Thursday, March 17, 2022

Permits Filed For 1258 Shakespeare Avenue In Highbridge, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 70-story residential building at 1258 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, and is also responsible for permits for the neighboring five-story residential building at 1268 Shakespeare Avenue.

The proposed 70-foot-tall development will yield 48,137 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 90 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 534 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a 35-foot-long rear yard and 45 open parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed last month. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON INDICTMENT OF ASSAMAD NASH FOR MURDER OF CHRISTINA YUNA LEE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after Assamad Nash was indicted in Manhattan for the murder of Christina Yuna Lee last month:

 

“Today’s indictment of Assamad Nash is another critical step towards delivering justice for the brutal killing of Christina Yuna Lee. I want to thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, as well as the NYPD’s 5th Precinct and Emergency Services Unit, for their work in taking a dangerous individual off the streets. The new emergency taskforce we’re creating will address the intersection where public safety, mental health, and homelessness intertwine, and is our latest effort to support the AAPI community during these troubling times. As we mournfully commemorate the one-year anniversary of the horrific Atlanta spa shootings, I want members of our AAPI community, and all New Yorkers, to know that we are working around the clock to put an end to this violence and ensure that people in every neighborhood can feel safe in our city.”

 

Governor Hochul Signs Package of Legislation to Address Workplace Harassment and Discrimination

 governor hochul signs a package of bill to address harassment and discrimination

Legislation (S.812B/A.2035B) Establishes a Confidential Hotline for Complaints of Workplace Sexual Harassment     

Legislation (S.3395B/A.2483B) Includes the State and all Public Employers as Subject to the Human Rights Law   

Legislation (S.5870/A.7101) Prohibits Release of Personnel Records as a Retaliatory Action Against Employees   

Complements Governor's Equity Agenda, Including Creating a Council on Gender Equity and Protecting Reproductive Access for All 


 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a package of legislation to address workplace harassment and discrimination. Legislation (S.812B/A.2035B) establishes a toll free confidential hotline for complaints of workplace sexual harassment. Legislation (S.3395B/A.2483B) includes the State and all public employers as subject to the provisions of the Human Rights Law. Legislation (S.5870/A.7101) prohibits the release of personnel files as a retaliatory action against employees. The legislation was signed at a Women’s History Month celebration with advocates for gender equity and women’s rights.

“From day one, it has been one of my top priorities to clean up Albany, change a culture of harassment and abuse, and ensure safe, respectful workplaces,” Governor Hochul said. “Everyone has the right to a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and harassment, and I will never stop fighting for gender equity. While there’s more work to be done, I am proud of the steps we are taking to promote safety, dignity, and respect for all New Yorkers.”

Addressing sexual harassment is part of Governor Hochul’s Equity Agenda, which includes the creation of a Council on Gender Equity, measures to protect access to reproductive health services, including abortion care and prenatal and postnatal care, increased support for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs), investments in child care access, and a plan to bring free child care to every SUNY campus. The Governor is also calling on the legislature to pass the Equal Rights Amendment this session.

Legislation S.812B/A.2035B will require the Division of Human Rights to establish a toll free confidential hotline for complaints of workplace sexual harassment. Many victims of workplace sexual harassment are unable to exercise their legal rights because they are not aware of what those rights are. The function of the hotline will be to connect complainants with experienced pro-bono attorneys who will help make them aware of their legal rights and advise them on the specifics of their individualized cases.

Legislation S.3395B/A.2483B clarifies that the State is considered an employer of anyone serving in the executive, judiciary, and legislative branches – including the staff of elected officials or judges – and subject to the provisions of the Human Rights Law. This legislation will clarify that the state will not be able to avoid responsibility for harassment of public employees and ensure that New York’s sweeping anti-harassment regulations protect both public and private employees.

Legislation S.5870/A.7101 establishes that the release of personnel records to discredit victims of workplace discrimination counts as a retaliatory action under the Human Rights Law. The Human Rights Law expressly prohibits all forms of retaliation against complainants. This legislation clarifies that the release of a personnel record counts as retaliation except where it is necessary to comply with an investigation. This bill also provides additional recourse to victims of unlawful retaliation under this new provision by allowing them to file a complaint with the Attorney General who may commence a proceeding in state Supreme Court.

May be an image of 4 people, people standing and indoor

May be an image of 7 people and people standing

Photos credit, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

Former Government Official In The Dominican Republic Sentenced To 15 Years For Conspiring To Import Cocaine Into The United States

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that the Dominican Republic’s former Consul General to Jamaica, JEREMIAS JIMENEZ CRUZ, was sentenced today to 179 months in prison for using his position and contacts in the government of the Dominican Republic to import cocaine into the United States. JIMENEZ CRUZ was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood. JIMENEZ CRUZ previously pled guilty to conspiring to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Jeremias Jimenez Cruz abused his position as a government official to traffic vast amounts of cocaine into the United States. Today Jimenez Cruz was rightly sentenced to 15 years in prison for his crime.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment, prior filings in this case, and statements made in Court:

JIMENEZ CRUZ was a high-ranking government official in the Dominican Republic whose positions have included Vice Consul of the Dominican Republic to Germany, Consul General of the Dominican Republic to Jamaica, and president of the National Christian Movement.  He has also held himself out to be the half-brother of a former two-term president of the Dominican Republic. JIMENEZ CRUZ used his position, connections, and planes to traffic large quantities of cocaine, including for importation to the United States, and to launder drug proceeds. During the course of the investigation, JIMENEZ CRUZ was caught on tape admitting that with his government connections, he had the capacity to move up to 600 kilograms of cocaine by airplane and up to one ton of cocaine by boat. JIMENEZ CRUZ admitted that he was a leader of this conspiracy that involved the importation of over 50 kilograms of cocaine, and that he abused his position of public trust to commit the offense.

In addition to the sentence, JIMENEZ CRUZ, age 52, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA. The arrest was the result of an investigation by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).  

The Strike Force is housed at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, New York City Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, the U. S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives , U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, New York National Guard, the Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department, and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Attorney General James Applauds New Laws to Combat Sexual Harassment

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement applauding new laws signed today to combat sexual harassment in New York:

“Sexual harassment is pervasive, corrosive, and has been a silent barrier for women in the workplace for far too long. Today is an important day in our collective efforts to combat sexual harassment, and I am grateful to Governor Hochul and the legislative sponsors for their work on these issues. Most importantly, I am grateful to the advocates who shined a light in the dark corners of our society and fought tirelessly to make these critical protections a reality. Every workplace should be safe from harassment or abuse, and these new laws will go a long way towards ensuring we have the proper tools to protect people from harassment and retaliation.”

Partnerships for Parks - FREE Webinars and Job Openings

 

Once You Hear Me, You Won't Forget Me by Patricia Cazorla & Nancy Saleme. Howard Bennett Playground in Harlem, November 2018. Photo courtesy of the artists.

BRINGING ART TO LOCAL PARKS: THE NYC PARKS’ ART IN THE PARKS PROGRAM


Want to bring art installations to your local park? For the first time, Partnerships for Parks is teaming up with NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program to showcase the ways you can navigate the public art process to enrich your neighborhood park. You will see highlights from past installations and hear from a local artist who has had their work displayed through the Art in the Parks program.

Join us to learn:
  • The variety of artworks that have been exhibited in parks citywide.
  • An overview of the public art process.
  • Guidelines for applications.
Featured speakers include: 
  • Elizabeth Masella, Senior Public Art Coordinator for NYC Parks.
  • Naiomy Rodriguez, Public Art Coordinator for NYC Parks.
Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. Traducción en Español disponible.


Tuesday, April 5 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

REGISTER NOW
W119th St Block Association care for street trees, November 2021.

CONTRIBUYA A SU PARQUE
Our "Get Involved with Your Park" workshop in Spanish


¿Te gustaría contribuir con tu parque local? Todavía hay tiempo para registrarse a nuestro curso virtual en español (traducido en inglés) que servirá como una introducción a las formas en que puede apoyar a su parque local y a otros parques de la ciudad de Nueva York.

Este curso virtual enseñará temas relacionados a cómo ser voluntario para ayudar a parques urbanos y áreas verdes, información sobre cómo crear grupos para colaborar en equipo en tu comunidad. A través de una subvención, Partnerships for Parks ofrece un máximo de $3,000 por grupo que esté interesado en cooperar con el mantenimiento/embellecimiento de parques urbanos y áreas verdes.

Recomendamos completar el registro de capacitación lo antes posible. La inscripción finalizará el día anterior al entrenamiento (22 de marzo).
REGISTER NOW
PfP staffer tables at The People's Festival at Albee Square in Brooklyn, August 2021.

WORK WITH PfP


We are a joint community engagement program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks working to sustain local parks and green spaces across New York City. We are currently hiring for multiple positions including Catalyst Organizer, Catalyst Community Connector, Technical Assistance Director, and Volunteer Projects Assistant.

Check out the following sites for details and instructions on how to apply https://bit.ly/PfPJobs22 and https://on.nyc.gov/3sA2XvU.
APPLY NOW
Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to transform these spaces into dynamic community assets.

MAYOR ADAMS TO DELIVER ADDITIONAL $3 MILLION IN CASH ASSISTANCE TO BRONX FIRE VICTIMS

 

BronxWorks Chosen to Disburse Remaining Funds, Provide Case Management Services

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City (Mayor’s Fund) today announced that an additional $3 million in cash assistance will be made available to assist over 150 households impacted by the Twin Parks fire in the Bronx on January 9. Trusted community partner BronxWorks has been chosen to distribute the $3 million in cash assistance and will receive an additional $500,000 in funding to provide services and longer-term support over the next 12 months to those affected. This work will supplement and build on the case management services and support BronxWorks has already been providing to residents for the last two months. Since the fire, the Mayor’s Fund has raised a total of $4.4 million between monetary and in-kind donations, approximately $937,000 of which has been spent so far on cash assistance, food, burial services, and more. 

“New York City made a vow to help the more than 150 families who suffered through the unspeakable tragedy at Twin Parks, and we are continuing to deliver on that promise day after day,” said Mayor Adams. “These families will soon see an additional $3 million begin to roll into their pockets to help them with food, housing, household items, or anything else they lost. But we are in this for the long haul, since picking up the pieces will not come easy, so we’ve chosen BronxWorks to cut the bureaucratic red tape and provide those affected with wraparound services over the next 12 months to help get families back up on their feet. I want to thank Bronx Borough President Gibson and the numerous other elected officials, community groups, and individuals for helping to raise a total of $4.4 million so far and providing their invaluable support and commitment to the families affected.”

 

“Immediately following the horrific five-alarm fire at Twin Parks on January 9th, New Yorkers stepped up to help their neighbors,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Our office has been working together, in partnership, with our colleagues in government and many community groups to provide needed services to the impacted families. Today’s announcement of the rollout of an additional $3 million in direct cash assistance to our families is an important step of progress that recognizes the ongoing needs of our displaced families. BronxWorks has once again stepped up to provide both short-term and long-term assistance and counseling for our families in need. I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams and his administration for their commitment. I want to recognize Hot 97, WBLS, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, A-Boogie, Cardi B, TT Torrez, and our hip-hop community for their efforts and using their voices to support our Bronx residents. As the borough president, I am so grateful and overwhelmed by the numerous acts and expressions of love and support for Twin Parks residents and families. We have a lot of work ahead and will continue to support the long-term needs of our residents and families. Thank you to everyone for helping our neighbors in need during this tragedy.”

 

“In the face of a terrible tragedy, the Mayor’s Fund quickly responded by establishing the Bronx Fire Relief Fund — giving business, philanthropic, and community partners a way to support their friends and neighbors in need,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright, chair, Board of Directors, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “We are grateful to our chosen community partner, BronxWorks, for their tireless efforts to assist affected families, and we also want to thank Borough President Gibson for her relentless advocacy on behalf of her constituents. We hope this additional relief eases some of the tremendous burdens facing affected families.”

 

“Our partnership with BronxWorks ensures that the individuals and families affected by the Twin Parks fire in the Bronx get the funds so generously donated by New Yorkers and people around the country, while also receiving vital long-term support as they rebuild their lives,” said Daniele Baierlein and JL Paniagua Valle, co-executive directors, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “We are incredibly grateful to every donor who answered the call for help and to BronxWorks for providing outreach and services since day one.”

 

“Since January, BronxWorks has provided ongoing case management services to families affected by the fire to assist them in rebuilding their lives after this devastating and traumatic event,” says Eileen Torres, executive director, BronxWorks. “We are grateful to Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Fund for bolstering this response and engaging with us to ensure families have the long-term support they need.”

 

When Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Fund mobilized after the Bronx fire tragedy, New Yorkers responded immediately,” said Rob Speyer, chair, Mayor’s Fund Board of Advisors; and president and CEO, Tishman Speyer. “We are grateful that the Mayor’s Fund is able to    support the families affected by the fire. Our partnership with community-based organizations will ensure that we can provide direct assistance where it continues to be needed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families impacted.”

 

“The Bronx is my home, and I’m always going to look out for my people, and if I can use my voice and my network to help support the Bronx, I’m going to do just that!” said Fat Joe. “Peace to the hip-hop community for stepping up and showing love to the Bronx.”

 

Immediately after the fire, the Mayor’s Fund established the Bronx Fire Relief Fund to provide supplies and relief to the families affected by the fire. Today’s contract with BronxWorks has two primary goals: first, to provide cash assistance to the families impacted by the fire, and second, to provide ongoing case management for families, while also connecting them to other resources and benefits that may provide them additional government benefits in the future.

 

BronxWorks has been on the ground providing services since January 9, and their case managers are well situated to provide comprehensive services tailored to each family’s specific needs. As part of today’s contract, case managers from BronxWorks will engage families for a complete 12-month period, or until families cease engagement with them, and will serve as a single point of contact, so that those impacted do not need to contact multiple agencies and organizations for different needs. Specifically, BronxWorks will conduct needs assessments and assist those affected by the fire to access services, benefits, and resources, including those related to mental and physical health, legal services, financial counseling, benefits, job training and employment services, childcare, food pantries/grocery store cash cards, and other needs.

 

The city is also making La Central — a new, mixed-use, affordable housing development located in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx — available to those residents who want to relocate there. The city, the American Red Cross, and Twin Parks property owner Camber have extended hotels for the impacted families of the fire through April 7, 2022. Families wishing to relocate to La Central or move back into Twin Parks are being provided financial assistance in the form of moving credits and furniture credits through CVR and BronxWorksIn addition to the support provided by the city and other groups, Camber has distributed $5,000 of financial assistance per household to residents.

 

“The Mayor’s Fund responds quickly and effectively to tragic situations in the city, providing businesses and individuals with a reliable means to channel contributions to families in need,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City.

 

Mayors Adams and the Mayor’s Fund wish to thank Bronx Borough President Gibson, the numerous other elected officials, the state of New York, CVR, BronxWorks, and community advocates for their partnership with the city over the last two months to support the needs of residents, including by providing them choices for long-term housing.


BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR KILLING HIS SIX-WEEK-OLD INFANT

 

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced a Bronx man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree Manslaughter for fatally throwing his sixweek-old son to the ground, killing him.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant’s newborn was crying and instead of comforting him, the defendant threw him to the ground, ending his life. The defendant’s violence is unconscionable and unfitting of any parent.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Christian Rodriguez, 27, last of 530 East 137th Street, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter on February 16, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on the evening of March 18, 2019 the defendant was home and taking care of his six-week-old child, Aiden Rodriguez. The defendant initially told investigators he accidently hit the child’s head on a bedroom doorframe while holding him and trying to maneuver the stroller into the bedroom. Rodriguez then admitted to investigators that he was angry and threw the baby to the ground. The child was taken to Lincoln Hospital then transferred to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced dead several hours later. Medical investigators found that the baby died from abusive head trauma.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Jose Romero from the 40th Precinct and former NYPD Detective John Ferretti of Bronx Homicide for their assistance in the investigation.