Wave Hill Weekly Events: Sept 7 – Sept 14 Special Seasonal Tour, Fall Birding, Evening Meditation & Sound Bath

 

September continues to bring some magical moments in the garden. Our Aquatic and Monocot Gardens are singing, and we have a host of ways to come experience how captivating they are.  

Join Wave Hill gardener Chistopher Bivens for a special tour of the Aquatic and Monocot Gardens on Friday afternoon. This is a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at these two formal gardens at their peak season, from the gardener tending them.

And don’t miss Light from Water, currently on view in our Glyndor Gallery. It features works inspired by and created right here among the tropical plants and exotic water lilies in these same gardens. 

A pair of Sunday events this week provide early and late access to the gardens. Register for an early session of our first Fall Birding series Sunday morning, or a guided Evening Meditation and Sound Bath amidst the exotic Aquatic Garden—or come for both!  

 

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Thu, Sep 7, 2023, 12–12:45PM 

Free and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens on this holiday Monday. 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. 

 

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, Sep 7, 2023, 2-2:45PM 

Free and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration not required 

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.  

 

Walks with a Gardener: Aquatic & Monocot Gardens 

Fri, Sep 8, 2023, 3–4PM 

$25, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251 

Tropical plants flourish in the Aquatic and Monocot Gardens during the summertime. Alive with diversity, the hum of insects, the rustle of leaves and the antics of fish skimming the water's surface animate this garden area. Guided by Wave Hill gardener Christopher Bivens, explore the design of these two formal gardens, where neatly trimmed hedges and symmetrical pergolas provide a framework for lush grasses, tropical plants and exotic water lilies. Wear your favorite sunhat! Severe weather cancels.   

 

Family Art Project: Tiny Terrariums 

Sat, Sep 9, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, Sep 10, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

Create your very own mini-terrarium. We'll learn all about soil and decomposers as we craft our tiny worlds. Embellish your creation with natural decorations. Jars are provided and families are also welcome to bring a jar from home. 

 

Public Gallery Tour 

Sat, Sep 9, 2023, 2-2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.  

 

Fall Birding 

Sun, Sep 10, 2023, 9:30–11AM 

$15, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%. 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251 

Fall is peak migration time along the Hudson River and we have a front row seat! Join naturalists and bird guides Gabriel Willow or Paul Keim as you explore Wave Hill’s gardens, woodlands and the skies overhead to look for resident and migrating birds.  A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. 

 

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, Sep 10, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

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. 

 

Evening Meditation and Sound Bath 

Sun, Sep 10, 2023, 5:30-7:00PM 

$40, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%. 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251 

Be guided through a combined sensory meditation and sound bath experience after-hours at the Aquatic Garden with dosha healer Sara Hart and sound healer Drew Campbell. Soak in mid-autumn, garden sounds, sights and scents, along with the melodious tones of a variety of musical singing bowls and chimes. Rain cancels. 

 

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Thu, Sep 14, 2023, 12-12:45PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration is not required 

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. 

 

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, Sep 14, 2023, 2-2:45PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays Registration not required 

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.  

 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday 

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

Court Finds that Texas Law Requiring the Rejection of Mail Ballots and Applications Violates the Civil Rights Act

 

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas ruled that portions of Texas Senate Bill 1, adopted in September 2021, violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The court found that parts of S.B. 1 require officials to reject mail-in ballot applications and mail-in ballots based on errors or omissions that are not material in determining whether voters are qualified under Texas law to vote or cast a mail ballot.

“The District Court’s decision affirms what the Justice Department has argued for nearly two years: these provisions of Texas Senate Bill 1 unlawfully restrict the ability of eligible Texas voters to vote by mail and to have that vote counted,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will continue to defend against unlawful efforts that undermine the right to vote and restrict participation in our democracy.”

“In requiring rejection of mail ballots and mail ballot applications from eligible voters based on minor paperwork errors or omissions, Texas Senate Bill 1 violates the Civil Rights Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This ruling sends a clear message that states may not impose unlawful and unnecessary requirements that disenfranchise eligible voters seeking to participate in our democracy. The Justice Department will continue to use every available tool to protect all Americans’ right to vote and to ensure that their voices are heard.”

The court issued a preliminary ruling yesterday in favor of the United States’ motion for summary judgment, which asserts that two provisions of S.B. 1 violate Section 101 of the Civil Rights Act by requiring rejection of mail ballots and mail ballot request forms because of paperwork errors that are not material to establishing a voter’s eligibility to cast a ballot. The first provision requires that early voting clerks “shall reject” mail ballot applications that do not include a Texas driver’s license or ID number that identifies “the same voter identified on the applicant’s application for voter registration.” The second provision provides that a mail ballot “may be accepted only if” the ID numbers on the carrier envelope or signature sheet identifies “the same voter identified on the applicant’s application for voter registration.”

Section 5.07 requires that early voting clerks “shall reject” mail ballot applications that do not include a Department of Public Safety (DPS) number or the last four digits of a Social Security Number (SSN) that identifies “the same voter identified on the applicant’s application for voter registration.” Section 5.13 provides that a mail ballot “may be accepted only if” the DPS number or last four digits of an SSN on the carrier envelope or signature sheet identifies “the same voter identified on the applicant’s application for voter registration.”

The United States presented evidence to the court that S.B. 1 has resulted in Texas election officials rejecting tens of thousands of mail ballot applications and mail ballots cast in elections since the bill was enacted in 2021. The Department asserts that these rejections violate federal law, denying Texas voters the statutory right to vote protected by Section 101.

The preliminary ruling from the court grants the Justice Department’s motion for summary judgment, which the Department filed in May 2023, in its entirety.  The decision addresses the Justice Department’s sole pending claim in La Unión del Pueblo Entero v. Abbott, No. 5:21-cv-844 (WDTX), a case in which the United States and several private parties are challenging various aspects of S.B. 1. The court noted that the ruling will be followed in the coming weeks by a final written opinion and order.  A group of private plaintiffs will be going to trial on the remaining claims in the case, which have not yet been resolved.  That trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 11.  

Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling (800) 253-3931.

Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s work to uphold and protect the voting rights of all Americans is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

U.S. Attorney Announces Consent Decree With Orange County Horse Racing Training Center For Violating Clean Water Act

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Lisa F. Garcia, the Regional Administrator for Region 2 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced that the United States entered into a Consent Decree settling a civil lawsuit against MARK FORD, MARK FORD STABLES, INC., MARK FORD STAGE ROAD PROPERTY, INC., and FORD EQUINE, LTD. (collectively, the “defendants”), for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (“CWA”) in connection with the defendants’ construction and operation of a horse racing training facility on two adjacent properties in the Town of Wallkill in Orange County.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This consent decree puts the defendants down a path to reversing the harm they caused to the environment by filling wetlands on their properties and failing to prevent pollutants from entering public waters.  It should serve as a reminder that those who pollute will be held accountable for their actions.” 

EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said: “The Defendants in this case irresponsibly polluted and filled in wetlands without authorization or permits, improperly managed waste from their horses, and failed to comply with requirements in the stormwater construction general construction permit that they did hold.  The Clean Water Act requires the protection of wetlands precisely because they support healthy ecosystems, provide flood and erosion control, and provide other valuable benefits.  EPA will vigorously pursue its enforcement goals to restore illegally filled waters and wetlands and deter future violations.”

The Consent Decree, which is subject to public comment and approval by the Court, will resolve a lawsuit filed in White Plains federal court in 2019.  The complaint alleged that from 2007 to 2016, the defendants destroyed existing federal wetlands and rerouted streams in the course of building a horse racing training center at 90 Slaughter Road (“Slaughter Road site”) and 482/484 Stony Ford Road (“Ford Equine Site”) in violation of the CWA.  The lawsuit also alleged that the defendants have operated a concentrated animal feeding operation without a permit, allowing horse wash water and process wastewater to be discharged into waters of the United States.  The lawsuit further alleges that defendants violated the terms of a stormwater construction general permit during construction work at the Slaughter Road Site from February 2016 to February 2017. 

In the Consent Decree, the defendants admit, acknowledge, and accept responsibility for the following:

• From 2007 to 2016, the defendants used or caused the use of mechanized land-clearing and filling equipment to discharge fill material into 18.1 acres of federal jurisdictional wetlands and a tributary that are waters of the United States at the Slaughter Road Site.  The defendants never sought or obtained authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the filling of these wetlands.

• From 2007 to 2013, the defendants caused the straightening or alteration of roughly 310 linear feet of a creek on the northern half of the Slaughter Road Site and roughly 1,460 linear feet of the same creek on the southern half of the site.  The defendants also discharged approximately 150 linear feet of loose stone below the ordinary high-water mark of the creek.  The defendants never obtained authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the rerouting and filling of portions of the creek.

• From 2015 to 2016, the defendants used or caused the use of mechanized land-clearing and earth-moving equipment to discharge fill material into approximately 1.86 acres of federal jurisdictional wetlands at the Ford Equine Site and rerouted roughly 900 linear feet of a stream that flowed southward through the eastern portion of the Ford Equine Site.  The defendants never sought or obtained authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the rerouting of the stream and the filling of these wetlands.

• From at least December 12, 2016, to the present, the Slaughter Road Site and the Ford Equine Site constitute a medium concentrated animal feeding operation (“CAFO”), within the meaning of the CWA and its implementing regulations, that has discharged pollutants to navigable waters without a permit.

• Between January 19, 2016, and January 26, 2018, defendants FORD and MARK FORD STAGE ROAD PROPERTY, INC., were required to comply with an applicable general permit governing the discharge of stormwater during construction activity.  However, in November 2016, EPA conducted an inspection at the Slaughter Road Site and found non-stabilized stockpiles of soil and mulch in the southwest portion of the Slaughter Road Site that lacked the erosion and sediment controls required by the general permit.  Several areas of the Slaughter Road Site lacked erosion or sediment controls that caused turbid stormwater to flow into a catch basin and ditch/stream tributaries in the southwest portion of the site which, in turn, flowed into the creek in violation of the general permit.  In addition, monthly inspections required by the general permit had not been conducted from February 2016 to February 2017.

In addition to the payment of a $200,000 civil penalty, the Consent Decree requires the defendants to create or restore approximately 18 acres of wetlands on their property, to restore two streams to their pre-fill configurations, to take additional measures to ensure the long-term success of the defendants’ restoration work, and to come into compliance with federal CAFO regulations.

Notice of the proposed Consent Decree will be published in the Federal Register and the public will have the opportunity to submit comments on the Consent Decree for a period of at least 30 days before it is submitted for the Court’s approval.

Mr. Williams thanked the attorneys and enforcement staff at EPA Region 2 for their critical work on this matter.

Governor Hochul Celebrates Opening of Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center’s New $3.3 Million Facility on Long Island

 

State Funds Enhance Child Care Services, Afterschool Programs, Workforce Training, and Comprehensive Family Support Systems

Complements Governor’s Commitment to Expanding Affordable Child Care Options for New York Families

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center’s new $3.3 million facility in the Town of Southampton, Long Island. Situated on six acres donated to create BHCCRC in the early 1950s, the state-of-the-art, 7,828-square-foot building marks a significant milestone in expanding vital services and serving lower-income working families living on Long Island’s East End. With a focus on affordable child care, enriching summer programs, and diverse recreational activities, BHCCRC empowers families and children while fostering social development.

"This new facility will help expand access to the high-quality child care options and educational programs families in East End and across Long Island deserve," Governor Hochul said. "By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, we are investing in working parents and giving them the support they need to remain in the workforce while providing their kids with academic enrichment and care.”

The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center (BHCCRC), a historically Black, community-based institution, has been a beacon of support for marginalized East End children and working families for generations. BHCCRC offers flexible scheduling options, workforce training, enriching after-school programs, summer and teen programs, college prep classes, and a food pantry. Featuring multiple classrooms, a computer lab, tutoring spaces, offices, additional bathrooms, community space, and a kitchen, the new Center will promote an inclusive and nurturing environment for learning, growth, and social development. With an increased capacity, BHCCRC will be able to serve more children and families, strengthening the East End community by providing essential education, enrichment, child care, and support to those who need it the most.

As a cornerstone of the East End community, BHCCRC promotes the well-being and sustainable growth of the region. Empire State Development is supporting the new Center with a $300,000 grant, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, reflecting New York State's commitment to promoting social equity and expanding economic opportunities for underserved communities across the State.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "A thriving economy is tied to a workforce equipped with accessible child care options. The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center's new facility will bolster support for families and their children, contributing to a stronger local economy while supporting the vibrancy of the East End community.”

The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center stands as a vital foundation of support for families and children residing in the East End of Long Island. New York State's support for organizations like Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center is crucial in fostering equity and prosperity across the State. By investing in early childhood education and afterschool programs, workforce participation, and comprehensive family support, New York is laying the foundation to uplift lower-income working families, promote social mobility, and foster stronger, more cohesive communities.

The completion of Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center also underscores Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to providing quality child care options for New York families. As part of the FY 2024 Budget, the Governor secured a four-year, $7 billion investment in child care that included $500 million to bolster New York’s child care workforce through the Workforce Retention Grant program and $4.8 million for a new Employer-Sponsored Child Care Pilot Program where participating employers, the state and employees will split the cost of child care. The FY 2024 Budget also included $1 million to create a statewide business navigator program in each of the 10 Regional Economic Development Council regions to help interested businesses identify options to support employees’ child care needs. The funding will also be used to develop a statewide employer child care guidebook. The Governor’s investment also included $179 million in tax relief for families with children under the age of four through an expansion of the Empire State Tax Credit.

BronxNet attends the Blue Beetle Movie screening!

 

Blue Beetle Movie Screening Blue Beetle's Director Ángel Manuel Soto chats with Leaders of the Future from Niño de la Caridad Zahorys Gonzalez and Luis Soto at New York's movie screening. Ángel talks about his inspiration and dedication to make Blue Beetle an amazing movie. Watch exclusive behind the scenes moments from the film as well as insights shared by the Director. Blue Beetle movie is now playing in a theatre near you!

Watch Now

Bronx Updates | OPEN Host Daren Jaime shares our borough's latest news, including the restoration of Kingsbridge Armory, and a Back to School Giveaway.

Watch Now

NYC Council Member Eric Dinowitz: NYC Budget Forum NYC Councilman Eric Dinowitz discussed education, housing, mental health, and literacy funding with residents at a budget forum last Thursday at Mosholu Montefiore Community Center.

Watch Now

Unveiling BronxNet's 30th Anniversary Logo Join us as we unveil BronxNet's 30th Anniversary Logo, a symbol of three decades of fostering connections, amplifying voices, and transforming lives in the Bronx and beyond.

Watch Now

FIC Back to School Festival 2023 "This exciting event is designed to kickstart the new school year with a bang! Bring your children along to enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including a backpack and school supplies giveaway, the opportunity to obtain IDs for children, face painting, free food options, and an array of captivating activities for all ages."

Join the Festival

Dialogo Abierto: Boricua College Sur de El Bronx

Edición especial de “Diálogo Abierto” visitando el recinto universitario de Boricua College en el Sur de El Bronx.   Entrevistas con Teofilo A. Santiago, director de admisiones del campus; Hector Feliciano, director de programa College Prep - que prepara a las personas para ir a la universidad; y Cody Souffrant, director de HEOP, otro programa de acceso para quienes quieran mejorar e ir a la universidad.

Mira Aquí

September Education Courses

Get a headstart on your Fall courses and sign up with BronxNet today!

Coming in September, we are presenting two courses to help sharpen your skills and expand your creative ideas! 

Instructor Alba Enid Rivas provides all the elements of producing and directing your own short films from establishing a story to shooting the first scene in her Direct and Produce Animation course. Instructor Ramon Torres Santa will help guide you through how to better streamline and execute your ideas in the media and entertainment industry.  

Learn More and Sign Up

Kingsbridge Armory Press Conference

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, NYC Mayor Adams and other elected officials gathered at the Kingsbridge Armory to unveil their plans to transform the Armory into an economic engine for local Bronx jobs.

Learn More

Avalon Harrison Affordable Housing Development Completes Construction In Harrison, New York

 

Elected officials and developers celebrated the completion of Avalon Harrison, a mixed-use affordable housing complex in Harrison, New York. Located adjacent to the Harrison Metro-North train station in Westchester County, the project was led by AvalonBay Communities, which worked closely with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and local officials at every phase of the project.

“The success of the economy of a county like Westchester depends on providing housing to attract people, and it has to be housing that people can afford,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “We are focused on solving this for these businesses, for these communities, because if you don’t keep growing, you stagnate and you decline. We will not let that happen here in the great State of New York.”

The first phase of the project opened in August 2021 and included the construction of a commuter parking garage. Now complete, the entire complex includes 143 affordable apartments spread across three buildings, around 5,000 square feet of amenity spaces, roughly 27,000 square feet of retail space, and 758 parking spaces that are segmented for retail, commuter, and residential use. Residents will have access to 187 dedicated parking spaces.

The development also created two public plazas that feed into the Metro-North station.

“My administration is continuing to do everything in our power to build new housing in every corner of this state,” said Governor Hochul. “With more than 140 units of affordable housing, the Avalon Harrison project does not only fit seamlessly into the community, it promises to make Harrison more dynamic and walkable and serve as a model for transit-oriented development everywhere.”

Daytime view of Avalon Harrison, now complete

BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON, CONGRESSMAN TORRES, & BRONX ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LAUNCH $10MM FUND FOR SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

 

New York Empowerment Zone Corporation Loan Program Enables Small businesses to Get Up to $350,000 in loans through Community Advantage Loan Fund: https://www.bicofny.org/loans

The New York Empowerment Zone Corporation has approved a $10,000,000 loan program for Bronx businesses that will be administered by the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BxEDC) in partnership with The Business Initiative Corporation of New York (BICNY).

The new funding will provide working capital for small and medium sized businesses looking to scale up their operations. The loans will range from $5,000 to $350,000 and can be used to cover things like payroll, inventory purchases, or new equipment. The focus is on providing loans to businesses located in the South Bronx and particularly the Empowerment Zone district, including the neighborhoods of Hunts Point, Port Morris, and the Yankee Stadium area. The loans will be provided through the SBA Community Advantage Loan Fund.

“This announcement on the Bronx EDC (BxEDC) receiving $10 million in Empowerment Zone funding is a huge win for the Bronx and fulfills one of our key promises from our State of the Borough Address to support and uplift our small business community,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “This Empowerment Zone funding, which has been unused for decades since the Bill Clinton administration, will give the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BxEDC) in partnership with The Business Initiative Corporation of New York (BICNY), the ability to lend to small businesses that are in need of working capital. Not only will this program work to sustain our businesses but it also has the potential of creating local good-paying jobs to help fuel and boost our economy. I want to thank the Bronx Economic Development Team, The Business Initiative Corporation of New York, Congressman Ritchie Torres, Small Business Administration Regional Administrator Marlene Cintron, Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, Speaker Carl Hastie, Mayor Eric Adams, and every organization that played a vital role in making this initiative a reality. We are grateful for their commitment to supporting the economic growth and longevity of our Bronx business community.”

“Small businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods and the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and expanding opportunities for residents,” said U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “The $10 million New York Empowerment Zone loan program will help local small business owners and entrepreneurs access capital to grow and thrive, strengthen their inventory, and expand their footprint to support economic development in communities that need it the most. I encourage all small business owners to apply to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity that will benefit our entire borough, where we are open for business!”

“The Bronx business community has shown remarkable resilience since the pandemic and is a hotbed for entrepreneurial activity and small business growth,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “This new $10 million fund will help inject much-needed capital into the business ecosystem to help small business owners and local entrepreneurs scale up and thrive in the Bronx.”

According to recent data from the Center for an Urban Future, the number of new business applications increased by 30 percent from 2019 to 2021, with the fastest rate of growth occurring in the Bronx, which saw a 66 percent increase. But the Bronx has long lagged in loan programs for small businesses. For example, only two percent of SBS COVID relief dollars were distributed to Bronx businesses.

“Our goal at BxEDC is to promote economic development in the Bronx. That means helping small businesses get capital, it means helping to promote mom and pop shops that are looking to thrive, and helping entrepreneurs,” said BxEDC President Rob Walsh. “Now that our new loan fund has been approved the real work begins. We will move forward in getting capital access to small businesses looking to take their organization to the next level. With its long and rich history, BxEDC has the relationships to deploy our new fund. I have already begun hearing from dedicated business owners and entrepreneurs who, with access to our new loan, are looking to create jobs and expand here in the Bronx.”

“Supporting small businesses is at the core of economic development, and assisting entrepreneurs, especially those in underserved communities with guaranteed loan options, gives them the boost they need to succeed,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. As Chair of the New York Empowerment Zone Corporation, I am pleased to support the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and this vital program for South Bronx residents.”

The loan program will be primarily for communities within the Empowerment Zone or considered Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI). Startups can also apply. The maturity of the loan is 10 years with competitive flexible interest rates that can range from 2.5%-6%.

“This new program will build off BICNY’s highly successful track record as an SBA lender. I have seen the power that SBA programs in transforming businesses and creating opportunity here in the borough,” said BICNY President Rafael Roger. “That is why I am excited and proud to announce BICNY’s new Community Advantage Loan Fund will provide provide smaller balance loans to businesses in need of working capital.”

ACS EMPLOYEE AT HORIZON JUVENILE CENTER INDICTED FOR STEALING $6,600 IN PAY FOR HOURS HE DIDN’T WORK

 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and NYC Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber today announced that an Administration for Children’s Services employee at Horizon Juvenile Center has been indicted on Grand Larceny charges for stealing $6,600 by lying about his work hours.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly lied in his timesheets and was paid for nine full shifts and numerous other hours that he did not work, totaling $6,600. City employees are entrusted with serving the public honestly. The defendant allegedly did the opposite and has now been indicted for his fraudulent actions.” 

 DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “This ACS community coordinator, as charged, falsely overstated his hours worked at the Horizon Juvenile Center, where his job was to deliver commissary items to the residents and track behavioral issues. By claiming to work when he wasn’t, including for nine full shifts and even overtime, he not only failed to meet his responsibilities to Horizon residents, he stole funds from the City, according to the Indictment. I thank ACS for referring this case to DOI and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for its commitment to protecting City funds from this kind of corruption and fraud.”

 District Attorney Clark said Michael Derico, 44, of the Bronx was indicted on third-degree Grand Larceny, fourth-degree Grand Larceny, nine counts of first-degree Falsifying Business Records, and nine counts of first-degree Offering a False Instrument for Filing before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Hornstein. The defendant is due back in court on September 7, 2023.

 According to the investigation, between December 2020 and March 2021, the defendant, an ACS Community Coordinator, either allegedly failed to appear at the facility, arrived at the facility later than his time sheet indicated, or departed earlier than his time sheet showed. Derico allegedly falsified his timesheets to make it appear as if he was at work for not only his scheduled time but also for overtime hours. The defendant was paid approximately $6,600 from New York City for nine shifts and numerous other hours he did not work.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked DOI Deputy Inspector General Harlyn Griffenberg for assistance in the investigation, under the supervision of Senior Inspector General Laura Millendorf, Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives Christopher Ryan and Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Dominick Zarrella. 

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.