Housing Lottery Launches For McClellan Apartments At 1160 River Avenue In Concourse, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for McClellan Apartments at 1160 River Avenue in Concourse, The Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Maddd Equities LLC and Alembic Community Development, the structure yields 245 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 198 units for residents at 30 to 100 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $18,515 to $175,100.

McClellan Apartments at 1160 River Avenue in Concourse, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include an on-site super, recreation room, shared laundry room, bike storage, library, elevator, and an outdoor deck. Residences come with Caesarstone countertops, white appliances, and free in-unit broadband internet. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are eight studios with a monthly rent of $465 for incomes ranging from $18,515 to $33,900; ten one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $591 for incomes ranging from $23,178 to $38,130; three two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $700 for incomes ranging from $27,772 to $45,750; and four three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $800 for incomes ranging from $32,092 to $52,530.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 18 studios with a monthly rent of $866 for incomes ranging from $32,263 to $56,500; 31 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,092 for incomes ranging from $40,355 to $63,550; four two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,301 for incomes ranging from $48,378 to $76,250; and ten three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,494 for incomes ranging from $55,886 to $87,550.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there are 14 studios with a monthly rent of $1,266 for incomes ranging from $45,978 to $79,100; 38 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,592 for incomes ranging from $57,498 to $88,970; 19 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,901 for incomes ranging from $68,949 to $106,750; and three three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,188 for incomes ranging from $79,680 to $122,570.

At 100 percent of the AMI, there are five studios with a monthly rent of $1,527 for incomes ranging from $54,926 to $113,000; 14 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,918 for incomes ranging from $68,675 to $127,100; 10 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,292 for incomes ranging from $82,355 to $152,500; and seven three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,639 for incomes ranging from $95,143 to $175,100.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than February 22, 2024.

Attorney General James Leads Multistate Coalition Defending States’ Ability to Protect Americans Online

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James led a multistate coalition of 23 attorneys general today urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the government’s ability to work and communicate with social media companies to address the spread of dangerous content on their platforms. The coalition filed an amicus brief with the court in the case of Murthy v. Missouri, urging the Supreme Court to reverse a recent decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that prevents the important exchange of information between the federal government and social media companies about harmful content on their platforms.

“An open exchange of information between public authorities and social media platforms is critical to keeping people safe online,” said Attorney General James. “If upheld, this decision would make it harder to stop the spread of dangerous misinformation, scams, and harmful content that puts Americans at risk. I’m grateful that my fellow attorneys general have joined in this effort to defend states’ ability to work collaboratively with social media companies and protect our most vulnerable residents.”  

In May 2022, Missouri, Louisiana, and several individuals brought a lawsuit against various federal officials and agencies regarding communications between the federal government and social media companies about misinformation on the companies’ platforms related to topics like COVID-19. In July 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana issued a preliminary injunction effectively barring any communications between many federal government officials and social media companies concerning the platforms’ content-moderation decisions. In a September ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit largely upheld the district court’s sweeping injunction, preventing the federal government and social media companies from exchanging information about harmful content on their platforms.

Government agencies at the local and state levels regularly collaborate with private companies, particularly around issues that concern public health and safety and to stop the spread of dangerous misinformation online. The coalition’s brief highlights numerous examples of successful collaboration between state governments and online platforms. Examples cited include the Office of the New York Attorney General’s (OAG) work with social media companies to identify and remove content from the May 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York; OAG’s efforts with Amazon to stop online sellers from engaging in price gouging during the COVID-19 public-health emergency; and multistate efforts with social media companies to protect children from online predators, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content, and to call for more robust parental controls.

As the coalition of attorneys general argues, state officials and online platforms have mutually beneficial relationships built on voluntary exchanges of information, recommendations, and guidance — which the Fifth Circuit erroneously conflated with impermissible government coercion. Upholding the Fifth Circuit’s ruling would set a dangerous precedent that could hinder states’ abilities to encourage social media companies to limit content that often violates the platforms’ own content-moderation policies, including scams that target vulnerable populations, violent images or videos, or dangerous public health misinformation.

Joining Attorney General James in filing the amicus brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

This amicus brief is the latest example of Attorney General James taking action to protect people online. Earlier in December, Attorney General James joined a multistate coalition urging the Supreme Court to ensure states have authority to regulate social media platforms. In October, Attorney General James and a bipartisan coalition sued Meta for harming young people’s mental health and contributing to the youth mental health crisis. Also in October, Attorney General James advanced legislation with Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assemblymember Nily Rozic to help keep children safe online and prevent dangerous health consequences of addictive social media platforms. In October 2022, Attorney General James investigated and released a report on the role online platforms played in the Buffalo mass shooting. In May 2021, Attorney General James joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general urging Facebook to abandon plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13.

Justice Department Secures Agreement from North Carolina-Based Towing Company to Resolve Violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

The Justice Department announced today that is has secured a settlement against Billy Joe Goines, owner and operator of Goines Towing & Recovery, based near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, to resolve allegations that he violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by towing and then selling vehicles without disclosing to the court that they were owned by servicemembers. 

The SCRA provides a wide variety of financial and housing protections to members of the military. It requires a towing company to file an accurate affidavit stating whether the vehicle’s owner is in military service (i.e. a military affidavit) before it can get a court judgment authorizing it to sell a stored vehicle. If it appears that a vehicle’s owner is in military service, the court may not authorize the sale of the vehicle until it appoints an attorney to represent the interests of the servicemember. If that attorney then requests a postponement of the matter, the court must grant that request and postpone the case for at least 90 days.

In a complaint filed on March 3, the United States alleged that Goines auctioned off, sold or otherwise disposed of motor vehicles owned by eight servicemembers in violation of the SCRA, which provides a wide variety of financial and housing protections to members of the military. The SCRA requires a towing company to file an accurate affidavit stating whether the vehicle’s owner is in military service (i.e. a military affidavit) before it can get a court judgment authorizing it to sell a stored vehicle. If it appears that a vehicle’s owner is in military service, the court may not authorize the sale of the vehicle until it appoints an attorney to represent the interests of the servicemember. If that attorney then requests a postponement of the matter, the court must grant that request and postpone the case for at least 90 days.  The complaint here alleges that Goines either failed to file or filed inaccurate military affidavits with the court. Goines also allegedly filed military affidavits stating that he was unable to tell whether a vehicle owner was in the military even in instances where the vehicle at issue was towed from a military installation or had military decals, and instances when the vehicle owner or owner’s spouse had informed Goines of the owner’s active military service.

“Under federal law towing companies are required to file accurate military affidavits after making a good faith effort to determine whether vehicle owners are in military service,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By failing to follow federal law, Goines deprived servicemembers of the opportunity to reclaim their vehicles. This consent order demonstrates the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of servicemembers and their families.”

“Goines took a Marine Corporal’s SUV from a parking lot near Camp Lejeune while he was deployed in Okinawa. Then Goines asked a court to let him sell it and keep the proceeds, without ever flagging the Corporal’s service for the court,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “Servicemembers sacrifice a lot — and, in many cases, everything. Debt collectors and towing companies shouldn’t be allowed to take and sell their property behind their backs. The Justice Department will vigorously enforce servicemembers’ rights under the SCRA. Try to illegally take property from a Marine and find out.”

This is the first lawsuit brought by the United States against a towing company under the provision of the SCRA requiring the filing of military affidavits. Under the settlement, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Goines has agreed to pay $66,805.06 in relief for impacted servicemembers, must forgive storage fees assessed to certain servicemembers, attend SCRA training and institute new policies and procedures that comply with the SCRA.

The case resulted from a referral to the Justice Department from U.S. Marine Corps legal assistance.

Since 2011, the Justice Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 146,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Justice Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forced Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil 

Governor Hochul Announces MTA Solicitation for Secure, Accessible and Modern Fare Gates for the Future of the Subway System

 

Next Generation Fare Gates Aim to Improve Station Accessibility and Combat Fare Evasion

Invitation to Pre-Qualify Follows Upgrade of Entire Fare Array with Modern Fare Gates at Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport Station

View Request for Information Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is seeking to pre-qualify vendors of secure, accessible, and modern fare gates to be deployed in the New York City subway system. The MTA seeks to replace its legacy fare arrays and strategically deploy next generation fare gates that better align with the Authority’s goals of promoting fare compliance and preventing fare evasion, enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities and people utilizing strollers, and improving the overall customer experience. The Request for Information is the first phase of a multi-step procurement process to modernize the fare gates.

“The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority,” Governor Hochul said. “These new fare gates will improve the safety and accessibility of the Subway system, while ensuring riders have an easier time entering and exiting stations.”

Fare evasion has reached crisis levels in the transit system, with a loss of $285 million in revenue due to subway fare evasion in 2022 alone. A key recommendation from the MTA’s Blue-Ribbon Panel report on fare evasion was modernizing fare gates in the subway. In November, the MTA replaced an entire fare array at the Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport station with more secure and accessible wide-aisle fare gates following a pilot at Atlantic Av-Barclays Center subway station in March 2023 and Sutphin-Archer in April 2023.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Reimagining the fare array is a common-sense solution to the uptick in fare evasion in the subway system. There’s a reason it was one of the best received recommendations delivered by the Blue-Ribbon Panel. Since the release of the Panel’s report, the MTA has taken a range of actions against fare evasion including installation of prototype wide-aisle fare gates at two stations. This RFI will help us take things to the next level, so we can make sure every person entering the system pays their share.”

Other MTA Measures Taken to Deter Fare Evasion to Date

Modernizing the fare array in subway stations is just one of the many initiatives undertaken by MTA agencies since the release of the Blue-Ribbon Panel report in May 2023. Since then, MTA agencies have taken the following actions:

• Modified 777 turnstiles at 95 fare arrays in 42 stations to prevent customers from back-cocking.
• Deployed 432 unarmed gate guards and re-keyed all 1,620 emergency exit access key locks.
• Launched a pilot to delay egress on emergency exit gates to discourage opportunistic evasion.
• Piloting fins on turnstiles to deter riders from attempting to jump the turnstiles.
• Deployed NYC Transit EAGLE teams, with support from the NYPD, to local and Select Bus Service (SBS) bus stop hubs with high rates of fare evasion.
• Over the past three months, with targeted enforcement at three hubs, EAGLE teams have had over 30,000 customer contacts that include 14,240 customers assisted with fare payment, 4,017 verbal warnings and 6,670 evasion summonses.
• Collaborated with New York City on Fair Fares outreach with enhanced digital messaging and additional enrollment opportunities at Transit Talk events.
• Formed partnerships between the Metro-North Railroad and Labor members to focus on increasing conductor fare collection using on-board video technology to review and correct performance.
• Launched a pre-boarding inspection pilot program on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North at their major Midtown hubs, Grand Central and Penn Station. Crews check tickets before customers board to discourage delayed e-tickets activation and boarding without a ticket.
• So far both railroads have held two trial runs, reaching over 7,000 customers which confirmed a significant number of customers are boarding without pre-purchased or activated e-tickets.
• The MTA Police Department has recorded a 210 percent increase in fare evasion arrests and 104 percent increase in fare evasion summonses between 2022 and 2023, thanks to enhanced train patrols and patrolling subway stations located at commuter railroad hubs.
• MTA Bridges and Tunnels has further enhanced their crackdown efforts on scofflaws with the deployment of Portable License Plate Readers, which have increased license plate reads.
• Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15, 2023, Bridge and Tunnel officers have intercepted 2,718 vehicles – a 50 percent increase from the same time in 2022 and surpassed the total of 1,880 vehicles that were interdicted in all of 2022. Bridge and Tunnel officers have also issued 2,933 summonses for covered or obstructed license plates since the beginning of the year.
• The MTA plans to coordinate with the NYPD for enhanced toll evasion enforcement for congestion pricing.

CONSUMER ALERT: NYS DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVIDES TIPS TO HELP CONSUMERS NAVIGATE RETURN AND REFUND POLICIES

 

Discover What to Look for When Reviewing Return and Refund Policies

Laws Protect Consumers So They Can Make Informed Decisions During Holiday Shopping

Secretary Rodriguez: “The last thing you want is to purchase an item and realize you can’t return it due to a missing receipt or it is outside of the return window, so I urge New Yorkers to follow these tips to ensure you can get your money back if you change your mind about a purchase.”

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips”, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds shoppers of New York State laws that protect consumers so they can make informed decisions about holiday returns. To avoid surprises, DCP recommends that consumers carefully review and understand what to look for when reviewing return and refund policies.

 

“Consumer spending during this holiday season hit an all-time high, which could mean the number of returns made will be as well,” said New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “The last thing you want is to purchase an item and realize you can’t return it due to a missing receipt or it is outside of the return window, so I urge New Yorkers to follow these tips to ensure you can get your money back if you change your mind about a purchase.” 

Around the holidays, gift givers and receivers often change their minds. This year’s holiday weekend from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, set record levels for consumer spending which indicates shopping is showing no signs of slowing down according to the National Retail Federation. The increase can lead to more refunds and returns this holiday season.  To help navigate the busy shopping season, DCP offers the following tips:

• Pay Attention to Return Policies: New York State law requires that retailers post their return and refund policies clearly to inform consumers before the transaction is completed. Retailers must provide a written copy of the store’s return policy when requested.

New York State Law does not require retailers to accept returns, however, they must post a conspicuous notice visible to consumers before the point of sale advising that no returns will be accepted.

If the retailer does not post a return policy, the law requires the retailer to accept returns of unused, undamaged merchandise within 30 days of the purchase date. The returned item must include a proof of purchase and the refund must be in the form of cash or credit based on the customer’s preference.

• Understand the Refund Terms: For retailers that allow returns, New York State law does not require refunds to be given in any specific manner. However, it does require the form of the refund - cash, credit, or exchange - be clearly disclosed in advance of purchase. Retailers must also disclose any fees associated with the return. If no fee is listed, customers should inquire whether the store imposes a re-stocking fee for returned merchandise and determine prior to purchase if the item can be returned for a refund or only store credit.
• Retain Any Proofs of Purchase: Consumers should hold on to receipts in the event a product needs to be returned. If purchasing gifts, ask if a gift receipt is available. 

Consumers having difficulty obtaining a refund are encouraged to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.

 

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

 

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Permits Filed For 24 Bruckner Boulevard In Port Morris, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 12-story commercial building at 24 Bruckner Boulevard in Port Morris, The Bronx. Located between Lincoln Avenue and Alexander Avenue, the lot is near the 3rd Avenue-138th Street subway station, serviced by the 6 train. Jorge Madruga of YYY 62nd Street LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 124-foot-tall development will yield 144,286 square feet designated for commercial space. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 40-foot-long rear yard, 47 enclosed parking spaces, and 50 bicycle parking spaces.

Aufgang Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Public Advocate WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON THE CELEBRATION OF KWANZAA

"Habari Gani? I send peace, blessings, love and light to everyone who begins celebrating Kwanzaa today. Over the next week, we uplift African American culture and heritage, rooted in the seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These values are not confined to the week – we should emulate them all year.

"During Kwanzaa, we learn not only from the seven principles, but from the example of our ancestors, whose legacy we carry forth. With the strength that emanates from our many blessings, and the model of those who have come before, we know that like them, we will come through challenges and obstacles, and make a better world for all who come after.

"In the spirit of Umoja, united in spirit, let us pursue justice with purpose, perseverance, and resolve." 

Statement from Speaker Adams on the Conversion of JFK Hilton Hotel into ‘Baisley Pond Park Residences’ Affordable Housing Development

 

This week, the City announced a deal with Slate Property Group and RiseBoro Community Partnership to convert the former JFK Hilton Hotel in her Council District into the Baisley Pond Park Residences, which will provide 318 units of permanently affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers. Governor Hochul contributed $48 million in state funding for the $167 million project. This marks the first hotel conversion project through the state’s Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA) program. In response, Speaker Adrienne Adams released the following statement:

“To ease our city’s growing housing and affordability crisis, it is imperative that we utilize every tool at our disposal to build and preserve housing, with a focus on maximizing affordability. With the historic conversion of the JFK Hilton Hotel into 318 units of permanently affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers, our city is taking a critical step forward to ensure even more of our neighbors have access to the stability and support they need. The Baisley Pond Park Residences represents what can be achieved when our city and state governments work together with a shared goal of housing New Yorkers. While this is the first hotel conversion project facilitated by the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA) program, I am hopeful that it will not be the last. I thank Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, Slate Property Group, RiseBoro Community Partnership, and all of the stakeholders whose partnership paved the way for this groundbreaking development in our Southeast Queens community.”