Douglaston Development Opens 18,000-Square-Foot Medical Facility At Crossroads Plaza In The South Bronx

Rooftop view of Crossroads Plaza - Photo Courtesy of Douglaston Development

​Douglaston Development recently debuted an 18,000-square-foot medical facility at Crossroads Plaza, a mixed-use affordable housing development in The Bronx. The property is located at 828 East 149th Street in Mott Haven and will be operated by Essen Health Care.

The other two buildings within the Crossroads Plaza complex are located at 501 Southern Boulevard and 535 Union Avenue. With limited urgent-care, medical, and dental facilities in the area, Essen’s new ground-floor space offers a much-needed resource to Crossroads Plaza residents and the surrounding community.

“Essen Health Care’s new facility completes the last phase of the Crossroads Plaza development and we’re thrilled to see this final piece of the project come to fruition,” said Jed Resnick, CEO at Douglaston Development. “Crossroads Plaza not only provides the Bronx community with a broad range of affordable housing options, but simultaneously serves the community with early childhood education, social services, and now healthcare as well.”

The Crossroads Plaza community comprises 425 affordable housing units, all of which are restricted to individuals and households at 40 percent to 130 percent area median income.

Additional components include 60,000 square feet of retail space, a 160-vehicle parking garage, a 20,000-square-foot public plaza, and a children’s playground. The commercial spaces will be occupied by a Universal Pre-Kindergarten program and social service facilities run by The Foundling, which services families with young children.

The complex was completed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the New York City Housing Development Corporation.

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study - Hunts Point and Co-op City Remote Sessions

 

Don't forget! Join members of the planning team for small-group conversations about the Hunts Point and Co-op City station areas?

Sign up to speak with planning staff about draft recommendations for Co-op City. Participants can reserve small group sessions at the following times: Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM* Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM*

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Sign up to speak with planning staff about draft recommendations for Hunts Point. Participants can reserve small group sessions at the following times: Tuesday: 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM*   Thursday: 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM*

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NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: ESD Falls Short in Evaluation of Nearly $2 Billion of Economic Development Programs

 

 Empire State Development (ESD), the public authority responsible for administering many of New York state’s economic development programs, has failed to fully evaluate most of its programs to determine if they are boosting the state’s economy and promoting promised job and business growth, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

ESD spends about $1.8 billion a year in taxpayer money for loans, grants, tax credits and other financial assistance to companies and projects.

“Empire State Development has an important role in helping New York’s economy grow and create jobs, especially now as we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the authority has not fully evaluated which programs work and which don’t,” DiNapoli said. “ESD does not use the data it collects to assess the effectiveness of its programs and see if the billions of dollars spent are creating opportunities across the state. The agency must do a better job of analyzing whether these programs are achieving their goals and share this information with the public.”   

ESD administers 57 programs with over 5,000 associated projects. State laws and regulations require ESD to perform certain program evaluations every two or four years.

DiNapoli’s auditors found that, with few exceptions, ESD does not monitor or evaluate its economic assistance programs to determine whether goals are met, identify program successes and failures, or apply successful strategies to other programs. This creates uncertainty about program effectiveness.

For example, ESD officials said they have reviewed data for their Excelsior Jobs Program and START-UP NY Program that showed positive results and led to some changes in those programs. However, when auditors asked for supporting documentation showing how data was analyzed, ESD was unable to provide it.

Auditors also found that while ESD has migrated, or plans to migrate, many of its programs to a central database (Dynamics), others remain tracked elsewhere, and only 37 of its 57 programs were fully tracked in the Dynamics system. Having its programs and all associated projects in a centralized project tracking system would allow for greater efficiencies in compiling and reporting on relevant data.

DiNapoli recommended ESD:

• Conduct and document evaluations of economic assistance programs to assess performance and ensure they are meeting desired outcomes.
• Identify additional economic assistance programs that would benefit from migration to Dynamics.

In response to DiNapoli’s auditors, ESD officials said they use a multi-level process to evaluate their programs. According to ESD officials, they issue more than 50 quarterly and annual reports each year, which are posted on their website. However, most of these reports do not clearly measure program results, track back to project agreements or examine where jobs were or what they paid. ESD disagreed with the auditor’s first recommendation but agreed with the second recommendation. The agency’s full response is included in the audit.

Audit

Empire State Development: Project Tracking Systems and Economic Assistance Program Evaluations

U.S. Attorney Announces Settlement Of Civil Fraud Lawsuit Against Garment Manfacturer And Its Owner For Fraudulently Underreporting Value Of Imported Goods To Evade Customs Duties

 

Garment Manufacturer and Its Owner Admit to Repeatedly Underreporting the Value of Garments They Imported into the United States

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Frank Russo, Director, Field Operations, New York, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), announced today that the United States settled a civil fraud lawsuit against QUEEN APPAREL NY, INC. (“QUEEN”), a defunct manufacturer and importer of apparel, and HANK HYUNHO CHOI (“CHOI”), the sole owner of QUEEN, for defrauding the United States by knowingly evading customs duties owed on imported goods.  Specifically, the Government alleges that for years QUEEN, with CHOI’s knowledge, repeatedly falsified customs forms by undervaluing the garments it manufactured overseas and then imported into the United States.  As part of the settlement, approved today in Manhattan federal court by U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels, QUEEN and CHOI made admissions regarding their conduct, agreed to pay $50,000 to the United States, and agreed, among other things, to refrain from acting as the importer of record for the purpose of entering merchandise into the United States.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Queen and its owner engaged in a fraudulent scheme to cheat the Government of customs duties owed on imported garments.  This Office remains committed to combatting customs fraud.  Manufacturers, importers, and their owners will be held responsible when they evade customs duties by lying about the value of the goods they bring into the United States.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “Queen Apparel NY underreported the value of garments imported in the United States for the sole purpose of evading customs duties, resulting in a significant financial loss to the US government.  Import fraud affects the integrity of our economy and trade, so HSI makes a priority to investigate any organization who chooses profits over honesty.  Working closely with our partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, together we ensure anything that comes through our borders is in compliance with U.S. law.”

CBP Director of New York Field Operations Frank Russo said: “As global supply chains grow more complex, it is important for American businesses to know their suppliers and be confident of their integrity. The outcome of this case is a testament to the dedication of our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the men and women of CBP in enforcing our nation’s trade laws and holding accountable those perpetrating this type of fraud.”                    

QUEEN is a defunct New York-based manufacturer and importer of garments.  While in business, QUEEN manufactured and imported garments for third parties who would then sell those garments through department stores and national retail chains in the United States.  CHOI was the sole owner of QUEEN and was involved in the management and operations of the business.

The Complaint previously filed in Manhattan federal court alleges that from 2009 to 2013, QUEEN and CHOI manufactured garments overseas, imported those garments into the United States, and then repeatedly and falsely undervalued those garments on customs forms in order to evade the payment of lawful duties to the United States.

As part of the settlement, QUEEN and CHOI admit, acknowledge, and accept responsibility for the following conduct:

• QUEEN manufactured garments and imported them into the United States for various wholesalers.  CHOI was the sole owner of QUEEN and was involved in the management and operations of QUEEN, including the importing of goods.

• QUEEN was responsible for paying any import duties owed to the United States for garments manufactured abroad and imported into the United States by QUEEN. 

• During the relevant time period, and at CHOI’s direction, QUEEN repeatedly undervalued the garments it imported into the United States by making false statements in entry documents and commercial invoices that it presented to CBP.  As a result of these false valuations, QUEEN underpaid customs duties that were due and owing to the United States.  

On March 26, 2019, the United States settled a related civil fraud lawsuit against Byer California, Inc., a wholesaler that used QUEEN to manufacture and import garments from Vietnam.  The conduct in this matter was first brought to the attention of federal law enforcement by a whistleblower who filed a lawsuit under the False Claims Act. 

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of HSI on this case.  He also thanked CBP for its assistance.

Governor Hochul Announces $33 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Security for Nonprofits Facing High Risks of Terrorism

 

Funding Will Help Nonprofit Organizations Strengthen Facility Security and Overall Preparedness

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $33 million in federal funding to support the efforts of 198 nonprofit organizations facing an increased risk of terrorism. These funds will allow nonprofits to strengthen the security of their facilities, as well as enhance their overall preparedness. This funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its Nonprofit Security Grant Program, is being allocated to New York through two separate awards. Organizations within the New York City Metro Area will receive $27 million, and organizations throughout the rest of the State will receive $6.4 million. The FEMA grants complement the additional $25 million in state funding recently announced by Governor Hochul for New York's nonprofits to bolster security and enhance preparedness against hate crimes and related attacks.

"Hate crimes continue to plague the nonprofit community and these funds will help organizations strengthen their security against individuals and groups who have trouble accepting the fact that our diversity is what makes New York State stronger," Governor Hochul said. "Those who perpetrate hate crimes will never win and they will not divide us. New York is the most diverse state in the nation, one of our best attributes, and we must continue to help these organizations protect themselves so they can flourish and continue to serve their communities."

Nationwide, a total of $180 million is being provided through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in FY 2021. Of this amount, $90 million in funding was made available to nonprofit organizations located within one of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)-designated high-risk urban areas. The remaining $90 million was reserved for jurisdictions outside of the UASI-designated areas.

Allowable costs include:

• Planning, including security risk management plans, continuity of operations plans, and response plans
• Equipment such as physical security enhancement equipment, and inspection and screening systems
• Training, including active shooter training, and security training for employees, members, or a congregation
• Response exercises
• Contracted Security Personnel

In New York, the state's UASI-designated high-risk urban area is the New York City Metro Area. Specifically, this consists of New York City, and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties. In 2021, New York leads the nation in both total funding and number of awardees in an UASI-designated area. A total of 182 UASI awards were given to 158 separate nonprofit organizations, for a total of $27 million.

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders. A total of 230 awards were given to 198 organizations since some organizations operate multiple sites.

This federal funding will bolster ongoing efforts led by Governor Hochul to ensure non-public schools and cultural centers, including religious-based institutions, have the resources they need to protect against the threat of hate crimes.

Representative Adriano Espaillat said, "In the 285 days since January 6th, we have learned that we simply cannot take anything for granted - especially when it comes to the security of our most crucial institutions. We are living in a new world, and our communities are facing never-before-seen threats from actors wishing to sow chaos and disrupt the fabric of our neighborhoods. I commend Governor Hochul on today's announcement allocating this vital funding to ensuring our non-profit organizations have the resources they need to strengthen the security of their facilities so they will be able to prepare, react, and rebuild from any crisis and keep our communities safe."

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

WILLIAMS RESPONDS TO JAY JACOBS REFUSING TO ENDORSE INDIA WALTON FOR MAYOR OF BUFFALO

 

"I knew that the systems of the status quo, and the people dedicated to preserving them, were entrenched to the point of absurdity. But I have to admit even I did not expect the Chair of the New York State Democratic Party to compare the Democratic nominee for Mayor of Buffalo, a Black woman who has spent years fighting for her city, to a neo-Nazi Grand Wizard of the KKK. Do the people that Jay Jacobs is trying to shield with this bizarre, offensive statement agree with it? Does the Governor, who he endorsed before a primary even began?

"Jay Jacobs and other Democratic leaders have preached party unity above all else, until it was inconvenient for them. They are standing with a candidate backed by Trump Republicans, rather than with the democratic values they claim to uphold. This is the toxicity that has long plagued New York’s politics and prevented New York’s progress – and it cannot be ignored."

Attorney General James Directs Unregistered Crypto Lending Platforms to Cease Operations In New York, Announces Additional Investigations

 

Today’s Announcement Follows Previous Warnings to Virtual Currency Platforms That Unlawful Activity Will Not Be Tolerated in New York

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced new efforts she is taking to protect New York investors, and the trading markets more generally, from exploitation by high-risk virtual currency schemes. Virtual or “crypto” currency lending platforms are essentially interest-bearing accounts that offer investors a rate of return on virtual currencies that are deposited with them. In New York, these lending platforms must register with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) if they are operating within the state or offering their products to New Yorkers. Today, Attorney General James directed two of these lending platforms to immediately cease their unregistered and unlawful activities in New York and directed three other platforms to immediately provide information about their activities and products.

“Cryptocurrency platforms must follow the law, just like everyone else, which is why we are now directing two crypto companies to shut down and forcing three more to answer questions immediately,” said Attorney General James. “My office is responsible for ensuring industry players do not take advantage of unsuspecting investors. We’ve already taken action against a number of crypto platforms and coins that engaged in fraud or that illegally operated in New York. Today’s actions build on that work and send a message that we will not hesitate to take whatever actions are necessary against any company that thinks they are above the law.”

New York’s Martin Act sets forth a broad list of instruments that are declared to be securities and thus subject to its provisions: “any stocks, bonds, notes, evidences of interest or indebtedness or other securities…or negotiable documents of title, or foreign currency orders, calls or options therefor hereinafter called security or securities.” As courts have stated for almost a century, the Martin Act is a remedial statute, intended to protect the investing public, which means that its provisions — including those setting forth the definition of a “security” — are to be given a broad reading. Indeed, those defined categories of instruments are not exhaustive; other instruments or arrangements can, and have been, deemed securities under the law.

The nature and function of the most common virtual currency lending products or services demonstrate that they fall squarely within any of several categories of “security” under the Martin Act.

The virtual currency lending products at issue in today’s actions promise a fixed or variable rate of return to investors, and claim to deliver those returns by, among other things, trading with, or further lending those virtual assets. The most common virtual currency lending products or services are therefore securities under the Martin Act, including, in particular, those that accept virtual currencies in exchange for a rate of return. As a result, entities offering such products from New York or to New Yorkers must be registered with the OAG as brokers, dealers, or salespersons, unless exempted.

In 2021, the OAG’s Investor Protection Bureau continued the modernization of its registration operations, and updated its commodities personnel registration forms to collect information regarding virtual currencies. In March 2021, the OAG specifically notified the industry that those dealing in virtual currencies directly (such as trading platforms) must register with the Investor Protection Bureau, unless exempted.

In the past, Attorney General James has not hesitated to hold cryptocurrency trading platforms and token issuers accountable. Just last month, Attorney General James shut down the  cryptocurrency trading platform Coinseed, Inc. after she filed a lawsuit against the company earlier this year.

On that same day last month, Attorney General James secured a recovery of nearly half a billion dollars unlawfully obtained from investors who financially backed GTV Media Group, Inc. and its parent company, Saraca Media Group, Inc. In addition to unlawfully selling stocks, the company was selling two digital instruments promoted as cryptocurrencies without registering in New York state.

In February, Attorney General James announced an agreement with Bitfinex, Tether, and related entities that ended all of their trading activity in the state of New York, imposed an $18.5 million penalty on the companies, and increased transparency.

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $91 Million Affordable Housing Development in the Bronx

 

Sustainable Arthur Avenue Apartments Includes 177 Affordable Homes for Seniors in Health-Oriented, Energy-Efficient Community 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Arthur Avenue Apartments, a new $91 million affordable housing development with 177 apartments in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx. The development includes 54 apartments reserved for formerly homeless seniors in need of support services. The sustainably designed building features 4,500 square feet of health-oriented community space including an interior greenhouse with a teaching kitchen, a working vegetable garden for tenant use, and two landscaped outdoor terraces.  

"New Yorkers deserve access to safe, affordable housing — especially seniors and those struggling to make ends meet," Governor Hochul said. "The Arthur Avenue Apartments will bring much-needed affordable housing to The Bronx, helping the most vulnerable New Yorkers live with dignity and security."

“Affordable and supportive housing not only strengthens a community, it brings the keys of opportunity to residents and businesses alike,” said Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin. “I’m proud to work with Governor Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas as we announce 177 affordable new homes for seniors in Belmont, with health, social, and wellness services and facilities especially for seniors, including 52 units reserved for homeless and medically frail seniors.”

Arthur Avenue Apartments consists of a single nine-story building with 177 homes for households age 62 or older. Seventeen apartments are available to households earning at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income and 105 apartments are available to households earning at or below 50 percent of the AMI. 54 apartments are reserved for formerly homeless seniors with chronic health conditions, who will receive on-site supportive services and rental subsidies funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the NYS Department of Health.  

Supportive services include activities that promote socialization, life skills training, education and fitness-based instruction groups, nutritional education and cooking, and music therapy. The supportive service provider is the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, also the project's co-developer along with Foxy Management. 

The building was designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star programs. Energy-efficient features include low-flow bathroom fixtures; motion-sensor LED lighting in common areas; EnergyStar appliances; a rooftop solar array; efficient irrigation/water reuse system; highly efficient boiler and water heater; and low volatile organic compound "VOC" finishes throughout. 

Residents of Arthur Avenue Apartments have access to a working vegetable garden where they can grow their own food and share with the community, an interior greenhouse linked to a teaching kitchen, and two outdoor terraces on the 8th floor connected to two large multipurpose community rooms. Additional amenities include 24-hour security, on-site laundry, bicycle storage, and an office suite for support services.  

Nearby neighborhood services include the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, St. Barnabas Hospital, several urgent care clinics, three libraries with senior programming, grocery and retail, a subway station, and a Metro-North train station. 

State Financing for Arthur Avenue Apartments includes $19.2 million in tax-exempt bonds, federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $36 million in equity, and an additional $13.2 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development provided $13.3 million through its Senior Affordable Rental Assistance Program and 122 Project-Based Section 8 vouchers. New York City Council awarded the project $500,000.  

HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "This $91 million highly energy-efficient and sustainable development provides a healthy and affordable home for at-risk senior households. Arthur Avenue Apartments will provide important supportive services to residents while also cultivating active living and a wellness-oriented environment. In addition, the building's extensive energy-efficiency and sustainability features will support the state's goal of reducing carbon emissions, especially in underserved neighborhoods like the Bronx. Congratulations to Foxy Management and our partners in government for this accomplishment that will improve the lives of so many New Yorkers."  

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Reliable, affordable and safe housing is essential for good health, and I am confident that Arthur Avenue Apartments are equipped to provide their residents with the services and support they need. I am proud of our continued efforts to move our state forward and provide New Yorkers with the security they need for a bright and healthy future."   

HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll said, "Senior housing is not just about affordability - it's about making sure our elders can thrive. Arthur Ave Apartments provide more than 170 senior households the opportunity to do just that by providing services and space to boost their wellness: a community garden, teaching kitchen, two roof terraces and more. 

Congressman Ritchie Torres said, "As the Bronx continues to grow, it is crucial to see increased direct investment in affordable housing to support vibrant neighborhoods like Belmont. I am proud to celebrate the groundbreaking on 177 units that will provide stability and opportunity for Bronx residents. I look forward to seeing continued investment in affordable housing in the Bronx in order to lift up working families.