Housing Lottery Launches for Grant TPT Apartments in Morrisania, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Grant TPT Apartments, three residential buildings located at 1113 Grant Avenue, 1211 Washington Avenue, and 1033 Cauldwell Avenue in Morrisania, The Bronx. Built between 1910 and 1931, the structures yield a total 100 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 19 units for residents at 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $51,669 to $105,000. 

All units are newly renovated with spacious layouts, new appliances, and hardwood floors. Some buildings have a shared laundry room. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are three one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,477 for incomes ranging from $54,892 to $87,480; five one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,504 for incomes ranging from $54,618 to $87,480; one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $1,391 for incomes ranging from $51,669 to $105,000; three two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,765 for incomes ranging from $65,829 to $105,000; and seven two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,777 for incomes ranging from $65,760 to $105,000.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than March 6, 2026.

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Inclement Winter Storm Systems

Wintry Mix of Snow, Rain and Freezing Rain to Impact Areas Across the State Friday Through Saturday

North Country To See Six to Twelve Inches of Snow; Mohawk Valley, Capital Region and Hudson Valley To See Up To a Quarter Inch of Ice

Second Storm System Could Bring Gusty Winds and Accumulating Snow Sunday Into Monday, Especially for Areas Downstate

Travel May Be Hazardous; Leave Extra Time Between Destinations

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

Governor Kathy Hochul reminded New Yorkers to stay prepared and monitor their local forecasts as winter weather continues to move across the state. Friday, a multi-hazard storm will bring rain, ice and wet snow across the state through Saturday. The North Country could see six to twelve inches of snow, while parts of the Mohawk Valley, Hudson Valley and Capital Region could see ice accumulations of up to a quarter of an inch. This mix will make for hazardous travel, particularly during the Friday commutes and isolated power outages are possible. A second storm system expected late Sunday into Monday, has the potential for strong, gusty winds and several inches of accumulating snow, especially in downstate areas. The forecast for this second storm still has a great deal of uncertainty and State Emergency Managers are closely tracking its development. New Yorkers should plan any travel accordingly, leaving extra time to reach their destinations.

“Warmer days are just around the corner, but winter weather isn’t gone yet,” Governor Hochul said. “Be sure to travel smart and leave yourself ample time to get to where you’re going. Pack your car with emergency essentials and drive slowly as slick roadways can be dangerous.

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.

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. 

VCJC News & Notes 2/20/2026

 

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!

Lots of things this week, including our Finding Your Haven class, Purim greetings, belated Tu b’Shevat kiddush, and the MLK park cleanup.  Read all the way through!

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 2/20/26 @ 5:18 pm
   
   
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 2/21/26 @ 6:23 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.

   
   

   Come join us for services and stay to enjoy the kiddush and the company.
   

2. About our new kiddushim
   For the past several weeks, the VCJC has upgraded its kiddush after Shabbos services. Kiddush now takes place in the ballroom. There is a greater variety of food, which can be enjoyed while seated at covered tables. Our aim is to offer a more enjoyable and meaningful experience, and to encourage conversation and interaction among attendees. This is an evolving effort. It has received very positive reviews so far; we’d love to have your opinion as well. Please join us for services and kiddush, and let us know what you think!

3. The VCJC Chavurah…

   will be gathering for the first time this Tuesday, February 24th, at 7:30 pm.  

   Everyone is invited to join them as they embark on this path and journey together in learning Torah.
   If you are interested in learning torah with a group of fellow members of your community, but want more details, contact the VCJC office at 718-884-6105 or info@vcjewishcenter.org
   Or you can speak to Stuart Harris or Matthew Hartstein after davening on Shabbat morning.
   
   

4. Shabbos parsha

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Parashat Terumah 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת תְּרוּמָה

   21 February 2026 / 4 Adar 5786

   Parashat Terumah is the 19th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

   Torah Portion: Exodus 25:1-27:19

   Terumah (“Donation”) opens as God tells Moses to collect donated materials in order to build a dwelling place for God called the Mishkan (Tabernacle). God describes how to build the vessels that will fill the Mishkan - including the ark, table, menorah, and sacrificial altar - as well as the Mishkan’s walls and curtains. [1]

   
   

5. You can do it! Give VCJC a boost!  Leave a (positive) review for us on Google
   -->You can do this!  We know you can! YES, YOU!

   The VCJC is working to build and grow for its next century in Van Cortlandt Village.  If you have had a good experience with us or recognize our value to the community, please consider telling the world about it.  Go to our Google Business Profile and leave a review.  Thanks!

Save your place now for March 1 for a Master Class "Finding a Haven Within" NOTE THE DATE CHANGE!

Sunday March 1, 12 PM

RSVP By 2/25/26: call the office (718) 884-6105 or email info@vcjewishcenter.org

Suggested fee is $15.00. If you have a mat, bring it. If not, we have a few.

In the swiftly moving, ever-changing world we live in today, you can find a quiet, safe, and secure haven in which there is peace, deep relaxation, and inner joy. This is what we offer you in an easy yoga-based stretching, soft meditation, and guided, systematic deep relaxation class. The results can be more effective and dramatic than you might expect. Students have had a profound effect on the increased level of their grades.  

It is based on Prof. Barbara Kitai's 37 years of teaching this system to college academics, corporate executives, athletes, students, children, and adults of all backgrounds.

The class consists of an introduction explaining the purpose and theory, 15 minutes of easy yoga-based stretching, and a cool down, 15 minutes of breathing techniques, meditation, 20 minutes of excellent guided relaxation throughout the body & mind, and 10-15 minutes  (time allowing) for a creative writing of self-reflection and awareness.

See our blog post.

Participate in the VCJC Purim Greetings Program!

For a donation of $21.00 we can include your name (only) along with others who are wishing our VCJC and your family, friends, and neighbors Chag Sameach – may this Purim mark the beginning of great happiness, health and prosperity to all!!

PURIM is TUESDAY, MARCH 3

The deadline for subscribing to the greetings program is February 25.

To enroll online, go to our Donations Page and use the second drop-down option. Enter your name and Purim Greeting as the Directive. Submit the form and be sure to complete the payment as well, donating at least $21.  

You can also come into the office with your donation and fill out a form there, or mail a check.

Please help with information about buildings

As part of rebuilding the membership and congregation, the Board of Trustees would like your help. There are a lot of either new or renovated buildings being put up in our catchment area. We would like to seek the cooperation of the owners / developers of those properties in publicizing these opportunities to live near an orthodox synagogue.  If you are aware of any of these buildings, please provide what information you can about them.  This could include the address, any contact information that might be posted, and any information about the building itself (size, type, etc.). Additionally, if you are aware of vacancies in existing buildings or of houses for sale, please let us know about that as well.

3rd annual Community Cleanup Day for MLK Day

This event, for which the VCJC is an acknowledged collaborator, has now been scheduled for March 29.  See the poster below. Registration link

Our mailing address is:
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave
Bronx, NY 10463

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Reminder: Women in Business Luncheon 2026

View Sponsorship

 

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING FOR $21 MILLION MIXED-USE MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION HUB IN OSSINING

 

Project Will Enhance Walkability and Bikeability; Generate Renewable Energy; Improve Access to Waterfront

Multi-Modal Transportation Hub Received $2.24 Million From State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley announced the groundbreaking of the Village of Ossining’s $21 million mixed-use Multi-Modal Transportation Hub, a key project of the Village of Ossining’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). The Transportation Hub is to provide approximately 242 vehicle parking spaces and promote decreased reliance on vehicle use with bicycle infrastructure to accommodate parking and charging, and space designed for an E-bike repair shop. The Hub will also support infill redevelopment and expanded park space in the southwest corner of Downtown Ossining by freeing up valuable land that is currently used for surface parking. The DRI provided $2.24 million for the project. 

“The groundbreaking of this Multi-Modal Transportation Hub marks a huge step forward for the future of downtown Ossining,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “This project will enhance walkability and bikeability, support long-term economic growth and infill development downtown, positioning Ossining as a model for community-driven redevelopment across New York State. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and continued support of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, communities can now think bigger and better by taking their existing historical assets and turning them into vibrant, inclusive downtowns.”

With a downtown that is on both the State and the National Historic Registers, the Village of Ossining intends to use their existing assets, including a rich history, public amenities, engaged residents and an innovative business community, to build on previous successes and strengthen their downtown to have the greatest economic impact. Previous successes include a mixed-use development with a waterfront park, promenade, beach, and fishing pier on a former brownfield, the Sing Sing Kill Greenway, and the ongoing Sing Sing Prison Museum project. Building on these projects, Ossining aims to improve community services, increase access to the waterfront, expand public space, and repurpose areas for development.

In addition to $2.24 million from the DRI, this project has also received $1 million in funding through Empire State Development’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA).

The Village of Ossining was named the Mid-Hudson Valley Region’s Revitalization Initiative winner for the fifth round in 2021. Other DRI winners in the region include Haverstraw; Middletown; Kingston; New Rochelle; Peekskill; Port Jervis; White Plains; and Poughkeepsie.

 

In addition to the Multi-Modal Transportation Hub, the following DRI projects are also being funded by the DRI in Ossining:

• Enhancing Streetscaping in the Station Plaza Neighborhood to Improve Connectivity: Beautify the Station Plaza neighborhood through improved streets, widened sidewalks, bikeability, placemaking, and connectivity between the waterfront and upper Main Street.
  
• Enhancing and Expanding the Market Square Public Plaza: Design and construct a new landscaped public plaza with areas designed to accommodate a range of community gatherings including concerts, pop-up shops, and a weekly farmer’s market.
• Preserving and Revitalizing the Historic Olive Opera House Building:Conduct exterior renovations, restorations and retrofitting of the interior of the building to allow for flexible workspaces, studios and a performance space with modular stage and to accommodate the Sing Sing Prison Museum preview center.
• Upgrading the Louis Engel Waterfront Park Performance Space: Replace the existing stage with a new, resilient performance space to accommodate performances in inclement weather while drawing locals and visitors to the waterfront.
• Transforming the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center: Transform the Community Center into a modern facility for intergenerational recreation and learning that will create opportunities for innovative programming while providing expanded and improved space for STEM and sports for children, adults, and seniors.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Strategic investments in projects like the Ossining Multi-Modal Transportation Hub help communities unlock new opportunities while improving quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, New York State is supporting the infrastructure that strengthens urban cores, enhances connectivity, and builds the foundation for sustainable economic growth.”

 About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

The DRI was launched in 2016 to accelerate and bolster the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all 10 regions of the State to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for increased local investments. Led by the Department of State, DRI communities benefit from partnerships with and coordinated technical assistance provided by the Department of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA). The DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation. To date, the State has awarded a total of $1.2 billion to 151 communities through both programs.

Permits Filed for 4572 Manhattan College Parkway in Fieldston, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a five-story mixed-use building at 4572 Manhattan College Parkway in Fieldston, The Bronx. Located between West 242nd Street and Waldo Avenue, the lot is near the an Van Cortlandt Park–242 Street subway station, served by the 1 train. Nasser Ghorchian is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 51-foot-tall development will yield 14,362 square feet, with 10,329 square feet designated for residential space and 4,032 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 16 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 645 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar but no accessory parking.

Lester Katz is listed as the architect of record.

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

Pensacola Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution and Illegal Weapons Charges

 

Damian Elliott Pressley, 38, of Pensacola, FL., pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of distribution or more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “For too long, dangerous criminals like this defendant have flooded our streets with deadly drugs and violence.  Thanks to President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi launching Operation Take Back America, we are deploying the full might of the Department of Justice to identify, target, and eliminate the criminal threats plaguing our communities. We will continue to deliver successful prosecutions like this one until our streets are safe and drug-free.”

Court documents reflect that Pressley distributed 67 grams of methamphetamine on one occasion in October 2024, and 109 grams of methamphetamine and 124 grams of methamphetamine on two separate occasions in November 2024. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Pressley’s residence on Bobe Street in Pensacola in December 2024. Agents located a loaded firearm, over 200 grams of marijuana, over 90 grams of cocaine, and $17,580 in United States currency. Pressley is a multi-time convicted felon

Based on prior convictions, Pressley faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.

The case involved an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division. 

Sentencing for Pressley is scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 1:00pm, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District T. Kent Wetherell, II. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.

Former Coal Company Executive Convicted in International Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme

 

A federal jury convicted a former vice president of Corsa Coal Corporation (Corsa) for his role in a multi-year scheme to bribe Egyptian government officials in connection with nearly $140 million in coal supply contracts.

“Charles Hunter Hobson won business for his company by paying bribes — and he even took a cut for himself,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Businessmen and companies that pay bribes to foreign government officials to win contracts undermine the rule of law and distort competition, which hurts American business interests worldwide. The Criminal Division will continue its commitment to vindicating our national interests by combatting foreign corruption in violation of U.S. law.”

“Bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain business, and then laundering that money, is illegal, corrupts the global marketplace, and disadvantages law-abiding U.S. companies,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Along with our law enforcement colleagues at the FBI and other agencies, we will continue to investigate and bring to justice defendants such as Charles Hobson who seek to enrich themselves while engaging in flagrant, fraudulent conduct.”

“Hobson used his leadership position at Corsa to bribe Egyptian government officials and secure millions of dollars in sales contracts for the company,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Through this bribery scheme, he violated American and Egyptian laws and robbed law-abiding coal companies of the chance to compete for profits. His conviction is the latest result of the FBI's work to investigate individuals who resort to corrupt practices to increase international business.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Charles Hunter Hobson, 50, of Knoxville, Tennessee, agreed to bribe Egyptian government officials to obtain and retain business with Al Nasr Company for Coke and Chemicals (Al Nasr), which was then a state-owned and state-controlled chemical manufacturing company in Egypt. Hobson, together with others, paid the bribes through purported sales commissions and laundered the bribes through bank accounts in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Hobson also secretly received kickback payments as part of the scheme. 

The evidence at trial showed that, between 2016 and 2020, Hobson, who was then a vice president at Corsa responsible for international sales, conspired to and did pay bribes to Egyptian government officials — whom Hobson referred to as “the Team” — in order to win contracts for Corsa to sell coal products to Al Nasr. The bribes were paid through an intermediary in Egypt, who, received more than $4.8 million in purported sales commissions. In addition to using the corrupt commissions to pay bribes, the intermediary paid Hobson over $200,000 in kickbacks from the scheme.

The jury convicted Hobson of one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), two counts of violating the FCPA, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each of the FCPA and FCPA conspiracy counts, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy, money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy counts, respectively.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Frederick Cushmore Jr., another Corsa executive, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme and is awaiting sentencing. The department resolved its investigation into Corsa in March 2023 through a declination and the disgorgement of profits as defined in Part I of the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy.

The FBI’s International Corruption Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Natalie Kanerva and Ligia Markman of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.