Fordham Landing South Receives $55 Million Grant In University Heights, The Bronx

 

Empire State Development has invested $55 million to support the advancement of Fordham Landing South, a two-building affordable housing development in University Heights, The Bronx. The funding will enable infrastructure improvements and site preparation to support the mixed-use complex, which will rise along the Harlem River waterfront on an underused stretch of land just south of the University Heights Bridge.

Fordham Landing South will yield more than 900 new affordable homes, as well as a charter school, grocery store, underground parking, and approximately 3 acres of new public open space.

State funds will support infrastructure work including planning, design, construction, and site acquisition. The initiative follows the City of New York’s announcement in August 2025 and is part of Governor Hochul’s ongoing housing agenda, which includes new capital funding and policy measures to expand housing access statewide.

“After nearly four decades, we are finally unlocking the potential of this site and transforming it into something that serves the people of The Bronx,” said Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia. “This is about empowering families so they can live with dignity, put food on the table, and build a community where Bronx residents can live, work, and thrive.”

NYS Inspector General Announces Sentencing in Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Conspiracy

New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang announced the sentencing of Jodi Drygula, of Amsterdam, NY, and Anthony Camou, of Las Vegas, NV, for their roles in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain more than $250,000 in unemployment insurance benefits intended to support New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drygula (52) and Camou (45) were each sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Under her plea agreement, Drygula was ordered to pay $238,193.25 in restitution to the State of New York and $22,572 to the State of California, and she agreed to forfeit $38,900 in fraud proceeds. In addition to his term of incarceration, Camou was ordered to pay at least $56,994 in restitution to the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and to forfeit $38,641 in fraud proceeds.

According to the investigation, between July 2020 and September 2021, Drygula and Camou submitted false unemployment insurance claims to the NYSDOL using the personal identifying information of three other people. In doing so, they unlawfully exploited emergency pandemic relief programs for personal financial gain.

This case was investigated through a joint effort by the New York State Inspector General, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with support from NYSDOL.

“The COVID-19 pandemic presented one of the greatest challenges in the history of modern public administration, requiring unprecedented speed in delivering benefits to those in need,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “Unfortunately, it also created opportunities for exploitation. These sentences reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that those who steal from public benefit systems will be held accountable. My office will continue to work diligently with our federal and state partners to safeguard taxpayer dollars and protect the integrity of critical public programs, during crises and always.”

“Jodi Drygula and Anthony Camou unlawfully profited by fraudulently obtaining critical taxpayer funds intended for individuals in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic," stated Jonathan R. Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. "Safeguarding the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains a top priority for the Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to ensure the protection of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations."

Inspector General Lang thanked the members of her staff who worked on the investigation, including Managing Investigator for Welfare Fraud Jason Fazio, Investigative Counsel Gina Wisniewski, Investigative Counsel Brandon Riddle, and Digital Forensic Investigator Colin Corrado.

The Inspector General also expressed her gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their partnership in safeguarding public resources, and to the New York State Department of Labor for their assistance and cooperation. 

DEA Hosts the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25th

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the country, will host the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

At nearly 4,000 collection sites throughout the United States, 122 collection sites in New York State, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day encourages Americans to safely and anonymously dispose of unnecessary, expired, and unused prescription medications to help prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the potential for accidental overdoses and poisonings. 

“Prescription drugs may be legal, but they are still powerful – and can present significant risk to those in your household,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Join in the DEA’s National Take Back Day to lessen community risk from drug abuse and keep Americans safe!”

“DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects our shared commitment to protecting the American people from drug-related harm,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “This effort brings together law enforcement, public health, and communities in a unified mission – keeping homes safe, preventing the misuse of prescription drugs before it starts, and saving lives. Every prescription drug turned in represents one less opportunity for tragedy and one more act of protection for our families and neighborhoods.”

“Every year, Take Back Day provides the public with a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused, unwanted and/or expired medications while raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “By cleaning out our medicine cabinets and safely disposing of these medications, we’re helping to keep our homes and communities safe. Every pill we collect represents one less opportunity for misuse, addiction, or unexpected tragedy. DEA New York remains committed to working with our local law enforcement partners, community partners, and people like you, in collecting these unwanted prescription medications. Together, we can make a difference, protect our neighbors, and save lives.”

Since 2010, Take Back Day has provided Americans with an easy, accessible way to rid their homes of medications that could pose a threat if misused – resulting in a staggering 20 million pounds of unused medications collected to date.                        

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be collected. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should be securely sealed in their original container. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are among the most frequently misused prescription pain medications. 

For more information or to find a location nearest to you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

If you are unable to participate in this National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are nearly 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses, in addition to many police departments, that offer safe medication disposal year-round. For information on permanent drop boxes, please visit Every Day is Take Back Day.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Halloween: Wags to Witches is this Sunday!

 

More Details

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

FORMER CEO AND BUSINESS PARTNER AT CITY-FUNDED NONPROFIT HOMELESS SERVICES PROVIDER PLEAD GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD NYC OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS

  

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), issued the following statement on the guilty pleas by THOMAS BRANSKY, 49, the former Chief Executive Officer of Childrens Community Services Inc. (“CCS”), and his business partner, PETER WEISER, 82, on charges relating to a scheme to defraud New York City in connection with the provision of temporary housing and homeless services. On October 17, 2025, WEISER pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 before U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; he is scheduled to be sentenced on February 27, 2026. Today, BRANSKY pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Broderick to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 25, 2026. DOI investigated this matter in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which is prosecuting the case.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “These defendants exploited their nonprofit organization and the City’s need for services for homeless New Yorkers to commit fraud, causing the City to pay over $50 million to the nonprofit that it otherwise would not have, and that included inflated prices and unreasonable mark-ups for goods and services. Both defendants now have pled guilty and will be held accountable for their crimes. I thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, our partners in the fight to protect critical public resources from wrongdoers.”

According to the indictment and superseding information, BRANSKY was the Chief Executive Officer of CCS, a not-for-profit homeless services provider that had over $900 million in contracts with the City. As CEO, BRANSKY and others engaged in a scheme to defraud the City through CCS and a group of affiliated entities owned and controlled by WEISER, including by making and causing to be made false statements to the City of New York in order to obtain money. The scheme was furthered by electronic communications and bank wires and included submitting false statements and documents to the City to conceal WEISER’s role and ownership of the affiliated companies. CCS, and ultimately the City, paid over $50 million to WEISER’s companies for various goods and services—many of which were provided by other, legitimate companies and then simply marked up as much as three times their actual cost. Through this scheme, WEISER collected more than $7 million in illicit profits, while BRANSKY earned more than $1.2 million in salary.

View the release on the October 2023 indictment of the defendants here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ceo-and-business-partner-charged-massive-scheme-defraud-newyork-citys-homeless

Commissioner Strauber thanked Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for his office’s partnership on this case, which is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas Chiuchiolo, Ni Qian, and Matthew Weinberg are in charge of the prosecution. Commissioner Strauber also thanked the City Department of Social Services for its cooperation with the investigation. 

Speaker Adrienne Adams, Advocates, and Seniors Celebrate First-of-Its-Kind Funding Initiative for Older Adult Centers

 

Council’s $5 million allocation for repairs and infrastructure upgrades will make older adult centers safer and more accessible for seniors 

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, advocates, and seniors celebrated the Council’s first-ever capital funding initiative to support older adult centers across the city in need of renovations and repairs. The Council allocated $5 million in the City’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget for the initiative to support making centers safer and more accessible to New Yorkers they serve. Many centers require building fixes and upgrades, including repairs to bathrooms, floors, HVAC systems, kitchens, accessibility improvements, appliances, furniture, and other infrastructure needs. 

“Seniors are the jewels of our communities, and it’s critical that we invest in the resources and services that meet their needs,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to allocate $5 million in the city budget to fund improvements and repairs for older adult centers, including centers in my district in Southeast Queens. With New York City’s older adult population growing, and essential benefits for our seniors under attack by the Trump administration, it remains vital that our city steps up its support for our elders. I thank my Council colleagues, advocates, and all stakeholders for their partnership to ensure our seniors can age in place with dignity and grace.” 

This funding comes after the Council advocated for increased resources for older adult centers in its FY 2026 Preliminary Budget Response and secured several restorations and baselined services for older adults in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. These include $104.5 million in baselined funding to ensure continuity of older adult services, in addition to nearly $5 million baselined to increase home delivered meals reimbursement rates, and $2 million for case management.  

Older adult centers provide critical services for the city’s rapidly growing older adult population, including meals for those facing food insecurity, health and wellness programs, and a place for older New Yorkers to connect and thrive. They help combat isolation and financial insecurity through meal services, social events, and other assistance programs, so that older New Yorkers can age with dignity in their own neighborhoods. New York City’s 65-and-older population has grown by nearly half a million in the last two decades, an increase of over 50 percent. Overall, one in five of the city’s older adult population is living in poverty. Over the last decade, older adults receiving cash assistance grew from 10% to 15% of the total population. Additionally, many older adults report feeling high levels of loneliness.   

Councilmember Kristy Marmorato's Weekly Newsletter

Latest News from Councilwoman Marmorato!

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we continued to supporting our community through several events and food giveaways!

We hosted another beautiful street co-naming ceremony honoring Joseph W. Reda, and distributed fresh produce and meals to our seniors and friends at Edgewater Park, RAIN Middletown, Allerton Merchant, RAIN Boston Road, and Pelham Parkway. Our team was also proud to collaborate with the NYPD's 49th Precinct for their festive Halloween event.

Over this weekend, we continued to celebrate our Italian Heritage with our Columbus Day Festival, and fully embraced the autumn weather during the Van Nest Fall Festival!

In this week's newsletter, you will find highlights from recent district events, along with information on various exciting upcoming events we have planned for you.

It is an honor to represent you in the New York City Council and to continue fighting to keep our community safe, healthy, and prosperous!

Sincerely,

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

District 13, Bronx

Edgewater Park's Social & Welfare Association Food Giveaway October 14, 2025

We distributed 75 hot meals to our neighbors!

RAIN Middletown Food Giveaway October 15, 2025

Another wonderful hot meal giveaway with RAIN Middletown! This time, 100 hot meals were handed out to members of the community.

Allerton Merchant Food Giveaway October 15, 2025

Later in the day, we held another successful meal giveaway, providing 100 hot meals to our community!

RAIN Boston Rd Food Giveaway October 16, 2025

We hosted another meal giveaway with RAIN, delivering 100 fresh, hot meals!

Coffee with Kristy October 17, 2025

This past Friday, I hosted another remarkable Coffee with Kristy!

It was an honor to connect with connect with our wonderful community members. I am thankful to all of you for sharing your thoughts, concerns,, and ideas. There is no better way to understand your concerns than hearing them directly from you!

A special thank you to the White Plains Starbucks for hosting me, and providing the coffee for this event!

Pelham Parkway Food Giveaway October 17, 2025

Another successful Food giveaway for our friends at Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Assocation.

49th Precinct Halloween Event October 17, 2025

A wonderful afternoon at the 49th precinct's Fall Halloween Event!

It was spectacular to see the community come together and enjoy the event. Thank you the Precinct's commitment to serving our community!

Joseph W. Reda Way October 18, 2025

This past Saturday, we honored Joseph W. Reda with a street co-naming ceremony. It was a true honor to celebrate Mr. Reda for his many years of dedicated service to the Morris Park community!

Rabbi Fuchs' Synagogue's 50th Anniversary October 19, 2025

Honored to join Rabbi Fuchs and his congregation on their synagogue's 50th anniversary!

Van Nest Fall Festival October 19, 2025

Thank you to the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliances for inviting me to their fall festival! Thrilled to see our community supported and celebrated!

Columbus Day Festival October 19, 2025

Our rescheduled Columbus Day Festival took placed this past Sunday! We had a blast celebrating our community's Italian Heritage. Thank you for the amazing turnout and incredible energy.

A special thank you to the Morris Park Community Association for partnering with us!

Important Update for Homeowners: NYC Garbage Bin Refunds!

What's Happening in D13?

CUNY Citizenship - Every Monday!

UPCOMING EVENT

Councilwoman Marmorato 

718-931-1721

District13@council.nyc.gov

MAKING NEW YORK’S CANAL STREET SAFE AGAIN: ICE Arrests 9 Illegal Aliens on Canal Street Operation with Rap Sheets Including Robbery, Domestic Violence, Assaulting Law Enforcement, Counterfeiting, Drug Trafficking, and Forgery

 

Five of these criminal illegal aliens entered and were released into the US under the Biden Administration

Yesterday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation on Canal Street in New York City, focused on criminal activity relating to selling counterfeit goods. Despite violent rioters who assaulted and obstructed law enforcement by blocking vehicles, nine criminal illegal aliens were arrested. Some of their rap sheets included robbery, burglary, domestic violence, assaulting law enforcement, counterfeiting, drug trafficking, drug possession, and forgery.  

Additionally, four violent rioters were arrested for assaulting law and enforcement, and another rioter was arrested for obstruction. 

“ICE conducted a targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation on Canal Street in New York City, focused on criminal activity relating to selling counterfeit goods yesterday. ICE arrested nine illegal aliens with criminal histories including robbery, burglary domestic violence, assaulting law enforcement, counterfeiting, drug trafficking, drug possession, and forgery,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “The majority of those arrested were released into the country by the Biden administration. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”

Below are the nine criminal illegal aliens were arrested:

Mamadou Ndoye, a criminal illegal alien from Mali, issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 2008 was previously arrested for crimes including assault, recklessly endangering, counterfeiting third degree, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, criminal sale of narcotics, possessing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale, making false reports to law enforcement and resisting arrest.

Muhammad Ndiaye, a criminal illegal alien from Senegal, with previous arrests for domestic violence, robbery, receiving stolen property, burglary, fraudulent accosting, forgery, counterfeiting, sale of a controlled substance, obstruction, and disorderly conduct. He entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa that required him to depart in 1995.

Aboubakar Diakite, a criminal illegal alien, with previous arrests for counterfeiting.

Idy Sarr, a criminal illegal alien from Senegal, issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 2010 and previously arrested for obstruction, possession of forged instrument, counterfeiting, failure to disclose origin of recording, drug possession and criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

Sergigne Diop, a criminal illegal alien from Senegal who entered the U.S. in April 2024 at the southwest border, was previously released into the U.S. by the Biden administration. 

Modou Mboup, a criminal illegal alien from Senegal, previously assaulted Mexican law enforcement, and he entered the U.S. in September 2023 in a caravan of 140 people at the southwest border and was released by the Biden administration into the country. 

Alioune Sy, an illegal alien from Senegal entered the U.S. in May 2023 and failed to depart after his tourist visa expired.

Bokar Soko, a criminal illegal alien from Mauritania, previously arrested for counterfeiting second degree THREE times. He entered the U.S. illegally on May 24, 2023, in a caravan of 26 people was released by the Biden Administration into the interior of the country. 

Amadou Diallo, a criminal illegal alien from Guinea who entered the U.S. November 2021 at the southwest border and was released by the Biden Administration into the interior of the country. 

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