|
Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Save the Date: VCPA's Springtime Shindig is May 15th
District Court Enters Permanent Injunctions Prohibiting Unauthorized Debits to Consumer and Small Business Bank Accounts
On Jan. 31, a court in Miami entered the final in a series of consent decrees, permanently barring 10 individuals and entities from operating a scheme to steal funds from thousands of bank accounts belonging to consumers and small businesses across the United States.
In a civil complaint unsealed on Dec. 11, 2023, the Justice Department alleged that a network of individuals and their companies, including defendants Farhan Khan, Jeremy Todd Briley, Christopher Foufas, Brandon Hahn, and Melinda Petit-Homme, participated in a scheme to steal millions of dollars from consumers and small businesses by making recurring unauthorized charges against their bank accounts.
The defendants allegedly used sham companies, including Altitude Processing Inc., which does business as Clear Marketing Agency, to cover their tracks and make the unauthorized charges appear legitimate. The defendants also allegedly took elaborate steps to portray the sham companies as legitimate businesses that provided online marketing services, creating bogus websites for the sham companies, fake customer authorizations for the charges, and a “customer service” call center to field complaints and offer refunds. The government alleged that, in reality, victims of the scheme never signed up for — or received — any services from the defendants.
“These consent decrees are the hard-won result of the Department’s efforts to eradicate schemes that prey upon consumers and small businesses across the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to using all the tools at its disposal to block fraudsters from reaching into victims’ bank accounts and draining their savings through repeated unauthorized charges.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will relentlessly pursue any and everyone masquerading as legitimate businesses to fraudulently steal money from unsuspecting consumers,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group. “Postal inspectors work diligently to investigate fraud scams and educate the public about how to protect their money from criminals.”
Under the consent decrees, the defendants may not charge consumers without authorization. The consent decrees also prevent the defendants from taking any measures to: (a) evade fraud and risk monitoring programs established by any financial institution, payment processor, or the operator of any payment system; (b) disguise the nature of transactions; or (c) artificially reduce chargeback rates. They are further prohibited from assisting any other individuals or entities with taking any of the prohibited actions. The consent decrees do not constitute an admission of guilt on behalf of the defendants.
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Carolyn Rice and Meredith Reiter of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch represented the government in this matter. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida provided substantial assistance.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Attorney General James Releases Statement on Court Victory Upholding State Ethics Board
New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the state Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of the state’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG):
“The public deserves to have faith in their elected officials, and that requires a strong, independent, ethics watchdog. In New York, we value the rule of law, and my office will always work to ensure our laws are defended, no matter who attempts to sidestep or ignore them. I was proud to help defend the constitutionality of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, and I commend my team for securing this decision that maintains the state’s ethics watchdog. New Yorkers can trust that my office will always faithfully defend the public’s interest.”
Governor Hochul Announces $32.6 Million in FAST NY Grants Awarded to Attract High-Tech Manufacturing Businesses to New York State
Seven Awards Support Development of Shovel-Ready Sites in Five Regions
Over $230 Million in FAST NY Grants Awarded to Date to Help Communities Attract and Grow Businesses in Advanced Manufacturing and Other Key Industries
Additional $100 Million in FAST NY Funding Proposed in 2026 Executive Budget
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $32.6 million has been awarded to improve seven locations under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program, administered by Empire State Development. First announced by the Governor in February 2022, FAST NY is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state to further New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. To date, FAST NY has awarded nearly $233 million to 32 sites, with locations in every region across Upstate New York, and Governor Hochul has proposed an additional $100 million for this proven program in her 2026 Executive Budget.
"FAST NY is a valuable tool that attracts strategic industries that invest in our communities and bring good paying jobs to New York State," Governor Hochul said. "We have experienced first hand that shovel ready sites are an important factor when businesses are looking to expand and companies like Micron, Wolfspeed, Edwards Vacuum, and fairlife have chosen New York State because of our investments in site readiness. FAST NY is helping New York be a competitor on a global stage for the world's best companies."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “FAST NY is a forward-thinking initiative that enhances the state's appeal to major employers in high-growth industries by helping communities prepare and develop sites to accelerate New York’s shovel-readiness. Each site selected for a FAST NY investment has tremendous potential to ignite projects that generate jobs and stimulate regional economic development across New York.”
The latest awardees are:
- Albany Port District Commission (Capital Region) – $18.79 million: This project at the Port of Albany’s 85-acre Beacon Island expansion site will allow for utility infrastructure work, including installation of a high-voltage substation, a sanitary wastewater treatment plant, and the intake lines and pump station package for fire protection system. Additionally, it will support the remaining earthwork at the site. This fully graded 85-acre site with access to 115Kv power lines and the navigable Hudson River presents a unique asset to manufacturers of a variety of large-scale components.
- Buffalo and Erie County Land Development Corporation (Western New York) – $11.5 million: This infrastructure improvement project at the former Evans-Angola airport will support the establishment of the Erie County Agribusiness Park. The grant will support utility infrastructure work, including roadway and sewer improvements, and power and gas transmission extensions, plus a substation. The former airport has been defunct for over 25 years and the new agribusiness park will focus on attracting food and agricultural processing businesses to the region, and expanding available markets for local farms.
- Town of Clifton Park (Capital Region) – $1 million: This infrastructure improvement project at the Synergy Technology Park will extend the site's water infrastructure by providing a secondary water line. This will increase capacity to the park and support future site development and expansion for industrial, manufacturing and distribution operations.
- Orange County Industrial Development Agency (Mid-Hudson) – $500,000: This pre-development project at the Roseton Development site will induce advancement of environmental studies including a Generic Environmental Impact Statement and State Environmental Quality Review, plus engineering and site design. The site provides unique assets, including direct access to existing power transmission, rail, heavy infrastructure, and existing maritime infrastructure with direct access to the Hudson River, and will focus on targeting offshore wind supply chain companies.
- Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (Mohawk Valley) – $434,700: This pre-development project will induce the advancement of engineering fees and studies that will determine costs for the development of infrastructure at Johnstown Commerce Park, including roads, utilities, site analysis, and environmental investigation. This site is located directly across from the current Johnstown Industrial Park, which is currently at capacity. The site, which was previously awarded a FAST NY grant, expects to produce five major industrial development projects, resulting in the creation of approximately 200 jobs.
- Hamburg Development Corporation (Western New York) – $250,000: This pre-development project will allow for shovel-ready advancement of the Crossroads site, including environmental impact and traffic studies. The site is adjacent to the former Ford stamping plant and is zoned industrial, with direct proximity to significant water, sewer, natural gas and power lines. Pre-permitting this site will expedite development and improve speed to market for advanced manufacturing projects in the region.
- Wayne County Industrial Development Agency (Finger Lakes) – $100,000: This pre-development project will enable studies to evaluate water and sewer treatment and delivery infrastructure, with a focus on Lyons Industrial Park and additional industrial parks located along the Route 31 corridor spanning east to west through the southern end of the county. These parks were recently identified via a feasibility study, conducted to evaluate potential areas for future industrial development.
This year, Governor Hochul proposed $100 million for additional rounds of FAST NY in her FY26 Executive Budget. The program helps to diversify New York State’s economy while generating new investments for businesses, communities and job creation. Last year, Governor Hochul secured an additional $100 million in funding through the FY25 State Budget for the FAST NY program.
FAST NY grants are awarded for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that will attract many eligible industries —including high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, agribusiness, optics, transportation equipment, materials processing, industrial machinery manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing. These sites can also be used for interstate distribution and logistics. For more information, or to apply for a FAST NY grant, visit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.
News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.
WEEK IN REVIEW
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Love was in the air as Team Salamanca kicked off our Valentine’s Day celebrations at the Bronx Zoo!Congratulations to all the raffle winners, and a massive thank you to the Bronx Zoo staff & to all the #Bronxites (young and old) who came out to party and spread their love with us
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)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit our District Office at:
1070 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10459
(718) 402-6130
salamanca@council.nyc.gov
1070 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10459
(718) 402-6130
salamanca@council.nyc.gov
MAYOR ADAMS, DCLA COMMISSIONER CUMBO AWARD NEARLY $60 MILLION TO OVER 1,000 NONPROFITSTHROUGH CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND, LARGEST FUND INVESTMENT IN CITY HISTORY
Funding Will Bolster Cultural Economy Across Five Boroughs, Including Theater, Film, Dance, Music, Visual Arts, and More
Additional Investments Will Support Individual Artists and Smaller Nonprofits, People With Disabilities, English Language Learners, and More
Full List of Grantees Available Online
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo today announced a record $59.3 million in Cultural Development Fund (CDF) grants to 1,078 cultural organizations across the five boroughs. The funding — which is awarded annually by DCLA using a competitive, peer-evaluated grant process — includes $51.9 million from the New York City Mayor’s Office and $7.4 million from members of the New York City Council. The Adams administration previously broke the record for the largest-ever city investment through the CDF in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. Funding from the CDF supports a broad range of artistic, cultural, and historic organizations across New York City, helping support good-paying jobs and strengthening the city’s flourishing cultural sector. Additionally, this year’s CDF includes investments to create a more inclusive cultural sector, as funding will support people who speak a language other than English, people with disabilities, vulnerable populations, and more.
“To make New York City the best place to raise a family, we need good-paying jobs and vibrant cultural organizations; these grants will help us support both by bolstering our museums, music venues, and much more,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration has already shattered the record for the most jobs in city history and made the largest ever investment in the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. With the record grant money announced today for our cultural organizations, we are adding another exciting milestone to that list and strengthening our city’s position as the cultural capital of the globe.”
“Simply put, there is no New York City without the cultural sector that strengthens our communities, drives our economy, and makes us the creative capital of the world. And the work that goes into making our cultural sector thrive starts with the 1,000+ nonprofits that we’re proud to support through the Cultural Development Fund,” said DCLA Commissioner Cumbo. “This year, we’re rolling out new reforms that will expand investments in low-income communities, we’re bringing back city support for cultural programming that break down barriers to access, we’re increasing support for individual artists, we’re offering greater stability to the groups who rely on our funding to deliver cultural programs for New Yorkers — and we’re doing it all with a record investment from the city, thanks to Mayor Adams and our partners on the City Council. Congratulations to all of this year’s CDF recipients!”
The CDF is DCLA’s competitive, peer-evaluated grant process that supports a broad, multidisciplinary group of diverse nonprofit organizations for their cultural services to city residents. Funding from the CDF helps cultural organizations open up new exhibitions, support more artists, expand educational programming, and more. A total of 1,078 cultural organizations were awarded funding in this year’s cycle, including 602 groups that received baseline funding as part of a multi-year award. Additionally, 73 percent of eligible applicants received an award through this year’s CDF. Historically, multi-year awards were only available to larger organizations. In order to create a more equitable, accountable, and sustainable CDF process, the Adams administration implemented new reforms in FY22 to allow groups of all budget sizes to receive multi-year awards.
Additionally, this year’s CDF both restored and expanded investments in several initiatives to help create a more inclusive cultural sector, including:
- The Language Access Fund: Through this fund, 64 organizations will receive an additional $10,000 each in grant funding to bring more cultural programming to non-English speakers, multilingual language learners (MLLs), and English language learners (ELLs). That funding will support bilingual and multilingual programming, work created and presented in languages other than English, K-12 arts education opportunities for MLLs and ELLs, and translation of cultural programming into multiple languages.
- The Disability Forward Fund: Through this fund, 42 organizations will receive an additional $10,000 each in grant funding to deepen engagement of people with disabilities, including artists, cultural workers, and audience members; to support new work created by people with disabilities; to help connect people with disabilities to jobs in the cultural sector; and to promote successful models for engaging the disability community through cultural programming.
- Increase for Borough Arts Councils: Through the Greater New York Arts Development Fund (GNYADF), DCLA provides funding to local arts councils in each borough to distribute to individual artists and small nonprofits in their respective boroughs. This year, the GNYADF includes $3.4 million for distribution among the arts councils — a 15 percent increase over their FY24 allotment. This funding is aimed at expanding opportunities for local artists so they can afford to continue to live and work in New York City, helping to fuel creativity and cultural enrichment in every corner of the city.
- CDF Equity Fund: Through this fund, 264 organizations operating in areas of New York City with the lowest median incomes and highest poverty rates will receive a total of $2 million in additional funding on top of their CDF awards, helping ensure that public resources are directed to areas of the city where they are needed most and making a major investment in the overall wellbeing and vibrancy of some of New York’s most vulnerable communities.
- Additional Support for Completing Capital Projects: New facilities often require cultural organizations to ramp up operations, threatening their financial health and stability. As part of the CDF Equity Fund, several organizations received additional funding tied to the completion of major capital projects to avoid financial disruption and support groups as they bring new facilities online. Recipients of this support include the Bushwick Starr, the Frick Collection, La MaMa Experimental Theater Club, and the Louis Armstrong House Museum, all of which have completed major capital expansion projects.
- CDF Safety Net Funding: Last year, the Adams administration adopted a new rule to create a CDF Safety Net and help cultural organizations avoid significant disruptions in their funding following a loss of CDF funding. The CDF Safety Net will provide a total of $720,000 to applicants that have received CDF baseline awards in six consecutive prior fiscal years but were denied funding in the FY25 application cycle. Following the loss of previously stable funding, the CDF Safety Net provides these longtime grantees a buffer to avoid significant disruption of their programming and find new sources to support their operations.
The Adams administration has prioritized supporting cultural institutions across the five boroughs. In addition to a record $254 million investment in the city's cultural sector through DCLA as part of the FY25 budget, the Adams administration broke ground on renovations, expansions, and other city-supported capital projects at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Weeksville Heritage Center, The Bronx Museum, Nuyorican Poets Café, and more in 2024. Additionally, last year, the Adams administration announced more than $52 million in grants for 1,031 cultural organizations through its annual Cultural Development Fund grant making program and diverted over 5.9 million pounds of materials from landfill, making them available to educators, nonprofits, and artists through its Materials for the Arts program free of charge.
Finally, to bolster the city’s cultural economy and support more cultural organizations, Mayor Adams announced in his 2025 State of the City address that New York City will invest more resources into the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), adding up to five additional organizations in order to ensure that the CIG network reflects the rich diversity of the city’s creative sector.