From: TMCDERMOTT@bronxbp.nyc.gov - Farewell.....

 

Greetings Friends:

 

I wanted to let you know that I am moving on from the Borough President's office after 22 years of service. My last day in the office will be Tuesday, May 31^st. I am taking this time to explore new opportunities both in my professional and personal life.

 

My journey and experiences throughout the years has made a profound impact on my life.  I have been able to meet and work with many extraordinary individuals from throughout our borough and have been honored and blessed to serve our fellow Bronxites and to work with YOU! I thank you for all of your support over the years! 

 

Borough President Gibson and the team at Borough Hall are committed to helping those in need and to improving the overall quality of life for all Bronxites and look forward to your continued partnership.

 

All the best to you! Stay blessed and again THANK YOU!

 

Tracy

 

 

OFFICE OF BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT

VANESSA L. GIBSON

Tracy A. McDermott

Director of Community Services

851 Grand Concourse

Bronx, NY  10451

Governor Hochul Announces New York State's Record Setting Sports Wagering Tax Revenue

 

After Only 5 Months of Mobile Sports Wagering, New York has Collected $267 Million in Tax Revenue - More than Any Other State

Tax Revenue Reinvested in Education, Grants for Youth Sports Programming and Problem Gambling Prevention Treatment and Recovery Services

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York's recently launched mobile sports wagering has generated a record-breaking amount of tax revenue in less than six months, surpassing states that have offered sports wagering for years. According to New York State data, the state has generated over $267 million from sports wagering since January 2022. Mobile sports wagering accounted for $263 million since January 8, and sports wagering at New York's four commercial casinos made up $4.3 million of total revenue since July 2019. According to reports, New York has collected more in sports wagering revenue in five months than the total revenue any other state has generated over several years. This includes Pennsylvania, which has collected $253 million in sports wagering revenue since November 2018, and New Jersey, which has generated $229 million since June 2018.

"In less than half a year, New York has become a leader among states in implementing successful gaming policies, with hundreds of millions of dollars going to important programs that will improve the lives of all New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "I am committed to upholding responsible and effective gaming policies that will move the industry forward and continue to drive our state's economic growth."

New York State Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams said, "These numbers further prove that New York's gaming industry is robust thanks to the implementation of effective gaming regulation and the actions of responsible sports wagering operators. The results — hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue in less than six months of operation — speak for themselves."

With the advent of mobile sports wagering, the New York State Gaming Commission, its partners in the Responsible Play Partnership, and gaming venues have engaged in proactive, informational events and outreach to encourage responsible gambling.

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, "OASAS stands ready with services and supports for New Yorkers struggling with problem gambling. The added revenue from mobile sports betting will allow OASAS to further enhance prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services for individuals or their family members who experience harms from gambling."

New York's mobile sports wagering tax revenue will be reinvested into elementary and secondary education and grants for youth sports programming, along with problem gambling prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Additionally, the state has collected $25 million in license fees from eight mobile sports wagering platform providers, totaling an additional $200 million to the state. All of the license fees revenue has already been directed to education.

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., Chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee said, This record amount of tax revenue is already being invested in New York's problem gaming services. 

Assemblymember Gary Pretlow, Committee Chair on Racing and Wagering said,  I am ecstatic with the revenue that has been generated for problem gambling."

According to GeoComply, a software firm used by sports books to ensure geolocation requirements, over 2.7 million unique player accounts have been created since January, conducting more than 620 million transactions.

For Fiscal Year 2023 and annually thereafter, revenues from mobile sports wagering will be distributed as follows: $5 million to fund sports programs for underserved youths, $6 million to fund problem gambling education and treatment, and the remaining majority to education aid.

Every Friday, the NYS Gaming Commission publishes weekly mobile sports wagering reports online.

The Commission's regulations require operators to prevent underage gaming, provide bettors the availability to impose spending limits, and share information on gambling risks and signs of problem gambling. New Yorkers who are struggling with a gambling problem or know someone with a gambling problem can call the state's toll-free, confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369). New Yorkers can also contact the Regional Problem Gambling Resource Center at: https://nyproblemgamblinghelp.org/

EDITOR' NOTE:

Note all the bold print where the revenue from Sports Betting is just another tax on New Yorkers, who are one of the highest taxed people in the nation. What will be the cost to pay for people who become problem gamblers, much like problem alcoholics, and problem drug users. How much extra state and city monies will have to be spent to fix what the problem gambler like the others who now cost the city and state to solve their problem, or the crimes they commit on the public to support their habits. How much green money will it cost? 

What's next legal Prostitution for more tax income to the state?

KZA Realty Closes Office Lease In The Historic Poe Building In The Bronx

 

Poe Building 2432 Grand Concourse Bronx N.Y.

KZA Realty Group Inc. has recently secured the 7-year lease of a newly renovated office space in the Fordham section in the Bronx. The commercial space, which is located on the second floor of the Poe Building on Grand Concourse  will be an extension of Health Acquisition Corp’s Elara Caring Group; a leading provider of home-based care services. 

Kathy Zamechansky of KZA Realty Group represented the owner, Poe Affiliates, L.P., during January’s negotiation of the commercial space at 2432 Grand Concourse working in collaboration with the lessee’s representative, Alex Foley, VP of Swearington Realty Group, LLC, the two were able to arrange mutually beneficial terms that were accepted by both parties. In total, the space will be rented for the next 7 years, with the option to renew for an additional 5-year period, at a rate of $34 per sq. ft., or in total, 3.3 million by Health Acquisition Corp.

Sitting in the heart of Fordham Road, the 14,039 sq. ft. of space is located on the second floor of the 5-story Poe Building on Grand Concourse  It includes new upgrades to the HVAC System, a new electric panel with electric direct meter-to-space, and updates for ADA-compliant bathrooms. The building itself features a modern aesthetic with easy access to the parking garage and security in the front lobby. 

“We are very excited to bring additional medical care to the heart of the Bronx,” said Kathy Zamechansky of KZA Realty Group. “As many of our loved ones continue to age, it is essential that we provide them with accessible care – especially in their own homes. That’s why we are proud to be a part of this leasing agreement between Poe Affiliates and Health Acquisition Corp.”  

Elara Caring, overseen by Health Acquisition Corp, is a leading provider of home-based care. They offer services across 16 different states in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest, and have approximately 32,000 caregivers in more than 200 locations. Their patient-centric ideology offers a multitude of programs for at-home services that include Home Health, Palliative Care, Behavior Health, Personal Care Service, and Hospice Care. 

Originally built in 1929, the Poe Building has been a long-standing complex that was once home to small businesses in the area including gas stations, repair shops, and retail stores. However, after a facelift in 1989, much of the space was converted for office use and is currently home to other medical-based corporations such as Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Montefiore Hospital, and Rite Aid Pharmacy. Public bus lines for the BX1 and BX2 are conveniently located outside of the building, with the B, D, and #4 subway lines and BC12 bus line only a short distance away.

 

KZA Realty Group (www.kzarealty.com) is a commercial real estate brokerage and development consulting firm based in New York City. Founded in 1998 by real estate professional Kathy Zamenchansky, KZA specializes in commercial planning, project management, community and government relations, finance, marketing, and communications.

Jewish Heritage Month Celebration at Young Israel of Pelham Parkway

 

Sunday at the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway was their celebration of Jewish Heritage Month. The guest speaker was Bronx Councilman and former teacher Eric Dinowitz. Councilman Dinowitz, who said he chairs the Jewish Caucus in the council, is from a neighboring council district, that he is proud of his Jewish upbringing, and mentioned the different sects of Judaism. Orthodox, Reform (such as his parents), and Conservative which he became at age fifteen. He spoke about his experience as a teacher, and how some of his students did not know the customs of Jewish people, which he taught them. He traveled the country and the globe visiting different Jewish communities, mentioning that the Jewish people were once slaves to the leaders of Egypt.  

Councilman Dinowitz said that while it may not happen in his lifetime that Anti-Semitism must be ended, as he gave several different examples of what Anti-Semitism is. He spoke of those groups like the DSA, The Jewish Vote, and Working Families Party use words like 'Social Justice' against Jewish people. 

Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez the representative of where the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway is spoke about sponsoring a resolution that Holocaust education be taught in the public schools. She added that the largest hate crime according to the police department is Anti-Semitism. 

Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson was a surprise guest who said that she was honored to attend this Jewish Heritage Month celebration. She added that all forms of hate must end, saying when you attack one of us, you attack all of us. BP Gibson said that she is a supporter of the police department, and is trying to work with individual precincts such as the 49th precinct to make sure the community is safe, because hate has no place in any community. The event was a huge success with an overflowing attendance for the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway. Congratulations to the planning committee Marcy Gross, Steve Glosser, Helen Segal, and Rabbi Ben Keil. 

Councilman Eric Dinowitz was the keynote speaker at the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway Jewish Heritage Month celebration.

Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez is introduced by Bronx Jewish Community Council President David Edelstein with Rabbi Ben Keil at the podium, and Judge candidate Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor to the right of the councilwoman.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson was a surprise guest at the event, said she has been to Israel, and supports the Jewish communities in the Bronx and citywide.

Music was provided by Simca the Master Violinist. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Puguero, Marcy Gross and Steven Glosser of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway.

(L - R) Judge candidate Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Deputy Borough President Janet Peguero, and Ms. Marcy Gross. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson with Steve Glosser of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway, who is also the Vice-President of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association. 

Bronx Borough President pulls out a ticket for one of the raffle items, as Ms. Marcy Gross holds the bowl with the tickets. 

Bronx District Attorney Clark Visit Morris Park Community Association Meeting

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark was the guest at the last Morris Park Community Association meeting. She spoke about what she and the police can do under the new laws passed by the state legislature according to recently passed legislation on bail reform. She now has thirty days for discovery to give the defense attorney, and it is up to the judge to set bail when requested, but most judges are not setting bail when it should be set because they do not fully understand the new laws and how they have been tweaked by the state legislature. 

DA Clark took questions, and again there were questions of multi repeat offenders being let out with no bail. Da Clark said it is the judges and elected officials who make and rule on the laws. If the people do not like what is going on they have the right to vote, as judges and elected officials run for reelection. She was very careful to stay out of politics, which a District Attorney can only be involved in their own campaigns when their election time comes up. 

An interesting note was that MPCA Vice-President Yahay Obeid mentioned that he moved to the Morris Park area six years ago because of the nice safe peaceful neighborhood. He said if the current situation does not improve, that he will move his family out of the city to a safer area. 

District Attorney Clark speaks to the audience of how her hands are tied with the new laws as to what she can and can not do in trying to have repeat offenders kept behind bars. 

Here DA Clark answers Mr. Obeid's statement on the situation of crime in the Bronx, saying you have the power at the poll site on election day, because judges and lawmakers are elected.

The NCO's for the area give a rundown on what is going on in their sector, and answer why they do not chase the dirt bikes and ATVs people see on the streets. They are directed not to, because of the danger of innocent people being hurt during a chase.

Cincinnati Man Convicted of Assaulting and Brandishing Firearm at Federal Task Force Officers

 

 After a week-long trial, a federal jury sitting in Louisville, Kentucky, convicted John F. Johnson, also known as Grand Master Jay, on both counts of an indictment that charged him with assaulting a federal task force officer and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, John F. Johnson, 59, on the evening of September 4, 2020, forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federally deputized task force officer who was performing official duties, when Johnson aimed a rifle at him.  Johnson brandished an AR-15 platform rifle and tactical flashlight at two federally deputized Task Force Officers.  Both are detectives with the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department.

Based on the two counts of conviction, Johnson faces a penalty of not less than 7 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  Sentencing is scheduled on August 22, 2022, at 11:00am. 

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department  investigated the case.

NYPD Commissioner Sewell Announces New Executive Designations and Appointments

 Chief Jeffrey B. Maddrey has been appointed Chief of Patrol by Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. Chief Maddrey has served in eight precincts and been the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, the Chief of Community Affairs and the Chief of the Housing Bureau. “Chief Maddrey is one of the best-known leaders in the NYPD and he has managed to blend his talents as an effective crime-fighter with his deep passion for community policing in a way that has touched so many police officers and citizens,” said Commissioner Sewell. Chief Maddrey holds a Master of Science degree in Human Services Leadership from St. Joseph’s College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from John Jay College. He is also a 2007 graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University.

Kathleen O’Reilly, has been appointed Chief of the NYPD’s Housing Bureau. Chief O’Reilly has been the commanding officer of Manhattan North, the NYPD’s Transit Bureau and Chief of Patrol. “Kathleen has taken on every challenge that has come her way from leading the protection of Pope Francis on his 2015 visit to New York, to fighting crime in Harlem and Washington Heights and then taking on the challenge of protecting our transit system through the Pandemic and recovery. Kathy began her career as a Housing police officer in 1991 in Harlem. She knows these developments and she leads from the front. I am looking forward to her leadership in reaching out to the residents and protecting the largest public housing developments in the nation,” said Commissioner Sewell. Chief O’Reilly holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from the State University of New York. She is a 2007 graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University, and a June 2012 graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education and in 2017, a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security from the Naval Post-Graduate School in Monterey California.

In other executive moves, Assistant Chief Ruben Beltran has been appointed Commanding Officer of the NYPD’s Information Technology Bureau and Deputy Chief Kevin Williams has been named Commanding Officer of Patrol Bureau Queens South. 

New Jersey Man Found Guilty by Jury of Charges for Actions Related to Capitol Breach

 

Defendant, an Army Reservist, Used Tactical Hand Signals and Commands as He and Other Rioters Entered the Building

 An Army reservist from New Jersey was found guilty by a federal jury of felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His and others’ actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Timothy Louis Hale-Cusanelli, 32, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, was found guilty of a felony charge of obstruction of an official proceeding, and four related misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol Building. The verdict followed a trial in the District of Columbia.

According to the government’s evidence, Hale-Cusanelli drove to Washington on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021. He joined a mob of rioters that illegally breached a police line attempting to secure the Capitol grounds. He commanded other rioters to “advance” on the Capitol, a command he continued once inside. Hale-Cusanelli was among the first rioters to enter the Capitol Building, moving inside shortly after the breach that took place at 2:12 p.m. at the Senate Wing Door. He made harassing and derogatory statements toward Capitol Police officers, saying that a “revolution” was coming. He remained in the building for approximately 40 minutes. Days after the incident, Hale-Cusanelli told a friend that being in the Capitol was “exhilarating,” he was hoping for a “civil war,” and that the “tree of liberty must be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

At the time of the Capitol breach, Hale-Cusanelli was enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Hale-Cusanelli worked as a contractor at a naval weapons station, where he had a “secret” security clearance, and has since been barred from the facility.

Hale-Cusanelli was arrested on Jan. 15, 2021. He has been detained ever since. He is to be sentenced on Sept. 16, 2022. The felony obstruction charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Two of the misdemeanors each carry a statutory maximum of one year, and the other two each carry a statutory maximum of six months. The charges also carry potential financial penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being investigated by the Northeast Field Office of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service and FBI’s Newark and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police.

In the 16 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 800 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 250 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.