News From New York State Assembly Member Marcos Crespo

I am excited to share news about further enhancements coming to our community’s infrastructure ultimately designed to improve our quality of life and overall safety. My office has been actively working with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to begin to restore the underpass located on Rosedale Avenue & Bruckner Blvd. This particular space is one of two major connectors that bring together parts of the district divided by the Bruckner Expressway.  The scope of work being executed by NYSDOT include: the excavation of soil, installation of decorative gravel, cleaning of surrounding fences and sidewalks. The extent of work also includes: increased lighting and the installation of solid planking above the sidewalks, which will help keep our walking space free of bird waste. While weather and other factors could impact the timeline, completion of this work is expected to be reached before early 2019.  Furthermore, a second phase of this effort will involve bringing together residents, community based organizations and other partners to envision and transform this space into a artistic, vibrant and welcoming structure that represents the environment our community deserves.  For questions about this project or other community related information please contact the office of Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo at 718-893-0202 | email:crespom@nyassembly.gov

Riverdale Town Hall Meeting

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, and Councilman Andrew Cohen held a Town Hall meeting in the Riverdale section of the Bronx where all four elected officials districts cover. the town hall meeting was attended by almost 300 people, and was moderated by cable television personality Gary Axelbank. 

  Cards were given out for questions to be written down, and then collected. Mr. Axelbank grouped similar questions into one question, and then read the question to the individual elected official or all of the electeds. Questions many pertained to the area which asked about improving local bus service, constant construction in the area with roads constantly being dug up, the Coop Tax Penalty, the environment, quality of life complaints, all the new construction, and what is Senator Biaggi's first priority to name a few.

  The answers were what has been heard in the past on most questions. Construction in the roads has to be done to upgrade a gas, electrical, water, and sewer system that is up to one hundred years old. It is also being done to serve a growing population in the area. Work is still being done on equalizing the reason why Coops are taxed at a higher rate than homes. The MTA controls the mass transit system, and has to find ways to fill a shortfall in its budget, and that is by cutting back (saving money) on its services. Lastly, Senator Biaggi said that there is more than one thin, that there are many thins that she wants first, but passage if the Health Reproduction Act and ethics reform are numbers one and two.

Above - New 50th Precinct Captain Emilio Melendez speaks about what he sees as the priorities of the police department which includes making sure that everyone is safe. You can see moderator Gary Axelbank going over the questions in the background.

Below - (l-r) Female District Leader Randi Martos, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Councilman Andrew Cohen, Male District Leader Eric Dinowitz, and Chief of Staff to Congressman Engel Bruce Weitz.

BP DIAZ & SPEAK UP FOR A BETTER BRONX CARRY PETITIONS SUPPORTING METRO-NORTH EXPANSION

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. signs a petition to urge Amtrak to cease their delay tactics and stop holding up the opening up of four new Bronx Metro North stations. The plan is to bring new transit options to Coop-City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest and hunts Point by expanding commuter rail options along existing Amtrak rail track and existing Metro North train routes. 

  The holdup includes track repair and the repair of a train bridge on the route, which Amtrak wants Metro North to fully fund.

Above - BP Diaz Jr. holds up hundreds of signatures already received, and the goal is to have over one thousand signatures before the day was over.

Below  - BP Diaz Jr. with others were in the Bay Plaza Mall collecting signatures.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES LOCATIONS OF TWO PLANNED CITY HEALTH DIVERSION CENTERS

Centers will provide police officers with alternatives to arrests and hospitalization for people with mental health needs who do not pose a risk to public safety

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray announced two vendors have signed leases to open the City’s first two drop-off diversion centers, a significant first step towards opening the centers. Health diversion centers will offer short-term, stabilizing services for individuals with mental health and substance use needs, giving police officers a much-needed alternative to arrest or hospitalization.

The centers will be operated by Samaritan Daytop Village, at 3000 White Plains Road in the Bronx, and Project Renewal, at 179 East 116th Street in East Harlem. Each center will serve up to 25 people at a time; the City expects diversion centers to be open by late 2019.

“New Yorkers who struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues should be connected to treatment, not placed into the criminal justice system,” said Mayor de Blasio. “This agreement brings us one step closer to opening health diversion centers and making sure people who need help and aren't a threat to others get the care they truly need.”

“Far too many people are behind bars because they couldn’t get the mental health care they needed. These health diversion centers will help prevent arrests, and ensure New Yorkers receive the lifesaving care they need,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “This new partnership between the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the NYPD will augment and improve the City’s public health response to the mental health and substance misuse challenges in New York.”

“New Yorkers suffering from mental illness and addiction have been neglected and criminalized for far too long, and these centers represent a positive step in providing access to emergency services for people who are in crisis. I still believe that more can be done to address long term solutions and given that we are currently working to reduce the number of people incarcerated and close Rikers, we should expand on these efforts to search for alternatives for people suffering from mental illnesses who are in jail or would otherwise wind up in jail. I support the proposed opening of these short term care centers, and look forward to working with the administration to help not only those individuals who need a safe place to get stable and connect to services, but also to provide the kinds of services that enable people who are sick to get better and stay better,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

The total investment for both centers will be about $9.5 million annually, with a plan to divert approximately 2,400 people yearly. Each center will cost approximately $4.7 million each year.

First announced in 2014 in the Mayor’s Task Force on Behavioral Health and the Criminal Justice System Action Plan, the diversion centers will serve people referred by the NYPD who need support and services for mental illness, substance use, and health and social issues. This is a voluntary program – there is no mandate to receive services. The centers will offer a range of clinical and non-clinical services, including overnight beds and basic needs, such as food, laundry and showers. Clinical services will include health and behavioral health assessments; counseling; advocacy; peer-to-peer engagement services; medication; medically-supervised substance use stabilization and withdrawal management; and naloxone training and distribution. Peers will play a central role in the approach to engagement and support at the diversion centers. The Action Plan has helped to reduce the number of people with a mental health diagnosis in city jails by 10 percent between 2014 and 2017.

“This is an extremely welcomed change for the NYPD,” said NYPD Deputy Chief Terri Tobin. “So often, in the middle of the night, officers encounter someone who is in need of help—whether it be mental illness or substance abuse—and these Health Diversion Centers are a place where we can bring that person for services. We do not want the criminal justice system to be the default, and the Health Diversion Centers will be another important intervention New York City provides to those in need.”

“This is an exciting milestone as we work towards opening diversion centers in New York City,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “Diversion centers are a way to intervene at a critical moment – interaction with the police – and connect New Yorkers with mental health or substance use issues to care rather than arrest. They will help us break the cycle of criminal justice involvement for thousands of New Yorkers each year.”

“We are pleased by this important step and proud to have been part of the Behavioral Health Task Force, along with the DOHMH and multiple others, which helped launch this initiative,” said Elizabeth Glazer, Director of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice. “This will broaden the options available to law enforcement when responding to individuals with behavioral health needs whose behavior violates the law.”

The new health diversion centers will operate 24/7 with a no-refusal policy for individuals brought in by the police. Length of stay will vary from hours to days depending on the person’s needs, with a cap of five days. When there is clinical need, such as more supervision of withdrawal services, the stay can be extended to 10 days. Once the client is stabilized, the centers will connect them to health care, social services and other supports. The centers will not be used as a replacement for permanent housing or long-term shelter for homeless individuals.

The model of the centers was developed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in consultation with partner agencies. Through ThriveNYC, the most comprehensive mental health plan in the country, the centers offer an innovative alternative to jail or hospitals, and they are strategically paired with the NYPD’s Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). CIT enables officers to better recognize and manage the behaviors and symptoms related to a mental illness and substance use crisis.

Since 2015, nearly 11,000 NYPD officers across the City have received CIT training.  

“Diversion centers will provide an alternative to arrest and hospitalization for individuals with mental health needs and/or substance use disorder. New Yorkers battling these conditions will be provided with crucial services, such as behavioral health assessments, counseling, and medication assisted treatment,” said Council Member Diana Ayala, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction. “I look forward to the opening of both centers, as this evidence-based model will break the cycle of arrest for many individuals and help them achieve stability.”

“I represent one of the poorest districts in the City, and among some of the highest rates of incarceration. This new Diversion Center will help provide a safe alternative to arrest instead of a criminal record that can be devastating to the members of my community,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF GREEN NEW DEAL TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING

  Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced his support of the “Green New Deal,” a proposal being touted by Representative-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) aimed at overhauling energy use, reducing carbon emissions, and creating new jobs.

“I have reviewed the details of the Green New Deal proposal and strongly support the plan,”said Rep. Espaillat (NY-13). “I look forward to sitting down with Representative-elect Ocasio-Cortez to discuss strategies and next steps. I have heard from many of my constituents regarding the proposal and want to be very specific on how we move forward to best address climate change. Yes, the Green New Deal is an ambitious plan, but our nation has never shied away from addressing difficult challenges that we have faced, and we have witnessed tremendous progress because of it.

“During President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 speech at Rice University, he addressed the inspiration behind mankind’s intuition and the motivations that have propelled our nation to success throughout history. Within the same manner, we must continue to push forward to address the numerous challenges that we currently face, especially on issues such as climate change and global warming. I truly believe that we cannot wait for the change we want to see happen and that our actions today will significantly impact the generations of the future.

“I have spoken to Representative-elect Ocasio-Cortez to personally express my support of the proposal and to commend her on taking this bold and innovative step to address a pressing issue that communities face around the globe. The actions we take, even without the support of the masses, are actions that have led our nation to some of our most glorious achievements,” he concluded.     

  

Bronx Progressives Meeting Thursday Dec 13th

***Invitation*** "Bronx Progressives is grateful for everything we accomplished together this year! Together we are building a movement in the Bronx that is from the ground up and community led. On Thursday, December 13th, (5 - 10 PM) let's celebrate the successes of 2018 and what is to come in 2019. We will be raising funds for Bronx Progressives so that we can keep up our organizing around the issues that matter to our community.  Bring your family, friends of the movement and your neighbors! In addition to networking and celebrating, we will have a speaker talk to us about NYC Community Boards, why they are important and why YOU should apply so that you can get involved locally and have a say in the changes you would like to see in your community. Appetizers and drinks are first come, first served so come early! El Sabor Latino is an incredible local restaurant and they are excited to have us. El Sabor Latino is located at 2968 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468 on the corner of Bedford Park Boulevard and Jerome Avenue across the street from the 4 train, Bx10, Bx26 and a couple of blocks from the D train."

Wave Hill events December 20 - 27

Thu, December 20

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Fri, December 21

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sat, December 22

No Family Art Project

On the last two weekends in December, the Family Art Project will rest up for the new year. It resumes on Saturday, January 5.

Sat, December 22

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sun, December 23

No Family Art Project

On the last two weekends in December, the Family Art Project will rest up for the new year. It resumes on Saturday, January 5.

Sun, December 23

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! On this last day of the Wave Hill Members sale, enjoy a discount of 20% on all their  purchases in The Shop.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sun, December 23

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Mon, December 24

Closed to the public.

Tue, December 25

Closed to the public.

Wed, December 26

Holiday Tea at Wave Hill

Start your own holiday tradition with a luxurious afternoon tea in historic Wave Hill House. Pair it with a stroll through Wave Hill’s stunning winter gardens for a splendid, quiet celebration of the season. Afternoon Tea $36; High Tea $45. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance, by calling 718.549.3200 x395 or emailing wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com.

Wave Hill House, NOON–2PM

Thu, December 27

Holiday Tea at Wave Hill

Start your own holiday tradition with a luxurious afternoon tea in historic Wave Hill House. Pair it with a stroll through Wave Hill’s stunning winter gardens for a splendid, quiet celebration of the season. Afternoon Tea $36; High Tea $45. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance, by calling 718.549.3200 x395 or emailing wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com.

Wave Hill House, NOON–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–4:30PM,  November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 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.

A.G. Underwood And Comptroller DiNapoli Announce Indictment Of Former NYC Council Candidate Albert Alvarez And Former Non-Profit Director Anna Mendez

Alvarez and Mendez Allegedly Orchestrated Straw Donation Scheme Involving Employees of Bronx Non-Profit

Mendez Also Allegedly Made False Disclosures with Mayor’s Office of Contract Services 

 Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli  announced the indictments of former New York City Council candidate Albert Alvarez and former Tremont Crotona Day Care Center Executive Director Anna Mendez for seven counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony, in New York County Supreme Court. Alvarez is also charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony; Mendez was indicted for three additional counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.

“As we allege, the defendants orchestrated a scheme to collect straw donations, steal public matching funds, and submit false filings – undermining the public's trust in our government and political process,” said Attorney General Underwood. “These indictments should send a clear message that we will not tolerate those that skirt the law for their own benefit.”

“Mr. Alvarez and Ms. Mendez allegedly schemed to funnel straw donations to Mr. Alvarez's campaign and steal matching campaign funds from New York City,” said State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “Thanks to the work of my investigators in partnership with Attorney General Barbara Underwood and the New York City Department of Investigations, both of these individuals have been indicted and will face the consequences of their actions.”

Alvarez previously served as Chief of Staff to New York City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera. In 2013, Alvarez ran for Rivera’s seat in the 15^th Council District, but was unsuccessful in the Democratic primary. While running for office, Alvarez is alleged to have knowingly accepted straw donations orchestrated by Mendez and one of her employees at the Tremont Crotona Day Care Center in the Bronx.

Mendez and the employee are alleged to have provided funds to other employees of the non-profit to contribute to Alvarez in 2013. Mendez and her colleague allegedly distributed contribution cards to these employees, which the employees were instructed to falsely make out in their own names while Alvarez watched; Alvarez then allegedly collected the money and false contribution cards from the straw donors and falsely submitted them to the New York City Campaign Finance Board in order to steal at least $4,500 in public matching funds.

Mendez later left Tremont Crotona Day Care Center to form A&G Early Child Care Community Network. Mendez allegedly filed three distinct VENDEX forms with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services over the period from September 22, 2015 to October 4, 2016. The forms, which were filed on behalf of A&G Early Child Care Community Network, Inc., allegedly contained false disclosure statements related to the fact that she was the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s office.

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

Since 2011, the Attorney General and State Comptroller have worked together to fight corruption through their Joint Task Force on Public Integrity. They have brought charges against dozens of individuals implicated in public corruption schemes around the state – resulting in the return of over $11 million in restitution to taxpayers through these convictions.

The Attorney General and the State Comptroller would also like to thank the New York City Department of Investigation for its partnership on this investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Kevin B. Frankel of the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Daniel Cort and Deputy Bureau Chief Stacy Aronowitz. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Margaret Garnett.

The investigation was led by Investigator Steven Broomer of the Attorney General’s Investigations Bureau, under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Michael Leahy and Deputy Chief Investigator John McManus. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella. Legal Support Analyst Rachel Demma of the Public Integrity Bureau also assisted in the investigation. 

The Comptroller’s investigation was led by his Division of Investigations. 

 EDITOR'S NOTE:

As we looked at the top the name of the Attorney General listed is Eric Schneiderman.

We hope that this is the first thing New Attorney General Letitia James changes when she is sworn in.