Inauguration of Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.

Saturday March 4th was the inauguration of New Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. that was held at the Jacobi Hospital Rotunda. Members of the assembly came from all five boroughs. Elected officials who spoke included U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, New York City Mayor Eric Adams (on video), New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Congressman Ritchie Torres, Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson, Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and Councilman Rafael Salamanca who called the new assemblyman by his former name in Councilman Salamanca's office John John and JZ in the district.  

Mrs. Daniella Zaccaro introduced her husband after saying a few words about him, as Speaker Heastie swore Assemblyman Zaccaro in with his family and mother on stage with him. The newly sworn in Assemblyman thanked his staff for putting the inauguration together, the elected officials who came a well as those in the audience who came to see their new assemblyman. He said he would not disappoint the people of the district as he is their member of the assembly. 

The Invocation was given by Pastor Jay Gooding, Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson, and Imam Abdulla Mohamed. Performances were by Mind Builders Creative Arts Center, Alba Life School, and the Yemen Traditional Youth. 

Before the ceremony Assemblyman John Zaccaro took some photos, here he is with his mother.

Councilman Rafael Salamanca on the left and Councilman Oswald Feliz on the right with various other members of the State Assembly, State Senate and Democratic Party around Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.

Pastor Jay Gooding began the Invocation followed by Rabbi Thompson and Imam Mohamed. 

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer checks to see if it is his turn to speak.

Mind Builders Creative Arts Center perform.

Councilman Rafael Salamanca spoke highly of his former Chief of Staff, John John as he called him. 

Mayor Adams was on video congratulating new Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.

Alba Life School perform.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson who resides in the 80th Assembly District welcomes her new member of the assembly, a position she once held.

Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey welcomes Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. to an Assembly District the state senator shares a part of. 

Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. watches his wife Daniella speak about him, as one of his sons talks to John's new boss Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

Assemblyman Zaccaro Jr. and his family are on stage as his wife Daniella holds the bible John's hand is resting on as Speaker Heastie swears in new Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.

Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. gives his first speech as the official Assemblyman from the 80th Assembly District. 

Governor Hochul Directs Long Island Rail Road Service Modifications to Improve Commuter Experience

 

Starting Monday, March 6 — Adding Trains to Brooklyn and Lengthening Trains to Penn Station, Adding Cars to All Trains That Exceeded Capacity Last Week

Increasing of Jamaica-Brooklyn Service to Reduce Wait Times and Dramatically Expanding Customer Service Presence at Jamaica to Improve Communication and Transfers

Directs Dedicated Monitoring of Commuter Patterns and Continuing to Make Schedule Adjustments Based on Demand

 Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to modify train service, taking effect tomorrow, Monday, March 6, to improve Long Island Rail Road customers' commutes. At the Governor's direction, the LIRR will increase rush hour service to Brooklyn, lengthen trains serving Penn Station, add cars to all trains that exceeded capacity last week, and ramping up customer service presence at Jamaica to improve commuter communication and prevent rushed transfers.

"The historic opening of Grand Central Madison marked the first expansion of LIRR service in 100 years, and to ensure the new terminal's success, we must be responsive to the needs of our commuters," Governor Hochul said. "Customers deserve a world-class commuting experience, and that's what we are working hard to accomplish with these changes. We are committed to continuing to listen, monitor, and make changes to deliver high-quality service, communication, and consistency to New Yorkers."

The LIRR is increasing rush hour service to Brooklyn by adding an additional trainset on Monday and a second additional trainset on Tuesday, reducing time between trains on the Jamaica-Brooklyn shuttle Monday to an average of 8-9 minutes in peak hours, with even more frequent service starting Tuesday.

In addition, the LIRR is lengthening 17 trains serving Penn Station, adding cars to every train that exceeded capacity. Including four trains that were already lengthened last week, and an additional 11 peak trains that result from the targeted increases, a total of 32 trains listed below will have added cars starting Monday, March 6. This includes trains that were nearing capacity as those that exceeded it. Brooklyn customers are advised to check the TrainTime app to view new Jamaica - Atlantic Terminal options.

The Governor also directed an expanded customer service presence, focused at Jamaica, to assist commuters with real-time communication about transfers, including the establishment of a platform controller who will direct when Atlantic Terminal-bound trains depart to reduce the chance that customers would miss the next departing train. In addition to existing LIRR customer service support, 30 additional employees have been deployed to Jamaica and 10 to Grand Central Madison to assist customers through the transition. The MTA will also continue to inform LIRR customers about changes to the schedule across platforms, through the TrainTime app, social media, the MTA website, its digital screen network, announcements and customer alerts sent via email and text messages

These changes are intended to ensure that during rush hours, the platform at Jamaica serving Brooklyn trains will have a train waiting at the platform with doors open and will not depart until a second train has arrived on the opposite track. During the afternoon/evening rush, a similar system will be in place at Atlantic Terminal.

The LIRR operates a Jamaica Central Control Center (JCC) to closely monitor ridership conditions and operations. This enables real time observations of passenger loading to evaluate and assess what future improvements might be useful. At the Governor's direction, the MTA will continue to monitor overall commuter patterns and make corresponding schedule adjustments to ensure capacity for commuter needs.

"Changes made starting late last week and those scheduled to take effect Monday are data-driven adjustments to reduce wait times and lessen crowding where it occurs," said Catherine Rinaldi, Interim Long Island Rail Road President and President of Metro-North. "We had said we were looking at every train and every line to assess where customers were not getting the level of service they and we expect. These changes are steps toward ensuring a better experience going forward, while continuing to run more overall service to more NYC terminals than the LIRR ever has before. We will continue to monitor ridership trends and loading conditions and make adjustments as necessary."

LIRR to Lengthen Trains

Last week, the LIRR lengthened four trains to address crowded conditions. Beginning Monday, the LIRR will lengthen seven trains to Penn Station for the morning rush hour and nine trains for the afternoon rush hour. This change addresses any train that reached or exceeded capacity based on data collected last week. For the list of trains with added cars, see below.

Subsequently, when these trains turn from either their Long Island destination or Penn Station to operate in the opposite direction, an additional eleven trains will have added cars, benefitting customers as well as a result of the previously described targeted increases.

The railroad has been adapting to address concerns from the public as quickly as possible, which included lengthening of trains. As such, the LIRR went from 16 trains that reached capacity in one day during peak periods to one train exceeding capacity by the end of the week on Friday, March 3, out of a total of 289 peak trains.

Brooklyn Service

Brooklyn service will be increased beginning Monday, with one additional trainset to operate between Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal and a second trainset to be placed into service on Tuesday.

The addition of trains will effectively reduce wait times to an average of 8-9 minutes Monday, and even less Tuesday, for Brooklyn customers during both peak periods and means it will be likely whenever customers arrive at the platform at Jamaica, there will be a train ready to board.

Additionally, to streamline transfers to Brooklyn, the LIRR will have platform controllers to assist customers on the platform serving Tracks 11 and 12, where Brooklyn trains depart. The platform controllers determine the timing of trains departures. When conditions allow, a Brooklyn train will not depart the platform without the arrival of a second train on the opposite track for the morning rush hour and trains are expected to hold up to two minutes for connecting customers transferring from other platforms.

Weekend Service

On Saturday, March 3, the first weekend day of service under the new schedules, the systemwide on-time performance for the LIRR was a consistent 97.85%, while operating 697 trains, 28% more than under previous timetables. On Saturday, February 25, the last Saturday under previous schedules, on-time performance was 97.98% with 544 trains operating.

Grand Central Madison Service

During peak periods, 114,153 riders commuted last week to and from Grand Central Madison, saving a combined total of up to 38,051 hours of commuting time to destinations on the East Side compared with travel time using Penn Station.

Morning Peak Trains That Were Lengthened Last Week

• The 6:26 a.m. train from Far Rockaway to Penn Station
• The 7:07 a.m. train from Jamaica to Atlantic Terminal
• The 7:15 a.m. train from Babylon to Grand Central Madison
• The 7:28 a.m. train from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station

Peak Trains With Added Cars Effective Monday, Mar. 6, 2023

• The 5:29 a.m. train from Port Washington to Penn Station
• The 5:42 a.m. train from Ronkonkoma to Grand Central Madison
• The 5:49 a.m. train from Long Beach to Grand Central Madison
• The 5:54 a.m. train from Huntington to Grand Central Madison
• The 6:15 a.m. train from Wantagh to Penn Station
• The 6:31 a.m. train from Babylon to Penn Station
• The 6:54 a.m. train from Wantagh to Penn Station
• The 7:19 a.m. train from Farmingdale to Penn Station
• The 7:28 a.m. train from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station
• The 7:31 a.m. train from Babylon to Penn Station
• The 7:54 a.m. train from Port Washington to Penn Station
• The 8:20 a.m. train from Little Neck to Penn Station
• The 8:25 a.m. train from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station
• The 8:31 a.m. train from Babylon to Penn Station
• The 3:23 p.m. train from Penn Station to Babylon
• The 3:38 p.m. train from Penn Station to Babylon
• The 3:48 p.m. train from Penn Station to Long Beach
• The 4:01 p.m. train from Penn Station to Ronkonkoma
• The 4:10 p.m. train from Penn Station to Babylon
• The 4:37 p.m. train from Penn Station to Wantagh
• The 5:07 p.m. train from Penn Station to Port Washington
• The 5:16 p.m. train from Penn Station to Babylon
• The 5.19 p.m. train from Penn Station to Wantagh
• The 5:52 p.m. train from Penn Station to Port Washington
• The 6:03 p.m. train from Grand Central Madison to Hempstead
• The 6:57 p.m. from Penn Station to Babylon
• The 7:04 p.m. train from Grand Central Madison to Huntington
• The 7:35 p.m. from Penn Station to Port Washington

Wave Hill Events March 23-March 30

 

Visit Wave Hill this week for a unique experience that combines art, music and garden design. The Family Art Project is inspired by the sounds of nature, while Sunday’s concert features American pop, singer-songwriter Alea–bringing the sound of cumbia, vallenato, rancheras, and jazz to Armor Hall. (Ages 8 and older welcome with an adult.) Plus, join us for our third and final Horticultural Lecture of the year. Lecturer Matt Mattus is “The Curious Plantsman—Challenging Convention: Plant Trials by Design”. More info below!   

 

Family Art Project: Musical Magic 

Sat, March 25, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, March 26, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Wave Hill House 

Let’s make music! A breeze through the trees, the hoot of an owl, rain falling on a pond—nature is full of beautiful sounds. We’ll discover the music of the natural world before making and decorating our very own set of playable pipes to serenade our friends.   

Registration not required. 

 

The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety: 

• Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

• If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

• Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

• Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.  

Public Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 

Sun, March 26, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

 

Concert: Alea 

Sun, Mar 26, 2–3PM 

$30 Adult/$16 Student (with ID)/$14 Child (8-18), including admission to the grounds. Advance tickets $2 off. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Armor Hall 

With a welcoming sound that embraces cumbia, vallenato, rancheras, jazz and American pop, singer-songwriter Alea moves her audiences with messages of the spirit, calls for social change and free-flowing love. Originally from La Guajira, Colombia, Alea’s performance encompasses an entire generation of ethno-futuristic and folkloric music accentuated by buttery vocals, deep-rooted grooves and uplifting guitar. Alea’s in-person performances are powerful encounters of the spirit, passionate travelogues that link downtown New York to a tropical Colombian cantina. 

 

The concert begins at 2PM and lasts approximately one hour without intermission. Ages 8 and older welcome with an adult. 

 

Tickets required, purchase online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

Wave Hill House and Armor Hall are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.  

 

Horticultural Lecture Series: The Curious Plantsman—Challenging Convention: Plant Trials by Design 

Wed, March 29, 2-3PM 

$30, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%  

Wave Hill House 

Matt Mattus is a creative who cannot stop growing. With an inherent curiosity that challenges conventional wisdom and seeks out the obscure, Matt experiments with classic and current horticultural methods to find which has merit and which misleads. His research has also identified “secret recipes” that could improve the results of what you’re growing in your own garden. Matt will discuss seed-sown annuals, delphiniums from cuttings, demystifying South African bulbs and cyclamen, and more. His presentations are known for a combination of inspirational beauty, useful content and humor, so you might want to come with a notebook! A reception with light refreshments will follow this talk at Wave Hill, the final lecture in the 2023 series. 

 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. 

 

Lecture Sponsorship 

The generosity of Lecture Sponsors makes this program possible and is crucial to helping keep tickets affordable for garden professionals, interns and enthusiasts. Please consider becoming a Lecture Sponsor today. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension listed above. 

 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Meeting Tuesday March 14th 7 PM

 

The Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association is back with their monthly community event on Tuesday March 14th, 2023 at 7pm at our location 2134 Barnes Avenue on the corner of Barnes and Lydig Avenue Bx, NY 10462. Scheduled to appear are Representatives from the F B I.

Please join us for this very important and informative presentation

Staten Island Man Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison For Conspiracy To Commit Antisemitic Hate Crimes

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SAADAH MASOUD was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to commit hate crimes in connection with MASOUD’s repeated physical attacks of Jewish victims in New York City between 2021 and 2022.  The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Saadah Masoud repeatedly attacked New Yorkers based on their religion and national origin.  The prosecution of this case and the sentence imposed today make clear that hate-fueled violence will not be tolerated in our community and that this Office will be unrelenting in our efforts to hold accountable those who perpetrate senseless crimes of hate.”    

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

From at least in or about May 2021 through at least in or about April 2022, MASOUD and others conspired to commit hate crime acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.  In furtherance of the conspiracy, MASOUD assaulted at least three victims based upon the victims’ actual and perceived religion and national origin.  Specifically, the defendant admitted to committing the following acts of violence that were motivated by the victims’ Jewish or Israeli identity or perceived identity:

• On or about April 20, 2022, in Manhattan, MASOUD assaulted a victim who was wearing an Israeli flag;
• On or about June 2, 2021, in Brooklyn, MASOUD and a co-conspirator assaulted a victim who was wearing clothing traditionally associated with the Jewish religion, including a yarmulke, while the victim was sitting outside the victim’s own home; and
• On or about May 20, 2021, in Manhattan, MASOUD assaulted a victim who was wearing a Star of David necklace.

In addition to his prison term, SAADAH MASOUD, 29, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. 

Ludlow Point Rental Development Approved For 150 Downing Street In Yonkers

 

The Yonkers Planning Board has granted approvals to Ginsburg Development Companies to construct a new multifamily rental property at 150 Downing Street in Yonkers. Known as Ludlow Point, the development will include 208 apartments, a collection of amenity spaces, and 229 parking spaces.

Original renderings for Ludlow point revealed a two-tower complex with a low-rise amenity deck between the ten-story volumes. Former plans also specified 520 apartments. Amenity spaces included include a lounge, fitness center, a swimming pool, business center, bike racks, and private storage. Retail and dining components were also planned for the building’s ground floor. Updated renderings show a similarly bifurcated property with a low-rise lobby entrance between the two volumes. The taller portions of the structure will top out at seven stories.

Total construction costs for the updated project are estimated at $65 million. The project is also expected to create 625 construction jobs.

Original and defunct rendering of Ludlow Point at 150 Downing Street in Yonkers – Ginsburg Development Companies

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Irish Heritage Celebration & Networking Reception, 3/21/2023 at 6:00pm

 

Register - Click Here

Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking and celebrating the Bronx's Irish heritage. The evening features live music, networking, drink specials, Irish fare, and acknowledges the contributions of notable Irish Americans and their influence on Bronx business and economic development. The evening includes a fireside chat, networking, and access to customized business services through the Small Business Resource Network.

Friday, March 10 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm 2023 Tax Focus: Tax Review for Businesses & Entrepreneurs It's that time of year! Get your taxes filed on time and learn what you can do to maximize your business benefits & avoid pitfalls. Please join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the team at Tax Focused Collab for a one-hour information session on methods for tax preparation and avoiding common mistakes. Click HERE To Register Monday, March 13 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm Information Session: Islands & Gems of Greece Trip, October 2023 The Bronx Chamber is headed to Greece in October 2023 for a tour of the Islands and Gems of Greece. Please join our leadership team for an informational webinar on March 13 at 6:00pm for a presentation by Indus Travel where we will learn specifics about the tour, the itinerary, and have an opportunity for a Q & A with the travel agency. Click HERE To Register

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!

Two Defendants Arrested For Stealing Over $1 Million From ATMs Throughout The Bronx

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a two-count Complaint charging RAMDEO BALLIRAM and LEONARDO ORTIZ with bank theft and conspiracy to commit bank theft in connection with a years-long scheme in which they stole more than $1 million from Automated Teller Machines (“ATMs”) located in commercial establishments throughout the Bronx.  BALLIRAM and ORTIZ were arrested and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants carried out a calculated scheme for years, stealing over a million dollars from ATMs in businesses throughout the Bronx.  The relentless efforts of this Office and our law enforcement partners have finally put an end to the burglaries and thefts allegedly perpetrated by the defendants, and we will continue to be diligent in seeking justice for those affected by these crimes.”  

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “For nearly two years, these defendants allegedly targeted multiple small businesses in the Bronx – burglarizing, ransacking, and stealing more than $1 million.  Their brazen scheme undermined public safety throughout an entire borough, and this complaint is the next step toward holding them accountable for their crimes.  Thank you to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and all the NYPD investigators who worked together to bring charges in this case.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]

From at least in or about March 2021 through in or about January 2023, BALLIRAM, ORTIZ, and another individual (“CC-1”) engaged in a series of at least 23 burglaries of commercial establishments throughout the Bronx, in which they stole over $1 million from ATMs.   

The burglaries followed a simple pattern: on each occasion, BALLIRAM, ORTIZ, and at least one other individual broke into Bronx small businesses — often bodegas or restaurants — in the middle of the night in order to steal all the cash from the ATM inside the store.  In the course of stealing all the cash from the ATMs, BALLIRAM and ORTIZ also ransacked each store, stealing all the cash from the register, cigarettes, lottery tickets, alcohol, and digital video recording systems.  BALLIRAM and ORTIZ stole tens of thousands of dollars in cash and valuables each time. 

BALLIRAM and ORTIZ serially followed an armored car (“Bank Van-1”) as it refilled ATMs throughout the Bronx on behalf of a particular bank in order to determine which ATMs to target.  Once BALLIRAM and ORTIZ learned which ATMs had been refilled, they then traveled to that location to break into the store and steal the cash.  BALLIRAM and ORTIZ often used sophisticated tools to break into both the commercial establishments and the ATMs, as pictured below.  On the occasion pictured below, BALLIRAM and ORTIZ stole more than $77,000 from the ATM:

On a few occasions, when they were unable to break into the ATM to steal the cash, BALLIRAM and ORTIZ stole the entire ATM.  On at least one occasion, BALLIRAM and ORTIZ also used a stolen vehicle to carry out the scheme. 

BALLIRAM, 44, of Queens, New York, and Ortiz, 52, of Queens, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank theft, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison, and one count of bank theft, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison.

The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, particularly Detectives of the Bronx Grand Larceny Squad, and the Special Agents and Investigative Analysts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. 

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.