Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Housing Lottery Launches For 40 Bruckner Boulevard In Mott Haven, The Bronx
Man Sentenced for Threatening Maricopa County Election Official and Then-Attorney General of Arizona
An Iowa man was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for sending threatening communications to an election official on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and to the then-Attorney General of Arizona.
“This sentence makes clear that individuals who illegally threaten election officials and others associated with the electoral process will face meaningful penalties,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department will diligently investigate and prosecute attempts to illegally threaten, intimidate, and coerce the individuals administering the nation’s free and fair elections.”
According to court documents, on or about Sept. 27, 2021, Mark A. Rissi, 64, of Hiawatha, said the following in a voicemail message he left for Clint Hickman, an election official with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors: “Hello Mr. Hickman, I am glad that you are standing up for democracy and want to place your hand on the Bible and say that the election was honest and fair. I really appreciate that. When we come to lynch your stupid lying Commie [expletive], you’ll remember that you lied on the [expletive] Bible, you piece of [expletive]. You’re gonna die, you piece of [expletive]. We’re going to hang you. We’re going to hang you.”
“Those who weaponize election protests threaten our civility and our democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Thanks to our partners with the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force and the FBI for ensuring accountability.”
Additionally, on or about Dec. 8, 2021, Rissi said the following in a voicemail message he left for then-Attorney General of Arizona Mark Brnovich: “This message is for Attorney General Mark Brnovich . . . . I’m a victim of a crime. My family is a victim of a crime. My extended family is a victim of a crime. That crime was the theft of the 2020 election. The election that was fraudulent across the state of Arizona, that the Attorney General knows was fraudulent, that the Attorney General has images of the conspirators deleting election fraud data from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors computer system. Do your job, Brnovich, or you will hang with those [expletive] in the end. We will see to it. Torches and pitchforks. That’s your future, [expletive]. Do your job.”
Rissi pleaded guilty to two counts of sending a threatening interstate communication.
“The FBI works to ensure that threats to election officials will not impact election results, but will result in legal consequences,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s sentencing represents the FBI and our partners’ dedication to keeping American elections impenetrable from criminal influences.”
The FBI Phoenix Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Omaha Field Office, Cedar Rapids Resident Agency.
Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers – whether elected, appointed, or volunteer – are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. The task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide.
Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Justice Department, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.
To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.go. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.
NEW YORK TASK FORCE 1 URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM ARRIVES IN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA AHEAD OF HURRICANE IDALIA, FDNY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM DEPLOYS TO LOUISIANA TO RESPOND TO WILDFIRES AND EXTREME HEAT
New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated and pre-positioned the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) New York Task Force 1 (NY-TF1) team to Columbia, South Carolina, in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia. NYCEM also announced that the FDNY Incident Management Team has been activated through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the State of Louisiana to support the state’s response to wildfires and extreme heat.
The 46-member New York Task Force 1 team, comprised of specially trained responders from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) (22 members) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) (23 members), and one from NYCEM, along with two trained canines, departed at 1:00 A.M. this morning from the NYCEM Emergency Support Center in Bushwick. See photos here. They arrived in Columbia, SC at 5:00 P.M. today.
New York City is also extending its support to Louisiana as it grapples with extreme heat and wildfires. The FDNY Incident Management Team has been activated through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request, coordinated by NYC Emergency Management through the approval of New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, bringing their expertise and resources to assist our fellow Americans in Louisiana during this time of urgent need. The IMT is a Type III All Hazard IMT, which means it is trained and equipped to respond to a wide range of disasters. The team is made up of 10 members with expertise in incident command, finance, logistics, operations, and planning.
“When the federal government sounds the call for assistance, New York City is there to answer,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our NY-Task Force 1 team is on standby in Columbia, South Carolina as Hurricane Idalia intensifies. The FDNY Incident Management Team is also deploying to Louisiana to bolster the state’s response to wildfires and extreme heat. While Hurricane Idalia isn't a threat to New York City, the urgency isn't lost on us; we are fully prepared to lend our expertise and specialized skills to assist those in the storm's path. This is what it looks like when American communities stand together in times of adversity — a commitment that New York City upholds not just in words, but in action.”
NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol added, “In response to President Biden's State of Emergency Declaration for Florida, NYCEM is coordinating the deployment of 46 members and two canines of our NY-TF1 team. Our team is strategically positioned in Columbia, SC, ready to act as Hurricane Idalia makes landfall. New Yorkers understand the gravity of hurricanes, we are prepared to lend our skills and compassion where they're needed most. NYCEM is also coordinating the deployment of a specially-trained FDNY Incident Management Team to Louisiana, strengthening the Pelican State’s response to wildfires and extreme heat. This is America at its finest: In the face of crisis, New York City collaborates seamlessly with federal and state agencies, joining forces to unite in the singular mission of safeguarding our fellow Americans and their communities.”
“As we’ve seen many times this year already, the work of the USAR is invaluable in handling natural disasters and large-scale emergencies of all types. The FDNY is proud to join NYPD and Emergency Management members to offer assistance in these dangerous times. The skill and expertise of this team is unmatched, and stands at the ready to provide whatever help is needed as hurricanes, wildfires and extreme heat threaten the South,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.
“Our NYPD members on the New York-Task Force 1 team stand ready at any time, to go anywhere, to help play a vital role in the public safety and security of people in harm’s way,” said NYPD Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “These public servants represent a vital part of our city’s readiness and response apparatus – because we know that through their actions our city can help make a difference when lives are at risk. I join all my colleagues in the New York City emergency management community, and a grateful public, in thanking all of our team members for their courageous work and selfless contributions at this critical time.”
The 46-member NY-TF1 team is deploying specialized rescue equipment with an eighteen-vehicle convoy. The equipment includes six boats: four zodiacs for water rescue and two flat-bottom boats for navigating through flooded neighborhoods. They are also equipped for rescues from collapsed structures and confined spaces and have a compilation of hazardous materials response equipment.
New York Task Force 1 specializes in urban search and rescue, disaster recovery, and emergency triage and medicine. With a history of effective deployments that include Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in 2017, Hurricane Florence in 2018, and Hurricane Ian in 2022, NY-TF1 stands as a testament to New York City's commitment to helping American communities in times of crisis. There are 28 FEMA US&R teams strategically located throughout the United States that can be deployed within hours of activation.
Earlier this week, a NYC Emergency Management Citywide Interagency Coordinator who is also an NYPD Detective was activated to be Deputy Logistics Chief for FEMA’s Incident Support Team for Hurricane Idalia.
The FDNY Incident Management Team is enroute to Louisiana. Upon arrival, they will work with local officials from the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to assess the situation and develop a response plan. The team is expected to remain in Louisiana for several weeks to provide support with fire suppression, evacuations, and other disaster response activities.
According to the latest advisory from the NWS National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Idalia is currently a Category 2 storm, expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall in western Florida tomorrow morning. Idalia is anticipated to produce catastrophic impacts from storm surges, destructive waves, life-threatening winds, and significant flash flooding.
NYCEM will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Idalia and provide updates as necessary. The safety and well-being of those potentially affected by the hurricane is our primary concerns.
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Governor Hochul Directs $8 Million Towards Harm Reduction Strategies to Reduce Overdoses
Request for Applications Aims to Expand Harm Reduction Services for Priority Populations Using Drugs
Seeks the Development of a Comprehensive Training Program for Coroners
Funding Available Through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund; $28 Million in Settlement Funds Towards Health Department Programs
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of further funding opportunities to develop harm reduction interventions for priority populations who are particularly vulnerable to overdose, as well as study fatalities connected to opioids statewide. The New York State Department of Health recently posted two new Requests for Applications and directed additional investments in several harm reduction programs financed through the State’s Opioid Settlement Fund. These investments represent one component of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive approach to addressing New York State's opioid crisis.
“The opioid crisis is not just a public health issue - it is a crisis of humanity that touches every corner of the state,” Governor Hochul said. "This funding underscores our commitment to holding manufactures and distributors accountable while ensuring affected communities have the resources and compassion needed to end this epidemic.”
New York will receive more than $2 billion through settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers. A portion of these settlements are going directly to municipalities statewide, with the remainder dedicated to supporting prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and education efforts to address the ongoing opioid epidemic.
The two new funding opportunities through the Opioid Settlement Fund total nearly $8 million, and include:
- Expanding Harm Reduction Services for Priority Populations Who Use Drugs, with applications due October 3, 2023 ($7.5 million over two years).
- Development of a Comprehensive Coroner Training Program in New York State, with applications due October 5, 2023 ($400,000 over two years).
New York State Health Department Commissioner James McDonald said, “Opioid use disorder and other drug dependencies can be challenging chronic diseases, yet are treatable and long-term recovery is possible. In order to combat the overdose epidemic, New York State has implemented a multifaceted strategy under the direction of Governor Hochul. This funding aims to increase access to harm reduction services, including medications to treat addiction, supportive counseling, and other preventive health care services. It also includes a comprehensive training program for coroners who serve an important role in public health.”
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, "The Opioid Settlement Fund is helping to expand access to harm reduction and other supports across New York State, in particular for high-need individuals and populations who may face barriers accessing services. Harm reduction saves lives, and initiatives like this are vital in connecting people to the help and resources that they need. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Governor and our partner agencies to ensure that all New Yorkers can access services, no matter where they live."
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “This funding will be targeted to help New Yorkers who most need our support – high-risk individuals in underserved areas of the state. These resources will enable us to fight the tragedy of the opioid crisis by expanding and strengthening culturally relevant harm reduction and treatment services, and we at OMH are proud to partner with the Department of Health in this critical work.”
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “Under the direction of Governor Hochul, this initiative allocates much needed funds towards innovative harm reduction solutions aimed at curbing overdose fatalities among at-risk communities. These investments reflect a pivotal stride in New York's fight against the opioid crisis, underscoring our commitment to healing and prevention. Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive training programs, we endeavor to save lives, foster recovery, and create a healthier, more resilient state for all."
Other programs allocated funding by the Department through the Opioid Settlement Fund include expansion of harm reduction programs ($12.5 million) and New York Medication Assisted Treatment & Emergency Referrals (NY-MATTERS) in partnership with University of Buffalo Medical Department ($8 million), collectively totaling $28 million in allocated funding.
Additionally, to date, the New York State Department of Health has spent more than $13.5 million to provide naloxone to Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs between April 2022 and March 2023. More than 35,000 instances of naloxone administrations have been reported since 2006. Of this, over 20,000 administrations have been reported by community members, with over 11,000 coming from the Department’s syringe exchange programs. The agency’s Naloxone Co-Payment Assistance Program (N-CAP) covers up to a $40 co-payment for naloxone at pharmacies, and has processed 9,683 claims from July 2022 through June 2023, with an average co-pay of $16.
For additional information on harm reduction services, visit NYSDOH Safer Choices for People Who Use Drugs.
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the Office of Addiction Services and Supports’ (OASAS) Treatment Availability Dashboard or on the agency's website. New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Nigerian National Sentenced to Prison for International Scheme That Defrauded Elderly U.S. Victims
A dual U.K.-Nigerian national who was extradited to the United States from the United Kingdom was sentenced to 90 months in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme. With today’s sentencing, all three defendants who were extradited from the United Kingdom in connection with this matter have been sentenced.
According to court documents, Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham, 44, was part of a group of fraudsters that sent personalized letters to elderly victims in the United States, falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multi-million-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who had died years before in Portugal. Victims were told that before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees and taxes and were instructed to make other payments. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims. Abraham and his co-conspirators also convinced former victims to receive money from new victims and then forward the fraud proceeds to others.
The other two defendants who were extradited from the United Kingdom also received prison sentences. On June 21, the Honorable Kathleen M. Williams sentenced Emmanuel Samuel to 82 months in prison, and on July 25, Judge Williams sentenced Jerry Chucks Ozor to 87 months in prison for their roles in the scheme. Two other co-defendants, who were extradited to the United States from Spain, have also pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in October and November.
“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will continue to pursue, prosecute, and bring to justice transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We thank our colleagues at the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and Crown Prosecution Service for assisting with the successful investigation and extradition of these defendants and the United Kingdom’s National Trading Standards Scams Team for its help in identifying this and other transnational fraud schemes.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has a long tradition of protecting American citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the USPIS Miami Division. “This result is a testament to the dedicated partnership between the Justice Department's Consumer Protection Branch, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the USPIS, to protect our citizens from these scams.”
“International criminal organizations using schemes that target and steal from the elderly will be held responsible for their despicable actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown of HSI Arizona. “This case demonstrates HSI’s commitment, with our partner law enforcement agencies domestically and abroad, to prove wrong those who believe they are beyond the reach of the law. I thank all the law enforcement agencies that dedicated countless hours in making this investigation a significant success.”
The Consumer Protection Branch, USPIS, and HSI are investigating the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Europol, and authorities from the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal all provided critical assistance.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.go or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
STATEMENT FROM THE NYC HEALTH COMMISSIONER DR. ASHWIN VASAN ON THE BA.2.86 COVID-19 VARIANT
Like all viruses, Covid-19 adapts, and we continue to adapt to keep New Yorkers safe too. One recent change to COVID-19 is the BA.2.86 variant, which has been seen in other parts of the U.S. and was recently detected in New York City’s sewage. While we have yet to find it in a specimen from a local resident, it is almost certainly circulating here.
Based on the degree of mutations – while vaccinated people continue to be protected against serious illness – this variant may be more likely to evade immunity that has developed from vaccination or prior infection than earlier variants. But there is currently no indication that it causes more severe illness. We continue to monitor this carefully, alongside our colleagues at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
As cases rise, precautions become increasingly important, especially for our most vulnerable New Yorkers who are older, disabled, or have underlying health conditions. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, along with other proven prevention tools – like masking, testing, and staying home when sick – continue to be our best defense against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Antibodies from vaccination and prior infection will continue to provide some protection, as will available antiviral treatments like Paxlovid, which is still effective against all circulating strains of COVID-19.
As we enter the traditional respiratory virus season, an updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to become available in the coming weeks. Studies are still evaluating the new booster for its effectiveness against the BA.2.86 variant, but indicators suggest it will be effective at preventing severe illness and death. That’s why it’s especially important that New Yorkers that are most vulnerable get the new booster when it's available. New Yorkers should talk to their health care or vaccination providers about the updated COVID-19 vaccine and this year’s flu vaccine. It is also a perfect time to get this year’s flu vaccine when available. For new parents, talk to your child’s pediatrician about the benefits of the RSV monoclonal antibody for infants, and for older or at-risk adults, talk to your provider about getting the new RSV vaccine. For assistance with finding a health care provider, call 311 or visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to find a location near you and make an appointment.
News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.
I was grateful to hear that Governor Hochul has also set aside an additional $10 million in investments to the Bronx for zero-emission school buses and to bring electric charging capabilities to our Borough.
Thank you Governor Hochul for your continued support and investment towards redeveloping the Bronx to ensure that Bronxites are receiving equitable living situations.
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Me agradeció saber que la gobernadora Hochul también ha reservado $10 millones adicionales en inversiones para el Bronx para autobuses escolares de cero emisiones y para llevar capacidades de carga eléctrica a nuestro distrito.
Gracias, gobernadora Hochul, por su continuo apoyo e inversión para la reurbanización del Bronx para garantizar que los habitantes del Bronx reciban situaciones de vida equitativas.
Thank you to everyone who came out to dance and sing alongside Team Salamanca, Freddy Perez Jr, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Acacia Network, and Bronx Community Board 2.
BORICUA LEGENDS!
Gracias a todos los que vinieron a bailar y cantar junto al Equipo Salamanca, Freddy Pérez Jr, el Departamento de Parques y Recreación de la Ciudad de Nueva York, Acacia Network y la Junta Comunitaria 2 del Bronx.
I visited the 1471 Watson Avenue NYCHA residence to discuss with TA President, Reverend Carmen, the steps that have been taken to re-home tenants and the progress that’s been made on renovations following the terrible fire that occurred a few weeks ago.
I will continue to monitor the situation on site, and ensure that residents are receiving proper accommodation and care during these unfortunate circumstances.
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VISITA A LA AVENIDA WATSON 1471
Continuaré monitoreando la situación en el sitio y aseguraré que los residentes reciban alojamiento y atención adecuados durante estas desafortunadas circunstancias.
Our fifth concert will be this WEDNESDAY, August 30th, featuring SAMMY GONZALEZ Y SU ORQ.
I hope to see you all there!
*Please make a note of all dates listed on the flier for specific artist performance dates*
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SERIE DE CONCIERTOS DE SALSA DEL '52 PARQUE
Nuestro quinto concierto será este MIÉRCOLES 30 de agosto con SAMMY GONZALEZ Y SU ORQ.
¡Espero verlos a todos ustedes allí!
*Tome nota de todas las fechas que figuran en el volante para conocer las fechas específicas de presentaciones de artistas*
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Grab your neighbours & your friends and join us for a day of live music and dancing.
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LONGWOOD FESTIVAL PARTE II
Reúna a sus vecinos y amigos y únase a nosotros para un día de música y baile en vivo.
Bronx, New York 10459
(718) 402-6130
salamanca@council.nyc.gov
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates
Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for joining us for another week in review.
One of the corner stones of our administration is digital equity and access to technology. Technological access is of growing importance during these times and the Bronx is home to some of the largest digital deserts in our city. Too many of our residents are "disconnected" as a result of connectivity disparities. Our partners at the Bronx Community Foundation found striking data: the Bronx has the lowest broadband adoption rates of any borough, and the disparities are even more pronounced at the neighborhood level with 38% of the Bronx not having access to broadband. As an administration, we are committed to working with partners like Link NYC to bridge the digital divide in our Borough.
Earlier this month, The Bronx Economic Development Corporation and Business Initiative Corporation of New York announced a $10 million loan fund for our Bronx small businesses. The loans will range from $5,000 to $350,000 for payroll, inventory purchases, new equipment and other things that could be vital to our Bronx businesses. We encourage our Bronx small owners to apply. For more information, click here.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.
In partnership,
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson
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