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Wednesday, November 24, 2021
THE NEW BXCC - Bronx Business News You Can Use
Governor Hochul Provides Thanksgiving Message and Encourages New Yorkers to Get Vaccinated
Hi, I'm Governor Kathy Hochul. I want to wish all New Yorkers a Happy Thanksgiving.
For many of us, the holiday season is a special time of year when we gather with our families and loved ones. But we're also headed into a vulnerable time when more people are traveling and gathering indoors. That means that the chance of spreading COVID-19 is higher. Unfortunately, we are already seeing that play out in regions across New York State.
My team has been closely working with local leaders on this, and last weekend I held calls with county executives in every region of the state. I let them know that the State will provide any resources and support they need to combat this deadly virus. I want to thank local officials, like Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who are taking strong actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their community. That's the kind of leadership we need to see.
I'm also asking business owners for their help. Please encourage your customers and staff to be vaccinated and to wear masks if your business is indoors. We're all in this together and we need everyone to do their part because the bottom line is that we can't afford another spike in the numbers this winter. So let's be smart.
We know the tools to stop the spread of this deadly virus.I know many of you are tired of hearing about this pandemic, but we're not through it yet, and the vaccine is truly our way out. Recent data shows that less than one percent of vaccinated New Yorkers are hospitalized due to COVID. So, if you haven't gotten the shot, what are you waiting for? Now is the best time to get yourself vaccinated ahead of the holidays. Don't put it off. Go to COVID19.health.ny.gov to make an appointment.
Thankfully, 90 percent of New Yorkers have received at least one dose, and I want to thank you for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. If you've already gotten your two doses, then you should get a booster shot. I got a booster shot a few weeks ago because my family will be visiting for Thanksgiving. And you know what? It didn't hurt and I felt fine. More importantly, I knew I was keeping myself and my family and my 85 year old father safe.
The Food and Drug Administration recently authorized the booster for all adults, and doctors recommend getting the booster. The booster is free and safe and widely available. There are nearly 4,500 locations in New York that are giving out booster shots. So book an appointment today at ny.gov/boosters.
We've also been working on a detailed plan of action in consultation with doctors and local health officials to vaccinate our children who are 5 and older. Vaccinating our children not only protects them from variants, it also prevents the spread of COVID.Now I know parents and guardians out there still want to learn more about the vaccine for their child. I get it, I'm a mom, too. So I encourage you to talk to your pediatrician. Doctors and respected health experts agree: the vaccine is safe for children. So please take this holiday break to get your child vaccinated. It's the perfect time before getting together with family members.
As an incentive, I recently announced a chance for a full scholarship for children at a SUNY or CUNY college or university, and today I want to congratulate our first week round of winners. There's still four more weeks left, so don't miss out. Please visit ny.gov/vaccinateeducategraduate to enroll. Not only are you keeping your child safe and healthy, you are creating a bright future for them.
I'm also proud to announce a new incentive today called Take Your Shot for An Outdoor Adventure. Starting December 1, five lucky New Yorkers who get their first shot will have the chance to win lifetime hunting, fishing and birding licenses and deluxe gear to go with it! So what are you waiting for? Go to dec.ny.gov to learn more about how to enroll.
Finally, if we want to beat COVID, we also need to keep flu cases down. So don't forget to get your annual flu shot.
I'll close by sharing a few tips at home to keep yourself and others safe from COVID for Thanksgiving tomorrow. Limit gatherings to only vaccinated family and loved ones.If you can, get tested prior to seeing anyone who is at high risk. If the weather permits open the windows and doors. Think about ventilation. If you feel sick, stay home.Wear a mask when in public indoor places.
And if you're already vaccinated and got the booster I have one more request for you, I want you to think about the person in your life who isn't vaccinated yet. Reach out to them. Tell them why you chose to get the vaccine and encourage them to do so, too.
Tell them not to wait. Don't put it off.
So let's do this, New Yorkers. Let's prevent a spike in the numbers this winter. And celebrate with our loved ones safely this holiday season.
Thank you.
MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY PLANS FOR PEDESTRIAN SPACE AROUND ROCKEFELLER CENTER
City to partially close 49th and 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, with defined pedestrian spaces
As visitors return to Manhattan this holiday season, Mayor de Blasio, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and New York City Police Department (NYPD) today announced the return of temporarily expanded pedestrian space on the streets around Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. With crowds this year expected to be the largest since the start of the pandemic, the Mayor and City officials strongly encourage New Yorkers to use public transportation.
“No place on earth is more magical than midtown during the holidays, and New Yorkers and visitors alike will get to enjoy the neighborhood with more pedestrian space than ever,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Public transit is the best way to get to the neighborhood, and these pedestrianized streets will create a safe, spacious, and welcoming environment for everyone who enjoys the holiday season.”
“Traffic safety and security are paramount all year round in New York City, and particularly as the winter holidays approach,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster. “This year, as in years past, our NYPD officers will be working around the clock along with our government partners to ensure a safe and fun holiday season for all who wish to visit the sights and stroll in Midtown Manhattan with their friends and loved ones.”
“We expect that as New York City continues to recover from the pandemic, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will once again be a major destination for New Yorkers and of course for the tourists once again flocking to our city,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Creating more space for pedestrians around Rockefeller Center will keep people safe while ensuring minimal disruption to the rest of the life of the city. New Yorkers can of course do their part by avoiding unnecessary driving in Midtown during the holiday season.”
Starting Friday, the City will pedestrianize the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, using movable barriers to institute full or partial street closures to alleviate swelling foot traffic along sidewalks. Changes include:
- Pedestrian-Only Side Streets: 49th and 50th Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues will be open only to pedestrians during the most congested hours.
- The City will close these streets to vehicle traffic between 11 a.m. and midnight daily.
- Stricter crowd-control protocols are expected to be in place for the tree-lighting scheduled for Wednesday, December 1st.
- 5th Avenue: Movable barriers will be placed on the east and west sides of 5th Avenue between 48th and 52nd Streets, eliminating a lane of traffic on each side of the avenue to create more pedestrian space. Additionally, there will be no turns allowed onto 47th, 49th, or 51st Streets.
- 6th Avenue: Movable barriers will be placed on the east side of 6th Avenue between 48th and 52nd Streets, eliminating one lane of traffic to create more pedestrian space.
- Buses: MTA buses will bypass all stops between 48th to 52nd Streets, and all crosstown buses will be re-routed around Rockefeller Center during pedestrian-only hours.
NYPD will conduct round-the-clock monitoring of the area to adjust the barriers if needed during times of unusual pedestrian activity or extreme weather. Closing streets to vehicle traffic will protect pedestrians while ensuring minimal disruptions to transit and police operations, allowing the City to permit the flow of many morning commuters while protecting pedestrians at peak times.
Long Island Pain Management Doctor Pleads Guilty To Tax Evasion
Defendant Claimed More Than $1 Million in Fraudulent Tax Deductions for False Business Checks He Provided to a Black Market Money Exchange Network.
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”) New York Field Office, and Keith Kruskall, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), today announced that defendant JORDAN SUDBERG pled guilty to tax evasion for the calendar years 2015 through 2017, in connection with false deductions from a scheme involving his issuance of hundreds of business checks falsely purporting to be payments for business services, which he provided in exchange for cash to a black market money exchange network. As part of his plea SUDBERG agreed to pay $551,660 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and forfeit an additional $243,257. SUDGERG pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted in court today, Jordan Sudberg engaged in a years-long pattern of fabricating false business expenses to conceal from the IRS large portions of his substantial income earned from his medical practices. He fraudulently claimed more than $1 million in deductions that should have been reported to the IRS as taxable income, and allowed other individuals to create purportedly legitimate origin for their illicit cash in the process. Now Sudberg awaits sentencing for his crime.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “Medical professionals should be in the business of caring for people, not evading taxes. IRS-CI agents are specially trained to detect tax fraud – even elaborate schemes like the one Sudberg allegedly devised.”
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Kruskall said: “This defendant allegedly engaged in a scheme where he purposefully claimed a significantly lower income to evade U.S. tax law. Thanks to the dedication of our law enforcement partners, the defendant will finally be paying his fair share.”
According to the allegations contained in the Information to which SUDBERG pled guilty, a Civil Forfeiture Complaint filed against funds seized from SUDBERG, a Criminal Complaint and Information filed against SUDBERG’s co-conspirator Hua Fen Bi, and statements made in court:
From at least 2015 through 2017, SUDBERG devised and perpetrated a scheme to evade a substantial portion of his personal income taxes. During that period, SUDBERG owned two S-corporations through which he operated a medical practice, specializing in pain management, at locations located in Manhattan, Long Island, and Queens, New York. SUDBERG issued hundreds of checks made payable to various companies and falsely purporting to be payments for business services. In fact, those companies had not performed any business services for SUDBERG’s corporations. In exchange for the checks, SUDBERG received sums of cash that were equal to the value of the checks minus a small fee. SUDBERG falsely reported to the IRS that the checks were for legitimate business expenses and claimed deductions in the amount of the checks, thereby substantially understating his taxable income.
SUDBERG’s tax evasion helped support an unlicensed money services network operated by a number of co-conspirators, including Hua Fen Bi, who was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon on May 24, 2021, for his role in conspiring to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. This network permitted individuals to exchange cash for business checks like those provided by SUDBERG, thereby generating a false and nominally legitimate source of funds, including for the laundering of narcotics proceeds.
SUDBERG pled guilty to one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
SUDBERG is scheduled to be sentenced on February 23, 2022.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Internal Revenue Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration on this case. He also thanked the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force for their support and assistance.
Attorney General James Shuts Down Illegal Debt Collection Businesses, Recovers $1.2 Million
Collectors Made Unlawful, False, and Deceptive Threats to Consumers to Collect Debt
AG James Encourages New Yorkers Who Fell Victim to These Deceptive Debt Collectors to File a Claim
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced she is shutting down an illegal debt collection scheme operating in western New York and recovering $1.2 million in penalties and restitution for victims. An agreement with Buffalo-based debt collector Andrew Fanelli and his companies — Northwood Asset Management Group LLC, Pinnacle Asset Recovery Group LLC, and Koalaty Pay LLC — permanently bans them from any future consumer debt collection. Collectors working for Fanelli’s companies routinely used illegal tactics to collect consumer debt, including false threats of criminal action, wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, and lawsuits.
“New Yorkers can trust that I will always stand up for our most vulnerable, especially when their wallets are at risk,” said Attorney General James. “While illegal debt collectors have used Buffalo as their hub of operations for illicit conduct for years, we are continuing to fight back and shut down these companies one by one. The unlawful behavior perpetrated by Andrew Fanelli and his companies defrauded consumers, but this agreement will end their illegal behavior, once and for all. I encourage anyone who may have fallen victim to these deceptive debt collectors to immediately file a claim with our office to recover what was unlawfully taken from them.”
Fanelli began his debt collection career collecting debts for Douglas MacKinnon, an illegal debt collection kingpin shut down by Attorney General James in 2019. His company operated as Fanelli and Associates, later changing its name to Northwood Asset Management Group. Fanelli also used another one of his companies, Pinnacle Asset Recovery, to purchase consumer debt. Call recordings obtained by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) revealed that collectors working for Fanelli routinely used deceptive and illegal threats to collect on consumer debts.
Fanelli also operated as a debt broker, selling debts to and placing debts for collection with other collectors that engaged in egregious violations of the law. For example, Fanelli placed debts with Kenneth Thomas’s company, Midway Resolution Services LLC, which defrauded and harassed consumers by using call spoofing and impersonating government officials to collect debts. Thomas and his company were sued by the OAG in September 2020 and have since been shut down and have been banned from the debt collection industry. Fanelli also operated Koalaty Pay LLC, a business that helped other illegal debt collectors obtain payment processing services.
This agreement permanently bans Fanelli and his companies from engaging in consumer debt collection, consumer debt brokering, consumer lending, debt settlement, credit repair services, and payment processing. Within six months, Fanelli is required to dissolve all of his companies.
The agreement also requires Fanelli and his companies to pay $1.2 million to the OAG in restitution and penalties.
Any consumer who was the subject of false and illegal threats by Northwood Asset Management Group may be entitled to restitution and should promptly file a complaint with the OAG’s Buffalo Regional Office.
MAYOR DE BLASIO, POLICE COMMISSIONER SHEA DELIVER REMARKS AT THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE BALLOON INFLATION
Mayor Bill de Blasio: This really one of the very best things that happens all year in New York City. And I want to thank everybody at Macy's. You are amazing partners. Jeff, I’ve got to tell you, you and your team, you do so much for New York City. I want to thank you for that. And this is a labor of love every year. It's such a beautiful thing. So, listen, these balloons, just for people to come and see them pumped up, the families come out, kids come out, it's absolutely beautiful. And then, the parade itself is one of the best moments of the whole year. And it is also a moment where the whole nation looks to New York City and sees the greatness of all New Yorkers and this place on display. It’s a very proud moment every year for New York City. And it's especially proud after what we've been through the last couple of years.
It is beautiful to have this parade back full strength. It's going to be a magical, magical moment. The weather is cooperating. I’m knocking on wood. The weather is cooperating for tomorrow, so it's looking good all around. And we have amazing balloons. And every year, there's new, exciting balloons. And so, for everybody – this is going to be something for everyone, literally. And it's going to be safe. You're going to hear from the Commissioner in a moment. It's going to be safe, because the NYPD is going to be out in force. The plans are fantastic. And we're happy to report, everything is going very, very smoothly. It's going to be safe because, people have gone out and gotten vaccinated in this city in a way that surpasses almost every place else in the country. It's something to be proud of. And we welcome people, come out tomorrow, dress warm, be safe, and experience one of the most beautiful things that happens every year in New York City.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is back. It's something to be proud of. It's something to be excited about. And I’ve got to tell you, Macy's, once again, after eight years of working with you guys, you are supreme professionals. You do everything the right way and you love this city. And I’ve got to tell you, that means so much to all of us. So, I want to thank you on behalf of 8.8 million New Yorkers. Jeff, to you and everybody at Macy's, once again, job well done. Thank you for all you do for us. It's my great pleasure to introduce the CEO of Macy's Jeff Gennette.
CEO Jeffrey Gennette, Macy’s: Thank you, sir. Alright. Thank you, Mayor. And thanks for everybody for being here today. So, on behalf of everybody, the 100,000 strong at Macy's, all of our colleagues both here in New York City and across the country. Welcome to balloon inflation. And this is the 95th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. So, we are hours away from the start of this world spectacle that we do every year. And this is the official kickoff of the holiday season. So, we're thrilled to bring back this cherished tradition from here on the Upper West Side, going all the way to our flagship at 34th Street. This is in very close partnership with our partners in New York City, as well as the State, and all the agencies. And it gives us the opportunity to bring magic to New York, as well as the country.
So, in this partnership we share values. We share values of community and celebrating the milestones and traditions that we serve. So, as this is the end of your term, Mayor, we've worked together closely over the past eight years. And I would say the last two have been quite remarkable, in that using the opportunity on the July 4th, and here on the parade, no matter what was going on, to make it work. And I thank you for your partnership on that. We brought a New York a lot of joy. And especially this year, as we re-entry, and have recovery, and revitalization of this beloved city that we love to be a part of. I’d also like to thank the Commissioner. And Commissioner Shea, I mean, your amazing team that keeps this community safe, we love working with you as part of the Macy's group. And so, thank you for your leadership on that. I’d love to be able to also talk about the thousands of city colleagues in New York City that help us pull off this parade, as well as the amazing colleagues at Macy's. It wouldn't be without – we couldn't do it without them.
So, let me tell you a little bit about this year's parade. It's going to be pretty magical. So, you're going to see, if you walk this, a lot of our new character balloons. So, we have the Funko Pop, which is – think about Baby Yoda from Mandalorian, so that's like at the very front. Go take a look at that. We have amazing new floats. So, we have the Disney Cruise Line, as well as Kalahari, with all the Disney characters are going to be on that. Great entertainers are lined up.
So, Carrie Underwood is the headline. We've got John Batiste, for those of who know him. He basically just got nine – or, 11 Grammy nominations. He's going to be with us. We're going to have Kelly Rowland, Foreigner, just packed with entertainment. We'll have 16 character balloons. We have 36 novelty balloons. We've got our new one called Tiptoe. It's going be the first walking balloon puppet. It's 18 feet tall, get ready for that. And that's going to be visiting the crowd all the way through the route. We have 28 floats, 1,200 cheerleaders and dancers, 10 marching bands, 800 clowns. And as well, for the fifth year in a row, we're going to have the Macy's singing Christmas tree, which is packed with amazing Macy's colleagues from across the country, singing their hearts out for America. And then, of course, it wouldn't be complete without Santa Claus – the only real Santa Claus – and he'll be here on 34th Street to usher in the holiday season at the end of the parade.
So, as we all go to sleep tonight, this amazing parade team that represents Macy's is going to pull all this together and we're going to be ready for kickoff on a beautiful day at nine o'clock tomorrow morning. So, happy Thanksgiving on the behalf of Macy's, to everybody here. And, Mayor, I'm turning it back to you.
Mayor: Thank you so much, Jeff. And, Jeff, I want to just tell you, as you said, the 4th of July, especially in 2020, when this city was going through so much, Macy's did so much to give people hope and spirit. And you guys have just been absolutely fantastic partners. So, a lot of work's going to happen between now and tomorrow morning. And a lot of work is going to be done by all the City agencies, but I want to highlight and thank the men and women of the NYPD who are keeping us safe. I want to emphasize, there are no – no specific and incredible threats against this parade and against New York City. That's the very, very good news, very important news. But to hear about all the extraordinary preparations that are being made and the work that's being done to keep everyone safe, my pleasure to introduce our Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea: Evening, everyone. What a difference a year makes. Here we are, the start of my favorite time of year in New York City. You can feel the energy. To Macy's – Jeff, can't thank you enough for what you do, everything you do. Macy's as an institution near and dear to the hearts of all New Yorkers. And this parade and what it represents, it's just exciting to be out here. You are going to have thousands and thousands of men and women in blue. I see Phil Rivera, the two-star Chief in charge of Manhattan North over there. Steve Hughes, Juanita Holmes, Martine Materasso, all working throughout the night and through tomorrow to make sure that you can have the greatest possible day tomorrow. All you have to do at this point is two things – dress warm and get out here early tomorrow. Bring the energy. We're going to have a great day. I'm going to bring Martine Materasso, the Chief of Counterterrorism, and Tommy Galati over here to go into specifics. You're going to see it all. There's going to be things that you see, quite visible. You're going to see men and women in uniform, walking around on the parade route with the parades. You'll see them as you do. If you turn around and look up, you see officers on rooftops. There are things that you're not going to see as well. What New Yorkers should know is, as the Mayor said, there are no credible and specific threats against this parade. That's the good news, but we never rest on our laurels and we are going to have thousands of offices out there to make sure that you don't have to think about security. So, dress warm, some hot chocolate, don't spike it with anything. The floats are amazing. And we're looking forward to Santa coming down at Macy's on 34th Street tomorrow. Martine.
Chief of Counterterrorism Martine Materasso, NYPD: Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. So, as already was stated, the Counterterrorism Bureau will be out here in full force, ensuring that Santa and Mrs. Claus get down 34th Street. We will be deploying a full cadre of our assets, which is part of our multi-layer security overlay. You're going to see hundreds of cement blocks, sand trucks, blocker vehicles. You'll see our explosive detection canines. You'll see our heavy weapons and observation teams. You'll see our bomb squad response teams, as well as radiological and chemical sensors. And we have over 300 extra cameras deployed along the parade route. So, as already stated, we encourage all to come out and enjoy this year's 95th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mayor: Amen. Well said. Thank you very much.
39 Days and Counting _ Happy Thanksgiving
You would figure that with 49, I mean 39 day left in office that these pesky reporters would give me some related questions to an outgoing mayor who is running for governor, but these reporters don't know what to ask me. Today it was much of the same with a question about the Lieutenant Governor and his bundler. Was that meant to say would I take the position of Lieutenant Governor if it is offered to me?
I can't even guess where my friendly reporters are going for Thanksgiving, I say New England, and the answer is Florida. I say Massachusetts, and the answer is Connecticut. Then I am asked what I am doing for Thanksgiving. Well Charlene and I use to go to New England, but we are spending our last Thanksgiving in office at Gracie Mansion. Then they ask me about the Blood Center rezoning. It was voted by the city council, and that Land Use Chair Salamanca went against the area councilman. No wonder there are so many people going for Council Speaker. On to the MAcu's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Governor Kathy Hochul Comes to Coop-City to Give Out Turkeys
It was a cool November day at the parade ground by Drieser Loop in Coop-City where with the help of the National Guard hundreds of turkeys and bags of fruits and vegetables were set up so residents of Coop-City could have a happy Thanksgiving.
The local elected officials State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Councilman Kevin Riley, District Leader Lim Payne, and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto greeted the governor, and brought her to the platform to speak. State Senator Bailey spoke about the food insecurity problem in the Bronx, city, and state. and introduced Governor Hochul.
Governor Hochul requested that anyone who has not been vaccinated do so as soon as possible, that people should have already gotten their second dose, and those who received their second dose over six months ago get their third dose which is now available to everyone over eighteen. She said she hopes to come back next year to this event to see that people will not have to wear masks anymore. Assemblyman Benedetto's speech sounded like an early campaign speech, praising the governor, but two opponents have already announced that they will be running for the 82nd Assembly seat next year. One is from Throggs Neck, and the other is from Coop-City. Councilman Riley spoke last, and his speech was "Let's not waste any time, and get the food to the people". Missing from this event were Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Two hundred turkeys are lined up on tables to be given out to residents of Coop-City.
After the turkeys were tables of fresh fruits and vegetables for the residents of Coop-City, with the National Guard ready to help give the produce out.
Governor Kathy Hochul arrives and waves to the people on line.
Senator Bailey speaks for a few minutes, before introducing Governor Kathy Hochul.
Governor Kathy Hochul spoke for a few minutes about why being vaccinated is so important, food insecurity, and what a great place the Bronx is.
Governor Hochul went to the people to give them a turkey, as several members of her security team looked on carefully.
I asked Senator Bailey, who is also the Bronx democratic Party Leader, if there would be an endorsement of Governor Hochul for reelection, and got the usual "I can't say anything to that right now".
A group photo of the local Bronx elected officials representing the Northeast Bronx. (L - R) 82nd A.D. District Leader Jim Payne, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Councilman Kevin Riley.