Mayoral Candidate Ray McGuire Visits Riverdale to Walk Johnson Avenue with Councilman Eric Dinowitz

 

They met at Starbucks on Johnson Avenue at West 235th Street in Riverdale, Mayoral candidate Ray McGuire and Councilman Eric Dinowitz. The two walked along Johnson Avenue stopping to talk to people eating outdoors at one of the many different eateries on Johnson Avenue. This was not an endorsement, but a new Councilman bringing another mayoral candidate to see a part of the Eleventh City Council District. 

The pair stopped at Riverdale favorite Metate Mexican food a fixture on Johnson Avenue, to talk with diners, and a mother pushing a stroller nearby.

The pair strolled past another Johnson Avenue favorite, the Blue Bay Diner.

The pair wound up at Menchie's Yogurt Store, another Johnson Avenue favorite, as they talked to more people on the street. 

RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: STANDARD & POOR’S GLOBAL RATINGS LIFTS NEW YORK CITY'S GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND CREDIT OUTLOOK

 

The revision to “stable” confirms the City’s sound fiscal recovery strategy

 Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P) revised its outlook to stable on New York City’s general obligation (GO) bonds and affirmed the AA rating assigned to its outstanding GO debt. The return to a stable outlook reflects recognition of reduced uncertainty of pandemic-caused credit stress, robust federal stimulus, and the effectiveness of the City’s financial planning in the face of severe budgetary stress.   

S&P based its revision on the city’s successful vaccination efforts, receipt of more than $15 billion in stimulus that is invested in the current financial plan, and budget actions including the restoration of $1.6 billion in budget reserves through the Retiree Health Benefits Trust and the removal of unspecified labor savings in Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022. Further, the rating agency recognized that the most recent New York State Budget allocates long awaited Campaign for Fiscal Equity education funding to New York City which ramps up to $1.1 billion annually over the financial plan.

 

Additionally, S&P affirmed its A+ rating on debt issued by the Hudson Yards Infrastructure Corporation.

 

“New York City is resilient and we’re coming back strong,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “A recovery for all of us means investing in our people and building the right foundation for a post-COVID economy.” 

 

“Rating agencies are forward-looking financial monitors.  S&P’s decision to raise the City’s bond rating outlook, coming right after Moody’s similar action last week, is a vote of confidence in the City’s economic recovery, strong fiscal management by the de Blasio administration and resiliency of New Yorkers,” said Lorraine Grillo, Senior Advisor for Recovery.

 

The S&P revision comes shortly after Moody’s Investor Services raised the city’s GO bond credit outlook to stable and affirmed actions the City has taken to maintain fiscal stability in response to the crisis brought on by COVID-19, the greatest budgetary stress test the city has faced in generations. Moody’s highlighted the role of City’s vaccination program, stressed that high vaccination rates as compared with the US overall will drive confidence in the local economy, and noted the positive effect that the city’s accelerating reopening will have on employment and tax revenues. The agency also affirmed that outyear budget gaps are manageable.

 

In April, Mayor Bill de Blasio presented the Recovery Budget, New York City’s $98.6 billion Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). The Recovery Budget is an historic stimulus-driven investment in the city’s comeback that will drive economic growth, lift up working families and small businesses, promote academic and social resilience and ensure a clean and safe city for all. The Recovery Budget is fiscally responsible with $4.59 billion in budget reserves and $3.9 billion in savings achieved in the Citywide Savings Program which stretches across Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022.

 

Read S&P’s May 18, 2021 rating report here, and Moody’s May 13, 2021 Rating Action Report here.

 

Alleged Manhattan Drug Dealer Arrested For Causing Overdose Death

 

 Audrey Strauss, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging EDWARD NAVEDO, a/k/a “Eddy Bolsas,” with distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 41-year-old man (the “Victim”) on or about December 19, 2020, in New York, New York.  NAVEDO was arrested this morning, presented and arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger this afternoon, and ordered detained.  The case is assigned to United States District Judge Analisa Torres.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, Edward Navedo sold fentanyl, and a dose he sold resulted in a victim’s death.  Today’s arrest is part of our ongoing commitment to confront this serious public health crisis.”   

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “Today’s arrest is another example of the NYPD’s commitment to holding accountable those allegedly responsible for causing overdose deaths and our continued close partnerships with the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District. Anyone who deals in illegal narcotics should understand that the nation’s best investigators will stop at nothing to fight crime and keep safe all the people we serve.

According to the allegations in the Indictment and information in the public record[1]:

On or about December 19, 2020, the Victim died due to a drug overdose and was found to be in possession of, among other things, a packet stamped with a distinctive red marking.  Following an investigation, the NYPD identified NAVEDO as the dealer who sold the Victim the drugs that resulted in his death.  The NYPD subsequently made several undercover purchases of additional narcotics from NAVEDO – including heroin and fentanyl – some of which NAVEDO sold in packets that bore the same distinctive red stamp as that recovered from the Victim.

NAVEDO, 60, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress, and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.  This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod L. Schaeffer is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment 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 Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

ALABAMA WOMAN WHO CLAIMED TO LIVE IN NYC FOR NINE YEARS ARRESTED FOR STEALING MORE THAN $120K IN WELFARE AND HOUSING BENEFITS

 

 New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro announced the arrest of an Alabama woman who allegedly collected nearly $70,000 in welfare benefits in New York State by misreporting her residency, employment and marriage status and using two different Social Security numbers.  She also misrepresented her residence to obtain New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) rental benefits in excess of $50,000. 

Latonja Serling, 57, of Calera, Alabama, was arrested and arraigned in New York City Criminal Court before Hon. John Zhuo on two counts of Grand Larceny in the 2nd Degree, one count of Welfare Fraud in the 2nd Degree (C Felonies), and two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree. 

In November 2018, the Office of the Welfare Inspector General (OWIG) received a complaint alleging that Serling was committing welfare fraud and collecting benefits via the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA). 

OWIG’s investigation of the allegation included reviewing real estate and employment records, use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, bank records, and Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn account postings. The investigation determined that from November 2012 to present, Serling misrepresented her residence as 218 West 112th Street in New York City when she resided in either Birmingham or Calera, Alabama. OWIG also determined that Serling failed to report her employment income, her marriage, and the income of her spouse – all of which she was required to report to HRA. The investigation also found that Serling used two different Social Security numbers and she misrepresented her residence to obtain $52,646 in rental benefits through a NYCHA program.

Cumulatively, it is alleged that Serling collected $21,664 in SNAP benefits and $48,240 in Medicaid benefits, totaling $69,904. She also allegedly took $52,646 in NYCHA rental assistance. In total, Serling received $122,550 in benefits to which she was not entitled. 

“For years, this individual allegedly lied about her residence, employment and other matters so she could receive more than $120,000 meant for those New Yorkers who depend on these important social safety nets,” said Inspector General Tagliafierro. “We will not tolerate the actions of those who misrepresent themselves in order to steal benefits reserved for others truly in need.”

OWIG has been working on the matter with the New York City Department of Investigation’s Inspector General for NYCHA. Inspector General Tagliafierro thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the case and the Social Security Administration, the NYC Department of Investigation, NYCHA and HRA for assisting in the investigation. 

The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

As New York State Adopts CDC Mask and Social Distancing Guidance, Governor Cuomo Announces 62% of Adult New Yorkers and 51% of All Eligible New Yorkers Have Received at Least One COVID-19 Vaccine Dose

 

109,748 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours   

800,437 Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days

845 Doses Administered on First Day of Expanded MTA Vaccinations Program

Vaccine Dashboard Updated Daily on the State's Vaccine Program Here

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced 62 percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older and 51 percent of all vaccine-eligible New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 109,748 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and 800,437 doses have been administered statewide over the past seven days. 845 doses were administered at MTA station stops on May 18, the first day of the expansion of the successful pilot program.        

"As we hit a major milestone in reopening our state, it's important to remember that our progress on vaccinations has been a key component in making this big comeback possible," Governor Cuomo said. "Reopening does not in any way mean that getting vaccinated has become less urgent. As always, we are continuing to work with community leaders and organizations to make sure the vaccine is accessible to every New Yorker, and our providers are working around the clock to administer more shots. If you still need to get your shot, you just have to show up at one of our many sites across the state and roll up your sleeve."       

All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on vaccine appointments near them.                                      

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN
Total doses administered - 17,854,772
Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 109,748
Total doses administered over past 7 days - 800,437
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 62.2%
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 53.0%
Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 50.5%
Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 42.5%  

A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES RELIEF FOR NEW YORK CITY’S HOTEL INDUSTRY

Signs Executive Order to eliminate the hotel room occupancy tax from June 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today signed an Executive Order eliminating the 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax rate for a three-month period, from June 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021. The relief provided by the tax rate reduction is designed to help accelerate the recovery of the hotel industry, which has been particularly hit hard by the pandemic. This executive action will help hotels keep their doors open, retain jobs, and gain a more stable footing as the city continues its path toward a full recovery.   

“As our COVID rates continue to plummet and we continue to drive a recovery for all of us, tourists will be coming back to New York City in droves. We’re ready for them,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “By eliminating the hotel room occupancy tax for this summer, we’re accelerating our economic recovery, saving jobs and providing relief for one of our hardest-hit industries.”

 

The dramatic decrease in tourism and business travel due to the pandemic has had a significant impact on the hotel industry. The stresses on the industry are evident in a number of key indicators, including substantial decreases in jobs, inventory, and occupancy rates. Revenue from the hotel room occupancy tax is down approximately 89% as compared with Fiscal Year 2020, further demonstrating the pandemic’s impact on the industry.

 

This Executive Order comes on the heels of NYC & Company’s $30 million “NYC Reawakens” marketing campaign, which seeks to highlight the vast attractions in New York City and bring back the tourism industry. NYC & Company forecasts 36 million visitors to New York City in 2021 and the tax rate reduction will complement the multi-faceted effort underway for a successful restoration of the leisure and hospitality sector, which has suffered the loss of approximately 257,000 jobs from March through December 2020. By eliminating the 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax, hotels could lower the cost of their rooms, which will increase demand and recapture some of the lost ground on room occupancy.

 

“It is undeniable that New York City's hotel industry, which welcomed tens of millions of tourists and business travelers before the pandemic, suffered tremendously as travel halted. As the City’s Recovery for All continues to gain momentum, this targeted and temporary tax reduction will provide wind at the backs of the hotel industry, helping put more New Yorkers to work as they roll out the red carpet for all who seek accommodations, whether for leisure or business,” said Department of Finance Commissioner Sherif Soliman.

 

“COVID-19 has devastated the hotel industry. It is critical that we lend a helping hand to help an industry that is very dependent on tourism, and eliminating the hotel room occupancy for the summer season is a good step. I want to thank the Hotel Trades Council and the Hotel Association of New York for their advocacy on this issue,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. 

 

Gjonaj Food Giveaway On Boston Road

 

Tuesday Afternoon on the island under the elevated subway where White Plains Road Southbound and Boston Road meet and cross Team Gjonaj handed out two-hundred boxes of food to area residents. An added bonus given out were Councilman Gjonaj cloth face masks. 

Councilman Gjonaj sent people to the check in table to sign in, get a Team Gjonaj face mask, and then pick up their box of various food.

A Councilman Gjonaj face mask is given after the person checked in, and then they went over to get a box of assorted food.

BRONX DA DARCEL D. CLARK RELEASES REPORT ON USE OF FORCE BY POLICE AGAINST JAHMEL LEACH

 

23-Page Report Outlines Public Integrity Bureau’s Investigation and Finding of No Criminality; Video Released 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today released the report on the investigation into the use of force against Jahmel Leach by the New York City Police Department in Fordham on June 1, 2020, as well as video of the incident. 

 Surveillance video obtained during the investigation shows Jahmel Leach, 16, in the vicinity of East Fordham Road and Morris Avenue on June 1, 2020 at approximately 9:00 p.m. Mr. Leach is seen among a crowd of people heel-kicking a T-Mobile storefront. Mr. Leach then moved to another spot and attempted to light debris on fire. NYPD Police Officer Kevin Hickey observed Mr. Leach and tasered him, causing him to fall to the ground and injure the right side of his face. Two other police officers approached Mr. Leach and each struck him once with a baton in the lower part of his body. Police then took Mr. Leach into custody and his case was processed in Family Court.

 The investigation found no criminality on the part of the responding police officers, and it did not find that the force used to arrest and restrain Mr. Leach was excessive or otherwise unjustified.

 District Attorney Clark said, “Many took to the streets peacefully to decry the killing of George Floyd, but violence and looting broke out in the Fordham area on June 1, 2020. In the midst of the chaos, NYPD Officers observed Mr. Leach allegedly trying to ignite a fire, which could have hurt the officers, people in the area and Mr. Leach himself. After a full investigation, we have concluded that there was no criminality on the part of three police officers.

 “I support the right to peacefully protest, but I will not tolerate violence in our community. Neither will I tolerate police misconduct or brutality, and my Office will review and take seriously any such allegations from the public.”

 Mr. Leach’s family and lawyer met with the Public Integrity Bureau today to be informed of the findings. District Attorney Clark thanked the Public Integrity Bureau for conducting a thorough investigation.

The 27 page report and the link to the video on the last page can be found at https://www.bronxda.nyc.gov/downloads/pdf/annual-reports/BXDA-Report-NYPD-Jahmel%20Leach.pdf