MAYOR ADAMS OPENS OVER 250 AFFORDABLE HOMES AT CATON FLATS, REVITALIZED FLATBUSH CENTRAL CARIBBEAN MARKETPLACE

 

Project Includes 100 Percent Affordable Housing and 20,000 Square Feet of Community Space

 

New Business Accelerator Will Offer Special Support for BIPOC Entrepreneurs

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today kicked off a weekend-long grand opening celebration for Caton Flats, a new mixed-use development with 255 affordable homes, a revitalized and expanded Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, and 20,000 square feet of community space. The project was developed by Urbane and BRP Companies.

 

“This project is such a fitting celebration of our city’s vibrant Caribbean community and our strong, inclusive economic recovery,” said Mayor Adams. “We are building a more equitable economy that will help lift up all New Yorkers, in every neighborhood and every borough. This project is a model for community-based development across the city, which is why I was proud to fight for it as borough president and even prouder to see it completed today as the mayor.”

 

“We are thrilled to share the new and improved Flatbush Central with the public and to continue the legacy of the market as a vital hub for Caribbean commerce as well as a unique and inviting gathering space for the community,” said James Johnson-Piett, CEO and principal, Urbane. “Urbane is proud to usher in a new era of the market with upgraded and enhanced facilities serving the community at large. We’re looking forward to watching the market grow and evolve as a first-rate retail and cultural destination in this new space.”

 

“This project in its entirety exemplified a true partnership and alignment between real estate, community groups, local leaders, and construction entities, all equally dedicated in their commitment to serving the Flatbush community,” said Meredith Marshall, cofounder and managing partner, BRP Companies. “In addition to the 255 units of new affordable housing developed at Caton Flats, Flatbush Central serves as a vital staple within the Flatbush community that supports small businesses and community entrepreneurs, while celebrating and preserving Caribbean culture in New York City, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating its grand opening.”

 

A $136 million project, Caton Flats rents are capped to be affordable to households considered between very low- and moderate-income, between 40 and 130 percent of the area median income. The Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace occupies the lower level of the building, with upgraded amenities, including expanded space for food vendors, a shared commercial test kitchen, a bar, and a lounge.

 

The market will also host a Mangrove business accelerator — an economic mobility platform and incubator program that will focus on offering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color entrepreneurs state-of-the-arty facilities for food and culinary needs, as well as facilities to produce natural body care and cosmetics, new media, and textiles. From industry-specific technical assistance to access to capital to business classes, the accelerator at the market will help facilitate necessary partnerships to help small businesses grow.

 

In 2015, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) selected BRP Companies — a minority-owned business — and Urbane Development through a competitive bidding process and following an extensive community engagement process with local stakeholders and community members to create a mixed-use development that served local businesses, improved community quality of life, and allowed the neighborhood to grow and thrive. The completion of this project represents the culmination of a years long visioning process with NYCEDC, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) — in partnership with former New York City Councilmember Dr. Una Clarke, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry founder Dr. Roy Hastick, local elected officials, and community members — to deliver affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and support for local small businesses.

 

Throughout the weekend, there will be several live musical performances and activities for families and community members — including cooking demonstrations, dance classes, and more — to celebrate the official grand opening of Caton Flats. New Yorkers can find more information online.

 

Images and video of Caton Flats can be found online (credit: Marino). A video overview of the Flatbush Central community can also be found online (credit: Marino).

 

“Investing in strong communities and entrepreneurs is key to our city’s recovery,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The affordable housing coming to hundreds of New Yorkers and the renovated space for dozens of small businesses at the Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace will further strengthen the vibrant Flatbush community.”

 

“Congratulations to EDC, BRP, Urbane, the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, and partners on bringing this great market back to life alongside much-needed affordable housing,” said New York City Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “We have a lot of work to do to tackle our city’s housing needs, but Caton Flats — as a mixed-used, mixed-income project — is exactly the type of project that will get us there, while supporting thriving neighborhoods. I am honored to stand with the Flatbush community in celebration of this new project and especially with the 255 families that we are welcoming to their new homes.”

 

“Caton Flats and the new Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace will strengthen the Flatbush and Caribbean communities for years to come,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “NYCEDC is proud to deliver on a project that offers affordable housing, supports local small businesses — which are so important to this community — and enriches our city. We thank the mayor, our city partners, elected officials, community members, developers, and all who worked with NYCEDC on this transformational project.”

 

“Building new affordable housing is a top priority for the city of New York, so today we celebrate the grand opening of 255 new affordable homes at Caton Flats,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “The Flatbush Central Caribbean Market, now reopened on the ground floor, has been essential to the social fabric of this community for decades. Including the market in this project enhances a longtime anchor of this community and provides opportunities for culturally significant commerce and affordable housing for years to come. Welcome home to the new residents of Caton Flats and the entrepreneurs and small businesses who bring this market to life. And thank you to Urbane and BRP Companies on a job well done. Bravo!”

 

“Caton Flats provides new space for the revitalized Flatbush Caton Market, in addition to 255 affordable homes — 76 of which will be permanently affordable,” said HDC President Eric Enderlin. “Congratulations to the residents and local entrepreneurs that will contribute to the success of this dynamic community, and many thanks to all our valued partners and elected officials for their dedication to fostering greater economic opportunity for New Yorkers through projects like Caton Flats.”

 

“Investing in opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs is what SBS’s partnership with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry is all about,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “The expanded and improved Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace is a bridge to economic opportunity for BIPOC entrepreneurs, a hub of culture, and a pillar for our five-borough economic recovery plan. The future is bright for Caton Flats and the new Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, and we’re excited to continue our partnership.”

 

DEC REMINDS NEW YORKERS TO USE CAUTION WHEN OUTDOOR BURNING ONCE STATE’S RESIDENTIAL BRUSH BURNING PROHIBITION ENDS

 

Wildfire Risk Still High During Late Spring and Summer Months

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded New Yorkers that despite the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning coming to an end on May 14, caution is still required, and fires can still easily and quickly escape and spread.

“The risk of wildfires remains high this spring across New York State, so it’s absolutely essential New Yorkers are mindful of the risk when doing any kind of residential outdoor brush burning,” Commissioner Seggos said. “To protect our communities and natural resources, we’re encouraging people to put safety first, don’t leave fires unattended, and ensure all fires are fully extinguished.”

Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC’s Fire Danger Map for the 2022 fire season is now posted. The map gets posted once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York and this week, conditions statewide were designated as high fire risk.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring through May 14 when most wildfires occur.

Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed. Small cooking fires are allowed. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32060.html.

Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce laws related to open burning. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report a wildfire, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264). To report illegal burning on private lands, call 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267) or report online on DEC's website.

CEO Of Private Equity Fund Sentenced To 97 Months For $133 Million Bank And Securities Fraud Scheme

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that defendant ELLIOT SMERLING was sentenced to 97 months in prison for a multi-year bank and securities fraud scheme that caused the issuance of approximately $133 million in collateralized loans on the basis of forged documents, including subscription agreements from purported limited partners, audit letters attesting to his private equity firm’s finances, and falsified bank account statements.  SMERLING previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote, who imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Elliot Smerling previously admitted to securing funding for his private equity fund by submitting a constellation of fraudulent documents and assurances to lenders. Smerling’s misrepresentations ultimately resulted in massive losses to banks, as he received over $133 million in ill-gotten loans. Smerling has now fittingly been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for his bank and securities fraud scheme.”

According to the allegations contained in public court filings and statements made in court:

From at least in or about January 2019 through at least in or about March 2021, ELLIOT SMERLING was the mastermind of a scheme to secure financing for a series of private equity funds (the “Funds”) through fraud and deceit.  SMERLING solicited and obtained loans totaling approximately $133 million on behalf of the Funds, which were secured by purported capital commitments made by limited partners in the Funds.  SMERLING obtained the loans on the basis of falsified documents and material misrepresentations, including:  (1) a forged audit letter, purportedly prepared by an international network of accounting, audit, tax, and professional services firms, attesting to audited financial statements; (2) forged subscription agreements that falsely represented, among other things, that the investment fund of a private university based in New York, New York had committed $45 million to the Funds, and that the investment management division of a banking and financial services firm headquartered in New York, New York had committed $40 million to the Funds; and (3) falsified bank records showing wire transfers from purported limited partners to the Funds.  

In connection with his bank fraud scheme, from at least in or about January 2013 through at least in or about March 2021, SMERLING also solicited investments in his Funds through materially false and misleading statements concerning the Funds’ audited financial statements, limited partners, capital commitments, and holdings.

In addition to his prison term, SMERLING, 52, of Lake Worth, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised released.  The Court deferred its decision on the amount of restitution.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE AND BRONX FASHION WEEK TO HOST ‘PROM SHOP’ FOR BRONX HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

 

Free Formal Dresses and Men’s Suits Will Be Given to Promgoers; Attire Was Donated by BXDA Staff, Bronx Community

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that Bronx Fashion Week will hold a “Prom Shop” tomorrow for Bronx high school seniors to select a free dress or suit and accessories to wear on their special night.

 District Attorney Clark said “This prom dress and suit giveaway would not have been possible without the tremendous contribution of staff at the Bronx DA’s Office, as well as our Bronx community who donated formal wear. Some 400 dresses and dozens of suits, as well as fancy shoes and handbags were donated. Thanks to their generosity, many Bronx high school seniors are going to be able to celebrate their big night in style, without the worry of purchasing an outfit.”

 Bronx Fashion Week Founder Flora Montes said, “We want to thank all the organizations and those who generously donated items or their time. It indeed was a mission of love and unity in its purest form. Thank you to my sister partner Dawn Jones of ‘Who Am I.’ Thank you to the Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and her entire staff; they truly moved mountains to make this happen for Bronx youth. Thank you to Boulevard Menswear, Promised Land Covenant Church, MUD Make-up Designory School, JoJo's Fabulous Corner, Mello Tymes, Empire Blue Cross, NYPD Foundation, and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office Community Affairs team.”

 The Prom Shop will take place at the Promised Land Covenant Church, 3589 Third Avenue, on Friday, May 13, 2022 between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. It is open to all Bronx high school seniors who show school ID. First come first served.

 NOTE—DA Clark and Ms. Montes will be available on-site between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MAY 13, 2022

 

Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment

25 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

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

"The best way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19 is by getting fully vaccinated and staying up to date on your booster doses," Governor Hochul said. "While more than 3 in 4 of all New Yorkers are fully vaccinated, and over half of all eligible New Yorkers have received a booster dose, that still isn't enough. We need more New Yorkers to use this important tool so we can continue to protect our loved ones and our communities from COVID-19." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:   

· Cases Per 100k – 58.78

· 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k – 49.26

· Test Results Reported – 204,032

· Total Positive – 11,486

· Percent Positive – 5.06%**  

· 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 7.09%**

· Patient Hospitalization - 2,340 (+9)

· Patients Newly Admitted - 471

· Patients in ICU - 248 (+23)

· Patients in ICU with Intubation - 92 (-9)

· Total Discharges - 300,786 (+428)

· New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 25

· Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 55,715     

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.     

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

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.  

·Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 71,111      

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

 · Total vaccine doses administered - 38,615,559

· Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 27,196

· Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 147,086

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.5%  

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.9%  

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 87.1%  

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 83.3%  

· Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.3%  

· Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 82.0%  

· Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 74.3%  

· Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.3%  

· Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 77.1%  

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:   

Borough	Tuesday, May 10, 2022	Wednesday, May 11, 2022	Thursday, May 12, 2022
Bronx	3.75%	3.77%	3.61%
Kings	3.86%	4.17%	3.87%
New York	6.56%	6.40%	5.74%
Queens	5.16%	5.13%	4.95%
Richmond	5.35%	5.91%	5.66%