Permits Filed For 51 West 174th Street In Morris Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a vertical and horizontal enlargement of a two-story structure into a four-story residential building at 51 West 174th Street in Morris Heights, The Bronx. Located between Macombs Road and Grand Avenue, the lot is within walking distance of the 176th Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Yitzi Salamon is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 55-foot-tall development will yield 13,179 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 25 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 527 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, a 30-foot-long rear yard, and eight open parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

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

Spring Valley Man Charged In White Plains Federal Court With $1.6 Million Covid-19 Fraud Scheme

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment in White Plains federal court charging ELIZIER SCHER with wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration of more than $1.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds.  SCHER was arrested this morning and was presented in White Plains federal court earlier today. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “As alleged, the defendant schemed to steal taxpayer funds intended for small businesses in need of assistance during the pandemic.  My Office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who illegally seek to profit from a national emergency.”

FBI Assistant Director -in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said:  “Administration of more than $1.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds.  Elizier Scher allegedly made materially-false statements in at least a dozen applications for money intended to assist honest businesses navigate the financial hardships they faced as a consequence of the pandemic.  As today’s action demonstrates, the FBI remains committed to bringing to justice those who would aim to serve their own greed at the expense of the government and American taxpayers.”

According to the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court[1]:

The SBA is a federal agency that administers assistance to American small businesses, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program, which was intended to provide funding to help small business recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The maximum amount of an EIDL loan is determined by a formula based on the date the borrower began operating and the borrower’s gross revenue and cost of goods sold for the twelve months prior to January 31, 2020.  The loans can be used for only working capital and other normal operating expenses.  While the loans generally need to be repaid, some borrowers are eligible for up to $15,000 in advances that do not need to be repaid. 

Over an approximately four-hour period on or about July 13, 2020, SCHER submitted twelve applications for EIDL loans in a principal amount of $150,000 to the SBA over the Internet on behalf of twelve different corporations that he owned and controlled.  SCHER further requested on each application that the borrower be considered for an advance of up to $10,000 that did not need to be repaid.  SCHER made materially false statements in each application with respect to each applicant’s gross revenue and cost of goods sold for the twelve-month period prior to January 31, 2020.

Between on or about July 20, 2020 and on or about August 11, 2020, eleven of the twelve applicants received a net total of $1,648,900 in loan proceeds from the SBA.  SCHER used the proceeds to buy real estate and to pay credit card expenses instead of using it for working capital for the borrowers, as SCHER had agreed to do in the loan agreements he executed on behalf of the borrowers.

SCHER, 33, of Spring Valley, New York is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Governor Hochul Announces $46 Million Investment in Projects to Rehabilitate Bridges Along The Staten Island Expressway

 

New Bridge Decks and Structural Repairs Will Ease Travel and Enhance Safety on Four Heavily Traveled Crossings

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $46 million investment in two projects now getting underway that will rehabilitate four bridges — each more than 60-years-old — along the Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278), easing travel and enhancing safety through this heavily traveled corridor. The bridges carrying Woolley Avenue and Bradley Avenue over the Staten Island Expressway, and the bridges carrying the Staten Island Expressway over Richmond Avenue will receive new bridge decks and other improvements that will extend their service life by an estimated 40 years and reduce the need for future maintenance.

"New York State is committed to rebuilding our infrastructure and ensuring that our transportation network remains safe and reliable, which will allow our economy to grow and keep our communities vibrant," Governor Hochul said. "These two projects will improve conditions on four critically important bridges to Staten Island motorists and help keep people and commerce on the move throughout the borough for decades to come."

Woolley Avenue and Bradley Avenue Bridges over the Staten Island Expressway

Scheduled for completion in fall 2023, the project rehabilitating the bridges carrying Woolley and Bradley Avenues over the eastbound and westbound Staten Island Expressway will replace the concrete bridge decks, sidewalks and steel bearings, paint the structural steel and repair the structural steel beams and concrete on the pier columns and abutments. The project will also replace the steel bridge railings with concrete barriers, install new pedestrian fencing, replace the utilities across the bridges and add new LED lighting beneath each bridge. Both bridges, located half a mile apart, will be rehabilitated simultaneously to expedite the construction completion.

Other benefits include replacing street lighting, adding pavement markings and resurfacing the pavement at intersections within the project limits. Existing curb ramps will be upgraded to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Traffic signals will be replaced and upgraded and will include Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), devices that communicate information about the "Walk" and "Don't Walk" cycles in a non-visual form for blind and visually impaired pedestrians.

Additionally, advanced technology will be used to help preserve the service life of the bridges, including the use of "link slabs" instead of bridge joints. Link slabs, comprised of concrete, are designed to continuously connect two adjacent spans in order to eliminate bridge joints on the bridge, which require regular maintenance as a result of moisture leaking into the joints. Polyester Polymer Concrete (PPC), a type of concrete that provides waterproofing protection to concrete surfaces on bridge columns and abutments, will also be used.

Staten Island Expressway Bridges Over Richmond Avenue

Scheduled for completion in fall 2024, the project rehabilitating the bridges carrying eastbound and westbound traffic on the Staten Island Expressway over Richmond Avenue will replace the concrete bridge decks, approaches and lampposts on the approaches. The steel bridge railings will be replaced with concrete barriers to enhance safety.  New bridge joints will be installed at the ends of the approaches rather than in the bridge decks, minimizing maintenance needs on each bridge. 

Other benefits within the project limits include painting of the steel beams and fascia, repairing concrete and bricks beneath the structures and upgrading the underdeck and overhead lighting systems. An overhead sign structure located on the westbound Staten Island Expressway will also be replaced. Additionally, the Intelligent Transformation Systems (ITS) on the sign structures within the project limits will be upgraded.

During construction, a temporary bridge will be installed between the eastbound and westbound Staten Island Expressway bridges to allow all travel lanes to remain open.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Thanks to Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is investing in transportation infrastructure projects that connect communities, improve resiliency and facilitate economic growth. These two projects on Staten Island will extend the service life of four important bridges by decades and help ensure that this vital travel corridor continues to meet the needs of the tens of thousands of motorists who travel through it each day."

Statement From Comptroller Brad Lander on Proposed Cuts to School Budgets in FY 2023

 

“It is unacceptable for the DOE to slash school budgets at this moment. Our schools have endured the hardest two years and need every penny to provide the social, emotional, and academic supports that all our students deserve this summer and fall. Meanwhile, DOE is sitting on nearly $5 billion dollars in unspent federal stimulus — funding that this administration has yet to outline a plan for. Holding our schools harmless from budget cuts must be part of that plan.

“The proposed cuts, based on DOE’s flawed enrollment projections, will result in losing teachers, class sizes getting larger, the loss of art, music, and science classes, reductions in recess and afterschool funding, and paraprofessionals and academic intervention services. This is not ‘right sizing’ school budgets — it is eliminating the fundamentals that our kids need to learn and grow.

“DOE can avoid this evisceration of school budgets.

“First, DOE must use a small portion of the remaining stimulus funding to cover the gap in school budgets for next year. DOE has yet to spend approximately $5 billion of federal stimulus funding – covering this gap in school budgets would cost less than 10% of those remaining funds.

“Second, DOE should rework how they forecast enrollment and per pupil funding for schools. DOE’s enrollment model relies on trendlines from the pandemic-related declines of the past two years to forecast further registration losses for the fall, despite reason to believe school enrollments will stabilize. This model should be adjusted to eliminate the volatility that one-time events impose on school funding.  In other areas of city budgeting, we use a five-year rolling average. While many schools with increases in enrollment will eventually get more money next winter, that will be far too late for principals to plan and hire for the fall.

“Finally, as the Chancellor committed at the most recent PEP meeting, we should use this moment to more broadly assess the current Fair Student Funding (FSF) formula and make changes needed to ensure that it equitably and effectively provides funding for our students and schools. If we know the formula needs updating, we should not be using it to slash school budgets during some of the most challenging times.”

Bronx Man Charged With 2018 Murder During Which He Shot The Victim’s Five-Year-Old Son

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Suave,” was charged with the October 23, 2018 murder of Jaquan Millien in connection with a drug trafficking crime.  As alleged, RODRIGUEZ shot and killed Millien in the Webster Houses apartments in the Bronx, New York.  During the shooting, RODRIGUEZ shot Millien’s five-year-old son, who was with his father at the time.  Thankfully, his son survived.  RODRIGUEZ was arrested today and will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court.  The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Rodriguez allegedly murdered Jaquan Millien with his five-year-old son at his side.  His callous actions not only took Millien’s life, but also put Millien’s son’s life in jeopardy too when he shot him during the murder.  We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of comfort to the family of Jaquan Millien and make clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who takes another person’s life.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said:  “Allegedly murdering a man, and nearly murdering his five-year-old child, didn't solve the rivalry between Rodriguez and his victim. Now multiple lives are shattered, and Rodriguez faces life in federal prison for his alleged criminal actions. This type of senseless violence puts everyone in the community at risk, and it will not be tolerated.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said:  “Joshua Rodriguez, by his alleged actions, was willing to shoot and kill a rival drug trafficker and to do so without regard for the victim’s innocent five-year-old son, who was wounded by the gunfire. This kind of criminality, and the violence it breeds, remains a focus of the NYPD. We commend our detectives, our F.B.I. partners, and the federal prosecutors of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York for working together to achieve a measure of justice with today’s arrest.”

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

On or about October 23, 2018, JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Suave,” shot and killed Jaquan Millien in the vicinity of the Webster Houses in the Bronx, New York.  During the shooting, RODRIGUEZ shot Millien’s five-year-old son.  The murder was in connection with a marijuana trafficking rivalry between RODRIGUEZ and Millien. 

RODRIGUEZ, 30, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and using a firearm to commit murder during a drug-trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.    

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

MAYOR ADAMS AND CHAIRMAN NADLER ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Chairman Jerrold Nadler, dean of the New York congressional delegation, issued the following statement after today’s congressional delegation meeting: 

 

“So far this year, our nation has witnessed nearly 250 mass shootings, including recent ones in Buffalo, Uvalde, and Philadelphia. This epidemic affects everyday people, in every corner of New York City and across the country. The American people are hungry for real solutions to the unconscionable wave of gun violence sweeping our nation. 

 

“Today, we had a collaborative, in-person discussion about gun safety and how we can collectively begin to address this epidemic. Additionally, we discussed how Congress is working to pass the ‘Protecting Our Kids Act,’ which will help prevent the next mass shooting. It will also keep our communities and schools safer by addressing many of the loopholes that allow guns to fall into the wrong hands. Finally, we also discussed how the Mayor’s Office can address this issue and all the critical steps that the mayor is already taking to keep New Yorkers safe. 

 

“In these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever for all levels of our government to work in tandem to address the concerns of our constituents. By working together we can make sure New Yorkers are safe and able to access every opportunity they deserve.”

 

CONSUMER ALERT: NYS Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips to New Yorkers to Save Money at the Gas Pump

 

Gas Prices Are at Record Highs, Every Tip Helps Save Your Hard-Earned Money 

These Tips Along with the New York State Gas Tax Suspension Can Add Up to Real Savings at the Pump 

 The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) recommends useful tips to help New Yorkers save money every time they fill up. As gas prices continue to hit record highs, 16 cents per gallon, with more savings in some counties, can make a big difference, especially during the summer vacation season when millions of consumers are hitting the roads. 

“After being stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are looking forward to traveling this summer, but we are facing sky-high gas prices,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “These tips, along with Governor Hochul’s tax suspension, will work to help New Yorkers save at the gas pump.” 

Gas prices in New York are nearly double what they were a year ago, and there are no signs they will be going down anytime soon. In an effort to save money, drivers may be trying to carpool, switch to mass transit or purchase a new automobile with better gas mileage. However, DCP realizes that many consumers lack carpooling options, are unable to utilize mass transit, or cannot afford to purchase a new car.  

Thus, DCP is offering New Yorkers some suggestions on how to save money at the gas pump:

Cents at the Pump

• WAIT until your gas gauge reads ¼ tank before filling up in warmer weather. Your vehicle gets better gas mileage with a lighter load and keeping the tank full can waste money.
• CHOOSE the lowest octane recommended for your car.
• COMPARE the price advertised on the gas station’s sign and on the pump to make sure they are the same. If not, ask which price is the one you would actually be paying.
• DOUBLE CHECK that the price per gallon remains the same throughout the entire time you are pumping. Be aware if the price per gallon changes or the number turns back or advances quickly.
• MAKE sure that the gas pump reads $0 before you begin fueling and stops running when you finish pumping, so you know you are only paying for the gas being dispensed into your vehicle.
• KNOW the size of your gas tank and how many gallons of gasoline it holds so you can make sure you are getting what you are paying for at the pump.
• ASK your gas station if they have different prices for payment in cash or credit. Some stations offer gas at several cents less per gallon if you pay in cash.
• USE a gas price tracking app to compare prices at local gas stations and try to use a station that is on your route so you aren’t driving extra miles. Driving out of your way to save money at the pump may not save you anything.
• AVOID filling up right before a holiday or weekend when gas prices tend to be higher.
• WATCH OUT for scams. Scam artists prey on desperate consumers during difficult economic times or when certain commodities become difficult to obtain or ultra-expensive. Approach alleged fuel saving programs, devices, or chemicals with skepticism. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

On the Road

• CUT BACK on needless driving around. Make lists of errands and try to have them all in similar locations.
• MAINTAIN your vehicle in good condition. Your vehicle will get better gas mileage if you have the oil changed and tire pressure checked regularly. Get a tune-up from a certified mechanic.
• CLEAN out your vehicle and carry only what is necessary. Extra weight in your car lowers your gas mileage. Consider removing roof racks and towing devices mounted on the outside of the vehicle when not in use.
• CHANGE your driving habits. Your vehicle will get better gas mileage if you do not accelerate fast or overuse your brakes, commonly referred to as “riding your brakes.” To save gas, stay at or under the speed limit, and drive at a consistent rate of speed. Consider using cruise control when practicable, and do not idle your car in a parking lot or driveway.
• CONSULT maps, internet directions or a GPS system to ensure you are taking the most efficient route and reduce the likelihood of getting lost and driving unnecessary miles. 

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. 

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy Announce Major Step Toward Modernization of Penn Station

MTA, in Partnership with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, Seeking Firms to Design Penn Station Reconstruction

Firms to Begin Designing Generational Transformation of Penn Station as Outlined by Governor Last Fall

New Station Will Feature Massive Single-Level Concourse with High Ceilings and Natural Light, Greater Connectivity to Platforms, Larger Entrances and Intuitive Travel Paths

Empire State Development Convenes Public Realm Task Force ToComplement Overall Development Plan and Prioritize Public Spaces and Social Services, Invest in Affordable Housing, Increase Transit Access and Shared Streets, Activate Pedestrian-Friendly Streetscape 

 Governor Kathy Hochul with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, in partnership with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, is requesting proposals from architecture and engineering firms to guide the Penn Station Reconstruction effort recently outlined in the Penn Station Master Plan study that was announced in the fall. Governor Hochul's plan calls for the transformation of Penn Station into a modern, spacious, light-filled facility that is easy to navigate, while also revitalizing the surrounding neighborhood to prioritize the public realm and social services, invest in affordable housing, increase transit access and shared streets, and create a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Penn Reconstruction will modernize the concourse experience for passengers with improved platform connectivity, streamlined wayfinding and enhanced amenities. The future expansion of Penn Station will add track and platform capacity and be fully integrated with a reconstructed Penn Station.

"The transformation of Penn Station into a world-class, commuter-focused transportation facility befitting the central hub of the greatest city in the world cannot come soon enough," Governor Hochul said. "We have shared a vision of a single-level unified station with soaring ceilings that welcome natural light, clear, intuitive sightlines, more circulation space and more connectivity to streets and platforms. With this announcement, the MTA is taking a concrete step toward making that vision a reality. Thanks to the efforts of the Biden Administration, Senator Schumer's leadership and the support of Senator Gillibrand and our congressional delegation, new federal resources are available to assist in creating a new Penn Station for the entire region."

"As the centerpiece of one of the most important transportation networks in the world, Penn Station requires an atmosphere and appearance that reflect its tremendous importance to the region," said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. "For several decades Penn Station has not provided New Jersey commuters and visitors with the comfort and convenience they deserve. Now, as a result of partnerships across agencies and state lines, we are prepared to take the next step toward the long-awaited transformation of this pivotal transportation hub."

In accordance with the master plan developed by MTA and its partner railroads, the rebuilt station will:

• Integrate train boarding and all public functions and amenities on a single level with broad concourses and high ceilings
• Create a main concourse on the east side of the station that will be considerably larger than the areas of Moynihan Train Hall and the Great Hall at Grand Central Terminal combined
• Double the ceiling height of the public concourses
• Establish clear sightlines to platform entrances to provide intuitive travel paths through the station
• Increase the number of stairs, escalators and elevators to the station's 11 platforms by 33 percent
• Improve/enlarge pedestrian entrances

The current Penn Station - the Western Hemisphere's busiest transit hub - serves more passengers than LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark Airports combined. Amtrak's operation in the new Moynihan Train Hall provides an opportunity to overhaul Penn Station, eliminating the bulk of the first subterranean level to open up the main concourse to natural light, improving retail and other user amenities, increasing safety and security, significantly expanding passenger circulation areas, expanding entrances and exits, and making it easier for passengers to navigate within the station and to connect to their destinations beyond. The reconstruction of the station is expected to cost between six and seven billion dollars and is estimated to be completed five to six years after the start of construction.

Additionally, Empire State Development announced the creation of the Penn Station Area Public Realm Task Force, which will advise ESD on public realm improvements to revitalize and beautify the area around Penn Station, including reimagined streetscapes and new open spaces. The Public Realm Task Force comprises representatives of involved State and City agencies, local elected officials, community boards, civic organizations and other stakeholders.

Public Realm Task Force Membership

• Governor's office:
  • Deputy Secretary of Economic Development
  • Deputy Secretary of Transportation
  • Deputy Secretary of Human Services

• Empire State Development
• MTA
• Amtrak
• New Jersey Transit
• New York City Mayor's Office
• NYC Dept of Transportation
• NYC Dept of City Planning
• NYC Economic Development Corporation
• Manhattan CBs 4 and 5 (2 appointees from each Board)
• Civic organizations
  • Regional Plan Association
  • 34th Street Partnership

• Developers in GPP Area
• MSG
• Congressman Jerrold Nadler
• Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
• State Senator Brad Hoylman
• State Senator Robert Jackson
• State Senator Liz Krueger
• Assemblyman Richard Gottfried
• Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine
• Councilmember Erik Bottcher

The Task Force will be charged with developing a Public Realm Concept Plan, assisted by noted architect Claire Weisz's WXY Studio, that includes a prioritized list of desired public improvements like the designs of streets and open spaces, and guiding principles for additional public realm design, programming, and operations. ESD and the Task Force will also work closely with the New York City Department of City Planning to ensure its work is coordinated and consistent with the City's broader public realm planning goals.

A Penn Station Area Public Realm Fund will be created, funded by a portion of the real estate revenues generated by new redevelopment of the GPP sites, starting with a commitment of $50 million in early project revenues.

Governor Hochul today also announced the premiere of a video showcasing the State's vision for a new Penn Station and for the revitalization of the area surrounding it. The video encapsulates public presentations made during more than one hundred meetings to community groups and elected officials over the past two years, so all New Yorkers can understand the plan, and how - after decades of trying -- New York can finally build a New Penn Station, worthy of the Empire State. The digital video can be found here and on a new webpage about the project.

In parallel with Penn Reconstruction design, the railroads anticipate beginning a review of the Penn Reconstruction project under the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. That review will include robust outreach as required by law and will be supplemented by a Station Working Advisory Group to ensure as many local and regional voices as possible are heard and the best ideas are incorporated into the design.

Reimagining the station is part of the Governor's commitment to ensuring equitable transit access and achieving economic development. This will be particularly beneficial for users of the forthcoming Metro-North Railroad stations in the East Bronx (Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester, and Hunts Point), for whom travel times to and from Midtown will be reduced by up to 50 minutes as a result of Penn Access.