City of New York Takes Action To Limit Banking With Wells Fargo Following Discrimination Reports

Following new reports of widespread discrimination against Black homeowners, the Mayor and Comptroller told Wells Fargo that the City of New York would not open any new depository accounts with the bank.

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Comptroller Brad Lander told Wells Fargo in a letter that the City of New York would refrain from opening new depository accounts with the bank following new reports of widespread discrimination against Black homeowners.

A Bloomberg News study published on March 11, 2022, found that Wells Fargo rejected over half of Black applicants seeking to refinance their homes in 2020, while approving 72% of white applicants. In 2021 the bank approved just 58% of Black applications, compared with 79% of white applicants.

In the letter addressed to Wells Fargo CEO & President Charles W. Scharf, Mayor Adams and Comptroller Lander state:

“As the Mayor and Comptroller of New York City, a diverse community where Black homeowners own and are the primary residents of more than a quarter of two-to-four person homes, we are both gravely concerned about the recent report in Bloomberg that Wells Fargo rejected over half of Black applicants seeking to refinance their homes in 2020 while approving over 70% of white applicants.

“These disparate mortgage practices, layered upon a checkered history of steering homeowners of color into subprime mortgages, rejecting mortgages in redlined neighborhoods, and numerous outstanding consent decrees pertaining to mortgage practices, require a swift response by both your bank and stakeholders.

“In light of this persisting track record of discrimination, New York City will not be opening any new depository accounts with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as we continue to investigate these troubling findings.”

Mayor Adams and Comptroller Lander appreciate that Wells Fargo is engaging with the City about these concerns, and look forward to continued public conversation about clear steps the bank will take to address the allegations contained within the article and additional best practices for fair lending.

The City of New York had taken Wells Fargo off the designated banking list in 2017 following concerns about discriminatory lending and predatory practices and the bank’s Federal Community Reinvestment Act rating of “needs improvement,” but added it back in 2021 after a contested vote. Currently there are no City agency deposit accounts open with Wells Fargo.

“It’s outrageous that Wells Fargo has continued to engage in lending discrimination against Black homeowners, even after paying a record settlement for similar actions over a decade ago that contributed to the foreclosure crisis,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “These disturbing practices are part of a long legacy and history of discrimination against Black Americans for generations, extracting wealth from our communities that perpetuates the country’s wealth gap. As a City, we cannot in good conscience ignore this deplorable conduct. I support Mayor Adams and Comptroller Lander’s decision to stop opening depository accounts with Wells Fargo because these unacceptable actions must have consequences.”

The full letter can be accessed here.

Two Leaders Of Violent Puerto Rico Drug Cartel That Committed Dozens Of Murders And Bribed Police Officers Convicted At Trial

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the conviction of JULIO MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO, a/k/a “Chino,” and LUIS BLONDET for racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, murder while engaged in a drug crime, and murder through the use of a firearm.  After less than a day of deliberations, the unanimous jury convicted MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO and BLONDET yesterday of every count presented to the jury after a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman.  

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Yesterday’s verdict brings justice for the more than a dozen victims of the defendants’ years-long campaign of brutal violence.  Using murder after murder and bribery of corrupt Puerto Rico police officers, the defendants profited from distributing tons of cocaine throughout Puerto Rico and other places in the United States, including drugs sold out of a children’s daycare center in the Bronx. Thanks to the tremendous work of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, the defendants’ reign of terror has ended.”

According to the Indictment and the evidence at trial:

MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO was one of the founding fathers of La Organization de Narcotraficantes Unidos, or La ONU, a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, from in or about 2004 to in or about 2016, dozens of murders, the bribery of corrupt police officers in Puerto Rico, and the distribution of thousands of kilograms of cocaine, including the shipment of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New York. Cocaine supplied by La ONU was distributed in New York City, including out of a children’s daycare center in the Bronx. BLONDET was a member of La ONU and one of MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO’s closest allies.

On or about April 9, 2005, BLONDET murdered Crystal Martinez-Ramirez. After Martinez-Ramirez refused BLONDET’s advances, BLONDET shot Martinez-Ramirez in the head twice and dumped her body on a street corner in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

On or about December 28, 2006, Israel Crespo-Cotto was murdered on the orders of MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO because Crespo-Cotto was believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO’s assassins killed Crespo-Cotto, a double amputee, while he was sitting in his wheelchair in the Manuel A. Perez public housing projects in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Crespo-Cotto was shot 24 times.

On or about March 20, 2009, Carlos Barbosa was murdered on the orders of MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO because Barbosa was believed to be plotting to seize power from MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO.  Barbosa was shot over a dozen times while getting his hair cut at a barbershop in Levittown, Puerto Rico.

In addition, evidence was presented at trial of MARRQUEZ-ALEJANDRO and BLONDET ordering, committing, or otherwise participating in more than a dozen other murders, some of which include:

On or about May 9, 2007, members of La ONU, including MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO,  hired corrupt Puerto Rico police officers to participate in the murder of Anthony Castro-Carrillo in Carolina, Puerto Rico, in exchange for a cash bonus.  Members of La ONU and two corrupt cops stormed Castro-Carrillo’s residence while dressed as police officers and shot and killed him.

MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO, BLONDET, and other members of La ONU arranged for the murder of Hommysan Cariño-Bruno, a leader of a rival drug organization, paying a driver to kill Cariño-Bruno and providing a firearm.  Cariño-Bruno was shot and killed while inside a van on or about April 29, 2008, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

On or about November 27, 2009, Emanuel Correa Romero, a/k/a “Oreo,” was murdered on the orders of MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO.  Members of La ONU beat Correa Romero until he appeared dead.  After the assault, members of La ONU placed Correa Romero’s body into a suitcase, and later reported back that they shot the suitcase dozens of times and then lit it on fire.

MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO, 52, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and BLONDET, 47, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, were returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following the return of the verdict. MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO and BLONDET were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum of life in prison. With respect to the murder of Crystal Martinez-Ramirez, BLONDET was convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, and murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. With respect to the murders of Israel-Crespo-Cotto and Carlos Barbosa, MARQUEZ-ALEJANDRO was convicted of two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, each of which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison; two counts of murder while engaged in a drug crime, each of which carries a mandatory minimum of twenty years in prison and a maximum of life in prison; and two counts of murder through the use of a firearm, each of which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and maximum sentence of life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Governor Hochul Announces More Than 70 Million Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests Distributed to New Yorkers in Recent Months

 

71,331,202 Tests Out the Door Since December 2021, With More than 100 Million Tests in Total Procured by the State

State Providing Additional Tests and Masks to Central New York Region to Address Above Average Case Rate

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Visit State's 14 Free Vaccination Sites to Stay Protected Against COVID

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than 70 million COVID-19 over-the-counter tests have been distributed to date by New York State as part of the administration's ongoing efforts to keep New Yorkers protected throughout the pandemic. At-home rapid tests are being provided regularly to schools and nursing homes throughout the state, and the State recently distributed more than 2.8 million tests to elected officials to provide to the public at no cost. Out of an abundance of caution, the State has provided several thousand additional test kits as well as 59,000 high-quality face masks directly to counties in the Central New York region.

"As we've seen throughout the pandemic, test kits are a critical tool in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and prevent exposure to others," Governor Hochul said. "I am proud to announce that today we have distributed more than 70 million over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to all New Yorkers, and I want to thank our dedicated state workers who are working day and night to fight this virus and keep our communities safe. We will continue to focus our efforts on distributing at-home tests and building up our stockpile so we can bolster our preparedness for the future and keep moving forward safely through this pandemic."

While at-home testing continues to play an important role in identifying cases and curbing the spread of COVID, Governor Hochul and Commissioners Bassett and Bray are urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated and boosted as the best method of protection against COVID-19. The State's free vaccine sites remain open and New Yorkers ages 50 and over are encouraged to get a second booster in accordance with the recently expanded CDC guidance.

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "At-home COVID-19 testing is now widely available and provides real-time information regarding your COVID-19 status, particularly as we are seeing infections increase. People who test positive should isolate and, for those with symptoms, seek medical advice for treatment as soon as possible. We are making all of our prevention tools readily available. In addition to the vaccine and boosters, we have put millions of test kits into the hands of New Yorkers."

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Testing and vaccination continue to be the best way to protect you and your loved ones against COVID-19. It is incredibly important that we remain vigilant in the coming months and continue to get at-home tests into the hands of New Yorkers to help keep communities safe. We will continue assisting local governments and these important partnerships will help us get through this pandemic together."

Since late December, 71,331,202 tests have been distributed throughout New York to schools, nursing homes and adult-care facilities, local governments and certain non-profits for wider distribution and, more recently, the New York City Housing Authority and various food banks. Governor Hochul previously announced more than 100 million at-home tests have been procured to-date, and more than 20 million of those tests will be distributed throughout the Spring to ensure New York's communities are prepared to identify new cases and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Ahead of the Omicron surge in late 2021, Governor Hochul and her team identified the need to secure over-the-counter test kits to combat the Omicron surge, providing regular distributions to the general public, prioritizing schools and adult care facilities across the state.

Of the over 100 million tests procured, nearly 23 million tests have been stored to help prepare for any potential surges later this year.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE STATE BUDGET DEAL

 

"This budget was reached after a historic delay, and for billionaires and Bills owners, it was well worth the wait. When the governor unveiled her preliminary budget proposal, I was concerned that it relied on temporary federal investment and short-term projects, rather than the sustained revenue and long-term programs that New Yorkers need. While this budget includes some key priority initiatives, thanks to dedicated advocates and leaders, last-minute additions to the process by the governor have consumed both immense resources and valuable focus, preventing some of these programs from going far enough. Not only does the final budget exclude any revenue raising measures from the wealthiest New Yorkers, which creates the potential for even positive initiatives to be cut in out-years, it includes a massive giveaway to a Buffalo billionaire to build a new stadium.

"The budget also weakens the criminal justice reforms of 2019 – which the governor admits and the data reinforces are not the cause of the recent rise in crime. Pulling back from progress, conceding to loud, fearmongering voices, is a move away from justice and toward criminalizing lower income New Yorkers of more color. 

"I want to commend and thank the advocates and elected leaders who pushed for progressive causes in this budget, and there are several positive investments won – it’s critically important to acknowledge victories won after months and years of organizing and advocacy. Aid to schools at all levels, including for mental healthcare, is a critical investment. A full restoration of TAP funding will help make education more accessible, and additional accessible ERAP funding will help some New Yorkers stay in their homes while the governor inexplicably refuses to pass Good Cause. Residential owner assistance will help people to stabilize through pandemic recovery, although not nearly enough is included, and legalizing to-go cocktails will provide an important revenue source for small businesses still struggling. 

"It’s equally critical to acknowledge areas where the investment was important but insufficient to meet the need or the moment. The state’s investment in gun violence prevention is welcome, but falls far short of the needed resources to strengthen true public safety. Expanding healthcare coverage for undocumented seniors is a significant step, but leaves many New Yorkers without critical coverage. Similarly, undocumented youth are excluded from the state’s investments in childcare – while the funding for childcare represents major progress for working families, it is not truly universal if many immigrant families are left out. Additionally, in the state’s care economy, advocates fought for and secured a raise that is both important in acknowledging that a home care crisis exists, and is inadequate in addressing that crisis – is it not the fair pay workers demanded and deserved.

"Finally, as important as what’s in the budget is what’s been left out. 421-a and its potential replacements which are the same in all but name and number, were rightly rejected from this deal, and we will continue to make sure that these gifts to developers with no real return are not a part of New York’s affordable housing plan. Unfortunately, any real progress on affordable housing such as the voucher program have also been left out – as was the utility relief so many desperately need. Excluded workers are excluded in this budget, as are popular, urgent reforms like the Clean Slate Act. While some significant increases were made in climate funding, the overall shortfall in investment and the suspension of the gas tax will ultimately create significant environmental harm, while regressively failing to provide substantial support or relief for New Yorkers most in need. 

"In proposing her budget in January, the governor invoked the New Deal – but the deal that was reached in this year’s budget feels old, following the same patterns as past administrations and falling short in key areas. Both through the city budget and the remainder of the state legislative session, we must work to address critical gaps and invest in the New Yorkers this budget leaves behind."

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON STATE BUDGET DEAL

 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today issued the following statement after New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a budget deal with state lawmakers:

 

“The details of the budget deal are still emerging, but it is clear many of my top priorities and key elements of my ‘People’s Plan for New York’ will be included. This means millions will go directly into the pockets of working-class New Yorkers through an enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit, there will be historic funding for families to pay for childcare, and tax incentives to create thousands of new childcare seats. These investments will make a meaningful difference for the people in our city who need it the most.

 

“While I commend the Legislature and the governor for making some progress on public safety, it is also evident that a good deal more work will be needed on this issue, as well as on mayoral accountability, housing, and other city priorities in the ongoing legislative session, which is only half over. We will review the budget fully and continue to advocate on behalf of nearly one million students who are still suffering from the disruption of the pandemic, the thousands of New Yorkers who lack access to affordable and stable housing, and the countless everyday New Yorkers who want and deserve to live in a safer city.”

Governor Hochul Announces Agreement on FY 2023 New York State Budget

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an agreement to address key priorities in the Fiscal Year 2023 New York State Budget. This bold and fiscally responsible plan makes historic investments in communities across the State that will bring relief to New Yorkers recovering from the pandemic and launch New York's economic comeback.

The State's reserves in this plan will increase to a record level of 15 percent of State Operating Funds spending by FY 2025, as proposed by the Governor in her Executive Budget.

"As we make our comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic we are embracing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to usher in a whole new era for New York, with a bold budget that brings much-needed economic relief to New Yorkers and looks to the future with historic investments in education, health care and infrastructure," Governor Hochul said. "This agreement brings us closer to an enacted budget and makes good on our promise of a stronger, safer, more inclusive and more prosperous New York State. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie for this collaborative process. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in state government to enact a budget that delivers for all New Yorkers."

The historic budget will include major priorities that deliver for New Yorkers, including:

• Tax relief for middle-class New Yorkers and small businesses;
• Suspending fuel taxes to tackle the high cost of gasoline which has surged in recent months as a result of the war in Ukraine;
• Helping to support small businesses most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, like restaurants, by authorizing the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages;
• Billions of dollars to rebuild the health care workforce, support home care workers, and build the health care system of the future;
• A historic investment in education to strengthen our higher education institutions and support our teachers and school employees;
• Increasing funding for and access to child care;
• A historic investment in pandemic recovery funding;
• A comprehensive housing plan to make living in New York more affordable;
• A record-level investment in a five-year transportation infrastructure plan;
• A record investment in clean energy infrastructure, climate resiliency and preservation;
• Improving ethics oversight and restoring trust in state government by replacing JCOPE with a new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government; and
• Moving forward toward a safer, more just New York by cracking down on the trafficking of illegal guns, stopping the cycle of repeat offenders, protecting the victims of domestic violence and hate crimes, and investing in mental health infrastructure.

With a conceptual agreement in place the legislative houses are expected to pass bills that will enact these priorities.

Since the Governor proposed her Executive Budget in January, additional revenue has been forecast and surplus funds have been realized. The total budget for FY 2023 is currently estimated at approximately $220 billion, based on a preliminary assessment of the negotiated changes to the Executive proposal. The spending plan will include the $2 billion for pandemic assistance that Governor Hochul indicated was available for use when the Executive Budget was released in January, but had not been included as a spending line-item.  

FORMER RIKERS ISLAND INMATE INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF ANOTHER INMATE FOR DISTURBING HIS SLEEP

 

Victim Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury, Left Unable to Walk or Speak 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a former Rikers Island inmate has been indicted on Attempted Murder and additional charges for attacking another inmate in the jail, causing him to suffer brain damage and seizures.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly brutally attacked another inmate, allegedly because the victim disturbed his sleep. Those being held at the jail should not be subject to violence and we will hold anyone who inflicts harm accountable.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Eric McKenzie AKA Eric Belmar, 56, of Brooklyn, NY, was arraigned Wednesday on Attempted Murder in the second-degree, first-degree Assault and two counts of second-degree Assault before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was set in the amount of $100,000 cash, bond, or partially secured bond. The defendant is due back in court on June 29, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on December 13, 2021 at approximately 4:40 p.m., the defendant allegedly became upset with inmate Jose Matias because he was being too loud while McKenzie was trying to sleep. McKenzie allegedly chased Matias and threw him to the floor, stomped on his neck and head, and kicked and punched him in the head. Matias was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where he was put in a medically induced coma. He was transferred to NYC Health + Hospitals Bellevue and remained at the facility until February 16, 2022. Matias sustained traumatic brain injury and suffers from seizures and brain damage. He was left unable to speak or walk and needed extensive physical rehabilitation.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked Investigator Walter Holmes, New York City Department of Correction Liaison, Investigator Cecil Phillips, and the Department of Correction’s Correction Intelligence Bureau for their assistance.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

DEC ISSUES ANNUAL MUDDY TRAILS ADVISORY FOR ADIRONDACKS

Hikers Advised to Temporarily Avoid High Elevation Trails and Prepare for Variable Conditions on Low Elevation Trails

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today urged hikers to postpone hikes on Adirondack trails above 2,500 feet until high elevation trails have dried and hardened. DEC advises hikers on how to reduce negative impacts on all trails and help protect the natural resources throughout the Adirondacks during this time.

High elevation trails: Despite recent warm weather, high elevation trails above 2,500 feet are still covered in slowly melting ice and snow. These steep trails feature thin soils that become a mix of ice and mud as winter conditions melt and frost leaves the ground. The remaining compacted ice and snow on trails is rotten, slippery, and will not reliably support weight. "Monorails," narrow strips of ice and compacted snow at the center of trails, are difficult to hike and the adjacent rotten snow is particularly prone to postholing.

Hikers are advised to avoid high elevation trails for the duration of the muddy trail advisory for several reasons: sliding boots destroy trail tread, damage surrounding vegetation, and erode thin soils to cause washouts; rotten snow and monorails are a safety hazard even with proper equipment; and high elevation and alpine vegetation are extremely fragile in spring months while starting regrowth after the winter.

Please avoid the following high elevation trails until trail conditions have dried and hardened:

• High Peaks Wilderness - all trails above 2,500 feet specifically Algonquin, Colden, Feldspar, Gothics, Indian Pass, Lake Arnold Cross-Over, Marcy, Marcy Dam - Avalanche - Lake Colden, which is extremely wet, Phelps Trail above Johns Brook Lodge, Range Trail, Skylight, Wright, all "trail-less" peaks, and all trails above Elk Lake and Round Pond in the former Dix Mountain Area;
• Giant Mountain Wilderness - all trails above Giant's Washbowl, "the Cobbles," and Owl Head Lookout;
• McKenzie Mountain Wilderness - all trails above 2,500 feet, specifically Whiteface, Esther, Moose and McKenzie Mountains;
• Sentinel Range Wilderness - all trails above 2,500 feet, specifically Pitchoff Mountain; and
• Jay Mountain Wilderness – specifically Jay Mountain.
  

Until conditions improve, hikers are encouraged to responsibly explore low elevation trails or enjoy other forms of recreation.

Low-elevation and all other trails: Mud and variable conditions are prevalent across all trails in the Adirondacks. Hikers can encounter thick mud, flooding, ice, and deep slushy snow even on low-elevation trails. Hikers should be prepared to encounter these conditions and know how to reduce their impact to protect surrounding natural resources.

Hikers are advised to walk through the mud, slush, or water, and down the center of the trail. This helps to reduce erosion and trail widening and minimizes damage to trailside vegetation. Waterproof boots, gaiters, and trekking poles are recommended to safely and comfortably traverse these variable trail conditions.

The muddy trail advisory for high elevation trails can last into June as it sometimes takes that long for trails to dry and harden. The advisory may be lifted as soon as May for lower elevation trails. Hikers are advised to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for weekly updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information for the Adirondacks.

Visit the DEC website for a list of hikes found throughout the Adirondacks that are great alternatives to popular high elevation hikes during this time.

New York State lands belong to all of us, and we all have a responsibility to protect them. Love Our New York Lands this spring by finding alternate forms of sustainable outdoor recreation, always practicing Leave No Trace^TM, and giving back through volunteer work and stewardship.