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

 

Dear Neighbor, 

  

Thank you for joining us for another week in review. 

 

The New York Blood Center (NYBC) has issued an urgent call for type O Blood. Type O is the universal blood type and is the blood type most often requested by hospitals. We are urging our residents to assist us in rebuilding our type O blood inventory. Donating blood is quick and easy and could save someone`s life. Click here for more information.  

 

We want to also thank everyone who has joined us for our Bronx Summer Concert Series! Our kickoff was at Fordham Plaza in partnership with the Bronx Night Market and our next concert is this Sunday at Van Cortlandt Park from 12pm - 6pm. We are traveling across the borough this summer visiting our local parks and providing free entertainment for our residents and families. Click here for a full listing of our summer concerts.  

 

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

As we break ground on Starhill Phase II, we are not just building structures; we are building homes, creating opportunities, and fostering a sense of community.

With 325 units of supportive and affordable housing in Phase I and an additional 244 units in Phase II, we are ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have a safe and secure place to call home.

We are proud to have allocated $1 million towards this project that is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. By incorporating solar PV and striving for the highest feasible energy standards, we are making an investment in our planet and our future generations.

I want to thank Services for the UnderServed Inc. (S:US) and Bronx Pro Group for their work on this transformative project.

Last week, we hosted our annual Community Board Appreciation BBQ! Our community boards are an essential component of civic engagement and are the advocates for their neighborhoods.

We were proud to honor our Health Committee chairs for their commitment to improving our borough’s health infrastructure.

Congratulations to our honorees for their tireless work fighting for health equity and justice in our borough.

The unprecedented rise in unlicensed smoke shops has had a negative impact on our communities, affecting the safety of our residents through the distribution of untested and unregulated products and is simultaneously threatening the success of licensed cannabis entrepreneurs who have gone through the process to operate a legitimate business in our city.

Last week`s shutdown of two illegal cannabis shops in Throggs Neck sends a clear message that we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our neighbors and that these unlicensed shops are not welcome in our neighborhoods.

I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Council Member Kristy Marmorato, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Commissioner Edward Caban and the 45th Precinct, the NYC Sheriff`s Office, the Throggs Neck BID, and the residents of Bronx Community Board 10 for their proactiveness in addressing this urgent issue.

We will continue to work with the NYPD, community partners, and our colleagues in government to permanently close these illegal smoke shops.

I also urge residents to call 3-1-1 to report any businesses they believe to be unlawfully selling cannabis.

UPCOMING EVENTS

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary June 2024 Area Unemployment Rates

 

 The New York State Department of Labor released preliminary local area unemployment rates for June 2024. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in June 2024.

Local Area Unemployment Rates* (%)
June 2023 and June 2024
(Not seasonally adjusted)

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, June 2023 versus June 2024. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000. Unemployment Rates By County, New York State, June 2024 Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, samples establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

DELIVERY TRUCK DRIVER INDICTED FOR HIT-AND-RUN COLLISION THAT KILLED 16-YEAR-OLD PEDESTRIAN AND INJURED HER 8-YEAR-OLD SISTER

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Boubacar Barry was arraigned on an indictment charging him with criminally negligent homicide in the death of 16-year-old Jael Zhinin who was struck by Barry’s water delivery truck as she was crossing 46th Street in Sunnyside along with her younger sister, who was also hit and seriously injured. Barry allegedly continued making deliveries after striking the sisters.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said: “No parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child and our thoughts are with the family of these young sisters. It is imperative that pedestrians be able to cross our streets safely and it is incumbent upon every driver to make sure the crosswalk is clear before turning.”

Barry, 28, of Broome Street in Manhattan, was arraigned on an 11-count indictment charging him with two counts of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, criminally negligent homicide, assault in the third degree, two counts of failure to yield, failure to yield the right of way when making a left turn, two counts of drivers to exercise due care and two counts of failure to exercise due care.

If convicted, Barry faces up to seven years in prison. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis ordered him to return to court on September 19.

According to the charges:

• Video surveillance shows that on June 26, at approximately 3:25 p.m., Barry was driving a Ford truck with “Ready Refresh” branding on it westbound on 47th Avenue in Sunnyside before making a left turn onto 46th He failed to yield to a yellow school bus that was approaching from the eastbound lane of 47th Avenue and, upon turning, narrowly avoided hitting a bicyclist.
• As he made the turn, Barry did not appear to be looking ahead of him, but rather at the rear driver’s side of his truck.
• As he entered the intersection, Jael Zhinin, 16, and Leslie Zhinin, 8, stepped into the marked crosswalk – with the walk signal — and began crossing 46th When they approached the middle of the crosswalk they were hit by Barry’s truck and thrown to the pavement.
• The truck then drove over the sisters and continued southbound without stopping.
• Video surveillance then shows Barry making a left turn off 46th Street and double parking his truck, getting out and speaking to someone. Barry began to unload water from his truck.
• Jael Zhinin sustained severe head and torso trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Leslie Zhinin was taken to the hospital in serious condition. She is receiving ongoing care.

New Jersey Man Sentenced for Series of Violent Assaults on Members of the Orthodox Jewish Community

 

A New Jersey man was sentenced to 40 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for committing a series of bias-motivated violent assaults on members of the Orthodox Jewish community in and around Lakewood, New Jersey.

Dion Marsh, 29, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to an information charging him with five counts of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and one count of carjacking. With respect to the Shepard Byrd Act violations, Marsh admitted to willfully causing bodily injury to five victims and attempting to kill and cause injuries with dangerous weapons to four of the victims because they are Jewish.

“Enough is enough – hate-fueled attacks on the Orthodox Jewish community are abhorrent, unlawful and contrary to our values as Americans” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we aggressively work to confront and eradicate antisemitic violence, we recognize the unique vulnerabilities faced by Orthodox Jews who are often targeted because of religious clothing and yarmulkes. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute senseless hate crimes and we will protect people exercising their constitutional right to practice their religion.”

“The threat from hate-fueled violence is a sad reality that impacts far too many people across our state and our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “This defendant previously admitted to violently attacking five men, driving a car into four of them, stabbing one of them in the chest, and attempting to kill them simply because they were visibly identifiable as Orthodox Jews. The sentence imposed today holds Marsh accountable for his brutal and hate-filled rampage. We have no higher priority than protecting the civil rights of our New Jersey residents.”

“These victims were targeted by Marsh because of the way they were dressed, which is in accordance with their religious beliefs,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy of the FBI Newark Field Office. “They have that right in this country. Marsh, however, did not have the right and broke federal law, when he attacked, stabbed and carjacked innocent people. The rise of hate crimes in our communities has become a noxious disease. FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue anyone who violates someone’s constitutionally protected civil rights to simply be who they are. We ask anyone who thinks they've been a victim, or knows someone who is, to contact us so we can help them.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 8, 2022, Marsh carried out a series of violent assaults on members of the Orthodox Jewish Community in and around Lakewood. Each of Marsh’s victims were attired in traditional garments worn by members of the Orthodox Jewish community and were assaulted because they were visibly identifiable Orthodox Jews.

Specifically, at 1:18 p.m. on April 8, 2022, Marsh forced a visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man out of his car in Lakewood, assaulting and injuring him. Marsh took control of the man’s car and drove away.

At 5:20 p.m., Marsh was in Lakewood driving a different car when he deliberately struck another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man with the vehicle, attempting to kill the victim.

At 6:06 p.m., Marsh used that second vehicle to deliberately strike another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man, attempting to kill the victim and causing him to suffer several broken bones.

At 6:55 p.m., Marsh, once again driving the vehicle that he had stolen from the first victim, attempted to kill another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man who was walking in Lakewood by deliberately striking him with the vehicle. Marsh got out of the vehicle and stabbed the man in the chest with a knife, causing the victim to suffer a stab wound and other injuries.

At 8:23 p.m., Marsh, still driving the vehicle that he had stolen from the first victim, used it to deliberately strike another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man who was walking in nearby Jackson Township, New Jersey, attempting to kill the man and causing him to suffer several broken bones and internal injuries.

The FBI Newark Field Office, Red Bank Resident Agency, Lakewood Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Police investigated the case.

D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment For Fatal Stabbing In Washington Heights Subway Station

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the indictment of DIEGO FIGUEROA-HEPNER, 24, for fatally stabbing 40-year-old Johnny Medina at a subway station in Washington Heights in June 2024. FIGUEROA-HEPNER is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree. [1] 

“As alleged, Diego Figureoa-Hepner committed a senseless, vicious act when he stabbed and took the life of Johnny Medina, a vibrant, positive and creative person, inside a Manhattan subway station,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Our transit system is a cornerstone of our city and we will continue holding people accountable who exploit it as a place to bring weapons and commit violent conduct. Mr. Medina was part of an incredible, tight-knit community and my thoughts remain with his family and loved ones as they continue mourning his loss.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on June 21, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m., FIGUEROA-HEPNER followed Mr. Medina, whom he was acquainted with, into the 175 Street subway station, near West 175th Street and Fort Washington Avenue. While on the subway mezzanine, FIGUEROA-HEPNER approached, confronted and initiated a fight with Mr. Medina. During the fight, FIGUEROA-HEPNER pulled out a knife and began chasing Mr. Medina.   

At approximately 5:48 p.m., as Mr. Medina attempted to escape up the stairs, FIGUEROA-HEPNER stabbed him several times, causing Mr. Medina to fall at the bottom of the stairs. Mr. Medina suffered stab wounds to the neck, shoulder and torso. He was eventually transported to Harlem Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

FIGUEROA-HEPNER fled the station, walking northbound on Fort Washington Avenue. He was arrested the next day.  

Assistant D.A. Charles Whitt (Chief of Trial Bureau 60) is handling the prosecution of this case, with the assistance of Meaghan Dunigan and Edward Smith (Trial Bureau 60), under the supervision of Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).  

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detective Alejandro Rivas, Detective Vianny Madera and Detective Matthew Kasler of the 33rd Precinct and Detective Heriberto Vasquez of the Manhattan North Borough Homicide Squad. He also thanked the other members of the 33rd Precinct, as well as the members of the 34th Precinct and Transit Division District 3.   

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court. 

Riverhead Man Sentenced to 25 Years' Imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Large Quantities of Narcotics, Including Fentanyl, on the East End of Long Island

 

Douglas’s Distribution of Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine Caused Four Deaths in the Summer of 2021

Marquis Douglas, a narcotics trafficker who operated a narcotics business that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and other illicit substances throughout the North Fork of Long Island, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 25 years’ imprisonment.  Douglas pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiring with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than one kilogram of heroin, more than 280 grams of crack cocaine, more than 40 grams of fentanyl and a quantity of fentanyl analogue (fluorofentanyl), and distribution of cocaine and fluorofentanyl on or about August 12, 2021, which resulted in the overdose deaths of four people.  

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Raymond A. Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney, announced the sentence.

“Douglas’s singular contribution to the opioid epidemic on Long Island is horrific as the drugs he distributed contributed to the deaths of four human beings,” stated United States Attorney Peace.   “This lengthy sentence should serve as a deterrent to those endangering our communities by distributing potentially lethal drugs. It is my hope that holding the defendant accountable for the terrible consequences of his actions will bring a measure of closure to the victims’ families.”

U.S. Attorney Peace also extended his thanks to the Riverhead Police Department, the Southold Police Department, the Shelter Island Police Department and the New York State Police for their assistance with the investigation.

“Marquis Douglas’s unlawful narcotics trafficking operation resulted in the deaths of four individuals on Long Island and posed a significant threat to the welfare of its citizens. His actions fueled an ongoing epidemic by supplying lethal drugs to our community. The FBI is committed to disrupting the flow of these illicit substances in our streets to prevent future unnecessary fatalities,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Curtis.

“This defendant dealt multiple kilograms of various deadly drugs, resulting in four tragic overdose deaths. This underscores why New York State needs to adequately address the opioid overdose epidemic plaguing communities throughout NY state and the country,” said District Attorney Tierney. "Thankfully, the strong collaboration between our office and our federal law enforcement partners allowed this case to be charged federally and provide justice for the families of these victims.”

On August 13, 2021, four men were found dead on the East End of Long Island after using cocaine that had been laced with a fentanyl analogue.  An investigation by the Southold Police Department, the Shelter Island Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI determined that Douglas was the source of the lethal narcotics.  In August of 2021, Douglas’ operation distributed a quantity of cocaine laced with a fentanyl analogue in Greenport, New York.  When this product was re-distributed at the street level, it ultimately led to four fatal overdoses on a single day in Greenport and Shelter Island.  Douglas had distributed multiple kilograms of cocaine over the years, as well as kilogram level quantities of heroin and large quantities of fentanyl. At the time of his arrest in May of 2022, Douglas was found in possession of 105 grams of fentanyl and 135 grams of cocaine. 

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.