Dear East Bronx History Forum Member,
 |
I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2024! Thank you for the opportunity to serve this great State. I look forward to the many things we can accomplish together in the new year.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the start of the 2024 application period for the Campground Ambassador program, which helps connect New Yorkers and visitors with the outdoors. Like other campground host programs, volunteer Campground Ambassadors assist DEC staff in welcoming and assisting the millions of visitors to State campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks each year. DEC encourages New Yorkers who are passionate about camping and the outdoors to help introduce new campers to DEC facilities and outdoor recreation.
“By introducing new visitors to DEC campgrounds, State lands, and sites and offering fun and exciting programming for campers, DEC’s Campground Ambassador program is inspiring the next generation of outdoor adventurers and environmental stewards,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “During the 2023 season, Campground Ambassadors helped DEC enhance the visitor experience at our facilities with fun, educational, and meaningful programming opportunities. I encourage New Yorkers with a passion for camping and the outdoors to join the DEC team as we connect visitors to nature for generations to come.”
DEC operates 51 campgrounds and four day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. The camping season runs through the summer months; some facilities remain open during fall foliage and hunting seasons.
Campground Ambassadors serve two weeks during the DEC’s core camping season (July through Labor Day). Ambassadors also aid in connecting campers and day users to nature via environmentally themed activities and programming. In consideration for services provided, DEC provides a campsite for the duration of the Ambassador’s stay at one of the following participating locations:
Catskills
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground & Day Use Area
Little Pond Campground & Day Use Area
North South Lake Campground & Day Use Area
Adirondacks
Ausable Point Campground & Day Use Area
Buck Pond Campground & Day Use Area
Cranberry Lake Campground & Day Use Area
Fish Creek Pond Campground & Day Use Area
Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian & Day Use Area
Lewey Lake Campground & Day Use Area
Luzerne Campground & Day Use Area
Meacham Lake Campground & Day Use Area
Moffitt Beach Campground & Day Use Area
Nicks Lake Campground & Day Use Area
Northampton Beach Campground & Day Use Area
Rogers Rock Campground & Day Use Area
To apply for the 2024 program please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC's website and go to the Camping link under the Outdoor Recreation section, or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of these camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit https://newyorkstateparks.
Dear Neighbor, It has been an honor to serve as Council District 13’s first Puerto Rican City Council representative. I’m so proud to not only have made history in this capacity, but to also serve in the first female-led, female majority body in the history of the New York City Council. It has been a great responsibility that I have not taken for granted, and my office has dedicated our time to working to improve the quality of life throughout the district. I would like to thank the incredible staff that has been part of our office, Adrienne, Alex, Amanda, Andy, Edwin, Jackie, Melissa, Mike, Nick, Stefanie, Stephenie, and Tamara. Many of us grew up in this City and did not see ourselves reflected in our representatives. Together we have shattered the glass ceiling and created a diverse coalition of legislators; mothers, nurses, teachers, lawyers, accountants, and so many unique perspectives coming together to serve our City. While we have accomplished a great deal, I know that we have a great responsibility to ensure that other women and those who haven’t had access before, are offered a seat at the table. Every day, my office addressed community concerns, providing resources and supportive services. I take great pride in the work we have done to address the ongoing housing crisis, improve public safety, and keep our community clean. I secured incredible budget wins, including updated medical equipment at Jacobi Hospital, mental health resources, youth services, campus enhancements for our local schools, and resources for our first responders, including the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Edgewater Park Volunteer Hose Co. No. 1, and NYPD precincts. I’m so proud of what I have accomplished in office, and I am committed to continuing to serve our community. I wish you all a happy & healthy holiday season. Sincerely, | |||||||||||||||
| Former Council Member Marjorie Velázquez | |||||||||||||||
Mayor Eric Adams: No one does it better than the New York City Police Department in bringing in a new year. Hundreds of thousands of people will be out here lined up. And no matter how often we see it, you never get used to it. The excitement remains over and over again, and we are really looking forward to ringing in 2024 here in Times Square.
I want to thank the team, the entire DOT, NYPD, FDNY, the Times Square Alliance. This is their show. This is their Super Bowl. This is their opportunity to show what they do best. When the lights are on on Broadway, the lights are on in New York City, the lights are on in America. This is America's city, and we are proud to host this major event.
Every year, thousands of people come here and they enjoy themselves. And we only have one ask: spend as much money as possible. Leave all that money right here in New York City. We want everyone to have a great time. We want everyone to follow the rules.
We want to make sure that we continue to move in the right direction. In this city, crime is down and jobs are up. We are trending in the direction that we committed and promised ourselves that we were going to do two years ago when this administration came into place. When we came into office… Don't you love New York? When we came into office every day we wanted to deliver on that promise.
Events of this size, we know how to safeguard events of this size. We have major events going on at one time in this city, and with the collaboration of all of our agencies and organizations we get it right and we do it right all the time. And this includes Patrol Service Bureau South, Transit Bureau, Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau and the Special Operations Division.
We will be out here with our canines, our horsebacks, our drones, our helicopters, our boats, the full complement of our public safety apparatus will be on display. Now, we're urging everyone, if you are here for the first time, you know you're not going to drive during this weekend. Public transportation is open. We are really encouraging everyone to use mass transit. And there's certain items you cannot bring into the safety zone, like large backpacks and alcoholic beverage are strictly prohibited, so please check before coming in so you won't be turned away.
We will find out the best routes to come in and the best time to be here. We know some folks line up early today, and remain here throughout the day. You know, more power to you. And we really love your enthusiasm and we encourage you to have a lot of fun this weekend.
So, I'm wishing everyone a healthy, safe, productive 2024. This is a great year that we've had here in the city with all the obstacles and challenges, and we are looking forward to leaning into 2024 and continue to do the things that we do, bring down crime and increase employment and know that this is the safest big city in America, New York City. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Karrem Nasr, a/k/a “Ghareeb Al-Muhajir,” Was Arrested in Kenya After Attempting to Travel to Somalia to Join and Train With al Shabaab
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging KARREM NASR, a/k/a “Ghareeb Al-Muhajir,” with attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization. NASR, a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody in Nairobi, Kenya, on December 14, 2023, and was transported to the United States yesterday, December 28, 2023. NASR was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Karrem Nasr, motivated by the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, devoted himself to waging violent jihad against America and its allies. Nasr, a citizen of this country, traveled from Egypt to Kenya bent on joining and training with al Shabaab so that he could execute his jihadist mission of death and destruction. Nasr was prepared to kill and be killed to support the jihadist cause, and in his own words, he described America as ‘evil’ and the ‘head of the snake.’ Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the career prosecutors in my Office and our law enforcement partners who led the investigation, Nasr’s plan to train with a terrorist organization and wage violent jihad has been disrupted. Make no mistake: My Office is committed to investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting anyone who is inspired by Hamas’s October 7 attack and seeks to harm Americans, whether here or abroad.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Karrem Nasr traveled across the globe in an alleged attempt to join the ranks of a foreign terrorist organization – an organization that has repeatedly expressed its desire to harm Americans around the world. This investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and our domestic and international law enforcement partners to protect the U.S. against any form of terrorism and ensuring the safety of our community.”
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “Instead of embracing all that the United States had to offer him, Mr. Nasr allegedly moved abroad and committed himself to supporting a foreign terrorist organization. The provision of support to such a group – particularly by an American citizen – is a heinous threat to our entire country and way of life. In the face of this, NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners on the FBI-led New York Joint Terrorism Task Force will remain relentless in our efforts to identify and investigate anyone who so clearly considers our nation their sworn enemy.”
As alleged in the Complaint:[1]
NASR is a 23-year-old U.S. citizen who moved from New Jersey to Egypt in or about July 2023. NASR is a supporter of al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization that has attacked Americans and American allies. Since at least in or about November 2023, NASR has repeatedly expressed his desire and plans to join al Shabaab and wage jihad, including in communications with an FBI confidential source (the “CS”), who was posing as a facilitator for terrorist organizations.[2]
In communications exchanged with the CS and postings online, NASR stated that he had been thinking about engaging in jihad for a long time, and he was particularly motivated to become a jihadi by the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. For example, in communications with the CS, NASR stated that the number one enemy was “evil America,” which he called the “head of the snake.” In recent public social media posts, NASR warned that “Jihad” was “coming soon to a US location near you,” posting airplane, bomb, and fire emojis:
In further communications with the CS, NASR expressed his intent to join al Shabaab to receive military training and engage in jihad, that he was prepared to kill and be killed, and that he specifically aspired to be a martyr for the jihadist cause. Other examples of NASR’s online posts supportive of jihad and terrorist ideology are shown below:
NASR took specific steps to join and receive military training from al Shabaab, including making flight and lodging reservations for travel to Kenya, where he planned to meet members of al Shabaab for further travel to Somalia to join and train with the group. NASR booked a flight for December 14, 2023, from Egypt to Kenya for purposes of ultimately joining and training with al Shabaab. In addition, approximately thze day before his flight, NASR told the CS that he planned to delete data from his cellphone and computer to ensure that if he were detained, law enforcement would not be able to recover evidence of his jihadist activities from those devices. On December 14, 2023, NASR flew from Egypt to Kenya, where he planned to transit into Somalia and join and train with al Shabaab. Later that day, NASR was taken into custody by Kenyan authorities.
NASR, 23, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD. Mr. Williams also thanked the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Nairobi, Kenya, the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations, including the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and the Joint Terrorism Task Force-Kenya, for their assistance.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[2] Communications referenced herein are described in substance and in part.
State Agency Staffing Increased and Security Augmented at Airports, Bridges, Tunnels and Mass Transit Systems as Precautionary Measure
Agencies Include Division of State Police, New York National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Governor Kathy Hochul announced enhanced security measures being taken this weekend by state agencies ahead of New Year's Eve. Agencies including the Division of State Police, New York National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will have increased staffing through the holiday weekend, and security will be augmented at airports, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit systems as a precautionary measure to help keep New Yorkers safe. Governor Hochul urges New Yorkers to be safe and be aware of their surroundings when attending public events to celebrate the New Year.
“As we gather to celebrate the ringing in of 2024, I want to remind New Yorkers that first responders across the state are working through the holiday weekend to keep all of us safe,” Governor Hochul said. “We can do our part by taking a little extra time to think about basic safety and be aware of our surroundings when in public. Together we can enjoy a safe and peaceful New Year’s Eve.”
New York State Agency Activities
New York State Police
New York State Police will be at maximum staffing through the New Year’s holiday weekend and there will be an increased presence of State Police Troopers at critical infrastructure, transportation facilities, and communities across the State. State Police will monitor all mass gatherings and share intelligence with other law enforcement agencies to keep New Yorkers safe. In addition, State Troopers will be assigned to a dedicated traffic detail that helps keep impaired drivers off the road.
National Guard
Troops from Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard security force in New York City, will be on duty over New Year’s weekend in support of law enforcement at rail and bus transportation sites, and at LaGuardia and JFK airports. The 24th Weapons of Mass Destruction – Civil Support Team, based at Fort Hamilton is on standby for New Year’s Eve near Times Square in New York City. Soldiers and Airmen are trained to identify chemical, biological, and explosive materials, and to assist civilian first responders.
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is in contact with public safety officials in New York City including NYPD, Port Authority, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This year, the State Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT) conducted more than 1,100 joint counter terrorism exercises at various locations across New York State including New York City. In 2023, law enforcement teams across the state conducted exercises involving over 400 law enforcement personnel who assessed suspicious activity reporting and recognition at 860 retailers and businesses that sell chemicals, compounds, components, services, or rent space or resources that could be exploited by those with nefarious intent. These teams also assessed more than 200 infrastructure locations across the state including stadiums and arenas, malls and shopping centers, colleges and universities, airports, transit hubs, and other mass-gathering locations. OCT also worked with security teams responsible for the Moynihan Train Hall and the East Side Access/Grand Central Madison project to develop and test security procedures for those locations.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The Port Authority continues to work closely with our local, state, and federal partners to enhance protective counter measures around large public events to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public. This includes but is not limited to additional police and civilian security staffing at all our facilities. Safeguarding the public and our employees is the absolute highest priority for the Port Authority.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority MTA has increased patrols and surveillance to provide heightened protection at major rail hubs. The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and plainclothes presence in Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal as well as other major stations throughout the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road network. Police canine teams and special purpose units will provide added protection. Railroad customers will also see increased train patrols, as well as random bag checks at various locations. The MTA Police Department, NYPD, and MTA Bridges and Tunnels Officers share intelligence information and coordinate their threat response providing a seamless protection throughout the region. Together with the NYPD, the MTA closely monitors large public events to provide security to our customers, employees, and facilities.
"If You See Something, Say Something”
New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to the New York State Terrorism Tips Line at 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697) or at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/form/terrorism-tips-online-submission. New Yorkers can also download the See Something, Send Something smartphone app on the Safeguard New York webpage.
Sparkler Safety
Governor Hochul also urged New Yorkers to practice safety when engaging in celebrations, including using sparklers that can cause dangerous fires and injuries when not used properly. The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) states that sparkling devices are ground-based or handheld sparking devices that produce a shower of colored sparks or colored flame, crackling or whistling noise and smoke – they do not launch into the air. Users must be 18 years or older to use sparkling devices. The following fireworks are illegal statewide: firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners, and aerial devices.
Sales of sparkling devices by certified permanent and specialty retailers can only take place during the year from June 1 to July 5 and December 26 to January 2. Sales of sparkling devices by certified temporary stands or tents can only occur from June 20 to July 5 and December 26 to January 2. A list of registered sparkling device vendors appears here. The list of counties that prohibit the sale and possession of sparkling devices is ever changing. To ensure compliance, please check with your local county sheriff’s office.
Sparkler Safety Tips
The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control also encourages parents and guardians to provide children and teens with non-flammable alternatives to sparkling devices, which can be easily found at most retail stores, such as glow sticks, pipe cleaner “sparklers,” fairy lights and LED Items.
All of us at KRVC wish you a very
Happy New Year!
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, January 4th 7pm
Our next Gallery 505 Opening
Artist Noel Hefele's exhibit
DAYLIGHTING TIBBETTS EN PLEIN AIR
"The NYC City Artist Corps grant enabled me to embark on a visual and communal journey through the landscape of Tibbetts Brook. 'Daylighting Tibbetts Brook en Plein Air' is a series born from the intersection of art, environment, and dialogue. It chronicles a quest not only to capture the scenic beauty of the Bronx’s landscapes but also to engage in the narrative of urban sustainability." Noel
Stephanie Ehrlich from the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance will be here to discuss the city's plans to daylight Tibbetts Brook
Watch the video below for more info:
Look forward to seeing you!
|
|
