Local Leader of New York Capital Region Chamber of Commerce Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor

 

Peter Bardunias Faces Potential Life Imprisonment After Allegedly Sending Sadistic Messages to Undercover Law Enforcement Official

Peter Bardunias, 59, of Clifton Park, New York, was charged today with attempting to entice a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The criminal complaint filed today alleges that over the past two weeks, Bardunias, a Senior Vice President of Community Advancement for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, sent messages to an individual he believed to be a 15 year-year-old girl during which he discussed subjecting the would-be minor to violent and sadistic sexual activity.

As alleged in the complaint, Bardunias told the individual—who was in fact an undercover law enforcement official—that he wanted to, among other things, “strangle[]” and “tortur[e]” the purported child while raping them. On October 6, 2025, Bardunias traveled to Warren County, New York, to meet the would-be minor and brought them candy to make them feel more comfortable. Bardunias was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The complaint also alleges that a federal search warrant executed at Bardunias’ residence revealed a box of sex toys which included restraints and a knife consistent with the materials used for the “torture chamber” Bardunias told the would-be child he was going to prepare to rape and torture them within.

“Parents need to be hyper-aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This man’s alleged crimes are shocking, and our prosecutors will ensure he faces severe consequences for his evil conduct towards an innocent child.”

“As alleged in the federal criminal complaint filed today, Peter Bardunias attempted to engage in what can only be described as heinous, unspeakable, and violent actions against a minor,” Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “I am thankful that the FBI intervened to ensure that he was unable to follow through in any of this horrific activity with a real minor, and our community is safer tonight because Bardunias is behind bars.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “As detailed in the criminal complaint, the allegations against Mr. Bardunias are truly horrific. His intentions were beyond disturbing and have resulted in serious federal charges. The FBI commends the brave individual who contacted us with information that immediately launched this investigation and put an end to these disturbingly sinister plans. We will continue to use every resource available to find and hold accountable any predator looking to victimize our most vulnerable, and we encourage anyone with additional information on Mr. Bardunias to contact our office.”

The charge filed against Bardunias carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Bardunias had an initial appearance today in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and was held in custody pending a detention hearing set for Friday, October 10, 2025.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

WITH FOUR WEEKS TO ELECTION DAY, CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION LAUNCHES DIGITAL PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND FAQ MATERIALS

 

Commission Public Education Campaign Aims to Ensure New Yorkers Know to Flip Their Ballots this November  

The NYC Charter Revision Commission (CRC) today launched its paid public education campaign, including a series of videos featuring high-profile New York leaders aimed at ensuring voters know to flip their ballots when they go to the polls. The campaign includes digital media ads, public information infrastructure like Link NYC kiosks and Taxi TV, and a newly released “frequently asked questions” document to dispel misinformation as voters seek to learn more about the proposals on their ballot this year.   

 

The multilingual public education videos include leaders such as Deputy Mayor Adolfo Carrión Jr., Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Interim Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, Comptroller Brad Lander, CRC Chair Richard R. Buery, Jr., Chinatown Partnership Executive Director Wellington Chen, faith-based affordable housing builder Ericka Keller, “The Homeless Hero” and housing activist Shams DaBaron, and affordable housing resident and nonprofit leader Anasthasia Blair.  

 

“New Yorkers know that we have a generational housing crisis that is driving neighbors and family members out of this city. This November, New Yorkers will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to have a direct say on the future of housing. Over the next four weeks, we’ll be working to ensure that New Yorkers flip their ballots and vote on potential reforms to the City Charter,” said Alec Schierenbeck, Executive Director of the Charter Revision Commission. “From digital ads, to Link NYC kiosks, to neighborhood association meetings, we’re doing everything we can to give New Yorkers the facts about what these proposals would do.”  

 

In July, the Charter Revision Commission voted to advance five proposals to New York City voters, which include reforms to the City’s “Constitution” that would speed review of housing and land use proposals, particularly affordable housing and modest land use changes. The ballot questions are available for public review here, and the CRC’s adopted final report detailing its rationale for the proposals is available here.   

 

The public education campaign builds on extensive public outreach by the CRC, including ten public hearings, three public meetings, and a public info session, at which the CRC received over 30 hours of testimony and more than 3,000 written comments. The CRC has also worked to educate New Yorkers at meetings of community, neighborhood, and faith groups, aiming to ensure that voters know to flip their ballots this fall.   

Office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik - Statement on the Two-Year Anniversary of the October 7th Hamas Terrorist Attacks on Israel

 

"Two years ago today, Israel and the Jewish people experienced the deadliest day since the Holocaust as Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists unleashed a barbaric massacre on the people of southern Israel, brutally murdering over 1,200 innocent civilians and taking 251 hostages including Americans. There are 48 remaining hostages in captivity to this day, enduring unimaginable conditions. I have met with the families of the victims and the hostages including American families, and I will continue to advocate for their release.

As we reflect on this difficult two-year anniversary, the pain remains fresh and wounds remain open for the people of Israel, for Jewish communities, and those who witnessed the horrors of October 7th around the world. The urgency of this moment has only deepened as Americans, Israelis, and the entire world await Hamas terrorists’ response to President Trump’s plan for peace. It is a fight between civilization and barbarism, freedom and terror, light and darkness.

 

In the wake of the October 7 attacks, we have witnessed an unacceptable rise in antisemitism across American society emboldened by the moral cowardice of those who seek to demonize Israel and the Jewish people during the most difficult time in recent history. The ancient hatred of antisemitism has metastasized from the streets to our schools to our greatest city, from social media to the so-called elite institutions of higher learning.

 

From exposing the moral decay within American universities in the congressional hearing heard around the world, to challenging the United Nations inherent anti-Israel propaganda, I am proud to lead the fight against antisemitism hate in the halls of Congress and around the globe. I was honored to deliver the commencement address at Yeshiva University this year surrounded by the next generation of young Jewish Americans who bravely fought and advocated for the plight of the hostages, the security of the state of Israel, and the return of moral clarity on our college campuses. As a senior member of the House Armed Services and the House Intelligence Committee, I have worked with President Trump, his Administration, and my Republican colleagues to pass critical pieces of legislation authorizing much needed military aid, support, and policies to support our ally Israel in their existential war against the Iranian regime and their proxies.  

 

As a senior member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I have proudly led the fight to confront this crisis of the campuses and rampant antisemitism that began with failures of the K–12 system. I will continue to call for curriculum transparency, oversight of school systems and corrupt teachers unions, and the enforcement of Title VI protections for Jewish students.  

 

The memory of October 7th must remain a call to moral clarity, not false moral equivalence. I support President Trump’s efforts to secure an end to the war in Gaza, bring home the remaining hostages, and begin the process of building a better future for all people."

Cox: Cowardly Kathy Afraid of New Yorkers

 

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement after Kathy Hochul skipped an official stop in the North Country after learning that protesters were there to greet her, including corrections officers who she recently fired:

 

“With her tail between her legs, Cowardly Kathy Hochul ran from voters and from the real consequences of her policies. The very correction officers she sacked are now among those protesting her, and she dares not show her face.

 

"She may hide from angry crowds now, but she can’t hide from her record. Next year, the Worst Governor in America will be out of a job."

Front & York Brings Unrivaled Amenity Suite to DUMBO, Brooklyn

 

CIM Group and LIVWRK has set a new benchmark for prime living in Brooklyn with Front & York, its newest full-block development in the heart of DUMBO. Designed by Morris Adjmi, the 21-story tower merges industrial-inspired architecture with an expansive lifestyle offering, making it one of the most amenitized residential properties in the city. The amenity program at Front & York spans more than 150,000 square feet and is designed to provide an unmatched level of convenience, recreation, and wellness for residents.

At its core lies a lush, half-acre private park for residents, designed by landscape architect Michael van Valkenburgh. The peaceful courtyard includes trees, seating, and paths that allow residents to stroll, relax, or gather. 

Level Eight at Front & York serves as a hub of indoor and outdoor experiences. Amenities include an elegant wine room with private lockers, a chef’s table for intimate events, a cocktail and billiards lounge, a fireplace-accented coffee lounge, dedicated co-working areas, a private party lounge, a children’s playroom, a teen lounge, and multiple media and creative spaces such as a screening room, game arcade, and music room. Outdoors, Level Eight offers a cinema theater, a pool deck with cabanas, a fireplace lounge, and a BBQ terrace—all with panoramic views.

 

Health and wellness are a key component of Front & York, anchored by a direct connection to a 77,000-square-foot Life Time Fitness club that spans three levels. Facilities include a full-size indoor basketball court, an indoor lap pool, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, massage treatment rooms, and a dedicated spa. It also features the on-site Life Café and an extensive calendar of fitness classes. 

Front & York contains about 728 units total for a combined 408 condominium homes and 320 rental apartments. Pricing for one-bedrooms begin at $1.170 million, two-bedrooms at $1.750 million, and three-bedrooms from $2.450 million. For a limited time, transfer taxes and three years of common charges on all two-bedrooms under $2 million signed by November 27th. Transfer taxes and three-year common charges on all other residences.

Interiors feature ten-foot ceiling spans, chevron-patterned white oak flooring, and oversized divided-light windows with sweeping views of the city skyline and waterfront. Kitchens are finished with top-of-the-line Gaggenau appliances, hand-selected Caldia marble countertops and backsplashes, and custom Italian oak cabinetry. Bathrooms are finished in Bianco Bello marble and include radiant heated floors, cast-iron soaking tubs by Waterworks, and custom Waterworks fixtures. Additional comforts such as filtered water and NEST thermostats come standard in every home.

Residence at Front & York in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Image courtesy of Alejandro Leon

Amenities at Front & York in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Image courtesy of Alejandro Leon

Front & York is currently offering a limited-time fall special, with three years of common charges and transfer taxes paid by the sponsor on all two-bedrooms under $2 million signed by November 27th. This incentive adds even more value to a unique property. For more information, schedule a tour of Front & York.

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

 

WALKTHROUGH WITH NYCEDC, THE POINT CDC, AND BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD 2

 from my productive walkthrough with NYCEDC, The Point CDC, and Bronx Community Board 2 to discuss what life after the removal of The Vernon C. Bain Center, “The Barge,” will look like for our Hunts Point Community

 Priority remains ensuring that Bronxites have quality waterfront access and green space as part of any future development plans

EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO PANEL DISCUSSION

 El Museo del Barrio and Juan Manuel Benítez for the poignant conversation alongside my New York City Council colleagues Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala and Carlina Rivera to discuss our 9.5 years in office and the importance of public service 

It was an especially prescient reflection during Hispanic Heritage Month on the impact that our voices carry in bettering our communities.

SERAFIN U. MARIEL WAY STREET CO-NAMING CEREMONY

It was an honor to join his family & friends for a street co-naming ceremony that will forever recognize his legacy.

Serafin Uwaldo Mariel was a quintessential American success story, rising from the depths of society to lend a helping hand to NYC's Latino communities.

Through the New York National Bank, which he developed into a flourishing enterprise with multiple locations across the state, he administered over $750 million in loans to minority communities in the Bronx and Manhattan.

COMMUNITY DESTRUCTION EVENT WITH THE NYC DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION

Email Council Member Salamanca

Visit our District Office at: 
1070 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10459
(718) 402-6130
salamanca@council.nyc.gov

Governor Hochul Announces Free College Application Submissions for Third Consecutive Year as College Application Month Returns

SUNY, CUNY, Dozens of Private Colleges and Universities To Waive Application Fees

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) To Host Virtual Events that Support CAM Initiatives and FAFSA and TAP Completion

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that students across the state can apply to nearly 130 colleges and universities for free this October. The announcement comes as the Governor has proclaimed October as New York State College Application Month (CAM), which includes waived application fees at The State University of New York (SUNY), The City University of New York (CUNY), and dozens of private colleges and universities. With application fees typically ranging from $50 to $90 each, these waivers will save students and families significant money and help ensure that every New York State student has the opportunity to take the critical step of applying to college.

“Every New Yorker deserves the chance to pursue a college education without financial barriers standing in the way,” Governor Hochul said. “By waiving application fees at SUNY, CUNY and nearly 50 private colleges across the state, we’re saving families money and ensuring that more students can access the opportunities and futures they deserve. College Application Month is about breaking down barriers and helping every student take that critical first step toward college success. I want to thank our schools for their dedication and partnership in making this important initiative a reality.”

Application Waiver Periods

• SUNY: Waiving up to five application fees per student from October 20 through November 3.
• CUNY: Waiving application fees from October 27 to November 21 for New York City High School students, and from November 10 to November 21 for students outside of New York City.
• Private Colleges and Universities: Participating at various times throughout the month.

You can find a complete list of participating schools on the New York State Application Waiver webpage. Additional assistance with college applications and information on related events can be found on the Apply to SUNY and CUNY Month webpages.

Support for Students and Families

To help students make the most of this exciting opportunity, the HESC and its partners are hosting over 40 virtual and in-person events throughout October. With the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program applications now open, these events offer students and families the one-on-one support they need to complete their financial aid applications.

Additional information about New York State College Application Month can be found at hesc.ny.gov/cam. 

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on September 7, 2025 in the confines of the 73rd Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on September 7, 2025, in the confines of the 73rd Precinct.

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras, which provide transparency into police activity and serve as an independent account of interactions between the NYPD and the citizens they serve. 

You can find the video here