MAYOR DE BLASIO ISSUES WINTER WEATHER UPDATE, URGES NEW YORKERS TO USE MASS TRANSIT

Winter Weather Advisory in effect for New York City through 7 a.m. Tuesday

Travel advisory remains in effect for New York City through Tuesday morning commute

Mayor Bill de Blasio today issued an update about the winter weather system moving through the area. National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for New York City through 7 a.m. Tuesday. A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory in effect for New York City through the Tuesday morning commute. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, the current rainfall is expected to transition to snow by early afternoon. The snow may begin accumulating during the afternoon, possibly leading to a messy evening commute. The expected snowfall may continue into Monday night, before tapering off by daybreak Tuesday. A total accumulation of 2 to 4 inches of snow is currently forecast, with possible higher amounts should the transition from rain to snow occur earlier. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation during their Monday commute.

“With the forecast predicting snow just in time to create a messy evening commute, I urge all New Yorkers to take extra precautions, stay off the streets and take public transportation whenever possible,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The Department of Sanitation is ready to clear the streets, but everyone must do their part to ensure they can get through and do their jobs safely.”

Agency Updates

·       NYC Emergency Management continues to coordinate the City’s preparations for the upcoming inclement weather and is working closely with National Weather Service to monitor the forecast. The agency has convened daily winter weather steering committee calls to discuss agency actions ahead of the storm. The City’s Situation Room is open to coordinate a rapid response to potential impacts associated with the forecast.

·       The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has deployed 705 salt spreaders across the five boroughs, and 1500 plows will begin operations once two inches of snow has fallen.

·       The City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) will pre-deploy crews to the East River bridges and Times Square. DOT will pre-salt Times Square, along with walkways at the ferry terminal and muni lots, and will continue to monitor these locations. DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.

·       Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended today to facilitate snow operations. Payment at parking meters remain in effect throughout the city.

·       The Staten Island Ferry is currently anticipated to operate on a normal schedule. However, because impending winter storm conditions could lead to service changes, passengers are advised to check DOT's social media channels and use the NotifyNYC app. 

·       NYC Ferry is currently operating on a normal schedule; however, weather conditions may affect service. Please use caution on all landings and vessels and allow for extra travel time. Real-time service changes will be posted online at www.ferry.nyc<http://www.ferry.nyc/> and social media feeds. Riders can also sign up for route-specific push notifications on the NYC Ferry app.

NYC public schools are open. Due to inclement weather expected and potential travel conditions that may result, the Department of Education (DOE) canceled after-school programs that rely on yellow school buses. All other after-school programs will operate on a normal schedule. Families should pick up children as early as possible from all after-schools, but students will be supervised until families are able to arrive. If you are unsure of whether or not your child’s program has been impacted, please contact your school directly.

·       Department for the Aging senior centers are expected to operate on a normal schedule; however, older adults should contact their senior center directly to confirm hours and availability before venturing out.

·       NYC Parks has 1,300 forestry and maintenance and operations staff on duty as of 6 a.m. this morning to address weather related issues. 

·       NYC Parks deployed more than 132 plow vehicles, 167 salt spreaders, and 257 snow blowers and brushes, and has begun to treat its more than 2,000 miles of pathways starting with priority areas like commuter hubs and park perimeters. As snow accumulates staff will clear priority areas first and after interior pathways.

·       NYC Parks has 20 crews throughout the city with more than 100 cutters prepared to address any incoming downed trees and limbs reports. For emergencies New Yorkers should call 911, all other tree reports should be directed to 311. 

Code Blue

A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:

·       Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.

·       Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with each day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.

·       Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.

·       Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - Bronx's Annual Tree Lighting

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Invites you to join him

Thursday December  5th 5:30 PM Lou Gehrig Plaza at East 161st Street and Grand Concourse

to the Annual Bronx Christmas Tree Lighting Sing Christmas carols with Santa & Mrs. Claus & Renaissance High School Varsity Voices Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a special treat from Santa !!! WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

NYC EM URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR A WINTRY MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW IN THE FORECAST TO END THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND, NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES A TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SUNDAY AND MONDAY

A wintry mix of rain and snow may cause messy conditions Sunday and Monday

  As winter weather moves into the New York City area Sunday morning, the New York City Emergency Management Department advises New Yorkers to prepare for messy travel conditions to end the holiday weekend into the beginning of the workweek. NYC Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory for both Sunday travel and the Monday commute. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, snow will begin Sunday morning before mixing with sleet, causing a wintry mix by late morning, and transitioning to all rain on Sunday afternoon. A small possibility of freezing rain is possible during the transition from snow to a wintry mix. Rain will continue through Sunday night into the Monday morning commute. The rain is expected to changeover to a wintry mix of rain and snow early Monday afternoon, before transitioning to snow. Light to moderate snowfall will continue into Monday night, before tapering off by daybreak Tuesday.

A total accumulation of 1 to 4 inches of snow is possible with this system. New Yorkers should prepare for messy road conditions Sunday and Monday. Consider the use of public transportation.

“As people hit the roads to return home from their holiday celebrations, I urge you to take extra precautions when traveling. You could face messy conditions on Sunday, so exercise caution and give yourself lots of extra travel time,” NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell said. “For Monday’s commute, I encourage you to use mass transit where possible as the roads could look different from when you leave home in the morning.”

NYC Emergency Management is coordinating the City’s preparations for the upcoming inclement weather and is working closely with National Weather Service to monitor the forecast. The agency has convened daily winter weather steering committee calls to discuss agency actions ahead of the storm.

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will be ready for the storm and will have 705 salt spreaders deployed across the five boroughs. They will dispatch plows once two inches of snow has fallen.

Safety Tips

·         Allow for extra travel time, and exercise caution when driving, walking or biking. Consider taking public transportation wherever possible.

·         Small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorist and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.

·         Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

·         If you drive, use extra caution. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

·         Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they stop less quickly than other vehicles.

·         Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.

·         If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.

·         Keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.

·         Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.

·         Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls

·         Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

·         Check on family, friends and neighbors who may need help in inclement weather — especially older adults or people with disabilities.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement. New Yorkers are also encouraged to download the free Notify NYC mobile application, which is available from iTunes or Google Play. Notify NYC is the City’s free emergency notification system that allows New Yorkers to also receive phone calls, text messages, and/or email alerts about weather conditions and other emergencies. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

Leader Of Bronx Drug Distribution Organization Sentenced To 35 Years In Prison

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EDWIN ROMERO was sentenced yesterday to 35 years in prison for his role as the leader of a drug distribution organization centered on Weeks Avenue and East 175th Street in the Mount Hope neighborhood of the Bronx, including the murder of Jose Montalvo on May 13, 2004.  ROMERO was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, after previously pleading guilty to participating in a narcotics distribution conspiracy. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “For nearly two decades Edwin Romero was the leader of a major drug organization, responsible for dozens of dealers selling dangerous drugs on the streets of the Bronx, and for numerous acts of violence committed at his direction.  Romero was personally responsible for the cold-blooded murder of Jose Montalvo, whom he shot ten times in May 2004.  The sentence imposed is just punishment for a man who for years held a community in the grip of violence and drugs.  We thank our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work on this case.”

According to the allegations in the superseding Indictment filed against EDWIN ROMERO and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:

Between at least 2000 until March 2017, ROMERO was a member and leader of a long-running narcotics conspiracy centered around East 175th Street and Weeks Avenue in the Bronx, New York.  ROMERO and dozens of members of the conspiracy, including juveniles working at ROMERO’s direction, sold crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and marijuana every day on the streets and in buildings throughout the neighborhood.  In the course of his participation in the conspiracy, ROMERO committed numerous robberies and acts of gun violence, including the May 13, 2004 murder of Jose Montalvo at the corner of East 175th Street and Monroe Avenue.  He also provided guns to other members of the group, caused subordinates to commit shootings and robberies, and used threats and intimidation to maintain and expand the organization’s territory.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest Of United States Citizen For Assisting North Korea In Evading Sanctions

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John C. Demers, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John Brown, Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Counterintelligence Division, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging VIRGIL GRIFFITH, a United States citizen, with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) by traveling to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (“DPRK” or “North Korea”) in order deliver a presentation and technical advice on using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to evade sanctions.  GRIFFITH was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport yesterday and will be presented in federal court in Los Angeles later today.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “As alleged, Virgil Griffith provided highly technical information to North Korea, knowing that this information could be used to help North Korea launder money and evade sanctions.  In allegedly doing so, Griffith jeopardized the sanctions that both Congress and the president have enacted to place maximum pressure on North Korea’s dangerous regime.”

Assistant Attorney General John Demers said:  “Despite receiving warnings not to go, Griffith allegedly traveled to one of the United States’ foremost adversaries, North Korea, where he taught his audience how to use blockchain technology to evade sanctions.  By this complaint, we begin the process of seeking justice for such conduct.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “There are deliberate reasons sanctions have been levied on North Korea.  The country and its leader pose a literal threat to our national security and that of our allies.  Mr. Griffith allegedly traveled to North Korea without permission from the federal government, and with knowledge what he was doing was against the law.  We cannot allow anyone to evade sanctions, because the consequences of North Korea obtaining funding, technology, and information to further its desire to build nuclear weapons put the world at risk.  It’s even more egregious that a U.S. citizen allegedly chose to aid our adversary.”

According to the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

Pursuant to the IEEPA and Executive Order 13466, United States Persons are prohibited from exporting any goods, services, or technology to the DPRK without a license from Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”).

In or about April 2019, GRIFFITH traveled to the DPRK to attend and present at the “Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference” (the “DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference”).  Despite that the U.S. Department of State had denied GRIFFITH permission to travel to the DPRK, GRIFFITH presented at the DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference, knowing that doing so violated sanctions against the DPRK.  At no time did GRIFFITH obtain permission from OFAC to provide goods, services, or technology to the DPRK.

At the DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference, GRIFFITH and other attendees discussed how the DPRK could use blockchain and cryptocurrency technology to launder money and evade sanctions.  GRIFFITH’s presentation at the DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference had been approved by DPRK officials and focused on, among other things, how blockchain technology, including a “smart contract,” could be used to benefit the DPRK.  GRIFFITH identified several DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference attendees who appeared to work for the North Korean government, and who, during his presentation, asked GRIFFITH specific questions about blockchain and cryptocurrency and prompted discussions on technical aspects of those technologies.

After the DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference, GRIFFITH began formulating plans to facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrency between the DPRK and South Korea, despite knowing that assisting with such an exchange would violate sanctions against the DPRK.  GRIFFITH also encouraged other U.S. citizens to travel to North Korea, including to attend the same DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference the following year.  Finally, GRIFFITH announced his intention to renounce his U.S. citizenship and began researching how to purchase citizenship from other countries.

VIRGIL GRIFFITH, 36, is a resident of Singapore and citizen of the United States.  GRIFFITH is charged with conspiring to violate the IEEPA, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, and thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, for their assistance.

The charge in the Complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Brooklyn Man Arrested For Attempting To Provide Material Support To ISIS

Zachary Clark Allegedly Disseminated ISIS Propaganda and Bomb-Making Instructions In an Effort to Incite Acts of Terrorism and Violence In New York City and Elsewhere

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced that ZACHARY CLARK was arrested today in Brooklyn, New York.  CLARK is charged in a criminal Complaint with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and distributing bomb-making instructions.  CLARK is expected to be presented later today before Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger in Manhattan federal court.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Zachary Clark twice pledged allegiance to ISIS, and posted on encrypted pro-ISIS chatrooms numerous exhortations and instructions on bomb-making and other terrorist acts to be carried out in New York.  Thanks to the Joint Terrorist Task Force, Clark now faces serious criminal charges for his alleged support of a terrorist organization bent on killing Americans.”

Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers said:  “The defendant allegedly provided instructions for how to plan attacks on U.S. soil, encouraging ISIS supporters to attack in well-populated locations.  The National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who support foreign terrorist organizations and pose a threat to our communities.

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “As alleged, Clark championed his support for ISIS, disseminated hate-filled messages via encrypted chatrooms, and encouraged like-minded individuals to carry out vicious attacks in the name of jihad. While today’s arrest reminds us that there are still people out there who embrace the idea of inflicting harm on others in this way, it also presents evidence of the dedication and resolve of the FBI’s JTTF here in New York who, along with our many partners, successfully confronts threats of this nature head-on, day in and day out.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “Today’s arrest in Brooklyn is a reminder that New York City remains a top terrorism target in the United States. The NYPD and all of our law-enforcement partners remain vigilant in this ongoing fight against terror and anyone who would plot to do us harm.”

As alleged in the criminal Complaint,[1] filed on November 25, 2019, in Manhattan federal court:

CLARK pledged allegiance to ISIS twice, first in or about July 2019, to its then-leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and then in or about October 2019, to ISIS’s new leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Sashemi al-Qurayshi, who was elevated after al-Baghdadi’s death.  Beginning in at least March 2019, CLARK disseminated ISIS propaganda through, among other avenues, encrypted chatrooms intended for members, associates, supporters, and potential recruits of ISIS.  CLARK’s propaganda included, among other things, calls for ISIS supporters to commit lone wolf attacks in New York City.  For example, on or about August 3, 2019, CLARK posted instructions about how to conduct such an attack, including directions on how to select an attack target, how to conduct preoperational surveillance, how to conduct operational planning, and how to avoid attracting law enforcement attention when preparing for and conducting the attack.  On another occasion, CLARK posted a manual entitled “Knife Attacks,” which stated, among other things, that discomfort at “the thought of plunging a sharp object into another person’s flesh” is “never an excuse for abandoning jihad” and that “[k]nives, though certainly not the only weapon for inflicting harm upon the kuffar [non-believers], are widely available in every land and thus readily accessible.”  CLARK urged the participants in encrypted chatrooms to attack specific targets, posting maps and images of the New York City subway system and encouraging ISIS supporters to attack those locations.  CLARK’s guidance also included posting a manual entitled “Make a bomb in the kitchen of your Mom,” which included detailed instructions about constructing an explosive device. 

CLARK, 40, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with (1) one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and (2) one count of distributing information relating to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Berman and Assistant Attorney General Demers praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state and local agencies.  

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.                       

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein are only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation

VNNA CHRISTMAS PARTY 12/2/19 AND TREE LIGHTING 12/15/19

On Monday December 2, 2019, Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance (VNNA) is having their annual Christmas Party! From 7pm to 7:45pm we will have our meeting with Senator Biaggi as our Guest Speaker. At 7:45pm the Party starts and is being catered by our Van Nest Merchant, Fine Food, as last year! Come by and mingle, even if it is for a quick bite, come on by and say Hello! Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Holidays....peace to all in our community!

On Sunday December 15th at 4:00pm we will begin our annual Christmas Tree Lighting with some old fashioned Christmas caroling, hot coco and cookies in front of the white cross, The Convent Gardens, on Van Nest Ave between Unionport Road and Victor Street! Bring your flashlights to see the song sheet and listen for Santa arriving shortly after to welcome the children with presents. Bring in the Holiday season with singing and peace in our hearts.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO SIX TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SCAMMING UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT COUPLE OUT OF $106,000

Defendant Posed as Attorney, Taking Money to Get Citizenship Papers; Threatened Victims with Deportation

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a man has been sentenced to six to 12 years in prison for defrauding a Bronx couple of more than $106,000 by posing as a lawyer who could provide the undocumented immigrants with citizenship. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution of the full amount. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant preyed on a hardworking, trusting married couple for five months by promising them green cards and extended Visas in exchange for more than $106,000 dollars. He passed himself off as a lawyer. He threatened to have them deported when they couldn’t come up with the money. We will not tolerate victimization of vulnerable people.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Robert Byrd, AKA Saul Roberto, 67, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary to six to 12 years in prison for second-degree Grand Larceny, two to four years for first-degree Scheme to Defraud, and one year for Practicing/Appearing as an Attorney-at-Law Without Being Admitted. All sentences are to run concurrently. The Judge also imposed a civil order of restitution for $106,603.21 and a permanent order of protection. A jury found the defendant guilty of the charges on July 29, 2019. 

 According to the investigation, between August 22, 2015 and January 31, 2016, the defendant posed as a wealthy business man in the music production industry and as an attorney. He promised he would be the couple’s employee sponsor and get their visa. As their alleged "sponsor" he made them believe he was providing them with all these services. The defendant never provided any documentation; instead he always told the victims there was a problem in the process and that he needed money to fix it. He threatened to call federal authorities and have them deported when they couldn't pay him.