Dear Neighbor,
Join us for a day of community during our annual African Heritage Festival on (NEW DATE) Saturday, September 23rd at Lou Gehrig Plaza at 10 AM!
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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There are more than 150,000 catch basins in the city.
Sixty-five people came to the monthly Spencer Estates/Country Club meeting at the Living Manna Church to learn more about a new store being labeled an illegal Smoke Shop. George Havranek wanted to know why the store lessee did not report to the 45th precinct that there was a break in and robbery last week.
Community Leader George Havranek said the Quality of Life is spiraling down, people are being robbed, local stores are being robbed, and a majority of people think the city is going in the wrong direction. He spoke of the changes in the law by outgoing City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito to weaken the authority of the police in matters such as impounding illegal products.
George then invited the agent of the store in question the nephew of the building owner who said the store was going to be a Gelato and organic snack store after two other businesses failed there as nail salons. The renter of the store also came up and George said that the lease for the store states its us to be as a deli. George pulled up on his phone a letter from the Community Board 10 District Manager which states store use to be for a deli only. After some more back and forth the realter and store lessee were asked to leave and told to come back to the next meeting October 17th with the owner of the building to see if he knows what kind of store is going into his building.
The meeting adjourned shortly after George asked for people to go to the next Community Board 10 full board meeting to complain about what they call another illegal smoke shop coming into the board area.
It was the day after the twenty-second anniversary of the World Trade Center attack, and the PPNA had their monthly meeting. In attendance were Transit Division 12 Captain Ashraf, Transit Police Community Affairs officer Cepeda Chavez, and two Transit Police officers. Also at the meeting were 49th Precinct Crime Prevention Officer Mederos and Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.
Captain Ashraf gave a description of what his officers do on train platforms and inside the trains. He said that in the 49th Precinct he is responsible for the #2, #5, and #6 trains with six platforms. Transit Division 12 is located on Morris Park Avenue at East 180th Street just below the subway station.
Officer Mederos filled in for the vacationing Deputy Inspector Kentish, and former Executive Officer Bautista who retired the day before the meeting. Officer Mederos told of the rising number of car thefts in the 49th Precinct, not to leave your cars running to go into a store to get something, and that if you own a Kia or Hyundia there is a factory recall to fix a problem that allows for turning on the motor without a key. He also mentioned that teams of riders on motorized bikes or scooters are snatching chains from people as they ride close by the victim.
Assemblyman Zaccaro Jr. spoke about what he plans to do when the assembly session begins after the new year, and he took questions which included locations of graffiti and other quality of life issues. He gave out the phone number to his office and said that people should let his office know of any new problems that come up.
A Maryland man was sentenced yesterday to 28 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang.
According to court documents, from at least August 2018 through July 2021, Brayan Alexander Torres, aka Spooky, 29, of Adelphi, was the “First Word” or leader of Weedams Locos Salvatrucha (WLS), an MS-13 clique operating primarily in Adelphi. MS-13 is an international criminal organization composed primarily of individuals from El Salvador or their descendants, with members operating throughout the United States. MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. MS-13 members earn promotions and improved standing within the gang for participating in attacks on rival gang members, often at the direction of MS-13 leadership.
On Aug. 8, 2020, Torres and other WLS members, including Franklyn Edgardo Sanchez, 26, of Adelphi, were gathered at a park in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where they agreed to murder Victim 4, who was suspected of cooperating with law enforcement and to whom Sanchez owed a debt. Sanchez was armed with a revolver and Torres handed a second revolver to another MS-13 member, instructing that person to shoot first when Victim 4 arrived. Sanchez and the other WLS member each fired multiple shots at Victim 4. When Victim 4 fell to the ground, Sanchez pistol-whipped him and stabbed him with a knife. Then Torres stabbed Victim 4 with a screwdriver. Torres and other WLS members dragged Victim 4’s body to a stream and left it there. As he was leaving the woods, Sanchez noticed he was bleeding and was concerned that his DNA may have been left on the body. To prevent the discovery of DNA or other evidence and to hinder the investigation and prosecution of Victim 4’s murder, Torres called other WLS members, including Agustino Eugenio Rivas Rodriguez, 25, of Silver Spring, Maryland, and ordered them to bring shovels to dig a hole and bury Victim 4’s body, which law enforcement later recovered with a bullet wound to the head.
On June 5, 2020, Torres conspired with other MS-13 members to kidnap and kill a female member of the rival 18th Street gang. Torres and Rivas Rodriguez ordered subordinate members of the gang to gather at a house with firearms in preparation for the murder, while another MS-13 associate was at a separate location the intended victim, identified as Victim 5. The group of MS-13 subordinates gathered with guns as Torres and Rodriguez had directed, and were preparing for murder when police arrived and interrupted the plan.
Torres also directed the collection of extortion payments, or “rents,” from at least two victims on behalf of WLS, knowing that victims made payments because WLS members had threatened to kill or injure them by flashing guns or baseball bats.
Torres participated in money laundering by transferring gang funds obtained through its extortion activities to MS-13 members and associates in El Salvador. Torres also accepted a delivery of rent payments that a WLS member had collected from three brothels, with the intent to use the funds to promote MS-13’s illegal activities, including extortion.
Previously, Sanchez; Hernan Yanes-Rivera, 22, of Adelphi; and Rivas Rodriguez were sentenced to 28 years, 22 years, and 16 years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the racketeering conspiracy.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland, Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore, and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department made the announcement.
The FBI, HSI, and Prince George’s County Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and Montgomery County Police Department.
Trial Attorney Christopher Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or you can call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Legislation (S. 4878-A/A. 398-A) Requires an Employer to Provide a Written Notice of the Right to File for Unemployment Benefits
Legislation (S. 2518/A. 836) Prohibits an Employer from Requesting or Requiring that an Employee or Applicant for Employment Disclose Personal Account Information
Legislation (S. 1902-A/A. 1245-A) Requires Notice to Unemployment Applicants of SNAP and WIC
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed three pieces of legislation to strengthen workers’ rights in New York State. This support will uplift workers in addition to recent employee protections surrounding mandatory political and religious meetings, strengthening wage theft penalties, and increasing benefits for injured workers. The Governor’s action builds upon her nation-leading worker agenda that includes historic plans to increase New York’s minimum wage and index it to inflation, offering 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave to more than 150,000 state employees, and other initiatives to increase wages and benefits, expand prevailing wage, connect job seekers to employment opportunities, and help ensure retirement security for private sector workers.
“New York workers are the engines behind our robust economy and my administration will continue taking action to uplift them,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislative package will provide workers across New York State with fair wages and allow them to support themselves, their families, and our local economies.”
Legislation (S. 4878-A /A. 398-A) requires employers to give notice to their employees that they are eligible for unemployment insurance whenever the employer makes a permanent or temporary separation of the employee or reduces hours to a point that the employee qualifies for total or partial unemployment.
Legislation (S. 2518/A. 836) prohibits employers from requesting or requiring username, login information, and passwords, of personal accounts as a c
Legislation (S. 1902-A/A. 1245-A) requires the Department of Labor to provondition of hiring, as a condition of employment, or for use in a disciplinary action.ide notice to unemployment applicants of the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC).
“Staten Island North Shore Action Plan” Outlines Vision for Approximately $400 Million Investment in Vibrant, Mixed-Use Waterfront Community, Estimated to Generate Nearly $4 Billion in Economic Impact
Goals Include Expanding Waterfront Access, Accelerating Housing Creation, Reimagining and Redeveloping Key Sites, and Prioritizing Local Hiring and Career Pathways
Delivers on Major Commitment from Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Agenda”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball, and New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks today recommitted to prioritizing the future of Staten Island’s North Shore by unveiling the “Staten Island North Shore Action Plan: Building a Vibrant, Mixed-Use Waterfront Community.” The four-year roadmap delivers on calls from the local community for a clear and unified vision for the North Shore and emerges from months of collaboration between the NYCEDC, Councilmember Hanks, and numerous city agencies and community partners.
Building on a generational city investment of approximately $400 million, the plan details strategic investments to the North Shore of Staten Island that will unlock 20 acres of public open space, create over 7,500 family-sustaining jobs, generate an estimated economic impact of $3.8 billion, and accelerate the completion of over 2,400 units of housing. The plan delivers on a major component of Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Agenda,” released in January 2023, which launched community engagement on a North Shore community engagement process with the goals of building new housing, expanding waterfront access and flood resiliency, creating job opportunities, and fostering mixed-use development.
“For too long, our economic development plans have focused on Manhattan and slices of Brooklyn and Queens — but New York is a five-borough city,” said Mayor Adams. “Our plan for the North Shore executes on a once-in-a-generation investment of more than $400 million to bring homes, a school, jobs, open space, waterfront access, and flood resiliency to Staten Island — but, more importantly, it offers more breaks to hard-working New Yorkers who have historically faced long commutes and fewer economic opportunities. We’re grateful to Councilmember Hanks for her invaluable leadership in helping us shape this plan and invest in a neighborhood where New Yorkers can truly live and thrive.”
“Our administration’s top priority has always been an equitable and comprehensive economic recovery that sets up New Yorkers in all five boroughs for the future. This action plan delivers on that promise and puts forward a comprehensive revitalization for Staten Island’s North Shore that will deliver affordable housing, create good-paying jobs, and build a world-class waterfront,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I want to thank Councilmember Kamillah Hanks and EDC President Andrew Kimball for their determined efforts and renewed commitment to the Staten Island community.”
“The North Shore of Staten Island is home to endless possibilities, and now, thanks to the leadership of Mayor Adams and collaboration with Councilmember Hanks, we have a clear roadmap to deliver results for Staten Islanders once and for all,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Kimball. “This action plan prioritizes reclaiming the waterfront for public access, making strategic investments throughout the community, and prioritizing career pathways and good-paying jobs for residents. We look forward to working alongside our partners in the public and private sector to bring this plan to life and bolster a community that has long been promised a vibrant, mixed-used neighborhood.”
Additional core components of the Staten Island North Shore Action Plan include:
Redeveloping and Reopening Pier 1: Originally built for marine transportation and partially closed since 2017, NYCEDC plans to reactivate Pier 1 for public waterfront access and is currently working with local elected officials to secure additional funding to complete the project.
A New Request for Proposals for the Bank Street Site: At the site of the former New York Wheel project, NYCEDC plans to release a new request for proposals later this year to solicit plans to activate the terminal building with year-round programming and events, along with new waterfront open space.
A Request for Proposals for the New Stapleton Waterfront Site:the first six-acre phase of open space opened in 2016, advance the ongoing transformation of a 35-acre former U.S. Navy base into a campus with public open space, more than 2,000 mixed-income homes, new community facilities, and a 600-seat public school. NYCEDC will issue a new development request for proposals for the site’s southern phase in fall 2023 and plans to conclude its open space development in 2027.
Restoring Public Access at the St. George Esplanade: Alongside the Bank Street site, NYCEDC plans to restore public waterfront access to this three-acre stretch that has been closed to the public in recent years and which faced severe weather damage.
Lighthouse Point and Staten Island Urby: NYCEDC will work to accelerate completion of these two existing housing projects.
Construction will resume in the fall of 2023 on this $400 million public investment, focusing on executing the long-promised, two-mile waterfront esplanade, stretching from Stapleton to Tompkinsville to St. George — creating 20 acres of continuous waterfront access. The plan will also fully unlock the potential of the 2019 Bay Street rezoning, the 2008 St. George rezoning, and the 2006 Stapleton Waterfront rezoning.
These public investments, including 20 acres of waterfront open space, 2,400 homes on city-owned land, and 600 new New York City Department of Education K-8 school seats are anticipated to leverage significant additional privately developed homes and commercial space. Building on NYCEDC’s work with local schools and community groups in the offshore wind industry, NYCEDC and its partners will connect development in the action plan with local job placement and career pathway opportunities on Staten Island’s North Shore.
The action plan pledges ongoing work with Mayor Adams, Councilmember Hanks, and existing private sector partners to ensure past commitments are delivered on, while also highlighting the unique development opportunities on Staten Island’s North Shore to new private sector partners. At Empire Outlets, for example, NYCEDC will support efforts to create a more dynamic retail experience. NYCEDC will also support capital upgrades and a new brewpub and dining experience at the Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
In addition to detailing public investment on the North Shore, the action plan includes initiatives to leverage public investment to support private development, continue supporting arts and culture on the North Shore, and facilitate partnerships between NYCEDC and private stakeholders to prioritize economic mobility and job opportunities for the local community.
“The North Shore of Staten Island is one of New York City’s diverse, up-and-coming waterfront neighborhoods and it deserves strong investments in its future. Thanks to this action plan, and the Department of City Planning’s upcoming collaborative planning work for Richmond Terrace, we’re ready to create new homes, jobs, amenities, and waterfront access to help these communities thrive,” said New York City Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick.
“Improving waterfront access across the city can provide exciting opportunities to create important recreational and transportation corridors for cyclists and micromobility users,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We look forward to working with the EDC, our sister agencies, and Staten Islanders to build better connections to the North Shore waterfront.”
“We’re thrilled that this action plan will create 20 acres of continuous waterfront access — connecting Staten Islanders with open spaces to enjoy spectacular views, get fresh air and exercise, and enjoy opportunities for recreation. It will also bolster flood resiliency for our public spaces as the city deals with the effects of climate change and severe weather,” said New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We’re grateful to Mayor Adams, NYCEDC, and Councilmember Hanks for their commitment to revitalizing the esplanade and making the North Shore a more vibrant place for New Yorkers and visitors alike.”
“The new roadmap laid out by Mayor Adams and President Kimball is a major milestone in our mission to unleash the potential of Staten Island’s North Shore,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “These plans will guide the development of a world-class waterfront district that everyone can enjoy, while also bringing in new, good paying jobs for Staten Islanders. Not only will new businesses and residents flock to the North Shore, but the small businesses that already call the neighborhood home will thrive, grow, and expand.”
“We believe the North Shore waterfront is an untapped jewel. That jewel should be shined for the whole world to see and for all Staten Islanders to enjoy,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “We must commit ourselves to use this time to enhance and to improve the waterfront once and for all. We are thankful that Mayor Adams and NYEDC delivered on their promise to invest in Staten Island and revitalize an area that has long been ignored. We are excited for the prospect that someday soon, the waterfront will be fully accessible for the community to enjoy and utilized fully for recreation, housing, and community engagement. Additionally, we are excited to see this project be utilized to provide good-paying jobs and economic opportunity for Staten Islanders.”
“New York City is making history and fulfilling Staten Island’s destiny thanks to Mayor Eric Adams, Borough President Vito Fossella, Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, and NYCEDC’s Andrew Kimball,” said Peter Lisi, president, Van Duzer Civic Association. “Collaboratively, they have managed to catch a dropped ball and slam dunk it for the whole community. Their efforts will finally bring a long overdue workable and walkable waterfront to life, creating a beautiful destination for generations to enjoy. Pier 1 will be brought back to its original glory, unlocking the full potential of Staten Island’s North Shore waterfront.”
“For years, the St. George waterfront has been closed to the community and allowed to deteriorate after it was taken hostage for an unpopular and unsuccessful wheel project. On behalf of the St. George Civic Association, I am very pleased to learn that there are plans to intelligently reopen our waterfront and cohesively link it to developments in our neighboring communities of Tompkinsville and Stapleton,” said Eileen Harrington, president, St. George Civic Association. “I look forward to working with Mayor Adams and his administration to develop the plans for much-needed community access and recreation.”
Funds are Part of $4.8 million the City is Awarding Including the First-Ever Commercial District Lighting Grant
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) announced yesterday it will award a total of $4.8 million in Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360° grants, Strategic Development Grants, and the first-ever Commercial District Lighting Grants to 44 community-based development organizations (CBDOs) working in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods.
“The 161st Street Business Improvement District is ecstatic to be part of the 2023 Avenue NYC cohort,” said 161st Street Business Improvement District Executive Director Trey Jenkins. “Having a Program Manager dedicated to surveying our small businesses and the community not only in our district but throughout the South Bronx will do wonders for our area and will allow our BID to continue serving our stakeholders at a high level.”
"Our Administration is committed to implementing new, innovative ways to revitalize our neighborhoods, and the investments we are making through Avenue NYC, Neighborhood 360°, and now the Commercial District Lighting Grants will help strengthen commercial corridors citywide, including in areas that have historically not seen City investment," said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. "Partnership is the way we get things done, and I want to thank our community partners for their steadfast work in promoting thriving neighborhoods and equitable development."
"I am pleased to announce the recipients of our next round of grants for our Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360° programs, Strategic Development Grants, and the brand-new Commercial District Lighting Grants," said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. "These grants aren’t just numbers with a dollar sign next to them—they are investments in people and in communities. They are critical to making New York the City of Yes, and to making our commercial corridors not just spaces for small businesses to be in, but spaces for them to thrive in."
The Avenue NYC grant program includes:
About the 161st Street Business Improvement District:
Founded as the Capitol District Management Association in 2009, the 161st Street Business Improvement District (BID) was created to provide a vibrant commercial district and improve the quality of life for those who live, work, visit and shop on 161st Street in the Bronx. The 161st Street BID aims to keep the streets clean, promote commerce and enrich the area through special events and cultural projects. The BID is in the heart of the Bronx Capitol District, located on and around 161st street in the shadows of Yankee Stadium. In addition to Yankee Stadium, the district contains many municipal buildings, recreation sites, community organizations, unique shops, restaurants and services. To learn more about the 161st Street BID and stay up-to-date on all happenings in the area, make sure visit 161bid.org and follow the BID on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
About Avenue NYC
SBS’ Avenue NYC program is a competitive grant program that funds and builds the capacity of CBDOs, including business improvement districts (BIDs), local development corporations, merchants associations and other locally serving nonprofits operating in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, to execute commercial revitalization projects. Avenue NYC is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. More information on Avenue NYC can be found at nyc.gov/avenuenyc.
About Neighborhood 360°
SBS’ Neighborhood 360° program identifies, develops, and launches commercial revitalization projects in partnership with local stakeholders. Through proactive planning and targeted investments, Neighborhood 360° supports projects that strengthen and revitalize the streets, small businesses, and community-based organizations that anchor New York City neighborhoods. For more information on Neighborhood 360°, please visit nyc.gov/neighborhood360.
About the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go to nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
