MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NYCHA WILL ACCEPT SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER APPLICATIONS FOR FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS

 

Section 8 Vouchers Will Help Eligible New Yorkers Access Rental Subsidies for Private Market

 

First Announced in Mayor Adams’ State of the City, Applications Will Open From June 3 Through June 9

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) will begin accepting applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, reopening a waitlist that has been closed to general applications for nearly 15 years. Section 8 HCV is a federally funded program administrated by NYCHA that provides rental subsidies for eligible low-income families to rent housing in the private market. Interested households may apply to the Section 8 HCV waitlist — which has been closed since December 10, 2009 — between midnight on Monday, June 3 and 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 9, 2024. Today’s announcement delivers on another key commitment made by Mayor Adams in his 2024 State of the City Address to reopen Section 8 HCV applications this year, and helps the city take another step closer to reaching the moonshot goal of creating 500,000 new homes by 2032. New Yorkers can learn more about Section 8 eligibility at NYCHA’s website and apply to join the waitlist online on June 3^rd at nyc.gov/section8-application.

 

“After 15 years, we are reopening NYCHA's doors to hundreds of thousands of new Section 8 applicants and helping more New Yorkers find the housing they need,” said Mayor Adams. “Addressing our city's housing crisis means using every tool our city has, and that's exactly what we are doing. From advancing 24 housing projects on public land this year through our '24 in 24' plan, to fighting for our ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ proposal to build a little more housing in every neighborhood, we are committed to helping every New Yorker find and stay in their home.”

 

“Reopening the Section 8 waitlist is a milestone in our ongoing efforts to address our housing crisis,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Making this critical subsidy available to more New Yorkers for the first time in 15 years exemplifies NYCHA’s commitment to improving the lives of tenants, fulfills one of the Mayor Adams’ 2024 State of the City priorities, and advances our administration’s larger efforts to empower working-class New Yorkers.”

 

“Having a place to call home is foundational to New Yorkers’ daily lives, and we know housing cost can be a major barrier to accessing quality housing,” said New York City Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg. “I look forward to the reopening of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which will ultimately offer the opportunity for thousands more families to access stable, affordable homes.”

 

“As the largest landlord in New York City, NYCHA understands firsthand the importance of affordable housing for New Yorkers and the need to use every available tool to connect more families with a safe place to call home,” said NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We are proud to administer the most expansive Section 8 program in the nation and look forward to reopening the waitlist for this critical rental subsidy.”

 

NYCHA administers the largest Section 8 HCV program in the country, currently providing rental subsidies to 241,117 residents to rent apartments in the private market, while facilitating access to social services through a variety of programs with OpportunityNYCHA. Since the waitlist last closed 15 years ago, NYCHA has worked tirelessly to serve those on the waitlist. Last year, NYCHA issued 7,538 vouchers and worked to reduce the eligible pool over time.

 

Households that receive a voucher will be able to search for housing within a neighborhood of their choice. As part of the program, qualifying households must have a gross income of 50 percent or below the area median income and generally pay 30 percent of their adjusted monthly income toward rent, with the subsidy in most cases covering the remaining portion. Following the upcoming application period, a new waitlist is expected to be established by August 1, 2024. Once the application period has closed, a total of 200,000 applications will be randomly selected by lottery to join the waitlist, ensuring that all households have equal opportunity to be chosen regardless of when their applications were received. Once the waitlist is established, applicants will be notified and will have the ability to check the status of their application by logging into NYCHA’s Self Service Portal.

 

Over the last two years, Mayor Adams has made historic investments towards public housing. Last year, the Adams administration set several records and milestones, including, a new record by converting more than 5,200 units to Section 8 through the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, for a total of more than 20,000 converted units; closed on financing for $1.8 billion for capital repairs at PACT developments — the largest capital financing in the program’s history; continued to utilize a record $1 billion in funding for capital projects in 2023; set a new Public Housing Community Fund record with an historic $8 million haul; and made historic progress to bolster sustainability through clean energy initiatives and flood resiliency infrastructure improvements; among other efforts. 

 

Under Mayor Adams' leadership, the city financed a record number of affordable homes in 2023 and is ahead of schedule on a 2024 State of the City commitment to advance two dozen 100-percent affordable housing projects on city-owned land this year through the "24 in '24" initiative. Mayor Adams has also taken steps to cut red tape and speed up the delivery of much-needed housing, including through the "Green Fast Track for Housing," a streamlined environmental review process for qualifying small- and medium-sized housing projects; the Office Conversion Accelerator, an interagency effort to guide buildings that wish to convert through city bureaucracy; and other initiatives of the Building and Land Use Approval Streamlining Taskforce. Finally, last month, the Adams administration kicked off the start of public review on “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” the most pro-housing proposal in New York City's history. The proposal would enable the creation of “a little more housing in every neighborhood” through a set of carefully crafted zoning changes — which has not been done in more than half a century — to increase overall housing supply.

Permits Filed For 1225 Gerard Avenue In Morrisania, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 17-story mixed-use building at 1225 Gerard Avenue in Morrisania, The Bronx. Located between East 167th Street and East 168th Street, the lot is one block north of the 167th Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. NYC Housing Authority/NYC Health + Hospitals is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 185-foot-tall development will yield 394,312 square feet, with 273,240 square feet designated for residential space and 121,072 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 328 residences, most likely condos based on the average unit scope of 1,004 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 60-foot-long rear yard, and 68 enclosed parking spaces.

Bernheimer Architecture is listed as the architect of record.

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

New Renderings Released For ONE38 At 137 Bruckner Boulevard In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

New renderings have been released for ONE38, a 12-story residential building at 138 Bruckner Boulevard in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Greenberg Farrow in collaboration with Michaelis Boyd and developed by JCS Realty Group, the structure will yield 579 units in studio to two-bedroom layouts with 131 affordable units and more than 40,000 square feet of amenities. Leasing has begun for the property, which is bound by Bruckner Boulevard to the north, East 132nd Street to the south, and St. Ann’s Avenue to the east.

The below exterior renderings depict the façade largely composed of red brick with a grid of recessed windows surrounded by black metal grilles and frames. After a setback on the tenth floor, which is shown topped with a landscaped terrace, the exterior is clad in charcoal EIFS paneling. Additional terraces lined with glass railings are shown on the uppermost levels.

Unit interiors will feature open-concept floor plans, custom wall coverings, art pieces and bold graphics inspired by artist Keith Haring. All apartments will come with ample bedroom and storage closet space, in-unit washers and dryers, keyless entry systems, and energy-efficient home climate control thermostats.

Kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, light green and oak cabinetry with ribbed groove detailing, quartz stone countertops with a scratch- and stain-resistant surface, a porcelain mosaic tile backsplash, a dishwasher, and more. Bathrooms will feature storage space, vanities, and porcelain wall and flooring tiles. Select residences at ONE38 will also feature balconies and soaking bathtubs with a rain shower feature.

The main lobby.

A living room.

A kitchen.

A bedroom.

The residential amenities will surround a 9,000-square-foot interior garden and will include a 5,000-square-foot fitness center with weights and strength training equipment, a sauna, steam and recovery rooms, various fitness and yoga studios, and The Bronx’s first Olympic-size indoor pool. There will also be a multi-purpose indoor court that can be used to play basketball, volleyball, pickleball, handball, and squash.

The indoor pool and spa.

Entertainment spaces will include a gaming and club room with billiards, cinema room, expansive outdoor courtyard with dedicated pet areas and a private children’s playground, as well as several work-from-home and social spaces throughout the lobby and amenity areas.

The game room.

The party room.

The movie room.

The work lounge.

“With its extravagant amenity package, sweeping views of New York City, and sophisticated design, ONE38 offers renters the spacious residences and the comprehensive wellness-focused lifestyle that they are looking for right now,” said Joseph Friedman, CEO and partner of Nooklyn, the leasing firm for ONE38. “The Mott Haven neighborhood has transformed into a dynamic hub for entertainment and is only a 15-minute subway ride from Midtown, Manhattan. ONE38 is the latest addition to the thriving neighborhood, and we are excited to commence leasing and welcome our first residents in June.”

Parking spaces are also available for residents for an additional fee. The nearest subway from the development is the 6 train at the Brook Avenue station to the north along Msgr. Gerald J. Ryan Boulevard.

Move-ins at ONE38 are expected to occur next month and construction should fully finish this summer.

Wave Hill Weekly Events June 6 – June 13 | Alpine Weekend & Juneteenth Celebration

 

Wave Hill is famous for its trough gardens. We recently began the process of making new ones. On Alpine Trough Weekend, join a gardening or art workshop to get more acquainted with Wave Hill’s extensive collection of alpine plants, or just stop by to chat with our experts as they share the art of trough gardening. These miniature, self-contained rock gardens are amazing! 

Join us for a free community event to celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of performances, artmaking and more. Picnicking, complimentary ice cream and fabulous musical and dance performances at sunset on our Great Lawn. Thur, June 13, 4:30PM–8:00PM  

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, Jun 6, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration not required 

Drop in for an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.    

Family Art Project: Blossom Up Your Garden Flag

Sat, Jun 8, 10:00AM – 1:00PM  

Sun, Jun 9, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

Which flower represents you? Make your own pigments with flowers like yellow marigolds and crimson hibiscus. Then, grab your brush and use the paint you made to create decorative garden flags.   

Public Gallery Tour 

Sat, Jun 8, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Drop in for an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.    

Urban Pots: Alpine Trough Planting Workshop

Sat, Jun 8, 11:00AM – 12:30PM

$85, including admission to the grounds, Wave Hill Members save 10%

Registration required 

Troughs are rustic and timeless containers made from cement and other materials. Tour Wave Hill’s trough collection, then plant up a pre-made trough with classic rock garden plants while learning about trough design and care. Wave Hill’s trough recipe will be provided for those who want to make their own trough at home. When fully planted, your trough will weigh approximately 20 lbs. Please plan ahead to get your trough home safely. Space is limited.  

Alpine House Open House 

Sat, Jun 8, 3:00PM – 4:00PM

Sun, Jun 9, 3:00PM – 4:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration not required 

What is a trough made of? Why are the plants so small? Drop-by the Alpine House to chat with our experts about gardening with these pint-sized plants.  

Plants with Personalities: Sketching Alpine Plants 

Sun, Jun 9, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

$55; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill members save 10% 

Registration required 

Alpine plants are small in stature but big in personality. Observe a potted plant from Wave Hill’s collection and capture the quirkiness of your chosen subject by sketching or doodling with colored pencils. Artist Wennie Huang shares some basic techniques and offers feedback in this casual and fun workshop for artists of all levels. Materials provided or bring your own.  

Summer Birding 

Sun, Jun 9, 9:30AM – 11:00AM 

$17; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%. 

Registration required 

Naturalists and birding guides Gabriel Willow and Paul Keim lead birders through the gardens and woodlands to seek out summer birds. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it so appealing for such a wide variety of birds. A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.  

Yoga in the Garden 

Sun, Jun 9, 10:00AM – 11:00AM 

$25, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Registration required 

Root your feet in the grass and look out upon the vistas as you enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Susie Caramanica. All levels welcome.   

Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, Jun 9, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.   

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, Jun 13, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration not required 

Drop in for an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.    

Juneteenth Celebration 

Thu, Jun 13, 4:30PM – 8:00PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration not required 

Celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of performances, artmaking and more. Picnic on the Great Lawn and enjoy a tasty treat of specialty ice cream while supplies last, courtesy of Only Rare NYC. Decorate colorful plant pots inspired by stories of hope and liberation. The celebration culminates with engaging musical and dance performances that highlight the Black experience in the United States. 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service is Back! Free from Subway and Metro-North, Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org. 

TWO PEOPLE INDICTED FOR ATTACK ON MTA BUS IN WHICH A MAN WAS STABBED IN THE HEAD, PUNCTURING HIS BRAIN

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that two people were indicted for an attack on an MTA bus resulting in one man getting stabbed in the head and another punched in the face. 

District Attorney Clark said, “A man was stabbed in the head, and another was punched in a frightening attack on a bus, all allegedly stemming from a dispute over an apartment building door not being held open. This type of escalation is unacceptable. Now a victim faces possible lifelong injuries.” 

District Attorney Clark said Dayshawn Bannister, 29, of the Bronx was indicted on Attempted Murder in the second degree, first-degree Assault, first-degree Gang Assault, two counts of second-degree Gang Assault, second degree Assault, and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Bannister was arraigned on May 16, 2024, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera. Destiny Bryant, 24, was indicted on two counts of second-degree Gang Assault. She was arraigned on April 17, 2024, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera. They are due back in court on August 5, 2024.

According to the investigation, on February 15, 2024, at approximately 8:25 a.m., Bryant allegedly got into a dispute with Cheddie Defrietis, 38, over an apartment door not being held open at 869 East 147th Street. Shortly after, Bryant allegedly followed Defrietis to a bus stop and called her boyfriend, who in turn called his brother, Dayshawn Bannister. Bannister allegedly got on the bus and ordered passengers to get off. He allegedly punched Defrietis in the face, injuring him. He turned to another passenger, Peter Crosby, 35, and allegedly asked if he knew Defrietis before stabbing him in the head. The knife was removed in surgery. Crosby suffered a puncture in his brain and is undergoing neurological testing.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Brian Destefano of the 40th Precinct Squad for his work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

Brooklyn Man and Cryptocurrency Personality "T.J. Stone" Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

 

Defendant Admits Bilking Real Estate and Cryptocurrency Investors Out of Over $1.3 Million Using Business Named After Fictitious Seinfeld Company

In federal court in Brooklyn, Thomas John Sfraga, also known as “T.J. Stone,” pleaded guilty to an information charging him with wire fraud.  The proceeding was held before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom.  When sentenced, Sfraga faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as restitution of over $1.33 million.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the guilty plea.

“For years, Sfraga brazenly lied to friends, neighbors and investors to swindle over $1.3 million of their hard-earned life savings,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office will continue to hold fraudsters accountable and achieve justice for victims throughout the Eastern District of New York and across the United States.”

As set forth in the information and court filings, from at least 2019 to 2022, Sfraga held himself out as the owner and principal of multiple businesses, including Vandelay Contracting Corp. and Build Strong Homes LLC.  In the television show “Seinfeld,” the character George Constanza falsely claimed to have interviewed for a job with the fictional company Vandelay Industries.  The defendant held himself out as ‘T.J. Stone,’ a serial entrepreneur with experience in real estate development, media relations, podcasting and cryptocurrencies, including acting as the host or emcee of cryptocurrency events in New York.

Sfraga defrauded over a dozen victims, including victims in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island.  Sfraga convinced victims to loan him monies for, or to invest in, multiple fraudulent investments including purchasing, renovating and “flipping” homes.  On one occasion, Sfraga convinced a victim to lend him $100,000 in cash as start-up costs for a non-existent major construction project.  On yet another occasion, Sfraga convinced a victim to invest in a fictitious cryptocurrency “virtual wallet.”  He promised the victims returns on their investments as high as 60% in three months.  In reality, however, Sfraga converted the monies to his own benefit, to pay expenses, and to pay earlier victims and business associates.   

Puerto Rico Legislator and Her Husband Sentenced for Theft, Bribery, and Kickback Scheme

 

A Puerto Rico legislator and her husband were sentenced for engaging in a multi-year theft, bribery, and kickback conspiracy scheme to fraudulently inflate the salary of a legislative assistant in exchange for a portion of the assistant’s inflated salary.

María Milagros Charbonier-Laureano, also known as Tata, a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, was sentenced to eight years in prison. Her husband, Orlando Montes-Rivera, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from early 2017 until July 2020, Charbonier-Laureano, her husband, and her assistant, Frances Acevedo-Ceballos, executed a scheme to defraud the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico by engaging in a theft, bribery, and kickback scheme. Over the course of the scheme, Charbonier-Laureano inflated Acevedo-Ceballos’ salary from $800 on a bi-weekly, after-tax basis to nearly $2,900. Out of every inflated paycheck, it was agreed that Acevedo-Ceballos would keep a portion and kick back approximately $1,500 to Charbonier-Laureano and Montes-Rivera.

After learning of the investigation into illegal activities in her office and of a warrant that had been obtained for one of her phones, Charbonier-Laureano proceeded to delete certain data on the phone. In particular, Charbonier-Laureano deleted nearly all call log entries, WhatsApp messages, and iMessages associated with the phone.

The jury convicted Charbonier-Laureano and Montes-Rivera in January of one count of conspiracy; two counts of theft, bribery, and kickbacks concerning programs receiving federal funds; six counts of honest services wire fraud; and two counts of money laundering. The jury also convicted Charbonier-Laureano of obstruction of justice for destroying data on her cell phone.

Acevedo-Ceballos, who pleaded guilty to bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, was sentenced in February to three years and one month in prison.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico; and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Gonzalez of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI San Juan Field Office investigated the case.

DEC ANNOUNCES REOPENING OF CAMP COLBY 2024 SUMMER CAMP SEASON

 

Camp Colby to Accept Registrations for Summer Programs Starting May 22 at 10 a.m.

Limited Openings Still Available for Female Campers Aged 14-17 at Camp Pack Forest and Rushford

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that online registration for the 2024 summer camp program at Camp Colby will open Wednesday, May 22, at 10 a.m. Applications will be submitted through the online registration program available via the summer camp website https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps.

“DEC summer camps feature hands-on programs and activities, getting campers outside in nature and inspiring a lifelong love of the outdoors,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “New York has a long history of environmental stewardship and our summer camps program, now in its 77^th season, is a key part of that history and continues to play an integral role in the protection and appreciation of our environment through safe, fun, and rewarding outdoor experiences.”

Camp Colby will welcome visitors this season after completion of significant renovations and improvements for the enjoyment and comfort of campers and staff. Upgrades include the complete remodeling the main dining hall and construction of a new modernized kitchen, among other enhancements to cabins, the pavilion, facility bathrooms, sheds, and accessible parking areas.

DEC Summer Camps offer week-long adventures in conservation education for children ages 11-17. DEC operates four residential camps for children, Camp Colby in Saranac Lake (Franklin County); Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor (Sullivan County); Camp Rushford in Caneadea (Allegany County); and Pack Forest in Warrensburg (Warren County). Registration for Pack Forest and Camp Rushford is currently open with limited spots still available for female campers. Camp DeBruce will remain closed for the 2024 season. The complete schedule of camp weeks and participant age groups is available on the Summer Camps webpage.

Campers participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities including fishing, bird watching, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering, and hunter safety education. Campers also learn ecological principles about fields, forests, streams, and ponds through engaging activities and outdoor exploration. DEC counselors teach youth conservation techniques used by natural resource professionals, such as measuring trees and estimating wildlife populations, as well as mitigating human impacts on the environment.

DEC also offers Hunter education (Hunter Safety, Bow Hunter Education, or Trapper Education) for several weeks each summer. Weeks and available sessions can be viewed at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps/hunter-education.

Camp Colby, Camp Rushford, and Pack Forest will operate for seven one-week sessions (Sunday to Friday) beginning June 30, 2024. One week of camp is $350 per child for the 2024 season and includes meals and trips. This significant value for a week-long overnight camp is supplemented by assistance from New York State to help make camps and the education benefits they provide affordable for New Yorkers.

In addition to inviting parents to register their children to participate in the DEC environmental education camp program, sporting clubs, civic groups and environmental organizations are encouraged to sponsor one or more children for a week at camp. Information about becoming a sponsor is available at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/summer-camps/sponsoring-youth  on DEC’s website.

For more information, please visit the DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov, email EducationCamps@dec.ny.gov, call 518-402-8014, visit “NYS DEC Summer Camps” on Facebook, or write to DEC Camps, 3rd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4501.