south Bronx will now be able to add their rent payments to their credit histories, just like homeowners do for mortgage payments. Banana Kelly has agreed to report rent information directly to the credit bureaus for those who choose to participate in the pilot.

In October 2017, Comptroller Stringer’s “Making Rent Count” report showed deep disparities in credit scores across the five boroughs. A shocking one in five New Yorkers do not have a credit score and nearly one-third of city residents have sub-prime credit scores, which puts a ceiling on  financial success. Using never-before-analyzed data, the Comptroller’s Office found that in NYC communities where the average credit score is sub-prime, or below 630:

According to a 2015 study by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs:

* 78% of residents are renters

* Black and Hispanic New Yorkers account for more than 90% of the population

* NYCHA residents comprise one in ten residents.

While renters’ credit scores are often penalized by landlords, bill collectors, and others when they fall behind on payments, renters do not see currently a benefit to their credit scores for paying their rent responsibly and are not given credit for the largest check they may write every month. This pilot project aims to correct that imbalance.

Through an opt-in program, the Comptroller’s Office has found that adding rent to credit scores would grant a new credit score to approximately 30% of renters for the first time. Research by the Comptroller’s Office shows that adding rent to credit would either raise scores or add additional depth to credit files for 94% of projected participants who currently hold a credit score. Specifically:

* More than half (57%) would see their score rise between 1 and 10 points;

* Nearly one in five (19%) would have their score boosted by 11 points or more;

* 18% would see no change at all;

* 6% would see a minor decline in their scores.

“We’re facing an affordability crisis, and we all know how soaring prices and sky-high rents make life difficult for New Yorkers across the five-boroughs. One of the hidden roadblocks to financial success is credit – and access to it. This innovative new program empowers tenants, helps level the playing field, and reflects another step to unstack the economic deck. It’s breaking new ground – and it will help make our city fairer,” said City Comptroller Scott Stringer. “To tenants, our message is simple. If you pay your rent on time every month, this pilot could ultimately be a game-changer. At a time when we need to use every tool in the kit to make our city more affordable, this new pilot could be the start of something important. I cannot thank our partners at Banana Kelly enough for their efforts and their work. Their participation reflects just how committed its leadership is to moving New York into the future.”

The 27 buildings in the Bronx in which the program will be piloted fall within three zip codes. All three zip codes rank among the bottom 10 percent of zip codes across the city by median credit score. More than 40 percent of residents in of each zip code have subprime median credit scores between 600 and 610. Moreover, over 40% of residents in each zip code have “thin file” credit meaning they may have never had a credit score or are new or re-establishing their credit. Given the opportunity to boost their credit scores or obtain scores for the first time, many residents will see real financial benefits, including the potential to pay much less on auto insurance, credit card interest rates, loans, cell phones, or other bills.

To read the full October “Making Rent Count” report, click here.

Bronx Democratic County Committee Call For Candidates in Two Upcoming Special Elections

  It was an unusually warm night in February for Thursday's County Committee call to find Democratic candidates to run in the upcoming special elections to be held on April 24th. 

  First up was to find a Democratic candidate to run for the 80th Assembly District vacancy created when former Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj was elected to the City Council. Bronx Democratic County Committee Chair Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner called the meeting to order, and it was said that a quorum of County Committee members from the 80th A.D. were present. Nominations were then opened up with Ms. Jean Hill nominating Nathalia Fernandez. Ms. Fernandez as then seconded by Mr. Joe McManus, and a third person. The question of any more nominations was asked, and nominations were then closed when there was no other. A unanimous vote then was taken making Ms. Nathalia Fernandez the candidate of the Democratic Party in the special election for the 80th A.D.

Above - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner, Counsel Stanley Schlein, and Maricela Salazar presided over the meeting.

Below - A very joyous Nathalia Fernandez is congratulated by Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and Councilman Mark Gonaj the former assemblyman from the 80th A.D.

  Things didn't go so smooth when it came to fielding a candidate for the vacant 32nd State Senate district however. The process began late as it was announced that a quorum was present, since the 32nd Senate District covers parts of the 79th, 80th, 82nd, 84th, 85th, ad 87th Assembly Districts. The meeting was called to order, and the process of selecting the Democratic candidate for the 32nd State Senate district began. 

  Ms Julia Rodriguez nominated Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, This was seconded by Mohammed Mujumder, and Cynthia Cox. When the question of any more nominations Ms. Phillissia Amat rose to nominate Mr.Michael Beltzer. This was seconded by Ms. Alace Trane. There were no other nominations and the voting began. Chair Joyner called for those wishing to have Assemblyman Sepulveda as the Democratic candidate stand up. All but six county committee members stood up. Upon calling for those who wanted Mr. Beltzer as the candidate those six people stood up. It was then declared that by an overwhelmingly majority that Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda would be the Democratic candidate for the 32nd State Senate in the April Special election. 

Above - NY State Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and State Senator Michael Gianaris await the choice of Assemblyman Sepulveda as the Democratic candidate for the 32nd State Senate seat in the April spacial election.

Below - After being selected the Democratic candidate for the 32nd S.D. a beaming Luis Sepulveda thanks those who helped him become the Democratic candidate for his mentor now Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr.'s vacant state senate seat. 

Democratic candidate for the 32nd S.D. is congratulated by Senators Stewart-Cousins and Gianaris, Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo, BDCC Vice-Chair Linda Kemp, and Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson. 

  After the meeting Mr. Beltzer claimed that there was not a quorum to which the Reform Party candidate for the 32nd S.D. Ms. Pamela Stewart-Martinez who was in attendance also said. While in the Bronx it is a forgone conclusion that the Democratic candidate wins every election, 'One never knows what may happen next in politics'. There is always a first time for everything Ms. Stewart-Martinez also said.

This posting has been updated to reflect the correct date of the special elections Tuesday April 24th. 

A thank you goes to Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz for pointing out the error.

BP DIAZ & COUNCIL MEMBERS TORRES & DEUTSCH INTRODUCE FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION PACKAGE

In the wake of December’s deadly Bronx fire, new legislative package would require safety devices on stove in apartments with small children and educational plan on fire safety

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council Member Ritchie Torres and City Council Member Chaim Deutsch are introducing a package of new legislation designed to prevent catastrophic fires in the wake of December’s tragic fire in the Belmont section of The Bronx, which saw 13 lives lost.

Three bills that would improve fire safety and education, and potentially save lives:

1.   One intro would require owners of buildings with three or more units to provide and properly install approved stove safety devices on all stoves in units where a child or children 10 years or younger reside;

2.  One intro would require the Fire Department, in coordination with the Education Department, to implement a comprehensive plan for educating children and parents about fire safety and prevention;

3.   One intro would require landlords to post a notice indicating that those escaping a fire should close all doors behind them.

In December, a fire in a residential building on Prospect Avenue in The Bronx led to 13 deaths, making it the deadliest fire New York City had seen in the past 25 years. Investigators found that the fire was started by a three-year-old child playing with the stove in his apartment, and quickly grew out of control.

“Just as we require window guards in apartments with young children, we should also require that stoves be made safer through the installation of approved safety devices,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.“This tragic fire could have been prevented, had this young child been unable to tamper with the knob of the stove in his apartment. I am proud to partner with Council Member Torres, amd Council Member Chaim Deutsch to introduce a new legislative package that will undoubtedly save lives.”

Above - The building at 2363 Prospect Avenue where the tragic fire occurred.

Below - BP Diaz Jr. holds a simple inexpensive child cover for a gas stove valve that he says can prevent children from playing with gas stove knobs.

Council Member Ritchie Torres said.  

“This comprehensive legislative package on fire safety, prevention and education will save lives and prevent household fires from happening. By installing safety knobs and proactively educating residents about fires, we are aiming to prevent another catastrophe. I thank Borough President Diaz Jr., for his partnership on these bills and advocacy on fire prevention, and look forward to their passage and enactment into law,”

Above - Councilman Torres speaks of the devastation which occurred in his district, and why these new proposals are so important.

Below - Councilman Chaim Deutsch came from Brooklyn to join with BP Diaz Jr., saying that this is not a one borough problem.

Council Member Chaim Deutsch said 

“Our City has suffered several unfortunate and tragic fires during recent months. With fire fatalities up 53% in 2017, this is an important time for us to raise awareness and make meaningful change. I’m grateful to my colleagues, Councilman Ritchie Torres and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. for their partnership on this very critical initiative for all New Yorkers,” 

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Project HOPE Passover 2018 Save The Date

Reminder

Save The Date

Project HOPE Passover Package Delivery 

Sunday, March 18, 2018 - 9 am-11:30 am

917- 693-3804

Whether or not you are able to come, you can always help by sponsoring a package for only $25.
     

For groups, questions or to deliver to a particular senior contact 

Niti Minkove, Director of Volunteers at 

nminkove@bjcconline.org or Cell: (917) 693-3084

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

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

ENGEL STATEMENT ON TODAY’S INDICTMENTS  

Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement:

“Given the Trump Administration’s failure to hold Russia accountable for its attack on American democracy, it’s no surprise that it fell to the Special Counsel investigating the Trump-Russia scandal to act at last. Today’s indictments shed new light on the extent of Russia’s destructive plot against the United States and underscore the importance of Mr. Mueller’s work and why it must continue.

“However, this announcement won’t prevent Russia from meddling with future elections, which even the Administration acknowledges is happening. Congressional Republicans must now work across the aisle to shore up our election system against the next wave of attacks, or else they signal that they’re perfectly willing to accept Russia’s help. American democracy is on the line.”

It Is Unacceptable That Republicans Continue to Tolerate These Mass Shootings 

“My heart continues to break for the families and victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkville, Florida. Wednesday’s shooting was the 18^th school shooting and the 30^th mass shooting to take place this year. We are forty-seven days into 2018.

“In the wake of this horrific tragedy, people will try to find an explanation for why this happened. Already, we are hearing the President blame mental health problems, stigmatizing millions of Americans. Mental health is a serious issue and funding mental health programs is important, but make no mistake: the GOP is using mental health as a red herring to distract from their unwillingness to even entertain the idea of strengthening our weak gun laws.

“The reason seventeen innocent people were viciously murdered yesterday is because a nineteen-year-old, who had been expelled from school, was able to walk into a gun store that didn’t require fingerprints, permits, or a waiting period, and buy a gun.

“It is unacceptable that Republicans in Congress continue to tolerate these mass shootings and murders. We have solutions to reduce the likelihood of events like this. Democrats have introduced legislation that would require stricter background checks, longer wait periods, ban assault weapons, and limit magazine capacity among many others. I call on Speaker Ryan to bring these solutions to the floor for a vote before any more Americans are killed.”

Wave Hill Events Mar 1‒Mar 9

Sat, March 3    Family Art Project: Give a Feathery Friend a Home or a Feeder

Winter birds and returning migrators could use a little help right now with nests and food. Camouflage the boxy shape of an ordinary milk carton with pine boughs and leaves. Add seeds and an inviting stick perch to create a welcoming home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 4    Family Art Project: Give a Feathery Friend a Home or a Feeder

Winter birds and returning migrators could use a little help right now with nests and food. Camouflage the boxy shape of an ordinary milk carton with pine boughs and leaves. Add seeds and an inviting stick perch to create a welcoming home. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 4    Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. This year’s Session 2 artists are Michele Brody, Tamara Kostianovsky, Athena LaTocha, Maika’i Tubbs and two New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellows, Ashton Agbomenou and Yelaine Rodriguez. For more about who is in residence on Sundays, visit wavehill.org. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–3PM

Sun, March 4    Art Workshop: Sewn Plant Sculptures Workshop

Take a tour of Tamara Kostianovsky’s Winter Workspace studio and explore ideas of personal identity, immigration and home. Working with fabric swatches, textiles, ropes, threads and twine, upcycle discarded items to give them new life as plant sculptures. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. $55; 10% discount to Wave Hill Members. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 10AM–1PM

Sun, March 4    Garden & Conservatory Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, March 5

Closed to the public.

Fri, March 9    The Garden and Beyond: An Afternoon of History at Wave Hill

This elegant and intimate afternoon celebrates Wave Hill’s rich historical legacy and extraordinary gardens. Relish a light-fare buffet—inspired by a traditional afternoon tea—as you enjoy a historical lecture and behind-the-scenes tour of the early spring gardens. The presentation takes place in the Mark Twain room, the former library of the estate, and continues outside with a walking tour of working areas of the garden. The afternoon concludes in The Shop at Wave Hill with a complimentary gift and a 10% discount on all purchases. Space is limited. $50/$45 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1‒3:30PM 

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM, November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.