Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces New York City Agrees to Make Accessibility Modifications to Facilities and Provide Accommodations to Inmates with Disabilities

NYC Department Of Correction, And NYC Health And Hospitals Corporation To Remedy ADA Violations And Ensure Equal Access To Services, Programs, And Activities At City Jails

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has reached a settlement with the City of New York (“the City”), the New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”), and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (“HHC”) to resolve its investigation into violations of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Under the agreement, the City, DOC, and HHC must provide inmates with disabilities equal access to services, programs, and activities by, among other things, timely providing inmates with needed accommodations, including auxiliary aids and services, assistive devices, and medical equipment.  In addition, DOC has agreed to make hundreds of architectural modifications to the Rikers Island units that house inmates with significant mobility and visual impairments and to DOC’s visitation areas to bring these facilities into compliance with applicable accessibility standards.     

 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “For too long, the City has been violating the ADA by depriving inmates with disabilities of their right to have equal access to services, programs, and activities available in the jail setting, and by failing to make its visitation areas fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.  Through this agreement, the City has committed to providing needed accommodations to inmates with disabilities, as well as making visitation areas more accessible to members of the public with disabilities.” 

As part of its investigation, the Office conducted on-site inspections of (a) the North Infirmary Command Annex, including the unit where DOC houses male inmates with significant mobility and visual impairments; (b) the area of Rose M. Singer Center where DOC houses female inmates with significant mobility and visual impairments and the common areas used by these inmates; and (c) the Central Visits Control Building and the visitation areas of each of the jails operated by DOC.  The Office also reviewed DOC’s ADA policies and training, records relating to requests for accommodations submitted by or on behalf of inmates, and information concerning the availability of programs and services at City jails. 

The Office identified widespread violations of applicable architectural accessibility standards for each of the facilities inspected.  In addition, the Office found that DOC failed to consistently:  (a) timely and adequately respond to accommodation requests from inmates with disabilities; (b) place inmates with mobility and visual impairments in accessible housing areas; (c) provide inmates with mobility impairments with access to appropriate mobility devices; and (d) ensure that hearing impaired inmates have equal access to telecommunications services.

The out-of-court settlement agreement requires the City, DOC, and HHC to:

• Complete hundreds of architectural modifications to the facilities that were inspected.  The City will retain an independent architect to determine whether the required modifications have been performed and comply with applicable standards.
• Provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services to inmates who are deaf, have hearing loss, have speech disabilities, are blind, or have low vision.
• Provide safe and appropriate assistive devices and medical equipment to meet the needs of inmates with disabilities.
• Promptly address complaints concerning the functioning or condition of any auxiliary aid, assistive device, or medical equipment.
• Provide inmates who are deaf, have hearing loss, or have speech disabilities with access to a TTY device, a hearing aid compatible telephone, the New York Relay Service, and, within three years, a Video Relay Service or an alternative way to communicate via a video link.
• Evaluate new inmates to determine whether they have any physical, mental, intellectual, or developmental disabilities and are in need of an accommodation.
• Place inmates with vision or mobility disabilities in accessible housing units where they will have access to all areas of the facility that inmates are permitted to use, including but not limited to common housing areas, recreational areas, worship areas, libraries, dining areas, visitation areas, medical treatment areas, mental health treatment areas, and areas where educational or vocational programs are offered.
• Promptly respond to requests by or on behalf of inmates to be transferred to more accessible housing.
• Adopt and implement a new policy governing how requests for accommodations and ADA complaints are submitted, processed, reviewed, resolved, and tracked.
• Maintain a computerized system to accurately track information concerning requests for accommodations and ADA complaints. 
• Develop and provide new ADA training to DOC and HHC staff.
• Submit bi-annual compliance reports to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

BRONX MEN INDICTED FOR ROBBING, ASSAULTING OFF-DUTY LONG ISLAND COP IN THE BRONX

Defendants Allegedly Beat Victim And Robbed His Gold Chains; Victim Shot Defendants and Himself During Altercation

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that two Bronx men have been indicted for robbing and assaulting an off-duty Hempstead, L.I. police officer who was driving in the Bronx. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants, along with others, allegedly assaulted the off-duty police officer as they stole several gold chains he was wearing. The victim fired his gun and wounded two defendants, as well as himself, during the fight, and suffered a serious wound to his leg.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Saikou Sumareh, 20, of 1470 Grand Concourse, and Musa Krubally, 24, of 303 East 135 Street, were arraigned today on two counts of first-degree Robbery, three counts of second-degree Robbery, third degree Robbery, and first-degree and second-degree Assault before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado. Sumareh’s bail was set at $50,000 cash/$50,000 bond, while Krubally’s bail was continued at $75,000 cash/$150,000 bond. The defendants are due back in court on December 17, 2018. 

 According to the investigation, on July 21, 2018 at the corner of Sedgwick Avenue and Hall of Fame Terrace, the victim, Joseph Page, was driving his SUV and was struck from behind by a dark-colored Toyota sedan. The victim and the driver of the Toyota exited their vehicles, and a red Nissan sedan pulled up and the two defendants emerged from the vehicle. Another individual exited the Toyota and the four men allegedly assaulted the victim and stole his gold chains.

 According to the investigation, the victim said he saw the butt of a firearm and subsequently pulled out his own gun and fired at the individuals. Sumareh was shot in the arm and abdomen and Krubally was shot in the abdomen. The victim suffered from a self-inflicted gunshot. The investigation is continuing.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Charles Awani and Lieutenant Carlos Lopez of the 46th Precinct for their assistance in the investigation. 

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

Mayor de Blasio, Assembly Speaker Heastie & Local Elected Officials Break Ground on New YMCA Community and Recreational Facility in Edenwald

The state-of-the-art facility will create 100 permanent jobs and include two pools, a full basketball court, and programming for New Yorkers of all ages

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, local elected officials and community stakeholders broke ground today on a new YMCA community and recreational facility in the Edenwald neighborhood of the Bronx. The 50,000 square-foot facility will serve as a valuable resource to the community, offering two swimming pools, a full length basketball court, gym facilities, an indoor track, a wellness center, a childcare facility and multi-purpose rooms.
 
The center will also provide childcare, afterschool and summer camp, classes to improve health and wellness, and activities to strengthen the community, including senior adult programs and civic classes for new Americans. The recreational facility is expected to serve thousands of New Yorkers by year four of operations.
 
“Every New Yorker should have access to the tools to improve and maintain their wellness regardless of zip code. The Edenwald YMCA will be a resource for the entire community – from parents looking for summer camp for their children to seniors who want to stay active. This new YMCA is an investment in the health of all those who call the North East Bronx home,” said Mayor de Blasio. 
 
“Today’s ground breaking ceremony marks a historical milestone for the Northeast Bronx,” said Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. “This state-of-the-art recreational facility will be a welcomed addition to the community. By opening a YMCA here, we have illustrated the importance of making lasting investments into the health, wealth, education, and overall well-being of often overlooked communities. For this I would like to thank Mayor de Blasio, Borough President Diaz Jr, Councilman King, and all our community leaders for coming together to make this project a reality, our unwavering efforts have resulted in a win for the Bronx.”

“This much-anticipated new YMCA in Edenwald will provide the Northeast Bronx with a state-of-the-art community center and recreation space, and I am proud to have helped move this project forward with $3 million from my own capital budget,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The entire Bronx is excited for this new YMCA, and I want to thank the NYCEDC, Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Heastie, Council Member King, and other stakeholders for their continued partnership on this transformative community development.”
 
“We’re thrilled to join with so many friends, partners, and leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new YMCA in the Northeast Bronx,” said Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “We’re here because more than 30 years ago this community had a vision. They wanted a safe place for their children to learn, for residents to get healthy, and for the community to connect. The YMCA knows what it means to take care of people, to show up every day, and to make a difference. We’re proud to stand with our partners and look forward to serving and strengthening this community for decades to come.”

“This project is proof that when elected officials, local leaders, and the community come together, big things can happen,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “With brand new, state-of-the-art facilities and wonderful community programming, this new YMCA will be a truly transformative addition to the Northeast Bronx. I want to thank Speaker Heastie, whose tremendous leadership and vision helped bring us to this special day. 
 
“I am beyond excited to have this brand-new state-of-the-art YMCA open in the district,” said NYS Senator Jamaal Bailey. “This long-awaited new facility will offer programs, jobs, and resources for the community. Senator Bailey added that he had to travel to benefit from programs at the Y he went to as a child, but now his two children will have a Y right in their own neighborhood.

“I am excited to see the YMCA come to its fruition in 2018 during my tenure,” said Council Member Andy King, 12th District. “For decades, community organizers and elected officials worked to make the dream of a full-service wellness facility in our community a reality. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony solidifies a commitment to strengthening our community and families by providing a site for activities for our children after school. It also comes with opportunities that include the creation of jobs, education, and fitness programs for our residents of all ages, all backgrounds, and income levels. The North Bronx Y building will embody the boldness of community strength, healthy living, and well-being,”
 
“This is a great day for the Northeast Bronx,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “This community has waited for years for a place where seniors, adults, and children of all ages can come together under one roof to workout, learn, and improve their quality of life. DA Clark added that she can't wait as a resident of the area to use the new YMCA when it opens.

The site is in close proximity to two New York City Housing Authority developments, Edenwald and Baychester Houses, two of the largest public housing developments in the Bronx. Located at 1250 East 229th Street, the wellness facility will sit on the eastern portion of the city-owned site, which is under the jurisdiction of the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, and currently houses the Christopher School and two cottages for children with special needs.

Above - It seemed almost everyone wanted their picture taken with the mayor. 

Below - The ceremony began as you see who was sitting where.

Above - Mayor Bill de Blasio commended the local elected officials for putting this project together, and being able to finally see it happen.

Below - Public Advocate Letitia James was very happy to see this new Y get on track to be built.

Above - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. points to the place where ground will be broken for the new Y.

Below - Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (and local state assemblyman) tells of the ten year struggle to get this dream a reality.

Above - State Senator Jamaal Bailey was happy to be a part of getting this new Y on track.

Below - The ever colorful Councilman Andy King also spoke of the years in getting this y to reality.

Unfortunately the speeches ran a little long as Mayor de Blasio had to slip away before the ground breaking to travel to Brooklyn for his next event. It almost looks however like there may not have been a shovel or enough room for him anyway. 

Dan Padernacht - Great News! I'm running for City Council.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,  

It is with great excitement and anticipation that I am writing to ask you to support my campaign for City Council in New York City’s 11th District.

My family has lived in the Northwest Bronx for 3 generations. My grandfather, Sydney, a member of Local 32BJ, lived and worked in our community. My father, Howard, attended Dewitt Clinton High School and lived and worked here his whole life. My mother, Pamela, was a local school teacher here for over 30 years. I am proud to say that it is my dream to continue in their tradition of excellence and service by representing you in the City Council.  

I have served on Community Board 8 for 10 years, where for 6 years I was Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Committee. In 2014, I was elected Board Chair and thereafter headed the city agency for 3 years. I am currently Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Committee, Vice Chair of the Land Use Committee, and have served on several other committees including Public Safety, Housing and the Hudson River Greenway committees.   

Every day I run a law practice in our community where I counsel individuals on the purchase and sale of their homes, business formations and other personal matters. I am part of a project team creating over 450 apartments of affordable housing in the Bronx. I acted as pro-bono counsel for the Fort Independence Park Neighborhood Association (FIPNA) in a lawsuit against the City to preserve the character and quality of our neighborhood. I have also represented numerous tenants pro-bono in housing disputes. The New York City Council is a legislative body and my experience as an attorney gives me the skill set to be an effective council member fighting for our community.

As your Councilman, I will work to improve our quality of life, reduce crime, protect our environment, and make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely. I will fight to create better public schools, community centers and transportation. I will prioritize local businesses which help mold our neighborhoods and I will make sure our seniors receive the care and services they have worked a lifetime to deserve. I will draft and vote on changes in

our zoning laws that make sense for the people in our community and the City.

Whether you reside in Riverdale, Wakefield, Woodlawn, Van Cortlandt Village, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge, Marble Hill, Norwood or Spuyten Duyvil, I understand the needs of each neighborhood are specific to its residents, and as your Councilman I will treat those needs with the attention and passion that are required to address them with the utmost success. This is why I need your help right now.

Will you join our campaign for a better District 11 by contributing today?  

  

Over the upcoming months I look forward to meeting you in our streets, our parks, our businesses and in your homes. Together, I know we can stand up and make sure our community’s future is a top priority at City Hall. I would be honored to earn your vote.

Respectfully,

Dan Padernacht

Your small-dollar contribution to Daniel A Padernacht can make a big difference! Contributions from NYC residents up to $175 may be matched $6-to-$1 by the Campaign Finance Program

CLICK TO DONATE

  

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BRONXVILLE DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE ENDORSES ALESSANDRA BIAGGI

  The Bronxville Democratic Committee announced it is endorsing Alessandra Biaggi for State Senate in District 34 in the Democratic primary on Thursday, September 13. This is the first time the Committee has endorsed in a Democratic primary.

“The Bronxville Democratic Committee proudly endorses Alessandra Biaggi for State Senate.  Alessandra will bring a fresh and energetic voice to Albany, and strongly advocate for progressive Westchester values,” said Bill Gaston, Bronxville Democratic Committee.

“It is no small thing for the Bronxville Democratic Committee to decide to endorse in a Democratic primary for the first time. I highly value their support and pledge to always be a firm, committed Democrat, working with the other Democrats in the State Senate,” Biaggi said.

One Brooklyn Fund's 2nd Annual Gala Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at The Brooklyn Museum

Come join us for an elegant evening of live jazz, dancing and networking with One Brooklyn Fund supporters.  We will honor Brooklyn businesses from across the borough who have contributed to their community over the years.  

One Brooklyn Fund supports initiatives that improve the lives of our borough’s residents. They include programs for seniors and youth, promoting health and fitness, helping connect those in need to resources, celebrating the culture of Brooklyn’s diverse populations, and supporting philanthropic and cultural activities in neighborhoods from Greenpoint to Gerritsen Beach.  

Hope to see you there!

Click here for tickets

 

A portion of your ticket purchase will be tax-deductible to the extent provided by law (Tax ID No. 46-5189061).  In accordance with The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) Guidance, the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President does not accept donations from individuals or organizations with business or pending business before it. Your support will not affect any future business dealings or the disposition of other matters between your organization and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President.

DEMOCRACYNYC: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES EXTENSIVE INACTIVE VOTER OUTREACH AND WAGE INCREASES FOR BOE POLL WORKERS

  As part of the City’s DemocracyNYC agenda, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit will be conducting extensive, non-partisan outreach to more than 561,000 inactive voters to ensure that they remain registered and to avoid any possibility of removing eligible voters from voter rolls.

The Mayor also announced that the City will be raising wages for Board of Elections poll workers. Currently, BOE poll workers are paid a daily salary of about $200, which comes out to an hourly rate of $12.50 an hour for a 16 hour work day. The City will now raise their daily wages to $250, which comes out to an hourly rate of $15 an hour. The raise not only meets new minimum wage standards, but also will help recruit and retain more qualified workers and likely increase the efficiency of poll site operations.

“We’re taking significant steps to increase the efficiency of our electoral system and to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2016, when countless New Yorkers were purged from voter rolls,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “By having my Administration reach out directly to inactive voters and by raising the wages of some of the most important people in our electoral process, we’re strengthening our Democracy and preserving New Yorkers’ right to vote.”

“Voting is at the core of our democracy and we will continue to fight for every New Yorker to be able to exercise their right on Election Day,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson. “Contacting potentially ineligible voters and increasing wages for poll workers are tangible actions that will positively impact on our elections and continue the Mayor’s bold vision for DemocracyNYC to make New York City the fairest city in America.”

“It is vital that New Yorkers are made aware of their voting eligibility and can take the appropriate steps to participate in elections,” said Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit Acting Director Eric Rotondi. “Proactively reaching out to all of these New Yorkers will help ensure they can make their voices heard on Election Day and shape the future of their city.”

“Increased resources for the Board of Elections has long been a priority for me. The Assembly Majority strongly supports efforts to increase access to the polls and improve the efficiency the voting process at polling places,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “The future of our families and communities depend on New Yorkers’ ability to exercise their right to vote. This initiative will help keep New Yorkers informed and ensure that they remain registered to vote.”

New Yorkers are added to an inactive voter list when the BOE receives information from other government entities, such as the DMV, that indicates a person no longer resides at their registered address and if they fail to respond to a residence confirmation notice. These voters are removed from voter rolls if they do not vote in one of the next two federal elections. Inactive voters must confirm their address with the BOE or submit a registration 20 days before a special, primary or general election.

Typically, the BOE sends one notification to inactive voters reminding them to confirm their address or submit a new registration. The de Blasio Administration, through the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, will now be conducting direct outreach with follow up to inactive voters using robo calls and postcards, encouraging the more than 561,000 inactive voters to respond to the BOE. Additionally, PEU will let voters know that even if they are not on the voter list on Election Day, they can still vote via an affidavit ballot at their polling site. This outreach will begin immediately. New Yorkers can confirm their voter registration status online through the New York State Board of Elections atvoterlookup.elections.ny.gov or by calling the New York City Board of Elections at 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692).

The Mayor also called on the BOE to follow requirements outlined in a 2017 Consent Decree, which was signed by the BOE after countless voters were purged from voter rolls in 2016. The Consent Decree requires the BOE to provide monthly and annual reports on voter list maintenance, including a review of every cancelled voter since 2013. The information will help provide insight on the number of disenfranchised voters and allow the City to follow up with these voters directly.

STREET CO-NAMING CEREMONY HONORING DETECTIVE JOSEPH LEMM

  The corner of Bayshore Avenue and Ampere Avenue in the Country Club section of the Bronx had a new covered sign on the pole just below the Bayshore Avenue sign. 

Above - Police officers from the Warrants Squad were lined up by a painting of one of their own Detective Joseph G. Lamm (nicknamed Superman) who was killed on December 21, 2015 while on active duty in Afghanistan. Air Force Technical Sergeant Lamm and five other Americans were killed by a suicide bomber who rammed a motorcycle loaded with explosives into their motorcade.

Below - Members of the 105th Base Defense Squadron USAF who served with Sergeant Lamm were on hand for the street renaming for their fallen comrade in arms

Above - Mayor Bill de Blasio thanked the hundreds of people who were in attendance for this street renaming. The mayor acknowledged State Senator Jeff Klein, and Councilman Mark Gjonaj representatives of the area, and went on to speak highly of Detective Joseph Lamm for his duty to the city as a Warrants Detective, and his service to his country as an Air Force Technical Sergeant. The mayor tried to console the two children of Detective Lamm by saying that it is difficult to lose a loved one such as your father at a very young age, but that he had lost his father who served in World War Two shortly after returning home from the war. 

Below - State Senator Jeff Klein and Councilman Mark Gjonaj also spoke. 

Above - Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea who stood in for Police Commissioner O'Neil, said that the city was privileged to have her husband do such a great job on the NYPD. 

Below - Christine DeGuisto Lemm, wife of Detective Joseph Lamm holding on to one of her sons was able to keep the tears back as she thanked everyone who was involved in her husbands life, and in this memorial to her fallen husband. 

Above - The cover was taken off the sign renaming the corner for Detective Joseph G. Lamm Technical Sergeant USAF.

Below - Three NYPD helicopters flew over after the sign was uncovered. 

Above -The Lamm family was given a second ceremonial street sign. 

Below - Christine DeGuisto Lemm, Mayor de Blasio, Chief Shea, and members of the 105th Base Defense Squadron USAF pose for a photo.