CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS, FAMILY MEMBERS OF ROBERT VENABLE SOUND OFF ON NEW YORK TIMES

 

Civil Rights Icon Dr. Hazel Dukes Criticizes NYT for “Another Shameful Attempt to Tear Down” City’s Second Black Mayor

 

Civil Rights Icon Reverend Al Sharpton Highlights Mayor Adams’ Efforts to Tackle Gun Violence

 

Venable’s Niece Calls on NYT to Issue Apology to Family for Making Them Relive Trauma, Conducts Interview with News12 Westchester

Yesterday, The New York Times published a story with the ultimate goal of questioning New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ close relationship with fallen New York City Police Department (NYPD) Transit Officer Robert Venable, who was murdered in 1987, and who then-Officer Adams came up with in the NYPD. While the initial inquiry mentioned a photo of Venable that Mayor Adams made a copy of decades ago, all initial questions in writing focused on the Times’ claim that there was no real relationship between the two former officers.

 

After the story, members of Officer Venable’s family, as well as former Transit officers who worked with Officer Venable and then-Officer Eric Adams came forward to criticize The New York Times’ effort to create a divide between Mayor Adams and the Venable family and create the implication that Mayor Adams and Officer Venable were never friends.

 

Tonight, civil rights icons Dr. Hazel Dukes and Reverend Al Sharpton came forward to criticize The New York Times’ efforts to undermine Mayor Adams and his administration.

 

Additionally, Officer Venable’s niece came forward again to call on The New York Times to issue an apology to her family for using her uncle’s name simply in an effort to criticize Mayor Adams.

 

In case you missed it…

 

Dr. Hazel Dukes, former president, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People:

 

“Like Mayor Dinkins before him, Mayor Adams is frequently facing unfair, biased attacks in the media meant to undermine his administration. The Times article is yet another shameful attempt to tear down our second Black mayor and disempower the working-class people of color who elected him as their representative.”

Reverend Al Sharpton:

 

 

(https://twitter.com/TheRevAl/status/1677082804214018054)

 

 

(https://twitter.com/TheRevAl/status/1677082855770316801)

 

Meredith Benson, Officer Venable’s niece:

 

 

(https://twitter.com/MeredithBensonT/status/1677016393722519568)

 

Meredith Benson also conducted an interview with News12 Westchester yesterday, where she made clear that not only was Mayor Adams close with her family after Officer Venable’s murder, but that she made clear to The New York Times that the mayor was right to call attention to her uncle’s murder in an effort to rid New York City of gun violence.

 

Hear it in her own words:

 

 

(https://westchester.news12.com/family-member-of-fallen-nypd-officer-defends-mayor-adams-amid-new-york-times-report)

 

Reporter Tara Rosenblum: “Benson told me her entire family struggled after Officer Venable’s death too, but that Eric Adams was there to support them long after the cameras stopped rolling.

 

Meredith Benson: "I mean, the reporter who contacted our family, I told her, I told her specifically, I was like, ‘Is Eric helping to decrease crime in New York City?’ ‘Yes’ Then that’s what, that’s what this is about. He used my uncle’s story, his relationship with my uncle to highlight gun violence. And that's what he should be highlighting. And for you to try to use my uncle's legacy to discredit him is ridiculous."

 

Yesterday, other members of the Venable family additionally issued statements criticizing the Times’ efforts to create a rift between the Venable family and Mayor Adams.

 

Januari Venable, daughter of Officer Venable:

 

“I was only eight when my father was murdered. I don’t remember most of the people who were there for my family, but in the 36 years since I lost my father, Eric Adams has been there, even after the cameras were gone. Eric personally drove me and my family to Fourth of July fireworks in the past, and when I called him last minute to attend a memorial for my father, the mayor was there. When the mayor met my son at that very memorial, he immediately recognized my dad’s smile. Like I told the Times, if the mayor can do some good by using my father’s story to get more guns off the street, I am happy for him to do so.”

 

Denise Benson, sister of Officer Venable:

 

“I didn’t know all of my brother’s friends, but Eric Adams had a wonderful relationship with my mother and was there for my family when it mattered despite The New York Times’ effort to drive a wedge between us. For months, the Times has harassed our family and annoyed us persistently, all in an effort to undermine our relationship with Eric, but he has shown up for us over and over again — where has The New York Times been? Our family will not be swayed to give up on my brother’s dedication to community and public service. Even our niece still continues our family’s commitment to community and public service today as an MTA police officer, wearing her uncle’s badge daily to honor his legacy.”

 

Further, numerous former members of the NYPD also found the Times’ inquiry deplorable and offensive and commented on the reporting yesterday.

Permits Filed For 2951 Wallace Avenue In Allerton, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story residential building at 2951 Wallace Avenue in Allerton, The Bronx. Located between Adee Avenue and Williamsbridge Road, the lot is near the Burke Avenue subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Long Lin is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 55-foot-tall development will yield 24,559 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 36 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 682 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 40-foot-long rear yard, ten open parking spaces, and eight enclosed parking spaces.

Angelo Ng & Anthony Ng Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Housing Lottery Launches For St. Francis Commons In Morris Heights, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for St. Francis Commons, a seven-story mixed-use building at 1544 Shakespeare Avenue in Morris Heights, The Bronx. Designed by SLCE Architects and developed by Highbridge Community Development Corporation, the structure yields 110 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 85 units for residents at 30 to 70 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $21,155 to $122,570.

Amenities include broadband internet, elevator, on-site card-operated laundry room, and 24-hour security cameras with video monitoring. Units are equipped with large windows, air conditioning, white quartz countertops, white appliances, white subway tile backsplashes, and dark cabinetry and flooring.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are seven one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $532 for incomes ranging from $21,155 to $38,130; four two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $631 for incomes ranging from $25,406 to $45,750; and one three-bedroom with a monthly rent of $722 for incomes ranging from $29,418 to $52,530.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 13 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,092 for incomes ranging from $40,355 to $63,550; ten two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,301 for incomes ranging from $48,378 to $76,250; and one three-bedroom with a monthly rent of $1,494 for incomes ranging from $55,886 to $87,550.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there are 25 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,592 for incomes ranging from $57,498 to $88,970; 20 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,901 for incomes ranging from $68,949 to $106,750; and four three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,188 for incomes ranging from $79,680 to $122,570.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than September 6, 2023.

NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for June 2023

Overall crime driven down across New York City in June as shootings, murders, robberies, burglaries, and hate crimes continue to fall 

For the month of June 2023, New York City saw a 16.8% drop in shooting incidents compared to June 2022 (104 v. 125). The decrease in shootings extends the 24.7% decrease in shooting incidents citywide through the first half of calendar 2023 compared to the same period a year ago (482 v. 636) – meaning 196 fewer people have been shot this year compared to last year. Additionally, homicides fell by 3.1% (31 v. 32) for the month of June 2023.

The shooting declines reflect the combined sum of the NYPD’s gun-violence reduction strategies and help in allowing every community in New York City to prosper. The NYPD is focusing tirelessly on combating gun violence and leveraging partnerships to assist in that important work. In June 2023, the department continued to make historic numbers of gun arrests – 345 arrests resulting in 300 firearms seized for the month. Overall, NYPD officers have seized 3,424 guns from the streets of New York City and made 2,162 gun arrests through the first six months of 2023.

Overall index crime was driven down by 3.9% in June 2023 (10,793 v. 11,235) compared to the same period a year ago. New York City saw a drop in five of the seven index crime categories in June 2023, including a 3.1% reduction in homicide, a 24.1% drop in rape (107 v. 141), a 9.2% decline in robbery (1,419 v. 1,563), and a 24.8% decline in burglary (986 v. 1,311). Hate crimes citywide declined by 18% (47 v. 57) compared to last year. At the same time, grand larceny auto increased by 22.8% (1,391 v. 1,133), driven by the theft of motorcycles and the well-documented exploitation of vulnerabilities in the ignition system of certain Kia and Hyundai models.

In the city’s subway system, robberies decreased by 18.4% (40 v. 49) in June, though major crime in transit increased 18.2% (195 v. 165) for the month, driven by non-confrontational property thefts of opportunity. Notable is that New York City has seen a 4.4% decrease (1,093 v. 1,143) in major crime in transit through the first six months of 2023, reflecting the ongoing work to improve the subway system’s overall public-safety landscape. Additionally, NYPD officers in the transit system have effected 67% more arrests for edged weapons (673 v. 402) so far this year, and 27% more arrests for firearms (19 v. 15) – work that showcases the department’s proactive engagement that serves to enhance public safety in the city’s vital public transportation system.

As in May, this month’s decline in burglaries included decreases in the burglaries of both residences and commercial establishments. And retail theft – otherwise known as shoplifting – also continued its decline in June 2023 by 7.4% (5,326 v.5,749), as the NYPD maintained its focus on ensuring public safety in the city’s busy commercial corridors and business districts.

Through the first six months of 2023, New York City has seen reductions in five of the seven index crime categories, including murder down 7.9% (199 v. 216), rape down 9.9% (729 v. 809), robbery down 4.8% (7,789 v. 8,180), burglary down 9.9% (6,877 v. 7,635), and grand larceny down 1.3% (24,334 v. 24,664). Since the start of the Summer Violence Reduction Plan in May, major crime in the involved deployment zones has been driven down by more than 13% compared to last year and shootings have declined by nearly 12%, mirroring the continuing decline in shootings citywide.

The women and men of the NYPD remain steadfast in their ongoing efforts to drive down crime, improve the quality of life in New York City, and earn the confidence of those who live in, work in, and visit the city. In June 2023, NYPD officers made 4,589 arrests in the seven major crime categories, a 9.3% increase compared to the number of such arrests in the same period last year. In the first six months of this year, officers have made 25,995 such arrests – the most for any half-year period since calendar 2000.

“Wherever crime lingers in our city, the women and men of the NYPD are facing it head-on, concentrating their efforts in the neighborhoods that need them the most,” said Acting Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “As we look back on the first half of this year, we can see steady progress in the NYPD’s fight against violence and disorder – a level of commitment that will continue with renewed focus as we head into the summer months. Our good work continues and our promise to the people we serve is clear: We will never waver in our public safety mission to keep every New Yorker, in every New York City neighborhood, safe and free from fear.”

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.*

Index Crime Statistics: June 2023

	June 2023	June 2022	+/-	% Change
Murder	31	32	-1	-3.1%
Rape	107	141	-34	-24.1%
Robbery	1419	1563	-144	-9.2%
Felony Assault	2555	2532	23	0.9%
Burglary	986	1311	-325	-24.8%
Grand Larceny	4304	4523	-219	-4.8%
Grand Larceny Auto	1391	1133	258	22.8%
TOTAL	10793	11235	-442	3.9%

Additional Statistics For June 2023

	June 2023	June 2022	+/-	% Change
Transit	195	165	30	18.2%
Housing	513	585	-72	-12.3%
Shooting Incidents	104	125	-21	-16.8%

Hate Crimes Statistics Summary for June 2023

(June 1st – June 30th for calendar years 2023 and 2022)

Motivation	2023	2022	Diff	% Change
Asian	2	8	-6	-75%
Black	5	4	1	25%
Disability	0	0	0	0%
Ethnic	1	3	-2	-67%
Gender	2	0	2	***
Hispanic	2	2	0	0%
Jewish	19	22	-3	-14%
Muslim	0	3	-3	100%
Religion	1	2	-1	-50%
Sexual Orientation	15	13	2	15%
White	0	0	0	***
TOTAL	47	57	-10	-18%

Note: Statistics above are subject to change upon investigation, as active possible 

bias cases may be reclassified to non-bias cases and removed from counted data.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: New Federal Funds Give NY A Chance to Expand Broadband, Close Digital Divide

 

The recent announcement that New York state will get nearly $665 million in federal funding to invest in improvements to broadband availability gives the state an opportunity to accelerate universal deployment of the highest-speed connections in every corner of the state, according to a new analysis released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “My office has been monitoring the state’s progress in making high-speed internet available to New Yorkers,” DiNapoli said. “Many parts of the state still lack the infrastructure to support high-speed broadband and this new federal funding will help remove that barrier. The pandemic exposed the struggles many families experienced when work, school, healthcare and commerce went online, and showed that reliable, high-speed internet is imperative for equality of opportunity. How New York utilizes this federal funding will set a critical path for our state’s digital future.” DiNapoli’s 2021 broadband report showed New York ranked second in the nation with 98.7% of the population living in areas with broadband in 2019. However, data compiled by the Federal Communications Commission used a methodology that overstated coverage, particularly in rural areas. More granular data recently released by the Public Service Commission show some areas of the state remain unserved and underserved by broadband providers. In Hamilton County, just 70% of locations were served, compared to 99% in New York City. This is generally consistent with national trends as rural regions may not generate enough revenue for the private sector to justify building the infrastructure to support it, while still allowing for affordable subscriptions. The new federal funds are intended to spur broadband deployment by prioritizing unserved and then underserved locations, as well as public locations like schools and libraries that allow for greater use of broadband service by vulnerable populations. States are also encouraged to develop non-infrastructure programs that address affordability, equity, and digital skills training needs.  In addition to the nearly $665 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds announced in June 2023, initial federal COVID-19 relief helped provide New York with more than $880 million through pandemic-era programs. The federal government has allocated a total of $1.6 billion in broadband funding for New York. In 2022, the state launched the ConnectALL Office, which will spearhead creation of the state’s five-year action plan and initial proposal. DiNapoli said the state’s proposal for using the money should be actionable and accountable. DiNapoli recommended setting concrete goals for each objective; identifying obstacles and barriers faced to date; identifying federal, state, and local funding sources available; and establishing interim metrics and a public reporting schedule in order to allow accountability for progress. Analysis Economic and Policy Insights – Federal Dollars for Broadband Deployment Related Reports Availability, Access and Affordability: Understanding Broadband Challenges in New York State Economic and Policy Insights – Making Strides on Broadband Affordability New NY Broadband Program

Attorney General James Announces Agreement with New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators to Improve Governance

 

Association to Address Governance Concerns, Elect New Members to Board of Directors, Adopt Amended Bylaws, and Formalize Scholarship Program

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement with the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators, Inc. (ABPRHAL) to resolve concerns regarding the association’s governance and financial reporting. The ABPRHAL did not have full-time employees or sufficient oversight, causing the association to suffer a breakdown in leadership and repeatedly file inaccurate financial audits and disclosures to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Pursuant to the agreement, ABPRHAL and Chairwoman Latrice Walker agreed to elect new directors to its board, adopt amended bylaws to codify its leadership structure, and formalize its scholarship program. Some of these measures have already been adopted. 

“The Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators provides important services and opportunities to communities of color statewide, but without full-time leadership, the organization struggled to prepare financial filings and properly administer scholarships,” said Attorney General James. “All charitable organizations are required to comply with the same laws in our state. Under this agreement and with new bylaws, ABPRHAL will be able to continue its great contributions to New York.”

The ABPRHAL was founded in 1985 by members of the New York State Assembly legislative caucus of the same name with a mission to promote the social and general welfare of communities of color, encourage economic development, and support the fight for racial justice. Each year, the association sponsors an annual conference that convenes community leaders from throughout the state and holds a fundraising gala to support its scholarship program.  

From Fiscal Year 2015 through Fiscal Year 2017, ABPRHAL did not have any full-time employees, but paid an independent contractor to act as Executive Director. At the time, the Board of Directors did not exercise sufficient supervision of the Executive Director or the association’s operations and finances. As a result, the annual financial reports filed with OAG's Charities Bureau were both inaccurate and incomplete. Additionally, the association did not have a formal, objective process for awarding scholarships, instead authorizing individual members to select recipients from a pool of applicants rather than have the board or a delegated committee select recipients based on objective criteria. Scholarships awarded in 2017 and 2018 were not paid to the recipients until 2019 and 2020.

Pursuant to the agreement, ABPRHAL has agreed to revise its bylaws, policies, and procedures. These amended bylaws will include the following requirements and provisions: 

• No less than one-third of all Directors of the Board must be independent as defined by New York’s Not-For-Profit Corporation Law; 
• One independent Director must be present for there to be a quorum to conduct the Board’s business; 
• A complete description of ABPRHAL’s governance structure; 
• Definition of the roles and policies of the association’s committees, officers, directors, members, and employees; and 
• The association’s annual audit and IRS Form 990 will be prepared on an accrual basis, the former by a certified public accountant. 

As part of the agreement, ABPRHAL will formalize its scholarship program by: 

• Setting forth detailed qualifications for receiving an ABPRHAL scholarship; 
• Establishing standard procedures and a timeline for applying for the scholarships; 
• Revising the scholarship application form; and  
• Posting all available scholarships on the association’s website. 

Any fundraising related to the scholarship program will include a full description of the scholarship and the date on which it will be awarded. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Board or a dedicated committee using objective criteria.  

The ABPRHAL will maintain all records related to its operations for a minimum period of six years, to be provided upon request to OAG to verify compliance with the agreement. 

Former Partner Of Investment Management Firm Arrested For $1.6 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

 

Joshua Henner Allegedly Solicited Over $1.6 Million From Victims On False Pretenses

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Christie M. Curtis, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) announced the unsealing of a two-count Indictment charging JOSHUA HENNER with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.  As alleged in the Indictment, HENNER, through false statements and representations, convinced victims to loan him at least $1.6 million for the purpose of investing in a start-up, while, in reality, misappropriating those funds for his own purposes.  HENNER was arrested this morning and will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Joshua Henner defrauded his victims of over $1.6 million and used those funds to line his own pockets.  Investment fraud schemes are all too common.  Thanks to our partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Henner will now be held accountable for his conduct.”

FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis said: “The defendant is alleged to have to conducted an investment fraud scheme, based on misrepresentations and falsehoods, in order to misappropriate more than $1.6 million in investor funds. Investment fraud schemes cause harm to victims directly involved, but also weaken the public's faith in the financial marketplace. Investigating and holding the individuals responsible for complex financial schemes accountable remains a top focus for the FBI.”

As alleged in the Indictment[1]:

From at least in or about May 2022 through at least in or about December 2022, HENNER ran a scheme that defrauded victims out of at least $1.6 million.  HENNER solicited and obtained funds from victims based on representations that he had been an angel investor in a start-up (the “Company”) and that he needed funds to purchase additional shares in the Company to maintain his investment position.

To induce victims to give him funds, HENNER routinely made materially false oral and written statements, including lies about his previous investment in the Company and his ownership interest in the Company.  Without their knowledge or authorization, HENNER misappropriated his victims’ funds by, among other things, transferring the funds to himself and other individuals.  

During and in relation to the scheme, HENNER used, without authorization, the name and email address of a lawyer purportedly involved in the investments to communicate via email with his victims and foster the illusion that he was using the funds that his victims lent him for their intended purposes.

HENNER, 35, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence.  The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The charges contained in the Indictment 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 Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW NYCHA CEO AND BOARD CHAIR

 

"I am glad to see the roles of NYCHA Chair and CEO filled, and to see them separated, which I hope will allow more effective focus on the monumental tasks each appointee faces. Nearly half a million New Yorkers have the city as their landlord, and as I have shown on each of my watchlists and in my 2022 report, their landlord is the worst in the city. Changing that reality will require major infusions of funding and major improvements in management, or the same patterns that have plagued NYCHA for decades will persist. 

"For the sake of New Yorkers in NYCHA complexes across the five boroughs, I wish the CEO and Chair good luck in this new era, and hope to hear more about their specific priorities and areas of focus moving forward. As always, I will work with the Authority where we can collaborate to improve conditions, and will shine a spotlight on spaces where the city is consistently failing to meet the standards that NYCHA residents deserve."