Permits Filed for 1923 Harrison Avenue in Morris Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story residential building at 1923 Harrison Avenue in Morris Heights, The Bronx. Located between West 179th Street and Morton Place, the lot is near the 176th Street subway station, served by the 4 train. Joel Silberstein is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 64-foot-tall development will yield 18,445 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 31 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 595 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a 20-foot-long rear yard.

Leandro Nils Dickson Architect, LLC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet for the two-story residential building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Investment Manager Extradited Back To The United States To Face Securities Fraud Charges

 

Matthew Melton Fled the United States After Investors Realized That His “Algorithmic Trading” Fund Was a Ponzi Scheme

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 that MATTHEW MELTON was extradited from the United Kingdom to face securities fraud and wire fraud charges.  The charges in the Indictment arise from an alleged scheme by MELTON to raise millions of dollars in investor money by falsely representing that his investment fund, “Price Physics,” was investing in futures contracts using a proprietary trading algorithm.  In fact, MELTON was operating a Ponzi scheme in which he used investor money to fund his luxury lifestyle and make payments to earlier investors.  MELTON’s case is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian. 

“As alleged, Matthew Melton told investors he was using groundbreaking technology and cutting-edge trading techniques to generate record returns,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “In reality, Melton was allegedly operating one of the oldest scams around, taking new investors’ money to pay old investors and pocketing funds for himself along the way.  With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, our Office will continue to aggressively prosecute financial fraud and protect our markets.” 

“This alleged scheme victimized many and caused millions of dollars in victim losses,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.  “FBI New York is committed to eradicating all unlawful schemes fueling an unearned life of luxury by those who prey on others.  We remain focused on disrupting financial fraud operations and will continue to fiercely pursue those who seek to defraud others.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and bail hearing:[1]

MELTON promoted an investment vehicle he called “Price Physics,” which purported to invest in futures contracts using a proprietary trading algorithm. He promised investors guaranteed returns of up to twelve percent per month, of which he said he would keep only two percent as compensation.  In reality, there was no proprietary trading algorithm, and MELTON invested almost none of the millions of dollars he raised.  The few times that MELTON did make trades, it was not in futures contracts, and the trading was generally unprofitable.  For the most part, instead of trading, MELTON used his investors’ money to pay his own personal expenses—including mortgage payments and sailing excursions—and to pay earlier investors in Ponzi-like fashion.

MELTON, 61, of Boulder, Colorado, was charged with one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term 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 a judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI and thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which previously filed a separate civil action against MELTON.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Adam S. Hobson 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 descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

KRVC - Holiday Greetings!

 

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

​As we approach the end of an incredible year, I want to take a moment to send my warmest holiday greetings to you and your families. On behalf of the staff and the Board of Directors at KRVC Development Corp, we wish you a season filled with peace, joy, and a very Happy New Year.

​Reflecting on 2025, I am filled with immense pride in what we have achieved together. It has been a year of record-breaking milestones and profound community impact. Most notably, I am thrilled to share that this year we successfully redirected tens of thousands of pounds of donations to Bronxites living across various shelters and those facing financial challenges.

​Ensuring that these essential resources reached those who needed them most was a primary goal for us, and seeing the direct impact on our neighbors has been truly inspiring.

​None of this would have been possible without the backbone of our organization, our amazing group of volunteers. I want to extend a very special thank you to these individuals who worked tirelessly, day in and day out, to ensure KRVC’s success. Your dedication is the heart of our mission.

​We also want to express our deepest appreciation to our dedicated local elected officials. Their continuous support for the work of KRVC and the 4Bronx Project allows us to remain a critical resource for the community. We are grateful for their partnership in building a stronger, more equitable Bronx.

​While we hit many of our marks in 2025, we aren't slowing down. We are already looking toward 2026 with a vision to grow even more, expand our reach, and deepen our support for our neighbors.

​Thank you to all our supporters, everyone who has donated, and all who have participated in our programs. We are honored to serve this community and look forward to another year of progress.

​May your 2026 be bright, healthy, and prosperous.

​With sincere gratitude,

​Laura Levine-Pinedo

Executive Director

KRVC Development Corporation

Please click on the link to donate. Your contribution ensures that KRVC can continue with our programming. Thank you! 



https://www.505bx.org/donate.html

 

Chinese National Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Reptiles

 

A federal judge in Buffalo, New York, yesterday sentenced Wei Qiang Lin, of Brooklyn, New York, to two years in prison for falsely labeling live turtles, snakes, and lizards as toys prior to exporting them in delivery boxes destined to Hong Kong. Lin was also fined $2,339, which is how much U.S. currency he had on him when he was arrested.

According to court filings, between August 2023 and November 2024, Lin exported to Hong Kong approximately 222 parcels containing around 850 turtles, but he labeled the boxes as containing “plastic animal toys,” among other things, in violation of the Lacey Act. The approximate market value of the turtles was $1.4 million. Law enforcement intercepted the turtles during customs inspections and observed them bound and taped inside knotted socks within the shipping boxes.

Lin also attempted to export protected Abronia lizards and venomous green tree vipers and palm pit vipers. The wildlife is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers also intercepted packages shipped by Lin that contained rare Cora mud turtles. The Buffalo Zoo used the seized turtles to set up the first-ever assurance colony for the species, which can be used to repopulate them if the wild population becomes unsustainable. 

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York, and Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement announced the sentence.

Lin was investigated and charged as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Operation Terrapene, which is an ongoing operation coordinated with other federal and local law enforcement agencies to detect turtle smugglers and dismantle highly-organized syndicates. Federal agencies include Customs and Border Protection, Postal Inspections Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts and Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango for the Western District of New York prosecuted the case.

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Queens

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Chez Fray, who died on December 21, 2025 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Queens.

At approximately 12:35 a.m. on December 21, two NYPD officers went to an apartment building in Queens in response to a 911 call. When officers arrived at the building, they went to the fourth-floor hallway, where they encountered Mr. Fray holding a boxcutter. The officers instructed Mr. Fray to drop the boxcutter, but he did not comply. One officer discharged their service weapon, striking Mr. Fray. Mr. Fray was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.    

Governor Hochul Urges Caution Ahead of Post-Holiday Snowfall

Statewide Snowfall To Begin Friday, with the Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions Set to Receive Highest Totals

Western New York and Finger Lakes Region Could See Wintry Mix of Sleet and Freezing Rain

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to exercise caution ahead of statewide snowfall set to impact areas across the State beginning Friday and continuing into Saturday morning. Areas across the Southern Tier could see four to six inches, while the Mid-Hudson region has the potential for up to eight inches. Western New York and the Finger Lakes region could see a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain, making roads slick. With the Christmas holiday Thursday, those set to travel on Friday may wish to rearrange travel plans and if you must be on the road, leave yourself extra time between destinations and ensure your vehicle is packed with safety essentials.

“New York is no stranger to snow and cold weather, and given the Christmas holidays, it’s important to be extra prepared before getting on the road,” Governor Hochul said. “As always, I urge New Yorkers to monitor their local forecast, and text their county or borough name to our weather and emergency alerts system. Stay vigilant, drive slow if you need to travel and have a safe holiday weekend.”

In addition to preparing for rain and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these Cold Weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.

The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:

• Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.
• Ensure access to clean drinking water.
• Stay hydrated with warm beverages and avoid drinking caffeine.
• Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.

View more information on best practices for working in cold weather.

Winter Storm Watches have been issued, and New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be traveling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
• Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it's operating.

 

NYCEM ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY AHEAD OF WEEKEND HOLIDAY SNOW

 

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a travel advisory for Friday evening, December 26 into Saturday, December 27. A winter weather system is expected to bring accumulating snow this weekend, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions during a busy holiday travel period. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted 3 to 7 inches of snow with locally higher amounts possible.

“As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holidays and prepare to celebrate the new year, they should also prepare for hazardous travel conditions Friday into Saturday,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “New York City agencies have been coordinating and are prepared for the winter weather system, and we continue to monitor conditions closely. New Yorkers should all prepare — avoid driving if possible and give yourself extra travel time with public transit if you do need to travel, stay alert to changing conditions, and sign up for Notify NYC for real-time information updates. Thank you to the tireless public servants who are keeping us safe.”

“Many New Yorkers will be traveling or spending time with friends and family this holiday weekend,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “I want to thank the sanitation crews, emergency managers, and city workers who will be out in the cold, through Christmas and this holiday weekend, preparing for and responding to these conditions. Snow Friday night into Saturday may make travel hazardous, so we’re asking New Yorkers to plan ahead, limit travel when possible, and give our crews room to operate.”

"This forecast calls for snow during what is already a heavy travel weekend. DSNY began our operations well in advance of this storm, and we are ready for whatever comes our way - but please stay off the roads, and know that collection delays are possible as we work to get roads safe and clear," said Javier Lojan, Acting Commissioner, NYC Sanitation.

Snow is expected to develop Friday afternoon and intensify into steady, accumulating snow Friday night, with several inches of snowfall expected citywide. Snow is likely to taper off Saturday morning, though lingering flurries may persist. Cold temperatures through Friday night and Saturday will limit snowmelt, increasing the risk of slippery and hazardous road conditions.

In response to the forecasted conditions, NYCEM has activated the City’s Winter Weather Emergency Plan, coordinating closely with NWS, city and state agencies, and utility partners.

As part of the Winter Weather Emergency Plan, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will issue a Snow Alert and is pre-deploying hundreds of salt spreaders to pretreat roadways ahead of snowfall, with plows ready to deploy citywide as conditions warrant. During a Snow Alert, DSNY coordinates closely with NYCEM and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to carry out snow-clearing operations.

While DSNY clears streets and bike lanes, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks. Snow may not be pushed into the street or bike lanes, as this is illegal and interferes with snow operations. Snow should be placed against the building, at the curb line, or on private property. Sidewalks must be kept passable for all pedestrians, with a clear path where possible. While property owners are not required to clear bus stops, they are encouraged to clear a path from the sidewalk to the curb. Failure to clear sidewalks may result in fines.

Have a Plan

Before Winter Weather

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. NYC law requires them.
• Wear warm layered clothing, hats, and sturdy boots.
• Check your snow equipment. Keep rock salt and shovels.
• Winterize your car.
• Prepare a kit with blankets, food, water, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, reflectors, and first aid kit.
• Register with your utility provider if you rely on life-sustaining medical equipment.
• Keep backup power ready.
• Keep essential supplies at home so you can stay safely indoors during and after a storm.
• Know how to get help with heat through the Home Energy Assistance Program. Call 311.

During Winter Weather

• Stay indoors if possible.
• Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
• Watch for frostbite (numbness, pale or waxy skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness). Call 911 if you see symptoms.
• Use heating equipment safely. Never use stoves, ovens, kerosene heaters, or grills to heat your home.
• Run generators only outdoors and away from windows.
• Report heat or hot water outages to your landlord, then call 311 if not resolved.
• NYC law requires minimum indoor temperatures from October 1 through May 31:
• Daytime (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.): At least 68°F inside when it's below 55°F outside
• Nighttime (10 PM - 6 AM): At least 62°F inside, regardless of outside temperature
• Hot water: At least 120°F year-round
• Take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
• Ask neighbors or community groups for snow removal help if needed.

After Winter Weather

• Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with access needs.
• Clear snow safely. Shovel slowly. Take breaks. Keep hydrants clear
• Prevent carbon monoxide risks by clearing car tailpipes and using detectors.

Stay Informed

• Sign up for Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app, or call 311. Alerts are available in multiple languages, including a dedicated group for basement apartment residents.
• Monitor real-time flood information at floodnet.nyc.
• Keep a battery-powered radio available if power is lost.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Treat them as live and call 911 if they are causing a life-threatening situation.
• To report downed trees in NYC, call 311. For life-threatening emergencies involving a tree, such as one blocking a road or near power lines, call 911 immediately.
• For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311. 

For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, check for preparedness and response tips at nyc.gov/beready, and sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or calling 311.

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Reminds Holiday Shoppers to Review Store Refund and Return Policies

Avoid Unexpected Surprises: Learn What to Look for in a Product Return Policy

As the Holiday Shopping Season Ends, These Tips Will Help Shoppers Make Informed Decisions 

Secretary Mosley: “Before making a trip to the store, keep in mind that return and exchange policies vary by retailer.”

As the holiday shopping season winds down, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing consumers tips to navigate store return and refund policies. The National Retailer Foundation estimates that consumers will return $849.9 billion worth of merchandise this year, or 15.8% of retailers’ total projected annual sales. Returning products is even more common for online shoppers, with consumers expected to return nearly 20% of online purchases made this year.

While returns have become a regular part of shopping for many, policies vary from store-to-store, making refunds a challenge at times. Consumers should be aware of laws that protect them so they can make informed decisions about holiday returns and understand what to look for when reviewing store policies.

 “As the holiday rush comes to a close, it’s common for consumers to return or exchange gifts that didn’t quite work out,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Before making a trip to the store, keep in mind that return and exchange policies vary by retailer. Taking a moment to review these policies in advance can help New Yorkers save time and avoid frustration.”

 

PAY ATTENTION TO RETURN POLICIES:

• New York State law requires that stores post their refund policies conspicuously on the item, at the store entrance, or near the cash register. State law now also requires online stores to display or hyperlink to refund policies for consumers before checkout. Retailers must provide a written copy of the store’s return policy when requested.
• New York state law does not require retailers to accept returns, but they must post a conspicuous notice visible to consumers before the point of sale telling them that returns won’t be accepted.
• If a retailer does not post a return policy, the law requires the retailer to accept returns of unused, undamaged merchandise within 30 days of the purchase date. The returned item must include a proof of purchase, like a receipt or any other form of verification permitted by the vendor, and the refund must be made by cash or credit based on the customer’s preference.

UNDERSTAND THE REFUND TERMS: New York State law does not require stores that allow refunds to give them in a specific manner. However, retailers must tell you how you’ll get your refund before a purchase, including options like cash, store credit, or an exchange. Retailers must also tell you whether there will be any fees to return the item. Make sure to read any notices in the store, on the business website, or in any online hyperlinks before making your purchase to verify refund and return policies, including whether if the store charges shipping or “restocking” fees for returned merchandise.

KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS: Consumers should hold onto receipts just in case a product needs to be returned. Ask for a gift receipt if you’re purchasing a gift. For online shopping, make sure you keep emails with any purchase information when shopping online. Having an email address or inbox dedicated to online shopping can help you keep your online receipts all in one place. 

RUNNING INTO REFUND PROBLEMS? CONTACT THE DIVISION:  Consumer having difficulty obtaining a refund are encouraged to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection. 

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection 

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here. 

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.