BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON FOR STRANGLING AND PUMMELING EX-GIRLFRIEND IN 2016

Victim Survived; Strangulation Scars Still Visible Today

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for beating his ex-girlfriend and strangling her, leaving searing wounds on her neck. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant had no mercy when he strangled, beat and threatened to kill the 27-year-old victim. The attack left the victim scarred physically and emotionally yet she bravely testified in court. There were prior, unreported assaults by the defendant on the victim. I urge victims and anyone who is aware of domestic violence to please report any incidents so we can prevent the escalation of violence and save lives.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Dayquan Robertson, 27, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to seven years in prison and five years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus. A full order of protection was also issued. A jury found the defendant guilty of second-degree Strangulation and second-degree Assault on October 10, 2018. 

 According to the investigation, on September 1, 2016, in her apartment in the Bronx, the victim, Tanisha Lambright, was sleeping when she was awakened by the defendant. He grabbed the strap of her nightgown, dug it in around her neck and strangled her with it, causing the victim to go in and out of consciousness. Robertson then punched her multiple times in her left eye and face, and used the victim’s hands to punch her own face while threatening to kill her. The defendant’s attack left the victim with large lacerations on her neck, popped blood vessels in her eye, and a swollen, bleeding lip.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Detectives Giovanna Maldonado and Jonathan Troncoso and Police Officer Kamil Tarnawski of the 40th Precinct for their assistance in the case.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCE AMAZON SELECTS LONG ISLAND CITY FOR NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

New campus represents the largest economic development project in New York State history

Amazon will create 25,000 to 40,000 new jobs and invest more than $3.6 billion over 15 years

   Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Amazon, the world leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, will establish a new corporate headquarters in Long Island City, Queens. The decision followed a comprehensive, year-long selection process during which 238 cities across North America competed for the multibillion-dollar project.

In 2019, Amazon will occupy up to 500,000 square feet at One Court Square while working to construct four million square feet of commercial space on Long Island City’s waterfront over the next 10 years, with expansion opportunities for up to 8 million square feet over the next 15 years. Through a $3.6 billion total investment, Amazon will draw from the diverse and talented workforce in New York State to fill at least 25,000 new jobs by 2029 and up to 40,000 jobs by 2034 with an average salary of $150,000. The construction is expected to create an average of 1300 direct construction jobs annually through 2033. Overall, the project is estimated to create more than 107,000 total direct and indirect jobs and over $14 billion in new tax revenue for the State and a net of $13.5 billion in City tax revenue.  The project provides a 9:1 return on investment.

“This is a giant step on our path to building an economy in New York City that leaves no one behind. We are thrilled that Amazon has selected New York City for its new headquarters,” said Mayor de Blasio. “New Yorkers will get tens of thousands of new, good-paying jobs, and Amazon will get the best talent in the world. We’re going to use this opportunity to open up good careers in tech to thousands of people looking for their foothold in the new economy, including those in City colleges and public housing. The City and State are working closely together to make sure Amazon’s expansion is planned smartly, and to ensure this fast growing neighborhood has the transportation, schools and infrastructure it needs.”

“When I took office, I said we would build a new New York State – one that is fiscally responsible and fosters a business climate that is attractive to growing companies and the industries of tomorrow. We’ve delivered on those promises and more, and today, with Amazon committing to expand its headquarters in Long Island City, New York can proudly say that we have attracted one of the largest, most competitive economic development investments in U.S. history,” Governor Cuomo said. “With an average salary of $150,000 per year for 25,000 new jobs Amazon is creating in Queens, economic opportunity and investment will flourish for the entire region. Amazon understands that New York has everything the company needs to continue its growth. The State’s more than $100 billion infrastructure program – the most ambitious in our history – combined with our education initiatives like K-12 tech education and the first-in-the-nation Excelsior Scholarship program, will help ensure long-term success and an unrivaled talent pool for Amazon.”

Read the Memorandum of Understanding between the State, City and Amazon here.

Last year, Amazon released a Request for Proposals to select one or more locations for additional headquarters operations in North America, leading to an unprecedented competition among more than 230 metropolitan areas. The joint New York City-New York State proposal focused on New York’s unparalleled talent and the capacity of its academic institutions, public schools and workforce training programs to fill the jobs Amazon will create at the pace the company’s rapid growth demands. New York State and New York City economic development officials collaborated to submit a robust response and have worked closely with Amazon over the past year on the winning proposal.

According to an economic impact study by REMI, Inc., a world leader in dynamic forecasting and policy analysis, the Amazon project will generate over $186 billion in Gross State Product for the New York State economy over the initial 25 years. REMI also projects over $14 billion in total new tax revenue for the State, with annual revenues growing from $10.8 million in 2019 to nearly $1 billion in 2043. The City forecasts a net of $13.5 billion in total new tax revenue. 

"This is a huge win for New York" said Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen.  "Amazon locating here demonstrates that New York City is now a global center for innovation and technology, drawn here by the amazing diversity of our workforce, our neighborhoods and our economy. Amazon's $3.6 billion investment, as well as the investments it will make in job training, open space, education and infrastructure, will establish Long Island City as one of the region's most vibrant commercial districts." 

"New York City is proud to be the new home of Amazon's second headquarters. We feel the same today as we did on day one of the company's national search: there is no city in North America better equipped for HQ2 than New York," said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. "We have the best, brightest, and most diverse workforce, and are home to virtually every industry. From our leading academic intuitions to our celebrated diversity, which defines our rich history as a cultural melting pot, New York is unmatched in all we have to offer. We look forward to continuing working with our State partners, local elected officials and members of the community on ensuring Amazon's arrival in New York City will benefit everyone."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “This is an enormous win for New York. Having supported all the cities in the state that submitted proposals, we are extremely proud to have brought the largest deal in ESD history to New York State. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a tribute to our world-class colleges and universities across the state, and most importantly it’s a testament to our extraordinarily talented and diverse workforce. New York is a leader in so many disciplines and industries that align with Amazon’s business – including digital media, film production, merchandising, fashion, advertising, ag and food processing, fintech and many more. With a shared history of innovation, New York and Amazon will grow faster and smarter, together.”

The City-State agreement with Amazon includes commitments to build a jointly-funded 10,000 square-foot onsite employment center to connect local residents with jobs and training. A $15 million investment will expand the JobsPlus program to Queensbridge Houses and expand tuition-free tech training to its residents—serving nearly 1,800 residents over the next 10 years.

The agreement also secures a new approximately 600-seat intermediate public school, a 3.5-acre waterfront esplanade and park, and the establishment of a Long Island City Infrastructure Fund to invest 50 percent of the project’s PILOT proceeds to deliver on transportation and other neighborhood priorities that will be identified in collaboration with the local community.

  

To bring this transformational, multibillion-dollar project to New York, the State offered a package of performance-based incentives totaling $1.705 billion. The package includes a $1.2 billion in tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program, which is directly tied to Amazon's commitment to create 25,000 new jobs and no less than $2.3 billion investment over ten years as well as a $505 million capital grant that is directly tied to Amazon's commitment to invest $3.6 billion and create up to 40,000 new jobs over 15 years.

Additionally, the company, State and City are committing $15 million – $5 million each – to create new workforce development programs focused on technology training and recruitment specific to New York City and targeted toward underrepresented segments of the workforce. Programs supported by this initiative may include community-based accelerated technology training programs, internships, and work-based learning opportunities for high school students.

Under pre-existing as-of-right programs authorized by law, Amazon is eligible for a partial property tax abatement through ICAP and an annual credit of $3,000 for twelve years per eligible employee under REAP, a program available to all companies to encourage job growth outside of Manhattan. REAP benefits for Amazon’s 10-year expansion are projected at $897 million through 2038, and ICAP will abate approximately $386 million.

“The number one thing we can do for New Yorkers at every rung of the economic ladder is create jobs, and the number one way to do that is to bring companies like Amazon to New York,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “So, this a great opportunity to help New Yorkers at every income level, but we must make sure there are commensurate infrastructure and housing improvements to the neighborhoods to which Amazon is moving, and make sure community residents are hired when Amazon lands. I commend New York City and State for working together to get this positive result, and I look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo and Amazon to tackle these challenges.”

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams RESPONDS TO THE AMAZON EXPANSION ANNOUNCEMENT

  STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS

Last year, I signed onto a letter encouraging Amazon to consider New York City as a site for its new headquarters. This was intended to be the beginning of a conversation- I thought that it would have been irresponsible not to at least explore the possibility of adding thousands of new jobs. What I could not have thought was that the next response in that conversation would be a secret back room deal, reached to undermine and cut out all of the stakeholders in this issue.  

Communities throughout New York City are in need of economic development, and I had hoped that if Amazon expressed interest in expanding in the city, a productive conversation could be held between the city, state, community, unions, local business owners, advocates, and more. 

It is clear that Amazon intends to move forward in its plan without adequate dialogue and compromise.The Governor, and the Mayor alongside him, have been willing to circumvent that conversation for expediency and at the expense of community involvement, lured by promises Amazon made when offered extravagant incentives and disregarding the basic responsibilities of the process. This is characteristic of Governor Cuomo, despite his history of failing to provide jobs through these same kind of tax incentives. I am deeply disappointed, though, that Mayor de Blasio  would cede the power and authority of New York City in allowing this deal to proceed, without even attempting to include stakeholders in the process. It is telling to me that these two executives could not get together to help struggling NYCHA tenants or to fix public transportation, but were able and eager to arrange this deal.

Our government should be taking steps to act as a check on rampant corporate expansion, to ensure that any new development is designed with the greatest possible benefit to New Yorkers in need and to prevent any unintended consequences. Small businesses must be given the tools to survive and thrive, and economically disadvantaged New Yorkers need to be given enhanced opportunity in this new development. We must put community interests over corporate interests. 

I am opposing this deal as it stands, and will do all in my power to fight its implementation. 

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING ENDORSES JUMAANE WILLIAMS FOR NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE

   Ahead of tomorrow's official announcement that he will be running for the soon to be vacant office of Public Advocate City Councilman Jumaane Williams came to the 12th council district to receive the endorsement of Councilman Andy King. Public Advocate candidate Williams said that if elected Public Advocate that he would be running for re-election in 2021 and not for mayor. 

  The election for Public is expected to be at the end of February or early March. Then the winner will have to run for re-election in the 2019 September primary and November general election. Then the next election would be in 2021. Since this would be a partial term the Public Advocate would be able to run for two terms similar to the mayoral cycle thus be able to run for mayor in 2029. 

Above - Councilman Williams thanks Councilman King for his endorsement for the office of Public Advocate..

Below - Councilman Jumaane Williams speaks to the crowd as to why he is the better candidate for the office of Public Advocate.

Being in the Bronx Public Advocate candidate Councilman Jumaane Williams shows off his 'Bronx X'.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND FIRST LADY MCCRAY ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT OF NEW MEMBERS TO COMMISSION ON GENDER EQUITY

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray today announced the appointment of six new members to the City’s Commission on Gender Equity, an agency tasked with supporting City agencies in dismantling institutional barriers for women, girls, and New Yorkers of all gender identities and expressions.

The new members bring a wide array of experience across various industries to the Commission, including advocacy, fundraising and communications skills across the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors, among others. The new members are:

·     Chitra Aiyar, Executive Director at Sadie Nash Leadership Project

·     Council Member Diana Ayala

·    Andrea Hagelgans, Executive Vice President, Group Head for Public Affairs and Issue Advocacy at Edelman New York

·    Robina Niaz, Founder and Executive Director of Turning Point for Women and Families

·    Arva Rice, President and CEO of the New York Urban League

·    Council Member Carlina Rivera

“We can't be the fairest big city if we don't make sure all New Yorkers – regardless of gender –  can live up to their full potential," said Mayor de Blasio. “These new members will bring invaluable expertise to the Commission and help us strengthen opportunities for all who self-identify as women in New York.”

“As we welcome six new members to the Commission on Gender Equity we also welcome their wealth of experience, energy and commitment,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, co-chair for the Commission on Gender Equity. “With their leadership, the Commission will continue its important work of protecting the economic and reproductive rights of women, girls and gender-non conforming New Yorkers.”

“The Commission on Gender Equity helps support women, girls and all who identify as female, which is so important in the times we live in. Council Members Diana Ayala and Carlina Rivera are model public servants and inspirations to women all over this city, which is why I am proud to appoint them to the CGE,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “I look forward to seeing them work alongside First Lady Chirlane McCray, Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo, Council Member Helen Rosenthal, the Council’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislation and Policy Laura Popa and the entire Commission in promoting gender equity across the city and helping female New Yorkers reach their full potential.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome our new Commissioners, whose guidance and leadership will be indispensable as we work to ensure the sustainability of gender equitable practices and policies throughout New York City,” said Jacqueline Ebanks, Executive Director of the City’s Commission on Gender Equity.

“I am excited to welcome the new Commissioners. Their rich experience and diverse backgrounds will enhance the work the Commission has been doing in advancing women,” said Silda Palerm, Co-Chair of the Commission on Gender Equity.

The Commission on Gender Equity develops and supports policies that promote opportunities for cisgender and transgender women and girls in all areas, including employment, housing, childcare, education, health and reproductive justice, criminal justice, and public safety. It advises the Mayor and City Council on initiatives and methods to reduce gender-based inequality.

“At this particular moment in our political history, there's no place I'd rather be than in a room filled with smart committed leaders in New York City committed to dismantling gender-based barriers,” said Chitra Aiyar, Executive Director, Sadie Nash Leadership Project. “I'm thrilled to be joining the Commission on Gender Equity and look forward to diving into the work to make New York City a role model for the nation.”

Harlem School of the Arts - A HARLEMETTES HOLIDAY - Tickets Available Now!

   
 

The Harlem School of the Arts,  645 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10030

MAYOR DE BLASIO DELIVERS REMARKS AT THE FLIGHT 587 17th ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

   Thank you, everyone, for being here to remember those we lost, those we loved, and still love in our hearts, and to support each other. I want to thank Father Cruz for the beautiful invocation that started this ceremony and for all he does for the community. I want to acknowledge and thank the Consul General to New York City of the Dominican Republic Carlos Castillo. Thank you, Consul General. 

All those who lead us today with the reading of the names, which they did so beautifully – thank you to Raphaela Frias, Ana Reyes, Freddy Rodriguez, and Karen Tavarez. Thank you all so much. And I want to thank, for her leadership in helping to bring us together each year, Belkis Lora. Thank you Belkis, so much, for all you do.

Seventeen years have passed. As I was talking to some of you gathered here today, we’re all in a way unable to imagine that it’s been fully 17 years. And that morning started out like any other day, and then tragedy struck and everyone’s lives were changed. 265 good people lost, and we remember them here and they are remembered throughout the Dominican Republic. 

We remember those who were lost in Belle Harbor and we remember how much it has been a sense of loss for 17 years. 

We will never forget Flight 587 and those good people we lost – our friends, our families, our neighbors, all we loved. There is a simple and powerful line from scripture – “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” I know today we are all mourning but I know everyone is comforting each other. 

And we take comfort also from the fact that even in the midst of that tragedy we saw heroism, we saw the men and women of the NYPD and the FDNY come forward to do all they could to save lives. That heroism reminds us every day of the good in humanity. And we take comfort in the bonds that formed between all of the families here, bonds formed in tragedy but still deep bonds of love and friendship and respect. 

I speak on behalf of all 8.6 million New Yorkers when I say, may you always find that comfort in each other and may all who are lost rest in peace.

God bless you all. 

Acting Attorney General Whitaker Statement On Presidential Proclamation Regarding the Southwest Border

  After President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation regarding the Southwest Border, Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker issued the following statement of strong support:

"Our southern border is in crisis. The hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens who have unlawfully crossed our border are posing a significant threat to the government’s ability to effectively enforce our nation’s immigration laws. Plain and simple, there are too many loopholes in our current immigration system. The vast majority of asylum claims that originated from this system are not meritorious. What’s worse, large numbers of aliens fail to even pursue their claims in court and many fail to appear for their court hearings.

“Today, the President has made a strong statement that enough is enough. Aliens with legitimate claims to asylum can still receive it—they simply have to go to one of our ports of entry. Thanks to this decisive order from President Trump, we are continuing to provide a path to protection for those who truly need it, while stopping our generosity from being abused."

The total number of aliens referred to expedited removal proceedings has significantly increased over the last decade, from 161,516 aliens in 2008 to approximately 234,534 in FY 2018.  The total number of credible-fear referrals for interviews increased from about 5,000 a year in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 to about 97,000 in FY 2018.

The vast majority of asylum applications are not meritorious.  In FY 2018, a total of about 6,000 aliens who passed through credible-fear screening (17 percent of all completed cases, 27 percent of all completed cases in which an asylum application was filed, and about 36 percent of cases where the asylum claim was adjudicated on the merits) established that they should be granted asylum. 

More than approximately 70,000 aliens a year (as of FY 2018) are estimated to enter between the ports of entry and then assert a credible fear in expedited removal proceedings.  Another 24,000 assert fear to return at our ports of entry.

As of November 2, 2018, there were approximately 203,569 total cases pending in the immigration courts that originated with a credible-fear referral—or 26 percent of the total backlog of 791,821 removal cases.

Of that number, 136,554 involved nationals of Northern Triangle countries.  89 percent of aliens from the Northern Triangle receive a positive credible-fear interview.

But in nearly half of the completed cases involving these aliens, the alien failed to appear at a hearing or failed to file an asylum application.

• 71 percent were of claims completed with the issuance of an order of removal.
• 31 percent were of claims completed where the alien failed to appear at a hearing.
• 40 percent were of claims completed without the alien filing an application for asylum
• Only nine percent were ultimately granted asylum.