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

 

WEEK IN REVIEW

 WALKTHROUGH WITH NYC PARKS

 

 Thank you, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, for the walkthrough, discussion, and vision of potentially building a permanent, brick-and-mortar swimming pool in Barretto Point Park - Hunts Point. 

CASTLE HILL BID WALKTHROUGH

 

 From my walkthrough of the Castle Hill Business Improvement District

 With 197 businesses within their boundaries, the Castle Hill BID is home to one of the most diverse business communities in the #Bronx - including a large concentration of Bengali-owned businesses

 During my tour, I had the pleasure of stopping by Varsity Uniform, who have faithfully remained on Castle Hill Avenue for nearly 90 years, and provides uniform services for every NYC government agency

WALKTHROUGH WITH WESTCHESTER SQUARE BID

 

 Westchester Square Business Improvement District Executive Director Yasmin Cruz for your hospitality during our recent walkthrough!

 With 236 businesses within their boundaries, Westchester’s business community stretches from Silver Street to Westchester Avenue

 Under Yasmin’s leadership, the BID has focused on offering supplemental sanitation and security services to its businesses, while also elevating and marketing their diverse small business community

BECK STREET HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WALKTHROUGH

I stopped by to view progress on the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition’s $25 million comprehensive rehabilitation project currently underway at the Beck Street Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC).

 Thanks to the Article XI tax benefits I approved in 2021, all residents were able to return to their newly-refurbished homes - complete with brand new appliances & common areas - with pre-renovation rental prices not exceeding 30% of their annual income

 It was not only important to me that we maintained permanent housing affordability for Bronxites, but that we also provided massive critical infrastructure improvements to our existing housing developments

CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS IN THE BRONX

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!   “Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be  them, may we raise them.” Wishing a Happy International Women’s Day to all of the  incredible women in our lives  RAMADAN MUBARAK  Wishing a Ramadan Mubarak to all those beginning  their observations. I extend my warmest wishes to you during this holy month. UPCOMING EVENTS 2025 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION CELEBRATION    Team Salamanca, Freddy Perez Jr, and the Bronx Zoo cordially  invite you to our 2025 Women of Distinction Celebration! *RSVP’s are REQUIRED to attend and can be made using the  below link* https://forms.gle/2qRZiLDwT2bQdgT26 We hope to see you there! Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov

New York State Inspector General Publishes Previously Non-Public Investigative Letters, Reinforcing Commitment to Transparency

 

As part of an ongoing transparency initiative, the Offices of the New York State Inspector General (OIG) today published a set of letters sent to New York State agencies related to findings of recent OIG investigations and reviews. These letters provide detailed information on investigative findings and recommendations made by the Inspector General.

“Today’s published letters demonstrate the range of issues illuminated by our investigations and reviews, and reflect our commitment to bolstering the integrity of government on matters big and small,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “In sharing our findings with the public, we aim to both strengthen and earn the public’s trust in the institutions on which New Yorkers rely.”

Today’s letter publication is just the most recent example of the Inspector General’s commitment to enhancing transparency and public awareness of the vital oversight efforts that impact state operations and the well-being of New Yorkers.  Other transparency efforts include a monthly public data dashboard reflecting complaints brought before OIG, the publication of historical letters and materials, a multi-platform social media presence, and regular community training and outreach.

To read the published letters and learn more about the ongoing work of the New York State Inspector General’s Office, click here. Follow @NewYorkStateIG for updates and further information.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US: Women`s History Fellowship Breakfast

 

Permits Filed for 919 Freeman Street in Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story mixed-use building at 919 Freeman Street in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Located between Southern Boulevard and Intervale Avenue, the lot is near the Freeman Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Westorchard Management is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 79-foot-tall development will yield 12,389 square feet, with 10,440 square feet designated for residential space, 1,730 square feet for commercial space, and 218 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 15 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 696 square feet.

Boaz M. Golani Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Notorious Violent Mexican Cartel Leader Sentenced to Life Plus 30 Years in Prison for International Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

 

Defendant Ordered a Mexican Military Helicopter to Be Shot Down and Was One of the Earliest Fentanyl Traffickers

A U.S.-Mexican dual national and co-founder of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) — an international drug trafficking organization — was sentenced in the District of Columbia to a term of life in prison plus 30 years to run consecutively for his role in a major drug trafficking conspiracy and ordered to forfeit over $6 billion of drug trafficking proceeds.

“This defendant helped build Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion into a brutal terrorist organization that pumps poison onto our streets and commits horrific acts of violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Thanks to the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, he will now spend his life behind bars.”

“This sentencing is a victory for the dedicated men and women in federal law enforcement who have made it their lives’ work to dismantle and degrade the cartels in Mexico,” said Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Menchito was not only extremely violent, he was also one of the earliest architects of fentanyl trafficking that led to the deadliest chapter of the synthetic opioid crisis, and responsible for flooding the country with methamphetamine. This country is undoubtedly safer now that he will spend the rest of his life in federal prison. Let this be a warning to members of CJNG, its associates, and the other cartels that DEA’s work is far from over. Americans are depending on us to continue to fight evil and dismantle the cartels.”

According to court documents, Ruben Oseguera-Gonzalez, known as El Menchito, 34, led the CJNG for nearly seven years in Mexico and oversaw the importation of multi-tonnage quantities of drugs into the United States. In addition to other CJNG operations, Oseguera-Gonzalez is responsible for trafficking more than 50 metric tons of cocaine and supervising drug labs that produced more than 1,000 metric tons of methamphetamine in Mexico. In 2013, Oseguera-Gonzalez was one of the first contributors to the fentanyl epidemic in the United States, pledging to “do it big” and build an empire from counterfeit oxycontin pills laced with fentanyl.

According to court documents, along with his father, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho and who remains a fugitive, Oseguera-Gonzalez founded the CJNG, which is based in Jalisco, Mexico, and is arguably the most prolific and most violent cartel in Mexico today. For instance, Oseguera-Gonzalez backed CJNG’s criminal drug trafficking empire with an arsenal of weapons and by committing and directing heinous acts of violence. He brutally killed five people who owed him drug money and personally shot a rival cartel member and a subordinate. He carried firearms, including a rifle and grenade launcher that bore his moniker, which he used to threaten Mexican law enforcement upon his arrest. Oseguera-Gonzalez also directed the 2015 attack on a Mexican military helicopter that was pursuing Oseguera-Gonzalez and his father, the top leader of the CJNG. The helicopter was shot down, allowing Oseguera-Gonzalez and his father to evade capture while killing at least nine Mexican service members and permanently disfiguring at least one other. Additionally, according to statements made in court and trial testimony, Oseguera-Gonzalez ordered the murder of more than 100 people, some of which he murdered himself.

The DEA Los Angeles Field Division investigated the case with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance with securing the February 2020 extradition of Oseguera-Gonzalez and facilitating important evidence. The Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance. The Justice Department thanks Mexican authorities for their assistance with this important prosecution.

Trial Attorneys Jonathan Hornok, Lernik Begian, and Douglas Meisel, and former Trial Attorneys Kaitlin Sahni and Kate Naseef of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted the case. 

This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Governor Hochul Details State Response to Long Island Brush Fires

Governor Hochul Issues Burn Ban for Long Island, New York City, and Parts of the Hudson Valley; Read Proclamation Here

State of Emergency Declared To Prioritize Deployment of Ground and Air Support for Immediate Fire Suppression

Eight Helicopters on Standby Today to Support Firefighting Mission

Four New York National Guard Helicopters Conducted 88 Water Drops Totaling More than 24,000 Gallons on Saturday

State Emergency Operations Center Activated; Office of Fire Prevention and Control Establishes Fire Operations Center, and Activates Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan

Strong Winds and Dry Weather to Continue Sunday into Monday

Governor Kathy Hochul provided an update on the brush fires in Suffolk County that began Saturday afternoon. Based on the ongoing increase in fire risk from gusty winds and lower relative humidity, Governor Hochul has directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement an immediate burn ban for Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley until the annual statewide ban on residential brush burning takes effect on March 16.

“New Yorkers are facing increased wildfire risks due to the combination of dry conditions and strong winds,” Governor Hochul said. “As we work tirelessly to combat the fires in Suffolk County, we must all do our part to prevent further damage. I have issued an immediate burn ban across Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley to protect our communities, and our state resources are fully mobilized to support fire suppression efforts.”

Counties in the multi-regional burn ban include: Long Island, New York City, and parts of the Hudson Valley until the annual statewide ban on residential brush burning takes effect on March 16. Counties include: Nassau, Suffolk, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Bronx, New York, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, and Ulster. The multi-regional burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires. For more information about the annual ban on residential brush burning taking effect March 16 and tips about fire safety and prevention, visit DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Dry conditions continued today. Relative humidity is expected to rise back up through the 40s to more than 50 percent tonight and temperatures will slowly fall to the lower 40s.

On Saturday, the Governor declared a State of Emergency in Suffolk County to prioritize the deployment of ground and air support to assist with fire suppression. At the Governor’s direction, the New York National Guard has four helicopters performing water drops, and a C-130 is supporting aerial monitoring. On Saturday, the helicopters flew 88 missions, dropping 24,200 gallons of water on the fires. Additionally, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has opened the State Fire Operations Center and activated the state’s Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan to support any resource requests from local fire departments.

About Wildfires

• Wildfires, often called forest fires, damage thousands of acres of natural resources almost every year in New York.
• Wildfires commonly occur in the spring during dry and windy conditions.
• Although wildfires naturally occur from lightning, human activities are the cause of most wildfires.
• In an average year, New York State sees approximately 1,400 acres total burned in wildfires.

Burn Ban and How Communities Can Help Protect Themselves from Damage

• Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.
• Residents are encouraged to abide by the current burn ban issued by Governor Hochul to prevent additional wildfires from occurring.
• To reduce fire danger, residents are encouraged to remove leaves and debris from areas close to their homes.
• Since 2009, DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban from March 16 through May 14 to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

More information about wildfires is available on DEC’s webpage: Wildfires - NYSDEC

 

New York City Conflicts of Interest Board Settlements Announced

The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board (the “Board”) announces two settlements involving public servants who used City resources for non-City purposes. 

 

• Over a single weekend, when he was supposed to be performing work for the New York City Department of Homeless Services (“DHS”), a City Laborer used a DHS vehicle to make 32 stops in the Bronx and Yonkers unrelated to his DHS work; he was supposed to be using that vehicle to transport unhoused people to a homeless shelter. In a joint settlement with the Board and DHS, the City Laborer agreed to forfeit five days of annual leave, valued at approximately $1,450, and serve a fifteen calendar-day suspension, valued at approximately $3,190. The Board determined that the penalties imposed by DHS were sufficient and imposed no additional penalty. The Disposition is attached as “COIB-DHS Disposition.”

 

• A High Pressure Plant Tender at the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (“DCAS”) laminated a copy of his DCAS identification to use as a parking placard. On four occasions between January 2021 and February 2022, he placed the laminated copy of his DCAS identification in the windshield of his personal vehicle to avoid parking fines and parking fees. In a joint agreement with the Board and DCAS, the High Pressure Plant Tender agreed to serve a DCAS-imposed ten calendar-day suspension, valued at approximately $5,080. The Board determined that the penalty imposed by DCAS was sufficient and imposed no additional penalty. The Disposition is attached as “COIB-DCAS Disposition.”

 

Department of State Employee Charged for Conspiracy to Gather, Transmit, or Lose National Defense Information

 

Michael Charles Schena, 42, of Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged participation in a criminal conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information.

According to court documents, Schena is employed by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) working out of DOS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Schena held a top secret security clearance and had access to information up to the secret level within his DOS workspace. Beginning in or about April 2022, Schena allegedly communicated with people he met online through various communication platforms and provided them with information they were not authorized to receive. In return, Schena received payments. On Feb. 27, Schena allegedly used a cellphone to take images of multiple documents, which were displayed on the monitor of his classified computer and marked as “SECRET.” Schena then allegedly left work and returned to his home in Alexandria, where the cellphone was seized.        

Schena is charged with conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information and faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the FBI Richmond Field Office, the Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Counterintelligence.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Ben’Ary and Gavin R. Tisdale for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Maria Fedor of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.