“The Commission’s recommendations are the most significant reforms proposed in forty years, and will bring a much needed level of fairness, transparency and simplicity to the entire system. I thank them for their hard work tackling these complex issues head-on and look forward to their final report. Together, we can bring our tax system into the modern day.”
Friday, January 31, 2020
STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA AND BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD SEVEN HOST A TOWN HALL ON THE FINAL PLAN OF THE BRONX BUS NETWORK REDESIGN
State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Bronx Community Board 7 will host a town hall meeting on the final draft plan of The Bronx Bus Network Redesign on Saturday, February 1 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Monroe College.
During the town hall, representatives of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will give a presentation on the final draft plan of The Bronx Bus Network Redesign and explain how the potential new bus routes will impact bus riders of Senate District 33.
Attendees will be able to address the panelists and voice their concerns on how these potential changes could affect their daily commutes. Further, they will be able to connect with transportation activists.
WHAT: Town Hall on the Final Draft Plan of The Bronx Bus Network Redesign
WHO: State Senator Gustavo RiveraBronx Community Board 7
WHERE: Monroe College
Mintz Auditorium
2501 Jerome Avenue
Bronx, NY 10468
WHEN: Saturday, February 1, 2020, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
The event is free and open to the public.
African American Abrazo (Embrace) in New York
The Bronx, NY City Councilmember Rev. Rubén Díaz together with Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, District Leader Hon. John Perez and Community Leader George Alvarez announce the celebration of the 2020 Annual “African American Abrazo “Embrace” in New York State.”
This Annual African American Abrazo (Embrace) will take place Friday, February 21st, 2020, at 7:00 pm at Maestros Caterer’s located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, in the Bronx.
The African American Abrazo (Embrace) is an annual “free” activity attended by more than 500 people organized by Rev. Ruben Diaz and elected officials in celebration of the “Black History Month.”
Distinguish members of the African American community will be recognized during the Abrazo night for their contribution, achievements, and dedication to the community.
For more information, please contact Leila Martinez at (718) 792-1140
11 Bronx Gang Members Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering, Firearms, And Narcotics Offenses
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Margaret Garnett, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging NYSHIEM SPENCER, a/k/a “Willy,” LAFONE ELEY, a/k/a “Fon Fon,” STEFVON ELEY, a/k/a “Balla,” SHALIK JENKINS, a/k/a “Sha Money,” a/k/a “Double O,” MALIK TUNSTALL, a/k/a “Leaky,” PRICE TUNSTALL, a/k/a “P-Black,” NASIR VINCENT, ALLAN GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Bobby,” JONELL DANFORTH, a/k/a “JD,” ELIJAH BURT, a/k/a “Dizzy,” and ASHANAE MCLAUGHLIN with participating in a racketeering conspiracy as members and associates of the Monroe Houses Crew, which operates principally in the James Monroe Houses in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx.
As part of the racketeering conspiracy, SPENCER is charged with the October 31, 2017, murder of Luis Vargas. LAFONE ELEY is charged with shooting at a rival gang member on June 25, 2017. STEFVON ELEY is charged with shooting a disfavored member of the Monroe Houses Crew on June 30, 2017, and with shooting at rival gang members on May 30, 2018. VINCENT, DANFORTH, and BURT are charged with slashing a rival gang member on September 14, 2019. SPENCER, JENKINS, MALIK TUNSTALL, PRICE TUNSTALL, VINCENT, GONZALEZ, and DANFORTH are charged with participating in a narcotics conspiracy. MCLAUGHLIN is charged with bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identify theft. Seven defendants were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James L. Cott. Three defendants are in state custody on other charges and will be transferred to federal custody at a later date. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Analisa Torres.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants in this case were members of a violent crew operating in the James Monroe Houses in the Bronx. The violence perpetrated by Monroe Houses Crew members is exemplified by the murder, slashing, and three shootings alleged in today’s indictment. Thanks to the efforts of our partners at the NYPD, HSI, and DOI, the defendants now face federal charges for their crimes.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot F. Shea said: “Violence in the streets of New York City will not be tolerated. The stellar investigative efforts of our NYPD detectives, working together with our law enforcement partners and federal prosecutors, has shut down a violent crew to maintain safety for all.”
HSI Special Agent-in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “As alleged in the indictment, the Monroe Houses crew was responsible for multiple acts of violence and other forms of mayhem. The defendants are charged with participating in shootings, a slashing, narcotics distribution, and bank fraud. HSI is allied with our law enforcement partners to hold crew members accountable for the havoc they wreak on our communities, and together we will ensure there are consequences for their actions.”
DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett said: “DOI is committed to ensuring that New York City public housing remains free from violent gang activity that invades our communities and erodes the safety of residents. We are proud to have partnered with the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, New York City Police Department, and the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations to secure today’s indictment and protect the residents of the James Monroe Houses.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
NYSHIEM SPENCER, a/k/a “Willy,” LAFONE ELEY, a/k/a “Fon Fon,” STEFVON ELEY, a/k/a “Balla,” SHALIK JENKINS, a/k/a “Sha Money,” a/k/a “Double O,” MALIK TUNSTALL, a/k/a “Leaky,” PRICE TUNSTALL, a/k/a “P-Black,” NASIR VINCENT, ALLAN GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Bobby,” JONELL DANFORTH, a/k/a “JD,” ELIJAH BURT, a/k/a “Dizzy,” and ASHANAE MCLAUGHLIN,” are members and associates of the Monroe Houses Crew, a racketeering enterprise that operates principally in the James Monroe Houses. In order to enrich the enterprise, preserve and protect the power of the enterprise, and enhance its criminal operations, Monroe Houses Crew members and associates committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics; committed robberies; engaged in fraud; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.
On or about October 31, 2017, SPENCER and others planned and helped carry out a shooting that resulted in the death of Luis Vargas in the vicinity of 1715 Randall Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
On or about June 25, 2017, LAFONE ELEY and others shot at a rival gang member in the vicinity of the James Monroe Houses in the Bronx, New York.
On or about June 30, 2017, STEFVON ELEY shot and injured a member of the Monroe Houses Crew who had fallen out of favor with other members of the Monroe Houses Crew, in the vicinity of the James Monroe Houses in the Bronx, New York.
On or about May 30, 2018, STEFVON ELEY shot at rival gang members in the vicinity of Rosedale Avenue and Randall Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
On or about September 14, 2019, VINCENT, DANFORTH, BURT, and others slashed a rival gang member in the vicinity of 670 Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
A chart containing the names, charges, and maximum and minimum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, HSI, and DOI.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
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CHARGE
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DEFENDANTS
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MAX. PENALTY
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Count One
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Racketeering conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
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NYSHEIM SPENCER
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Life imprisonment
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LAFONE ELEY
STEFVON ELEY SHALIK JENKINS MALIK TUNSTALL PRICE TUNSTALL NASIR VINCENT ALLAN GONZALEZ JONELL DANFORTH ELIJAH BURT ASHANAE MCLAUGHLIN |
20 years’ imprisonment
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Count Two
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Violent crime in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
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LAFONE ELEY
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20 years’ imprisonment
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Count Three
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Firearms offense
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2
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LAFONE ELEY
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Life imprisonment
Mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment
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Court Four
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Violent crime in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
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STEFVON ELEY
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20 years’ imprisonment
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Count Five
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Firearms offense
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2
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STEFVON ELEY
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Life imprisonment
Mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment
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Count Six
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Violent crime in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
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STEFVON ELEY
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20 years’ imprisonment
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Count Seven
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Firearms offense
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2
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STEFVON ELEY
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Life imprisonment
Mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment
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Count Eight
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Violent crime in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2
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NASIR VINCENT
JONELL DANFORTH ELIJAH BURT |
20 years’ imprisonment
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Count Nine
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Narcotics conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846
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NYSHEIM SPENCER
SHALIK JENKINS MALIK TUNSTALL PRICE TUNSTALL NASIR VINCENT ALLAN GONZALEZ JONELL DANFORTH |
Life imprisonment
Mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment
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Count Ten
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Bank fraud conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1349
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ASHANAE MCLAUGHLIN
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30 years’ imprisonment
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Count Eleven
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Aggravated identity theft
18 U.S.C. § 1028A and 2
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ASHANAE MCLAUGHLIN
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Mandatory two years’ imprisonment
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[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - Black History Month Celebration
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DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION INCREASES INVESTMENTS IN WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE
City now investing $800 million on new water mains over next two years, a $130 million increase
The de Blasio Administration announced the City will be constructing new water mains and increasing staffing as part of several steps in the efforts to ensure the continued reliability of the City’s water delivery system. This initiative brings the City’s capital investment in new water mains and related infrastructure to $800 million over the next two fiscal years
“New York City water is famous for its drinkability,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We must ensure our infrastructure keeps it where it is supposed to be – en route to New Yorkers homes and not spilling out all over the sidewalk. Our investments will continue to bring down water main breaks and bring New Yorkers their water safely.”
“This new effort will further cement New York City as one of the country’s leaders in water main systems and infrastructure,” said Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin. “With more than 8.5 million people who call New York City home, infrastructure that can continue to withstand the daily and long-term stresses is essential.”
“New York City’s water delivery system is not only admired because it is an engineering marvel, but also because it reliably serves more than 8.5 million people about 1 billion gallons of high quality water every day of the year,” said DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “Mayor de Blasio’s additional capital commitments today will ensure that we can continue to build new, stronger water mains while expanding our inspection protocol so that we can continue to reliably deliver the champagne of tap water to every building across the five boroughs.”
New York City has one of the most reliable water main systems in the country, far outperforming the national average. Large cities across the United States average 25 breaks for every 100 miles of water main while the industry has set a best practices goal of 15 breaks for every 100 miles of main. With approximately 6,800 miles of water mains, New York City averages 6.6 breaks for every 100 miles of water main. There are several reasons for the strong performance of the City’s system, including the requirement that the water mains are built with the strongest material available and the maintenance of a consistent pressure grade in order to reduce the fluctuations that could lead to breaks.
To ensure New York City continues to have a leading water system in the nation, the City is taking the following new measures:
Building New Water Mains
The City is adding approximately $128 million in capital funding to ensure the replacement of approximately 1 percent of the system’s water mains annually. The regular replacement of water mains is an important component of maintaining a well-functioning water delivery system.
Expanding Staff
To expand DEP’s pro-active inspections of water mains an additional three crews will be added. Pro-active inspections help DEP identify and repair small leaks before they grow and can cause property damage and affect other services
An additional three crews will be added in order to increase the number of valves that are inspected and exercised annually. Regularly exercising and maintaining the hundreds of thousands of valves throughout the system helps to ensure crews can promptly shut off water when there is a break.
Inter-Agency Coordination
DEP and NYC Emergency Management will meet with the New York City Fire Department, Department of Transportation, Con Edison, National Grid, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority and others to review current coordination protocols in an effort to expedite water shut-off and service restoration during emergencies.
Predictive Modeling
DEP prioritizes new water main construction based on multiple factors including the age, size, material and historical performance of the current main, as well as neighborhood demand for water and proximity of other capital projects. DEP will work to develop a predictive model to forecast the likelihood of future water main breaks.
Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr. - A PROUD FATHER
You should know that my son, Bronx Borough President, Rubén Diaz, Jr.s, decision to withdrew his candidacy for NYC Mayor, has impacted no one more than me. His aspirations to become the first Hispanic mayor of the city of New York was something that I and many in the Latino community were anxiously looking forward to.
You should know that I am so grateful to God for having blessed me with three (3) children who have dedicated their lives to public service. They have dedicated their lives, and served with integrity, honesty, and devotion as public servants of this great city of New York.
Damaris, my firstborn, served as a police officer for 20 years of her life in the protection and safety of New York City’s residents, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. These twenty (20) years were filled with anguish, sleepless nights and much prayers, asking God to protect her so that she would return home safely.
Samuel, my first son, has dedicated more than 27 years working in Public Housing in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). He started working in maintenance, care taker mopping, sweeping, cleaning the stairways and hallways of NYCHA buildings. Samuel, now serves as a supervisor within NYCHA. Samuel like Damaris, never had an appetite for politics. They chose to live private, quiet lives with their families.
Rubencito, is my youngest son. Since the tender age of 19 he served in public office. He started out as a messenger in the City Council where his duties included delivering documents and letters from desk to desk. Then at 23 years of age he was elected as district leader then as a young New York State Assemblyman. Now for the past 10 years he has served the people with distinction as the President of the County of the Bronx.
Rubencito, like Damaris and Samuel, have made me very happy, and proud to call them my children. As my children, regardless of their age, when they see me, whether it be in public or private they always greet me with a kiss, and they audibly ask me to bless them with a “bendición Papi”. A beautiful tradition which translated means, “Bless me Dad." That to me is quite an honor! What a privilege! To have my adult children receive me with this awesome greeting and of course it’s my pleasure to respond with a blessing “Dios te bendiga”.
As you well know, my dear reader, there are thousands of people in New York City and in Puerto Rico who had set their sights and hopes on seeing Rubencito become the first Hispanic ,Latino Mayor of this great city. I admit that I was the first among the thousands who had this great hope. Not only because he is my son, but because he is well qualified, and is of great character. He is disciplined, experienced, intelligent, has integrity, he loves this city, its diversity, and its people.
Believe me, in my many years in public life, I can honestly say that there are very few public officials who possess the qualities of Rubén Diaz, Jr. Again, I don't say this because he is my son. But because he is one of the best human beings that I know and despite all the circumstances that have surrounded him he has never changed his character as a good son, good husband, good father, good friend and excellent public servant.
Before making his decision public, he graciously invited me to Sabrosura Restaurant in Bronx County, to let me know of his decision. We spoke for approximately (2) hours. I tried to talk him out of it. Did my best to change his mind, which may have been a selfish thing to do. But he was adamant about his decision. He decided that it’s what’s best for him, his wife and children, and that decision must be respected. I wish my son the best for his future, his vision, and all those endeavors that he seeks!
As a father, Pastor of a congregation and President of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, I ask everyone to join me in thanking Ruben Diaz Jr., for his dedication and service. I also ask that you keep him in your prayers, that God will keep and guide his path. I ask the same for my other children Damaris and Samuel.
I am Councilman Rev. Rubén Diaz and this is what you should know.
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