U.S. Attorney Announces Lawsuit Against The City Of Mount Vernon For Clean Water Act Violations

Suit Alleges That The City of Mount Vernon Discharges Raw Sewage and Other Illicit Pollutants from Its Storm Sewer System into the Hutchinson and Bronx Rivers

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Peter D. Lopez, Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced today that the United States has filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Mount Vernon, New York (“Mount Vernon”) for violating the Clean Water Act.  The lawsuit alleges that Mount Vernon has long failed to comply with Clean Water Act storm sewer permit requirements designed to prevent raw sewage and other illicit pollutants from flowing from the City’s storm sewer system to the Hutchinson and Bronx Rivers.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “For years, Mount Vernon has discharged raw sewage and other illicit pollutants from its storm sewer system into the Hutchinson and Bronx Rivers.  Mount Vernon has consistently failed to comply with permit requirements intended to prevent these discharges, and has flouted EPA administrative orders intended to address the problem.  Today’s lawsuit will protect the waters of this district by obtaining a judicial order compelling Mount Vernon to bring its sewers into compliance with the Clean Water Act.”

EPA Regional Administrator Peter D. Lopez said:  “The City of Mount Vernon must take the appropriate actions to protect its residents and downstream communities from threats posed by raw sewage and other pollutants.  EPA and New York State will continue to work together with the city to ensure that Mount Vernon understands how to fix the problems with its storm sewer system.  In addition, we support efforts by the city to seek funding to assist Mount Vernon in getting the necessary work completed.  This complaint gets to the core of EPA’s mission of protecting people’s health, and we will continue to work with the state and city to carry out that mission.”

As alleged in the complaint filed today in White Plains federal court, the Clean Water Act generally prohibits discharges of pollutants into navigable waters, absent a permit.  Many municipalities, like Mount Vernon, operate “municipal separate storm sewer systems” that carry storm water and discharge it without treatment into nearby waters.  Because separate storm sewer systems do not treat the water they discharge, a municipality is required by its Clean Water Act permit to maintain a program for identifying and eliminating any sewage or other illicit pollutants that are flowing into the storm sewers.

The lawsuit filed today alleges that since at least January 2012, Mount Vernon has failed to comply with these permit obligations and, as a result, has allowed raw sewage to flow into its storm sewer system, and then to be discharged into the Hutchinson and Bronx Rivers.  Mount Vernon has also failed to comply with two EPA Administrative Orders issued to compel the City’s compliance with these requirements. 

The lawsuit seeks an injunction compelling Mount Vernon to comply with applicable Clean Water Act requirements and an order imposing civil penalties for Mount Vernon’s violations to date.

The State of New York and the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are co-plaintiffs in this lawsuit, asserting parallel claims under state law. 

Mr. Berman thanked EPA for its invaluable efforts in this matter.

Two Men Charged With Schemes To Defraud Medicare As Part Of Nationwide Health Care Fraud Takedown

The Two Men Are Responsible For More Than $1 Million In Losses To Medicare

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge for the New York Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS-OIG”), announced charges today against JAMES WOODSON and ANTHONY PALMIERI for their participation in separate fraudulent schemes that resulted in more than $1 million in losses to the Medicare program.  These charges are part of a nationwide health care fraud takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 601 individuals for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $2 billion in fraudulent claims. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “By allegedly falsely obtaining HIV medication, and by billing Medicare for diagnostic tests that were never provided, these individuals have cost American taxpayers more than $1 million, and, in the case of the HIV medicine, also endangered the lives of those who unwittingly bought medication that had been re-sold on the black market.  These prosecutions show that those who defraud our nation’s health care programs will be brought to justice.”   

HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert said:  “Health care fraud is costly to vulnerable patients and the federal health care programs that serve them.  Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we are sending a clear message that actions can have serious consequences.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint[1] in United States v. James Woodson (“WOODSON”), unsealed on Monday in Manhattan federal court, WOODSON obtained prescriptions for complete regimens of human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) medications from both the Veterans Administration (“VA”), and the Medicare Part D (“Medicare”) program.  WOODSON allegedly sold the excess medication on the black market.  In an effort to avoid detection, WOODSON changed Medicare plans at least 16 times.  He also utilized at least 34 different pharmacies and 40 different doctors, to maximize the amount of HIV medication he could obtain.  As a result of these actions, WOODSON defrauded the Medicare program by at least $815,000.

According to the allegations in the Complaint in United States v. Anthony Palmieri (“PALMIERI”), which was unsealed on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, from November 2014 through May 2016, PALMIERI conspired with others to use his company’s position as an enrolled participant in Medicare to submit, or cause to be submitted, to Medicare numerous claims that falsely represented that certain health care services, such as ultrasounds, had been provided to patients.  As a result of the fraudulent scheme, Medicare paid for services that were never performed.  As a result of these actions, PALMIERI and his co-conspirators defrauded the Medicare program by at least $481,000.

WOODSON, 54, of Manhattan, New York, is charged with one count of health care fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  PALMIERI, 40 of Holmdel, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and one count of health care fraud, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in these cases are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. 

These cases, he Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Louis A. Pellegrino is in charge of United States v. Woodson, and Assistant United States Attorney Timothy V. Capozzi is in charge of United States v. Palma part of the Department of Justice’s National Healthcare Fraud Takedown, are being handled by tieri.        

The charges contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Two Defendants Sentenced For Fatal 2012 Home Invasion Robbery

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JUDIE OLIVERA was sentenced today to a term of 40 years in prison for her role in the May 2012 home-invasion robbery of victim Miles Klein, which resulted in Klein’s death.  On June 26, 2018, GIBRON LOPEZ was sentenced to a term of 40 years in prison, which must run consecutively to a prior prison sentence of five years, for his role in the home-invasion robbery.  Both sentences were imposed by United States District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.  LOPEZ and OLIVERA were convicted of Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy following a jury trial in October 2017 before Judge Failla.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “The defendants committed a violent home-invasion robbery, resulting in the brutal death of Miles Klein.  Having been convicted at trial, the defendants will now spend decades in prison for this horrific crime.  We thank our remarkable partners at the ATF and NYPD for their tireless efforts to bring these defendants to justice.”                       

According to the Indictment, other filings in Manhattan federal court, and the evidence admitted at trial: 

In May 2012, OLIVERA, who had a preexisting relationship with Klein, set up a home invasion robbery, which targeted Klein’s drugs and drug proceeds.  OLIVERA recruited LOPEZ and another man to commit the robbery.  On May 15, 2012, OLIVERA gained access to Klein’s apartment in the Bronx, and LOPEZ and the other man, armed with a wrench and a rubber mallet, respectively, followed her there.  LOPEZ and the other man struggled with Klein at the door, striking him in the head repeatedly with the wrench and the mallet, binding his eyes and mouth with duct tape, and gagging him.  During the assault, OLIVERA stole a safe containing cash, among other items, from Klein’s apartment.  LOPEZ and the other man then dragged Klein’s body to the bathroom, where they left him.   They discarded the murder weapons and their bloody clothes in a sewer, and later split the proceeds of the robbery.  Police responded to the scene on May 16, 2012, after receiving a 911 call from concerned family members.  Klein was ultimately pronounced dead as a result of the blunt force trauma to the head and obstruction of his airway.

In addition to prison terms, LOPEZ, 37, and OLIVERA, 40, both of the Bronx, New York, were each sentenced to three years of supervised release. 

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Task Force, and the New York City Police Department. 

MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON IN 1993 MURDER OF 20-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN THE BRONX

Cold Case Solved in 2015 When Defendant’s DNA Linked to Strangling of Victim

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison following his conviction for second-degree Murder in the 1993 killing of the mother of his child. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The sentence proves that criminals cannot escape justice. The defendant strangled and stabbed the 20-year-old Michelle Page, who was the mother of his child and was working and studying business at Manhattan Community College. It took two decades but, thanks to DNA science, the defendant will go to prison for many years for this heinous crime.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jonathan Jolivert, 49, of 338 Forbell Street, Brooklyn, N.Y., was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Michael A. Gross to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was found guilty by a jury on June 5, 2018 of second degree Murder. 

 According to the investigation, on March 24, 1993, Jolivert had stopped by Michelle Page’s apartment on Morris Avenue in order to give her some child support money. The victim’s mother subsequently entered the apartment and found her daughter lying on the floor with a scarf on her neck that had been used as ligature to strangle her. She was also found with a kitchen knife plunged into her throat. The 14-month-old son she shared with Jolivert was not at home at the time.

 The defendant was linked to the murder by the NYPD’s Cold Case Squad through DNA that was found under Page’s fingernails. Jolivert was arrested and indicted on second-degree Murder in 2015.

Wave Hill Events July 12‒July 19

Thu, July 12    Stories in the Garden

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories—classics and more—will come to life through interactive book readings, sing-alongs and movement. Programs are held outdoors. Rain cancels. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

Thu, July 12    Evening Garden Walk

Enjoy a short evening stroll in the gardens with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Free with admission to the grounds. Serene Thursday event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

Thu, July 12    Nocturnal Wildlife Presentation: Creatures of the Night

Experts from Volunteers for Wildlife share the mysterious lives of nocturnal wildlife. Get up close with some of VFW’s “Animal Ambassadors”—perhaps an owl, opossum and nocturnal snake—while uncovering unique adaptations and behaviors that allow them to survive, even thrive. Ages eight and up welcome with an adult. $25. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration recommended, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Serene Thursday event. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 7–8PM

Sat, July 14    Family Art Project: Felting the Earth’s Atmosphere

Wave Hill 2017 Winter Workspace artist Crystal Gregory returns to take us through the simple steps of wet felting. Pull from bright colors of wool roving, as well as your own outdoor sketches, to make an atmospheric scene in an expansive landscape—perhaps a vibrant sunrise or sunset! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, July 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, July 14    Meet the Artist: Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall

Join us at this artist talk in the Sunroom Project Space. Artists Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall discuss their installation with Curator of Visual Arts Eileen Jeng Lynch. Their project uses traditional landscape architecture, such as a conventional English garden maze, to expose the instability of identity in the United States. Dasgupta and Marshall’s work explores the dichotomy of the sanctuary—its ability to protect as well as restrict. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, July 15    Family Art Project: Felting the Earth’s Atmosphere

Wave Hill 2017 Winter Workspace artist Crystal Gregory returns to take us through the simple steps of wet felting. Pull from bright colors of wool roving, as well as your own outdoor sketches, to make an atmospheric scene in an expansive landscape—perhaps a vibrant sunrise or sunset! Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, July 15    Yoga in the Garden

Enjoy a morning yoga class in the gardens, offered in partnership with Yoga Haven. All levels welcome; please bring a mat and be on time. Meets indoors in case of rain. Online registration suggested, at wavehill.org, or register day-of at Wave Hill’s front gate. Yoga sessions continue through July 29. $25 per session. Wave Hill Members save 10%.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11AM

Sun, July 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, July 16

Closed to the public.

Mon, July 16    Excursion: Pottery and Plein Air at Garrison Art Center    SOLD OUT

Adventure up the Hudson River to Garrison Art Center where clay and watercolor await. Work with seasoned art instructors while soaking up the vistas. Enjoy a riverside painting workshop and work on the wheel in their cherished pottery studio. Transportation and lunch are included. An indoor location will be provided in case of inclement weather. $125. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Space is limited.   

MEET AT THE FRONT GATE, 9AM–4PM    

Tue, July 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, July 17    Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Ecological Consciousness: Artist as Instigator continues Wave Hill’s efforts to examine the ways that artists engage in ecological projects that present a call to action. The exhibition documents environmental art that explores persistent problems throughout New York City. In the Sunroom Project Space, Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall’s installation uses traditional landscape architecture, such as a conventional English garden maze, to expose the instability of identity in the United States. Working collaboratively since 2015, Dasgupta and Marshall’s work explores the dichotomy of the sanctuary—its ability to protect as well as restrict. In the Sun Porch, Katie Westmoreland’s presentation of kinetic tapestries responds to the space’s architecture, evoking the patterns cast by sunlight through trees and plants. Her immersive installation utilizes the passing light and shadow patterns of the day as active mediums in her work, calling attention to the sun’s enduring, inspirational qualities. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Wed, July 18    Sunset Wednesdays: Live Music on the Great Lawn‒Mary Courtney & Morning Star

Hailing from the parish of Castlegregory in Ireland’s County Kerry, Mary Courtney is a remarkable singer and guitarist who brings her heritage, history and experience to her music. At the helm of her band, Morning Star, with John Redmond on button accordion and Donie Ryan on tenor banjo, Courtney is a remarkable storyteller, engaging the audience with everything from traditional Irish music to rock ‘n’ roll. In addition to singing, she performs on guitar and bodhrán. Rain or shine, all Sunset Wednesday Concerts are held on the Great Lawn. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors to Armor Hall with overflow space in the Mark Twain Room and the covered terrace behind Wave Hill House. Check wavehill.org for shuttle service and for The Café menu on Sunset Wednesdays. The onsite parking lot closes at 4PM, except to accommodate vehicles with a disability license plate or placard. Free with admission to the grounds, which is $12 starting at 4PM. Free to Wave Hill Members. The grounds close at 8:30PM. 

ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM

Thu, July 19    Stories in the Garden

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories—classics and more—will come to life through interactive book readings, sing-alongs and movement. Programs are held outdoors. Rain cancels. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

Thu, July 19    Countering Risk through Resiliency: An Open Conversation

This conversation is co-hosted with THE POINT, whose South Bronx Resiliency Arts Fellowship has engaged four artists represented in Ecological Consciousness. Free with admission to the grounds. 

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 6–7:30PM

Thu, July 19    Evening Garden Walk

Enjoy a short evening stroll in the gardens with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Free with admission to the grounds. Serene Thursday event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

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–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.

Why Does Governor Cuomo Support ICE?

Cuomo continues to support rogue deportation force  breaking up immigrant families across New York.

   While the number of Democratic candidates and elected officials calling for the abolition of ICE grows, Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to support the existence of Donald Trump’s rogue deportation force. Cynthia has joined immigrant rights leaders in calling to abolish ICE.

“Many New Yorkers are rightly horrified by what ICE is doing,” said Cynthia Nixon campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt. “Cuomo hasn’t. Why not? What about ICE’s mission to separate and deport families does he think should continue to be funded and supported?”

The number of Democratic candidates and elected officials who have signaled support for abolishing ICE includes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Representative Mark Pocan, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Jim McGovern, Rep. Raul Grijalva and Rep. Mike Capuano.

The above came from - Cynthia for New York 

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS INTERACTIVE MAP OF REZONING COMMITMENTS

  Today, the de Blasio Administration launched the NYC Rezoning Commitments Tracker, an interactive map that details progress on all City commitments that were made to communities as part of neighborhood-scale rezonings in East New York, East Harlem, Downtown Far Rockaway, Greater East Midtown, and Jerome Avenue. This new tool reflects the City’s holistic approach to neighborhood planning and commitment to transparency and good governance, providing a window into the Administration’s efforts to create a stronger and fairer city neighborhood by neighborhood.

“My administration is dedicated to creating a stronger and fairer city by giving communities a voice in the planning process,” said Mayor de Blasio. “The NYC Rezoning Commitments Tracker will provide New Yorkers the transparency and accountability they deserve when it comes to the progress of projects in their neighborhoods.”

“The Mayor’s Office of Operations works diligently to track progress on the Administration’s commitments to New Yorkers,” said Emily W. Newman, Acting Director of the Mayor’s Office of Operations. “By managing the NYC Rezoning Commitments Tracker, we give communities a window into what is happening in their neighborhoods. This new innovative map is yet another example of how we are improving transparency and accountability in City government while creating real and lasting changes that make our neighborhoods stronger and fairer.”

“The NYC Rezoning Commitments Tracker came as a result of a City Council bill co-sponsored by Public Advocate Letitia James and Council Member Rafael Espinal that required on-going tracking of all commitments as a part of neighborhood rezonings. This new interactive map is a welcome addition to our land use process, and will help inform the public. Accountability and transparency are a central pillar of good government and I thank the De Blasio administration for building this new tool and taking this work to heart,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

Each rezoning was adopted by the City Council as part of a comprehensive neighborhood plan that includes specific commitments related to housing, open space, community resources, transportation and infrastructure, and economic and workforce development.  Local Law 175 of 2016 requires the City to establish and maintain a public list of these commitments and to report annually on their progress.  As part of meeting this requirement, the Mayor’s Office of Operations developed an interactive map to help the public visualize and better understand what projects are being undertaken in their communities, where they are occurring, and the City’s progress toward its commitments.

The mapped commitments vary in timeline and scope and are being implemented by more than a dozen City agencies, including Housing Preservation and Development, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Parks Department. The map is user-friendly and will be updated each year in fulfillment of the law’s requirements.

Highlights by neighborhood:

East Harlem

• The City is expediting the construction of over 2,600 units of affordable housing on publicly owned sites in East Harlem over the next several years, and in response to feedback from the community, committed to deeper levels of affordability for the Lexington Gardens II, Sendero Verde (SustainNYC), and 126th Street Bus Depot sites
• The City designated as individual landmarks the Richard Webber Harlem Packing House, Public School 109, and the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics (formerly Benjamin Franklin High School)
• EDC will release an RFP in Summer 2018 to expand the Harlem River Greenway Link between East 125^thand 132^nd Streets
• The City completed the renovations of James Weldon Johnson Playground and Playground 103

East New York

• The City announced that a City-owned site at Atlantic and Chestnut will be developed with 274 units of affordable housing as well as a community center and public school
• The City released two other RFPs for affordable housing in the area (Grant Ave Muni Lot and Christopher-Glenmore) which will together create approximately 200 units of housing
• The School Construction Authority (SCA) is building a new, 1,000 seat pre-K through 8th grade school at Atlantic Ave and Chestnut Street. The project includes an at grade playground that will be open to the community during non-school hours. The project is on track and anticipated to open in September 2020
• The Atlantic Avenue Great Streets reconstruction project broke ground in May 2018, and willadd a raised, planted median to the corridor, new water mains, sewers, and catch basins, as well as curb extensions and new crosswalks to make the avenue safer for pedestrians
• Parks improvement projects are underway at Highland Park, City Line Park and Callahan Kelly Playground to provide the neighborhood with enhanced recreational options including new skate parks, play equipment and green spaces
• Over $1.4 million was allocated to local groups, the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation and the Local Development Corporation of East New York to support commercial revitalization along Fulton Street, Atlantic Avenue, and other corridors. These funds help owners grow their businesses and will make these corridors cleaner, more attractive neighborhood destinations

Downtown Far Rockaway

• The City is advancing the first phase of a mixed-use development that will include hundreds of affordable units along with new commercial space and public open space in the heart of Downtown Far Rockaway
• The City is nearing the selection of a developer to transform an underutilized City-owned lot into a mixed-use development of affordable and mixed-income housing, commercial space, and community facilities
• The City has secured funding for the comprehensive renovation of the Downtown Far Rockaway library, with construction expected to begin in 2018
• The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated two properties as landmarks:  Firehouse, Engine Companies 264 & 328/Hook and Ladder 134 at 16-15 Central Avenue , and the 53rd (now 101st) Precinct Police Station at 16-12 Mott Avenue 
• The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) completed the installation of three new storm sewer extensions in Far Rockaway in September 2017. This work includes the installation of new storm sewers and catch basins to help improve drainage and reduce localized street flooding

Greater East Midtown

• The East Midtown Governing Group has shaped and approved a public realm improvement plan for the area and has already begun implementation of the plan by allocating a total of $34M to fully fund projects that include:  A permanent pedestrian plaza at Pershing Square East, thoroughfare improvements along Lexington Avenue, and security infrastructure for a shared street on East 43rd Street
• The City has made good on its commitments regarding several additional public realm improvement projects, including completion of a permanent plaza at Pershing Square West and initiation of the design and construction process for a permanent shared street on East 43rd Street
• JP Morgan Chase is pursuing redevelopment of its headquarters at 270 Park Avenue using the tools provided by the East Midtown rezoning, which includes the purchase of air rights from area landmarks

While the Jerome Avenue neighborhood plan is included on the map, progress updates were not included this year since the rezoning was approved in March 2018 and it is too early for substantive updates. Progress on Jerome Avenue will be reported in the next round of updates in June 2019.

“As we continue to make progress towards the goals established with communities from East Harlem to Downtown Far Rockaway, this new interactive map reflects our commitment to greater transparency and accountability,” said Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer.  “From affordable housing developments on key public sites to new initiatives including Neighborhood Pillars to help community organizations acquire rent-stabilized properties, a citywide Certification of No Harassment to protect tenants from harassment and displacement, and a pilot basement conversion program in East New York, we continue to push forward on all our commitments, so residents see real results not just on this map but on the ground in their neighborhoods.”

"As we move to invest in our city's neighborhoods - including creating affordable housing, adding school seats,  beautifying parks, making streets safer and providing workforce training - we want New Yorkers to see the real progress that is being made. This easy to use interactive tool allows you to visualize the City's commitments and to track our progress, so check it out," said Department of City Planning Director Marisa Lago.

BP DIAZ HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL LGBTQ & ALLIES PRIDE AWARDS

  On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his office’s 8th annual LGBTQ & Allies Pride Awards Ceremony at Billy's Sports Bar in the South Bronx.

The event recognized the vibrant history and culture of the LGBTQ community and their contributions to the borough’s rich history and cultural landscape.

This year’s honorees included Audrey DeJesus, a longtime Bronx LGBT activist and leader; Jose Collazo, Site Manager for the SAGE Center Bronx; Dr. Douglas L. York, Chief Executive Officer of Union Community Health Center and Krishna Stone, Director of Community Relations at Gay Men’s Health Crisis.

In addition Hon. Paul G. Feinman, Associate Justice of the New York State Court of Appeals and highest openly gay Justice in New York State, was awarded the 2018 John Wade Award, which honors LGBTQ individuals for excellence in government service.

“These honorees have been not only great advocates in addressing the needs of our LGBTQ community in The Bronx and throughout New York City, but role models for all of us as well,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “I am proud to continue to stand with the LGBTQ community in The Bronx and beyond, and my office will continue to work to ensure that this borough and this city are welcoming and supportive of all communities.”

Above - New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul made a guest appearance.

Below - BP Diaz gives the John Wade Award to Judge Paul G. Feinman of the New York State Court of Appeals. Judge Feinman is the highest openly gay judge in New York State.