Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - What's Happening in District 13

 

Dear Neighbor,

I am excited to share that this year’s Family Summer Series is in full swing and will continue this evening with a movie night at Loreto Park, followed by our first Family Day of the season on Saturday at Mazzei Playground! For those joining us this evening, don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket and your favorite people!   

I’m also happy to share that the New York City Fire Department has shared its latest Public Service Announcement (PSA) regarding lithium-ion batteries. This PSA is a part of the FDNY’s informational campaign to educate the public on fire risks posed by powered mobility devices. To view the PSA video, please scroll to ‘Community Resources.’

In this week’s email, you will find information regarding upcoming events, career opportunities, community resources, and more. For those who missed us last week, our ‘Legislative Corner’ has the latest updates from New York state regarding cannabis enforcement. For those interested in learning about upcoming events, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’ 

In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Wishing you all a beautiful and joyous weekend.

Sincerely, Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Mother’s Day Appreciation Gala Event

In honor of Mother’s Day, my colleagues in government and I have partnered with the Throggs Neck Community Alliance to celebrate mothers in our community. This year’s event will feature music, refreshments, a photo booth, and more. There will be two events to accommodate the wonderful mothers that make up our community; please be advised you can only register for either Castle Hill or Throggs Neck location. This event is free and open to the public.

Register

Construction & Repair Advisories Northbound Hutchinson River Parkway Full Closure The NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges has announced it will close the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway place between Exit 1B: E Tremont /Westchester Ave and the northbound entrance ramp from Hutchinson River Parkway East. The closure will continue until Friday, May 19, and will take place Monday through Friday in the following stages:  Single Lane Closure: 10 PM to 5 AM Full Closure: 11:30 PM to 4:30 AM Pelham Parkway Lane Closure The NYC Department of Design and Construction has announced lane closures on Pelham Parkway Eastbound Main Road between White Plains Road and Stillwell Avenue. This closure  will continue through Friday, May 26 and take place between 9 PM and 5 AM. This lane closure is necessary to facilitate the catch basin repair and roadway reconstruction. Please be advised this is a moving operation and there will only be restrictions to those specific areas where the work is occurring. Manhattan Comprehensive Night & Day High School Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School, the largest public transfer school in NYC, will be holding open houses for students who are new to NYC or looking for a new school environment for the upcoming semester Apply

AS PART OF ‘NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH,’ NYC ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES RECOGNIZES FOSTER PARENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS, CHILD WELFARE PROFESSIONALS & ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO SUPPORT CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

 

New Yorkers Interested In Learning More About Becoming a Foster Parent Can Call 311 Or The WISH Line at (877-676-WISH)

As part of May’s “National Foster Care Month,” the NYC Administration for Children Services (ACS) recognizes and celebrates foster parents, family members, child welfare professionals and other members of the community who care for children in need, support parents so that they can safely reunify with their children, and help children find permanent homes and connections.

 

ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser reminded New Yorkers that foster parents provide a safe, nurturing and loving home environment for children in need and encouraged New Yorkers who can open their heart and home to consider becoming a foster parent.

 

“I want to express my gratitude to all of the staff and foster parents who work diligently and tirelessly to ensure that our City’s children and young people are cared for in a safe, nurturing environment; they are truly an inspiration to us all,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “Foster parents play a critical role in caring for children and youth who have experienced trauma, partner with parents as they work towards reunifying with their children, and sometimes become permanent family when children are not able to return to their parents.”

 

“National Foster Care Month recognizes all those who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Thank you to all the families, staff, and partner organizations that work together to support children and young people at every step along the way.” 

 

ACS strives to keep families together by providing a full range of prevention services; however, when a child must be removed from a home due to safety reasons, ACS works to ensure that children receive high-quality care and that children and families receive needed services. Most children in foster care return home safely to their families. For those who cannot, ACS works to find loving, stable families for children through adoption or kinship guardianship.

 

Over the past several years, significant work has been done to improve outcomes for children and families in New York City’s foster care system:

 

• ACS has dramatically reduced the number of children in foster care to a historic low of fewer than 7,000 children in care, down from 13,000 in care a decade ago.

 

• More and more, children in New York City’s foster care system are placed with kin (relatives, close family friends, or other people who are already in a child’s life). From 2017 to present, ACS and its foster care agency partners increased the proportion of children in foster care placed with kin from 31% to 44%. Additionally, the number of children placed with kin upon entry into foster care is over 50%. Research shows that children fare best with kin.

 

• ACS has significantly expanded education and career development services for children and youth in foster care. Most recently, ACS expanded its Fair Futures program to include youth in foster care up to age 26 and youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Since 2019, the Fair Futures program has provided dedicated coaches, tutors, and education, employment, and housing specialists for thousands of youth in foster care. In 2022, ACS launched College Choice, a program that helps cover the cost of college expenses for youth in foster care.

 

To ensure that children in foster care receive the care and nurturing they need, foster parents are provided with support and specialized training regarding meeting children’s needs and working with parents who are working towards reunification.

 

New Yorkers interested in becoming a foster parent can call 311 for more information. The greatest need is for foster parents who can care for sibling groups and children with special needs. Prospective foster parents can also contact the ACS WISH line at 877-676-WISH (9474) or visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/acs/child-welfare/become-foster-adoptive-parent.page

 

Bronx Man Charged With Sex Trafficking Of A Minor And Distribution Of Fentanyl

Virgil Wardlow Allegedly Exchanged Black-Market Fentanyl Pills for Sex with a Minor Victim; A 19-Year-Old Victim Died Shortly After Ingesting the Pills

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the arrest of VIRGIL WARDLOW for paying for sex with a minor with fentanyl-laced pills. WARDLOW was arrested in the Bronx, New York, and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo. 

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

WARDLOW engaged in a pattern of paying for sex with illicit pills laced with fentanyl.  On or about March 25, 2023, at a hotel room in the Bronx, New York, WARDLOW provided two of those pills to a 16‑year-old female (“Victim-1”) in exchange for sex.  After Victim-1 had sex with WARDLOW and WARDLOW left the hotel room, Victim-1 and her 19-year-old female friend (“Victim-2”) ingested the pills he provided.  Thereafter, Victim-1 and Victim-2 became ill, and Victim-2 died.

Between at least on or about February 8, 2023, and on or about April 7, 2023, WARDLOW exchanged multiple messages with other individuals in which WARDLOW offered to provide pills in exchange for sex and otherwise sell pills.  WARDLOW sent these messages using an anonymized cellphone number that masked his identity from his intended victims.

WARDLOW, 31, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of sex trafficking of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and one count of unlawful distribution of narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York State Police, the New York City Police Department, and Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit and Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey W. Coyle is in charge of the prosecution.

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

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

Governor Hochul Announces $7.6 Million Awarded to Animal Shelters for Improvements

 

Funding Supports Construction, Renovation, and Expansion Projects at New York Animal Shelters that Enhance Animal Care and Health

Over $33 Million Dedicated to State's Companion Animal Capital Fund Since 2017

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $7.6 million will be provided to 21 animal shelters and humane societies across the state through the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund, which is in its fifth round. The funding will support construction, renovation, and expansion projects that will enhance animal care and health and help ensure adoptions for New York's dogs and cats. As the first in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters, New York State continues to demonstrate its commitment to securing safe housing and care for sheltered dogs and cats as they await adoption.

"Animal shelters and humane societies across New York provide essential care for dogs and cats as they await their new families and forever homes," Governor Hochul said. "New York's Companion Animal Capital Fund is making a real difference for our shelters and humane societies, and the animals in their care, helping them make critical upgrades to better care for the animals and provide greater support for the staff and volunteers that care for them."

Since the launch of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program in 2017, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the state has dedicated over $33 million to the program, including funds committed in this year's budget. The fifth round of funding awarded builds on previous initiatives to offset the costs associated with capital projects run by New York State animal shelters, such as renovating dog kennels, improving medical facilities, or building more efficient shelters to reduce overall operational costs. Projects funded this year include new living spaces for additional cats, new medical facilities, and improved outdoor spaces, and shelter renovations to include additional kennels.

Competitive grants were awarded to shelters based on a need assessment, detailed project description, and reasonableness of cost. The following shelters are receiving an award in this round of the program:

Capital Region

• Albany County Sherriff's Office (Albany, Albany County): $500,000 to create an auxiliary animal shelter in partnership with the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.
• City of Schenectady (Schenectady, Schenectady County): $200,000 for updated larger kennels.

New York City

• Animal Care & Control of NYC (Manhattan, New York County): $143,175 to outfit their new shelter system with updated equipment, installation of new kennel tops, a new washer and dryer, and replacement of an aged water heater.
• Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition (Brooklyn Heights, Kings County): $164,719.67 for shelter expansion, design of cat wards dedicated to health and compatibility, installation of windows, and the creation of a full-service medical suite.

Mohawk Valley

• Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley (Howes Cave, Schoharie County): $500,000 for the renovation of a medical suite and roof renovation.

Southern Tier

• Broome County Humane Society (Binghamton, Broome County): $110,879 to improve cat housing and dog kennel design, and acquisition of a generator and a grooming basin.

Finger Lakes

• Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY (Auburn, Cayuga County): $482,491.50 for a new facility design including HVAC system.
• H.S. of Rochester (Lollipop) (Fairport, Monroe County): $500,000 for the redesign of kennels, to increase animal capacity, and expand the isolation ward.
• Wayne Co. Humane Society (Lyons, Wayne County): $500,000 for a new and updated shelter facility including new HVAC.
• Wyoming Co. (Warsaw, Wyoming County): $318,318 to improve facility design, upgrade mechanical equipment, and provide outdoor enrichment area.
• Wyoming Co. SPCA (Attica, Wyoming County): $62,825.89 for roof replacement, repair of driveway and parking area, acquire cat caging and update record keeping technology.

Hudson Valley

• Hudson Valley SPCA (Pomona, Rockland County): $200,000 to upgrade dog kennels, replace cat enclosures, and increase animal capacity.
• Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (Poughkeepsie, DutchessCounty): $398,495 to increase animal capacity including quarantine area.

North Country

• Jefferson Co. SPCA (Watertown, Jefferson County): $200,000 to expand shelter size and obtain new HVAC system.
• Potsdam Humane Society (Potsdam, St. Lawrence County): $100,067 for housing and environmental improvements, including updates to laundry room, caging, heating, and renovation of flooring.
• Lewis Co. Humane Society (Lowville, Lewis County): $500,000 for new HVAC system, new laundering equipment, creation of cat isolation room, and to repair and update damaged shelter structures.

Long Island

• Town of Oyster Bay (Oyster Bay, Nassau County)- $200,000 for shelter renovation and new HVAC system.
• Town of North Hempstead (Manhasset, Nassau County) - $200,000 for new HVAC system.
• Ada Howe Kent Memorial Shelter (Calverton, Suffolk County): $200,000 for new shelter facility with isolation area, including new kennels for dogs and cats.
• Pioneers for Animal Welfare Society (Hicksville, Nassau County): $200,000 for down payment of new facility.

Western New York

• Erie County SPCA (W. Seneca, Erie County): $200,000 to improve kennels and outdoor exercise area, renovate cat recovery and nursery area, obtain new HVAC system and security system.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said, "Animal shelters provide so much more than just a refuge; from offering essential medical care to daily enrichment activities, the hardworking staff at humane societies, shelters, and SPCAs throughout the state work tirelessly to provide the best care for dogs and cats while they wait to be adopted into their forever families. Over the last few years, we've seen the funding from the Companion Animal Capital Fund go to critical upgrades and projects that mean better care for New York's animals. We are proud to announce this latest round, which will build on the successes we have seen so far."

MAYOR ADAMS TO HONOR 140TH ANNIVERSARY OF BROOKLYN BRIDGE WITH REVITALIZED PUBLIC SPACE IN CHINATOWN UNDER BRIDGE

 

“The Arches” Will Open May 24 Next to Former Site of “Brooklyn Banks,” Part of Broader Effort to Improve Public Space in Chinatown and Across Lower Manhattan

 

Delivers on Commitment in Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Agenda,” Part of $375 Million Investment in Vibrant New Public Spaces in All Five Boroughs

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a plan to honor the 140^th anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge’s opening by revitalizing public spaces in Chinatown, beginning with the opening of “the Arches” next to the site once known as the “Brooklyn Banks” and the “mecca New York skateboarding.” Roughly one acre in size, the Arches will open on May 24, 2023, after being closed to the public for over a decade, and feature space for basketball, pickleball, shuffleboard, and publicly available seating — directly adjacent to the 53 historic arches on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Photos and videos of the Arches are available online. The Adams administration will also kick off public engagement efforts this spring to evaluate other spaces in the neighborhood for potential upgrades.

 

“One hundred forty years ago, we opened the Brooklyn Bridge and connected two islands. This is a landmark 1883 moment for our communities, our public spaces, and our city’s recovery,” said Mayor Adams. “These kinds of public spaces are a critical component of our administration’s strategy for an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous economic recovery for New York City. And we are delivering on that strategy with a $375 million investment and now two new spaces for the Chinatown residents, the skateboarding community, and all New Yorkers to enjoy.”

 

The reactivation of this and other public spaces under the Brooklyn Bridge and throughout Chinatown delivers on a commitment in Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Agenda,” outlined in his State of the City address this past January, which included a $375 million investment in vibrant, new public spaces in all five boroughs to improve New Yorkers’ quality of life. This work also follows a recommendation in “Making New York Work for Everyone,” the action plan of the “New” New York panel convened by Mayor Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The action plan proposed public realm improvements in all five boroughs, including underneath and around the Brooklyn Bridge in Lower Manhattan, serving as a 21^st-century gateway between Chinatown, the Seaport District, and the Financial District.

North side of “the Arches,” revitalized public space under the Brooklyn Bridge opening on the bridge’s 140^th anniversary. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

South side of “the Arches,” revitalized public space under the Brooklyn Bridge opening on the bridge’s 140^th anniversary. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“Today, we give back to the people of New York landmark public space under the Brooklyn Bridge,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “I’m grateful to DOT for working quickly to bring back this beloved space — providing a much-needed outlet for outdoor recreation for visitors, those who work in the area, and residents.”

 

“I am thrilled that the Arches are now open and ready to be enjoyed by New Yorkers and visitors alike,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “In an area where public space is limited, the Arches will serve as a crucial venue for residents to enjoy and for visitors to experience the beauty of the Brooklyn Bridge and the surrounding area. This project reflects the Adams administration’s commitment to equity — ensuring that members of the community have access to quality public spaces, which are essential for building strong and vibrant communities.”

 

“With rehabilitation work completed before schedule, we are incredibly excited to reopen this historic space to New Yorkers, right in time to celebrate the bridge’s anniversary and this beautiful spring weather,” said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Rehabilitating this space will generate a host of open space benefits for New Yorkers, and I look forward to delivering additional public space upgrades like this across Chinatown in partnership with Mayor Adams, our sister agencies, and members of the community.”

 

“With the opening of the Arches, New Yorkers and visitors alike can enjoy a beautiful space for relaxation and play, right next to one of our city’s most iconic landmarks — the Brooklyn Bridge,” said New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “I’m grateful to Mayor Adams and DOT for renovating and activating this public space, and we at NYC Parks are excited to work with the community and our sister agencies to help write the next chapter of open space in the neighborhood.”

 

“This revitalized public space at the entryway of one of America’s most historic landmarks improves the quality of life for those who live in, work in, and visit our great city, and demonstrates the city’s commitment to creating and maintaining safe, public spaces for all,” said New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “I congratulate the Mayor’s Office, NYC Parks, and the Department of Transportation on the reopening of this beautiful park, which people will enjoy for many years to come.”

 

“The opening of the Arches under the Brooklyn Bridge furthers the Adams administration’s commitment to expanding and improving our public realm across New York City,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Making New York City a great place to live, work, and play was one of the cornerstones of the ‘New’ New York action plan and continued public realm investments like the Arches do just that.”

 

Following an investment from the New York Department of State through its Downtown Revitalizing Initiative, the Adams administration will also work with the community to plan renovations to upgrade and expand public space at Kimlau Square and to evaluate plans for Park Row from Kimlau Square to the Brooklyn Bridge. The administration will also consider additional medium- and long-term improvements to the former Brooklyn Banks site directly under the bridge. This engagement effort will include a virtual public workshop this spring with DOT, NYC Parks, and the NYPD.

 

The Arches will open as DOT finishes a major project to rehabilitate the Brooklyn Bridge. The space underneath the bridge’s vehicle ramps has been largely closed to the public since 2010, when DOT began its largest-ever rehabilitation of the historic bridge structure with three projects totaling $800 million.

 

The current rehabilitation of the bridge has included extensive and meticulous cleaning of the bridge’s granite stones for the first time since its original construction, transforming them from a brown color — with more than a century’s worth of dust, soot, and pollution — to their original 19^th-century bright gray. While cleaning the granite, skilled bricklayers also replaced mortar between individual stones, a painstaking process that used cement sourced from the same upstate New York quarries used by members of the Roebling family, who designed the bridge, for its initial construction. Bricklayers are currently completing the recreation of the original red-brick archway designs by hand, and the project is expected to finish later this year.

CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James and Acting Department of Health Commissioner Dr. McDonald Issue Alert to Protect New Yorkers from Health Insurance Renewal Scams

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James and Acting Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald today warned New Yorkers about a new scam targeting New Yorkers enrolled in public health insurance programs and provided important tips to protect consumers. For the first time since March 2020, people enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan will have to renew their health insurance coverage. Attorney General James and Acting Commissioner Dr. McDonald are urging New Yorkers to be vigilant in light of reports of scammers deceptively calling people and asking them to pay hundreds of dollars to maintain their health insurance.   

“It is despicable that scammers are trying to exploit New Yorkers’ need for quality health insurance and uncertainty over ongoing Medicaid coverage,” said Attorney General James. “The best tool consumers and families have to combat scams is knowledge, and that is why I am committed to raising this issue. I urge everyone to follow our important tips, and anyone impacted by this scam to contact my office immediately.” 

“These schemes are maliciously preying on public health insurance enrollees as they navigate the return of renewals for the first time in three years,” said Acting Commissioner Dr. McDonald. “Such actions are downright criminal, and I ask all New Yorkers to read these guidelines and help protect each other from this fraudulent abuse.”

The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 ended the continuous coverage requirements effective March 31, 2023. As a result, New York State has resumed the practice of reviewing and renewing eligibility for those enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. Starting in mid-March, enrollees are being sent renewal notices well in advance of their coverage end dates with detailed instructions of how to stay covered and their deadline to take action. There have been reports of scammers taking advantage of this process and threatening New Yorkers that their Medicaid coverage is at risk for cancellation or that they have actually already lost their Medicaid benefits, unless they provide hundreds of dollars to reinstate or continue benefits. This is false, and New York agencies that administer Medicaid benefits will never charge or ask for money from consumers to enroll or re-enroll. New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the New York State Department of Health website or its Medicaid information page to learn how they can renew health insurance. 

Additionally, Attorney General James and Acting Commissioner Dr. McDonald provided the following tips:   

• No one can ever charge you a fee to renew your health insurance in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan.  
  • If you enrolled in health insurance through the New York State of Health, many people are available to help you renew for free. These include the state’s health certified enrollment assistors (including navigators, agents, and brokers) and customer service representatives. For information or guidance, visit the State of Health’s website or call 1-855-355-5777.    
  • If you enrolled in Medicaid through either your county’s Medicaid office or through New York City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA), there are also many people available to help you for free. Contact the office where you enrolled to ask questions and get help with renewing your insurance.  
• Government agencies will never threaten you, demand you pay money, or ask for credit information in a text message or phone call.   
• Report suspected fraud.   
  • Call the New York State of Health’s Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777. TTY users should call 1-800-662-1220. Call your county’s Medicaid office or HRA at the phone number listed on the State of Health’s Medicaid page.   
  • Contact the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Health Care Helpline at 1-800-428-9071 or the New York State Department of Financial Services’ Consumer Hotline at 1-800-342-3736.  

Additional information about renewing your coverage: 

• If you enrolled in health insurance through NY State of Health, many people are available to help you renew for free. These include NY State of Health-certified enrollment assistors (including navigators, agents, and brokers) and customer service representatives. Find help at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777.   
• If you enrolled in Medicaid through either your county’s Medicaid office or through HRA, there are also many people available to help you for free. Contact the office where you enrolled to ask questions and get help with renewing your insurance. 
• Keep your personal information private. Only share information needed to renew with someone you know is either a NY State of Health-certified enrollment assistor or customer service representative, a facilitated enroller for the aged, blind and disabled or an employee of your county’s Medicaid office or HRA.  
• Look for the official NY State of Health or Medicaid logos (at the top of this page) or the logo of your county’s Medicaid office or HRA before you complete any forms.  

Any New Yorker who suspects that they are a victim of a scam are encouraged to report it to OAG by submitting a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.