Community Board 11 Housing Committee Meeting and Public Hearing on Proposed Adult Men's Homeless Shelter at 2028 White Plains Road

 

Community Board 11 Housing Committee Meeting and Public Hearing on Proposed Adult Men's Homeless Shelter at 2028 White Plains Road

By Robert Press

Thursday night February 3rd was the Community Board 11 virtual Housing Committee meeting followed by an in person Public Hearing on the proposed Adult Single Men's Homeless Shelter at 2028 White Plains Road, at the corner of Bronxdale Avenue. The community board was notified of the proposal by the de Blasio administration in early October, and decided not to take action until new Mayor Eric Adams took office. 

Since this shelter was being proposed by the de Blasio administration, why would the de Blasio administration listen to any of the communitie's arguments not to place the adult men's shelter  where proposed. It was decided to wait until new Mayor Eric Adams was in office to ask the new mayor not to place the men's shelter where the de Blasio administration proposed it. There was no response from Mayor Adams, as one emergency after another came up until this reporter asked Mayor Adams Sunday January 30th when the mayor visited Jacobi Hospital to thank the staff after an emergency room shooting. I asked Mayor Adams about placing 540 Single adult homeless men into Community Board 11 when that would be up to 75% of CB 11;s homeless responsibility, adding where were the homeless families? Mayor Adams told me that he would check with DHS on the matter.

Thursday February 3rd came with the CB 11 Housing Committee meeting with representatives of DHS and the provider Westhab, a Yonkers based company, with big questions from Queens City Council member Robert Holden about Westhab's shelter in his district. As the meeting went on Ms. Erin Drinkwater of DHS gave out figures and statements that were later in the meeting proven false with the help of DHS's own figures. It was said that there were over 16,500 single adult homeless people when in fact the number of single adult homeless men is 12,565 or an average of 210 per each of the 59 NYC community boards.  DHS also said that a court case mandated that all homeless be given shelter, when the court decision was all homeless families must be given shelter. It seemed obvious that Mayor Adam and DHS had not spoken. 

In the public hearing which began at about 7:40 PM Community Board 11 was blamed for not giving the community notice when the board received it in October of 2021. There were also comments of the board getting a proposed men's shelter moved from Stillwell Avenue to Popham Street. CB 11 chair Al D'Angelo said that the board did not want to go against the mayor whose administration was proposing the adult men's homeless shelter for White Plain Road, but decided to wait for the new year and new mayor. CB 11 Chair D'Angelo also said that the board was trying to change the latter two men's shelters to family shelters, as Community Board 11 has a figure of about 760 homeless people the board is responsible to house in the board area. Chairman D'Angelo is now seeking a lawyer who will work Pro Bono for the community against the city on the single adult men's homeless shelters. 

The virtual Housing Committee meeting was seen on the wall of the room before the public hearing.

Close to 150 people attended the in person public hearing on the proposed Adult Men's Shelter for 140 men. 

Assemblywoman Fernandez agreed with the community around the proposed Adult Men's Homeless Shelter, but the shelter is a city not state matter.

At the end of the Public Hearing CB 11 Board chair D'Angelo said that maybe the board made a mistake by not informing the public of the proposed site when the board found out. He added that he was waiting for an answer from the Adams administration. 

Long Island MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to 30 Years’ Imprisonment for Racketeering Offenses Including 2016 Murder and Attempted Murder

 

 In federal court in Central Islip, Carlos Argueta, also known as “Violento,” “Desorden” and “Dylan,” a former leader of the Freeport Locos Salvatruchas (Freeport) clique of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, a transnational criminal organization, was sentenced by United States Circuit Judge Joseph F. Bianco to 30 years’ imprisonment for racketeering and firearms charges in connection with his participation in the June 3, 2016 murder of Jose Pena, an MS-13 member who was suspected of violating the gang’s rules, and the January 15, 2016 attempted murder of a suspected rival gang member outside of the Brentwood public library.  Argueta pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2019.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Rodney K. Harrison, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence.

“Argueta, a violent leader in the MS-13, shot and wounded a so-called ‘rival’ in broad daylight outside of a public library, and then participated in the pre-planned brutal slashing and stabbing death of one of his alleged MS-13 accomplices in that shooting.  Today’s lengthy sentence ensures that Argueta will no longer inflict senseless violence and bloodshed on our streets,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “I commend our prosecutors and the Long Island Gang Task Force for their steadfast commitment in bringing MS-13 members to justice and eliminating their violence from our communities.”

“Like so many members of MS-13, Carlos Argueta is without any moral compass and has shown zero regard for human life,” stated SCPD Commissioner Harrison.  “It is up to law enforcement to send a message to this transnational gang that their violent and homicidal actions have no place in Suffolk County.  I would like to thank Eastern District of New York and the Long Island Gang Task Force for their relentless pursuit to ensure individuals like Argueta are held accountable for their crimes.”

On the afternoon of January 15, 2016, Argueta, Pena and several other MS-13 members confronted three suspected rival gang members outside of a public library in Brentwood.  Argueta removed a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and shot one of the men, identified as John Doe in the superseding indictment, in the torso.  Argueta and the other MS-13 members then fled.  The wounded victim received medical treatment and survived. 

The Suffolk County police subsequently arrested Argueta, Pena and a third MS-13 member in connection with the attempted murder of John Doe, and they were released on bail.  Argueta told other members of the Freeport clique that he suspected that Pena, a member of the Normandie clique of the MS-13, had cooperated with the SCPD.  Additionally, members of the MS-13 suspected that Pena was homosexual, which is unacceptable under the rules of the MS-13.

After consulting with MS-13 leaders in El Salvador, Argueta and other MS-13 members agreed to kill Pena, and Argueta assigned tasks to other MS-13 gang members, including procuring weapons and a vehicle to be used in the murder.  On June 3, 2016, Argueta and other MS-13 members lured Pena into a car and drove to a secluded area in Brentwood.  After walking into the woods, the group attacked Pena, taking turns stabbing and slashing him with knives, and killing him.  Pena’s body was found four months later. 

The sentencing is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13, a violent, transnational criminal organization.  The MS-13’s leadership is based in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico, but the gang has thousands of members across the United States.  With numerous branches, or “cliques,” the MS-13 is the most violent criminal organization on Long Island.  Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York.  A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders and assaults.  Since 2010, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 60 murders in the Eastern District of New York, and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders.  These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers of the FBI, SCPD, Nassau County Police Department, Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County Probation Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Hempstead Police Department, the Rockville Centre Police Department and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 6, 2022

 

3.5% Statewide Infection Rate Yesterday, Lowest Since Omicron Named Variant of Concern

New COVID-19 Hospitals Admissions Declining in All Regions

68 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.   

“I’m so proud of the work New Yorkers have put in to fight this winter surge,” Governor Hochul said. “The trends continue to be promising, but it is important we continue to be vigilant so we can keep positivity rates low. If you haven’t, get vaccinated and get your booster as soon as possible, it is our best weapon against this virus.”

Today's data is summarized briefly below:   

• Test Results Reported – 161,261
• Total Positive – 5,680
• Percent Positive – 3.52%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 4.87% 
• Patient Hospitalization – 5,147 (-319) 
• Patients Newly Admitted – 558 
• Patients in ICU – 854 (-32)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation – 494 (-13)
• Total Discharges – 277,144 (+756)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 68  
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 53,620

   The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.   

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC – 66,730

   This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.      

• Total vaccine doses administered – 36,183,980
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 42,088
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 311,601 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.1%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.3%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%   
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 84.8%   
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 80.3%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 70.0%   
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.4%   
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.2%   
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 87.9%   
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 74.5%    

Bronx Progressives Invites You to a Bronx Block Power 2022 Informational

 

Hello Bronx Progressives! Hope you're all having an awesome February. Inviting you all to our Bronx Block Power Informational on County Committee. . 

Bronx Block Power is a County Committee organizing coalition that aims to support as many people to run independently in their own communities. 

Bronx Block Power foresees electing hundreds of individuals who will serve as servant leaders throughout The Bronx.

We're building a space to identify voters aligned with grassroots values while learning how to run events, getting permits for community events, know your rights sessions, and the process of collecting signatures to submit petitions to the Board of Elections to get on the ballot for county committee.

Register using this link so you can join us on Sunday, February 13th at 3:00pm. More information on how to join below: Register for our Zoom panel at: bit.ly/

 

Apply Now for Summer 2022 Interns work in the park alongside horticulturists and natural areas restoration staff in Van Cortlandt Park. They go on nature-focused  field trips, and explore green career opportunities with natural  resource professionals—and get paid to do it all!    Eligible summer participants attend a tuition-free, accredited college  course in environmental studies at Manhattan College; returning  interns participate in a special research project; and, each year, two  college-aged students develop leadership skills by working as  program supervisors. Crew Leader Information Founded in 2012, Urban Ecology Teen Internship (Urban Eco-Teens)  is a paid internship for high school students that prepares them for  college, park stewardship, and careers in the environment.   High School Students Applications are now open for the Urban  Eco-Teens Summer 2022 Program. Deadline is May 6, 2022.   College Students Resumes are being accepted for two Crew  Leader positions for Urban Eco-Teens Summer 2022. Deadline is  May 20, 2022. Our Contact Information Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 80 Van Cortlandt Park, Ste. E1 Bronx, NY 10463 718-601-1460 http://vancortlandt.org

Bronx Parks Speak Up and Apply for our grant! Saturday, February 26th.

 

BX PARKS SPEAK UP

Hello Friends of Bronx Parks -

We hope to "see" you are our Virtual Bronx Parks Speak Up on Saturday, February 26th.  The flyer is below, please share with your networks.

Your group can virtual table at Speak Up!  Request your table here https://forms.gle/26HfvfRRLcEk3URt6

Citizen Stewardship: Bronx Parks Groups & Artists Collaboration
The Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces (BCPGS) wants to pair your park group with a local artist to help create a visual representation of your citizen stewardship efforts through an exciting community based collaboration!

For the first time BCPGS will grant 3 Bronx park groups funds to work with artists from the BX Arts Factory. With guidance from the group, the artist will design a graphic or logo that can be printed on a banner, buttons or used on flyers, fundraisers and social media, etc. depicting the group’s mission at their local park or space.   The group will receive a digital copy of the graphic and depending on costs may also receive buttons or a  banner or flyers, etc.

Each group will receive $350 and the funds will go directly to the BX Arts Factory.  We will announce the grant recipients virtually at the Bronx Parks Speak Up on February 26, 2022.  We anticipate matching groups with an artist in March,  with the  goal of having designs ready for use by summer.

If you have any questions, reach out to bxspeakup@gmail.com with Citizen Stewardship in the subject.  

Eligibility:
Bronx Park/Open Space groups that have been volunteering at their local NYC Parks, garden, and/or open spaces for more than two years may apply. The local park/open space group has a budget below $15K and has a track record of supporting community groups with civic engagement projects/programs. You do not need a 501c3 to apply.  Application deadline is February 16, 2022 at 5pm.

Application is here https://forms.gle/TnfpSGRBmNhHXoTbA

"See" you soon!

Register

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/28th-bronx-parks-speak-up-tickets-255512533867?fbclid=IwAR0mNeHHsi6oe3HCrWIGrp8k1ggJGCWXTA4F13Txvk_FgcZc4p04zXZeg70

Note the time is 11AM - 3 PM Eastern Time not the 8AM - 12PM Pacific Time listed.

New York Man Pleads Guilty to Felony and Other Charges for Offenses Committed During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

 

Defendant, Dressed Like Caveman, Stole Police Vest and Riot Shield

 A New York man pleaded guilty to charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Aaron Mostofsky, 35, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder and misdemeanor charges of theft of government property and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds.

According to court documents, Mostofsky – dressed as a caveman and carrying a walking stick or rod – was among the crowd gathered at 12:55 p.m. Jan. 6 as rioters overwhelmed a police perimeter stationed near the Peace Circle, due west of the Capitol building. He and other rioters then reached the West Plaza. At about 1:35 p.m., he joined a group of rioters pushing against a police line that was attempting to limit the crowd’s access to the Capitol. Mostofsky used his weight and strength in the effort to break the police line. At about 2:09 p.m., he climbed exterior stairs to the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace, heading to the Senate Wing Door.

Enroute, he picked up a U.S. Capitol Police bullet-proof vest and donned it. Minutes later, the crowd broke windows next to the Senate Wing Door, entered the Capitol, and broke the door open from inside the building. Mostofsky entered through the door at 2:13 p.m., about the 12th person to get inside that way. He quickly picked up a U.S. Capitol Police riot shield that had been set aside by another rioter. He followed the crowd to a staircase, where they pursued a U.S. Capitol Police Officer upstairs and into the Ohio Clock Corridor, just outside the Senate Chamber. At approximately 2:36 p.m., after giving an interview to a reporter, Mostofsky left the building, taking the police vest and riot shield with him. He was stripped of the shield by a U.S. Capitol Police officer.

Mostofsky was arrested on Jan. 12, 2021, in Brooklyn. He is to be sentenced on May 6, 2022. He faces up to five years in prison on the felony charge and a $250,000 fine. Each of the misdemeanors carries up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York and Washington Field Offices, which identified Mostofsky as #24 in its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

In the one year since Jan. 6, more than 725 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 225 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. More than 165 individuals have pleaded guilty to federal charges, including 22 to felony offenses.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

MAYOR ADAMS' STATEMENT ON CITY’S MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN

 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today issued the following statement on the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan: 

 

“City retirees have earned their benefits, and, as mayor, I’m committed to delivering for them. The NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan unveiled last year — the product of many months of negotiations between the city and the Municipal Labor Committee, representing more than 100 unions — will continue to offer premium-free health coverage to retirees, along with new and enhanced benefits. That is why after a careful and thorough review by my administration, I am announcing my support for this plan. I believe the new program will be in the best interest of retirees and the city’s taxpayers, who stand to save $600 million annually. 

  

“As a blue-collar mayor and someone who himself will collect municipal retiree benefits, I am sympathetic to those who have voiced concerns about how this plan will affect their coverage. Our administration will continue to work to assuage these concerns before and after the plan is implemented. To all retirees: We assure you that the city has had, and will continue to have, your best interests at heart.”