Thursday, November 9, 2023

Penn Station Access Newsletter - Issue 6 (November 2023)

 

Welcome to the Penn Station Access project quarterly newsletter. Penn Station Access will bolster equity, regional connectivity, and reliability by providing a new transit option. Read on to learn more about recent progress, upcoming work, and community engagement efforts. For past newsletter issues, click here. For updates on specific areas along the project corridor where work will take place, sign up here.

Para obtener más información sobre los hitos recientes del proyecto y el trabajo próximo, haga clic aqui.


PSA Progress


Since you last heard from us in August, we’ve made significant headway with construction. The Design-Builder successfully installed Leggett Interlocking special Track 1 work components, enabling Track 1 to return to service on September 1, 2023, concluding the 6-month long-term outage. Additionally, the Design-Builder made notable progress constructing overhead catenary structures (OCS), drainage infrastructure at Leggett and Van Nest, and micropiles at the Eastchester Road and Bronxdale Avenue Bridges. 


Left: Workers Excavate Trench For OCS Cables at Leggett, August 2023        

Right: PSA construction workers install OCS portal at Leggett Interlocking, October 2023


Upcoming Work


The Penn Station Access project team is planning for a busy year ahead, commencing site preparation at Morris Park and Co-op City station areas, completing Leggett Interlocking, and advancing several major work elements.

Meet the Team


Following Tom McGuinness’s retirement in August 2023, MTA’s Jolyon Handler was selected as the new Project Executive for the Penn Station Access project. Jolyon brings 20 years of experience in construction management that he honed during his time working for Columbia University in the Project Controls & Administration Department and as the Senior Vice President of the Empire State Development Corporation. During his time with Empire State Development, Jolyon was the Deputy Project executive for the Javits Center Expansion project, and later worked on the Moynihan Train Hall project. This ignited his passion for the transit infrastructure of New York, leading to him joining the MTA in 2019 as the Project Executive for the East End Gateway and Long Island Rail Road  Concourse Renovation project, improving passenger circulation and easing congestion while traveling to Penn Station. Jolyon is dedicated to the process of creating and administrating projects; working with a team, building consensus, and solving problems to bring innovative projects to fruition and is excited to bring Metro-North service to underserved Bronx communities.

Above: Project CEO Jolyon Handler (left) with MTA executives in Moynihan Train Hall, March 2023

Community Corner

The Penn Station Access project is dedicated to actively engaging with community members and local leaders. The project team provided a briefing to the Bronx-Westchester Community Council on September 21, 2023 and has been convening with Bronx Community Boards 2, 9, 10, and 11 throughout October and November to give construction updates, highlight street level impacts, and answer questions. In addition, we were invited by New York City’s Department of City Planning and New York City Council to attend the Bronx Metro-North Station Area Plan virtual Community Engagement Information Session and in-person Public Workshops for each of the station areas to engage with local residents face-to-face. To enhance the benefits brought by the Penn Station Access project, New York City’s Department of City Planning is conducting the Bronx Metro-North Station Areas Study, regarding the City’s plans to rezone the station areas, allowing new housing and job centers to be constructed. To stay up to date on these planning efforts, visit the Bronx-Metro North webpage.

Above: PSA project representatives at the Parkchester/Van Nest & Morris Park Public Workshop, October 2023

Transit History: All Aboard the Hell Gate Bridge

We’re thrilled that Metro-North trains will soon be connecting Bronx residents to the heart of Manhattan through the iconic Hell Gate Bridge. The Hell Gate Bridge is named after the water that it crosses, a part of the East River that became known for treacherous currents, and whirlpools. Early Dutch explorers called it Hellgat because of the dangers of sailing through the strait. The Hell Gate Bridge was designed by engineers Gustav Lindenthal and Henry Hornbostel, who also designed the Queensboro Bridge. Construction on the Hell Gate Bridge was completed in 1916 and it opened to passenger rail traffic on April 1, 1917. Today, the Hell Gate Bridge carries the Amtrak Northeast Corridor (NEC) over the East River in New York City, providing an all-rail route from Boston to Washington through New York City. Approximately 40 Amtrak Northeast Regional and Acela Express trains cross the bridge each day, as well as freight trains, offering customers scenic views of New York City’s skyline.

Left: Traveling cranes build out one half  of the Hell Gate Bridge’s main arch from each shore, September 1915 Source: Library of Congress          

Right: Hell Gate Bridge, November 2022  Photo Credit: Trent Reeves/MTA  


Contact Us


Interested community members can now sign up for updates on specific areas along the project corridor where work will take place.


Website: http://new.mta.info/project/penn-station-access

Email: PSAOutreach@mtacd.org

Phone: 347-263-7837


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

 

Dear Neighbor,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review. 


Happy Veteran's Appreciation Month to all who have served. We are grateful for you sacrifice. Thank you for all you've done and all that you continue to do for us!


The Request for Proposal (RFP) is out for applicants to apply to be vendors on Orchard Beach!


The RFP is for the development, operation, and maintenance of a restaurant, snack bar, and merchandise concessions at the Orchard Beach Pavilion, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx. For more information on how to apply, click here.


Lastly, New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that applications are now open for 2024 Open Streets and Public Space Programming partners. To apply, 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



IN THE COMMUNITY


I was proud to join with Council Member Eric Dinowitz to announce the passing of our resolution to recognize November as Veteran Appreciation Month! 


Thank you CM Dinowitz for his partnership and support. Lastly, thank you to our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice. We are so grateful for all you’ve done for us.



Congratulations to Dime Community Bank on the re-opening of its Bronx branch!


Dime has a long history and commitment to helping our small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to capital, loan programs and financial assistance.


We look forward to our partnership to support our small businesses in the Borough.



Congratulations to Royal Care on the opening of Emerest Connect Studio. A new center that will serve homebound elderly and disabled individuals throughout all five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester using remote technology.


The Emerest Connect Studio is an all-encompassing TV studio that focuses on creating happier and healthier patients through interactive gamification efforts, social work, group sessions, and guest appearances to educate/engage patients in classes such as embroidery, cooking, and more.


We are so excited for our older adults to join in on the virtual fun!


COMMUNITY EVENTS





Wall Street Director and Head Trader Charged for U.S. Treasuries Market Fraud Scheme

 

A federal grand jury in Newark, New Jersey, returned an indictment that was unsealed charging a Wall Street bond trader for a scheme to manipulate the U.S. Treasuries market.

“Securities fraud and manipulation, as alleged here, victimize investors and degrade the integrity of our public securities markets,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department will continue to protect our financial systems and investors by holding accountable those who violate our securities laws.”

According to court documents, between approximately April 2018 and May 2019, Jeyakumar Nadarajah, 39, who was employed as a director at a bank in New York and head of the desk that was responsible for trading U.S. Treasuries, allegedly engaged in a scheme to mislead market participants in the secondary (or cash) market for U.S. Treasuries. Nadarajah is alleged to have engaged in a spoofing and layering scheme that involved placing orders that he did not intend to execute in order to create the appearance of false supply and demand, and to fraudulently induce other market participants to trade at prices, quantities, and times that they otherwise would not have traded.

“There’s money to be made in the financial markets. And if there’s money to be made, it means that fraudsters are right there looking to take advantage of other market participants,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “Whether it’s a simple investment scam or a complex scheme like the one Mr. Nadarajah allegedly tried to pull off, Postal Inspectors are there to bring the scammers to justice.”

Nadarajah is charged with two counts of wire fraud, seven counts of securities fraud, and seven counts of securities manipulation. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, securities fraud, and securities manipulation.

USPIS is investigating the case.

Assistant Chief Scott Armstrong and Trial Attorney John J. Liolos of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Use Caution as Winter Weather Expected to Impact Travel in Some Locations Through Thursday Morning


Counties in North Country, Mohawk Valley, Capital, and Mid-Hudson Regions Could See Up to One Inch of Light Snow and 1/4 Inch of Ice Accumulation Especially in Higher Elevations

Icy Conditions During Thursday Morning Commute Especially Across Higher Elevations, Bridges, Overpasses and Untreated Roadways

Winds Gusting Up to 35 MPH Could Cause Isolated Power Outages in Some Locations

Storm Preparation B-Roll and Sound Bites Available Here from Frank Hoare, NYS Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director and Robert Fitch, Director of Transportation Maintenance for NYSDOT

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to use caution this evening and through the Thursday morning commute as freezing rain and subsequent icy conditions are forecast to impact portions of the state. Several counties in the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Capital, and Mid-Hudson regions are expected to be impacted with wintry weather, especially in higher elevations. Starting this evening, light snow and sleet are expected to transition to rain and freezing rain, creating icy conditions for the Thursday morning commute. Icy conditions are most likely to occur on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses as well as untreated roadways, with the greatest ice accretion expected across higher elevations. Some locations could see total snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of around one-quarter of an inch. Winds could gust up to 35 mph late Thursday morning and afternoon, which could cause isolated power outages in some locations.

“There is a chance of freezing rain and icy conditions starting early Thursday morning and could impact the morning commute in several places with dangerous travel conditions,” Governor Hochulsaid. “While New Yorkers are no strangers to adverse weather, I urge anyone planning to travel this evening or tomorrow to exercise caution and plan on a little extra time to get to where you are going. State agencies are prepared to assist local governments as needed throughout this winter weather event.”

Several Winter Weather Advisories have been issued in advance of the winter weather starting this evening and continuing through Thursday afternoon for some locations. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

State Agency Preparations

Department of Transportation
The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with over 3,500 operators and supervisors available statewide. Regional crews are currently engaged in snow and ice preparation activities and all equipment is ready to deploy as needed.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

  • 1583 large plow trucks
  • 151 medium duty plows
  • 49 tow plows
  • 328 large loaders
  • 36 snow blowers

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511NY.org or the mobile site at m.511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority
The Thruway Authority is ready to respond to the winter storm with 667 operators and supervisors available statewide.

Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

  • 335 large and medium duty plow trucks
  • 10 tow plows
  • 62 loaders
  • More than 129,000 tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app, which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Safety Tips

Travel
Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

  • Do not drive unless necessary.
  • If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
  • If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
  • The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
  • It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.
  • Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it’s operating.

Power Outages

  • Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
  • Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
  • If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
  • To Report an Electric Outage, Call:
    • Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
    • Con Edison: 800-752-6633
    • National Grid: 800-867-5222
    • NYSEG: 800-572-1131
    • O&R: 877-434-4100
    • PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
    • RG&E: 800-743-1701

Heating Safety

  • Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
  • When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
  • Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
  • Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
  • If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
    • Follow the manufacturers' instructions.
    • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
    • Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
    • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
    • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

For more winter safety tips, visit https://dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit https://211nys.org.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON TENTATIVE SAG-AFTRA AGREEMENT WITH STUDIOS TO END STRIKE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams tonight released the following statement after SAG-AFTRA announced a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers:

 

“As New York City sets an all-time high jobs record and enters a new chapter of our recovery, the film and TV industry remains critical to a strong, inclusive economic future for our city. We are thrilled to hear that SAG-AFTRA has reached a tentative agreement that would allow thousands of small businesses and 185,000 New Yorkers to get back to work with good jobs, fair wages, and strong protections that will allow the industry to continue to grow and thrive. Our administration is investing in this critical industry with major projects like the cutting-edge Sunset Pier 94 Studios in Manhattan that, alone, is set to create more than 1,700 jobs for New Yorkers, and we’ve strengthened the state film tax credit to keep productions here. Once this tentative agreement is ratified, film and TV will continue to be at the center of not only the city’s economy but also its identity once again.”


Engineer Indicted for Bombing Energy Facilities in California

 

Defendant Used Explosives to Attack and Destroy Two Electrical Transformers, Affecting Scores of San Jose Households and Businesses

Peter Karasev, 36, a U.S. citizen residing in San Jose, was arraigned in the Northern District of California on an indictment charging him with destroying energy facilities and using fire or explosives to commit a federal crime.

According to court documents, Karasev was indicted on Oct. 19. As alleged in counts one and two of the indictment, Karasev knowingly and willfully damaged the property of two energy facilities – specifically, two PG&E transformers in San Jose, California on Dec. 8, 2022, and Jan. 5, 2023, respectively – and attempted to cause and caused significant interruption and impairment of those energy facilities. The indictment also alleges, in count three, that the defendant used fire and an explosive to commit a felony, specifically, the destruction of an energy facility on Jan. 5, 2023.

“These charges make clear that those who attack our country’s critical infrastructure will be met with the full force of the Justice Department,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We have charged Peter Karasev with bombing two energy transformers in Northern California, leaving more than 1,500 households and businesses in the San Jose community without power. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern District of California and the FBI for their work to bring the defendant to justice and prevent further harm to the San Jose community.”

"The indictment alleges that Karasev built explosive devices and used them to damage energy facilities, knocking out power to over 1,500 homes and businesses in the San Jose area,”  said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is laser focused on protecting the essential infrastructure that Americans rely on every day, and we and our partners like the San Jose Police Department will use every lawful means to hold anyone who targets that infrastructure accountable.”  

“The defendant in this case allegedly used explosives to try to cut off electricity to more than 1,500 San Jose businesses and residences,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Damaging our region’s critical infrastructure endangers innocent victims – including our most vulnerable citizens such as the elderly and the sick – and we will not tolerate it. We will vigorously prosecute any malicious attempts to disrupt the power grid.” 

As described in a government memorandum seeking Karasev’s pretrial detention, Karasev constructed, planted and ignited the explosive devices that caused each of the transformer explosions. Both attacks occurred during the early morning hours in commercial areas occupied by stores and businesses, and collectively terminated power to over 1,500 households and businesses in the San Jose community.

The government’s memorandum also detailed that in the months leading up to the attacks, Karasev was building and experimenting with homemade explosives, as well as manufacturing methamphetamine, in his own home. At the time of his arrest, Karasev was allegedly in possession of a range of improvised explosive devices in varying stages of completion, as well as multiple firearms, additional weapons, over 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, and other hazardous substances.

Karasev was arrested in March 2023 by local authorities and remained in custody on related state charges prior to his transfer to federal custody for this case. He is charged with two counts of destruction of an energy facility and one count of use of fire or an explosive to commit a federal felony. If convicted, Karasev faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison on count three to be served consecutively to any imprisonment imposed for either of the other counts. Karasev faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and the San Jose Police Department are investigating the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Disbarred Attorney Charged In COVID-19 Relief Loan Fraud Scheme

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging DOUGLAS RAYMOND ARNTSEN with masterminding a fraudulent scheme to obtain more than $1.3 million in government-funded loans designed to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  ARNTSEN was arrested this morning and presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah NetburnThe case is assigned to U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel. 


U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Douglas Raymond Arntsen, a disbarred attorney, recruited multiple co-conspirators in a scheme to defraud the government out of more than $1 million by submitting fraudulent loan applicationsThese loans were funded by the American taxpayers and meant to help small businesses struggling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemicThey were not meant to line people’s pockets for personal gainToday’s arrest demonstrates this Office’s ongoing commitment to holding accountable those who illegally profited from a national emergency.”

 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Arntsen allegedly recruited people who were facing financial stress amidst an unprecedented global pandemic into a fraudulent scheme to illegally obtain $1.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds intended for small businesses.  COVID-19 relief schemes abuse a government funded program that was designed to help small businesses who were struggling during a time of economic confusion.  The FBI will bring to justice anyone who attempted to fraudulently exploit COVID-19 relief programs for their personal benefit.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment, which was unsealed today:[1]

Between in or about June 2020 through at least in or about August 2020, DOUGLAS RAYMOND ARNTSEN orchestrated a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) by submitting fraudulent loan applications through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) Program.  In doing so, ARNTSEN recruited multiple co-conspirators.  ARNTSEN promised potential co-conspirators a way out of their difficult financial circumstances.  Certain of those co-conspirators trusted ARNTSEN because they thought he was an attorney.  In reality, ARNTSEN had been disbarred. 

ARNTSEN asked his co-conspirators to give him their personal information, including social security and driver’s license numbers, and then used this information to submit fraudulent loan applications to the EIDL program.  The applications submitted by ARNTSEN falsely claimed that the co-conspirators owned businesses that had substantial revenue.  Often, the co-conspirators named as owners of the businesses, in fact, had no legitimate connection to the businesses at all.  After the loan applications were submitted, ARNTSEN directed his co-conspirators to lie to the SBA during the loan diligence process.

ARNTSEN also directed his co-conspirators to recruit additional participants to his fraudulent scheme.  After one co-conspirator had obtained a fraudulent loan, ARNTSEN directed him, in sum and substance, to “[g]et me one more warm body.”  The co-conspirator proceeded to give ARNTSEN the personal information of a relative, which was then used to obtain another fraudulent loan.

ARNTSEN and his co-conspirators enriched themselves through the fraud.  In total, ARNTSEN and his co-conspirators obtained at least approximately $1.3 million in fraudulent loans and attempted to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional loans that the SBA declined to fund.  After one fraudulent loan was approved by the SBA, ARNTSEN texted a co-conspirator, in sum and substance, “Need how you want your bank checks.  Your chariot has arrived this morning.” 

ARNTSEN, 45, of Staten Island, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and additionally thanked the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Sowlati is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.