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Sunday, February 26, 2023
MELROSE COMMONS Park Dedication - March 13, 2023 ~ 1pm
MAYOR ADAMS DELIVERS REMARKS AT “STAND WITH UKRAINE 365” ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT CONCERT
Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you. I'm happy to be here as New York City shows their support for the Ukrainian people. We believe that New York is the key (inaudible) America. This is one of the largest Ukrainian populations in the country. And I want to thank Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny. His vision. And as I said to the Ukrainian military that's here, they inspire me. Our country… They give us… With me is Commissioner of International Affairs Ed Mermelstein, who is also Ukrainian. To all of the men and women who are here who have served in our military, we want to also give you a thank you for the service of our country on all of the branches of service.
This concert means so much to all the artists who are performing. This concert means so much to the Ukrainian people. Your proceeds will go to continue to give the support that's needed. You may not be able to fight the war there, but you can support the war here. So we thank you for being here tonight. Let's continue to lift the Ukrainian people in our prayers. Let's continue to call for the end to this senseless war, and let's continue to watch the prosperity of the brave people of Ukraine. Thank you very much.
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Governor Hochul Visits St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on One-Year Anniversary of Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Governor Kathy Hochul visited St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in New York City and lit a candle on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Governor was joined by Consul General of Ukraine Oleksii Holubov and other leaders in the Ukrainian community. Yesterday, the Governor announced that New York State landmarks would be lit blue and yellow, February 24, to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Governor also directed the Ukrainian flag to be flown over the New York State Capitol building in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FINALIZES FARM WORKER OVERTIME REGULATIONS
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) announced the adoption of the final farm labor overtime regulations, codifying Commissioner Reardon’s order that accepted the Farm Laborers Wage Board’s report and recommendations in September. The phased-in, gradual reduction in the overtime pay threshold will begin on January 1, 2024, with the threshold set at 56 hours. The process will continue with the overtime threshold limit reducing by 4 hours every other year until reaching 40 hours in 2032.
“These new regulations ensure equity for farm workers, who are the very backbone of our agriculture sector,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “By implementing a gradual transition, we are giving farmers time to make the appropriate adjustments. These new regulations advance New York State’s continued commitment to workers while protecting our farms.”
Beginning in 2020, the Farm Laborers Wage Board held public hearings to gather testimony from farm owners, workers, advocacy groups, and academic researchers. Recordings of these hearings and additional materials are available on the NYSDOL’s webpage.
In her State of the State Address, Governor Hochul announced a series of new initiatives designed to bolster demand for New York State foods, increase the purchasing of local farm products, and encourage investments to modernize New York’s farms. The Governor and the New York State Legislature also recently enacted new tax credits to assist farm employers to ease the implementation of the lower overtime standard.
- The Investment Tax Credit was increased from 4 percent to 20 percent for farm businesses, providing an encouragement for potential automation of farm production.
- The Farm Workforce Retention Tax Credit was increased to $1,200 per employee to provide near-term relief to farmers.
- A refundable tax credit was established for overtime hours paid by farm employers at the level established by the new regulation up to 60 hours.
For more information about the new regulations, visit the Farm Laborers Wage Board webpage.
Three of the Highest-Ranking MS-13 Leaders in the World Arrested on Terrorism and Racketeering Charges
Eastern District of New York Indictment Charges Thirteen MS-13 Leaders from El Salvador and Mexico
In federal court in Central Islip, a four-count indictment was unsealed charging 13 of the highest-ranking MS-13 leaders in the world with directing the transnational criminal organization’s criminal activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and elsewhere, over the past two decades. Specifically, the defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to provide or conceal material support to terrorists, and narco-terrorism conspiracy. Four of the defendants are also charged with alien smuggling conspiracy which resulted in death.
On February 22, 2023, Vladimir Antonio Arevalo-Chavez, also known as “Vampiro de Monserrat Criminales” (Arevalo-Chavez), Walter Yovani Hernandez-Rivera, also known as “Baxter de Park View” and “Bastard de Park View” (Hernandez-Rivera), and Marlon Antonio Menjivar-Portillo, also known as “Rojo de Park View” (Menjivar-Portillo), were located by Mexican authorities and expelled from Mexico via the United States. When Arevalo-Chavez, Hernandez-Rivera, and Menjivar-Portillo arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, they were placed under arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The defendants had initial appearances in the Southern District of Texas, pending removal to the Eastern District of New York.
Four co-defendants, Jose Wilfredo Ayala-Alcantara, also known as “Indio de Hollywood,” Jorge Alexander De La Cruz, also known as “Cruger de Peatonales,” Juan Antonio Martinez-Abrego, also known as “Mary Jane de Hollywood,” and Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, also known as “Veterano de Tribus,” remain at large. Members of the public with information concerning their whereabouts are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI’s toll-free MS-13 tip line, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or HSI’s tip line at (866) 347-2423 or https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form. Together, FBI and HSI have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the four fugitives.
Six other co-defendants, Edwin Ernesto Cedillos-Rodriguez, also known as “Renuente de Abriles Dangers,” Carlos Tiberio Ramirez-Valladares, also known as “Snayder de Pasadena,” Dany Fredy Ramos-Mejia, also known as “Cisco de Teclas,” Dany Balmore Romero-Garcia, also known as “Big Boy de Normandies,” “Dig Boy de Normandies,” and “D Boy de Normandies,” Ruben Antonio Rosa-Lovo, also known as “Chivo de Centrales,” and Miguel Angel Serrano-Medina, also known as “Cabro de Park View,” are believed to be in custody in El Salvador. The United States will explore options for their extradition with the government of El Salvador.
Merrick B. Garland, United States Attorney General; Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY); Christopher A. Wray, Director, FBI; Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Tae D. Johnson, Homeland Security Investigations; and John J. Durham, Director of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), announced the indictment and arrests.
“This action makes clear that there is no hiding place, anywhere in the world, for the leaders of violent gangs that terrorize American communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will continue to use the full force of our law enforcement authorities to disrupt and dismantle MS-13 and other transnational criminal organizations and hold their leaders accountable.”
“This indictment demonstrates the Department of Justice’s ongoing commitment to hold MS-13’s highest ranking leaders responsible for the terrorism and violence that they have unleased on communities from Long Island to El Salvador and elsewhere,” said JTFV Director Durham. “Only by combating MS-13’s command and control structure, and bringing the transnational criminal organization’s highest-ranking leaders to justice in the United States will we be able to break the persistent cycles of violence that have plagued our communities.”
“The FBI will continue to vigorously investigate and hold transnational organized groups like MS-13 and their leaders accountable for the continued violent and terrorist criminal activities they orchestrate,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Today’s indictment demonstrates the FBI’s reach and commitment to seeking justice against those individuals who jeopardize American lives and liberty. We will never stop working in coordination with our international partners to protect our respective citizens from MS-13 and other gangs wherever they are.”
"As a member of Joint Task Force Vulcan, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements’ Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting national security and the communities we serve against transnational criminal organizations,” said Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Tae D. Johnson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “With our broad legal authorities and ability to investigate a wide spectrum of crimes, our HSI special agents will continue to maximize global efforts that detect, deter, disrupt, and dismantle criminal syndicates, like MS-13, and those who propagate associated illicit operations."
As set forth in court filings, the 13 defendants are part of MS-13’s command and control structure, consisting of the Ranfla Nacional, Ranfla en Las Calles, and Ranfla en Los Penales, and play significant leadership roles in the organization’s operations in El Salvador, Mexico, the United States and throughout the world. In the related case of United States v. Henriquez, et al., a grand jury in the Eastern District of New York previously indicted 14 members of the Ranfla Nacional, who functioned as MS-13’s “Board of Directors.” Formal extradition packages were submitted by the United States for 12 of those defendants, who either are or were in El Salvador custody, and remain pending. The two other defendants, Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parad, also known as “Lucky de Park View” and “Lacky de Park View,” and Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, also known as “El Grenas de Stoners” and “Oso de Stoners,” still are fugitives.
As further alleged, the defendants have engaged in a litany of violent terrorist activities aimed at influencing the government of El Salvador (GOES). The defendants have used terrorist violence to obtain benefits and concessions from the GOES and to target GOES law enforcement and military officials. They have also used improvised explosive devices and grenades and operated military-style training camps for firearms and explosives. The defendants have actively engaged in public displays of violence to threaten and intimidate civilian populations, to obtain and control territory and to manipulate the electoral process in El Salvador. Several of these defendants have played prominent roles in MS-13’s past and current negotiations with the GOES.
Further, these defendants authorized and directed violence in the United States, Mexico, and elsewhere as part of a concerted effort to expand MS-13’s influence and territorial control. As the leaders of the MS-13 transnational criminal organization, these defendants were an integral part of the leadership chain responsible for supervising MS-13 cliques in the United States that engaged in extreme violence, including numerous murders, attempted murders, assaults, and related offenses. For example, this Office’s Long Island Criminal Division has prosecuted hundreds of MS-13 leaders, members, and associates for carrying out more than 65 murders in the Eastern District of New York between 2009 and the present.
Several of these defendants, including Arevalo-Chavez, Hernandez-Rivera, and Menjivar-Portillo, coordinated MS-13’s expansion into Mexico (the Mexico Program), at the direction of the Ranfla Nacional, which was a coordinated effort to maintain MS-13’s continuity of operations in response to law enforcement pressure previously exerted by the United States and GOES. Additionally, the Mexico Program included forging alliances with Mexican cartels and engaged in narcotics trafficking, immigrant smuggling and extortion, kidnappings, and weapons trafficking. As alleged in the indictment, the MS-13’s Mexico Program murdered some migrants bound for the United States, including suspected members of the rival 18th Street gang and MS-13 members attempting to flee MS-13 in El Salvador without permission. Finally, drug trafficking was an important part of MS-13’s money-making operation, especially in Mexico, and the defendants used MS-13’s large membership in the United States to generate financial support for MS-13’s terrorist activities in El Salvador.
Since its creation in August 2019, JTFV has successfully implemented a whole-of-government approach to combatting MS-13, including increasing coordination and collaboration with foreign law enforcement partners, including El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. JTFV has also identified and targeted for prosecution the MS-13 programs, cliques and individuals that have had the most violent impact in the United States and it has coordinated significant MS-13 indictments in U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the first use of national security charges against MS-13 leaders.
JTFV has been comprised of members from U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the EDNY; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of New York; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of Florida; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. In addition, all Department of Justice law enforcement agencies are involved in the effort, including the FBI; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. In addition, HSI also plays a critical role in JTFV.
U.S. Attorney Peace expressed his sincere thanks to the FBI’s Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Newark and Houston Field Offices, with critical support provided by the Criminal Investigative Division’s Safe Streets Gang Unit, and HSI’s National Gangs and Violent Crime Unit, who spearheaded this investigation. Additionally, FBI Legal Attaché in Mexico City, HSI Mexico, and the United States Customs and Border Protection Officers and Area Port Director Shawn Polley at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston provided critical support in connection with the arrests as well as the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas for handling the initial appearance.
Further, U.S. Attorney Peace recognized the numerous Department of Justice components that contributed to this indictment, including: the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section; the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Executive Office; the Office of International Affairs; and the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training and Organized Crime and Gangs Section. In addition, the Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and the United States Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General have provided critical support for JTFV’s mission.
The charges announced are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison, and the four defendants charged with alien smuggling conspiracy, which resulted in death, also are eligible for the death penalty.
Defendants in U.S. Custody:
VLADIMIR ANTONIO AREVALO-CHAVEZ (also known as “Vampiro de Monserrat Criminales”)
Age: 47
WALTER YOVANI HERNANDEZ-RIVERA (also known as “Baxter de Park View” and “Bastard de Park View”)
Age: 29
MARLON ANTONIO MENJIVAR-PORTILLO (also known as “Rojo de Park View”)
Age: 47
Fugitive Defendants:
JOSE WILFREDO AYALA-ALCANTARA (also known as “Indio de Hollywood”)
Age: 55
JORGE ALEXANDER DE LA CRUZ (also known as “Cruger de Peatonales”)
Age: 45
JUAN ANTONIO MARTINEZ-ABREGO (also known as “Mary Jane de Hollywood”)
Age: 42
FRANCISCO JAVIER ROMAN-BARDALES (also known as “Veterano de Tribus”)
Age: 45
Defendants Believed to be in El Salvador Custody:
EDWIN ERNESTO CEDILLOS-RODRIGUEZ (also known as “Renuente de Abriles Dangers”)
Age: 35
CARLOS TIBERIO RAMIREZ-VALLADARES (also known as “Snayder de Pasadena”)
DANY FREDY RAMOS-MEJIA (also known as “Cisco de Teclas”)
Age: 44
DANY BALMORE ROMERO-GARCIA (also known as “Big Boy de Normandies,” “Dig Boy de Normandies,” and “D Boy de Normandies”)
Age: 48
RUBEN ANTONIO ROSA-LOVO (also known as “Chivo de Centrales”)
Age: 52
MIGUEL ANGEL SERRANO-MEDINA (also known as “Cabro de Park View”)
Age: 47
Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - What's Happening in District 13
Dear Neighbor,
Facial recognition technology has been used to prevent paying guests from using venues in New York City. As the Chair of the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, I have the honor of chairing an oversight hearing this morning, where I will express concerns surrounding this issue. During the hearing, we will also hear legislation, which I am a sponsor of, regarding the disclosure of service fee charges associated with tickets to NYC entertainment events. For more information or to stream the hearing live, please scroll to ‘Legislative Updates.’
I’d also like to remind you that there’s still time to RSVP for this year’s State of the District on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 7 PM. This year’s event will take place at PS 121, where I will share community updates, legislative achievements, and more. For more information about this year’s event or how to RSVP, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’
In this week’s email, you will find information about legislative announcements and details about the Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Amnesty Program, Citi Bike’s Community Grants, Bronx House’s senior programs, NYC School Survey, Child Mind Institute’s School and Community Programs Workshops, and more.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call us at (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.
Sincerely,
Council Member Marjorie Velázquez
State of the District - February 27, 2023
Next Monday, February 27 at 7 PM, I will deliver this year’s State of District address at P.S. 121 - The Throop School. This year’s event will feature updates on our community, legislative achievements, and more. Please note that this event is open to the public and requires an RSVP; to RSVP, please copy and paste the link below.
RSVP: NYC-CD13-STOD.eventbrite.com
Bronx House
Senior Center Events
Our neighbors at Bronx House have released their calendar of events for March 2023. During the month of March, participants will have the opportunity to be a part of several activities, including fitness, visual arts, a well as health and wellness programs.
We're also sharing some of the community’s most-loved events below. Be sure to make your calendars!
Tuesday, February 28 at 11 AM - February Birthday Celebration
Friday, March 17 at 11 AM - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Monday, March 27 at 11 AM - March Birthday Celebration
Friday, March 31 at 11 AM - International Women’s Day Celebration
For a complete calendar of events for March 2023, click below. | |
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Governor Hochul Announces Expanded Efforts to Combat Housing Discrimination Across New York
Investment in Fair Housing Testing Program Will Increase Investigations into Housing Discrimination and Enhance Education and Outreach Efforts on Fair Housing Rights
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $2.2 million expansion of New York’s Fair Housing Testing Program designed to root out discrimination in home rental and sale transactions. New York State partnered with six nonprofit organizations across the state to deploy undercover testers to act as potential renters and home seekers. The expansion will increase proactive investigations of suspected housing discrimination and enhance education and outreach efforts on fair housing rights, including for individuals with a history of criminal system involvement.
“As we expand access to housing across New York State, I am using all of the resources at my disposal to combat housing discrimination and ensure that all New Yorkers are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect when seeking the housing of their choice,” Governor Hochul said. “Our investment in this crucial program sends a clear message: housing discrimination will not be tolerated here in New York.”
The Fair Housing Testing Program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Fair and Equitable Housing Office and expands the pilot testing program established by the office in 2021. The program also provides continuity to the Eliminating Barriers to Housing New York testing and outreach program launched by the New York Office of the Attorney General in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners.
HCR has finalized contracts with six organizations to conduct testing in 48 counties including Nassau and Suffolk, Westchester, Albany and Schenectady counties, as well as the five boroughs of New York City. The fair housing testing and outreach partners are: CNY Fair Housing, the Fair Housing Justice Center, Housing Opportunities Made Equal, Legal Assistance of Western New York, Long Island Housing Services, and Westchester Residential Opportunities. These nonprofit housing agencies will dispatch trained fair housing "testers" to act as potential renters or home seekers to uncover unlawful discriminatory treatment by sellers, brokers, and landlords.
The program’s outreach and training will focus on fair housing protections including for those with arrest and conviction histories. The outreach includes advertisements and social media messaging, training events, and professional education classes.
Housing Lottery Launches For Lincoln At Bankside, At 101 Lincoln Avenue In Mott Haven, The Bronx
The affordable housing lottery has launched for Lincoln at Bankside, a 25-story residential building at 101 Lincoln Avenue in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Hill West Architects and developed by Brookfield, the structure yields 921 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 145 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $86,572 to $215,150.
Amenities include an attended lobby, pet-friendly policies, dog washing station, common area Wi-Fi, resident storage, elevator, mail room, party room, media room, recreation center, children’s playroom, business center, gym with yoga/dance studio, pool, rooftop terrace, shared laundry room, bike storage, live-in superintendent, and on-site parking with electric vehicle charging stations. Residences come with washers and dryers, air conditioning, dishwashers, hardwood floors, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes.
New tenants get one month of free rent, a security deposit waived, and a 50 percent discounted monthly amenity fee package for the initial lease term.
At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 19 studios with a monthly rent of $2,525 for incomes ranging from $86,572 to $138,840; 40 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,825 for incomes ranging from $96,858 to $156,130; 32 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,075 for incomes ranging from $105,429 to $156,130; 43 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,400 for incomes ranging from $116,572 to $187,330; and 11 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $4,373 for incomes ranging from $149,932 to $215,150.
Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than April 24, 2023.