Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. - Those who called For Defunding the Police are partly responsible For The increase in crime

 

You should know that the tragic killing of Kayhara Tay, an innocent 11-year-old girl, in the Bronx County, has sparked a parade of politicians and dignitaries demanding justice and calling for a reduction in crime and violence.

 

You Should also Know that most of these elected officials, who are now demanding justice, and an end to crime and violence, are responsible for the rise in crime and violence we are now experiencing in the Bronx, and throughout our city.

 

These elected officials, who are elected to serve the people they represent and work to defend and ensure the safety of our communities, are the authors of laws, which promote, the lack of respect for law enforcement officers, violent assaults on taxi drivers, bodegueros, the elderly, children, and young people.

 

The murder of Kayhara Tay, together with the murders of 19-year-old Kristal Bayron, who was murdered while working at a Burger King in East Harlem and the death of the young man Leandro "Junior" Guzmán, who was brutally murdered in Bronx County, by a gang of thugs carrying machetes.

 

These are just some of the consequences due to the laws passed and rhetoric of some of these Legislators when they supported and approved Defunding of the Police, cut the funding of vital resources to the NYPD, and instituted Bail Reform Laws.

 

It is important for you to know that Bronx County has a delegation of (9) Elected Members to The New York City Council.   In the year 2020, the NYC Council decided and voted in favor of cutting One-Billion Dollars from the NYPD Budget. Most of the Bronx City Council members voted in favor of this outrageous legislation, with the exemption of two members Mark Gjonaj and I Rubén Diaz Sr. 

Mark Gjonaj and I voted against cutting resources to the Police, because to us, it was obviously clear that Defunding the Police would negatively impact the city and the consequences would be an increase in crime. When law enforcement does not have the necessary support and resources to protect and serve, crime will increase. We also knew that this would embolden the criminal mind and as a result it would gravely hurt those communities who are in dire need of protection.  We are now experiencing and living the consequences of Defunding the Police and what happens when you cut off vital resources and safety measures.

 

Vanessa Gibson, now the Bronx Borough President, back then together with Council Members Fernando Cabrera, Andrew Cohen, Diana Ayala, Andy King, Richie Torres, and Rafael Salamanca, were among those Council Members who voted to Defund the Police.  Recently some of these legislators visited the street, where Kayhara Tay was killed by a drive-by shooter. These Bronx Legislators recently visited the site to publicly ask for an end to the violence, but not one of them asked for reinstituting the vital funds and resources, which they themselves cut off, from the NYPD budget.

 

Today, although I am retired as an elected official, for all those who sincerely want to protect our communities and decrease crime and violence, I would like to offer 5 suggestions.  My five suggestions to reduce crime are:

 

1. Restore the "Anti-Crime Unit", also restore all the authority it once had which proved positive in the reduction of crime and violence in our city.

 

2. Eliminate The Bail Reform laws, passed by the same legislators who favored Defunding the Police. This law has proven to benefit and embolden the criminals, while risking the safety of our people and communities.

 

3. Increase the Age Laws of those Committing Felonies and Violent Crimes.   16-17 years old’s, who commit felonies and violent crimes, must be tried as an adult and not as a minor in a family court. This does nothing at all to decrease or combat violent crime. 

 

4. Reinstate the One-Billion Dollars that the NYC Council cut from the NYPD budget, and not only restore those funds but increase its budget, to enable our law enforcement officers to faithfully execute their duty to Protect and Serve.  While also restoring morale within the NYPD.    

    

5.  Reinstate "Stop and Frisk" When and if necessary, this helped to greatly reduce illegal guns in our streets.

 

As you can see, my dear reader, crime in New York City and State can indeed be managed when you take “political correction” out of the equation.   The problem is that when crime is controlled in our Neighborhoods, and the rate of violent crime is reduced, our legislators would have one less campaign theme or issue to run on and this does not serve them well. So, instead they meet on the street where tragedies occur and call for an end to a problem that they themselves helped to create.

 

I am Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is "What You Should Know."

Attorney General James and CFPB Shut Down Predatory Debt Collection Operation

 

AG James and CFPB Ban Debt Collection Operation from Industry, Require Them to Pay $4 Million in Penalties and Damages

Debt Collectors Used Illegal and Deceptive Tactics That Hurt Thousands of Consumers Nationwide

 New York Attorney General Letitia James and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today shut down a predatory debt collection operation that used deceptive and abusive tactics to illegally collect millions of dollars from hundreds of thousands of consumers. The debt collection operation — comprised of several companies including JPL Recovery Solutions — falsely threatened consumers with harsh consequences if they did not pay, inflated the true amount of debts owed, and contacted consumers’ friends, family members, and employers to harass consumers. As a result of today’s action by Attorney General James and CFPB, this debt collection operation, its owners, and managers are required to pay $4 million and are permanently banned from the debt collection industry. This resolves an earlier lawsuit filed against the operation by Attorney General James and CFPB.

“This debt collection operation used illegal and deceptive tactics to prey on consumers, and now they are paying the price for the harm they caused,” said Attorney General James. “Predatory debt collectors make their profit by targeting hardworking consumers and then illegally saddle them deeper into debt. These debt collectors used harassing calls and false threats to coerce consumer to pay, actions that are both illegal and downright shameful. Today’s action should send a strong message to debt collectors nationwide that we will not hesitate to use the full force of the law to hold them accountable if they hurt consumers.”

“It is illegal for debt collectors to orchestrate smear campaigns using social media to extort consumers into paying up,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Our action with the New York Attorney General bans the ringleaders of this operation from the industry to halt further misconduct.”

This debt collection operation was comprised of interrelated businesses based out of a location in Getzville, New York. Together, they purchased defaulted consumer debt for pennies on the dollar. The debt came from high-interest personal loans, payday loans, credit cards, and other sources. The operation then attempted to collect debts from up to about 293,000 consumers, generating gross revenues of approximately $93 million between 2015 and 2020. 

The companies involved in this operation included JPL Recovery Solutions, LLC; Regency One Capital LLC; ROC Asset Solutions LLC, which does business as API Recovery Solutions; Check Security Associates LLC, which does business as Warner Location Services and Orchard Payment Processing Systems; and Keystone Recovery Group. These companies were owned by Christopher Di Re, Scott Croce, and Susan Croce, and were managed by Brian Koziel and Marc Gracie.

Attorney General James and CFPB alleged that the operation used deceptive and harassing methods, violating several state and federal consumer protection laws. Specifically, the complaint alleged that the owners, managers, and companies used the following illegal tactics to collect debt: 

• Falsely claimed arrest and imprisonment: On occasion, collectors working for these companies falsely threatened consumers with arrest and imprisonment if they did not make payments. In fact, consumers are not subject to arrest or imprisonment for failure to pay debts. 
• Lied about legal action: The companies falsely threatened consumers with legal action, including wage garnishment and seizing property.
• Inflated the debts and misrepresented amounts owed: The defendants deceptively inflated the amount owed to convince people that paying the amount they actually owe represents a substantial discount. To coerce consumers even further, collectors said it was an offer that would only be available for a short period of time. 
• Created “smear campaigns”: The collectors contacted consumers’ immediate family members, grandparents, distant family members, in-laws, ex-spouses, employers, work colleagues, landlords, Facebook friends, and other known associates, to pressure people to pay. The collectors did this even after consumers told the collectors to stop contact. Victims described these tactics as “emotional terrorism.”
• Harassed people with repeated phone calls: The collectors repeatedly called people multiple times every day over periods lasting a month or longer. Collectors were, in fact, instructed to let the consumer hang up on each call so they can maintain a pretense in their call logs that they were disconnected, and then call back as soon as the next day. The collectors also used insulting and belittling language and engaged in intimidating behavior when calling. 
• Failed to provide legally mandated disclosures: The collectors did not provide to consumers the statutorily-required notices, which detail their rights. When people asked for them, some collectors refused to provide them.

As a result of today’s settlement, this operation is required to pay $2 million to New York and $2 million to CFPB. If they fail to pay the $4 million judgment in a timely manner, they will be required to pay another $1 million.

This case follows a long line of actions taken by Attorney General James to seek justice on behalf of consumers in New York state. Just last year, Attorney General James banned debt collector, Andrew Fanelli and his company Northwood Asset Management Group, from the consumer debt collection industry, for allegedly collecting debts using similar deceptive and illegal tactics. In 2019, Attorney General James announced a $60 million judgment against debt collection kingpin, Douglas MacKinnon, who engaged debtors using similar deceptive and illegal tactics. Attorney General James and CFPB have been taking vigorous steps to enforce this judgment, including brining a civil contempt motion against MacKinnon.

Governor Hochul Announces Swearing in of Antonio Delgado as Lieutenant Governor on May 25

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Representative Antonio Delgado will be sworn in as Lieutenant Governor on Wednesday, May 25. Upon Representative Delgado's resignation from Congress, Governor Hochul will follow the process set out by law and issue a proclamation declaring a special election that will align with the recently set August election date.   

"Antonio Delgado is a phenomenal leader and public servant with a record of getting things done for New Yorkers, and he will serve as a trusted partner as New York's Lieutenant Governor," Governor Hochul said. "I look forward to working together on critical issues including education, affordable housing, economic development and infrastructure, and his experience in Washington will make him a key liaison to our Congressional Delegation. I am grateful to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for her service during the transition and for our continued partnership."   

"It has been an honor to serve in Congress, delivering results and fighting for the constituents of the 19th District. Now, I am ready to put my years of experience and ability to connect people to work for the entire State of New York," said Lieutenant Governor-Designate Antonio Delgado. "New York needs an experienced leader with a history of getting things done. I am more than ready to step into this role as Lieutenant Governor and work tirelessly, every day, to improve the lives of New Yorkers."  

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 delivered 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. 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.  

Building upon his record in Congress securing historic federal investment in infrastructure, as well as over $10 billion in direct economic relief, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado will serve as a liaison between local, state, and federal partners to advocate for the Governor's priorities and initiatives. 

Permits Filed For 3537 Bainbridge Avenue In Norwood, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a five-story residential building at 3537 Bainbridge Avenue in Norwood, The Bronx. Located between East Gun Hill Road and East 212th Street, the lot is near the Woodlawn subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Isaac Kritzler is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 18,992 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 44 residences, most likely condos based on the average unit scope of 432 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a 31-foot-long rear yard, 13 open parking spaces, and 2 enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the permits call for an expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

MAYOR ADAMS, NYCHA TENANTS, ELECTED AND COMMUNITY LEADERS UNITE IN SUPPORT OF NYCHA PUBLIC HOUSING PRESERVATION TRUST

Public Entity Would Unlock Billions in Federal Funding and Speed up Repairs for Tens of Thousands of Residents 

Legislation Keeps Residents at Center of Implementation Process, Receives Key Push in Albany With Legislative Session Set to End June 2 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with government, labor, and community leaders, stood with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents today at Polo Grounds Houses in support of the NYCHA Public Housing Preservation Trust. The Trust — which requires authorization from the state Legislature — would be a new, entirely public entity that would unlock billions of dollars in federal funding to accelerate repairs and make long-overdue investments for tens of thousands of NYCHA residents across all five boroughs. The current legislation — A7805C — would keep NYCHA residents at the center of the Trust’s implementation process, preserving all resident rights and protections. NYCHA needs over $40 billion to fully restore and renovate all its buildings.

 

“For too long, our NYCHA communities have been ignored and denied their fair share of investments and services. But we’re changing that with this legislation, and my administration is all-in on fighting for NYCHA,” said Mayor Adams. “Every New Yorker deserves a safe home with working utilities, and the NYCHA Public Housing Preservation Trust will help make that a reality. I know that with the combined force of NYCHA residents, the union workers who serve them every day, and our partners fighting in Albany, we can give these New Yorkers the homes they deserve.”

 

The legislation being considered in Albany — which was approved by the Assembly Housing Committee earlier this month — retains all current rights and protections for NYCHA residents, including a guarantee that no NYCHA resident will have to pay more than 30 percent of their income towards rent. The legislation also includes over a dozen changes recommended by resident leaders, including:

 

• A first-in-the-country resident opt-in voting process, under which residents will have the right to vote on any proposed changes to their development;
• Resident participation in vendor selection; and
• Resident representation on quality assurance committees.

 

Approval of the Trust would allow NYCHA to double the amount of federal subsidy it receives while remaining entirely public by switching to project-based Tenant Protection Voucher funding. It will also provide NYCHA with improved procurement rules that would reduce costs, speed up construction timelines, and allow faster responses to resident requests. NYCHA would continue to own all residential complexes and the land on which they are built, with NYCHA employees continuing to manage the properties. The Trust would have a publicly appointed nine-member board, which includes four resident members.

 

“While we’ve seen incredible progress at NYCHA over the last few years, we won’t be able to give residents the homes they deserve, unless something major happens — and that is the Public Housing Preservation Trust,” said New York City Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “This is a critical moment as our partners in Albany consider the legislation, and the city stands with NYCHA and residents in support of the Trust. Let’s finally get the money, reforms, and resident decision-making necessary to save this critical housing supply and return dignity to our neighbors who live in NYCHA.”

 

“I want to thank Mayor Adams for making public housing a priority and recognizing that we must act now if we are going to save the homes of over 400,000 New Yorkers,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Gregory Russ. “We cannot continue to do things the same way and expect different results. What makes the Trust truly different is that it is a 100-percent public entity, protects tenants’ rights and rents, treats residents as true partners, and finds a way to get the funds that we need in order to modernize the developments. I am encouraged by the leadership that I’ve witnessed in Albany over the past few weeks, especially from our sponsor, Assemblymember Steve Cymbrowitz. With the mayor, elected officials, labor leaders, advocates and especially NYCHA residents, I am confident that we can chart a new course for public housing in New York City.”

 

“We believe in the Trust because it will give us the opportunity to work together to get the repairs that we so desperately need,” said Barbara McFadden, Brooklyn South member, NYCHA Citywide Council of Presidents; and president, Nostrand Houses Residents Association. “Our rights and rents will be protected, and we will have a true voice when it comes to decisions that impact our communities.  Now we need the state Legislature and governor to work with us to make this strong plan a reality.”

 

“If we want to see improvements, we have to be open to positive ideas that can bring about real change. Last week, I went to Albany to tell our elected officials exactly why I support the Trust,” said Bernadette McNear, president, Rangel Houses Tenant Association. “I love my community and want to see it get even better. At Rangel, we had inconsistent heat and hot water all winter, and now there is scaffolding around the buildings due to brick issues. We can do better, and the Trust will help get us there.”

 

“We urge our state lawmakers to pass this important legislation, which will help return New York City’s public housing to a place of pride in which to live and work,” said Gregory Floyd, president, Teamsters Local 237.

 

“For decades, NYCHA residents have suffered horrendous living conditions — including frequent utility outages, raw sewage floods, toxic mold, lead paint, and rodent infestations — stemming from government disinvestment, and this must end,” said Adriene Holder, chief attorney, civil practice, Legal Aid Society. “The Public Housing Preservation Trust would enable NYCHA to access funds to address an enormous backlog of capital repairs, while keeping local public housing in the public domain. The bill also includes an ‘opt-in’ provision, which would empower residents with unprecedented say in determining and prioritizing needs. We call on Albany to enact this critical legislation before session concludes in early June.”

 

“The Preservation Trust assures the future of NYCHA and its residents, even if Washington doesn’t come through,” said Victor Bach, senior housing policy analyst, Community Service Society. “It has the potential to restore decent conditions at all developments and address the $40 billion capital backlog, while keeping public housing public and giving residents unprecedented choice in whether and how the process moves forward.”

 

“I want to applaud Chair Russ, the executive team, Mayor Adams, and all the many advocates of the Trust, especially those who worked tirelessly to explain its purpose and extraordinary benefits to the residents of public housing,” said Bishop Mitchell Taylor, CEO and co-founder, Urban Upbound. “The preservation of public housing should be public objective number one. The trust will create a vehicle to drive that objective. This is a great day for the residents of public housing. I want to thank the mayor for his promise not to forget public housing. His presence today just puts an exclamation point on his ongoing commitment to make public housing a place people can call home and feel good about it.”

The Bronx Democratic Party opens its new office on Williamsbridge Road.

 

The Bronx Democratic Party under County Leader Jamaal Bailey opened the new Bronx Democratic Party Headquarters at 1952 Williamsbridge Road in the Morris Park section of the Bronx. This location was originally inside the redistricted area of Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey on the first set of maps by the redistricting committee that were rejected by the state legislature. 

The maps were then drawn up by the state legislature putting the new Bronx Democratic Party office in the State Senate District going across the Bronx from Throggs Neck to Riverdale. However those maps were declared unconstitutional by a state judge, whereas a Special Master was charged to redraw the district lines impartially. The Bronx Democratic Party office is now in the new smaller 34th State Senate district that now includes the Parkchester and Castle Hill areas, with the west side of the Bronx taken out.

The Bronx Republican Party also moved it headquarters to 1478 Wiliamsbridge Road, a few blocks away from the Bronx Democratic Party office. The Bronx Conservative Party headquarters is at 943 Morris Avenue, making Morris Park the area of all three political party headquarters, all within walking distance of each other.

The new Bronx Democratic Party Headquarters located at 1952 Williambridge Road. 

This door is covered with the motto of the New Bronx Democratic Party.

This sign greets you as you walk into the new Bronx democratic Party office.

49th Precinct Fellowship Conference Breakfast

 

Friday May 20th was the 49th Precinct 33rd Annual Fellowship conference Breakfast, after a two year hiatus due to COVID. While the awards were still mostly the same, there were many changes in the people up front. While Joe Thompson was still the 49th Precinct President, the new commanding officer of the 49th Precinct Captain Gareth Kentish was away at training, so Executive Officer Captain Gross stood in for him. Honoree, former Commanding Officer now head of the Manhattan North unit Deputy Inspector Andrew Natiw also was at training. As for the elected officials, New Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson and New 13th City Council member Marjorie Velazquez were on hand for the event hosted by the 49th Precinct and 49th Precinct Community Council. 

Honorees included Cop of the Year - P.O. Aiden Murphy, Tom Twyman - Citizen Award Brandon Maccino, Business fellowship Award - Jacobi Medical Center, Auxiliary P.O. Award - APO Champ Miller, Police Administrative Aide Sherry Williams, Explorer of the year - Nadia Medina, and special recognition to Silvio Mazzalla - Keith Ramey - and Sgt. Christopher Pasalacqua. P.O. James Graham was the Emcee of the event. 49th Precinct Council Recording Secretary Grace Lavaglio sang the National Anthem. 

The flag is brought in for the singing of the National Anthem.

Ms. Grace Lovaglio sings the National Anthem. Emcee P.O. Graham, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez are in the background.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson spoke about her short time as Borough President, some of the many issues that she has faced, and thanked the men in blue for being there when they are needed. Captain Gross stands between the elected officials.

A special award was given to the widow of Silvio Mazzella for his dedication to the Precinct Council, Community Board, Morris Park Community Association, and for the dedication to the community. 

Jacobi Medical Center received the Business Fellowship Award for their outstanding work in the medical field, the SUV unit, and other community involvement. Jacobi CEO Jordana Bailey holds the award, with staff members of the hospital including John Doyle.

Brandon Maccino Principal of PS 83 received The Tom Twyman Citizen Award.

Nadia Medina received the award as the Explorer of the year. 

State Senator Luis Sepulveda to Run for Re-election in the 32nd State Senate District

This came in from State Senator Luis Sepulveda