News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

WEEK IN REVIEW 

STOPPING BY URBAN HEALTH PLAN’S ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM 

DID YOU KNOW: Urban Health Plan, Inc. runs an Adult Literacy Program that offers a pathway for obtaining one’s GED?

 As a GED recipient myself, it means so much to have helped fund this program for the Bronx yearly through a $185,000 citywide adult literacy initiative I secured.

WALKTHROUGH AT THE HUNTS POINT MEAT MARKET

 from my walkthrough with NYC Council Member Amanda Farias, and District Leader Freddy Perez, Jr. at the Hunts Point Meat Market 

During my tenure at New York City Council, I have allocated over $24 million towards critical infrastructure improvements - which I received updates on from the Market’s business owners

ASSISTING WITH URBAN HEALTH PLAN’S FOOD PANTRY

Stopped by Urban Health Plan, Inc.’s food pantry located at 854 Hunts Point Avenue to assist with the food distribution they held

 Knowing the dire need that District 17 has faced with food insecurity, my office allocated $355,000 to Urban Health Plan in fiscal year 2025 to aid in their critical anti-hunger food initiatives

THE BRONX COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL BENEFIT 

Thank you to The Bronx County Historical Society for the fantastic benefit of ‘A Salute To Bronx History’! It is always a pleasure supporting an organization whose mission is to preserve the Bronx’s rich culture and history. 

For those interested in learning more about the great work undertaken by our Historical Society, be sure to check out www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org and stop by the Museum of Bronx History for a more in-depth appreciation of our Borough’s history!

WALKTHROUGH WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

During my walkthrough with staff from Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester, we discussed plans for their redevelopment in the Bronx. 

 Previously utilized as a church, the team at Habitat intends to convert the property into affordable homeownership for the South Bronx. 

3-K & PRE-K APPLICATION DEADLINE

 PARENTS: Have you submitted your 3-K or Pre-Applications for the 2025-2026 school year yet?

 REMINDER: ALL applications are due by FEBRUARY 28, 2025, and can be submitted in three ways:

 Online at MySchools.nyc (http://myschools.nyc/)
 Visiting a Family Welcome Center
 Calling 718-935-2009 

For help with the admissions process?
Visit: nyc.gov/3k (http://nyc.gov/3k) 
and nyc.gov/pk (http://nyc.gov/ pk)

CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS IN THE BRONX

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!

Wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year! 

IN THE NEWS

“With so many families in my district being hit hard by our city’s ever-growing cost-of-living crisis, it’s important that we give back to our communities and ensure that our kids are equipped with the necessary protective gear to stay warm and healthy,” Council Member Salamanca said.  Read more from the Bronx Times: https://www.bxtimes.com/salamanca-nycha-bronx-river-community-center-coat-toy-distribution/ Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov

Justice Department Announces Formation of Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism

 

Pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order on Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism, the Justice Department announced today the formation of a multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. The Task Force’s first priority will be to root out anti-Semitic harassment in schools and on college campuses.

In addition to the Department of Justice, the Task Force will include representatives from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies as it develops. The Task Force will be coordinated through the Department’s Civil Rights Division.  

“Anti-Semitism in any environment is repugnant to this Nation’s ideals,” said Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Leo Terrell, who will be heading the Task Force. “The Department takes seriously our responsibility to eradicate this hatred wherever it is found. The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is the first step in giving life to President Trump’s renewed commitment to ending anti-Semitism in our schools.”

If you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division, at Contact the Civil Rights Division | Department of Justice (https://civilrights.justice.gov). President Trump’s Executive Order can be found here: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism – The White House.

Attorney General James and Coalition of 22 Attorneys General Celebrate Court Victory Stopping Federal Funding Freeze

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 22 attorneys general today celebrated winning a court order halting the implementation of a Trump administration policy that would block many federal agency grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs. On Friday, Judge John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking the administration’s illegal funding freeze after Attorney General James and the coalition filed a lawsuit to stop the policy.

“The power of the purse belongs to Congress – not the President of the United States,” said Attorney General James. “Last week, I led a coalition of attorneys general in suing to stop this dangerous and chaotic policy, and we won a court order to stop it while our lawsuit proceeds. Now, New Yorkers can rest assured that federal funds for critical services – meals for our seniors, health care, community public safety, disaster relief, and so much more – are currently not at risk. I will continue to fight in court to defend the essential programs and services New Yorkers need.”

The TRO won by Attorney General James prohibits federal agencies from taking any action that would “pause, freeze, block, cancel or terminate” the provision of federal funding, unless otherwise permitted by existing statute or the terms of the grant. Because of Attorney General James’ immediate intervention, programs that provide critical health and childcare services to families in need, deliver support to public schools, combat violence and expand public safety, provide life-saving disaster relief to states, and more are no longer at immediate risk of losing their funding.

In a notice sent to federal agencies and filed with the court this morning, the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicated its intent to comply with the court order and affirmed that the TRO blocking the illegal freeze applied to all federal funding awards or obligations, including those made to recipients such as hospitals, non-profits, or other organizations. The TRO applied to both current and future grants of federal assistance.

This morning, Attorney General James also sent a letter to hundreds of recipients of federal funding informing them that federal financial assistance cannot be frozen as a result of the administration’s policy, which is now blocked. This included health care providers, who were informed that funding cannot be frozen or withdrawn on the basis of providing gender affirming care to minors. Attorney General James also reminded providers that regardless of funding, all providers in New York are obligated to comply with New York state laws, including those that prohibit discrimination against individuals based on their sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or membership in other protected classes. To comply with New York law, Attorney General James warns all providers that they must continue to provide health care services, including gender affirming care, to transgender or gender nonconforming individuals.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR SHOOTING AT GROUP OF MEN, WOUNDING TWO

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to Attempted Murder in the second degree for wounding two men when he opened fire on a Longwood Street in broad daylight. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant approached a group of men standing near a car and shot the driver multiple times before shooting at the others, striking one of them. The gunfire occurred at 10 o’clock in the morning on a residential block, showing brazenness and disregard.” 

The defendant, Jhoan Mota, 43, of 410 East 155 Street, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to 15 years in prison and five years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Joseph McCormack. He pleaded guilty to two counts of Attempted Murder in the second-degree on December 13, 2024. 

According to the investigation, on April 21, 2022, at approximately 10:00 a.m. in front of 957 Kelly Street, the defendant approached a group of men next to a parked car. Mota briefly spoke to the man in the driver’s seat and then shot him three times at point blank range in his left arm and buttocks. The defendant fired two shots at the group as they fled. One victim was shot in the neck and his lower back and fell to the ground. Mota stood over his body and shot him in his right hand.

District Attorney Clark thanked Detective Domingo Cabreja of the 41st Precinct Detective Squad, Detective Jonathan Troncoso of the 40 Precinct Detective Squad and NYPD Officer Valentin Delorbe, of the Anti-Terrorism Unit (formerly of PSA 7).

Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Announces $20.7 Million for Community Outreach Programs to Reduce Gun Violence and Save Lives in 14 Communities Across New York State

SNUG Street Outreach Grants Awarded to Community-Based Organizations and Trauma Centers With Individuals Who Are Credible Messengers and Work With At-Risk Individuals

Shooting Incidents With Injury Reached an All-Time Low in Communities Participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative

Governor’s FY26 Budget Continues Unprecedented Support for Crime Prevention Initiatives in Communities That Report Roughly 90% of Violent Crimes With Firearms, 85% of Violent Crimes Outside of New York City

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $20.7 million to support SNUG Street Outreach programs that work to reduce gun violence and save lives in 14 communities across New York State. These grants to community-based organizations and hospitals fund outreach workers, hospital responders, social workers and case managers who are credible messengers and work with individuals at risk of gun violence, connecting them with support and services to change behavior and increase opportunities. Last week, Governor Hochul announced that shooting incidents with injury reported in communities participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence initiative reached record lows in 2024 with 588 incidents reported compared to 817 in 2023, a 28 percent reduction. The Governor’s FY26 Executive Budget continues unprecedented support for SNUG, Gun Involved Violence and other initiatives in communities that report 90 percent of violent crimes with firearms and 85 percent of violent crimes outside of New York City.

“Public safety is my number one priority — that’s why my Budget invests in proven initiatives like the SNUG program to drive down gun violence, save lives and keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Outreach teams across the State are working alongside law enforcement and local partners to target gun violence anywhere it occurs, and to engage stakeholders in a comprehensive approach that makes our communities safer for all.”

New York State’s SNUG program uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission and treating individuals, families and communities affected by the violence. Administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, SNUG, Gun Involved Violence (GIVE) initiative, the State’s nationally recognized Crime Analysis Centers Network and Project RISE (Respond, Invest, Sustain, Empower) are key components of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to address the causes and consequences of gun violence and other crimes.

The $20.7 million will fund staff, programs, services, equipment and technology for the SNUG locations during the 2025 calendar year. Community-based organizations and hospitals receive the funding, which supports 181 full-time and 39 part-time employees who work in specific neighborhoods in Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mt. Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch and Yonkers. DCJS tracks shooting data in these “SNUG zones” and last year, those zones collectively reported significant, double-digit decreases in shooting victims, individuals killed by gun violence and shooting incidents with injury when compared to 2023.

SNUG outreach workers, social workers, case managers and hospital responders work in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by gun violence, and the program also embeds social workers and hospital responders at Level One trauma centers in Albany, Buffalo, the Bronx, Rochester and Syracuse. These professionals work with individuals and families in the aftermath of a violent incident to offer support, services and connect them to the SNUG program in their communities for additional assistance.

SNUG staff are credible messengers who live in the communities in which they work, and some have been involved with the criminal justice system or lost loved ones to violence. They work with teens and young adults to detect and defuse disputes before they escalate; respond to shootings to prevent retaliation through mediation and assist family members of those who have been injured or killed; and mentor youth involved with the program to set goals and connect them with educational and job opportunities as well as other services. The programs also engage the community, religious organizations and clergy, and local businesses by sponsoring anti-violence marches, job fairs, block parties, sporting events and other community gatherings.

The following organizations and hospitals will receive funding and support from DCJS to administer SNUG:

New York City and Long Island

• Bronx – Jacobi Medical Center: $2,702,617
• Hempstead – Family and Children’s Association: $1,164,397
• Wyandanch – Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk: $746,522

Hudson Valley

• Mt. Vernon – Family Services of Westchester: $1,088,391
• Newburgh – Regional Economic Community Action Plan: $896,799
• Poughkeepsie – Family Services Inc.: $1,076,245
• Yonkers – Yonkers YMCA: $1,010,259

Capital Region

• Albany – Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region: $1,820,329 and Albany Medical Center: $262,310
• Troy – Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region: $860,134

Central New York

• Syracuse – Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility: $1,820,189 and SUNY Upstate Medical Center: $464,374

Mohawk Valley

• Utica – Integrated Community Alternatives Network: $792,673

Finger Lakes

• Rochester – PathStone Corp.: $1,949,426 and Rochester General Hospital: $571,002

Western New York

• Buffalo – Erie County Medical Center: $2,800,915
• Niagara Falls – Community Missions of Niagara Frontier: $ 677,170

Comprehensive training, site visits and support from DCJS set SNUG apart from other community-based violence interruption programs across the state and country. New staff must complete 40 hours of training and new supervisors complete 32 hours of management training. All staff must also complete 40 hours of professional development training annually. This ongoing training and support help ensure that the program operates consistently across all SNUG sites despite being operated by different community-based organizations and hospitals. 

State Senator Jamaal Bailey said, “Investing $20.7 million in SNUG to enhance efforts such as preventing gun violence, supporting at-risk individuals, and strengthening communities across New York State is essential. SNUG has been a pivotal partner in preventing gun violence and an organization that has significantly impacted my district, and will continue to do so as Mt. Vernon – Family Services of Westchester is receiving $1,088,391. By funding outreach workers, social workers, and hospital responders, future conflicts can de-escalate and create safer neighborhoods and brighter futures for all of us. Thank you to Governor Hochul for your leadership and prioritizing the safety of our community.”

EDITOR'S NOTE : State Senator Bailey's district also covers a large section of the Bronx, which he has no comment about the huge amount of gun violence in the Bronx and his district in the Bronx.

REMINDER: 2025 VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE (VNNA)–FEB 5–MONTHLY MEETING

 

VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE

FIRST MEETING OF 2025!

WEDNESDAY, FEB 5, 2025

7:00 PM

MONSIGNOR FIORENTINO APTS

1830 AMETHYST STREET

GROUND FLOOR, COMMUNITY ROOM

BRONX, NY 10462

BRING A FRIEND! BRING A NEIGHBOR!