Grant Park Completes Construction In Claremont, The Bronx

 

NYC Parks has completed the $17 million reconstruction of Grant Park in Claremont, The Bronx, converting 15 formerly vacant lots and a decommissioned one-block stretch of Grant Avenue into a unified 4.7-acre public open space. The project was funded through the Jerome Avenue Rezoning Initiative, with $16.5 million in mayoral funding and $500,000 from the Bronx Borough President’s office.

The reconstructed park combines the former Grant Playground, Grant Park Passive Area, and Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary into one continuous landscape. New spaces, which include a large open lawn for informal recreation and a central pathway connecting the north and south entrances, feature new shade trees, seating, plantings, lighting, steel picket fencing, and secure gated entries.

A sports and fitness area anchors one corner of the park, featuring a full-size basketball court with steel bleachers and a 1,300-square-foot adult fitness area. The Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary, a community garden established in 1996, was updated with a low-profile fence to preserve the space while improving visibility across the park. Portions of street at both ends of the site were also rebuilt as pedestrian plazas flush with the sidewalks.

The nearest subway stations are the 167th Street station, served by the B and D trains, and the 170th Street station, served by the B and D trains.

Riverdale Block Party Festival - ONE WEEK AWAY!

 

Happy Mother's Day to all!

RIVERDALE BLOCK PARTY is only one week away! Join us on Sunday, May 17  from 12:00-4:00pm! West 259th Street & Riverdale Avenue We welcome you to come join the endless fun at our neighborhood's largest annual community festival!   Scroll all the way down to see what we have planned! Our block party festival is just a few days away! We are excited for this jam packed day of festivities and have a lot planned: 60+ vendors Variety of food, drink, and snack options Live DJ Vintage car display Taekwondo demonstration Cousins Maine Lobster truck Ice cream truck Zumba demonstration Magician performance Live guitarist Doggie parade Yoga demonstration Free dance & possible salsa demonstration  Amazing raffles Professional photographer Face painting and so much more.. We are still happily accepting volunteers, sponsors, and raffles. Reach out to rmsabx@gmail.com

New Yorkers for Parks - 🌼Celebrating another year of daffodil blooms🌼

 

We’re so grateful to everyone who participated in the 2025 Daffodil Project!

Every year thousands of New Yorkers blanket our city in joyful yellow blooms during this historic volunteer effort and living memorial. It’s a chance for neighbors to connect, steward the shared spaces that build community, and advocate for a more vibrant parks system.

If this initiative means something to you, consider making a gift to support NY4P.

This fall marks the Daffodil Project's 25th anniversary! If you're receiving this email, you're on our mailing list and we'll keep you in the loop about registration in August and bulb distributions in the fall.

Warmly, 

Team NY4P

Support the Daffodil Project

THIS IS OUR WHY: DHS Honors Angel Moms on Mother’s Day

 

This Mother’s Day, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) honors mothers, children, and spouses forever changed by violent crimes committed by illegal aliens who should have never been in our country.

After having been shuttered under the Biden Administration, the Trump Administration relaunched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE) to serve as a resource for victims and their families, providing direct access to alien custody information, victim services, and guidance.

As families across the nation observe Mother’s Day, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recognizes the courage of mothers who advocate for loved ones lost to violent crime — a powerful reminder of the lasting impact on families and communities.

“He had a great sense of humor and beautiful eyes that lit up a room,” said Maureen Maloney, remembering her son, Matthew Denice, 23, who was killed by a drunk driving illegal alien on August 20, 2011, in the sanctuary state of Massachusetts. “When he was in high school, he was voted as ‘most dependable.’ Everyone loved him. He was the kind of guy that would go to parties, pick people up and drop them back off at home. He cared deeply for people. People always say ‘the happiest day of my life was…’ but I’ll never get to say that ever again in life, since the moment my son was taken from me.” 

Matthew Denice

“Even though she was tiny, she had a BIG influence,” said Patty Morin, whose daughter, Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was murdered on a trail in the sanctuary state of Maryland on August 6, 2023, by a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador with gang ties. “She was such a happy, joyous person. There has been such a loud silence because of her absence.” 

Rachel Morin

“Kayla loved her mommy; loved animals, especially her cat Oreo; cared about the homeless; treasured her family and friends; loved God and going to church; was very forgiving and would make sure nobody was left out and made sure the loneliest kid had a friend,” said Tammy Nobles, whose daughter, Kayla Hamilton, 20, was murdered in her Maryland home on July 27, 2022, by a criminal illegal alien and MS-13 gang member from El Salvador. “The pain of losing Kayla hits your soul. It changes you as a person and as you see the world. Our grief is forever. We have to live with the void of not having her here. Her murderer got 70 years and I got life.”

Kayla Hamilton

The VOICE Office was founded to help mothers like these and others affected by crimes linked to illegal immigration; it uses a victim-centered approach to provide them with information and services. Over the past year, the VOICE Office fielded nearly 900 calls — each representing a person seeking help amid trauma with a nexus to immigration.

According to ICE data from that same period:

• 87% of callers were victims or members of victims’ families.
• 25% of callers requested victim services or referrals.
• Callers identified 815 total crimes linked to immigration violations.
• 62% of callers sought case status information or updates regarding offenders in custody.

The crimes reported by callers included some of the most serious offenses investigated by law enforcement agencies nationwide:

• 32% reported violent assault.
• 15% reported rape or sexual assault.
• 9% reported homicide or manslaughter.
• 7% reported family or partner violence.
• 6% reported stalking or intimidation.

The VOICE Office cuts through complexity, offering clarity and access to:

• Offender custody information.
• Guidance on enforcement and removal.
• Referrals to victim assistance resources.
• Registration for the DHS Victim Information Notification Exchange.
• Support from trained personnel.

Surviving victims and families often face emotional, legal, and logistical challenges long after a crime occurs. The VOICE Office helps ensure victims get through that process.

ICE encourages victims, family members, advocates, and witnesses seeking assistance to contact the VOICE Office toll-free hotline at 855-48-VOICE (855-488-6423), available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

You can find additional information about available services and victim resources at ICE.gov/VOICE.

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Governor Hochul Directs New York State Landmarks to Be Illuminated Blue in Recognition of National Police Week

Sixteen State Landmarks To Be Lit Blue on Evening of Sunday, May 10

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 16 landmarks across New York State will be illuminated blue this evening, Sunday May 10 in recognition of National Police Week to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across New York State and the nation.

“During National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “We also remember the officers who sacrificed their lives in service to others and the selfless actions taken to protect New Yorkers. New York is grateful for the courage, commitment and dedication of law enforcement officers across our state.”

The following landmarks will be illuminated blue tonight:

• One World Trade Center
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• Lake Placid Olympic Center
• Moynihan Train Hall
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Niagara Falls
• State Education Building
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

National Police Week, observed this year from Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, recognizes the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “National Police Week is a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment demonstrated every day by law enforcement officers across our state and nation. We honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others, and we recognize the dedication of the men and women who continue to protect our communities with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. On behalf of the New York State Police, we extend our deepest gratitude to all members of law enforcement and their families for their service and sacrifice.”

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “National Police Week is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary dedication of the law enforcement professionals who work every day to keep New Yorkers safe. We also honor the memory of the officers who gave their lives in service to their communities and stand with the families, friends and colleagues who continue to carry their legacy forward.”

The state recently hosted its annual Police Officers Memorial Remembrance Ceremony at the Empire State Plaza, where Governor Hochul honored 56 officers whose names were added to the New York State Police Officers Memorial.

Permits Filed for 521 East 132nd Street in Port Morris, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 14-story residential building at 521 East 132nd Street in Port Morris, The Bronx. Located between St. Ann’s Avenue and Brook Avenue, the lot is near the Brook Avenue subway station, served by the 6 train. Anshel Fridman of Artist Construction LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 145-foot-tall development will yield 194,886 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 99 residences, with a total 297 units on the site. Residences will most likely be rentals based on the average unit scope of 656 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 37-foot-long rear yard, and 17 enclosed parking spaces.

Shmuel Wieder of S. Wieder Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

ICE Asks Indiana to Not Release Illegal Alien Serial Rapist

 

This sexual predator from Mexico was released into our country by the Biden Administration 

 The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer asking Indiana officials to not release an illegal alien serial rapist. 

On April 22, 2026, police in Indianapolis arrested Leonel Catalan Torreblanca, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, who is the suspect in a decade-long serial rape case and now faces 30 charges including rape, sexual battery, criminal confinement, kidnapping, strangulation, and burglary. His criminal history includes convictions for patronizing a prostitute, voyeurism, and multiple DUIs.

The reported sexual assaults occurred between 2013 and 2024. 

“Thanks to the incredible work of the men and women of federal law enforcement, this demented rapist’s ten-year crime spree is over. He is now facing 30 charges including rape, sexual battery, criminal confinement, kidnapping, strangulation, and burglary,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “ICE is asking Indiana officials to hand him over to ICE custody. Indiana cooperates with ICE, so we will be able to work together to get him off our streets and out of our country. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, criminal illegal aliens are NOT welcome in the United States.” 

Torreblanca first illegally entered the United States at an unknown time and location. ICE arrested him in 2012, but he was released by the Obama Administration. ICE arrested him again in 2017, and he voluntarily returned to Mexico in 2018. He then illegally re-entered the United States – a felony – in 2023 under the Biden Administration. 

Jacksonville Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More than Eleven Years in Federal Prison

 

James Herbert Asberry, III (39, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of his sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of $18,938, the proceeds of Asberry’s drug trafficking, which were seized at the time of his arrest. Asberry pleaded guilty on July 17, 2024. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, during a series of meetings in late 2023 and early 2024, Asberry sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover task force officer and confidential source. On February 23, 2024, the DEA arrested Asberry and law enforcement executed search warrants both at his home in St. Johns County and at a Jacksonville apartment where Asberry stored drugs. Investigators located $18,938 in cash, as well as cocaine, fentanyl, and nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. 

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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).