Engel Announces $10,149,029 to Montefiore Medical Center for Upgrades to Weiler Campus

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $10,149,029 in Federal funding to Montefiore Medical Center for upgrades to the Center’s Weiler Campus in the Bronx. The grant will fund the electrical service upgrade project at Weiler Hospital including the design of a new underground electric service to replace the existing overhead service for the facility.

“This upgrade is vital to maintaining Montefiore Medical Center’s ability to serve the community,” Engel said. “Montefiore is the premier health care provider in the borough and as such we must continually look for new ways to help ensure it can provide that care, no matter the situation. By running the electrical service underground, the risk of disruption from animals and extreme weather is totally mitigated, so I am pleased these FEMA funds have been allocated for such an important project.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Engel for his unwavering support,”  said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO, Montefiore Medicine. “His tenacity in fighting for Montefiore and the millions of New Yorkers who rely on us, is greatly appreciated.”

Next Croton FMC Meeting April 11th

  The next Croton FMC meeting is scheduled for April 11^th at 6:30pm at the DEP Office, 3660 Jerome Ave, Bronx.

Agenda

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting (CFMC)

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 – 6:30 PM

DEP Office – 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467

I  Welcome & Call Meeting to Order                        Bill Hall, Chair

II Consider, Adopt April 11, 2018 Agenda    CFMC Representatives

III Consider, Adopt Minutes from                CFMC Representatives

     October 30, 2017 CFMC Meeting

IV Update on Project to construct Pedestrian Bridge over       DDC

    Major Deegan Expressway to Connect Sections of VCP

V Update on Golf Clubhouse Department of Design & Construction

VI Costs and Construction Update Bernard Daly/ Arne Fareth, DEP

VIII Old Business                          CFMC Representatives & Public

IX New Business                           CFMC Representatives & Public

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS AND CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCE NYC IMMIGRANT INFORMATION DESK TO CONNECT NEW YORKERS TO CITY SERVICES AND RESOURCES

  The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the City Council announced three new in-person resource hubs, called the NYC Immigrant Information Desk, creating central, hyperlocal resources for immigrant New Yorkers to access City services and receive referrals. This initiative provides full-time community navigators who can refer residents to services like access to health care, eviction prevention help, and IDNYC. Establishing physical spaces for New Yorkers to seek assistance, co-located at sites that provide other services, facilitates connections to important resources that make New York City more equitable for all. The three Immigrant Information Desks are administered by MOIA in coordination with sister agencies, Queens Library, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. The desks are located in Flushing, Coney Island, and East Harlem, and are funded with support from the City Council.

“This initiative was born out of the Council’s desire to provide rapid-response assistance to immigrants in need of city services at a time when distrust of government is at an all-time high. The new immigrant resource desks will play a critical role in helping immigrant and mixed status families connect with the breadth of resources available to them,” said New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “We are proud to continue building bridges between city agencies, community based organizations, and our immigrant New Yorkers and appreciate the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ partnership in this endeavor.”

“The NYC Immigrant Information Desk is our latest effort to make government work better and more efficiently for city residents,” said Bitta Mostofi, Acting Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Immigrant New Yorkers in Flushing, Coney Island, and East Harlem are now able to walk into a one-stop shop and connect with City services to address issues like health care access, immigration legal services, and affordable housing. Thanks to the leadership of the City Council and our partnerships with sister agencies and community providers, we’ve taken another step in making New York City the most immigrant-inclusive city in America.”

The NYC Immigrant Information Desk responds to a need for a single location where immigrant New Yorkers can feel comfortable asking questions in the languages they speak, and full-time staff can facilitate access to resources aimed at tackling a range of needs. To administer this initiative, the City will employ seven staffers, including one program manager and two on-site navigators at each of the three locations. The navigators will connect immigrant New Yorkers with resources and make direct referrals to additional support services. Through funding from the City Council, the following legal and community-based organizations will accept direct referrals from the NYC Immigrant Information Desk: Brooklyn Alliance, CAMBA, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York, Catholic Migration Services, Center for Family Representation, City University of New York/LaGuardia Community College, New York Legal Assistance Group, Public Health Solutions, and South Asian Council for Social Services.

The NYC Immigrant Information Desk provides assistance to New Yorkers on key City priorities, including:

• Eviction prevention
• Immigration legal services
• Health insurance navigation
• Case management/social services
• Workforce development

In 2018, the NYC Immigrant Information Desk is available in the following locations:

Flushing Library

196-36 Northern Blvd

Flushing, NY 11358

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Coney Island S22 SNAP Center

2857-2865 West 8th Street

1st Fl.

Brooklyn, NY 11224

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

NYC Health + Hospital/Metropolitan

1901 1st Ave

New York, NY 10029

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

EDITOR'S NOTE:

To the Bronx City Council members - We do not see a Bronx location listed here. Is there a reason why there is no Bronx location listed?

Or is it as usual the Bronx is getting the short end of the stick when it comes to city services?

Wave Hill Events April 13‒April 20

Thu, April 12    Art Workshop Series Begins: Plumage to Quill: Studies and Renderings of Birds in the Landscape

Draw inspiration from a private collection of mounted birds, and from photographs, poetry and outdoor observation, to create avian portraits with Wave Hill as the setting. Sessions include demo lessons, plein-air drawing and critiques with Wennie Huang, member of the American Museum of Natural History’s Animal Drawing Program. A nature walk with birding expertGabriel Willow is included. Basic hardware materials included; a supply list will be provided. $160; 10% discount to Wave Hill Members. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. This four-session series continues April 19, 26 and May 3.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

Sat, April 14    Family Art Project: Budding Birdwatchers

With returning visiting artist and bird enthusiast Ash Ferlito, learn to compare size and shape—the first step in bird identification. Make binoculars out of cardboard tubes to help spot avian species at Wave Hill, with drawings and cutouts of various species to help ID them. We’ll show you how to use colored pencils in multiple thin layers to create rich, feathery effects and exciting likenesses of birdy qualities. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, April 14    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, April 14    Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Avifauna: Interplay of Birds + Habitatfeatures artworks that delve into the relationship between birds and their habitats—from the role birds play in propagating plants to changes in how natural and built environments affect migration patterns. Artists working in photography, video, artist books, wall painting, installation, drawing and sound include Tatiana Arocha, Tanya Chaly, Marna Chester, Nina Katchadourian, Paula McCartney, Jeff Mertz, Peter Morgan, Sarah Nicholls, James Prosek, Jenna Speveck and Fred Tomaselli. In the Sunroom Project Space, Adrienne Elise Tarver builds tactile plant sculptures that create an immersive, sheltering landscape. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, April 15    Family Art Project: Budding Birdwatchers

With returning visiting artist and bird enthusiast Ash Ferlito, learn to compare size and shape—the first step in bird identification. Make binoculars out of cardboard tubes to help spot avian species at Wave Hill, with drawings and cutouts of various species to help ID them. We’ll show you how to use colored pencils in multiple thin layers to create rich, feathery effects and exciting likenesses of birdy qualities. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, April 15    Pre-Concert Tea

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Mark Twain Room prior to today’s concert in Armor Hall. The Café at Wave Hill pairs a classic menu with an assortment of green, black and herbal teas. This traditional tea service includes the four classic elements of savory, scones, sweets and tea. The menu, presented by Great Performances, includes an array of tea sandwiches, scones and bite-sized desserts. Afternoon Tea also includes a glass of sparkling wine. Afternoon Tea Service is $36. Wave Hill Members receive a 10% discount. Advance registration is required online. We will take reservations until 5PM, Thursday, April 12.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON–2PM

Sun, April 15    Concert: Sirius Quartet

Back by popular demand, Sirius Quartet is acclaimed for “savoring the life of each richly inflected note" (Los Angeles Times), with performances that combine exhilarating repertoire with unequalled improvisational fire. These conservatory-trained performer-composers shine with precision, soul and a raw energy that audiences adore. The ensemble has appeared at venues including Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, the Stuttgart Jazz Fest and the Beijing Music Festival. Its members are:Fung Chern Hwei and Gregor Huebner, violins; Ron Lawrence, viola; and Jeremy Harman, cello. At Wave Hill, the ensemble will offer original works inspired by Argentinian tango, Afro-Cuban rhythms and one-of-a-kind takes on pop tunes. Tickets for this concert are $28 plus admission to the grounds/$24 Wave Hill Member/$12 Children ages 8–18. Order tickets online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. For additional information, please call 718.549.3200 x251.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

Sun, April 15    Garden 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, April 16

Closed to the public.

Tue, April 17    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, April 17    Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Avifauna: Interplay of Birds + Habitatfeatures artworks that delve into the relationship between birds and their habitats—from the role birds play in propagating plants to changes in how natural and built environments affect migration patterns. Artists working in photography, video, artist books, wall painting, installation, drawing and sound include Tatiana Arocha, Tanya Chaly, Marna Chester, Nina Katchadourian, Paula McCartney, Jeff Mertz, Peter Morgan, Sarah Nicholls, James Prosek, Jenna Speveck and Fred Tomaselli. In the Sunroom Project Space, Adrienne Elise Tarver builds tactile plant sculptures that create an immersive, sheltering landscape. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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–5:30PM,  March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

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 ANNOUNCES NYC SECURE, THE CITY’S FIRST-EVER CYBERSECURITY INITIATIVE TO PROTECT NEW YORKERS ONLINE

Free smartphone app to launch this summer and new security for public Wi-Fi networks deploying now

  Mayor de Blasio today announced the launch of NYC Secure, a pioneering cybersecurity initiative aimed at protecting New Yorkers online. Using a steadily evolving suite of solutions, NYC Secure will defend New Yorkers from malicious cyber activity on mobile devices, across public Wi-Fi networks, and beyond. The first NYC Secure programs will include a free City-sponsored smartphone protection app that, when installed, will issue warnings to users when suspicious activity is detected on their mobile devices. The City additionally announced new world-class protection for its public Wi-Fi networks, becoming the first city in the world to provide such services to all residents and visitors free of charge.

NYC Cyber Command (NYC3), which leads the City of New York’s cyber defense efforts, is overseeing the development and implementation of NYC Secure. Created in 2017 by Executive Order, NYC Cyber Command directs citywide cyber defense and incident response, mitigates cyber threats, and provides guidance to the Mayor and City agencies. Using the latest technologies and leveraging public-private partnerships, NYC Cyber Command works across more than 100 agencies and offices to protect, detect, respond, and recover from threats while setting citywide information security policies and standards.

“Our streets are already the safest of any big city in the country – now we’re bringing that same commitment to protecting New Yorkers into cyberspace,” said Mayor de Blasio. “New Yorkers manage so much of their lives online, from paying bills to applying for jobs to engaging with government. NYC Secure will ensure that we’re applying the best and most effective protection efforts to help New Yorkers defend themselves online.”

“In order to stay a step ahead of cyber criminals that are continuously finding new ways to hack devices, we must invest in the safety of the digital lives of our residents,” said Geoff Brown, Citywide Chief Information Security Officer and Head of NYC Cyber Command. “While no individual is immune to cybersecurity threats, this program will add an extra layer of security to personal devices that often house a huge amount of sensitive data.”

“I salute Mayor de Blasio for NYC Secure.  The City of New York has long been a progressive model for the nation in providing services for its people.  Now, through his innovative leadership in cybersecurity, Bill has placed New York at the forefront of great cities in an area of national urgency. I salute Mayor de Blasio and his administration for this important cybersecurity initiative,” said Jeh Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

The City’s initiative to get a free smartphone protection app into the hands of the public is in response to a dramatic increase in the use of mobile phones to connect to the internet. In early 2017, mobile phones accounted for 50% of web traffic, and the average U.S. user spends over 5 hours a day on their smartphone. Despite this significant growth in use, most mobile phones remain vulnerable to hackers. Gartner estimates that by 2020, 30% of all cyberattacks will be mobile-based.

The app, which will be available free to all New Yorkers this summer, will help minimize these risks by identifying malicious attacks and warning users of attempts to compromise their device. Users will receive recommended steps to protect themselves, such as disconnecting from a malicious Wi-Fi network, navigating away from a compromised website, or uninstalling a malicious app. The app will not take actions on the phone by itself.

The City-sponsored app will equip mobile devices with the technology needed to analyze threats while operating under a strict privacy policy and layers of technical controls that ensure user privacy is respected. The app works without accessing any personally identifiable information, and will not collect or transmit any private data. Similar technology available commercially typically checks for threats by collecting data from a mobile device and analyzing it externally in the cloud--meaning users must sacrifice the privacy of their data to secure their devices. That is not the case with the City-sponsored application.

The City will additionally strengthen its own Wi-Fi networks by implementing a new layer of security. This innovative technology will protect users browsing the Internet on City guest wireless networks from downloading malicious software such as ransomware, or accessing phishing websites that attempt to trick users into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. The technology defends browsing sessions without using or storing any personally identifiable information, while adhering to the highest standards of user privacy.

NYC Cyber Command has mandated the deployment of the technology across all “Guest” and public Wi-Fi networks provided by New York City agencies and related entities by the end of the year. Eighteen agencies and offices are already utilizing the protection for their internal networks, and the remainder of internal networks will implement it by the end of 2018. The technology will also be deployed on the LinkNYC network, which already has 1,400 free wi-fi Kiosks around the five boroughs and millions of users.

The City will be actively soliciting feedback during this process. For more information on NYC Secure, please visitsecure.nyc.

Engel Cosponsors Bill to Block Citizenship Question on 2020 Census

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has cosponsored the 2020 Census IDEA (Improving Data and Enhanced Accuracy) Act, legislation to ensure the 2020 census is free from politicization and accurately reflects the American population. The bill would prohibit any late untested design changes or questions to the census, including questions regarding citizenship.

The constitutionally mandated census determines how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal and state funds are allocated, helping governments, non-profits and businesses serve their communities. It also determines how Congressional and local districts are drawn, one of the bedrock principles of our democracy.

“Now that Secretary Ross has announced the addition of citizenship question to the census, this bill has become vital,” Engel said.“The goal of the U.S. census is to count every person living in this country, regardless of immigration status, so the government can most effectively serve the people. Adding an untested question on citizenship will silence noncitizens, including those with visas, and no doubt suppress the census data. Thus, states like New York with larger immigrant populations will once again feel the pinch and lose critical federal dollars. It’s a blatant attempt by this Administration to undercount areas with large immigrant populations and we can’t allow that happen.

“Much like last year’s GOP tax scam, this is just another example of the Trump Administration directly punishing New York. Moves like these reek of political retribution and shouldn’t be tolerated at any level of government.”

CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT URGES HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO REJECT CITIZENSHIP QUESTION ON 2020 CENSUS

  Today, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) sent a letter to Rep. Trey Gowdy, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, to urge that he reject the inclusion of the citizenship question on the 2020 Census.

“The addition of the citizenship question to the 2020 Census will have grave consequences on the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of the Census count,” said Rep. Espaillat. “The Trump Administration's decision to add a citizenship question is deeply political and divisive and is opposed by civil rights leaders, advocates, and groups around the nation.

“The citizenship question raises serious concerns that must be addressed immediately. For this reason, I am calling on the House Oversight Committee to 1) reject inclusion of the citizenship question on the 2020 Census; 2) hold a hearing on the effects this question will have on constituents and communities; and 3) consider pending legislation regarding the inclusion of the citizenship question on the 2020 Census.

“We must protect an accurate Census by ensuring inclusivity and a reflection of the diversity and representation on our nation.”

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Indictments Of 10 Individuals With Alleged Ties To The Lucchese Organized Crime Family For Large-Scale Illegal Loan Sharking And Bookmaking Activities

Defendants Allegedly Preyed on New Yorkers in Need of Money – Using Bookmaking Operation to Funnel Victims into Loan Sharking Operation that Saddled New Yorkers with High Weekly Usurious Loan Payments

Loan Sharking Operation Largest Ever Investigated by NY AG Office 

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the arrests and indictment of 10 individuals on charges stemming from the alleged operation of lucrative loan sharking and gambling activities controlled by the Lucchese Organized Crime Family.

The long-term investigation — deemed “Operation The Vig Is Up” — involved the alleged loan sharking and bookmaking activities of alleged Lucchese “made member” Dominick Capelli and alleged Lucchese “Associates” or “non-made” crew members in Westchester and the Bronx. The loan sharking operation is the largest such operation ever investigated by the New York Attorney General, with usurious interest payouts exceeding a million dollars just during the approximately one-year investigation.

“As we allege, this brazen ring of criminals preyed on New Yorkers – using a gambling operation to funnel victims into their loan sharking operation, and then saddling them with usurious loan payments,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to root out organized crime and prosecute these criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”

As part of the long-term investigation, investigators utilized wiretaps, covert surveillance cameras, a car bug, undercover police officers, and hidden cameras. Additional evidence came as a result of search warrants executed at defendant Robert Wagner’s home in New Rochelle and at McKiernan’s Lawton Street Tavern in New Rochelle.

In total, investigators identified over 47 distinct loan sharking victims, many with multiple loans, who were preyed on by the defendants. Loan sharking victims were allegedly required to make weekly, high interest “vig” payments, either by directly paying individual defendants, or by dropping off cash payments at two New Rochelle businesses: McKiernan’s Lawton Street Tavern and The Glass Room, a smoke shop. Victims were allegedly charged exorbitant weekly loan rates averaging over 200 percent per year, effectively creating a high-cost debt trap for all individuals taking out such loans. 

Additionally, defendants Capelli, Wagner, and Frank McKiernan are alleged to have run an illegal bookmaking operation, utilizing the gambling website bxbets.com to generate over a half a million dollars in annual wagers.

Today, Attorney General Schneiderman charged the following ten individuals with Enterprise Corruption – with underlying crimes of Usury in the First Degree and Promoting Gambling in the First Degree:

• Dominick Capelli, 61, of New Rochelle, NY
• Robert Wagner, 59, of New Rochelle, NY
• Frank McKiernan, 53, of New Rochelle, NY
• Anthony Martino, 76, of Port Chester, NY
• Michael Wagner, 63, of Bronx, NY
• Steve Murray, 49, of Bethel, CT
• Seth Trustman, 36, of Bronx, NY
• Richard Caccavale, 59, of Yorktown Heights, NY
• Jessica Bismark, 32, of New Rochelle, NY
• Robert Wagner Jr., 33, of New Rochelle, NY

The Enterprise Corruption charge alone carries a maximum penalty of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.

Two related indictments were also filed in conjunction with this investigation. A separate bookmaking indictment charged Michael Lepore, 61, of New Rochelle, NY, and Vincent Tardibuono, 41, also of New Rochelle, NY, with running an online bookmaking operation via website ezplay2001.com, which generated over $1.5 million in annual wagers.

Additionally, a related narcotics-based indictment filed by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and prosecuted by OAG OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Thomas Luzio, charged Lucien Cappello, 38, of New Rochelle, NY with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-II felony, as well as six counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and seven counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. If convicted, Cappello faces ten years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision.

Attorney General Schneiderman thanks Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. and his office for their assistance and support.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. said, “This investigation and successful take down of this organized crime loan sharking operation was the culmination of a collaborative effort among the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force, the New Rochelle Police, and our office. We commend the work of all involved and will continue to work together to fight organized crime here in Westchester.”

Acting New Rochelle Police Commissioner Joseph F. Schaller said, “I want to commend members of the New Rochelle Police Department’s Special Investigation’s Unit, members of the New York State Attorney General’s Office and members of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for their hard work and dedicated efforts in helping to root out illegal gambling and loan-sharking in the City of New Rochelle.”  

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. 

The investigation was directed by OCTF Investigators John Mullen and Kyle Vitale-O’Sullivan, Supervising Investigator Bradford Miller, and Deputy Chief Investigator Christopher Vasta, under the supervision of Chief Dominick Zarrella; and New Rochelle Detective Dwayne Jones, under the supervision Lieutenant Brian Fagan.