Permits Filed For 1331 Morris Avenue In Claremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a four-story residential building at 1331 Morris Avenue in Claremont, The Bronx. Located between East 169th Street and East 170th Street, the interior lot is near the 170th Street subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. CNC Developers is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 55-foot-tall development will yield 10,472 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 25 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 418 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, and a 31-foot-long rear yard.

ADB Associates is listed as the architect of record.

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

Two Bronx Men Sentenced To 14 And Over 11 Years In Prison For Shooting Three Victims Near A Playground

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROBERT WADE was sentenced to 168 months in prison and DARRIUS CHRISTOPHER was sentenced to 137 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein.  CHRISTOPHER and WADE were each convicted, following trial, on December 7, 2022, of one count of possessing ammunition after having previously been convicted of a felony and one count of conspiracy to possess ammunition after having previously been convicted of a felony.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who use illegal weapons to inflict violence in our community will be held accountable for their crimes.  I thank our law enforcement partners in the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration for working with us to keep violent criminals off the streets and to keep our communities safe.”

According to evidence presented in court during the trial: 

On October 25, 2019, minutes before 7:42 p.m., CHRISTOPHER and WADE were dropped off by a car on Ryer Avenue in the Bronx, New York, approximately one block north of Slattery Playground.  CHRISTOPHER and WADE walked side-by-side southbound toward a group of approximately 10 young people gathered on the sidewalk next to Slattery Playground.  As they approached the group from the opposite side of Ryer Avenue, CHRISTOPHER removed a handgun from his pocket and racked the weapon, readying it to fire.  Soon after, CHRISTOPHER crossed the street and approached the group of people while WADE positioned himself on the opposite street of Ryer Avenue.  When CHRISTOPHER was mere feet from the group, CHRISTOPHER and WADE both opened fire.  CHRISTOPHER fired three shots while WADE fired seven bullets at the crowd.  CHRISTOPHER and WADE hit three victims, all of whom received treatment from a local hospital that night and were released.  CHRISTOPHER and WADE then made a prompt escape into a waiting getaway car a few blocks away.

Evidence at trial demonstrated that CHRISTOPHER and WADE were members of a gang and that one of the shooting victims had posted online video footage insulting rival gang members only hours before the shooting.  CHRISTOPHER and WADE’s shooting was revenge for insults one of their victims lodged against their gang.

When imposing today’s sentences, Judge Stein described the defendants’ crime as “horrific.”  Judge Stein further remarked he “couldn’t overstate the extreme gravity of this crime, shooting innocent bystanders” simply because the defendants “were called names.”

CHRISTOPHER, 31, of the Bronx, New York, had previously been convicted of three crimes, including attempted robbery in the second degree and attempted assault in the first degree.  WADE, 34, of the Bronx, New York, had previously been convicted of four crimes, including assault in the second degree and attempted possession of a loaded firearm in the second degree.  In addition to the prison term, CHRISTOPHER and WADE were sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration in this investigation.

Leader Of Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Thousands Of Kilograms Of Cocaine

 

Approximately 1,300 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized in Connection with the Investigation

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that CAMILO ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ, a/k/a “Viejo,” the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine, pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to conspiring to distribute more than 5,000 kilograms of cocaine. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Thanks to our partners at the DEA, approximately 1,300 kilograms of cocaine was seized before it could hit the streets.  Now, the leader of this major trafficking organization has been held accountable for his crimes.”

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

ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ controlled a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) responsible for trafficking more than 5,000 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States.

On September 29, 2021, law enforcement officers seized 920 kilograms — more than one ton — of cocaine belonging to the DTO in New Jersey.  Three defendants were arrested in New Jersey along with that seizure.

On July 18, 2022, ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ was arrested in Puerto Rico.  At approximately the same time as the arrest, law enforcement also seized approximately 380 kilograms of additional cocaine, four assault rifles, and $750,000 in cash belonging to the DTO.

ENRIQUEZ-NUNEZ, 43, of Puerto Rico, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison. 

The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.  Sentencing before Judge Engelmayer is scheduled for May 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

THREE DEFENDANTS PLEAD GUILTY IN SCHEME TO RECEIVE ADVANCE NOTICE OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT INSPECTIONS

 

Investigation prompted by DOHMH employee reporting alleged bribe attempt to DOI

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the guilty pleas of three defendants in connection with a scheme to cover the entry fees (boxes) into an annual Super Bowl pool with a $50,000 potential payoff for a City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”) official in exchange for warnings about upcoming inspections. DOI investigated this matter in partnership with the office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

 JOHN DISANTO, 52, and JACK DISANTO, 48, both of Bergen Beach, Brooklyn; and ROBERT CUBA, 56, of Staten Island, each pled guilty to Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor. As part of the plea agreements, JOHN DISANTO agreed to three years’ probation and 16 weeks of community service, a $1,000 fine and $20,000 in forfeiture; JACK DISANTO agreed to three years’ ‘probation and 12 weeks of community service, a $1,000 fine and $20,000 in forfeiture; and ROBERT CUBA agreed to three years’ probation and eight weeks of community service, a $1,000 fine and $20,000 in forfeiture. All three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2023.

 DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “These three restaurant owners did more than fumble in their attempt to buy off a Health Department employee in exchange for big money boxes in a Super Bowl pool; they violated the law. Thankfully, the employee did the right thing and reported this effort to corrupt the health inspection process. Their guilty pleas today make clear that advance notice of health inspections, and customer safety, are not for sale. I commend the DOHMH employee who reported the bribery attempt and thank the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for their partnership on this investigation.”

 Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “Unannounced Health Department inspections provide a critical safeguard to keep restaurant patrons healthy and I commend this honest DOHMH employee for coming forward so these defendants could be held accountable. This case sends a strong message that attempts to corruptly influence public officials in Brooklyn will be met with steep consequences, and I thank DOI and DOHMH for their partnership and collaboration.”

 DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said, “Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said, “Our health inspectors ensure that the food New Yorkers eat is prepared safely and they do so every day with integrity and in service. Any attempt to corrupt that work is an attack on New York City’s health, and we know that we are all healthier when we live in a city that is healthy. We are proud of the work they do to protect the health of New Yorkers, and we salute this inspector for doing the right thing.”

 According to the criminal complaint, in approximately January 2020, JOHN DISANTO allegedly communicated with a DOHMH employee by text, seeking advance notice of inspections of his restaurant, Gourmet Grill, located at 6334 Avenue N in Brooklyn, in exchange for entry into a Super Bowl betting pool. The employee reported the alleged bribe attempt to DOI; DOI commenced an investigation using an undercover officer who purported to be a DOHMH employee who could provide such advance notice, to communicate with DISANTO.

 In subsequent communications with the undercover officer, DISANTO allegedly promised the undercover two entries (boxes) in an annual Super Bowl pool, explaining that he would cover their cost -- $1,000 per entry, a total of $2,000 -- which could ultimately lead to a $50,000 payoff. In exchange, the undercover agreed to give DISANTO advance notice of the annual health inspections at Gourmet Grill, as well as Frozen Yogurt Planet, located at 6340 Avenue N (and owned by DISANTO’S brother and co-defendant, JACK DISANTO) and Mill Basin Bagel Café, located at 6319 Avenue N (and owned by co-defendant, CUBA).

 JOHN DISANTO, JACK DISANTO, and CUBA were charged in December 2021. To view the release on these December 2021 arrests, please click on this link: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doi/pressreleases/2022/November/22Daniel11.22.2022.pdf

 Commissioner Strauber thanked Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and his staff for their collaboration on this investigation and prosecution, which was handled by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Sara Walshe and T. Peter Choi Deputy, Bureau Chief Adam Libove, and Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau Laura Neubauer. Commissioner Strauber also thanked DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan and his staff for their assistance and cooperation.

BROOKLYN RESTAURANT OWNER CHARGED WITH BRIBERY TO AVOID HEALTH CODE VIOLATIONS

 

 Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the arrest of BADRI BRAUNZBOURG, the owner of Argo Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY, on bribery charges. According to the criminal complaint and DOI’s investigation, BRAUNZBOURG gave a $300 cash bribe to a DOI undercover investigator posing as a Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”) inspector, so that the inspector would ignore multiple Health Code violations observed at the restaurant. This was a joint investigation with the Office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and was prompted by a report to DOI from a City DOHMH inspector who was offered and declined a bribe while inspecting the Argo restaurant. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case. 

 DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “As charged, this restaurant owner was more concerned with dodging health code violations than with the safety of his customers. Rather than remediate the vermin violations in his eatery, the defendant tried to bribe his way out of them. I commend the City DOHMH Inspector who reported the bribe attempt, and thank the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for their commitment to preventing acts of bribery that threaten public health and safety.”

 Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “Health inspections of restaurants ensure sanitary conditions and the safety of customers. This defendant, instead of correcting violations in his establishment, allegedly tried to bribe the inspector – corrupting the process and potentially endangering the public. This prosecution sends a strong message that bribing a public official will not be tolerated in our city, and I thank DOI and DOHMH for their partnership to keep the people of Brooklyn safe and healthy.”

 Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said, “Public health must be rooted in fairness to be seen as legitimate,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Attempts to corrupt our processes can undermine health itself. Our staff are heroes and our inspectors won’t be bought. We’re proud of this inspector who called the authorities to hold this establishment accountable.”

 BRAUNZBOURG, 57, of Brooklyn NY, was arrested on February 7, 2023, and charged with Bribery in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and Giving Unlawful Gratuities, a class A misdemeanor. Upon conviction, a class D felony is punishable by up to seven years’ incarceration, while a class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year’s incarceration. BRAUNZBOURG was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. His next court date is scheduled for April 18, 2022.

 According to the criminal complaint, on December 2, 2022, a DOI undercover investigator, posing as a DOHMH inspector, conducted an inspection of Argo Restaurant. The undercover investigator observed multiple violations, including uncovered garbage cans, dead cockroaches, mouse droppings and failure to post the Restaurant’s “C” letter grade card. The undercover investigator informed BRAUNZBOURG about the Health Code violations and the defendant offered cash to the undercover investigator in exchange for not reporting the violations. BRAUNZBOURG was captured on undercover video and audio footage removing currency from his pocket and counting it, and then offering the investigator a $200 cash “tip” for not reporting the violations. BRAUNZBOURG then increased the offer to $300, saying, “I give you $300, make it nice, do not give me more violations. Help me out please, do something, whatever you can do,” as alleged in the criminal complaint. Per the complaint, BRAUNZBOURG then handed the undercover inspector $300 in cash.

 Commissioner Strauber thanked Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and his staff for their collaboration on this investigation and prosecution, which was handled by Assistant District Attorney Sara Walshe, Deputy Bureau Chief Adam Libove, and Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau Laura Neubauer. Commissioner Strauber also thanked DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan and his staff for their cooperation.

 A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

MAYOR ADAMS, SBS COMMISSIONER KIM HAIL SUCCESSFUL ROLLOUT OF NYC SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FUND

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim today hailed the successful rollout of the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund. In the three weeks since the fund’s launch, a diverse group of more than 10,500 small businesses from all five boroughs have submitted applications for low-interest loans. The fund — made possible by a public-private partnership between the city, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and local community development financial institutions (CDFIs) — fulfills a goal set forth in Mayor Adams’ “Renew, Rebuild, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery” plan.

 

“Small businesses represent a vision, a unique set of skills, the fulfillment of the American Dream, and, just as importantly, key services to New Yorkers. Small businesses kept our city running  during the pandemic, and they are leading the way on our economic recovery,” said Mayor Adams. “The unprecedented success of the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund is a testament to the value of public-private partnership, along with the robust on-the-ground outreach led by Commissioner Kim and his team at SBS. The response to this initiative is further proof that New York City is not coming back — New York City is back.”

 

“The impressive demand for the Opportunity Fund shows that we are delivering the right resources at the right time to small businesses that need them the most,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “With new businesses and jobs emerging across the city, this injection of funds is just the fuel our businesses need to thrive as we head into spring.”

 

“When opportunity knocked, more than 10,500 small business owners answered like true New Yorkers — fast,” said SBS Commissioner Kim. “This unprecedented positive response is the direct result of robust door-to-door outreach, and historic coordination between eight community development financial institutions, elected officials, business associations and grassroots community groups. As we pause intake of applications, our partners are working as quickly as possible to process those in the pipeline and disburse funds to eligible small businesses. This high level of demand demonstrates the importance of designing programs centered on equity, and we stand ready to help all business owners with a full suite of additional free services — including help with permits and violations, commercial leases, hiring workers, and more.”

 

The NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund — the largest public-private loan fund directed at small businesses in the city’s history — launched on January 23, 2023. The fund offers loans of up to $250,000 to eligible small businesses with a market-leading interest rate of four percent, until it reaches $75 million. In the three weeks since its launch, over 10,500 small businesses throughout the city have submitted applications through the online portal. Once they are reviewed in the city’s portal, the businesses then work with participating CDFIs to complete their loan applications. The city continues to offer a myriad of services for small businesses, which are critical to building an equitable recovery throughout the five boroughs.

 

Businesses can sign up to be notified of the status of the NYC Small Business Opportunity Loan Fund online.

 

Businesses looking to access free help can dial 888-SBS-4NYC or visit SBS’s website.

DEC ANNOUNCES ANNUAL 'BUFFER IN A BAG' PROGRAM

 

Free Seedlings Available to Qualified Landowners for Streamside Plantings

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that the application period for the Trees for Tribs’ "Buffer in a Bag" program is now open. Qualifying private and public landowners may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting near streams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, protect water quality, combat climate change, and improve wildlife habitat.

"Small-scale streamside plantings help decrease erosion, slow floodwaters, sequester carbon, and protect fish and wildlife habitat," said Commissioner Seggos. "I encourage New York landowners with waterside properties to participate in DEC's 'Buffer in a Bag' program to bolster the State’s efforts to protect water quality and help safeguard communities from flooding."

To qualify, landowners must have property in New York State with at least 50 feet bordering a stream, river, or lake, and provide photos or a map of the planting location. Previous recipients are encouraged to reapply to continue to build riparian buffers. Applicants are eligible for one bag of 25 seedlings and recipients are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. A total of 350 bags will be available statewide for this round of applications.

Landowners in the Hudson River Estuary watershed (PDF) may be eligible for additional assistance with streamside planting projects. For details, visit the Hudson River Estuary Program's webpage.

Seedlings are provided by DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery. The Trees for Tribs program is managed by DEC's Division of Lands and Forests and supported by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Governor Hochul's 2023-24 Executive Budget sustains the EPF at a historic $400 million. The EPF provides funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

Visit DEC's website for more information about the Buffer in a Bag application process and requirements. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on April 7, 2023. Contact mailto:treesfortribs@dec.ny.gov with questions and visit DEC's Trees for Tribs webpage to learn more.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament Announced

 

Over 200 notable thought partners, colleagues in business, and influential New Yorkers will tee off for the 2023 Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. Take in the stunning New York City skyline from the award-winning Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The 18-hole links-style course offers golfers a tournament quality experience, top tier entertainment, and dining. The 2023 Tournament features two (2) tee times, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and the 2023 Awards Dinner honoring NYC Housing, Preservation, and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrion, Jr.

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About: Joe Kelleher, for which the tournament is named, was a friend and mentor to many, and served as the Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for 18 years – guiding it to be one of the best economic development organizations in New York. Joe passed away after a valiant fight against cancer in November of this year. To keep Joe’s significant contributions to the Bronx Chamber, the Borough, and State ever present and top of mind we named the golf tournament in his honor.

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