Another House With Land Bites the Dust in Pelham Bay CB 10 - Permits Filed For 1571 Jarvis Avenue In Schuylerville, The Bronx

Permits have been filed for a six-story residential building at 1571 Jarvis Avenue in Schuylerville, The Bronx. Located between Middletown Road and Zulette Avenue, the lot is near the Buhre Avenue subway station, serviced by the 6 train. Franc Gjini of 2625 Grand Avenue Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 75-foot-tall development will yield 12,879 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 24 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 536 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, a 36-foot-long rear yard, and 12 open parking spaces.

Fred Geremia Architects & Planners is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in February for the two-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

NYC Comptroller Lander Releases New York City Claims Report for FY 2021

 

 Today, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the Annual Claims Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. The Claims Report includes detailed breakdowns of personal injury and property damage claims, including motor vehicle, civil rights, and police action claims, as well as non-tort claims, such as contract claims and special education claims, filed against the City with settlement costs paid by the City in the covered fiscal year.

“Our office’s Bureau of Law and Adjustment works hard every day to settle viable claims filed against the City prior to litigation, which saves both the City and the claimant the costs of litigation. Our Annual Report on Claims takes a data-driven approach to analyzing claims, settlements, and judgments so we can reduce the harm to New Yorkers and the amount the City pays out – because every dollar we spend on settling claims or judgments for harm done is one we can’t spend on services or investments that help New Yorkers. We invite City agencies, the media, civic technologists, and New Yorkers to review this report and use it as a risk management tool to spot patterns and problem areas that continue to cost the City and New Yorkers,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

In FY 2021, 10,618 claims and lawsuits against New York City were resolved for $933.7 million, a decrease compared to 13,741 claims and lawsuits resolved for $1.03 billion in FY 2020. The five costliest areas of claim settlements in FY 2021 were motor vehicle, civil rights, police action, medical malpractice, and sidewalk claims. Together, these five claim types cost $430.9 million and accounted for 78 percent of all personal injury claim settlements. This year’s report has been updated to include several additional charts including Total Amount of Property Damage Settlements & Judgements Recorded by Claim Type, and the Number of Payouts and Total Dollar Amount of Motor Vehicle Settlements & Judgements by City Agency.

Total Numbers of Claims Settlements & Judgements,
FY 2020 vs. FY 2021 

Total Numbers of Claims Settlements & Judgements Paid, FY 2020 vs. FY 2021

Motor Vehicles Account for Largest Share of Tort Settlements by Claim Type

Claims stemming from crashes with City-owned vehicles account for the largest share of both personal injury and property damage settlements by claim type in FY 2021, though both the number of personal injury claims filed and the amount of settlements paid decreased from FY 2020. For the first time, the Comptroller’s claims report provides a breakout of motor vehicle claims filed, settlements, and payouts by City agency for the past decade.

• There were 1,193 personal injury motor vehicle claims filed in FY 2021, down 14 percent from FY 2020 when 1,389 personal injury motor vehicle claims were filed.
• In FY 2021, personal injury motor vehicle claim settlements cost $133.7 million, an eight percent decrease, compared to $145.1 million paid out to resolve motor vehicle claims in FY 2020.
• Personal injury claims resulting from motor vehicles accounted for 24 percent of all personal injury claims by claim type.
• Motor vehicle claims accounted for 74 percent of property damage claims settled in FY 2021, for a total of $4.5 million.
• There has been a 99 percent increase in personal injury motor vehicle claim total payouts since FY 2015 when $67.4 million was paid out. Furthermore, the average payout per settlement increased from $115,326 in FY 2015 to $253,213 in FY 2021, a 120 percent increase.

New York Police Department Accounts for Largest Share of Tort Claims by Agency

NYPD settlement costs were the highest among all City agencies in FY 2021. Tort claims against the NYPD include, but are not limited to, allegations of excessive force, civil rights violations, and personal injury or property damage arising out of motor vehicle accidents involving police vehicles.

• The number of tort claims filed against the New York City Police Department (NYPD) dropped to 5,166 in FY 2021 from 5,726 in FY 2020, a 10 percent decline.
• NYPD tort claim settlement and judgment payouts decreased by one percent, to $206.7 million in FY 2021 from $209.3 million in FY 2020.
• NYPD tort claims accounted for 37 percent of the total overall cost of resolved tort claims in FY 2021.
• Of claims filed in FY 2021 against the NYPD, 482 claims and actions alleged police misconduct during widespread protests across the City during Summer 2020. The number of overall claims and actions filed against NYPD arising out of the 2020 protests are more than 550.

Special Education Claims Account for Largest Share of Law Claims

Special education claims include claims on behalf of parents for the reimbursement of special education services costs and tuition and claims for statutory attorneys’ fees where an underlying claim for special education reimbursement has been successful. In June 2014, the City launched the “fast track” process to address claims for costs and tuition payments from parents of students requiring special education services. Special education claims continue to account for the largest proportion—86 percent—of law claims filed in FY 2021 and continue to drive the total number of law claims filed.

• In FY 2021, there were 6,015 special education claims filed, compared to 2,582 claims filed in FY 2014, an increase of 133 percent.
• While the number of claims filed remained steady in FY 2021 (a one percent decrease), the total number of special education claims settled in FY 2021 decreased by 33 percent to 3,636 from the 5,398 claims settled in FY 2020.
• The total settlement amount paid out for DOE special education claims in FY 2021 decreased 38 percent to $224.1 million from $360.4 million paid out in FY 2020.

Under the New York City Charter, the Comptroller has the power to settle or adjust all claims against or on behalf of the City. This work is performed by the Comptroller’s Office Bureau of Law and Adjustment (BLA), which, under the direction of the Comptroller, the General Counsel, and the Assistant Comptroller for BLA, comprises attorneys, claims professionals, engineers, and administrative staff.

The full Annual Claims Report for Fiscal Year 2021 can be read here.

MAYOR ADAMS, DOC COMMISSIONER MOLINA ANNOUNCE OVER 2,700 WEAPONS RECOVERED FROM RIKERS ISLAND, INDICATING SAFER JAILS AS TACTICAL SEARCH OPERATIONS RESUME

 

Over 2,700 Weapons Recovered After TSOs Resumed Under Adams Administration

 

Slashings and Stabbings Have Fallen 63 Percent Since March

 

Assaults On Staff Resulting in Use of Force Have Fallen 30 Percent in First Six Months of 2021

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Correction (DOC) Commissioner Louis A. Molina today announced that over 2,700 weapons and contraband have been recovered from Rikers Island since the end of February. The increase in mostly homemade weapons recovered — a key indicator of improved safety at the city’s jails — come as a result of improved staffing and tactical search operations that resumed under this administration. Additionally, slashings and stabbings have fallen by 63 percent since March, and assaults on staff resulting in a use of force and use-of-force incidents have fallen 30 percent and 27 percent, respectively, compared to the same six-month period last year. Today’s announcement comes in the wake of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York endorsing the city’s action plan to reform Rikers Island just last week.

 

“The era of neglecting the violence and dysfunction of our city’s jails is over,” said Mayor Adams. “Over 2,700 weapons have been recovered from Rikers Island this year thanks to uniform staff returning to the job and our administration resuming tactical search operations —making our jails safer for staff and people in custody. Much work remains, but Commissioner Molina and I are committed to tackling the challenges facing us and implementing the reforms needed to build safer and more humane jails for those who live and work on Rikers.”

 

“Making our jails safer for both staff and people in custody is a top priority for this administration,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks. “Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, we are leveraging all of city government to tackle the longstanding parallel crises that have plagued Rikers for years. In a few short months, we’ve seen promising improvements, but much work remains. We are ready to continue that important work to make meaningful reforms and to keep all people in our city’s jails safe.” 

 

“The safety and security for all staff and people in custody has been paramount to this administration, since day one,” said DOC Commissioner Molina. “Resuming facility and tactical based search operations are common sense correctional practices, and this couldn’t have been done without our dedicated uniform personnel. I’ve said it before that our staff will be the game-changer in turning this agency around. There is much more work that needs be done, and we are heading in the right direction.”

 

Under the Adams administration, people who commit violent acts in the city’s jails are also being held accountable. Since January 1, 121 people who have committed crimes while incarcerated have been rearrested and referred to the Bronx District Attorney for prosecution.

 

Additionally, last month, Mayor Adams signed Executive Order 16, creating an interagency task force to formalize the whole-of-government approach the Adams administration is applying to the crisis plaguing Rikers Island. With the full support of City Hall, the task force is focused on implementing the Action Plan and the recommendations of the Nunez Monitor as swiftly and efficiently as possible to keep both those in custody as well as correctional officers safe, and to build a functional, safe, and humane jail system.

Two Individuals Indicted for Fatal Shooting in Connection with Marijuana Deal in Brooklyn

 

On June 15, 2022, a federal grand jury sitting in Brooklyn, New York returned a 14-count superseding indictment charging Marcus Ricketts, also known as “Blaise,” and Mark Goulbourne, also known as “Short Man,” with causing death through the use of firearms in connection with the December 3, 2021 murder of an individual in Brighton Beach, New York.  The superseding indictment, which was unsealed last night, also charges Ricketts, Mark Goulbourne and four additional defendants—Jonathan Goulbourne, also known as “Bobcat,” Romeo Desmond Jonas, also known as “Tee,” Chevonne Williams, also known as “Chevy,” and Amari Webber, also known as “Smooth”—with Hobbs Act robbery, drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and one defendant, Juvanie Crossgill, also known as “Geo,” with serving as an accessory to the murder.

According to court filings, the defendants are members and associates of an armed robbery crew, operating since at least July 2020, targeting marijuana trafficking businesses in Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx. 

Ricketts, Jonathan Goulbourne and Jonas are in custody on the underlying indictment and will be arraigned at a later date.  Crossgill was arrested on June 15, 2022, arraigned the following day and released on bail.  Yesterday, Williams and Webber were arrested in Georgia and will be removed to the Eastern District of New York to make their initial appearances.  Mark Goulbourne remains at large.

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

“As alleged, the defendants’ robbery and drug trafficking activity exploded into violence with three persons shot, one of them fatally, demonstrating the lethal combination of guns and narcotics plaguing our communities,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office is working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold these drivers of violent crime accountable and take away their means to wreak havoc.”

Mr. Peace thanked the Kings County District Attorney's Office for their assistance. 

“The violence plaguing the streets of our city must be addressed by stopping the violent criminals who are killing each other over illegal drugs.  Innocent people are being harmed by these rivalries, and fear now dictates how we go about our lives.  It has to stop.  When the FBI New York and our law enforcement partners arrest and prosecute these criminals, we get closer to a safer community,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.

“Today, New York City is safer because of the exceptional effort and steadfast dedication of everyone involved in this investigation and indictment,” said NYPD Commissioner Sewell.  “The NYPD and our law enforcement partners remain focused on the small number of people who are responsible for the crime and disorder in our city, and we are working tirelessly to identify them and get them off our streets.  As demonstrated by this case, the deadly combination of drug trafficking, illegal guns, and brutal violence is a grave threat to our communities – and will never be tolerated.  I want to thank the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the New York Field Office of the FBI, and everyone else who contributed to this important investigation.”

On December 2, 2021 and into the early morning of December 3, 2021, the defendants convened at an Airbnb in Brighton Beach, which had been rented for one night by the victim and his nephew, with several of the defendants posing as buyers in a wholesale marijuana transaction.  On December 3, shortly after midnight, the victim’s nephew and two male associates carried in four very large duffle bags of marijuana, approximately the size of hockey equipment bags.  Two hours later, a shootout ensued, leaving the victim fatally wounded and his nephew with a gunshot wound to the leg.  During the exchange of gunfire, Jonas was also shot in the abdomen.

Mark Goulbourne and Ricketts fled the scene with firearms in hand, and Ricketts with one of the duffle bags, which he transported on the handlebars of a stolen Citi Bike.  Mark Goulbourne retreated to a neighboring intersection, where he called his brother Jonathan Goulbourne, moments before entering an approaching car.  The car quickly reversed back up the street to the Airbnb.  Mark Goulbourne ran to the door with a firearm still in hand and peered inside, before reentering the car, which sped away.

Inside the Airbnb, the NYPD found the victim’s body and recovered two firearms, 15 shell casings, a money counting machine, a vacuum sealing machine, a bag containing real and counterfeit U.S. currency, and a duffle bag, inside of which were smaller, vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana.  In the vicinity, the NYPD recovered two additional firearms, as well as two duffle bags, inside of which were smaller, vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana.  The approximate weight of the marijuana recovered is 140 pounds.  The fourth duffle bag was not recovered.

If convicted, Ricketts, Mark Goulbourne, Jonathan Goulbourne and Jonas all face up to life imprisonment.  Ricketts, Mark Goulbourne and Jonathan Goulbourne face mandatory minimum sentences of 17 years’ imprisonment, and Jonas faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.  Williams and Webber each face sentences of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, and Crossgill faces a sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment.  The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

The charges are the result of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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. 

Governor Hochul Announces Groundbreaking for Regeneron's $1.8 Billion Expansion in Westchester County

 

New York's Largest Biotech Company Continues to Grow in the Mid-Hudson Region, Bringing at Least 1,000 New Jobs over Five Years 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking for Regeneron's previously announced $1.8 billion research, preclinical manufacturing and support facilities at the company's Westchester County campus in Tarrytown. The company, a biotechnology leader that invents and manufactures life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases, committed to creating at least 1,000 new full-time, high-skill jobs in the Mid-Hudson Region over the next five years. To encourage Regeneron's continued expansion in New York State, Empire State Development is supporting the project with up to $100 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, consistent with the company's hiring goals. Regeneron considered several potential sites in the tri-state area before deciding to expand in the Mid-Hudson region. 

"New York is a leader in the life sciences industry in part due to the decades of investment and many groundbreaking scientific advancements at Regeneron," Governor Hochul said. "The COVID-19 crisis was one demonstration of how quickly and effectively Regeneron is able to deploy its drug discovery and development engine against devastating diseases. Regeneron's work has undoubtedly saved countless lives in New York and throughout the United States, and we are proud that Regeneron will continue to create good jobs and invest in the Mid-Hudson region as they work to make additional breakthroughs against blindness-causing diseases, cancer, genetic diseases and more."  

Regeneron President and Chief Executive Officer Leonard S. Schleifer, M.D., Ph.D., said, "We have been a proud New York company since our beginning over three decades ago, during which time we have invented industry-leading drug discovery technology and developed ten FDA-approved or authorized medicines entirely in our own laboratories. New York State has played an important role in our success by consistently recognizing the value of innovation, fostering an inclusive and dynamic biomedical industry, and helping to attract top talent to the region." 

Tarrytown serves as Regeneron's corporate and research and development headquarters, and the expansion plan now underway includes the addition of new laboratories, preclinical manufacturing and process development suites and office space. This project will encompass the design, construction and fit out of up to eight buildings, three parking garages and a central utility plant totaling approximately 900,000 square feet.  

The project is expected to take place in two phases over six years, with construction expected to be completed in 2027. The direct and indirect fiscal benefit to state and local government is estimated to be more than $283.3 million, with a nearly $2 billion estimated economic benefit to New York State. 

Regeneron was founded in 1988 in New York City; the following year, New York State invested $250,000 in the company. Today, Regeneron is the largest biotech company in New York State and one of the largest and most productive in the world. The company is consistently ranked among the best biopharmaceutical employers by Sciencemagazine and included on the Civic 50 list of most community-minded companies in the nation. 

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON RENT GUIDELINES BOARD VOTE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams tonight released the following statement following the Rent Guidelines Board’s (RGB) 5-4 vote to increase rents on rent-stabilized apartments by 3.25 percent on one-year leases and 5 percent on two-year leases:

 

“While we raised our voices and were successful in pushing the increases lower, the determination made by the Rent Guidelines Board today will unfortunately be a burden to tenants at this difficult time — and that is disappointing. At the same time, small landlords are at risk of bankruptcy because of years of no increases at all, putting building owners of modest means at risk while threatening the quality of life for tenants who deserve to live in well-maintained, modern buildings.

 

“This system is broken, and we cannot pit landlords against tenants as winners and losers every year.

 

“That is why I have successfully fought so hard for support for working people, like childcare support and a historic earned income tax credit. It’s also why I will be fighting in Albany for additional support for tenants who are at risk of missing rent payments and landlords who are struggling to maintain and upgrade their buildings.”

News from BP Gibson: Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review!

 

Last week, after years of historic neglect and disinvestment, we announced the Hunts Point Forward Plan. Hunts Point Forward is a fifteen-year plan focused on economic development, education, building generational wealth and revitalizing the Hunts Point community. This project has been years in the making and I am happy to see it come to fruition in the South Bronx.

 

On Friday, Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced a pilot program to expand the hours of operation for The High Bridge, NYC’s oldest standing bridge and the connection between the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. I am pleased to see The High Bridge prioritized in the efforts to create more recreational spaces for our youth and community at large. Thank you to my colleagues Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa and Council Member Althea Stevens for their collaboration on this effort. 

 

It has been four years since the tragic passing of Lesandro Guzman-Feliz, affectionately known as "Junior", a 15 year-old boy who was senselessly murdered by gang members within a block of his home. His death shocked the world and forever changed his family, friends and our community.

 

Please continue to send prayers of strength and healing to his mother, father, siblings, friends, neighbors and classmates as we bring forth another year of his memory. Lesandro was an NYPD explorer and had dreams of being a police detective. Let us remember him for all he was and who he wanted to be, not the tragic way in which we lost him.

 

Lastly, we hope you had a restorative and restful Juneteenth and Father`s Day weekend.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

UPDATE

IN THE COMMUNITY

BP Gibson attended the Morton Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. BP Gibson attended the Bronx Pride Fest hosted by Destination Tomorrow.

BP Gibson attended Co-Op City's Family Day. BP Gibson attended the Black Institute Gala.

BP Gibson attended the Big Gay Bronx Brunch. BP Gibson attended the Hoops in the Sun Ribbon Cutting.

BP Gibson attended the Woodlawn Basketball Courts Ground Breaking Ceremony. BP Gibson attended the unveiling of the Hunts Point Forward Plan. Thank you to Good Day New York for inviting me to speak on gun violence during Gun Violence Awareness Month. We discussed our offices’ ongoing efforts to address the pervasive gun violence in our communities, the root causes and working in tandem with community leaders and elected officials to prevent our youth from being involved.  We also held our highly anticipated Pride Event!  Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Pride & Allies celebration. Thank you to our sponsors and our performers for a wonderful evening!  We hope to see you all next year!  We celebrated the relaunch of our Clergy Taskforce with a brunch! I am grateful to be surrounded by men and women of faith who constantly keep me and lift me in their prayers. Thank you to all of the pastors, priests, bishops, deacons, rabbis, imams, deaconesses of our beloved Borough. We are a product of your commitment to serve. Thank you for all you do. UPCOMING EVENTS