NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

Winter Storm Warning in effect from Tuesday night through early Thursday morning

Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8; parking meters remain in effect

  The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Wednesday, March 7. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Thursday, March 8. According to the National Weather Service, a nor’easter is expected to bring a wintry mix of rain and snow late Tuesday, before changing over to snow early Wednesday morning. The heaviest period of snow is forecast for Wednesday afternoon through the evening commute. Snow is expected to endWednesday night. A total of 6 to 10 inches of snow is expected, with locally higher amounts possible.  High winds are also in the forecast, with sustained winds 15 mph to 25 mph, and gusts up to 40 mph.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel extremely hazardous. Commuters are advised to use mass transit where possible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, and exercise extreme caution when driving, walking or biking.

“Mother nature’s March madness continues as another nor’easter is forecast to bring snow that will make travel dangerous on Wednesday,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “New Yorkers should take mass transit if possible and allow for extra travel time.”

NYC Emergency Management

• NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s track to determine the impacts to New York City.
• NYC Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday to coordinate the City’s response to the storm.
• NYC Emergency Management is hosting daily interagency conference calls with City and state agencies and public and private partners to coordinate the City’s preparations for the storm.

Department of Sanitation

• The NYC Department of Sanitation is pre-deploying 693 salt spreaders. DSNY will activate PlowNYC and will dispatch 1500 plows when more than two inches of snow accumulates, with additional plows available if necessary.
• DSNY will assign 2,400 workers per shift. Workers were assigned to 12-hour shifts beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 6.
• DSNY has 234,000 tons of rock salt on hand.
• Normal garbage/recycling collections are scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, but may be delayed depending on snowfall amounts.
• Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended for Wednesday, March 7, and Thursday March 8, to facilitate snow removal operations. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.

Department of Transportation

• DOT will assist DSNY with snow removal starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 a.m.
• DOT’s Bridges Division will pre-deploy crews to East River Bridges.
• DOT’s Arterial, Parking and Citywide Concrete Units, will pre-treat and monitor pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets.
• Crews from JC Decaux are pre-treating bus shelters.
• DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.
• Staten Island Ferry will operate on a modified schedule and passengers should allow for extra travel time. DOT’s Ferry Division will pre-treat and clear walkways at the Staten Island Ferry terminals.

Economic Development Corporation

• NYC Ferry service may be impacted by winter storm conditions, and riders should prepare for potential weather-related delays. Service changes and/or suspensions will be posted onwww.ferry.nyc and announced via social media, app notifications, and email.

Department of Buildings

• DOB issued a weather advisory reminding property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during high winds.
• The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

• Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
• Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
• Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.
• Clear icicles and vulnerable snow masses from sidewalk sheds, and supported and suspended scaffolds.
• Clear roofs, overhangs and gutters of melting snow and ice.
• Brace and secure construction fences.         
• Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills, or propane tanks.
• Secure and clear roofs, awnings, umbrellas, and overhangs of melting snow and ice.
• Ensure gutters are clear of debris to allow drainage.
• Secure retractable awnings.

NYC Parks

• Parks will support the DSNY street plowing operation, lending 44 plows with operators.
• Parks will activate 1,300 staff, 132 plow vehicles, 167 salt spreaders, 257 snow blowers and brushes, and other equipment for snow removal on park perimeters.

Department of Social Services

A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:

• Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.
• Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with every day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.
• Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.
• Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.

Department for the Aging

• Seniors should contact their local center before leaving home, as senior centers may close on a case-by-case basis.
• Case-management clients are receiving additional meals, and social workers are calling high-risk clients to assess and address clients’ needs in advance of the storm.

NYCHA

• NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management has activated a Situation Room to manage response to the storm. This will be staffed with different departments from across the agency to ensure situational awareness, incident tracking, and response coordination.
• NYCHA’s Heating Services Department is adding additional staff overnight starting at 4 p.m.today. This includes increasing normal heating staff after hours on Tuesday and Wednesdayfrom 15 to 21 teams, adding four Oil Burner Mechanic teams, each with a supervisor each, and adding four Roving Teams from midnight to 8 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
• NYCHA Property Management will have staff briefed and prepped to activate the snow-removal procedures. NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center is adding additional staff to handle increased call volume for residents experiencing issues.

Department of Environmental Protection

• DEP will deploy resources to assist DSNY with snow removal and will pre-position staff to ensure critical wastewater treatment and drinking water functions continue without interruption.

Winter Storm Safety Tips

• Use mass transit where possible. If you have to drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

• Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
• Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
• Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.
• If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
• Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
• Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.
• Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.

• Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
• If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.
• Be careful when shoveling snow. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.
• Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
• Charge cell phone batteries.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
• If you lose power & have a disability/access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) & need immediate assistance, dial 911.The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Wednesday, March 7. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Thursday, March 8. According to the National Weather Service, a nor’easter is expected to bring a wintry mix of rain and snow late Tuesday, before changing over to snow early Wednesday morning. The heaviest period of snow is forecast for Wednesday afternoon through the evening commute. Snow is expected to endWednesday night. A total of 6 to 10 inches of snow is expected, with locally higher amounts possible.  High winds are also in the forecast, with sustained winds 15 mph to 25 mph, and gusts up to 40 mph.
  
  
  A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel extremely hazardous. Commuters are advised to use mass transit where possible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, and exercise extreme caution when driving, walking or biking.
  
  
  “Mother nature’s March madness continues as another nor’easter is forecast to bring snow that will make travel dangerous on Wednesday,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “New Yorkers should take mass transit if possible and allow for extra travel time.”
  
  
  NYC Emergency Management
  
  
  • NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s track to determine the impacts to New York City.
  • NYC Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday to coordinate the City’s response to the storm.
  • NYC Emergency Management is hosting daily interagency conference calls with City and state agencies and public and private partners to coordinate the City’s preparations for the storm.
  
  
  Department of Sanitation
  
  
  • The NYC Department of Sanitation is pre-deploying 693 salt spreaders. DSNY will activate PlowNYC and will dispatch 1500 plows when more than two inches of snow accumulates, with additional plows available if necessary.
  • DSNY will assign 2,400 workers per shift. Workers were assigned to 12-hour shifts beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 6.
  • DSNY has 234,000 tons of rock salt on hand.
  • Normal garbage/recycling collections are scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, but may be delayed depending on snowfall amounts.
  • Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended for Wednesday, March 7, and Thursday March 8, to facilitate snow removal operations. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.
  
  
  Department of Transportation
  
  
  • DOT will assist DSNY with snow removal starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 a.m.
  • DOT’s Bridges Division will pre-deploy crews to East River Bridges.
  • DOT’s Arterial, Parking and Citywide Concrete Units, will pre-treat and monitor pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets.
  • Crews from JC Decaux are pre-treating bus shelters.
  • DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.
  • Staten Island Ferry will operate on a modified schedule and passengers should allow for extra travel time. DOT’s Ferry Division will pre-treat and clear walkways at the Staten Island Ferry terminals.
  
  
  Economic Development Corporation
  
  
  • NYC Ferry service may be impacted by winter storm conditions, and riders should prepare for potential weather-related delays. Service changes and/or suspensions will be posted onwww.ferry.nyc and announced via social media, app notifications, and email.
  
  
  Department of Buildings
  • DOB issued a weather advisory reminding property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during high winds.
  • The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.
  
  
  To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
  
  
  • Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
  • Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
  • Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.
  • Clear icicles and vulnerable snow masses from sidewalk sheds, and supported and suspended scaffolds.
  • Clear roofs, overhangs and gutters of melting snow and ice.
  • Brace and secure construction fences.         
  • Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.
  To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
  
  
  To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
  • Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills, or propane tanks.
  • Secure and clear roofs, awnings, umbrellas, and overhangs of melting snow and ice.
  • Ensure gutters are clear of debris to allow drainage.
  • Secure retractable awnings.
  
  
  NYC Parks
  
  
  • Parks will support the DSNY street plowing operation, lending 44 plows with operators.
  • Parks will activate 1,300 staff, 132 plow vehicles, 167 salt spreaders, 257 snow blowers and brushes, and other equipment for snow removal on park perimeters.
  
  
  Department of Social Services
  
  
  A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:
  
  
  • Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.
  • Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with every day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.
  • Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.
  • Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.
  
  
  Department for the Aging
  
  
  • Seniors should contact their local center before leaving home, as senior centers may close on a case-by-case basis.
  • Case-management clients are receiving additional meals, and social workers are calling high-risk clients to assess and address clients’ needs in advance of the storm.
  
  
  NYCHA
  
  
  • NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management has activated a Situation Room to manage response to the storm. This will be staffed with different departments from across the agency to ensure situational awareness, incident tracking, and response coordination.
  • NYCHA’s Heating Services Department is adding additional staff overnight starting at 4 p.m.today. This includes increasing normal heating staff after hours on Tuesday and Wednesdayfrom 15 to 21 teams, adding four Oil Burner Mechanic teams, each with a supervisor each, and adding four Roving Teams from midnight to 8 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
  • NYCHA Property Management will have staff briefed and prepped to activate the snow-removal procedures. NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center is adding additional staff to handle increased call volume for residents experiencing issues.
  
  
  Department of Environmental Protection
  
  
  • DEP will deploy resources to assist DSNY with snow removal and will pre-position staff to ensure critical wastewater treatment and drinking water functions continue without interruption.
  
  
  Winter Storm Safety Tips
  
  
  • Use mass transit where possible. If you have to drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
  • Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
  • Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
  • Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.
  • If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
  • Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
  • Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.
  • Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
  • Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
  • Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
  • If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.
  • Be careful when shoveling snow. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.
  • Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
  • Charge cell phone batteries.
  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
  • If you lose power & have a disability/access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) & need immediate assistance, dial 911.

Security Guard At The 9/11 Memorial Pleads Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court To Firearms Trafficking

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York  announced that MAQUAN MOORE, a 9/11 Memorial security guard, pled guilty to firearms trafficking in connection with his trafficking of more than 25 firearms from locations outside of New York into Manhattan.  MOORE pled guilty today to an Information in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Maquan Moore was in the business of peddling illegal firearms in busy downtown New York.  When individuals attempt to bypass the critically important system of licensing for lawful ownership, the result is a less safe society for all of us. One shudders to think the harm these weapons could have caused in the wrong hands.”

According to the Complaint, Information, and other statements made in open court:

Beginning in December 2017, a joint task force of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) and the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) made multiple undercover purchases of firearms from MOORE, who at the time was working as a security guard at the 9/11 Memorial.  These firearms included several assault-style weapons, such as a MAC-10 machine pistol, and various other handguns and rifles.  On the evening of February 1, 2018, an undercover officer purchased from MOORE additional firearms, many of which had been brought by MOORE’s co-conspirator, Morris Wilson, from Florida to New York.  In connection with MOORE and Wilson’s arrest, the ATF/NYPD Task Force seized 21 additional firearms.

MOORE, 29, of Manhattan, pled guilty to one count of firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Wilson is charged in a Criminal Complaint with conspiracy to traffic in firearms, firearms trafficking, and interstate transportation and receipt of firearms. The allegations contained in the Criminal Complaint as to Wilson are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Mr. Berman praised the efforts of the ATF and NYPD in this case.

News From the Bronx District Attorney

TWO BRONX WOMEN INDICTED ON ASSAULT CHARGES FOR BRUTALLY BEATING SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT WOMAN

Defendants Robbed Victim, Threatened To “Kill Your Baby” 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that two Bronx women have been indicted on various Assault and Robbery charges for repeatedly attacking a pregnant woman, causing her to have a seizure. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The footage of this vicious attack against a pregnant woman is unbearable to watch. The defendants allegedly jeopardized two lives over a petty feud with a mutual friend.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Serenity Dunham, 18, of East 181st Street, and Tiffany Nurse, 27, of Third Avenue, were indicted on two counts of Attempted Assault first-degree, Attempted Assault second-degree, two counts of second-degree Assault, third degree Assault, two counts each of first and second-degree Robbery, third-degree Robbery and two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Both defendants were arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was continued for Nurse and she is due back in court on June 1, 2018. If convicted of the top charge of first degree Robbery, she faces up to 25 years in prison. 

 Justice Villegas offered Serenity Dunham Youthful Offender Status, over the objections of the prosecutor. Dunham pleaded guilty to all charges at the arraignment and was entered into the CASES (Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services) program. If she completes the one-year program, she will receive a conditional discharge.

 According to the investigation, on February 1, 2018, in the stairwell of a building at 820 Saint Ann’s Avenue, the defendants allegedly struck Tylesha Mohammed, 18, in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. The defendants proceeded to repeatedly kick and punch the victim, striking her stomach and face. Nurse allegedly threatened “we’re going to kill your baby” before the defendants stole the teen’s phone. The victim, who was seven months pregnant at the time, suffered a seizure and sought medical treatment for various injuries, including swelling of the head and stomach and lacerations on her arms and lips.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Officer Jonathan Burke of the 40th Precinct Detective Squad for his hard work.

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

14 MEMBERS OF CRACK-DEALING GROUP THAT PLAGUED JOHN ADAMS HOUSES INDICTED ON CONSPIRACY AND NARCOTICS CHARGES

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that 14 people have been indicted on Conspiracy and other charges for dealing crack cocaine in the John Adams Houses in Mott Haven. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “Thanks to the efforts of a year-long joint investigation, we have eliminated a drug organization that affected the quality of life of residents of this city housing complex. The defendants not only peddled crack cocaine but they did so publicly as well as in stairwells and jeopardizing the safety of the entire building. We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who endanger our communities.” 

 New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said, “I commend the investigators and prosecutors whose efforts resulted in these arrests involving narcotics sales in and around the Adams Houses. The NYPD continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold responsible those who distribute narcotics in our communities.” 

 DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated, “DEA applauds the law enforcement collaboration that led to today’s arrests. This unity was a force multiplier in our goal of removing drug dealing from the Adams Housing Projects and surrounding areas.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants are variously charged in six indictments with Conspiracy, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Attempted Burglary and Possession of Burglar’s Tools.

 Thirteen of the defendants were arrested on Thursday March 1, 2018 by NYPD Bronx Narcotics Violent Crime Squad, Bronx DA Investigators and agents from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. They were arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert A. Neary and are due back in court on May 30, 2018. They face up to nine years in prison on the top count.

 According to the investigation, which utilized court-authorized eavesdropping, between February 23, 2017 to February 26, 2018 the defendants sold and distributed cocaine in the John Adams Houses, with undercover officers making 32 buys of crack cocaine. Three defendants are also charged with Attempted Burglary in the Second Degree, and for possessing a crow bar, a wrench, a lock pick and a drill in relation to a planned break-in of a Bronx home

 The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Raymond Valdez, who has been indicted for the September 30, 2017 murder of Pedro Adrono.

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

DEFENDANTS EBONY LANIER 43, 835 EAST 152 STREET, BRONX 

ALLAN RIVERA, 31, 520 EAST 137 STREET, BRONX 

ALEXIS CASTRO, 40, 1028 EAST 212 STREET BRONX 

DAVON DILWORTH, 26, 1990 7TH AVENUE MANHATTAN 

BILLY DIAZ, 44, 644 WALES AVENUE BRONX 

JAMEL MCDONALD, 34 880 TINTON AVENUE BRONX 

JOSHUA TAYLOR, 28, 721 TINTON AVENUE BRONX 

KRISTOPHER MEADE, 39 107 EAST 105 STREET MANHATTAN 

LAMONT DAVIS, 27, 680 TINTON AVENUE BRONX 

ROBERT DIXON, 38, 664 UNION AVENUE BRONX 

THEODORE BROOKS, 34, 700 EAST 156 STREET BRONX 

SAUL COLON, 35, 345 EAST 145 STREET, BRONX 

RAYMOND VALDEZ, 29 790 EAST 152 STREET 

TABITHA HENRY, 25, 680 TINTON AVENUE APT BRONX (NOT YET APPREHENDED)

Wave Hill Events Mar 16‒Mar 23

Sat, March 17    Family Art Project: Suminagashi and Orizomegami Papers

Learn the Japanese art of paper marbling and dying in this easy workshop presented by Winter Workspace artist Austin Thomas. Lightly touch the surface of water with a brush for a floating-ink effect, or fold ink-absorbent paper to create fantastic geometric designs. You will marvel at these two ancient techniques. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 18    Family Art Project: Suminagashi and Orizomegami Papers

Learn the Japanese art of paper marbling and dying in this easy workshop presented by Winter Workspace artist Austin Thomas. Lightly touch the surface of water with a brush for a floating-ink effect, or fold ink-absorbent paper to create fantastic geometric designs. You will marvel at these two ancient techniques. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 18    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 18    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 19

Closed to the public.

Wed, March 21    2018 Horticultural Lecture #3: Timothy Young—Writers and Gardens in the Archives

The stories of great gardens are told in their physical presence—and on paper. Archives show the planning and execution of gardens through journals and sketches. They also reveal the philosophy of the gardener. This lecture focuses on the archival legacies of several 20th-century writers and artists who built gardens, including Vita Sackville-West, Robert Dash and Rupert Barneby and Dwight Ripley. Timothy Young holds the title of Curator of Modern Books and Manuscripts at Beinecke Library at Yale University. Individual tickets: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member or student. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are recommended, online at wavehill.org. The lecture takes place at the New York School of Interior Design at 170 East 70^thStreet in Manhattan.

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 6‒7:30PM

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.

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS RICHARD A. CARRANZA AS SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR

Superintendent of Houston Independent School District during Hurricane Harvey

Proven record of narrowing the achievement gap, turning around struggling schools and championing education for English Language learners in diverse cities

  Mayor Bill de Blasio  appointed Richard A. Carranza as New York City’s next Schools Chancellor. As Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, Carranza led the effort to re-open schools after Hurricane Harvey. Carranza also previously served as the Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, where he raised graduation rates to historic highs. With a strong commitment to equity and excellence, Carranza has a proven record of narrowing the achievement gap and turning around struggling schools in these diverse districts.

“Richard Carranza understands the power of public education to change lives, and he has a proven record of strengthening public schools and lifting up students and families,” said Mayor de Blasio. “He understands the tremendous work New York City educators do every day to put our children on the path to success. Richard is the right person to lead our school system forward as we build on the progress we’ve made over the past four years and make our vision of equity and excellence for every child a reality. Carmen Fariña leaves a tremendous legacy not only from her four years as Chancellor, but as an inspiring and innovative educator and public servant for more than 50 years.”

“With a proven record of leadership and success in Houston, San Francisco and Las Vegas, and a warmth that will help him connect with students, parents and teachers alike, Richard Carranza is uniquely well-positioned to build on the incredible progress we’ve made here in New York City. Richard understands that schools are so much more than the places our children go to learn—they are the heart of our communities. I look forward to working closely with him to ensure all of NYC’s children and their families thrive,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray.

"I am thrilled Richard will be New York City Schools Chancellor,” said Chancellor Carmen Farina. “We are philosophically on the same page and he has a proven track record as an educator with a laser focus on what's in the classroom. He's made critical investments in professional development, strengthened the leadership pipeline for principals and has immersed himself in the community to empower families. Every step of his career, he's focused on equity for all not just some. I know he will deepen the Equity & Excellence agenda and bring new ideas that will make New York City better." 

“As the son of blue collar workers and a lifetime educator, it is an honor to serve New York City’s 1.1 million children as Schools Chancellor,” said Richard Carranza. “I want to thank the Mayor and First Lady for the opportunity to join an administration that knows public education is an investment in our future. I will work every day to further the progress Chancellor Fariña has made in strengthening our public schools for generations to come.”

In Houston, Carranza was widely praised for leading the successful effort to re-open schools two-weeks after Hurricane Harvey. This included coordinating transportation for students living in shelter and providing counseling for all students and staff. During his eight years as Deputy Superintendent and then Superintendent in San Francisco, Carranza drove remarkable progress in academic outcomes, outpacing gains in the state and narrowing the achievement gap.  He raised graduation rates for African-American students by 13.9 percentage points, and for Hispanic students by 15.4 percentage points, significantly faster than the overall growth rates in California as a whole.

About Richard A. Carranza

Richard A. Carranza has served as Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District since August 2016. HISD is the largest school district in Texas and the seventh largest district in the United States, with a predominately Hispanic and Black student population.

Prior to Houston, Carranza worked for the San Francisco Unified School District, first as Deputy Superintendent for Instruction, Innovation and Social Justice then Superintendent. Before moving to San Francisco, he served as Northwest Region superintendent for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, where he oversaw 66 schools with more than 66,000 students. He began his career as a high school, bilingual social studies and music teacher, then a principal in Tucson.

Carranza is the past chairman of the Board of Directors for the Council of the Great City Schools, where he served as a national spokesperson on significant issues facing urban school districts. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, the American Association of School Administrators Executive Committee, and the K to College Advisory Board.

Education Week profiled Carranza as a national 2015 Leader to Learn From. He earned a bachelor of arts in secondary education from the University of Arizona and a master of education with distinction in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He has completed his doctoral coursework through Northern Arizona University and is currently pursuing a doctorate of education through Nova Southeastern University in Educational leadership.

Carranza is a fluent Spanish-speaker and accomplished mariachi musician. He is married to Monique and has two daughters. 

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Statement on March 5^th Deadline for DACA Renewal

  “Today is the day DREAMers have been dreading since President Trump unilaterally decided to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, more commonly known as DACA. It’s a sad day indeed.

“For months, Congress, under Republican rule, has done nothing but pay lip-service to the very real problem the President created when he killed DACA. Despite a near constant outcry from Democrats, advocates, DREAMers themselves, their friends, and their families, the GOP has done nothing. As a result, 800,000 DACA recipients have been left to twist in the wind, with hundreds losing their legal status every single day, opening them to the very real possibility of deportation. Though, court rulings have provided temporary reprieve by halting the termination of DACA, DREAMers still urgently need a permanent legislative fix. Unfortunately, there appears to be no solution in sight from Republican leadership, which is absolutely shameful.

“As discouraging as this process has been, it’s not at all surprising. The GOP has been pushing a not-so-subtle xenophobic agenda for some time now, and the plight of the DREAMers was never a real priority to their party. If they really cared about DREAMers, they could have at any point in time passed a continuing resolution that included a DACA renewal. But instead, they used these kids as a bargaining chip to try and advance their hardline, anti-immigrant agenda.

“Since the decision was made to end DACA, Congress has passed five continuing resolutions to fund the government on a short-term basis. I have voted against all five of them because they did not protect our DREAMers. The time for talk is over. Republicans must immediately bring to the floor a clean Dream Act before more families are torn apart by their heartless ploy. Enough games.”

STATEMENT ON STATE DEPARTMENT FAILURE TO USE ANTI-PROPAGANDA FUNDING

  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the Department of State’s reported failure to use $120 million designated to combat Russian propaganda:

“Weeks after Secretary Tillerson lamented that it’s ‘very difficult’ to stop Russia’s meddling in our elections, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that this Administration isn’t even interested in trying. Last summer, I pressed the State Department to use the resources Congress provided to push back on Russian propaganda, yet the Department hasn’t spent a single dollar. I’m tired of excuses and I’m tired of waiting. When Secretary Tillerson appears before our Committee later this month, I expect to hear why this Administration has again ignored Congress and what his Department intends to do to deal with this attack on our democracy.”

STATE COMPTROLLER DiNAPOLI ANNOUNCES SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS

Competitive Offering to Feature Tax-Exempt and Taxable Bonds

 State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the details of the competitive sale scheduled for March 8 of tax-exempt and taxable New York State General Obligation bonds totaling $215.2 million. The state expects to sell $146.2 million for new money transportation, education and environmental purposes.  Depending on market conditions, the state also expects to sell $69 million to refund a portion of certain outstanding General Obligation bonds to reduce the state’s debt service costs.

The net proceeds of $123.7 million of the new money portion of the Series 2018A Tax-Exempt Bonds will finance projects authorized by the following voter-approved bond acts: Environmental Quality (1972), Environmental Quality (1986), Clean Water/Clean Air (1996), Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation (2005) and Smart Schools (2014). The net proceeds of $63.6 million of the refunding portion of the Series 2018A Tax-Exempt bonds will refund certain outstanding General Obligation bonds. The Series 2018A Tax-Exempt Bonds will mature over 14 years.

The net proceeds of $36.6 million of the Series 2018B Taxable Bonds will finance projects authorized by the following voter-approved bond acts: Environmental Quality (1972), Environmental Quality (1986), Clean Water/Clean Air (1996), Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation (2005) and Smart Schools (2014). The Series 2018B Taxable Bonds will mature over 10 years.

The net proceeds of $12.7 million of the Series 2018C Tax-Exempt Refunding Bonds will provide funds to refund certain outstanding state General Obligation bonds. The Series 2018C bonds would mature over 9 years.  

The bonds will be awarded pursuant to electronic competitive bidding to be held via BiDCOMP/Parity on behalf of the Comptroller of the State of New York on March 8, 2018 unless postponed, as set forth in the Notices of Sale published in The Bond Buyer on March 2, 2018. The bonds will be dated the date of delivery, expected to be March 15.

A copy of the Preliminary Official Statement is available.