MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS ERIC ULRICH AS DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS COMMISSIONER; KAZIMIR VILENCHIK, P.E. AS FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today appointed Eric Ulrich as commissioner of the Department of Buildings (DOB) and Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E. as first deputy commissioner. As the leadership team at DOB, they will enforce the city’s construction codes and zoning resolution, as well as the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, to protect workers and the public on construction sites and in the city’s nearly 1.1 million buildings. They will also play a key role in advancing the city’s sustainability goals, including through the enforcement of Local Law 97.

 

“Eric Ulrich and Kazimir Vilenchik are the right leadership team at the right time for the Department of Buildings,” said Mayor Adams. “Our city and our economy cannot recover from the COVID-19 pandemic without a strong construction industry, and this team will deliver while prioritizing worker safety and customer service. I want to thank Acting Commissioner Gus Sirakis for his deep commitment and ongoing service to DOB, and I look forward to continuing my work with Commissioner Ulrich and First Deputy Commissioner Vilenchik to move our city forward.”

 

“I’m thrilled by the selection of Eric Ulrich as commissioner of the Department of Buildings,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “I have known Eric for many years, and during his time in public service, he has shown his dedication to cutting through red tape and solving complex problems New Yorkers face with pragmatism and compassion. I look forward to seeing the department under his leadership support the industry and homeowners alike in a full recovery.”

 

“It’s fitting that today’s announcement is in the midst of construction safety week, highlighting the importance of worksite safety that Commissioner Eric Ulrich will keep front and center 365 days a year,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “I look forward to working with him as he brings his common-sense and collaborative approach to greening the city’s buildings under Local Law 97 and improving DOB’s customer service processes. I also congratulate Kazimir Vilenchik on his appointment as first deputy commissioner and thank Gus Sirakis for his leadership and continued service to the Department of Buildings.”

 

“From day one, Mayor Adams has made ‘Get Stuff Done’ the motto of his administration, and this is the spirit I bring to the Department of Buildings,” said incoming Commissioner Ulrich. “I will be laser-focused on raising safety standards on job sites, delivering the customer service our city deserves, and making our building industry the most sustainable in the nation. I look forward to working collaboratively across the agency and with all of the stakeholders to move our city forward.”

 

“My focus will be on improving DOB performance, facilitating development, maintaining existing buildings, and ensuring construction safety,” said incoming First Deputy Commissioner Vilenchik. “It is my overall goal to remove impediments to efficient operations, so that DOB can be an integral part of the New York City business development process. I want to thank Mayor Adams for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Ulrich and my partners across the agency and in the industry to make the agency work as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

 

A former three-term New York City councilmember who served on the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings, Ulrich was a leader in the city’s rebuilding effort after Hurricane Sandy, passing legislation to accelerate the rebuilding process while using the council’s oversight powers to improve the Rapid Repairs and Build It Back programs. Currently, Ulrich serves as a senior advisor to Mayor Adams.

 

Vilenchik is currently the Brooklyn borough commissioner at DOB, having served as deputy borough commissioner in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. He has worked at DOB for 14 years and brings over two decades of additional private sector experience.

 

“I commend Mayor Adams’ selection of Eric Ulrich as commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings,” said New York City Chief Efficiency Officer and former DOB Commissioner Melanie La Rocca. “Eric has firsthand knowledge of how critical DOB is shaping our city — ensuring the safety of New Yorkers while keeping our neighborhoods resilient. He is committed to this city’s success and growth and is able to slice through the biggest bureaucracies by leading with common sense, compassion, and a true understanding of public service. With a reputation for excellence and effectiveness, he will shepherd this agency to new heights.”

 

“Congratulations to my former colleague Eric Ulrich on his appointment as our new New York City Department of Buildings commissioner,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “As someone that I worked alongside in the City Council, I look forward to working with him in his new capacity in promoting the safety of all people that build, work, and live in New York City.”

 

“On behalf of our respective chapters of American Institute of Architects (AIA), representing all five boroughs, we would like to acknowledge Commissioner Eric Ulrich on his appointment by Mayor Adams to lead the New York City Department of Buildings as the new commissioner,” said Frank J. Quatela A.I.A., president, AIA Queens chapter; Talisha L. Sainvil A.I.A., president, A.I.A. Brooklyn chapter; Giuseppe Bonomo A.I.A., president, A.I.A. Staten Island chapter; Sara Jazayeri A.I.A., president, A.I.A. Bronx chapter; and Andrea Lamberti A.I.A., LEED AP BD+C, president, A.I.A. New York chapter. “We also welcome the news that Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E., has been named as first deputy commissioner. We look forward to working together with the new leadership of the DOB in helping our industry to build safer and in creating greater sustainability for our beloved city.”

 

“On behalf of the five borough-wide chambers of commerce serving New York City, we applaud Mayor Eric Adams for appointing former New York City Council Member Eric Ulrich as the new commissioner for the New York City Department of Buildings,” said Lisa Sorin, president, Bronx Chamber of Commerce; Randy Peers, president and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Jessica Walker, president and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce; Tom Grech, president and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce; and Linda Baran, president and CEO, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Eric demonstrated a common-sense approach to governing and a deep commitment to public service that will serve the Adams administration and all New Yorkers well as he takes on this new role. We congratulate Eric on this appointment and look forward to working with him to streamline services and make the agency more efficient, so it can better serve New York City businesses and the public. We are confident that Eric is the right person to lead this agency and ‘Get Stuff Done’ for small business owners and all New Yorkers.”

 

“Eric Ulrich’s dedication to the working people of our city during his years of service in government makes him an outstanding choice to lead the New York City Department of Buildings as its new commissioner,” said Vincent Alvarez, president, New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “Our city’s workforce is the best in the world, and we’re confident that under Eric’s stewardship, the Department of Buildings will work with New York City union members, with an eye on future collaboration — resulting in a stronger, more resilient New York City.”

 

“Eric Ulrich’s appointment as Buildings commissioner is another in a long line of outstanding appointments made by the mayor,” said Louis Coletti, president, Building Trades Employers Association. “Eric has a long and proven track record of success in taking on tough public policy issues and will again be successful in a way that will protect public and worker safety as well as improve a process that will create thousands of new jobs and generate tax revenue to benefit all New Yorkers.”

 

“Eric Ulrich’s appointment as commissioner of the Department of Buildings is a tremendous victory for working men and women,” said Joseph Geiger, executive secretary-treasurer, New York City District Council of Carpenters. “As he has throughout his career, Commissioner Ulrich will put the interests of union workers first, cut red tape, and ensure development in New York City is responsible, safe, and creates good jobs. Mayor Eric Adams’ appointment of Eric to head up DOB is further proof of his commitment to put the best and brightest to work on behalf of all New Yorkers.”

 

“We look forward to working with Commissioner Ulrich and the Adams administration to advance our shared goals of ensuring safety, efficiency, and continued innovation throughout New York City’s built environment,” said James Whelan, president, Real Estate Board of New York.

 

“Eric Ulrich is a demonstrated leader with a passion for New York City,” said Elizabeth Velez, chair emeritus, New York Building Congress; and president, Velez Organization. “As buildings commissioner, he will be a champion to keep New York City strong, safe, and growing.”

 

About Eric Ulrich

 

Eric Ulrich currently serves as a senior advisor to Mayor Adams. Prior to joining the Adams administration, Ulrich represented District 32 in Queens on the New York City Council from 2009 to 2021, serving on the Committee on Housing and Buildings. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, he coordinated a massive relief effort to help area residents rebuild their homes and businesses. He introduced and passed legislation to accelerate the rebuilding process using the best available flood maps and led the effort to create a special coastal risk district in the zoning resolution to provide a planning tool for signifying flood risk in the areas of the city most vulnerable to projected future tidal flooding. He also utilized the Council’s oversight authority to improve the operations of the Rapid Repairs and Built It Back programs.

 

Ulrich attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn and Baruch College School of Public Affairs. He grew up in Ozone Park, Queens, and lives in Rockaway Park, Queens. He is the first member of his family to earn a college degree.

 

About Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E.

 

Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E. joined the DOB in October 2008 as deputy borough commissioner in Staten Island and served in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn before becoming borough commissioner of Brooklyn in 2018. As borough commissioner, Vilenchik worked with a wide range of stakeholders to improve accountability and efficiency for construction processes in Brooklyn, while leading the borough office through the COVID-19 pandemic. He was a key participant in the implementation of the Universal Pre-K program and has worked on the development and implementation of code and zoning changes to promote affordable housing. He has received numerous awards for his work on Universal Pre-K and flood mitigation efforts following Superstorm Sandy. Before entering public service, Vilenchik worked as an inspector, structural engineer, and project manager over more than 20 years in the private sector.

 

Vilenchik attended Belarussian State Polytechnic University in Minsk, Belarus. He is a New York State licensed professional engineer.

 

Statement from NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy on Hochul's Selection of Antonio Delgado as Lieutenant Governor

 

“It’s amazing how Democrats move at lightning speed when it comes to covering up their corruption, yet New Yorkers are perpetually trapped in a crime-riddled, economically depressed state. All Democrats do is replace the names and faces of their disgraced politicians but the policies never change. Antonio Delgado is just another radical leftist who wants to dismantle our criminal justice system and make New York a socialist state. This will be a temporary job for him when we stop this insanity by electing a Republican governor who will save our state.” 

Idaho I.T. Professional Charged With Misappropriating Pre-Publication Investment Recommendations For Insider Trading Scheme

 

David Stone Electronically Accessed an Investment Advice Service’s Unannounced Stock Picks and Used That Information to Generate Millions in Trading Profits and to Provide Inside Tips to Another

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of a complaint charging DAVID STONE with securities fraud in connection with an insider trading scheme. STONE was arrested yesterday and will be presented today in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “As alleged, David Stone used his computer skills to extract pre-publication stock picks from an investment advice service so he could beat the markets and generate millions in trading profits. Though Stone may have thought that he could hide his scheme behind IP addresses, other losing trades, and donations to his church, he was wrong. This prosecution reflects my office’s commitment to market integrity and a fair playing field for investors.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said:  “As we allege here today, Mr. Stone exploited his unauthorized access to market-moving stock recommendations to make trades in advance of their release.  In relaying tips to another individual, he acknowledged his actions might be illegal and even provided advice to the individual on avoiding detection.  As today's action demonstrates, the FBI and our partners remain committed to protecting the integrity of our financial markets from the unscrupulous actions of those who seek to reap illegal gains from them.”

According to the allegations in the complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

From 2020 up to his arrest in 2022, DAVID STONE exploited market-moving stock recommendations made by an investment recommendation service (“Advisor-1”) before those recommendations were released to paying subscribers. STONE, an information technology (“I.T.”) professional, accessed Advisor-1’s computing system without authorization and viewed information relating to Advisor-1’s recommendations before they were announced to Advisor-1’s paying subscribers.

Advisor-1’s stock recommendations typically, but not always, lead to higher closing prices for the recommended stock as compared to the prior day’s closing price. By trading on those recommendations before they were announced, STONE was able to obtain significant profits unavailable to other market participants. In fact, since in or about November 2020, brokerage accounts associated with STONE traded ahead of Advisor-1 recommendations on more than a dozen occasions for approximately $3 million in gross gains.

In addition to his own trading, STONE supplied trading tips to at least one other person (“Tipee-1”). Between on or about January 20, 2021 up to and including on or about March 17, 2022, on approximately 45 different days, STONE sent emails to Tipee-1 providing stock names and/or ticker symbols ahead of Advisor-1 announcements of stock recommendations to its paying subscribers. Since in or about January 2021, a brokerage account associated with Tipee-1 traded ahead of Advisor-1 recommendations on more than a dozen occasions. As a result of that trading, Tipee-1 profited more than approximately $2.7 million.

Before providing tips to Tipee-1, STONE provided Tipee-1 with “guidelines” for avoiding detection and for donating some of the trading profits to a church. Specifically, on or about January 16, 2021, STONE sent an email to Tipee-1 that included the following:

I’m ok with sharing the weekly trades with you. I have used it so far to generate a significant amount of money and I'm sure you will be able to as well. There is a small possibility that what we are doing could be considered insider trading. [Advisor-1] uses only public information about to make its recommendations and even the recommendations are behind a paywall so it is a stretch to call it insider trading but it certainly behaves like it because it almost guarantees favorable price moves at a certain time.

So with that in mind these are the guidelines I am following:

. . . .

* Purchase a [Service-1] subscription from [Advisor-1] . . . and open some long term position of some of the recommendation that appeal to you

* Do other trades besides just what I tell you. If all your trades are up 5x and you never make a loosing trade it may call attention of regulators. . . .

* Pay your taxes. These trades are short term capital gains and are taxed at your regular income tax rate. You may get a significant tax bill come April 15 2022.

* Pay your tithe. This extra income has been a subject of regular prayer for me. I anticipate I will not need to keep my regular job for long when we are on the mission field. I have opened a donor advised fund which make it easy to contribute large sums of money or stocks directly and then schedule donations to be made to my church and any other charity I choose. It makes it easier to make anonymous donations as well which I feel is important.

With these guidelines in place I can email the recommendations as soon as I know. I feel [a particular email provider] will be a more secure form of communication if it works for you.

STONE, 36, of Nampa, Idaho is charged with one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 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 outstanding work of the FBI.  Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which today filed a parallel civil action. 

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces Appointment of Representative Antonio Delgado as Lieutenant Governor

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that she is appointing Representative Antonio Delgado to serve as Lieutenant Governor of New York. Representative Delgado currently represents New York's 19th Congressional District, which includes the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Delgado is Afro-Latino, the first person of color to represent Upstate New York in Congress and a member of both the Black and Hispanic Congressional Caucuses.   

"I am proud to appoint Antonio Delgado, an outstanding leader and public servant, as Lieutenant Governor of New York, and I look forward to working with him to usher in a new era of fairness, equity, and prosperity for communities across the State," Governor Hochul said. "We share a belief in working together to get things done for New Yorkers, and Representative Delgado has an incredible record of doing just that in Congress. With Antonio Delgado by my side serving as Lieutenant Governor, we will both make history - and make a difference." 

"New Yorkers deserve a Lieutenant Governor who's working day and night to make lives better for working people and their families," Representative Delgado said. "Upstate, downstate, doesn't matter. We all want the same things, security, family, and opportunity. The key is to listen to New Yorkers from all walks of life and then be their voice to get the job done."  

A native of Upstate New York, Representative Delgado grew up in Schenectady and lives in Rhinebeck with his wife, Lacey, and their twin eight-year-old sons, Maxwell and Coltrane. He attended Colgate University and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. Then, he received a law degree from Harvard Law School, where he met Lacey. He lived in New York City for several years as a young lawyer.

In Congress he has led the fight to deliver for his constituents - providing relief for family farms, helping small businesses rebuild and thrive, creating clean energy jobs, increasing access to broadband, and supporting our veterans. In Congress, he's worked with both parties to get things done for New Yorkers. He's had 18 bills signed into law by Presidents of both parties. He passed critical reforms including the  Strengthening Financial Aid for Students Act, and the Improving Benefits for Underserved Veterans Act, Direct Support for Communities Act and the Small Business Relief Accessibility Act. 

Representative Delgado has held more than 65 town halls over his two terms in office across all 11 counties in the 19th District. Representative Delgado is also committed to ensuring transparency and accessibility, and he created four bipartisan, locally-based advisory committees on the priorities important to NY-19, including Small Business, Agriculture, Health Care and Veterans.  

He was first elected to Congress in 2018. Representative Delgado is the Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit, and he serves on the House Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. 

WILLIAMS, ARCHILA ANNOUNCE PLATFORM TO ADDRESS ABUSE OF POWER & CORRUPTION IN NYS GOVERNMENT

Proposal Includes new rules to bar politically-motivated changes to election laws immediately before elections, address widespread corruption in Albany

 Today, NYC Public Advocate and candidate for Governor Jumaane Williams joined his candidate for Lieutenant Governor Ana María Archila to roll out Ending Corruption and Ensuring Government Puts People First, a detailed plan to overhaul Albany’s system to get rid of corruption and put an end to abuses of power – ending politically-motivated changes to election laws in the immediate run-up to elections, getting big money out of state politics and creating a government accountable to the people. 

Williams and Archila discussed the new platform and more during a press conference today at City Hall Park. Video of the event can be found here, and the full platform can be downloaded here.

With their anti-corruption platform, Williams and Archila plan to:

Increase transparency and good government by ending the culture of insider dealing and political favor-trading in Albany, barring state-declared emergencies or court orders, creating a real statewide Database of Deals, executive nominations free of conflicts of interest; and passing the Budget Equity Act. The candidates also plan to create new rules to freeze election law in place 90 days before the election the proposed law impacts, barring state-declared emergencies or a court order.

Get big money out of politics by banning “pay-to-play” donations from companies and individuals doing business with the state or seeking state contracts, fully funding and implementing public financing of our elections, banning stock trading by elected officials, fully closing close the LLC loophole, ending the revolving door between government and corporate lobbying; and lowering contribution limits for all state legislative and executive races to $2,900. 

Provide greater oversight and accountability by giving the next Attorney General a “standing referral” and resources to investigate public corruption, establishing a truly independent ethics commission, holding accountable those who abuse power and protecting and empowering survivors of harassment. 

“Corruption, inaction and scandal have plagued Albany for far too long and it’s time for that to change,” said Jumaane Williams, NYC Public Advocate and candidate for Governor. “We need a government that finally works for the working families, not just the billionaires and corporate special interests who write checks to politicians in order to write policies that don’t have all New Yorker’s best interest in mind. This type of incumbency protection was clear under the Cuomo/ Hochul administration and remains even more clear under Governor Hochul’s administration today. Under a Williams/ Archila administration, we will shine light on Albany’s inaction so that Albany finally works for the people who make our state run.”

“Whether Black or white, Latino or Asian, from Upstate or Downstate, we all deserve an affordable place to live, a good job, access to health care, and a livable planet. But this version of New York will remain a dream while our state government is plagued by corruption and ethics scandals–a symptom of state leaders being controlled by billionaires and big corporations,” said Ana María Archila, candidate for Lieutenant Governor. “We need to shine a light on the darkness in Albany and stand up to the corruption that has for too long dominated our state’s politics. It’s these abuses of power and self-dealing that have prevented our government from giving New Yorkers what they need to live with dignity.” 

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS COMMISSIONER AND CITY SHERIFF

 

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS SIDEYA SHERMAN AS COMMISSIONER TO NEWLY-CREATED MAYOR’S OFFICE OF EQUITY

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Sideya Sherman as commissioner of the new Mayor’s Office of Equity. This office was created  through Executive Order 5 for the deputy mayors and senior leadership. The Mayor’s Office of Equity builds on the successful work of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity, which broke down silos across city agencies to drive resources and prioritize the communities hardest-hit by the pandemic. The office will bring city agencies together around a shared vision of equity and build lasting change through the following domains: Structural reforms, programs and initiatives, culture and practice, external engagement, and public policy. The Office of Equity has an intersectional focus and is comprised of the Commission on Gender Equity, Young Men’s Initiative, Unity Project, Racial Justice Commission, Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity, and Pay Equity Cabinet.

 

“Our city has made continual progress on issues of equity, but we still have a long way to go,” said Mayor Adams. “This new office will work across city agencies and systems to support structural change, while still advancing real-time policies, programs and initiatives that serve New Yorkers. Sideya Sherman has a proven record of being a true leader and champion for the rights of New Yorkers. She has proven to be a leader focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, and I am proud to have her join our team.”

 

“The newly formed Mayor’s Office of Equity is a crucial step forward to address deeply rooted issues of discrimination, support communities hit hardest by the pandemic and dismantle structural inequality,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “This office will show how government can lead the way in creating public policy and programs that establish equity across New York City. Under Sideya Sherman’s driven leadership, our government will chart a new course towards becoming a more equitable, inclusive city for all.”

 

“I am deeply honored to be appointed the city’s first commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Equity,” said Mayor’s Office of Equity Commissioner Sideya Sherman. “Mayor Adams has outlined a bold vision for our city. I am thrilled to work alongside the mayor and Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright to center and institutionalize equity across this administration. Our city is at a pivotal moment, and to recover equitably, we can’t just put broken systems back into place. I look forward to working with colleagues across government, partners, and communities to bring about transformative change that will level the playing field for all."  

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS ANTHONY MIRANDA AS NEW YORK CITY SHERIFF 

  New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Anthony Miranda as sheriff of the City of New York. As sheriff, Miranda will oversee the primary civil law enforcement agency for New York City: the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for a wide array of enforcement activities, including the duty to preserve the peace, and serve and enforce mandates and orders issued from local or state courts, the federal government, foreign countries, the New York City Tax Tribunal, and the commissioner of the Department of Finance. It is an enforcement arm of the Department of Finance. 

 

“The prerequisite to prosperity is public safety and justice, and the people who serve this city embody that maxim,” said Mayor Adams. “Anthony Miranda has spent decades protecting and serving the people of this city, and, as sheriff, he will bring his experience, expertise, and passion to ensure the office fulfills its mission and serves all New Yorkers fairly and equitably.” 

 

“It is an honor to join the leadership ranks and long history of the New York City Sheriff’s Office as the 123^rd sheriff,” said New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda. “I look forward to serving this administration and the great city of New York in ensuring the Sheriff’s Office and all its members serve with distinction and integrity.”   

 

"I congratulate Anthony Miranda on his appointment as New York City Sheriff," said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. "The sheriff has a critical role in enforcement for the city and after years of dedicated service, I look forward to Anthony stepping into this leadership role." 

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Anthony Miranda to the Department of Finance,” said New York City Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack. “The Office of the Sheriff plays a vital and unique role not only in protecting public safety in myriad ways, but in ensuring fair and equitable administration of our tax laws. I want to thank outgoing Sheriff Joseph Fucito for his eight years of dedicated service to the City of New York, and look forward to his continued contributions as undersheriff-in-charge.” 

 

"Mayor Adams has again added a true leader to his team by appointing Anthony Miranda as New York City’s Sheriff. Miranda has dedicated his career to this city, and I have no doubt he will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the office of the sheriff. I congratulate Anthony on his appointment, and I know he will work tirelessly to address the needs of all communities," said New York State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda.

 

“Tony Miranda is a man of the community. As a law enforcement officer, he has always put the safety of the public first,” said Fernando Tapia, justice, New York State Supreme Court. “He’s a family man and a community-oriented individual, and he tells you exactly what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. I’m confident that as sheriff he’ll bring the same values of integrity, honesty, and decency that have guided him throughout his career.” 

 

About Anthony Miranda 

 

Anthony Miranda is co-founder and executive chairman of the National Latino Officers Association. He previously served as chief of police and director of security for the New York City Administration of Children’s Services. Before that, he served as the regional security director of Home Life Services, a provider of alternative housing services. 

 

After serving as a first responder during 9/11, Miranda retired in 2002 and became a law enforcement consultant providing expert guidance to justices, lawyers, and civilians on policing matters. 

 

He joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1982 serving as a police officer, an undercover police officer, a detective, and a sergeant. He specialized in community policing, training, and policy. He worked in the Internal Affairs Bureau, Training Bureau – Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Training, Organized Crime Control Bureau, Detective Bureau, Police Service Area (Housing), and various police precincts in Brooklyn North. 

 

Miranda earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College and an Associates from New York City College of Technology. He is currently working on his M.S. in Criminal and Social Justice from King Graduate School at Monroe College. 

 

Miranda will report to Commissioner Preston Niblack of the Department of Finance, under First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. 

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera on the Imminent Overturn of Roe v. Wade

 

“I unequivocally and wholeheartedly condemn the Supreme Court’s draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade. Let’s be clear – this draft decision is not about the constitutionality of Roe v. Wade. This is the end result of a years-long offensive spearheaded by the extreme far-right to erode access to reproductive healthcare, despite the fact that the majority of Americans support a woman’s right to choose.  

We cannot claim to respect women if we do not guarantee them autonomy over their bodies and medical choices. Even if the final decision overturns Roe, women will continue to have abortions, leaving those without resources to resort to dangerous measures that will put their lives at risk. I am incredibly proud and relieved that one of the first actions we took as Senate Democratic Majority was to codify Roe v. Wade into state law.

While this news is appalling, we must reject the encroachments on our freedom and demand federal action to protect this fundamental right.”

Editor's Note:

While this a is a very serious issue, it is out of the jurisdiction of the State Senate, being it was a federal decision. We know that there would be no ban in New York State.

However we are disturbed that State Senator Gustavo Rivera in his many many years in the state senate has played Deaf, Dumb, and Blind to the corruption that continues to go on in Albany, and his own Democratic Party.

Permits Filed For 773 Grote Street In Belmont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 773 Grote Street in Belmont, The Bronx. Located between Southern Boulevard and Prospect Avenue, the lot is near the West Farms Square East Tremont Avenue subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Luce Popaj under the 773 Grote LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 95-foot-tall development will yield 22,921 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 34 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 674 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, a 53-foot-long rear yard, and ten open parking spaces.

Node Architecture Engineering Consulting is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in March for a two-story residential building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.