VCJC News & Notes 9/19/25

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders

1. Shabbos schedule
   
   
   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 9/19/25 @ 6:39 pm
   Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely. 
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 9/20/25@ 7:42 pm

   If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.
   

2. Shabbos parsha

   Parashat Nitzavim 5785 / פָּרָשַׁת נִצָּבִים

   20 September 2025 / 27 Elul 5785

   Parashat Nitzavim is the 51st weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

   Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20

   In Nitzavim (“Standing”), Moses addresses the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of following God’s covenant and of not worshiping other gods. He describes the process of repentance and returning to God, and stresses that God’s commandments are achievable and “not in the heavens.” [1]

   
   

3. Rosh HaShannah
   September 22 @ 6:34 pm

   Erev Rosh Hashanah Candles

   September 22 @ 6:40 pm

   Eruv Rosh Hashanah Aft./Eve. Services
   
   
   September 23 @ 8:15 am

   Morning Services – Rosh Hashanah Day 1

   September 23 @ 10:45 am

   Rosh Hashanah Day 1 – Shofar Blowing Apx Time
   
   
   September 24 @ 8:15 am

   Morning Services – Rosh Hashanah Day 2

   September 24 @ 10:45 am

   Rosh Hashanah – Day 2 – Shofar Blowing Apx Time

   September 24 @ 6:40 pm

   Rosh Hashanah – Day 2 – Aft./Eve. Services

   September 24 @ 7:34 pm

   Rosh Hashanah – Yom Tov Ends
   

4. Fast of Gedalyah, Sept 25
   Begins: 5:34 am
   Ends: 7:32 pm

5. From the Derfner Judaica Museum
   

   1. OPEN HOUSE NEW YORK: Guided Exhibition Tour

      Sunday, October 19, 1:30 p.m. in person

      Reserve a spot art@riverspring.org or 718-581-1596

      
      

      To learn more about Open House New York, click here.

      
      
      AND

      Creating Fantastical Spaces

      Join the Museum's Senior Curator for a Free Virtual Talk

      Tuesday, October 28, 2 p.m. on Zoom

      Click here to register
       

      5901 Palisade Avenue

      Riverdale, New York 10471

      718-581-1596

      www.derfner.org

6 - Buy a shirt, support VCJC
JpodPlus, operated by Jack Kleinfeld, will donate all profits made from the sale of its Bring them home, NOW!, T-shirt to VCJC.  The shirt is available in adult, youth long sleeve, and youth short sleeve tees. The shirts are available in several colors and will be shipped directly to the buyer from the Print On Demand manufacturer.  The adult version in black is shown below, along with a few of the available colors.
Other shirts and Print on Demand products can be seen at the store site.

Our mailing address is:

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

3880 Sedgwick Ave

Bronx, NY 10463

Secretary Noem Announces Nearly $35 Million in Additional Federal Disaster Relief Funding

 

These funds will support states and local communities recovering from recent natural disasters

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced nearly $35 million in disaster relief funding to support ongoing recovery relief efforts from recent natural disasters.  

“Together with President Trump, Secretary Noem is moving at an unprecedented speed to make sure that American communities get the disaster relief they need,” said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “For decades, FEMA was mired in red tape and bureaucracy, slowing its response to natural disasters. This new funding proves that Secretary Noem’s efforts to remake the agency into a fast, responsive disaster relief enterprise are working.” 

The funds will be distributed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program to support 130 recovery projects across the country. This money is disbursed to states and local communities, who are best positioned to know how these funds should be most effectively spent.  

These projects include road repairs, restoring critical infrastructure, removing debris, and cover the costs incurred during emergency measures taken to protect life and property. Some examples of these projects include:  

• $942,011.50 for repairs to Nebraska Public Power District’s electrical infrastructures in Greeley and Boone counties after severe storms and tornadoes.  

• $676,855.42 for Hurricane Helene recovery in Georgia, reimbursing the City of Douglas for emergency protective measures costs to respond to downed power lines, safety inspections, search and rescue operations, and Security, law enforcement, barricading and patrolling.  

• $664,159.11 in reimbursements to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for repairs to culverts and roads damaged by heavy rain and flooding. 

• $652,803.36 for repairs to the Vermont Department of Labor building that incurred severe damage after severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.  

• $638,984.53 for repairs to Englewood, New Jersey’s stormwater and roadway infrastructure after floodwaters and creek overflow damaged the concrete base and stormwater pipes with debris. 

• $634,346.59 for repairs and stabilization for five damaged embankments in southern West Virginia after heavy rain and fast-moving floodwater damaged roads and slopes. 

These projects are the latest in billions of dollars in disaster recovery provided by FEMA to support state and local communities as they work to rebuild from recent natural disasters.  

Defendant Charged In Ponzi Scheme Targeting Harvard Business School Classmates

 

Vladimir Artamonov Misappropriated Over $4 Million of Investor Funds to Make Speculative Options Trades, Pay Back Earlier Investors, and Finance Day-to-Day Personal Expenses

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging VLADIMIR ARTAMONOV with securities fraud, investment adviser fraud, and wire fraud.  ARTAMONOV was arrested in Elkridge, Maryland, and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas R. Miller in the District of Maryland.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon.  

“As alleged, Vladimir Artamonov betrayed investors, including friends and former Ivy League classmates, by promising a low-risk, high-return investment strategy, when in fact he gambled away investor money and paid off previous investors to continue his scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “We will continue to protect the investment markets from schemes that may wear the disguise of sophistication, but in the end are just theft.” 

“Vladimir Artamonov allegedly misappropriated more than four million dollars in investments from fellow alumni through false assurances of little risk and high reward,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.  “The defendant allegedly exploited the prestige of a well-respected university and investment company to unlawfully procure investments, which he used to pay for personal expenses.  The FBI will never tolerate those who seek to financially enrich themselves by betraying the trust and wallets of their investors.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]

From at least September 2021 through February 2024, ARTAMONOV defrauded numerous investors who participated in an investment opportunity he called “Project Information Arbitrage.”  ARTAMONOV, who graduated from Harvard Business School in 2003 and subsequently worked in the financial services industry, used his professional network to solicit investments from classmates and other alumni of Harvard Business School.  ARTAMONOV represented to investors that he would use their funds to execute an information arbitrage strategy focused on investments by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”).  According to ARTAMONOV, due to its reputation, when Berkshire made new investments in publicly traded companies, and those investments became widely known, those companies’ share prices increased significantly.  ARTAMONOV represented to investors that he could identify Berkshire’s new investments ahead of their public disclosure in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by reviewing public insurance company filings made by Berkshire’s affiliates with state regulators.  By identifying Berkshire’s new investments and purchasing securities of those companies before the rest of the market, ARTAMONOV claimed he could achieve significant returns with little associated risk. ARTAMONOV raised in excess of $4 million from investors.

In reality, ARTAMONOV defrauded investors.  Instead of executing the strategy that he had pitched to investors, ARTAMONOV primarily traded in risky short-term options that, for the most part, did not overlap with Berkshire’s investments or otherwise implement the arbitrage opportunity that ARTAMONOV had presented.  ARTAMONOV lost millions of dollars in investor funds, often within days of his receipt of such funds.  ARTAMONOV then concealed those losses from investors while soliciting additional investments and repeatedly claiming that profitable investments were on the horizon.  ARTAMONOV sent messages to one investor assuring him that it was “[a]lmost certain we will make a ton of money” soon, and that they would “brag” about their “crazy gains” at the Harvard Business School reunion. 

When investors eventually demanded the return of their funds, ARTAMONOV repaid old investors with new investors’ funds, or declined to repay investors altogether.  Ultimately, ARTAMONOV returned less than $400,000 to investors.  Of the approximately $4 million he raised for Project Information Arbitrage, ARTAMONOV lost most of the funds or used them to pay for personal expenses, including lodging, food and alcohol, and transportation.

ARTAMONOV, 46, of Elkridge, Maryland, is charged with one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of investment adviser fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York Attorney General’s Office, which separately filed civil proceedings against ARTAMONOV, and expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Varun A. Gumaste is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

BRONX MAN INDICTED IN BOAT EXPLOSION OFF CITY ISLAND THAT INJURED TWO PEOPLE 22 PASSENGERS FORCED TO JUMP INTO WATER

“Captain” Allegedly Seen Drinking Alcohol, Had No License to Operate Vessel  

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man has been charged with first-degree Assault and other charges after allegedly piloting a charter boat without a captain’s license while drinking. The craft exploded and seriously injured two people on Long Island Sound. 

District Attorney Clark said, “Thankfully no one was killed when the vessel burst into flames and passengers jumped into the water, but a woman nearly drowned, and a man suffered serious burns. The defendant put his passengers at risk when he drank alcohol alongside them as he piloted the boat. Fortunately, rescue crews were nearby and acted swiftly to save their lives.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant,Joshua Brito, 33, of East 203rd Street, the Bronx, was arraigned today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas on two counts of firstdegree Assault, two counts of second-degree Assault, first-degree Vehicular Assault, two counts of second-degree Vehicular Assault, four counts of third-degree Assault, first-degree Reckless Endangerment, second-degree Reckless Endangerment, three counts of Operation of a Vessel while under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, violation of the Navigation Law Manning of Public Vessels, violation of the Navigation Law Licenses, and Reckless Operation of a Vessel. He is due back in court on October 29, 2025. 

According to the investigation, on June 7, 2025, between approximately 4:00 and 8:00 p.m., the defendant, who does not have a captain’s license, was operating a 36-foot boat for hire, carrying 22 passengers who were celebrating a family birthday. The defendant met the passengers at the World’s Fair Marina in Flushing, Queens, and from there navigated the boat north on the Long Island Sound. Off the coast of Hart Island and City Island, the boat exploded and caught fire, forcing all the passengers to jump into the water. FDNY Marine Units rescued a drowning woman and performed lifesaving CPR measures on her before transporting her to a nearby hospital. A man fell into the fire and suffered second and third-degree burns across his body, requiring skin grafts to repair. The defendant allegedly profited over $3,000 from the charter and was seen drinking alcohol throughout the trip.

District Attorney Clark also thanked the NYPD Harbor Unit, especially Police Officers Brian Lauler and Peter Whitelaw, Detective Kevin Wallace of the NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad, FDNY Firefighters Eric Falk and Kelly Lyons of the FDNY Marine Unit, Supervisor of Waterfront and Marine Operations Emil Pape of the NYC Parks Department, and Lieutenant Commander Shawn Karasevicz of the United States Coast Guard, Sector New York, for their work on the investigation. 

Governor Hochul Announces $176 Million to Affordably Advance Local Water Infrastructure Projects Across New York State

Low-Cost Financing and Grants Minimize Ratepayer Burden for Critical Water Infrastructure Improvements Statewide

Includes Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grant for the City of Syracuse

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $176 million is being made available to help more than a dozen communities across New York State affordably undertake critical water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects. The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and State and federal grants that empower local governments to advance critical upgrades — such as replacing lead service lines and removing emerging contaminants from drinking water — without passing high costs on to ratepayers. These investments protect public health and the environment, reduce future risks, and support good-paying jobs.

“Every New Yorker deserves access to clean water, and today’s announcement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting public health, the environment and the affordability of essential services,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in water infrastructure upgrades across the State, we are not only addressing urgent needs — like replacing lead service lines and removing harmful contaminants — but also ensuring that no community is left behind in our pursuit of a healthier, more resilient New York.”

The funding approved today includes a State grant under Governor Hochul’s $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) program. EFC’s Board approved $22.8 million in LIFT and federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding to replace 2,790 lead pipes in the City of Syracuse. It’s part of a broader $469 million Statewide effort to get the lead out. Syracuse is one of 13 communities receiving these loan forgiveness grants to help cover costs not fully paid for by federal grants, minimizing the financial burden of these vital projects on local ratepayers.

EFC’s Board approved funding from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds — New York’s primary mechanism for financing sewer and water infrastructure. These funds, supported by both state and federal sources, offer low-interest, long-term financing to help communities afford essential projects.

Fully funded State Revolving Funds are necessary for New York to be prepared to meet the ongoing need for communities to repair, rehabilitate, and modernize aging infrastructure in the future. The State Revolving Funds deliver over $1 billion annually to New York communities and have been significantly bolstered by IIJA funding. By making clean water financing more accessible, these programs help ensure New Yorkers have access to safe drinking water, prevent infrastructure failures that threaten the environment and avoid costly rate increases.

EFC also approved previously awarded grants from the Water Infrastructure Improvement program, enabling more communities to move forward with critical repairs and upgrades. This combined investment strategy — leveraging federal and state funds — ensures every dollar goes further in protecting public health and modernizing aging infrastructure across the state.

Funding was approved for projects in the following regions:

Capital Region

• City of Hudson - $66.6 million in grants and financing for the planning, design, and construction of new sanitary and storm sewers to replace existing combined sewers. The project will mitigate combined sewer overflows which negatively impacts water quality in the Hudson River.
• City of Schenectady - $12.8 million grant and financing package for water treatment plant improvements, including site piping upgrades, the installation of a new fluoride chemical storage and treatment system, installation of three new production wells and associated well houses, and electrical improvements around the site.

Central New York

• City of Syracuse - $22.8 million in grants and financing, including a loan forgiveness LIFT grant, for the replacement of 2,790 lead service lines.
• Village of Weedsport - $19 million grant and financing package for the replacement of 47,500 linear feet of drinking water main throughout the distribution system.

Finger Lakes

• Town of Pembroke - $5 million grant for the formation of Water District No. 4, including installation of approximately 110,000 linear feet of drinking water mains and appurtenances including hydrants, valves, and service meters.

Long Island

• Albertson Water District - $5 million grant for the installation of a granular activated carbon treatment system for the removal of PFAS from existing Well No. 1.
• Jericho Water District - $5 million grant for new wellhead treatment of PFOA from the District's Well No. 23 using granular activated carbon, demolition of the existing wellhouse, and construction of a new drinking water treatment building.

Mid-Hudson

• City of Peekskill - $10.4 million grant and financing package for the planning, design, and construction of resiliency improvements to the Riverfront pump station, gravity collection sewers, and sanitary sewer force mains.

North Country

• Town of Harrietstown - $1.3 million grant for site investigations and preparation of a remedial investigation report to determine the nature and extent of the contamination contributing to source water contamination at the Adirondack Regional Airport from emerging contaminants, including PFAS.
• Town of Cape Vincent - $5 million grant for the installation of approximately 29,000 linear feet of drinking water main and associated appurtenances to serve the new Water District No. 7.

Southern Tier

• City of Hornell - $1.2 million grant for the planning, design and construction of a disinfection system and other improvements to the water pollution control plant. EFC previously provided $4.9 million in interest-free financing for the project.

Western New York

• Village of Depew - $1.9 million grant and financing package for the planning, design, and construction of sanitary sewer improvements to reduce inflow and infiltration to the sewer collection system.

Refinancing Completed Projects Will Achieve Long-Term Debt Service Savings

The Board also took action to help ensure continued, long-term affordability of existing projects. Short-term financing provides capital for design and construction of projects. Once project construction is completed, the short-term financing is typically refinanced to long-term financing for up to 30 years, saving municipalities significant interest expenses versus financing on their own. Based on current market conditions, these long-term financings are projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $14.8 million in interest payments over the life of the financings.

The Board approved long-term interest-free financing for projects undertaken by communities in the following regions:

Finger Lakes

• Village of Corfu - $741,394 in long-term interest-free financing for the planning, design, and construction of a combined outfall and disinfection system at the Town of Pembroke and Village of Corfu wastewater treatment plants.

North Country

• Village of Clayton - $5.6 million in long-term interest-free financing for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater collection and treatment improvements.
• Town of Crown Point - $1.9 million in long-term interest-free financing for the replacement of existing drinking water distribution mains which have reached the end of their useful life, upgrades to the current water sources with new pumps, site piping and control building upgrades, and replacement of the water meter systems.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $3.4 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2025 alone.

With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC’s investments using the interactive project impact dashboard. 

DEC Announces Free Fishing Day in New York State

 

Freshwater Fishing License Not Required on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 27, 2025

New Yorkers Encouraged to “Get Offline, Get Outside” and Try Freshwater Fishing at No Cost 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced Sept. 27 will mark the next Free Fishing Day in New York State. 

“The September 27th free fishing day is particularly special because it coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, a celebration of the incredible angling opportunities our state provides,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Free fishing days are the perfect time for newcomers to learn to freshwater fish or for experienced anglers to bring others outdoors to enjoy the many abundant waterways across New York.” 

This annual Free Fishing Day coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was designated by Congress in 1972. The day helps encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation and abundant natural resources, while also recognizing hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. 

Free Fishing Days further support Governor Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that promotes physical and mental health by helping encourage New York’s children and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. 

In addition to designated free freshwater fishing days, DEC and its partners also hold free fishing clinics throughout the year. Participants learn about local fishing opportunities and are taught about the fish they can catch, fishing safety, how to cast a fishing rod, aquatic resource stewardship, and New York’s fishing regulations. A full list of programs is available on DEC’s website. Check the list regularly as new events are added throughout the year. 

No rod? No problem. DEC partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Along with borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website. 

For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations. DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. The “Tackle Box” feature in DEC’s official app, HuntFishNY, contains freshwater fishing regulations, boating access and stocking information within a map-based interface from the convenience of a smart phone. Other features include driving directions to state-operated boat launch sites and an offline feature that allows users to access information when cell coverage isn't available. The HuntFishNY app is available for download through Google Play or the App store. For more information visit DEC’s website. 

The final free fishing day for 2025 will take place on Veterans Day, November 11. On Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents alike may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license to fish. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found on DEC's website. 

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.

DHS Statement on Sanctuary Politicians' Obstruction of Law Enforcement and Bomb Threat at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City

 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement on agitators and sanctuary politicians' attempt to obstruct law enforcement at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, New York. 

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the following:

“Another day, another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees.

“Here are the facts: Brad Lander showed up to 26 Federal Plaza unannounced with agitators and media and proceeded to obstruct law enforcement and cause a scene. He yelled inside the building that he was ‘not leaving’ until detainees were ‘released.’ As a result of the chaos caused by Lander, Federal Protective Service called NYPD, and local police along with federal law enforcement arrested 71 agitators and sanctuary politicians including Brad Lander, two New York State Senators, and nine New York State Assembly Members. And now the building is on lockdown because someone called in a bomb threat.

Detainees currently being processed at 26 Federal Plaza, which Lander and activists were demanding be released into the public, include:

• A confirmed MS-13 member convicted of criminal possession of a weapon and DUI
• Illegal alien convicted of criminal possession of a gun
• An illegal alien with a final order of removal who was arrested for flying drones near the white house multiple times
• An illegal alien with 2kg of fentanyl
• An illegal alien convicted of drug trafficking in Switzerland

“Brad Lander’s obsession with attacking the brave men and women of law enforcement, physically and rhetorically, must stop NOW. The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line every day to arrest violent criminal illegal aliens to protect and defend the lives of American citizens. This type of rhetoric is contributing to the 1000% surge in assaults of ICE officers through this repeated vilification and demonization of ICE."

Statement from Speaker Adrienne Adams on Mayor Adams’ Administration Handling of NYC Health + Hospitals Just Home Housing Proposal and Public Hearing

 

Today, the Council’s Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions held a hearing on NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi’s Just Home proposal to provide permanent housing and supportive, wrap-around services for New Yorkers with complex medical needs who would otherwise experience homelessness after leaving the justice system. In response to reports that First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro ordered New York City Health + Hospitals (H+H) officials not to testify at the hearing on its own land use application, the second public hearing this week where agencies were absent, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams issued the following statement.

“Mayor Adams’ administration once again blocking city agencies from testifying at a public hearing is an insult to New Yorkers and our local democracy. Requesting a date change less than 24 hours before a scheduled hearing is disrespectful to the public. Mayor Adams and Randy Mastro appear to be once again seeking to block affordable housing, while advancing their misleading ballot proposals to take away communities’ power that secures more affordable housing and investments for neighborhoods.”