Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr.'s Statement On NYC Sheriff's Second Round of Smoke Shop Raids

New York County Sheriff's Department and Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr.'s Office Successfully Conduct Second Raid on Smoke Shops Selling Illegal Tobacco and Cannabis Products

On Monday, September 18, 2023, the New York County Sheriff's office conducted another successful round of targeted raids on businesses along White Plains Road in the Pelham Parkway area suspected of illegally selling tobacco and cannabis products. This was the second round of targeted raids in our district in recent weeks. This raid took place at the Pelham Bay Convenience Corporation (2180 White Plains Road) and Hookah Zone Convenience Inc. (634 Morris Park Ave). 

This round of inspections resulted in the following penalties:

• Five (5) arrests
• Criminal possession of a weapon
• Four (4) notice of violations with 21 violations and 135 counts of violations
• An estimated $153,600  in penalties 
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance (cocaine)

Seized products from the most current round of inspections include: 

• Flavored vape products
• Packages of THC flower weighing 31.46lbs
• THC pre-rolls weighing a total of 8.45lbs
• THC edibles weighing a total of 46.07lbs
• Mushroom products including chocolate bars and liquid containers with other hallucinogenic ingredients
• Packages of other tobacco products

Over the past few months, my office has been contacted by concerned constituents offering invaluable tips about how these businesses have been circumventing the law.  The information gathered was quickly turned over to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the New York County Sheriff's office for further investigation. 

I want to thank the constituents who reached out and the dedicated men and women of the New York County Sheriff's Office for their incredible work. These raids are a testament to the positive outcomes produced when elected representatives, residents, and community organizations work hand-in-hand.   Together, we'll continue to demonstrate our iron sense of purpose: Making our community a safe place for all.  

Statement from NYGOP Chair Ed Cox in response to mail-in early voting legislation

Cox: When Democrats Can't Compete, They Cheat 

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox today released the following statement in following Kathy Hochul signing into law a bill to allow mail-in early voting:

 

“When Democrats can’t compete, they cheat. This is a blatant effort to consolidate total, one-party control at every level of government.

 

“Mail-in early voting is a direct violation of New York’s State Constitution and will be challenged in court. This legislation is clear affront to the will of the voters who just two years ago resoundingly defeated a constitutional amendment to create ‘no-excuse absentee voting.’

 

“It is also important to note that neither the Assembly nor Senate conducted any public hearings on this measure before it was rushed to passage at the end of the legislative session.

 

“The Republican Party will continue the fight to protect election integrity and defend New Yorkers from Democrat extremists who blatantly ignore our state constitution and our political traditions.”

Renderings Revealed For Maven At 2413 Third Avenue In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

RXR has released new images of Maven, the developer’s latest residential project in the South Bronx. Located at 2413 Third Avenue in Mott Haven, the 27-story tower is designed by CetraRuddy Architects and contains 200 rental apartments, including 60 rent-stabilized units for middle-income households.

Tenants will have access to nearly 21,000 square feet of amenity spaces including a fitness center and yoga studio, outdoor lounge areas, coworking spaces, a game room, and a roof terrace with lounge areas and barbecue grills. The building also contains an on-site parking garage for 81 vehicles, electric vehicle charging stations, and a small retail component.

Rendering of Maven’s game room at 2413 Third Avenue – Courtesy of RXR

Rendering of Maven’s 2nd Floor Lounge at 2413 Third Avenue – Courtesy of RXR

View of an outdoor courtyard at Maven (2413 Third Avenue) – Courtesy of RXR

“RXR’s foray into The Bronx was a natural progression in our development strategy and Mott Haven, in particular, welcomed a unique opportunity to plant roots within a historic, burgeoning neighborhood,” said Joseph Graziose Jr., executive vice president of development services at RXR. “We strongly believe in the vibrancy of the South Bronx, with a rich cultural history that serves as endless inspiration for the creative community we’re looking to foster.”

Described as an “immersive experience,” much of the building’s ground floor and lobby will feature large-scale artwork from local and international artists. The collection currently includes ten large-scale installations ranging from 8 to 19 feet high.

View of the ground floor lobby at Maven (2413 Third Avenue) – Courtesy of RXR

View of a model living room at Maven (2413 Third Avenue) – Courtesy of RXR

View of a model kitchen at Maven (2413 Third Avenue) – Courtesy of RXR

Leasing at Maven launched earlier this month, led by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing. Available units range from one to three-bedroom layouts, all equipped with energy-efficient appliances and in-unit laundry machines.

The building is on track to open this fall.

Bronx Man Sentenced To 38 Years In Prison For 2018 Murder During Which He Shot The Victim’s Five-Year-Old Son

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Suave,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff to 38 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Jaquan Millien on October 23, 2018.  RODRIGUEZ shot and killed Millien in the Butler Houses in the Bronx, New York, in connection with a drug dispute.  During the shooting, RODRIGUEZ shot Millien’s five-year-old son, who was with his father at the time.  Thankfully, Millien’s son survived.  RODRIGUEZ was convicted following a five-day trial before Judge Rakoff on June 6, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Inside of a residential building in the Bronx, Joshua Rodriguez targeted, ambushed, and callously murdered Jaquan Millien over a drug dispute.  Worse still, Rodriguez shot and wounded Millien’s five-year-old son who was standing next to his father.  Millien’s son’s gunshot wound has healed, but the scars from witnessing the brutal murder of his father will last a lifetime.  Today’s lengthy sentence is yet another example of this Office’s promise to remain relentless in its prosecution of violent drug dealers.”

According to the evidence presented in court during the trial:

Between in or about 2012 and in or about 2018, JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ conspired with others to sell marijuana in an apartment building located at 1408 Webster Avenue (the “Apartment Building”).  In connection with his narcotics dealing, on or about October 23, 2018, RODRIGUEZ followed Jaquan Millien and his son into the Apartment Building after Millien picked up his son from school.  RODRIGUEZ cornered Millien and his son in the stairwell and fired multiple shots, killing Millien and hitting Millien’s son in the arm.

In addition to his prison term, RODRIGUEZ, 31, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work on the investigation.

Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on Converter Station for 339-mile Champlain Hudson Power Express

 

Start of Construction Paves Way for First-Ever Transformation of a Fossil Fuel Site into a Grid-Scale Zero-Emissions Facility in New York City

Will Convert 1,250 Megawatts of Clean Energy from Direct Current to Alternating Current Power

Accelerates Progress Toward New York’s Target of 70 Percent of State’s Electricity to Come from Renewable Sources by 2030

 Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside United States Department of Energy Deputy Secretary David Turk, Premier of Quebec Francois Legault, Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, and executive leadership from Transmission Developers and Hydro-Québec, announced the start of construction on the converter station for the 339-Mile Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line – paving the way for the first-ever transformation of a fossil fuel site into a grid-scale zero-emission facility in New York City. Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will convert 1,250 megawatts of clean energy from direct current to alternating current power that will be fed directly into the City’s power grid. Today’s announcement accelerates progress toward New York’s target of 70 percent of the State’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 as required by the nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

“Renewable energy plays a critical role in the transformation of our power grid while creating a cleaner environment for our future generations,” Governor Hochul said. “The transformation of a fossil fuel site into a zero-emission facility highlights the world of possibilities we have to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate the impact of climate change and accelerate our collective progress of shifting our power grid to go green.”

Located in Astoria, Queens, construction on the converter station officially began on June 22, including significant remediation work that was required to prepare the site for construction of this zero-emissions facility. In total, six tanks which previously stored 12 million gallons of No. 6 oil, as well as nearly four miles of piping were removed from the site. During peak construction, approximately 150 union workers will develop the facility with Kiewit Corporation as lead contractor for the site, which is expected to begin operating in 2026.

Construction on CHPE kicked off on November 30, 2022, in Whitehall, New York and since then project crews have been executing and preparing for construction activity throughout New York State. CHPE will provide competitively priced hydropower from Québec that is expected to deliver enough clean energy to power over one million homes and is expected to reduce harmful emissions by 3.7 million metric tons – the equivalent of removing approximately 44 percent of the cars from New York City streets. In addition, the project is also expected to provide a total of $3.5 billion in economic benefits to New Yorkers and create approximately 1,400 family-sustaining jobs during construction, with a commitment to use a significant amount of union labor.

The historic CHPE project was contracted under the State’s first-of-its-kind renewable energy and transmission program, known as Tier 4, which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The Tier 4 program is part of the Public Service Commission’s Clean Energy Standard, which is designed to cost effectively and responsibly facilitate the delivery of a significant increase of renewable energy to New York City, an area of the state that relies on aging fossil fuel-fired generation located largely in underserved communities. These communities experience the most significant air quality issues and health impacts from fossil fuel emissions and has a marked need for improved grid reliability and resiliency.

As part of the construction kickoff, CHPE today announced the first recipients of funding from the Green Economy Fund (GEF), a $40 million fund created by Hydro-Québec and Transmission Developers to support disadvantaged communities, low-income individuals, and transitioning fossil fuel workers in accessing and building careers in New York State’s green economy. The GEF’s direction is informed by an Advisory Board made up of experienced local community members, experts in workforce development, and environmental justice leaders across New York State.

Four awards totaling $750,000 will be provided to Pathways to Apprenticeship, Stacks + Joules, Nontraditional Employment for Women, and the NYC District Council of Carpenters Apprenticeship Journeyman Retraining Educational & Industry Fund (AJREIF). These four organizations are focused on workforce development and training initiatives geared towards building an equitable and inclusive climate industry, and the awarded programs have laid out clear paths to high-quality careers for low-income and disadvantaged New Yorkers. The next Request for Proposals as part of the GEF is set for early 2024 and will be focused specifically on training and development programs operating outside of New York City.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review. 

Today is voter registration day! Be sure to register to vote and make your voice heard. Click here to learn more.

 

Yesterday, we joined Westchester County Executive George Latimer in Westchester County to discuss shared priorities, updates, and future endeavors in our respective counties. To see a video recap of the meeting, click here.

 

Lastly, today, Wednesday, September 20th from 6PM-8PM we will be joining our colleagues in government and NYC Department of Planning to host a Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study Community Engagement Info Session. Join us at the Information Session to learn about four new Metro-North stations coming to the East Bronx. To register, 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

The recent string of violence in the Bronx has been truly heartbreaking. We must do more to preserve peace and life in our Borough.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Derrickmen and Riggers Recruit Apprentices

 

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for United Derrickmen and Riggers, Local Union #197, will conduct a recruitment from October 16, 2023 through October 27, 2023 for 30 Iron Worker (Stone Derrickman and Rigger) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Please note that the openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for the New York City and Long Island regions. This program’s jurisdiction includes the counties of Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester.

Applications must be obtained in person with a government-issued ID only at United Derrickmen and Riggers, Local Union #197, 47-10 32nd Place, Suite 403, Long Island City, NY 11101, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. Applications must be returned in person or via email at applications197@yahoo.com. This is a limited-application recruitment. Only 300 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The recruitment will be offered for 10 business days or until 300 applications have been issued, whichever comes first. Applications must be received no later than October 27, 2023. Applications will not be accepted when returned by mail.

Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $25.00. Please note, you may request that this fee be waived. Fee waivers will be approved upon showing verifiable proof of financial need.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED).
• Must be physically able to perform the work of an Iron Worker (Stone Derrickman and Rigger), as determined by a physical aptitude test, including:
• Carrying a cement bag for a distance of 50 feet.
• Climbing a ladder.
• Operating a wheelbarrow.
• Performing push-ups and sit-ups for three minutes.
• Must score 70% on the physical aptitude test.
• Must pass a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must participate in an interview.

For further information, applicants should contact United Derrickmen and Riggers, Local Union #197 at (718) 361-6534. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

BlakTinX Performance Series Kicks off Hispanic Heritage month at BAAD!

 

BAAD! Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with BlakTinX Performance Series 2023 From October 6 – November 18, 2023

Presenting Black and Latinx Artistic Excellence in the Bronx

BAAD! (Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance) thrillingly announces the lineup for its upcoming BlakTinX Performance Series 2023, a celebration of Black and Latinx artists who are pushing boundaries and reshaping the landscape of performance during Hispanic Heritage Month.

From October 6th to November 18th, 2023, audiences can experience a dynamic lineup of performances, workshops, and engaging conversations, both in-person and virtually. Among the lineup is Untitled Series, a re-contextualization of classic dance works under a queer, Latinx lens, choreographed by BAAD!’s Artistic Director and award-winning dancer, Arthur Avilés.

"Untitled Series is a testament to the rich tapestry of our Hispanic and Caribbean heritage, whose diverse artistic expressions continue to shape our community. BAAD!'s BlakTinX Performance Series proudly amplifies the voices and stories of Black and Latinx artists and honors the intersection of our identities and artistic expressions," says Avilés.

The prolific and award-winning choreographer Maria Bauman's MBDance brings, These are the bodies who have not borne, a work-in-progress performance-ritual to reimagine, celebrate and heal our wombs and the places where our wombs might be. Bauman and collaborators are centering the journeys of various Black and Brown folks: transmen, gender non-conforming people, non-binary folks, transwomen and cisgender women who are contending with feelings around not yet bearing a child through our own bodies--whether we expect to do that in the future or not.

Other BlakTinX highlights include Aliesha Bryan and Orlando Hernández 's powerful dance works exploring climate change and colonial legacies through flamenco and tap; and Charly Dominguez 's thought-provoking visual and performance art presentation ‘Age of Sabotage.’ The series will also feature presentations by Pepatián’s Dancing Futures Artists-in-Residence Queerly Femmetastic with a celebration of the legacy of Black burlesque, and Cocomotion with a poignant performance about the intricacies of relationships. Also, BAAD!’s special programs TransVisionaries and Courageous Conversations will offer intimate and empowering experiences for the queer community and allies.

Tickets range from free to $20, with discounts available for students, seniors, and local residents. Some events will be live-streamed for virtual access. Audiences are encouraged to visit BAADBronx.org for more information and to reserve tickets. All events are to take place at BAAD! (2474 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461) unless otherwise specified. The full schedule of events is as follows:

Fierce Footwork by Aliesha Bryan & Orlando Hernández

Dates: Friday and Saturday, October 6 & 7, 2023 @ 8pm |Tickets: In-person: $20 | Virtual: Free to $20

Aliesha Bryan presents "El Mensaje" , a new work on the specter of climate change that incorporates flamenco and contemporary dance, voice, and song. Orlando Hernández revisits “ Si así lo hicieseis, haréis bien...”, a 2017 solo excavating legacies of colonial violence, Indigenous interventions, and the possibilities of tap as resistance.

MBDance presents: These are the bodies that have not borne

Dates: Friday and Saturday, October 13 & 14, 2023 @ 8pm |Tickets: In-person: $20 | Virtual: Free to $20

Choreographer-performer Maria Bauman offers a performance-ritual to reimagine, celebrate and heal our wombs and the places where our wombs might be. It's a journey of not yet bearing a child for Black and Brown transmen, gender non-conforming individuals, non-binary people, transwomen, and cisgender women in this work-in-progress showing. Also featuring: Josiah Jay, Ke'Ron Jamaul, Rochelle Wilbun and Tsunami Maiolatesi.

Age of Sabotage

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023 @ 8pm | Tickets: In-person: $10

Visual Artist Charly Dominguez explores the challenges artists face within communities of color and the systemic barriers that hinder their prosperity, in this visual and performance art presentation featuring a collection of videos and live performance pieces.

Untitled Series: Homage II

Dates: Thursday & Friday, October 26 & 27, 2023 @ 8pm |Tickets: In-person: $20 | Virtual (Friday only): Free to $20

Arthur Avilés re-contextualizes classic dance works by Bill T. Jones, Ted Shawn, Vaslav Nijinsky and others, under a queer, Latinx lens. Featured dancers include: Nikolai McKenzie , Hunter Sturgis, Ariane Garcia , Yasmin Venable, Malinda Ray Allen & Josiah Jay.

HalloKween 2023

Date: Saturday October 28, 2023 @ 7pm |Tickets: In-person: Free

BAAD!’s annual Halloween dance party returns with open mic karaoke and spooky performances hosted by Bronx drag queens Appolonia Cruz and Vivika Westwood Mugler. Attendees will compete for a cash prize given to the fiercest costume.

BAAD! & Pepatián present: We Been Here: Black Burlesque Legacy

Dates: Friday & Saturday, November 3 & 4, 2023 @ 8pm | Tickets: In-person: $20 | Virtual: Free to $20

Dancing Futures Resident Queerly Femmetastic highlights legends from the historical Black burlesque scene in this residency performance. Starring Nita B. Yellowcakes, Miss Aurora BoobRealis, Perle Noire , Susie Dahl and Dominant Jeane. With support from the Jerome Foundation.

BAAD! & Afropolis Studios present: Homo Harlem: Gay Blues & Dirty Swing

Date: Friday, November 10, 2023 @ 8pm |Tickets: In-person: $20 | Virtual: Free to $20

Writer and Director Fred E. Geiger and Choreographer Karen Amatrading present a snapshot of gay life in Harlem during its mid-20th century heyday in this evening starring Diamond Redd and featuring Princess Tam Tam.

Simply the Best: Tina Turner Dance Tribute

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023 | Tickets: In-person: $20 | Virtual: Free to $20

Local choreographers Malinda Ray Allen & Michelle Smith, Ian Fernandez, Darius Gregory, Rush Johnston, Nuludanza and more in a dance tribute to musical shero Tina Turner in this rocking edition of BAAD!’s Dance Compilation series.

BAAD! & Pepatián present: Interludes

Dates: Friday & Saturday, November 17 & 18, 2023 | Tickets: In-person: $20 | Virtual: Free to $20

Dancing Futures Resident Cocomotion and Movement Collaborators Marcus Braggs , Muriel Peterson, Ze Motion and Luffy present a performance about relationships and the vicissitudes of life. With support from the Jerome Foundation.

Special events also happening this fall:

TransVisionaries: The Esoteric House of Transcendence

Date: Thursday, October 19, 2023

Venue: Maisonetta: 141 Lincoln Ave, Bronx, NY, 10454

Tickets: In-person: Free

BAAD! takes over Mott Haven restaurant Maisonetta for an evening of free, live performances featuring transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary artists with The Esoteric House of Transcendence, hosted by Linda La.

Courageous Conversations: Strategies for Living + Loving in America

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 @ 7pm |Tickets: In-person: Free | Virtual: Free

Executive Director Ben Garcia (The American LGBTQ+ Museum) and Visual Artist Sonia Melara ( Sacred Bodies) offer empowering strategies for queer communities & our allies on how to thrive in the current political climate.

For more information and ticketing, visit tickets.BAADBronx.org .

About BAAD!:

The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD!) is a nationally-recognized arts organization co-founded in 1998 by award-winning dancer/choreographer Arthur Avilés and writer/activist Charles Rice-Gonzalez. Through its arts programming, BAAD! presents cutting-edge works in dance and all creative disciplines that bring a queer perspective to the socio-political/cultural dialogue of The Bronx and New York City to empower women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

BAAD! receives support from The Ford Foundation, The Howard Gilman Foundation, The Mellon Foundation, The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The SHS Foundation, The Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, The Scherman Foundation, The Mosaic Fund, The Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, The New York State Council on the Arts, The Jerome Foundation, The Robbins Foundation, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, The John and Jody Arnhold Foundation and private donations. TransVisionaries, Courageous Conversations and Los Nutcrackers are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

The BlakTinX Performance Series 2023 receives specific funding from the New York State Council on the Arts, The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Mertz Gilmore Foundation with support for artist residencies by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and the Cultural Immigrants Initiative of the New York City Council. TransVisionaries and Courageous Conversations are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.