20 Days and Counting

 

The days are counting down to where those pesky reporters won't be able to ask me if I am running for governor. Today for example no one asked me if I thought my chances of getting elected were any better before Letitia James dropped out of the governor's race. 

So, as we prepare to conclude this administration, we're focusing on finishing strong, fighting COVID every day, getting this city strong for its recovery. But we're also looking at all the things that have been done over the last eight years and providing a final summary to New Yorkers of what's been achieved, particularly how we acted on a vision. The vision from the beginning was clear in every way we could stop the tail of two cities. We knew it was a longstanding reality. The inequality gripping our society was intense eight years ago. I'm happy to tell you that some of the things we've put into place over these last eight years have had a real impact and I'm also really happy to tell you that we've actually gotten some of the real help we needed from the federal government and more is coming. 

Major Cocaine Supplier Of Violent Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JOSE MARTINEZ-DIAZ, a/k/a “Tony Zinc,” who supplied over 5,000 kilograms of cocaine to the Puerto-Rico-based drug alliance, La Organización de Narcotraficantes Unidos (“La ONU”), was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman to 20 years in prison.  MARTINEZ-DIAZ previously pled guilty to participating in a racketeering conspiracy.  

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jose Martinez-Diaz supplied a staggering quantity of cocaine, a dangerous and addictive drug, to a violent drug trafficking organization.  Some of the cocaine he supplied came to New York, where it was distributed out of, among other places, a daycare center in the Bronx.  To ensure his drug business flourished, Martinez-Diaz brokered violence and even used corrupt law enforcement officials.  Today Jose Martinez-Diaz was rightly sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his horrific crimes.”

According to the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:

MARTINEZ-DIAZ was a high-volume cocaine trafficker who supplied over 5,000 kilograms of cocaine to La ONU, a criminal enterprise involved in shipping thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York.  Cocaine from La ONU was then distributed in New York City, including out of a daycare center in the Bronx, New York.  Members and associates of La ONU also engaged in acts of violence, including murder, to protect and expand the enterprise’s criminal operations and in connection with rivalries with other criminal organizations.  In particular, members of the enterprise were ordered to shoot and kill suspected rival drug trafficking members.

MARTINEZ-DIAZ, or those working on his behalf, smuggled cocaine from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, usually by boat.  The shipments often occurred as frequently as once per week, with such shipments containing 130 to 160 kilograms of cocaine.  MARTINEZ-DIAZ would then parcel out the shipments to La ONU members.

MARTINEZ-DIAZ used the machinery of La ONU to protect his narcotics trade.  For example, MARTINEZ-DIAZ arranged for corrupt members of the Puerto Rico Police Department (“PRPD”) to locate rival drug dealers and effect unwarranted traffic stops to control their movements or to isolate them until others from La ONU could attack them. 

In or about 2007, MARTINEZ-DIAZ ordered a shooting on Avenue Monserrate in Carolina, Puerto Rico.  The target was shot, but survived.

On another occasion, MARTINEZ-DIAZ paid a police officer $5,000 in connection with the attempted murder of a rival drug dealer known as “Taliban.”  The intended victim was shot, but survived.

MARTINEZ-DIAZ funded and assisted La ONU in its fight against its rival, La Rompe ONU.  For example, MARTINEZ-DIAZ provided money to La ONU members to purchase firearms.  In addition, MARTINEZ-DIAZ and others created a fake PRPD patrol car.  Members of La ONU used the fake patrol car to harass and intimidate members of La Rompe ONU, and to conduct shootings. 

MARTINEZ-DIAZ also worked with a corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) agent, who helped MARTINEZ-DIAZ and others in the narcotics conspiracy evade detection by law enforcement. 

In addition to the prison term, Judge Furman sentenced MARTINEZ-DIAZ, 48, of Puerto Rico, to three years of supervised release, and ordered him to forfeit $6.875 million.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Police Department for their support in this ongoing investigation.

Alliance of Yemeni American Businesses Grand Opening

 

The Alliance of Yemeni American Businesses was created by the owners of the convenience stores in many neighborhoods across the city. Mr. Yahay Obeid a leader in the Yemen-American community, and whose family owned a store was one of six people who founded the Alliance of Yemini American businesses, and Mr. Obeid serves as President of the organization. 

The AYAB will help the individual Yemeni-American business owners, and others in many ways offering management advice, product availability, store set up or renovation of current stores, and are working on making available a different much more cost efficient non cash system. AYAB is located at 1626 Bronxdale Avenue in the Morris Park section of the Bronx.   

Mr. Yahay Obeid Speaking is flanked L - R by the Community Board 11 Chair, A representative of the Bronx District Attorney's Office, The head of the Allerton International Merchants Association, Leaders of the Yemini-American community and others behind him. 

Bronx Community Board 11 Chair Mr. Al D'Angelo welcomes the new AYAB office to his community board area, where Mr. Yahay Obeid is also the Vice-Chair of CB 11. He also thanked the Yemini community for their help in Morris Park Columbus Day Parade.

Bronx Borough Elect Vanessa Gibson pledged her support to AYAB in helping the many store owners throughout the Bronx who are struggling to make a living for their families.

Shabbir Gul President of the Bronx Community Council, and a leader in the Bronx Muslim community wishes AYAB good luck in the new venture to aid Muslim small businesses.

Mr. Gene De Francis President of the Allerton Avenue International Merchants congratulates ATAB and Mr. Yahay Obeid on this venture to help small businesses.

Outgoing Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Chair of the City Council Small Business Committee, congratulates the Yemeni community in this venture.

Dr. Hamkd Al Silwi, Iman of the Bronx Muslim Center say a prayer before the ribbon is cut to open the Alliance of Yemeni American Businesses. 

 Holding scissors on the left are Mr. Fathi Alyla, President of the Yemen Community, the Yemen Ambassador to the United Nations, and Councilman Mark Gjonaj. On the right, Bronx Borough President Elect Vanessa Gibson and Camelia Tepelus Executive Director of the Morris Park BID.

ICYMI: Governor Hochul Announces Mask Protocol Now in Effect, New FAQ Resource Available

Masks Now Required in All Indoor Public Places Unless Businesses or Venues Implement a Vaccine Requirement

See Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the New Requirements Here

See Mask and Vaccine Posters Available for Businesses Here and Here

Read Health Commissioner's Determination Here 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the mask protocol for all indoor public places announced Friday is now in effect, as well as a new Frequently Asked Questions resource for business owners and the general public.

Masks are now required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. As noted on the Frequently Asked Questions webpage, an indoor public place is defined as any indoor space that is not a private residence -- businesses and venues New Yorkers frequent that are publicly owned or owned by private business. These entities include indoor entertainment venues, concert halls, indoor sports stadiums, recreational spaces, restaurants, office buildings, shopping centers, grocery stores, pharmacies, houses of worship and common areas in residential buildings. Posters encouraging people to wear masks and get vaccinated are available for businesses to use here and here.

"As Governor, my top priority is to protect the health of New Yorkers and the health of our economy, and these temporary measures will help us get through the holiday season safely," Governor Hochul said. "I share everyone's frustration that we have gotten to this point, especially with the vaccine at our disposal. I want to thank the millions of New Yorkers who have done the right thing to get fully vaccinated. We are all in this together and if others will follow suit, these measures will no longer be necessary."   

This major action to address the winter surge and concern over upcoming holiday gatherings comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide to be in alignment with the CDC's recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement. 

This measure is effective until Jan. 15, 2022, after which the State will re-evaluate based on current conditions, and brings added layers of mitigation during the holiday season when more time is spent indoors shopping, gathering and visiting holiday-themed destinations.     

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Taking this action now is critical to slowing the COVID-19 winter surge during the holidays. Each of you can contribute: get vaccinated, get boosted if you are already vaccinated and wear a mask. We urge the public to support these new requirements in indoor public places by cooperating with the venues. We need everyone to do their part to get through this together."

For information how businesses and venues can implement a proof of vaccination requirement or a mask wearing requirement, see the Frequently Asked Questions here.

COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are free and widely available statewide. New Yorkers can visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. To schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site, New Yorkers can visit the Am-I-Eligible site. New Yorkers can also contact their health care provider, county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health centers, or pharmacies. 

New Yorkers can retrieve their Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus here. Businesses and venues can download the Excelsior Pass Scanner app—free for any business nationwide and available in more than ten languages—here.      

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES NYC POVERTY RATE, NEAR POVERTY RATE FOR 2019 REACHED HISTORIC LOW, WITH 521,000 FEWER NEW YORKERS IN POVERTY OR NEAR-POVERTY COMPARED TO 2013

 

Mayor also releases “Tale of a More Equal City,” highlighting progressive policies that have uplifted working families and redistributed wealth over the past eight years

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity today released the annual New York City Government Poverty Measure Report, which shows that both the poverty rate and the near-poverty rate reached historic lows in 2019. The 2019 poverty rate and near poverty rates are the lowest since the NYCgov poverty measure series began in 2005. In 2019 there were about 521,000 fewer New Yorkers in poverty or near-poverty than there would have been if the poverty rate had remained at the 2013 level.  The report shows a drop in the near-poverty rate to 40.8 percent in 2019 from 2013’s rate of 47.2 percent, a 13.6 percent decline. The report also demonstrates that the rate of New Yorkers in actual poverty has declined from 20.5 in 2013 to 17.9 in 2019, a decline of 12.7 percent.

 

The low poverty rate in 2019 coincides with the first year the minimum wage reached $15 in New York City, gradually rising from $7.25 per hour in 2013. The report also highlights the City’s many initiatives aimed at increasing equity and fairness. These programs include Pre-K for All; paid family leave and paid sick leave; increased units of affordable housing and tenant protection measures; and educational and job training initiatives.

 

These initiatives are further highlighted in “The Tale of a More Equal City” report, which details the impact of the Mayor’s policies to redistribute wealth and decrease income inequality over two terms.

 

"My mission for the past eight years has been to make our city a fairer place to live for those who had been left behind for too long," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "These reports reveal that progressive policies from the $15 minimum wage to Paid Sick Leave to Universal Pre-K are actually working to redistribute wealth, cut poverty and uplift low-income New Yorkers across our city."

"Reducing poverty has been a central priority of this Administration, and the progress achieved reflects a citywide commitment and structural policy change," said Matthew Klein, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity.  "There is always more work to do, but this historically low poverty rate represents an important milestone in the effort to make upward mobility more broadly available to all." 

“The historic low of the NYCgov poverty measure is an important milestone. It shows the importance of a measure that can track multiple aspects of New Yorkers’ progress towards security and economic well-being,” said Christine D’Onofrio, Director of Poverty Research, Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.

The Poverty Report data reflects conditions before the COVID-19 pandemic. As New York City recovers from the pandemic related damage to the city’s economy there is every indication that federal COVID relief polices are averting a poverty crisis. Stimulus payments, extended unemployment and SNAP benefits and the expanded Child Tax Credit payments have assisted New Yorkers as the City moves towards a recovery.

 

About the NYCgov Poverty Measure

The City’s NYCgov poverty measure is updated annually. This year’s report uses the most recent available information from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and is augmented by the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity.  The NYCgov poverty measure was developed to provide a more precise portrait of poverty in New York City than the official U.S. poverty measure. It takes into account the cost of living in New York City, including the higher cost of housing, and counts as income those programs that supplement New Yorker’s income, such as tax credits and SNAP benefits – elements that are not taken into account in the federal poverty measure. Additionally, the calculation of the U.S. official poverty measure has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years. New York City is the only U.S. city that calculates its own poverty rate using this more precise measure.

  

New Yorkers for Parks - 1M Daffodils Planted: Thank You!

 That's a Wrap! 1,000,000 Daffodils Planted

Twenty years ago, we launched the Daffodil Project as a living memorial in remembrance of the victims of September 11th.

As New York City continues to heal from another devastating crisis resulting from Covid-19, New Yorkers for Parks is grateful for the thousands of neighbors who helped plant 1 million daffodil bulbs across the city this fall to honor the lives we’ve lost.

We look forward to next spring when daffodils begin to bloom throughout the five boroughs as New York recovers stronger together.

Already looking forward to the 2022 season?

If you're receiving this email, you'll receive email notification when the 2022 Daffodil Project registration form opens in the fall, at which time you'll be able to sign up for bulbs.

Know someone who wants to participate next year?

Forward them this message and have them sign up for our emails!

Support the 2022 Daffodil Project

Your gift today will support the Daffodil Project in 2022 and beyond. This effort would not be possible without you and our other generous supporters, who make it possible to give away free daffodil bulbs every year.

Donate now!

Permits Filed For 1268 Shakespeare Avenue In Highbridge, Bronx -

 

1268 Shakespeare Avenue in Highbridge, Bronx NY.

Permits have been filed for an 11-story mixed-use building at 1268 Shakespeare Avenue in Highbridge, The Bronx. Located between Jerome Avenue and West 169th Street, the lot is near the 170th Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Zev Mayer of Skyrock NYC Development is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 29,946 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 50 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 598 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a 35-foot-long rear yard and 25 open parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

There is a misprint in this article in which an 11 story building can not be built 50 feet high. It is most likely a 5 story building at 50 feet with 50 residences of ten units per floor at five stories. 

Myanmar Citizen Pleads Guilty In Plot To Injure Or Kill Myanmar’s Ambassador To The United Nations

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of YE HEIN ZAW, a citizen of Myanmar, for his role in a conspiracy to assault and make a violent attack upon Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.  ZAW pled guilty today in White Plains federal court before U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he admitted in court today, Ye Hein Zaw participated in a plot to injure or kill Myanmar’s ambassador to the United Nations in a planned attack that was to take place on American soil.  Zaw now awaits sentencing for his crime.  I commend the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners at all levels of government to ensure the safety of foreign diplomats and officials in the United States and bring the perpetrators of this plot to justice.”

According to the Information to which ZAW pled guilty, the complaint that was filed in this case, and statements made during court proceedings:

Between at least in or about July 2021 through at least on or about August 5, 2021, ZAW, a citizen of Myanmar residing in New York, conspired with others to injure or kill Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (the “Ambassador”).  During the conspiracy, a co-conspirator communicated with an arms dealer in Thailand (the “Arms Dealer”) who sells weapons to the Burmese military, which overthrew Myanmar’s civilian government in or about February 2021.  In the course of those conversations, the co-conspirator and the Arms Dealer agreed on a plan in which the co-conspirator would hire attackers to hurt the Ambassador in an attempt to force the Ambassador to step down from his post.  If the Ambassador did not step down, then the Arms Dealer proposed that the attackers hired by the co-conspirator would kill the Ambassador.

Shortly after agreeing on the plan, ZAW contacted the co-conspirator by cellphone and, using a money transfer app, transferred approximately $4,000 to the co-conspirator as an advance payment on the plot to attack the Ambassador.  Later, during a recorded phone conversation, ZAW and the co-conspirator discussed how the planned attackers would require an additional $1,000 to conduct the attack on the Ambassador in Westchester County, and, for an additional payment, the attackers could, in substance, kill the Ambassador.  In response, ZAW agreed, in substance, to pay the additional $1,000 and to try to obtain the additional money.

ZAW pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to assault and make a violent attack upon a foreign official, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

ZAW is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Halpern on May 10, 2022.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, which comprises special agents and task force officers from the FBI, NYPD, United States Probation Office, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the police departments of Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Greenburgh, White Plains, Peekskill, Ramapo, and Clarkstown.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Pelham Manor Police Department and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service for their assistance in the investigation.

Mr. Williams said that the investigation is ongoing, and asked any individuals with relevant information to contact the FBI at (800)-CALL-FBI.