U.S. Attorney Announces Coordinated Law Enforcement Actions to Combat Violent Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking

 

Criminal Charges Brought Against 42 Defendants, Including Multiple Members of Several Different Gangs Operating Throughout New Jersey

 U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced criminal charges today against 42 defendants related to racketeering, violence, narcotics distribution, and federal firearms offenses. The charges stem from five separate investigations conducted by federal, state and local enforcement partners.

“Keeping New Jersey safe and reducing violent crime are core to this Office’s mission, and I have no higher priority as U.S. Attorney. The scourge of senseless gun violence plagues too many of our communities, particularly in our urban centers. We are committed to protecting the public from violent criminal organizations, and we will relentlessly hold those who harm and threaten the public accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger. “The arrests and charges announced today were achieved through my Office’s collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners through our Violent Crime Initiative. Our VCI model targets the dangerous offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey who threaten the public and perpetrate violence within our most vulnerable communities.”

The Violent Crime Initiative (VCI)  is a collaborative, multi-agency program designed to combine the resources of New Jersey’s federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify, target, and prosecute violent offenders and criminal organizations throughout New Jersey. “Selflessly working and coordinating with our law enforcement partners has strengthened our ability to better protect the public from violent actors and organized criminal conduct. The charges announced today resulted from that team effort,” said U.S. Attorney Sellinger.  

U.S. Attorney Sellinger also noted that shooting incidents statewide and in cities where the VCIs operate are appreciably lower than the year-to-date total from last year, including a 23% reduction statewide, a 30% reduction in Newark, 27% reduction in Jersey City, and 12% reduction in Paterson. The following graphic reflects those reductions:

NJ State Police

Total Shooting Incidents

 

“These decreases are not a reason for anyone to rest easy or let up, but it is a positive note for our communities that have seen all too much violence,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said.

“My primary responsibility and focus as Attorney General is keeping the residents of our state safe – whether by tackling a rise in auto thefts or taking actions to prevent gun violence, including by holding violent offenders accountable,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Today, as a result of the efforts of various law enforcement agencies, we are once again demonstrating that effectively investigating and prosecuting violent crimes requires collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.  We are, quite simply, stronger and more effective when we collaborate, communicate, and share resources — which is precisely the type of partnerships we are fortunate to have here in New Jersey.”

“The Violent Crime Initiative plays an integral role in identifying and removing the most violent offenders in our communities,” Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New Jersey Division Susan A. Gibson said. “Three of DEA’s investigations have resulted in the removal of 73 guns, more than 100 arrests, and the seizure of multiple kilograms of narcotics. It is the teamwork of law enforcement at every level working together toward the same goal that makes these investigations successful.”

“ATF remains vigilant in its pursuit of the most violent offenders in our communities by utilizing crime gun intelligence to disrupt the shooting cycle, and to prosecute shooters and their sources of crime guns,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews said. “We will continue to exploit investigative and data-driven leads derived from ATF’s National Tracing Center and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which is vital for both fair and impartial policing. These arrests send a clear and direct message of ATF’s continued commitment to combat violent crime and we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to safeguard the public from violence.”

“Violent crime in every form negatively impacts quality of life for every person left in its wake,” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The citizens of New Jersey – and across this country – have the absolute right to feel safe in their homes, their communities, and their country, which is why the FBI places great emphasis on eradicating violence. It is a lofty goal and one that may seem unreachable in these divisive times. But we will continue to fight this fight alongside our federal, state, and local partners for as long as it takes. We ask the community to take an active role – if you see something, report it. We cannot let violence rule our way of life.” 

The charges and arrests announced today are summarized below, followed by tables setting forth the names, ages, and residences of those charged, as well as the charges against them. 

Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization

Today, 14 individuals were charged by criminal complaints with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. According to the allegations in the complaints, the charged defendants participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) made up members and associates of the Grape Street Crips street gang. The organization controlled the drug trade in and around the Oscar Miles Village housing complex in Newark.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, investigators of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, investigators from the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr., investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, and the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Fritz Fragé, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles investigation.

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Fassanello of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Olta Bejleri of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit. 

Rollin’ 60’s Neighborhood Crips Criminal Organization

Ten members and associates of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang were recently charged by superseding indictment with participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking, carjackings, robberies, non-fatal shootings, and murder. According to the allegations in the superseding indictment, from in or around 2015 through 2022, the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization operated in Essex and Union Counties, the New Jersey prison system, and elsewhere in New Jersey and nationally. During this alleged conspiracy, several of the charged defendants committed multiple non-fatal shootings and a murder, in furtherance of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips criminal organization.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews, as well as investigators of the U.S. Marshals Service, under Marshal Juan Mattos’ direction; the Irvington Police Department, under the direction of Police Division Director Tracy Bowers, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Fragé, the Bloomfield Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Samuel A. DeMaio, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura’s direction, the East Orange Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phyllis L. Bindi, the Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Earl J. Graves, the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Tom Bryan, the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, the Spotswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Philip Corbisiero, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Fugitive and Missing Person Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Rollin 60’s investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori, Chief of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.   

Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization

Seven members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods street gang were indicted for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that involved the commission of multiple murders, multiple non-fatal shootings, fraud, and narcotics distribution. According to the allegations in the indictment, from in or around 2019 to 2022, the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization operated in Somerset, Middlesex, Passaic, and Mercer Counties, as well as within the New Jersey prison system. During that period, several of the charged defendants are alleged to have committed violent acts, including murder, a mass shooting, and assaults with deadly weapons, all in furtherance of the affairs of Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization.  In one instance, members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods are alleged to have shot nine people in New Brunswick, killing two.  Over the course of this conspiracy, members and associates of the Bounty Hunter Bloods criminal organization are alleged to have shot 16 people in New Jersey, killing three.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy in Newark, as well as investigators of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John McDonald, the New Brunswick Police Department, under the direction of Director Anthony Caputo, and the Franklin Township Police Department, under the direction of Director of Public Safety Quovella Mayweather, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Bounty Hunter Bloods investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kendall Randolph of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Tracey Agnew of the Criminal Division in Trenton.

Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Organization

Six defendants were charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to participate in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl and crack-cocaine in and around Lincoln Park in Newark. This investigation also resulted in the seizure of 13 firearms and quantities of cocaine.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the ATF, under Special Agent in Charge Matthews’s direction, special agents of the DEA, under Special Agent in Charge Gibson’s direction, investigators of the Newark Police Department, under Public Safety Director Fragé’s direction, and investigators of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Fontoura’s direction, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Lincoln Park investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin of the National Security Unit.

Trinitarios

Five members and associates of several branches of the Trinitarios street gang were arrested and charged by criminal complaints with conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin, as well as firearms offenses. According to the allegations in the complaints, the defendants conducted their narcotics and firearms activities in and around the Fifth Ward of Paterson.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under Special Agent in Charge Dennehy’s direction, investigators of the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Jerry Speziale, and investigators of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, for the investigations leading to the charges in the Trinitarios investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Sulkowski of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit and Edeli Rivera of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit.

The investigations leading to the charges in the Oscar Miles, Rollin 60s, and Trinitarios investigations were part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaints and indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Oscar Miles Housing Complex Drug Trafficking Organization

Defendant	Age	Residence	Charge
Thomas Barney	47	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Najuwan Blake-Williams	23	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Altray Brown	29	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Ali Carney	44	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Najee Carney	21	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Mookadean Cheeseboro	35	Essex County	Possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Tyrone Cradle	26	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Michael Griffin	32	Essex County	Possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Jaquan McAllister	21	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Ikaim McSwain	32	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Latif Terry	39	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Shaquan Ward	37	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Taji Williams	37	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
Zaid Williams	35	Essex County	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

 Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips Criminal Organization

Defendant	Age	Residence	Charge
Jason Franklin,  aka “Freak,”  aka “OG Freak”	38	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm
Elijah Williams,  aka “Lil Smith”	22	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy
Tre Byrd,  aka “Bands,”  aka “G Bandz”	21	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy
Kareem Green,  aka “Try Me”	31	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy
Tyheim Terry,  aka “Ty,”  aka “Rollin’ Ty”	24	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy, Carjacking, possession of firearm in furtherance of crime of violence
Amir Warden,  aka “Stampz,”  aka “Killa”	30	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy
Rahjon Cox, aka “Tsu Surf”	32	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition
Amir Edmonds, aka “G Baby”	21	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime
Abdul Yarrell,  aka “Runit Up,”  aka “BB”	23	Union County	RICO Conspiracy
Nygee Johnson,  aka “Gito”	24	Essex County	RICO Conspiracy

 Bounty Hunter Bloods Criminal Organization

Walter Boyd,  aka “Walt,”  aka “Walt Daddy”	34	Middlesex County	RICO Conspiracy
Isiah Daniels,  aka “Ice”	34	Middlesex County	RICO Conspiracy
Joel Lyons,  aka “Jayski”	21	Middlesex County	RICO Conspiracy
Gede Maccelus,  aka “G Baby”	21	Mercer County	RICO Conspiracy
Armando Ortiz,  aka “Mando”	24	Somerset County	RICO Conspiracy
Malik Stringer,  aka “Rambo”	24	Somerset County	RICO Conspiracy
Kimani Wanyoike,  aka “Ki”	21	Somerset County	RICO Conspiracy

 

Lincoln Park Drug Trafficking Investigation

Defendant	Age	Residence	Charge
Ramon Mangan	39	Newark	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon
Jamar Farrell	44	Newark	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Khalid Holland	43	Newark	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Tyree Norris	33	Newark	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon,  Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Ted Sanon	22	Hillside, New Jersey	Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base
*Dashawn Hines  * not charged in drug trafficking conspiracy	23	Newark	Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances

 

Trinitarios

Defendant	Age	Residence	Charge
Andy Dilone	23	Paterson, New Jersey	Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine
Malvin Pena,  aka “Rabia”	28	Paterson	Unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, distribution of heroin
Andy Santiago Sanchez-Polanco,  aka “Tigre”	25	Paterson	Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
Jefry Tupete,  aka “Jeff”	33	Paterson	Distribution of heroin
Cesar Valerio,  aka “Chico Trini”	30	Paterson	Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine

Governor Hochul Receives Seasonal Flu Shot

 

Earlier today, Governor Hochul received her seasonal flu shot and urged other New Yorkers to receive this year's flu vaccine to protect against infection. The flu vaccine is available to anyone 6 months or older, and strongly recommended for people with chronic diseases, young children, and individuals who are pregnant - all of whom have a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza. 

MAYOR ADAMS, DEP COMMEMORATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF SUPERSTORM SANDY, BREAKS GROUND ON MAJOR RESILIENCE PROJECT, ANNOUNCES NEW EFFORT TO ACCELERATE RESILIENCE PROJECTS, LAYS OUT APPROXIMATELY $8.5 BILLION IN FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

 

BMCR Will Reduce Flood Risk – From Both Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge – For Tens of Thousands of New Yorkers, Including Those Living in Two Bridges  

 

“Climate Strong Communities” Program Will Accelerate Design of Projects in Areas Left Unaddressed by Sandy Recovery Funding and Historically Facing Deeper Impacts as a Result of Climate Change 

 

Mayor Says Feds Must Create Long Term and Reliable Funding Stream for Climate Infrastructure Needs 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today marked the upcoming 10-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy by taking a number of critical steps to build the long-term resilience of New York City. First, Mayor Adams broke ground on the Brooklyn Bridge-Montgomery Coastal Resilience (BMCR) project, which will install a combination of flood walls and deployable flip-up barriers to protect the Two Bridges neighborhood of Manhattan from a 100-year coastal storm surge, accounting for sea level rise expected by 2050, while also maintaining access and visibility to the waterfront.  

 

Additionally, the Adams administration announced a new program — Climate Strong Communities (CSC) — as part of the city’s strategic climate strategy. A central initiative of AdaptNYC, CSC is a community engagement and project development program that will help create the next pipeline of resiliency projects that target multiple types of hazards. It will focus on neighborhoods that did not benefit from existing or planned Sandy recovery projects. 

 

Mayor Adams also called on the federal government to create a coastal infrastructure formula funding program that will provide approximately $8.5 billion in pre-disaster mitigation grant funding to enable New York City to complete critical resiliency projects, including the following:  

 

• Coney Island Creek Raise Shoreline  
• Bushwick Inlet Park  
• Coney Island Boardwalk & Beach  
• East Harlem Coastal Resiliency  
• Financial District and Seaport Climate Resilience Master Plan  
• Manhattan Waterfront Greenway  
• Wetlands Management Framework for New York City  
• Forest Management Framework for New York City   
• Tibbets Brook Daylighting Project  
• Raise Shorelines 2.0  

“Ten years ago, flooded subways, a weeklong blackout downtown, billions in property damage, and 44 of our neighbors killed tragically showed what climate change can do to our city,” said Mayor Adams. “Sandy wasn’t just a storm; it was a warning. Another storm could hit our city at any time and that is why our administration is doing everything we can to prepare and protect New Yorkers. We have embarked on the some of the largest urban climate adaptation projects in the county, with initiatives like the Brooklyn Bridge-Montgomery Coastal Resilience project and Climate Strong Communities. New York City’s infrastructure projects are more complex, novel, and unparalleled compared to any other American city, but many remain in various stages of completion, and we need our partners in the federal government to help provide us with regular and reliable resiliency funding of approximately $8.5 billion. We must continue to act quickly to bolster our defenses, prevent damage, and save lives.”  

"New Yorkers deserve a resilient city — one that not just recovered from Sandy, but is prepared for the impacts of the effects of the next storm," said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo.  "Tools like Progressive Design Build, which the Capital Process Reform Task Force included in its initial recommendations, are essential to our ability to build the resilient public works projects that our city needs." 

“We pause for a moment to reflect on a day 10 years ago that took the lives of 44 of our fellow New Yorkers and which, for many, caused years of anguish and angst during the city’s rebuilding process. To avoid another catastrophic situation, we must, as a society, quicken the pace of our response to climate change,” said Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi. “This requires work and investment at every level of government. Consistent annual federal support for resiliency infrastructure, state authority to accelerate resiliency construction, and the city’s commitment to expand our portfolio of shovel-worthy projects to the communities most in need before the next coastal storm comes to our city.” 

“As we reflect upon the tragic losses of Superstorm Sandy, we can also be proud of the unprecedented, heroic work that New York City and our partners have accomplished in the last decade to ensure we are much better prepared for a climate-changed future,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “We recognize that there is still work to be done and that resilience is not something that has a finish line, but we are up to the task. This work has become embedded into the fabric of city government, to ensure generations of New Yorkers can benefit from a climate-adapted future. I am honored to join Mayor Adams for today’s groundbreaking of BMCR, a key project that is part of our commitment to infrastructure that keeps neighborhoods safe from climate hazards, while creating new community public spaces.”   

“Hurricane Sandy's devastation tragically exposed our city's vulnerability to coastal storms — showing us that not all communities are impacted equally or are able to recover as quickly as others,” said Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) Executive Director Kizzy Charles-Guzman. “In the decade since, we have made great strides in adapting our city to multiple climate hazards, using a wide variety of tools at different scales: From some of the largest, most ambitious and technically complex coastal infrastructure projects in the world, like BMCR, to updating our building and zoning codes and educating New Yorkers about flood insurance to ensure that resilience and preparedness are embedded in the way our city functions. Today’s announcement is about moving us into a climate-ready future by expanding our toolbox to transform our built environment, make neighborhoods safer, and advance equity. Climate Strong Communities will be a transformative opportunity to deliver unprecedented federal dollars, tailor solutions to community needs, and continue New York City’s global leadership in climate adaptation.” 

“With the addition of BMCR, DDC is rebuilding more than three continuous miles of Manhattan’s east side for resiliency and to enhance recreation areas and open spaces,” said New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “This is a remarkable transformation over the course of just a few years to make these communities safer and provide a higher quality of life for residents. DDC builds other resilient infrastructure all over the city, including rain gardens and storm sewers, and we’ll be on the front lines of future cloudburst projects that protect specific communities from high intensity rainstorms. As we look to further protect the city from climate change, capital project reform will be essential to delivering future resiliency projects with the urgency the moment calls for.” 

“Ten years after Sandy, we have made great efforts to build a more resilient housing stock in New York City, but we still have a lot to do to ensure that everyone has a home that is safe in the face of extreme weather events,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “As we reflect on the lessons of Sandy and the impacts on our city, we must work together to build a New York City that is prepared for the next storm, especially for the most impacted communities, including our neighbors in NYCHA and those living in coastal communities.” 

 “Our city’s parkland is vital infrastructure, with 160 miles of waterfront property that is often the first defense against the impacts of climate change,” said New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We’re proud of our accomplishments over the last 10 years and the continued work on long-term resiliency projects. But there’s so much more work to do to protect our city, its parks, and its open spaces against the growing threat of climate change, and we support Mayor Adams’ call for a reliable funding stream for critical infrastructure upgrades.” 

“The 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy is a meaningful reminder to us all on the importance of effectively addressing the devastating effects of climate change,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “The Brooklyn Bridge-Montgomery Coastal Resilience project is a crucial preventive measure to safeguard the Lower East Side from future flooding and rising sea levels. NYCEDC is proud to work alongside our partners in city government on this project and a series of other long-term coastal resiliency efforts being deployed in Lower Manhattan and throughout the five boroughs. We thank Mayor Adams for calling on the federal government to establish consistent funding for these life-saving projects." 

Superstorm Sandy measured 1,000 miles wide and took a rare westward hook that put New York City in the path of its onshore wind. It made a historic impact on the city, making landfall on October 29, 2012. With a wind field three times the size of Hurricane Katrina, Superstorm Sandy resulted in the deaths of 44 New Yorkers, flooded 51 miles (71 percent) of city land, left 2.5 million residents without power, resulted in $19 billion in damages and lost economic activity, rendered 35,000 residents temporarily or permanently displaced, and caused damage to more than 9,100 homes.  

Brooklyn Bridge-Montgomery Coastal Resilience 

BMCR will reduce flooding risk — from both sea level rise and storm surge — for more than 44,000 New Yorkers, including many living in affordable housing, while continuing to preserve views and access to the waterfront. The deployable barriers will be permanent infrastructure, hidden until they are flipped up in the event of a storm. The location of the flood walls and posts has been designed to minimize conflict with subsurface infrastructure and to maximize integration of public space amenities, such as open-air seating, fitness equipment, and athletic courts. 

Climate Strong Communities 

CSC will be centered around environmental justice communities that have been left unaddressed by Sandy-recovery funding and that historically face deeper impacts as a result of climate change. The city will create and invest in this program with the hopes of unlocking billions of additional dollars in federal funds through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program will work to create model projects to address various climate risks, like coastal flooding, sea level rise, extreme rain, and heat in city neighborhoods that, for far too long, have been overlooked. CSC is a transformative opportunity to deliver unprecedented federal dollars, facilitate economic development, create more resilient affordable housing, and cement New York City as a leader in climate adaptation.   

Call for Federal Government to Provide $8.5 Billion in Funding for Pre-Disaster Mitigation 

Since Superstorm Sandy struck, an entirely new class of infrastructure has been created to bolster protection for waterfront neighborhoods from devastating storm surge and regular tidal flooding. These infrastructure projects — such as the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project — are complex, novel, and unparalleled in any other American city. A majority of these projects, however, remain in various stages of completion. 

The Adams administration is therefore calling on the federal government to create a new and consistent infrastructure funding program that would enable New York City, and other jurisdictions around the country, to complete a suite of critical coastal resiliency projects. Many of these projects listed above — which are large and complex — are the first of their kind in New York City, and are being implemented in a unique, dense urban environment. These projects — aimed at increasing protection against coastal storms that can damage waterfront areas and infrastructure — are either currently in construction, in design, or in the planning phase.  

In order to maximize the impact of federal funds, Mayor Adams also laid out several important federal policy reforms to ensure the city is better prepared for future storms. These policy reforms include:    

• Increasing the maximum amount of funding allotted for projects under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, where funding is currently capped at $50 million.  
• Implementing a uniform Benefit Cost Analysis method to streamline how projects are funded through various grants.   
• Ensuring FEMA forms a new program that supports construction for immediate sheltering after disasters, as well as temporary home repairs to minimize displacing residents, long-term hoteling, and congregate sheltering. 
• Reforming the National Flood Insurance Program to ensure flood insurance remains accessible and affordable for all.  

 

In addition, Mayor Adams highlighted several steps the city is taking to fast-track capital projects, as well as a comprehensive effort to reform the capital project process. Earlier this month, the New York City Capital Process Reform Task Force released more than a dozen initial recommendations that would speed the completion of major projects citywide. The Task Force was convened by First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo.  

Progressive Design-Build 

In recognition that several construction projects need faster groundbreakings and completions, Mayor Adams also today pledged to work with state lawmakers to pass legislation that would empower the city to use progressive design-build. State law currently requires a two-step procurement process: One step for a request for qualifications and another for a request for proposals. With the passage of progressive design-build, the city can quickly select a vendor before the full scope of the project has been established. This would facilitate early-stage collaboration to investigate existing conditions, examine engineering and construction challenges, and agree on solutions before determining a final scope and price. Further, it would result in fewer disruptions for residents, fewer changes for contractors while projects are underway, money spent more efficiently, and better projects for New Yorkers.   

The Adams administration also today released a report detailing Sandy’s impacts, the city’s recovery and ongoing resiliency efforts, and needed investments and key policy reforms to protect New Yorkers from future storms. 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Celebrating Our Veterans: Veterans Luncheon, November 10th

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Register - Click Here On Thursday, November 10 at 12:00pm The Bronx Chamber of Commerce will host our Annual Veteran's Day Luncheon and Recognition Ceremony at Pasquale's Rigoletto, 2311 Arthur Avenue Bronx, NY 10458. The Bronx Chamber will welcome over 50 Bronx Veterans and invite business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders to celebrate and recognize our veterans. The event also raises funds to support Chamber membership for Bronx veteran-owned businesses to receive vital business support services. To sponsor veterans and support veteran programs at the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, click here To purchase tickets, click here All Veterans receive complementary tickets to this event, subsidized by Bronx Chamber donors. For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!

Permits Filed For 6661 Broadway In North Riverdale, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story homeless shelter building at 6661 Broadway in North Riverdale, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of West 262nd Street and Broadway, the corner lot faces the northwest corner of Van Cortlandt Park, and the 238th Street subway station serviced by the 1 train is the nearest train. Court Square Real Estate under the 6661 Broadway Developer LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 57-foot-tall development will yield 32,136 square feet designated for community facility space. The concrete-based structure will have 28 residences and a cellar.

RKTB Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The West 242nd Street station which is the end of the #1 train is the nearest stop, not the West 238th Street station. 

NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy - Zeldin DOMINATED!

 

Lee Zeldin just absolutely DOMINATED in the debate against Kathy Hochul. No wonder Scaredy Kat would only agree to one debate that wasn't even on broadcast television.  Kathy Hochul offered zero solutions about how to fix the problems she and the Democrat Party created. She even went so far as to say she thinks Joe Biden should run again in 2024!  She is dangerously out of touch with the problems facing New Yorkers. At one point she even shockingly said she doesn't know why it's so important to lock up criminals!

This is the far-left, insane mentality of Kathy Hochul and it must be stopped on November 8th.  Lee won the debate...now we must ensure he wins the election.  Sincerely,  HELP US FIRE KATHY HOCHUL!