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COVID 19 and A Place at the Table Gala Our priority is the health and safety of our staff and guests. The Ali Forney Center continues to monitor COVID-19 in accordance with our venue, New York City, and New York State Department of Health guidelines, as well as information from the CDC. Guests and staff will be required to show proof of vaccination. Guests will be contacted with instructions for providing proof of vaccination in the weeks prior to the event. |
"This last-minute order from the New York State Court of Appeals, just weeks before voting begins, will and already has created chaos and ultimately be a disservice to voters. Splitting primaries will raise costs and lower voter turnout, undoing the reforms of years past and causing voters to become disillusioned and disengaged. In New York City, after immense community engagement and input, advocates crafted ‘Unity Maps,’ which were ultimately unused. It is those maps which should now be considered as we move forward to create maps where communities and voters are well represented and heard.
"Regardless of where district lines ultimately fall, it now falls to the state to conduct a massive voter engagement and education effort, to attempt to mitigate the drop in voter turnout in a state where turnout is already historically low. This work needs to be done across neighborhood boundaries and language barriers, and it must be accompanied by collaboration with candidates who have had the time and resources they’ve spent now upended. It is important to create accommodations so that neither voters nor the people seeking to represent them are disenfranchised.
"Amid a tide of conservative efforts to reduce voters’ voice and power, New York had an opportunity to stand as a beacon. The goal of redistricting is to ensure that voters are equitably, accurately represented and served by their government, and it is clear that in this decision and the ones that led up to it, New York has failed in that goal."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the nomination of David Do as chair and commissioner of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). An experienced leader and regulator in the for-hire vehicle industry, Do — if confirmed by the New York City Council — would oversee the city’s work to help taxi drivers and the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and finally turn the tide on the taxi medallion debt crisis plaguing drivers.
“I am so proud to welcome a groundbreaking and supremely qualified and capable nominee like David Do to the TLC,” said Mayor Adams. “After a financial crisis and a devastating pandemic, a strong taxi industry is a prerequisite to a just and equitable economic recovery for our city, and this administration is going to deliver that for New Yorkers. Thank you to Acting Commissioner Ryan Wanttaja for his years of dedicated and continued service to the TLC and the city.”
“As the former chair and commissioner of the TLC, I know what is needed to regulate an ever-changing and vital transportation mode, and David Do clearly has what it takes,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “His depth of industry experience, collaborative perspective, and data-driven approach will bring innovation, accessibility, and equity to drivers and riders alike, and I look forward to working with him as he leads the agency.”
Under the New York City Charter, any nominee for TLC commissioner must be confirmed by the City Council.
About David Do
Do is a graduate of the University of California, Merced and the University of Maryland, College Park.
“The taxi and for-hire-vehicle industry is the other side of mass transit in a city that never sleeps and on the front lines of a fight for workers’ rights and job security in a changing economy,” said Bhairavi Desai, executive director, New York Taxi Workers Alliance. “We are looking forward to working with David Do, an experienced regulator rooted in transportation policy and thoughtful about the need to stabilize and rebuild our city's iconic taxi and for-hire-vehicle industry post-pandemic and after years of turmoil. We’re pleased to see the mayor put forth a nominee who wants to lead with policy, has been a life-long public servant, won’t be afraid to regulate some of the wealthiest companies in the world, and has a record of working to uplift working conditions for drivers. From debt relief to a raise for all, there is so much work to be done, and we look forward to doing so with David.”
“The Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs program provides a great opportunity for community members to work together as environmental stewards and assist in the efforts to protect vulnerable streamsides with tree plantings,” said Commissioner Seggos. “These plantings are important tools to stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion and water pollution, slow flood waters, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife.”
Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs plantings will take place throughout the Hudson Valley in May and June. Municipalities, environmental organizations, land trusts, watershed groups, and schools participate and volunteer. All ages are welcome, but younger volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. On-site training is provided. For information about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs planting sites and volunteer opportunities, please visit DEC’s website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/
The Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery provides the plants. They are native, New York seed-sourced riparian species, ideal for flood and erosion-prone areas. To learn more about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs, a video about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs is available on DEC’s YouTube at Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs or visit DEC’s Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs webpage.
To volunteer, please RSVP to HudsonEstuaryTFT@dec.ny.gov. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DEC Region 3 Headquarters, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz.
Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that promotes tree plantings and tree care and highlights the importance of trees to the environment, economy and overall quality of life. Now celebrating its 14th year, more than 8,000 Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs volunteers have planted at least 56,000 shrubs and trees on 120+ acres at 324 streamside sites.
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment in White Plains federal court charging ADAM BELARDINO, the Chief Executive Officer of the Maddox Group, a financial advisory firm in New York City and elsewhere, with wire fraud in connection with his embezzlement of more than $313,000 from a Maddox client, a 64 year old New Rochelle resident. BELARDINO was arrested this morning and will be presented in White Plains federal court later today.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Adam Belardino abused the trust his client placed in him by stealing more than $313,000 the client gave him to be invested. Clients like the victim in this case need to be able to entrust their money to financial advisors with confidence that the money will be invested in a manner that is appropriate for them. This Office will aggressively pursue financial advisors and others who steal money entrusted to them by clients.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “Belardino is charged today for allegedly stealing several hundred thousand dollars from a client in an illegal investment fraud scheme. Financial crimes of this nature can cause significant disruptions to the lives of those who are victimized. We urge everyone to exercise their due diligence when investing their money and to report suspicious activity to authorities as soon as possible.”
According to the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court[1]:
BELARDINO had managed the victim’s investments at another firm before he founded Maddox in July 2019. In August 2019, BELARDINO convinced the victim to liquidate some of her portfolio and to transfer the liquidated funds to Maddox for investment. The victim then transferred more than $313,000 to Maddox in eight separate transactions between August 2019 and October 2020. Instead of investing the victim’s money as he had promised, BELARDINO used the victim’s money to pay the operating expenses of Maddox, including payroll and office rent; to pay down prior debt; to pay credit card charges, which consisted primarily of personal items; and to pay for personal travel.
In September 2021, the victim directed BELARDINO to transfer her portfolio at Maddox to her brokerage account at another firm. From September 2021 to February 2022, BELARDINO sent the victim and members of her family emails and texts in which he said he was liquidating the portfolio and would return the funds shortly. BELARDINO also provided the victim’s family with documents suggesting that a wire transfer of the funds to the victim’s bank account was imminent or pending. BELARDINO also deposited checks drawn on a checking account held by Maddox into the victim’s bank account for what he claimed was the full value of the victim’s portfolio.
The victim never received any funds by wire and the checks BELARDINO deposited into her bank account were returned because the Maddox account did not have sufficient funds to cover the checks. BELARDINO sent members of the victim’s family emails and texts in which he said in substance and in part that he was working with bank officials to resolve the problem and that his family would repay the victim if he was unable to do so. BELARDINO also sent members of the victim’s family a document that falsely stated that the Maddox bank account had sufficient funds to repay the victim.
BELARDINO, 37, of New York City, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 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.
Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DERRICK CASADO, a/k/a “Big Bank,” a/k/a “Papa D,” pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 28 grams and more of crack cocaine and using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in connection with a crime of violence—namely, the May 17, 2019 shooting of a rival gang member near Sheridan Avenue and Marcy Place in the Bronx. CASADO was the fourteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case and the second to admit his participation in an October 5, 2019 robbery near 20 East 116th Street in Manhattan, during which CARLOS ROSARIO, a/k/a “Baby Bottle,” shot and killed Jonathan Rodriguez, who tried to intervene in the robbery. On February 9, 2022, ROSARIO pled guilty to conspiring to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and murder in a gang-related incident on July 18, 2019, and two counts of discharging a firearm during gang-related incidents on July 20, 2019 and October 5, 2019. ROSARIO also admitted his role in causing Rodriguez’s death. All of the defendants pled guilty before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
According to allegations in the Indictment and Superseding Indictments filed in this case, as well as statements by the Government and defense at plea proceedings in this case:
Between 2017 and 2019, DARRELL LAWRENCE, a/k/a “Capo,” and DAVON MCCULLOUGH, a/k/a “Yung,” a/k/a “Dayday,” were leaders and suppliers of a narcotics conspiracy that operated principally on and around East 176th Street and Anthony Avenue in the Bronx, as well as in Maine and Virginia. Many members of the conspiracy—including CASADO and ROSARIO—were also members of the Mac Ballers gang. Members of the conspiracy trafficked in significant quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs; and they routinely used, carried, and possessed firearms to protect their drug operations and advance their gang interests. For example, on May 17, 2019, CASADO traveled from the area of East 175th Street to Sheridan Avenue near East 169th Street and shot at a member of a rival gang who had insulted CASADO’s gang set on social media. On July 18, 2019, ROSARIO attempted to shoot at other rival gang members in the vicinity of East 178th Street and Anthony Avenue; and two days later, on July 20, 2019, ROSARIO fired shots into the courtyard of an apartment complex at 2000 Valentine Avenue. Then, on September 13, 2019, MCCULLOUGH drove two co-conspirators to commit a robbery of marijuana at a store near 2163 Second Avenue in Manhattan, knowing that at least one of the robbers would use a gun to commit the robbery. During the ensuing robbery, both co-conspirators brandished guns and stole marijuana and proceeds of marijuana sales, among other things. On October 5, 2019, CASADO, ROSARIO, and a third co-conspirator approached and robbed personal property from two individuals near 20 East 116th Street in Manhattan while ROSARIO brandished a firearm and assaulted one of the victims with the firearm. Jonathan Rodriguez attempted to intervene, and as he approached ROSARIO from behind, ROSARIO turned and fired a shot, causing Rodriguez’s death.
CASADO pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 28 grams and more of crack cocaine and using, carrying, and possessing firearms in connection with a crime of violence, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. ROSARIO pled guilty to conspiring to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and murder, and two counts of using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during gang related incidents, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Among the other defendants to plead guilty in this case, LAWRENCE pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 280 grams and more of crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and on February 14, 2022, MCCULLOUGH pled guilty to using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime; using, carrying, and possessing a firearm that was brandished in connection with a robbery on September 13, 2019, and conspiring to retaliate against a cooperating witness, which carry a combined mandatory minimum sentence of twelve years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The minimum and 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 the judge.
ROSARIO is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:30 a.m. on May 26, 2022. MCCULLOUGH is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:00 a.m. on June 30, 2022. LAWRENCE is scheduled to be sentenced at 12:00 p.m. on July 12, 2022. CASADO is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:00 a.m. on October 27, 2022. Each of the defendants will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations.
State and Local Government Backing Supports Refinancing to Provide Immediate Injection of $124 Million to Make Repairs and Upgrades for 45,000 Co-op City Residents
Refinance Will Help Ensure Quality Housing in World's Largest Housing Cooperative
Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, Senator Charles Schumer, and Representative Jamaal Bowman today announced that Riverbay Corporation, the management company for Co-op City, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Wells Fargo, the Mortgage Insurance Fund of the State of New York Mortgage Agency, and NYC Housing Development Corporation have processed and approved Co-op City's Department of Housing and Urban Development loan refinance. The refinance will maintain long-term housing quality and affordability for the tens of thousands of residents who call Co-op City home. Refinancing provides the housing company with $124 million in proceeds that will be used for capital improvements, including upgrades to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, façade maintenance, and electrical system upgrades.
"My administration is committed to maintaining access to safe, quality affordable housing that enables New Yorkers to live with the dignity they deserve," Governor Hochul said. "This transformative injection of capital funding will allow us to modernize Co-op City, the largest housing cooperative in the world, and ensure long-term affordability for its 45,000 residents."
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, "We applaud the successful completion of the refinance for the Bronx's Co-op City Complex. The Biden-Harris Administration and HUD are committed to stabilizing the housing market nationwide using every tool at our disposal, including utilizing Federal Housing Administration multifamily mortgage insurance as a key financing source. From supporting larger loans in major metropolitan areas to smaller loans in rural communities and suburbs, HUD is proud to be a partner in creating and preserving affordable housing across the country."
Senator Charles Schumer said, "The Bronx's Co-op City provides an affordable home to more than 45,000 New Yorkers in an increasingly expensive housing market. That's why I worked to secure a timely refinance agreement for Co-op City, which will help maintain the quality, viability and long-term affordability of this one-of-a-kind community. The deal will also improve the lives of the residents by allowing repairs and other improvements to be made, all while providing affordable housing for generations to come. We haven't stopped pushing and working with HUD to lock in the refinance and we are proud to announce HUD approval."
Representative Jamaal Bowman said, "Co-op City is truly a one-of-a-kind community, home to the largest affordable housing cooperative in America and more than 45,000 constituents that I am honored to serve. It is imperative that the Co-op City community has the funds needed to maintain their affordable housing and commercial space, which supports all who live there. I am proud to have worked alongside the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Secretary Fudge's leadership, Majority Leader Schumer, and Governor Hochul to advance a timely refinance agreement for Riverbay Corp, which will unlock significant capital funds for urgent repairs. Co-op City is a prime example of what cooperative housing can look like across this nation and I look forward to seeing how this loan refinance will continue to support making this community even more sustainable, livable and affordable."
The restructured $621.5 million mortgage loan from Wells Fargo extends the term of affordability for an additional 10 years and provides $124 million for the cooperative to undertake necessary capital repairs. With 15,372 homes, Co-op City is the largest cooperative housing development in the world. The Mortgage Insurance Fund of the State of New York Mortgage Agency, which is part of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and the New York City Housing Development Corporation, will provide credit support with $55 million and $15 million coverage of the loan, respectively. The loan includes $15 million for immediate capital repairs, including approximately $10 million for balcony and façade repair, $2.5 million for the replacement of residential water pumps and $2.5 million for the replacement of garage elevators. The loan also includes $109 million to replenish a reserve account for future repairs, all without raising maintenance charges for residents.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said, “Today’s announcement is a huge win for the residents and families of Co-op City. I am grateful for this important partnership that acknowledges the capital needs of Co-op City and this $124M investment will make a difference for Co-op City’s environmental sustainability. My gratitude to the elected officials, Riverbay Corporation, our private and financial partners who made this refinancing possible for the best interests of our residents and families.“
The 2012 Wells Fargo mortgage loan to Riverbay Corporation, which owns Co-op City, was the largest ever insured under the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Sec. 223(f) program, which protects lenders against loss on mortgage defaults at multifamily properties.
Co-op City is home to over 45,000 residents on 320 acres - the single largest co-op development in the country. The site has multiple schools, three commercial malls, and its own power plant. It has provided tens of thousands of families the opportunity to grow up in a stable middle-class community. This refinancing arrangement will help ensure tens of thousands more have that same opportunity and provide proceeds to make capital investments that will benefit residents for years to come.
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