Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare Emergency Response Assets as Tropical Storm Nicole Moves North this Weekend

 

Remnants of Nicole Are Expected To Begin Impacting the State Friday Night and Continue Through Saturday

2-3 Inches of Rain Expected in Central New York, Finger Lakes, Western New York and North Country Regions with Minor Flooding Possible in Flood-Prone Areas

New Yorkers Urged To Monitor Local Weather Forecasts and Pay Attention to National Weather Service Alerts

 Governor Kathy Hochul today directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets as the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole are expected to impact New York as early as Friday evening, bringing the potential for heavy rain and flooding. The largest rainfall totals of two to three inches, with some localized higher totals, are expected in the Central New York, Finger Lakes and Western New York regions, as well as areas in the Tug Hill plateau in the North Country region. Minor flooding in flood-prone areas is likely and maximum wind gusts up to 40 mph are possible, with higher windspeeds expected downstate. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to closely monitor local forecasts over the next few days for weather conditions, and to follow any potential emergency orders issued before or during extreme weather events. New York State agencies and authorities have already engaged local government partners throughout the state and stand at the ready to respond, as needed.

"Starting Friday night, a late-season weather system has the potential to dump three inches or more of rain in some locations, and I urge all New Yorkers to prepare in the event of a flooding situation," Governor Hochul said. "If you are planning to travel Friday and Saturday, please use caution and check local weather conditions before heading out."

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Nicole is moving north and there is the potential for heavy rains and wind gusts over the next few days in parts of the state. Governor Hochul and I are asking New Yorkers to prepare in advance, pay attention to local forecasts, make a plan if your area will be affected, and remember to check on your vulnerable neighbors and loved ones this weekend."

State Agency Preparations

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with more than 3,280 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). In preparation, crews are checking and clearing drainage structures to make sure they are free of debris and clogs. Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,516 large dump trucks
• 333 large loaders
• 79 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 72 chippers
• 18 graders
• 14 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
• 14 tree crew bucket trucks

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is closely monitoring the weather for the upcoming storm and has 651 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state. There are excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, generators, pumps and equipment hauling trailers as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for deployment for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the 570-mile Thruway.

Statewide available equipment numbers are as follows:

• 349 Large and Small Dump Trucks
• 63 Loaders
• 30 Trailers
• 7 Vac Trucks
• 14 Excavators
• 8 Brush Chippers
• 100 Chainsaws
• 21 Aerial Trucks
• 22 Skid Steers
• 84 Portable Generators
• 65 Portable Light Units

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 7,125 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. This includes an additional 1,500 workers secured by Con Edison and Orange & Rockland and an additional 125 workers secured by National Grid's upstate division. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Safety Tips

1. Prepare for severe weather:
2. Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
3. Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
4. Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
5. Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
6. Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
7. Plan what to do with your pets.
8. Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
9. Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
10. Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
    1. Flashlight and extra batteries
    2. Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
    3. First aid kit and manual
    4. Emergency food and water
    5. Non-electric can opener
    6. Essential medicines
    7. Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page at www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/index.cfm.

Permits Filed For 2556 Briggs Avenue In Fordham Manor, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a five-story residential building at 2556 Briggs Avenue in Fordham Manor, The Bronx. Located between East Kingsbridge Road and East 194th Street, the lot is near the Kingsbridge Road subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Moses Freund of The Vaja Group is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 68-foot-tall development will yield 21,224 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 31 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 684 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 32-foot-long rear yard, cellar, basement, and 16 enclosed parking spaces.

S. Wieder Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Convicted Felon Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Trying to Bring Loaded Gun on Plane at Newark Liberty International Airport

 

 A Newburgh, New York, man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for possessing a stolen and loaded firearm that he tried to get through security at Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Desmond Herring, 48, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of carrying a weapon on an aircraft. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Nov. 29, 2021, Herring submitted a carry-on bag for inspection at Newark Liberty International Airport. During the screening of Herring’s luggage, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent identified ammunition and a suspected firearm and contacted the Port Authority Police Department. Upon seeing that his bag had attracted additional attention, Herring left the security checkpoint area without his bag and walked to a departure gate for his flight to Atlanta, Georgia.

Further investigation of Herring’s bag revealed that it contained a 9 millimeter pistol, 10 rounds of 9 millimeter ammunition loaded into a magazine, and 150 additional rounds of 9 millimeter ammunition. Herring was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2010 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Herring to two years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; officers of the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Edward Cetnar; and officers of the TSA with the investigation leading to this sentencing.  

Three New York City Correction Officers Charged with Fraud for Lying to Stay on Sick Leave for Over a Year

 

Two of the Defendants Allegedly Forged Medical Documents

 Two criminal complaints were unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging three correction officers employed by the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) at Rikers Island with federal program fraud.  Correction Officers Steven Cange, Monica Coaxum and Eduardo Trinidad were arrested earlier today, and their initial appearances are scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) announced the charges.

“As alleged, in the midst of an ongoing staffing crisis at Rikers Island, the defendants defrauded New Yorkers by fraudulently obtaining their full salaries while taking over a year of sick leave.  These correction officers abandoned their oath to protect inmates and put the safety of their fellow correction officers at risk” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace.  “Today’s arrests demonstrate that this Office remains committed to rooting out corruption at Rikers Island and protecting New Yorkers from public officials who steal their tax dollars.”

“As alleged, the defendants deliberately violated their oath when they participated in an elaborate scheme to defraud our community.  The FBI and our partners are committed to disrupting these fraudulent scams and holding the public officials who perpetuate them accountable,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.

 DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “As charged, these New York City Correction Officers feigned illness and submitted false medical documentation to take sick leave during a staffing crisis, defrauding the City of New York of hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Today’s arrests hold these Correction Officers accountable for the shameful dereliction of duty alleged in the Complaints.  I thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their continuing partnership and efforts to bring to justice those whose misconduct jeopardizes the safety and stability of the City’s jails.”

As alleged in one complaint, New York City Correction Officer Steven Cange fraudulently obtained more than $160,000 in salary by being on sick leave from March 2021 to the present.  Although Cange claimed that he suffered from symptoms of vertigo and side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, evidence obtained by law enforcement demonstrates that Cange was able to work.  During his sick leave, Cange submitted more than 100 fraudulent medical notes to DOC demonstrating that he was at physical therapy or another medical provider when records subpoenaed from those providers demonstrate that Cange was not at those appointments.  Law enforcement also observed Cange engaging in normal life activities with no apparent difficulty.

As alleged in a separate complaint, New York City Correction Officer Monica Coaxum fraudulently obtained more than $80,000 in salary by being on sick leave from March 2021 to May 2022, and her fiancée, Correction Officer Eduardo Trinidad, fraudulently obtained more than $140,000 in salary by being on sick leave from June 2021 to November 2022.  Although Coaxum claimed to suffer from multiple injuries, evidence collected by investigators shows that she was able to work.  During her sick leave, Coaxum submitted nearly 50 fraudulent medical notes to DOC stating that she had gone to a medical appointment at times law enforcement determined she was elsewhere.  Additionally, evidence shows that on some occasions where Coaxum claimed to be injured and at home, she was traveling and at parties.  When approached by law enforcement, Coaxum admitted to forging some medical documents.

Trinidad likewise obtained more than $140,000 by claiming to be too injured to work for over a year.  Although he went to medical appointments with DOC wearing some combination of a sling, cane, and/or boot, photographic and video evidence during the same period showed Trinidad doing normal life activities like home improvement work, bowling and traveling abroad, without any difficulty or help from equipment like a boot, sling or cane.

The charges in the complaints are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.

Governor Hochul Announces More Than $30.6 Million for Supportive Housing Projects

 

State Capital Funding to Help Create 251 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing for Formerly Homeless New Yorkers

Funding is Part of the Governor's $25 Billion Five-Year Housing Plan to Address Homelessness

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $30.6 million in state funding has been awarded to six housing projects in four counties that will provide permanent supportive housing to New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness. Supported by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, these developments will create 251 apartments to serve senior citizens, domestic violence victims, veterans and chronically homeless families as well as individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder, among others. One existing emergency shelter was also awarded funding for emergency repairs.

"This funding is a critical part of my administration's efforts to expand access to quality, affordable housing across our state and to help provide safe, secure homes for some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition to help address homelessness and ensure that formerly homeless individuals and families can not only keep a roof over their heads, but can easily access support services to bring stability to their lives."

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program is an important component of Governor Hochul's comprehensive plan to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable throughout New York. In the FY 2023 Enacted State Budget, the Governor successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

The Budget continues $128 million in capital funding for the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program to build new supportive housing units or repair existing emergency shelters.

The projects awarded funding include:

• HELP Development Corp. was awarded $7.9 million to construct 80 units of permanent supportive housing serving veterans and their families, individuals re-entering the community after incarceration, and individuals with a serious mental illness or a substance use disorder in Rochester, Monroe County.
• Comunilife, Inc. was awarded $5.9 million to help construct a 10-story building in the Bronx that will include 50 units of permanent supportive housing for senior citizens who have experienced homelessness.
• DePaul Properties, Inc. was awarded $5.5 million for the construction of three scattered site buildings that will include 35 units of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals and senior citizens in Rochester, Monroe County.
• Helio Health was awarded $4.9 million for the gut rehabilitation of a three-story building in Binghamton, Broome County that will include 54 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans and individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder.
• HELP Development Corp. was awarded $3.1 million to help construct a five-story building in Brooklyn that will include eight units and 24 beds of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless families.
• PathStone was awarded $3.1 million for the new construction of a two-story building in the Town of Gates, Monroe County that will include 24 units and 40 beds of permanent supportive housing to serve individuals with a substance use disorder, serious mental illness, and survivors of domestic violence and their children.
• United Veterans Beacon House was awarded $85,504 to make repairs to a 15-bed emergency shelter in Suffolk County.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "Funding from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program has been critical in ensuring that supportive housing, fundamental to ending the cycle of homelessness, is there to help our neighbors in need build a foundation for a better future. Governor Hochul has made a strong statement in support of these efforts by committing the resources necessary to help address the homelessness and housing crises."

The Homeless Housing Assistance Program provides capital grants and loans to not-for-profit corporations, charitable and religious organizations, and municipalities to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate housing for persons who are unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance. The grants are awarded through a competitive process by the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation, a public benefit corporation staffed by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.  

Through this program, New York State has appropriated more than $1.5 billion toward the development of supportive housing. In total, the program has created more than 25,000 units of housing to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES PLACEMENT OF HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RELIEF CENTER TO ASSIST SINGLE ADULT MEN SEEKING ASYLUM, CITY WILL DEMOBILIZE RANDALL’S ISLAND RELIEF CENTER

 

Fourth Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center to Be Located at Midtown Hotel  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the city will soon open a fourth Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center that will serve asylum seekers arriving in New York City. As the estimated number of asylum seekers in New York City surpasses at least 23,800, this specific humanitarian relief center will assist newly arriving single adult men and provide them with a range of services, in addition to ensuring they can reach their desired destination, if not New York City. This humanitarian relief center will be located at the Watson Hotel in midtown Manhattan and will include 600 rooms to serve asylum seekers.  

 

While they continue to arrive, the speed at which the number of single adult males seeking asylum in New York City has slowed in recent weeks and, as such, the city will demobilize the Randall’s Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center next week. Occupants at the Randall’s Island center will be offered transport to the Watson Hotel beginning next week. Humanitarian relief centers will become the first touch point for arriving asylum seekers, helping people by immediately offering shelter, food, medical care, case work services, and a range of settlement options. 

 

“We continue to welcome asylum seekers arriving in New York City with compassion and care. This Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center will provide asylum seekers with a place to stay, access support, and get to their final destination,” said Mayor Adams. “The city is currently caring for over 17,500 asylum seekers, a number that continues to grow steadily. We will continue to pivot and shift as necessary to deal with this humanitarian crisis, but it’s clear that we still need financial assistance from our state and federal partners.” 

 

“As always, our priority is to ensure people are safe and that their immediate, critical needs are met,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “The use of this space as another humanitarian relief center is a smart approach to this unprecedented crisis. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our response, as necessary, to ensure the most effective care is being provided.” 

 

“From the onset of this humanitarian crisis, we assured asylum seekers that New York City would support them in every way possible,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “The opening of this fourth humanitarian relief center confirms that commitment by providing them with the resources required to begin this next chapter in their lives.”  

 

“As the demands of this crisis evolve, we will continue to welcome asylum seekers with New York City’s compassion and effectiveness to support them as they complete their journey,” said Ted Long, MD, MHS, senior vice president, Ambulatory Care and Population Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “This fourth Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center at the Watson Hotel will help achieve that mission, connecting adult men to meals, medical care, mental health support, language access, technology, and resettlement. We remain steadfast in our commitment to those seeking a better life in our country, and I am proud to be a part of the Adams administration in helping make that possible.” 

 

Since this humanitarian crisis began, the city has — largely on its own — taken fast and urgent action, managing the arrival of a rapidly increasing number of buses across New York City with virtually no coordination from states sending them — opening 58 hotels as emergency shelters and three humanitarian relief centers already, standing up a navigation center to connect asylum seekers with critical resources, enrolling children in public schools through Project Open Arms, and more.  

VCJC News & Notes 11/11/22

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 11/11/ 22 @ 4:23 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:45 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 11/12/22 @ 5:26 pm   Sunday, November 13th, 84th Anniversary Kristallnacht Commemoration    Come to a free lecture on Kristallnacht – The night of Broken Glass – Sunday, November 13th. This commemorates a historical event that took place on November 9, 1938. It should never be forgotten. Refreshments at 10 AM followed by a lecture at 10:30, by Van Cortlandt Jewish Center’s own Larry Hartstein. The event will be in person at VCJC.  The topic of the lecture will be Collaboration in France and the Benelux Countries during WWII.  We anticipate that a recording will be available.       VCJC salutes our Veterans  We recognize the sacrifices they have made and the gift that has given our country. Thank you Veterans!  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

Bronx Gang Member Sentenced To 37 Years For Racketeering, Narcotics Conspiracy, And Murder

 

Robert Wilson Planned and Helped Carry Out the January 2019 Murder of Nelson Ramos in the Monroe Houses

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ROBERT WILSON, a/k/a “RO,” a/k/a “Sin,” a member of a racketeering enterprise known as the Stevenson Commons Crew, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman to 37 years in prison.  WILSON previously pled guilty to participating in a racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, and a firearms offense.  Co-defendant KEVIN CROSBY, a/ka/ “Sama,” was previously sentenced to 25 years in prison, and co-defendant MARQUIS YOHANIS, a/k/a “DG,” was previously sentenced to over 24 years in prison.  Co-defendant YEFREL BRITO, a/k/a “Mini,” is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Robert Wilson filled the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx with drugs and violence.  He then helped plan and execute the cold-blooded murder of Nelson Ramos in January 2019.  Today, Wilson was rightly sentenced to 37 years in prison for these horrific crimes.  We thank our law enforcement partners at the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Department of Investigation for their outstanding work pursuing justice for Mr. Ramos and his family.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment and other filings and statements made in court:

WILSON is a member of a racketeering enterprise known as the Stevenson Commons Crew.  In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Stevenson Commons Crew committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence against rival gangs, including murder and robbery; conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and discharging them. 

On September 13, 2018, WILSON and others carried out a robbery, during which WILSON and others repeatedly punched, kicked, and stomped on the victim, causing serious physical injuries to the victim.

On January 6, 2019, WILSON and others helped plan and carry out a shooting, which resulted in the death of Nelson Ramos in the vicinity of 800 Soundview Avenue in the Bronx, New York.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Furman sentenced WILSON, 31, of the Bronx, New York, to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Department of Investigation.