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Monday, June 5, 2023
Riverdale Block Party 2023 - Next Sunday!
Armed Security Guard At 26 Federal Plaza Indicted For Violating The Constitutional Rights Of An Individual Through Forced Sexual Assault
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, a former armed security guard at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building located at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, was indicted in federal court for violating the constitutional rights of an asylum seeker (the “Victim”) by forcing the Victim, through the threat of death or serious bodily injury, to perform oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS while inside a locked office in 26 Federal Plaza. SOLANO-ARIAS was arrested and charged by Complaint on May 5, 2023. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Solano-Arias, who was employed as an armed security guard assigned to 26 Federal Plaza, sexually assaulted the victim, who had come to the building to complete his asylum paperwork. In doing so, he violated the victim’s constitutional rights through forced sexual assault. As today’s indictment should demonstrate, the FBI will never tolerate this type of activity, and Solano-Arias will be forced to face the consequences of his actions.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint and Indictment that were filed in Manhattan federal court:[1]
On or about May 4, 2023, SOLANO-ARIAS was employed as a security guard by a company that contracts with the Federal Protective Service to provide armed security services at 26 Federal Plaza. SOLANO-ARIAS was wearing a black and gray security guard uniform and carrying his employer-issued firearm on his waistband.
On or about May 4, 2023, the Victim went to 26 Federal Plaza for the purpose of submitting an asylum application. Once there, SOLANO-ARIAS offered to assist the Victim with his asylum paperwork. Instead of providing assistance, however, SOLANO-ARIAS led the Victim to a locked office on the second floor of 26 Federal Plaza, where SOLANO-ARIAS demanded that the Victim perform oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS. When the Victim attempted to resist SOLANO-ARIAS’s demands, SOLANO-ARIAS touched his firearm, which was holstered on his waist. Fearing that SOLANO-ARIAS would kill the Victim, the Victim performed oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS, which caused physical pain and injury to the Victim. After the assault, when the Victim was able to leave the office, he immediately reported the sexual assault to law enforcement.
SOLANO-ARIAS, 42, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which involved kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse, and which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is 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 FBI. Mr. Williams requests that any individuals who have information with respect to JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The charge contained in the Complaint and the Indictment is merely an accusation, 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 Indictment and the description of the Complaint and Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Announces Indictment and Arraignment of State Trooper on Manslaughter Charges
New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today announced the indictment and arraignment of New York State Trooper Anthony Nigro IV on charges of Manslaughter in the First and Second Degrees. The indictment alleges Trooper Nigro shot and killed James Huber in Buffalo, Erie County on February 12, 2022.
Trooper Nigro was arraigned today in Erie County Supreme Court before Justice M. William Boller, where he pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. Manslaughter in the First Degree is a Class B violent felony and carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release.
On the morning of February 12, 2022, members of the New York State Police (NYSP) were pursuing Mr. Huber, who was speeding and driving erratically on Interstate 90 near Buffalo. The NYSP called off the chase when Mr. Huber exited the highway. A short time later, Mr. Huber stopped his car near the intersection of Washington Street and East Eagle Street in Buffalo. Trooper Nigro approached the car, and during an interaction with Mr. Huber, fired his service weapon and shot Mr. Huber, who was unarmed. Mr. Huber was pronounced dead at the scene.
Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
The OAG would like to thank Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli and NYSP for their cooperation and partnership.
Criminal charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty at trial or by plea.
Governor Hochul, Buffalo Bills, and Erie County Announce Start of Construction on New, State-of-the-Art Buffalo Bills Football Stadium
Stadium Project Marks Largest Economic Development Project in Western New York History – With an Estimated 30-Year Economic Impact of $1.6 Billion
Construction on New 60,000-Seat Facility Expected to Complete in 2026
Project Will Create 10,000 Union Labor Construction Jobs Through Project Labor Agreement
Project Renderings Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today announced the start of construction on the Bills’ new, state-of-the-art $1.54 billion stadium in Orchard Park. The new 60,000-seat facility, designed by the Bills in conjunction with Legends and the architectural firm Populous, marks the largest economic development project in Western New York history with an estimated 30-year economic impact of $1.6 billion and the creation of 10,000 union construction jobs. Construction on the new stadium is expected to be complete in 2026. Project renderings can be viewed here.
“As a native Buffalonian and a life-long Bills fan, I know how much this team means to this city and region as a whole,” Governor Hochul said. “As we break ground on a beautiful new stadium, we’re celebrating a new era for this region and for tens of thousands of New Yorkers who stand to benefit. With this project, the Bills — and New York State — are making a lasting commitment to the people of Western New York.”
The new, open-air stadium will be built across from the existing Highmark Stadium, which was built in 1973, and includes several major improvements over the existing stadium facility. It will add weather control features, including extensive radiant heating and a canopy that covers 65 percent of seats, to provide protection from inclement weather. The exterior of the stadium will also include enhanced fan experience gathering sites to be utilized by fans, spectators, and members of the surrounding community.
The stadium project is projected to create 10,000 construction jobs and will be built with union labor in accordance with a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) agreed to by the Buffalo Building Trades Council.
In 2022, Governor Hochul announced the historic public-private stadium agreement, which includes a $600 million investment by New York State that will be recouped through taxes and economic activity that the team generates. Under the agreement, the Bills and NFL will invest $690 million for the stadium’s construction and Erie County will contribute $250 million.
The Buffalo Bills franchise is a proven economic driver for the Buffalo region and the state. The Bills currently generate $27 million annually in direct income, sales and use taxes for New York State, Erie County and Buffalo. An economic analysis by Empire State Development and AECOM found that, over the 30-year lease period of the new stadium, revenues are expected to grow significantly and will cumulatively amount to more than $1.6 billion in economic impact. Furthermore, the study found that the stadium would have a regional economic impact of more than $385 million annually as fans and spectators from across New York, the United States, and Canada patronize local businesses.
 Continuing the Fight to End Gun Violence I attended Darcel Clark (the Bronx District Attorney's) 4th Annual March to End Gun Violence as a continued show of my support for gun violence prevention programs. While the fight to end senseless gun violence continues, it’s important that Bronx residents are educated on what they can do to take action, and to bridge the gap between victims of gun violence and the officials that can assist them.
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MAYOR ADAMS, NYC FAITH LEADERS LAUNCH FAITH-BASED SHELTER PROGRAM FOR HOUSES OF WORSHIP TO SUPPORT ASYLUM SEEKER RESPONSE
With Over 46,000 Asylum Seekers Currently in City’s Care, New Program Allows Houses of Worship to Host 19 Asylum Seekers Each Overnight
Up to 50 Houses of Worship Set to Participate in First Cohort
As New York City continues to care for more than 46,000 asylum seekers, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the creation of a faith-based shelter program — a new, two-year partnership with New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) that will allow up to 50 houses of worship or faith-based spaces to offer overnight shelter for up to 19 single adult men at each location. To provide programming and support for asylum seekers during the day — while these faith-based spaces continue to offer their normal activities — the city will also open five daytime centers. Faith-based partnerships have played a critical role in the city’s response to the asylum seeker humanitarian crisis, and, at full scale, this program will host nearly 1,000 asylum seekers, with potential for further expansion.
“No matter what faith you practice, caring for those in need is part of every spiritual tradition,” said Mayor Adams. “As we continue to tackle this humanitarian crisis, I’m proud that through this new partnership with New York Disaster Interfaith Services, New York City’s faith community will be able to provide shelter to asylum seekers in need at houses of worship throughout the five boroughs. Not only will this increase the space we have by nearly 1,000 beds, but it will also connect asylum seekers with local communities. New York City continues to do all that we can to address this crisis, but we need additional assistance from other partners.”
"The city’s response to the asylum seeker crisis has not only required a whole-of-government effort, but has also taken a citywide effort that includes nonprofits, community organizations, volunteers, and the faith community," said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. "Today’s announcement with houses of worship, NYDIS, and the city demonstrates the strength of this response to meet the ongoing need. Thank you to NYDIS and to the faith community for coming together with us in this work to support people seeking asylum."
“Our city has witnessed an unprecedented influx of asylum seekers coming to New York City since last spring,” said Pastor Gil Monrose, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships. “They are escaping violence, oppression, poverty, and, like all of us, want to live and support their families in peace. New York City is the city of immigrants, as attested by the words of Emma Lazarus engraved on the inner pedestal of the Statue of Liberty: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’ I am really grateful that faith leaders are opening their doors to asylum seekers — providing their space as well as the hands of the community to care for them. New York is truly a city of faith.”
“We are asking New York City’s faith communities to join us in our mission to open your sacred spaces into havens of safety for asylum seekers, our new neighbors in need of our hospitality,” said Peter B. Gudaitis, M.Div., executive director and CEO, NYDIS. “Since 9/11, when called upon, New York Disaster Interfaith Services has partnered with the city to provide dignity, hope, and the disaster human services needed in times of crisis. We thank Mayor Adams for his shared vision and for providing NYDIS with the resources to give our city’s congregations the opportunity to meet a critical basic human need for food, shelter, and clothing, while covering their operating costs. We are reminded that, across all faith traditions, hospitality to the stranger is both a divine calling and a sacred obligation.”
The faith-based shelter program delivers on the faith initiatives outlined in “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” and will not only expand the city’s ability to provide temporary shelter, but also help integrate asylum seekers into local communities. The overnight centers will offer a full suite of services, including dining and social areas, shower facilities, meals, storage space, and more. The larger, daytime locations will also offer a full range of services — including meals and snacks, shower facilities, social areas, and additional services — to meet the needs of asylum seekers during the day.
Today’s announcement comes as New York City has, largely on its own, supported over 72,000 asylum seekers since last spring, with more than 46,000 still in the city’s care. The city has already spent more than $1.2 billion on the crisis this fiscal year alone and is projected to spend more than $4.3 billion by the end of June 2024, yet the federal government has only allocated New York City less than $40 million in funding — enough to pay for only five days of asylum seeker costs, at current rates of spending. Mayor Adams has repeatedly called on the federal government to provide multiple forms of support, including expedited work authorization for asylum seekers, a nationwide decompression strategy, increased funding to manage the crisis, and meaningful immigration reform.
Two weeks ago, Mayor Adams was joined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, other elected officials, labor and business leaders, and asylum seekers to once again call for that expedited work authorization, which would allow asylum seekers to start providing for themselves and lessen the burden on New York City’s overtaxed shelter and social services systems.
Second Annual Riverdale Pride Event At the Riverdale Neighborhood House
It was the Second Annual Riverdale Pride at the Riverdale Neighborhood House which was attended by hundreds of people and elected officials Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, City Councilman Eric Dinowitz, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Performers included the Famous Kelly KaBoom Alexus Lewinsky, Alexa Dumont, and Jahiyrah McQueen, Laura Levine-Pinedo, and others. There was a Drag Queen Hour Storybook reading, and even a pride dog show.
Tables were set up in the Riverdale Neighborhood front, back and side yards with various gifts to buy, free information, and games to play. The two local Democratic clubs were well represented as three of the four party positions are controlled by the Unity Democratic Club, while the assembly, city council, and fourth party position seats are controlled by the Ben Franklin Democratic club.
During Drag Queen Hour, the Storybook was about the Stonewall Uprising, and the problems that went along with the years of trying to be accepted in Greenwich Village.
One area where tables were set up included the Community Board 8 table and Ben Franklin Democratic Club tables.
The Unity Democrats table.
Democratic Party leaders of the Unity Democratic Club are (L - R) State Committeewoman Morgan Evers, Male District Leader Ramdat Singh, and Female District Leader Abigail Martin.
Charlie had her Rainbow skirt on for the Riverdale Pride event.
Laura Levine-Pinedo sings as she sees someone in the same outfit as hers, but Laura didn't have the matching hair.
Jahiyrah McQueen dances with one of the attendees.
Jahiyrah McQueen gets real close with this reporter.
Alexus Lewinsky and Alexa Dumont posed for this photo with another attendee.
Kelly KaBoom started one song as Whitney Houston.
And Kelly finished after taking off the belt and dress doing a dance number.
There was a Stilt Walker at the Riverdale Pride event.
The winner of the Pride Dog Show was Daisy in her matching pride skirt.
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Third Avenue Business Improvement District - Open Streets Alexander Avenue, South Bronx
New York City’s Open Streets program transforms streets into public space open to all. These transformations allow for a range of activities that promote economic development, support schools, and provide new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community.
NYC DOT works with community-based organizations, educational institutions, and groups of businesses to execute Open Streets citywide.
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