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

Dear Neighbor,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review. 

We did it! The 29th annual Tour de Bronx was a huge success! Thank you to our cyclists, The Bronx Tourism Council, the NYPD, our volunteers, partners and our cyclists for making this legendary Bronx event possible. We hope to see you all next year!

Thank you also to all of our partners that joined us for our Go Purple Day of Action Against Domestic Violence on 161st Street. It’s critical that our communities have the resources to keep themselves and their families safe.

Lastly, I joined with Dr. Mitchell Katz, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H), and other officials at Bronx Borough Hall to announce an over $6 million investment in the Bronx’s public health facilities. We proudly allocated 19% of our capital budget to healthcare. The majority of which will go towards upgrading equipment for five facilities in the Bronx operated by Health + Hospitals. Bronxites deserve quality care and we are committed to improving the health infrastructure of our Borough.

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

IN THE COMMUNITY

This year’s Tour de Bronx was an overwhelming success! Thank you to all of our sponsors and the over 4,000 riders who joined us as we highlighted the parks, cultural institutions, businesses, and greenways that help make the Bronx a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. 

I joined with my colleagues in government, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, The Hip Hop Museum, BronxWorks and many others for the ribbon cutting of The Point, a 542 affordable housing complex sitting on the Harlem River Waterfront.

The Point will transform the community. It is a vibrant, multifaceted development that speaks to the heart of our neighborhood. Alongside these new homes, we opened 2.8 acres of breathtaking waterfront public park and esplanade connecting Mill Pond Park to the newly opened Children's Museum.

This space promises to become a cherished oasis for our community. A true labor of love. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this to life.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for DiVA Spa today. We were able to provide our participants with free manicures, facials, makeovers and massages while raising awareness on domestic violence and resources available in New York City.

MAYOR ADAMS, NYCEDC, PARTNERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS BREAK GROUND ON FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND FILM AND TV STUDIO CAMPUS IN MANHATTAN

 

Sunset Pier 94 Studios Expected to Create More Than 1,700 Jobs, $6.4 Billion in Economic Impact, and Significant Public Space Improvements

 

Project Brings $350 Million Private Investment to Manhattan’s West Side Through City Partnership with Vornado Realty Trust, Hudson Pacific Properties, and Blackstone

 

Part of Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Tour,” After City Set All-Time Total Jobs Record and Recovered All of Nearly 1 Million Jobs Lost During Pandemic

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today was joined by New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball, Vornado Realty Trust, Hudson Pacific Properties, Blackstone, elected officials, and community leaders to break ground on Sunset Pier 94 Studios — a first-of-its-kind film and TV campus coming to Manhattan’s West Side. Leveraging $350 million in private investment, the project is expected to create more than 1,700 jobs, including more than 1,300 construction jobs, add $6.4 billion to the local economy over the next 30 years, as well as adding new public restrooms, significant public space and bike safety improvements, and a new workforce development program to connect New Yorkers. The start of construction represents major progress on a site sitting vacant, where efforts to advance a project creating jobs and public open space have stalled for more than a decade.

 

The start of construction on Sunset Pier 94 Studios marks a major stop on Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Tour,” continuing to create jobs and power New York City’s economic recovery after the city set an all-time job record with 4.7 million total jobs, recovering the nearly 1 million jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project at Pier 94 also delivers on key initiatives in Mayor Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Making New York Work for Everyone” action plan, which recommended new investments to build on the city’s status as a hub for film and TV — driving both the city’s economy and its cultural and creative identity.

 

“New York City didn’t set an all-time jobs record by accident — we did it by strategically protecting public safety, investing in public space, and supporting and delivering for working people. This project at Pier 94 will do all three, and we are excited to bring our ‘Working People’s Tour’ to the West Side,” said Mayor Adams. “Sunset Pier 94 Studios will bring a major private investment to this public asset, activating this long-vacant space to create good-paying jobs, vibrant public space, and exactly the amenities this community has been asking for.”

 

“After breaking New York City’s all-time record for jobs, our administration forges ahead to ensure our economy remains the most competitive in the world and is accessible to all New Yorkers. Sunset Pier 94 Studios is part of our inclusive growth strategy and will cement New York City as the capital of world-class film and television production,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I want to thank NYCEDC, Vornado, Hudson Pacific, and Blackstone for working quickly to reach this major milestone.”

 

“It was only a few months ago that we announced this exciting new public-private partnership that’s going to bring jobs and a huge economic boon to the film and television industry here in New York City, and we are already breaking ground,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Kimball. “This is a huge milestone for the city and all our partners, and we are looking forward to cutting the ribbon on Manhattan’s first film, television, and content production facility, along with the significant improvements to the public realm and waterfront access on the West Side of Manhattan.”

 

“Congratulations to NYCEDC and partners on today’s milestone groundbreaking of the Sunset Pier 94 Studios, which is poised to become a major contributor to New York City’s film and television production industry,” said Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman. “With an economic impact of $82 billion and a role in supporting 185,000 jobs, it is easy to say that when our city’s film and television industry thrives, New York City thrives. Welcome Sunset Pier 94!”

 

Sunset Pier 94 Studios will be a first-of-its-kind space, home to state-of-the-art film, television, and content production technology that will make New York City even more competitive with other cities. Sunset Pier 94 will also provide impressive amenities for all New Yorkers to enjoy, including new public restrooms for Hudson River Park, an 1,850-square-foot community amenity space, 25,000 square feet of waterfront open space on the pier, and safety improvements to the existing greenway. There will also be a program to support workforce development and training programs to connect residents to opportunities in film, television, commercial and other media production.

 

The project represents a total investment of approximately $350 million from Vornado, Hudson Pacific, and Blackstone. The project construction will utilize $183 million in construction financing led by RBC with expected completion by the end of 2025.

 

New York City’s film and TV industry has grown significantly over the last decade, supporting 185,000 jobs, generating over $18 billion in wages, and contributing more than $82 billion in economic impact. After struggling during the pandemic, the city’s arts and entertainment sector continues to show positive momentum in its jobs recovery — growing nearly 16 percent between May 2022 and May 2023 and recovering nearly 46,000 jobs since the start of the pandemic. The new Writers Guild of America labor contract, reached in September, represents continued progress for the sector, with a new contract for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists hopefully soon to follow.

 

“The swift commencement of construction on Sunset Pier 94 Studios is representative of the strength of this public-private partnership and the demand we anticipate for the first purpose-built studio facility in Manhattan,” said Victor Coleman, chairman and CEO, Hudson Pacific Properties. “We know the local entertainment industry is hungry for a modern, ideally located production facility and we look forward to delivering and operating this unique project to meet those needs.”

 

“Sunset Pier 94 Studios is a tremendous project for New York City that will generate new jobs, while further beautifying the Hudson River waterfront,” said Michael Franco, president and chief financial officer, Vornado Realty Trust. “Our collective willingness and ability to move forward despite the challenging financial markets is a testament to our confidence in the promise of creating such a dynamic new product in Manhattan.”

 

NY State Comptroller DiNapoli Announces New $50 Million Investment in Northern Ireland

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli was joined in Belfast by Joseph Kennedy III, U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Northern Ireland Economic Affairs and Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars, an international private equity investor, to announce a new $50 million commitment to invest in Northern Ireland companies from the New York State Common Retirement Fund. The investment from the state pension fund’s private equity program will be managed by 57 Stars, a Washington D.C. based investment manager.

“Northern Ireland’s dynamic economy has proven a good investment for our state pension fund and I am gratified that we have the opportunity to expand on our long-standing economic relationship,” DiNapoli said. “Our commitments in Northern Ireland have provided a solid return and that’s good news for the 1.1 million working and retired members of our pension system. But I am equally pleased that we can continue to participate in Northern Ireland’s economic growth, to help foster employment for all communities under the MacBride principles, and support the peace process.”

Kennedy underscored that, “For years, Comptroller DiNapoli and the members of the New York Pension system have bet on the people of Northern Ireland and invested their pension dollars in Northern Ireland’s future.  Their faith in the people and the business opportunities have been rewarded, and I’m thrilled that the Comptroller and the people of New York are set to renew their investment given the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”

“Northern Ireland is a smaller market that possesses numerous hidden gem businesses,” McGuire said. “Companies there are globally competitive and boosted by a highly educated workforce. Having a foot in both the UK and European customs zone further enhances Northern Ireland’s competitiveness and its significant advanced manufacturing industry is poised to benefit. In this landscape, 57 Stars has found compelling investment opportunities. This investment addresses the historical challenge of accessing capital and it validates the market’s potential returns. We are excited to continue our relationship with the Fund and create partnerships with more companies in Northern Ireland to help them realize their growth ambitions.”   

57 Stars will seek out investment opportunities in companies in Northern Ireland across an array of sectors. The $50 million earmarked for Northern Ireland is part of a larger $175 million commitment to 57 Stars for international markets in Europe and elsewhere.

Including today’s announcement, the state’s pension fund has committed almost $110 million to private equity investments in Northern Ireland since 2005. To date, approximately $48 million (£39 million) has been allocated to investments in Northern Ireland’s manufacturing, tech and healthcare sectors. Including DiNapoli’s newest commitment, approximately $58 million is available for investment. 

Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams Announce Completion of LGBTQIA+ Affirming Housing Development in Central Harlem

Homeward Central Harlem Provides 50 Homes for Young Adults in an LGBTQIA+-Affirming Environment with Supportive Services from Homeward NYC

Governor Kathy  Hochul  and Mayor Eric Adams today announced that construction is now complete on a 50-unit LGBTQIA+-affirming supportive housing development for formerly homeless young adults. Homeward Central Harlem builds upon the Governor's commitment to serve and protect LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers and to invest in their right to fair and quality housing that meets their needs.

“With 50 units of supportive housing and comprehensive counseling, case management, and community resources located right on-site, Homeward Central Harlem is a testament to New York’s ongoing commitment to supporting our LGBTQIA+ community,” Governor Hochul said. “Homelessness, housing insecurity, and discrimination are still a reality for far too many LGBTQIA+ individuals in our state, but through transformative investments in housing and wraparound services and collaboration with partners like Mayor Adams and Homeward NYC, my administration will continue working to uplift this community and ensure that LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers of all ages can access safe, secure housing with the resources they need to thrive.”

In the last five years, Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved 7,500 affordable homes in Manhattan. Homeward Central Harlem builds on this effort and complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

The nine-story building offers 50 fully furnished studio apartments for adults aged 18 to 25 upon entry. Residents are referred by the NYC Department of Homeless Services, the Department of Youth and Community Development's Runaway & Homeless Youth program, and the Administration for Children's Services Foster Care. Housing is non-time limited, meaning residents do not age out on their 26th birthday.

Homeward NYC will provide on-site supportive services such as counseling, case management for residents to access financial and health care benefits, connections to community resources, group activities, and skills-building programs.

Residents will be provided with low-cost internet service. Located at 15 West 118th Street, the building will include energy efficient features for heating and cooling systems, lighting, and appliances.

Homeward Central Harlem was developed by Type A Projects and Azimuth Development Group.

State financing for the $22 million development included Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated over $14 million in equity and $2.5 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Enterprise Community Partners provided $1.8 million in subsidy.

All 50 rental units will receive NYC 15/15 rental assistance through HPD. This project initially assumed Supportive Housing Loan Program (SHLP) subsidy. Residents will pay 30 percent of their monthly income as rent, and NYC 15/15 will cover the difference up to the payment standard.

NYC 15/15 rental assistance is provided through long-term contracts with owners of private apartments, under which HPD issues monthly rental assistance payments for apartments occupied by eligible households. Assisted households are responsible for paying approximately 30 percent of their adjusted incomes towards the rent. HRA and DOHMH provide the social service provider a contract to offer onsite social services to NYC 15/15 participant households.

HPD has provided a full 420-c tax exemption for the building.

Large-Scale Iranian Heroin Trafficker Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MALEK BALOUCHZEHI, a/k/a “Malek Khan,” was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring to import heroin into the United States and distributing heroin for importation into the United States. BALOUCHZEHI was convicted after a one-week jury trial in May 2023 before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman, who imposed today’s sentence. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Malek Balouchzehi was in the business of peddling poison.  His drug trafficking operations had already brought large-scale quantities of deadly narcotics around the world for at least a decade, but when he sought to expand his operation to the United States, our law enforcement allies, in partnership with the career prosecutors of this Office, swiftly put an end to his life-endangering trade.” 

According to court documents and the evidence presented at the trial of BALOUCHZEHI:

BALOUCHZEHI is an Iran-based drug trafficker.  In or about September 2019, BALOUCHZEHI and his associate began communicating with individuals whom BALOUCHZEHI believed were heroin traffickers interested in large quantities of heroin for importation into the United States, as well as methamphetamine for distribution in Australia.  Those individuals were, in fact, a confidential source working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and an undercover DEA agent posing as a New York-based heroin distributor.  In December 2019, BALOUCHZEHI caused a sample of approximately two kilograms of heroin to be delivered in Mozambique with the understanding that those drugs would be transported to the United States for testing and sale.  Following this sample shipment, BALOUCHZEHI planned to supply larger quantities of heroin for importation to and distribution within the United States.  In meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, in October 2021, BALOUCHZEHI agreed to distribute ton quantities of heroin for importation to New York and to provide the heroin via maritime routes, using a fishing company to conceal his narcotics activities, in order to make millions in profits.  During these meetings in Nairobi, BALOUCHZEHI also described his prior international drug trafficking activities over the last decade, including transporting loads of thousands of kilograms of heroin, and showed photographs evidencing his large-scale trafficking operation.

In addition to the prison term, BALOUCHZEHI, 40, of Iran, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and New York Field Division; the DEA’s Nairobi, Maputo, Pretoria, Bucharest, and Jakarta Country Offices; the Kenyan National Police; the Mozambique National Criminal Investigation Services; and the Western Australia Police Force.  Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance.