MAYOR ADAMS AND NYC PARKS ANNOUNCE PILOT EXTENDING SUMMER HOURS AT THE HIGH BRIDGE

Summer pilot will extend closure time to 10 p.m. daily through September  

 Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced a pilot that will extend High Bridge hours this summer, giving New Yorkers expanded access to the iconic landmark connecting the Bronx and Manhattan. The pilot will move the bridge’s closure time from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. starting today through September 30, 2022.  

 

“Our green spaces and public parks were lifelines for so many New Yorkers over the past two years of the pandemic,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “The High Bridge is an iconic place with some of the most breathtaking views the city has to offer over the Harlem River and I'm proud to expand the hours so more New Yorkers can enjoy it as we head into summer.” 

 

“Summer is here and what better way to enjoy our longer daylight hours than by using some of our City’s best assets – our parks,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Extending The High Bridge hours for New Yorkers will give access to greener, cooler space as the temperature rises in the warmer months.”  

 

“The High Bridge is a historic connection between neighborhoods, boroughs, and parkland – and now through this pilot, New Yorkers will have expanded access this summer!” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are happy to keep the bridge open until 10 p.m. through September for Manhattan and Bronx residents to enjoy.”  

 

The High Bridge is New York City’s oldest standing bridge and a historic passageway between the neighborhoods of Washington Heights in Manhattan and Highbridge in the Bronx. In 2015, the restored bridge was reopened after being closed for more than four decades. As the only interborough bridge designed exclusively for pedestrians and bicyclists, the High Bridge provides New Yorkers with access to more than 125 acres of parkland including Highbridge Pool, baseball fields, basketball courts, bike trails, a skatepark, playgrounds and lawns. 

 

“During the pandemic, New Yorkers turned to our parks and open spaces as recreational opportunities for their children and families. Today’s Announcement by Mayor Eric Adams and Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue of a pilot program to expand the hours of The High Bridge recognizes the importance of providing access to our open spaces to serve more families particularly as the summer season is approaching. I’m pleased to see The High Bridge prioritized as a major anchor of recreation and open space that connects our residents from the Bronx to Northern Manhattan. The High Bridge is the oldest standing walking bridge in our City and as a result of this pilot program, more Bronxites will have access to it. My gratitude to my Colleagues, Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa and Council Member Althea Stevens for their commitment and partnership,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

“I’m extremely pleased that we were able to come together with an uptown, multi-borough campaign to extend the hours of accessibility on the High Bridge until 10 pm this summer. The High Bridge is a crucial connection for pedestrians and cyclists since it is the only way to get between Manhattan and the Bronx without a car, and this green space is truly a lifeline for many during these hot summer months. I want to thank everyone in the community who worked alongside Borough President Gibson, myself, and the Mayor to make this a reality,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.   

 

The High Bridge will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through September 30, 2022. Visit the NYC Parks website to learn more about the High Bridge. 

 

Bronx Dems - Join us to phonebank for our Bronx Assembly Members!

 

Phonebank with the Bronx Dems! Starting this Tuesday, June 21, we will be phone banking for Bronx Assembly members every Monday through Thursday from 6pm until 8pm until Election Day! Join us at the Bronx Dems HQ located at 1952 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY, 10461!

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 6/13/22-6/17/22

 

Dear Community,

This week, Governor Hochul signed a historic package of legislation aimed at expanding and protecting the right to an abortion in New York. The package included the FIRE HATE Act (S9039/A10094), my bill with Assemblymember Burdick to institute legal safeguards for individuals who travel to New York for reproductive or gender affirming healthcare. This legislation creates a cause of action for unlawful interference with protected rights under New York Civil Rights Law. 

While other states are looking to criminalize abortion and gender-affirming care, New York continues to reaffirm its commitment to reproductive justice and serve as an model for the rest of our nation. I’d like to thank Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Burdick, and my Legislative colleagues for prioritizing this crucial legislation and ensuring that New York remains a safe haven for reproductive care. 

Other legislation in the package includes: 

• S9077A/A10372A: Relates to legal protection for abortion service providers   
• S9079B/A9687: Prohibits misconduct charges against healthcare practitioners for providing reproductive health services to patients who reside in states where such services are illegal      
• S9080B/A9718B: Prohibits medical malpractice insurance companies from taking adverse action against a reproductive healthcare provider who provides legal care      
• S9384A/A9818A: Includes abortion providers and patients in the address confidentiality program   
• S470/A5499: Authorizes a study to examine unmet health and resource needs and impact of limited service pregnancy centers

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto Drops by Rivers Run Community Garden in Coop-City to Deliver a Seventy-Five Thousand Dollar Check

 

Friday afternoon Assemblyman Michael Benedetto delivered a $75,000.00 check to the Rivers Run Community Garden in Coop-City. The monies will be used towards upkeep and improvements within the Community Garden such as new fencing, benches, walkways, plantings, landscape, and other maintenance needs.

Rivers Run is Coop-City's first riverfront green space and was developed by community based organizations, including Building 13 Association Inc., Riverbay Corporation, and the City of New York's Green Thumb program about eight years ago. Another partner to Rivers Run is the New York Botanical Garden, lending material support and guidance

 

"My job in Albany is to find good programs such as Rivers Run" said Assemblyman Benedetto. He added, Rivers Run is a wonderful community based organization that works with local residents to develop lots for planting vegetables and other activities. We need more community gardens throughout my district, and the Bronx. I hope this funding will help preserve Rivers Run as a model for others to look toward.

"Rivers Run is an incredible amenity for the Coop-City community," said Leslie Peterson of the Building 13 Association Inc., and Rivers Run Community Garden. "We appreciate these funds that Assemblyman Benedetto has secured for us, and we plan to use them to build on the good work we already do."

“Rivers Run is an incredible amenity for the Co-op City community,” said Leslie Peterson of the Building 13 Association, Inc. and Rivers Run. “We appreciate these funds that Assembly Member Benedetto has secured for us and we plan to use them to build on the good work we do.”

The grant funds are anticipated to be available to the community within the next few months.

 

 

Ms. Peterson thanked Assemblyman Michael Benedetto for the monies for the Rivers Run community garden.

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto looks like he is ready, as he has before, to get to work in the Rivers Run Community Garden.

Attorney General James Protects Bronx Tenants Housing Rights

 

Real Estate Lawyers Kucker, Marino, Winiarsky & Bittens LLP Harmed Rent-Stabilized Tenants’ Ability to Organize and Maintain Safe and Habitable Homes

  New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that she has reached an agreement with Kucker, Marino, Winiarsky & Bittens LLP (Kucker) for unlawfully providing improper and damaging legal advice to New York tenants. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Kucker sent a letter to 263 unrepresented tenants in the Bronx giving them unwarranted legal advice about their rights to rent stabilization. Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA), a tenant organizing project, was already working with the tenants to fight for safe, affordable housing. Kucker’s letter gave tenants a false sense of security regarding rent stabilization, and CASA’s organizing efforts were stalled as a result. As part of the agreement, Kucker will pay $50,000 to CASA for the money and resources it spent to combat Kucker’s improper letter. Kucker will also adopt official trainings and procedures to ensure complete and ongoing compliance with their ethical duties. 

Kucker sent the letter to six buildings in the Bronx: 1187 Anderson Avenue, 1195 Anderson Avenue, 1997 Anderson Avenue, 1220 Shakespeare Avenue, 1210 Woodycrest Avenue, and 1230 Woodycrest Avenue.

“As New York City continues to face a housing crisis, we must do everything we can to ensure tenants are informed of their rights and are protected against unscrupulous landlords and their lawyers,” said Attorney General James. “Today, we are holding Kucker accountable for jeopardizing New Yorker’s housing stability and failing to comply with the law. I will continue to use the full force of my office to stand up for tenants who are organizing their communities to ensure that safe, decent, and affordable housing is a reality for all New Yorkers.”

Today, about one million apartments in New York City are covered by rent stabilization. Rent stabilization protects tenants from drastic changes in rent and provides tenants with the right to renew their leases, which has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenants have a right under New York law to organize for better conditions and OAG has provided guidance to law enforcement agencies about how to protect this right. New York Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers also dictate that lawyers cannot provide legal advice to individuals who do not have their own legal representation.  

In July 2021, OAG began an investigation into Kucker after Bronx Legal Services flagged an application submitted to New York City on behalf of the firm’s client requesting to deny rent stabilization status to 263 apartments. The letter failed to address potential rent stabilization protections for the tenants. During OAG’s investigation, Kucker admitted to improperly ghostwriting letters sent by the landlord to all 263 tenants containing legal advice about the submission to the state. At the same time, CASA was working with tenants of the buildings to organize an association to advocate for repairs and to fight the landlord’s submission to the state. The letter caused a major disruption in their organizing efforts, leading to further miscommunication and misinformation among tenants, and CASA had to divert resources in order to address the impact.

Under the agreement negotiated by OAG, Kucker must establish a range of practices and procedures that will ensure compliance with the law going forward. Within 60 days of signing the agreement, all Kucker attorneys and paralegals must attend a training that will cover their obligations under the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, including communications with unrepresented individuals and protocol for submitting applications to administrative bodies. Additionally, Kucker must pay $50,000 to CASA as restitution for the resources spent and frustration of mission CASA suffered due to the letter. Failure to comply with the law going forward will result in a $5,000 penalty for every violation. 

This action marks the second time in the last two years that OAG has taken against Kucker. In June 2020, an investigation found that Kucker sent dozens of deceptive eviction notices to tenants during the statewide COVID-19 eviction ban. Kucker agreed to stop engaging in any “deceptive or fraudulent rent or debt notices” going forward.  

“I applaud New York Attorney General Letitia James and her staff for reaching an agreement with Kucker, Marino, Winiarsky & Bittnes LLP, who were found to have provided improper legal advice to 263 Bronx tenants without legal representation who were working with CASA to improve safety conditions and the affordability of their apartments,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “My hope is that this agreement stands as an example demonstrating the lengths to which the city and state are prepared to undergo to ensure that tenants, especially during this health crisis, are safe, free from intimidation, and are allowed to stay in their apartments. I want to thank Attorney General Letitia James and CASA for their work in fighting for our residents.”

The OAG is pursuing similar investigations to uphold tenant protections and to hold landlords and their lawyers accountable for their unlawful actions. This week, Attorney General James shut down a landlord for exposing children to lead paint hazards in Syracuse. In April 2022, Attorney General James sued Brooklyn-based eviction lawyers for engaging in deceptive rent collection practices and initiating frivolous lawsuits against New York tenants.   

NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY SELECTED AS HOST CITY FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP™

 

FIFA Names New York/New Jersey a Host City for What Will be Largest FIFA World Cup™ in History, as 48 Teams Play in Tournament Across the U.S., Canada and Mexico

 

Celebrations Across Region to Take Place This Evening, with City Hall, Iconic Stadiums and Landmarks Lighting Up With Messages of Support

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy tonight celebrated FIFA’s announcement that New York/New Jersey has been selected as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Mayor Adams and Governor Murphy led a watch party at Liberty State Park joined by soccer fans, players and supporters at all levels of the game to celebrate the momentous occasion. Celebrations are expected to reverberate throughout the region as New York City Hall, the Empire State Building and other iconic landmarks and stadiums across all five New York City boroughs and the State of New Jersey light up with messages of celebration. New York City and New Jersey submitted a joint bid to host matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

 

“The biggest sporting event in the world is coming to the biggest stage, and New York City cannot wait to welcome the world to our region,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City is thrilled to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the drama and excitement here to the city that never sleeps! The momentum doesn’t end there, with world-class restaurants, hotels, shows, and more to keep all our visitors entertained. Not only will the World Cup strengthen our economy by providing a major boost, but it will showcase FIFA and the sport of soccer to all of America. As mayor of one of the most diverse cities in the world — and one filled with soccer fans — I know our city represents the diversity of this world game and we couldn’t be more ready to welcome the world in 2026.”

 

“We are honored to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with our neighbors across the Hudson, and we are fully prepared to deliver the world-class experience that the beautiful game deserves,” said Governor Murphy. “Future generations of New Jerseyans will remember fondly that, on the heels of a global pandemic, the biggest sporting event in the world was hosted by the greatest region in the world. In addition to building upon our lasting global legacy, as a host region we will also benefit from significant economic activity and impact, as well as opportunities to showcase the rich cultural diversity of our state. As we welcome the world today and every day, we are reminded that the values of inclusion and unity are not only foundational to the World Cup, but to who we are as New Jerseyans.”

 

“With some of the most welcoming and diverse communities anywhere in the world, New York is a natural fit to host the FIFA World Cup,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Our unparalleled cultural experiences and countless tourist attractions make us the ideal venue for the thousands of fans who will come to enjoy this historic competition. New York was made for the spotlight — we are ready to provide an unforgettable experience for millions around the globe, and I thank all who made this possible.”

 

“On behalf of the New York Football Giants and New York Jets, we are honored to be selected as an official venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Ron VanDeVeen, president and CEO, MetLife Stadium. “We look forward to hosting the world’s largest sporting event and welcoming the teams and their fans from around the globe to MetLife Stadium.”

 

“The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority is thrilled that FIFA has selected the NY/NJ region and MetLife Stadium to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Vincent Prieto, president and CEO, New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority. “The FIFA World Cup will shine a bright spotlight on the Meadowlands Region for an international audience. We look forward to offering superb experiences to fans from around the globe, including dynamic downtowns, plentiful shopping and dining hotspots.”

 

The New York/New Jersey region is incredibly well-prepared, well-equipped and excited to welcome visitors and fans from around the world during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. MetLife Stadium hosts two million guests annually, and the New York/New Jersey region is home to five airports servicing 181 countries. Additionally, more hotels are currently being built in the region than exist overall in the other candidate cities. As an entertainment, tourism, culinary and media capital of the world, New York/New Jersey has ample options for hosting and staging impressive corresponding events during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in addition to standing out as a host city for matches.

 

The leaders behind New York/New Jersey’s bid are squarely focused on ensuring that this incredible opportunity benefits local and regional economies and serves as an inclusive cultural experience for the entire community.

 

New York/New Jersey is home to some of the most engaged and diverse soccer fans in the nation, representing countries from every corner of the world. The region’s soccer-friendly culture combined with its global and diverse population make for a community that will be thrilled to experience FIFA World Cup™ matches and will welcome guests with open arms.

 

In addition to matches played at MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey will host FIFA Fan Fest sites around the region. The proposed training facilities are at Rutgers University, The Pingry School, Kean University, Red Bull Football Club Training Facility, and the New York City Football Club Training Facility.

 

The U.S. last hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup™ in 1994, when Giants Stadium played host to seven games, including a quarterfinal and semifinal match. Giants Stadium also hosted the opening match for the women’s FIFA World Cup in 1999.

 

Bloods Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years for Two Murders and Other Violent Crimes

Dylan Cruz was Sentenced following his Guilty Plea to Racketeering between 2010 and 2016 

 Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Dylan Cruz, a member of the Red Lane Gorillas “set” of the Bloods street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 35 years in prison following his conviction on racketeering charges for his role in the July 2012 murder of Anthony Richard in Baldwin Harbor, the October 2014 murder of Ehrik Williams in Hempstead, the November 2010 attempted murder of a rival gang member in Roosevelt, and a several years’ long conspiracy to murder members of a rival “set” of the Bloods gang in Brooklyn.  Cruz pleaded guilty to racketeering in December of 2021 along with co-defendant Richard Michel who is awaiting sentencing. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea. 

“Dylan Cruz’s senseless, callous violence took the lives of two innocent young men and devastated their families, all because of suspected offenses against his fellow gang members and associates,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “The relentless efforts of this Office and our law enforcement partners resulted in Cruz being held accountable for these murders that went unsolved for years.  Today’s sentence should send a message to all that violent actors will be held accountable for their criminal acts, no matter how long it takes.”

“The details of this years-long investigation make clear: The NYPD and our law-enforcement partners will never tolerate violent gangs and the havoc they wreak in our communities,” stated NYPD Commissioner Sewell. “Today’s sentencing reflects this defendant’s callous disregard for life, and reaffirms our commitment to rid our streets of violent criminals by holding them fully accountable for their actions. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the New York Field Office of the FBI, the Nassau County Police Department, and everyone else who worked to make New York City safer for all the people we serve.”

According to court filings and statements made by the defendant at his guilty plea, between 2010 and 2021, Cruz, along with other members of the Red Lane Gorillas, engaged in a violent gang war against rival gangs, including the Crips and the 5-9 Brims set of the Bloods, in Nassau County and Brooklyn.  Cruz conspired to kill members of the 5-9 Brims and on February 20, 2016, shot and seriously wounded a rival gang member and an innocent female bystander in Queens.  On November 17, 2010, Cruz also shot a rival Crips gang member in Roosevelt that left the man paralyzed.

Cruz also engaged in extreme violence against anyone suspected of disloyalty or disrespecting his gang. On July 15, 2012, Cruz murdered Anthony Richard, whom he wrongly suspected of assisting the Crips in the 2010 murder of a member of their gang.  Cruz followed Richard to Baldwin Harbor, waited until he parked his car, and then fired 15 shots into Richard’s vehicle, killing him and seriously wounding a passenger.

Just over two years later on October 14, 2014, Cruz murdered Ehrik Williams in Hempstead in the mistaken belief that Williams had robbed one of his associates.  Cruz walked up behind Williams in broad daylight and fired multiple shots at him, killing him.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  As part of the program, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Annual IDA Report

Net Tax Exemptions Doubled Over Past Decade to $966 Million; Jobs Gained During 2020 COVID Year Were Smallest in Past Decade  New York's local Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) reported 4,262 active projects with a total value of $114 billion in 2020, an increase of $5.3 billion from the prior year, according to an annual report on IDAs released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. While reported project values have risen, the number of projects has decreased by 58, or 1.3%, since 2019. This continues a long-term trend, where project values have increased by 57% and the number of projects has declined by 4% since 2010. “This report gives taxpayers a clear look at the financial and project data as reported by IDAs for their communities,” DiNapoli said. “IDAs can play an important role in helping local economies and businesses expand and recover after the pandemic. The tax breaks they provide do impact local taxes and should be looked at closely. Publishing this information, including IDA costs, increases their transparency and accountability to taxpayers.” DiNapoli’s report also found IDAs reported the following: For the 4,262 active IDA projects, it was estimated that a total of 225,227 jobs would be created during the life of the projects, with a median salary of $40,000, and 251,888 existing jobs would be retained, with a median salary of $44,727. A projected 44,636 temporary construction jobs would be created. The number of net jobs gained (reflecting current jobs reported by projects minus initial jobs reported) were 167,984 in 2020. This is the smallest number of jobs gained in the last ten years. Total tax exemptions for IDA projects amounted to over $1.7 billion, up $273 million, or 19%, over 2019. Property tax exemptions represented $1.6 billion, or 90% of total tax exemptions, and were partially offset by $782 million in payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) in 2020. Net tax exemptions (reflecting total tax exemptions minus PILOTs) totaled $966 million, an increase of $171 million, or 21%, from 2019. Over the ten-year period ending in 2020, net tax exemptions just about doubled. Regionally, total net tax exemptions granted were much higher downstate, with IDAs in New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson regions together granting 61% of all net tax exemptions. On a per capita basis, the New York City IDA provides the lowest net tax exemptions per capita ($22), while the Capital District had the highest ($93) in 2020. In 2020, IDAs had total revenues of $72 million, consisting largely of project fees, a decline of $3.6 million from 2019. New York City IDA had the highest total revenues ($6.7 million), followed by Genesee County IDA ($5.7 million), Chautauqua County IDA ($4.8 million) and Chemung County IDA ($4 million). Total IDA expenses in 2020 were $85 million, down $11.8 million from 2019. The largest operating expense category was professional services contracts, such as for accounting, legal or marketing services ($22.2 million, or 26%, of the total). Salaries, wages and benefits for IDA employees accounted for $19.2 million, or 23%, of the total. New York City’s IDA had the highest expenses ($8.6 million). The largest new IDA project in 2020 by project value ($2.4 billion) was the New York City IDA’s BOP SE LLC project, which is constructing Two Manhattan West, a commercial office tower that is part of the Hudson Yards development. The report summarizes data as reported by IDAs for fiscal year 2020 through the Public Authorities Reporting Information System, and is not independently verified by the State Comptroller’s Office. Three IDAs did not submit their data in time for this report. The report also contains information on Local Development Corporations, a related type of local authority. DiNapoli’s office examines IDA costs and outcomes in several ways, including performing audits of the operations of individual IDAs, providing training to IDA officials on various topics, and encouraging improvements in IDA procedures and reporting. Annual Report Performance of Industrial Development Agencies in New York State IDA Data by Region Office of the New York State Comptroller - 2020 IDA Data by Region