 |
|
|
Sunday, May 24, 2026
State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Testify at the RGB Bronx Public Hearing!
Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $48 Million Affordable Senior Housing Development in Brooklyn
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the opening of Bethany Senior Terraces, a $48 million affordable housing development in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn. The new four-story building includes 57 affordable apartments for seniors aged 55 and older, including eighteen apartments with supportive services. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 11,000 affordable homes in Brooklyn. Bethany Senior Terraces continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“Every New Yorker deserves a safe and affordable place to age with independence and stability,” Governor Hochul said. “Bethany Senior Terraces transforms a long-vacant site in Brooklyn into modern, energy-efficient homes for older adults while delivering supportive services that will help vulnerable seniors thrive. Developments like this are essential to addressing our housing shortage and building healthier neighborhoods across New York.”
Developed by RiseBoro Community Partnership Inc., Bethany Senior Terraces replaces two vacant buildings formerly occupied by the Bethany Methodist Home for the Aged. The new development includes 45 studio apartments, 12 one-bedroom apartments and one superintendent’s unit. All 57 affordable apartments are reserved for households earning at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income.
Eighteen apartments are reserved for tenants eligible for on-site supportive services including individuals struggling with homelessness. Services are provided by RiseBoro Community Partnership Inc. and include case management, health coordination, and social and recreational programming designed to help seniors maintain stable housing and age in place independently. The New York State Department of Health is providing operating funding for these supportive apartments through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award.
The development includes fully accessible and adaptable apartments. There will be five units to accommodate residents with mobility impairments and two units to accommodate residents with sensory disabilities.
The fully-electric building was designed to meet 2020 Enterprise Green Communities Plus and Passive House standards, incorporating sustainable features including Energy Recovery Ventilation systems, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, low-VOC materials and rooftop infrastructure capable of supporting a future solar array.
Residents will have access to supportive services offices, storage space and community rooms. The building includes outdoor terraces that step down to a large, common garden located off of the building lobby and offer entrances to interior social spaces at every floor. There is a hydroponic greenhouse — which uses water rather than soil to grow plants. There is a community kitchen directly connected to the greenhouse that is intended to host community demonstrations on gardening and cooking.
State financing for the development included federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated approximately $14.4 million in equity and $7.8 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provided $716,000 in funding. $9.3 million in financing was provided by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Wave Hill Weekly Events (May 28 – Jun 4) | Spring Through Transformations: Wellness, Arts, & Seedlings
The passing of a gentle spring breeze carries the promise of a summer through the air for flora across the garden, sparking hope into our minds. Tree tops that kiss the sky carrying shade on sunny days, blooming flowers acting as pit stops for our pollinators, and the seeds of our plants giving us hope for a brighter future. Stop by The Shop and select from an array of seeds for your vision of what's ahead, whether that’s supporting local pollinators or starting a garden of your own. Take the future into your own hands at Wave Hill.
Early Closing: 2PM
Wave Hill closes at 2PM today to prepare for our annual Garden Fête.
Nature & Wellness
Yoga in the Garden
Root your feet in the grass and look out upon our vistas as you enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Susie Caramanica. All levels welcome; this is a beginner level class that can be modified.
Garden Highlights Walk
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide; each walk varies with the Guide leading it.
Art
Public Gallery Tour
Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture, and site. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.
Family
Family Art Project: Blooming Tie Dyes
Transform a plain piece of fabric using vibrant dyes inspired by spring flowers. Learn how plants use pigments to attract pollinators and protect themselves. Create your own patterns and let your creativity blossom.
Special Events
Early Closing: 2PM
Wave Hill closes at 2PM today to prepare for our annual Garden Fête to help sustain our arts, horticultural, and educational programs and ensure we can continue welcoming our community in the Garden year-round. Wave Hill House, including The Café, the Perkins Visitor Center, the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, and Glyndor Gallery will close at 1:30PM.
Garden Fête: A Celebration Under the Pergola Honoring Katie Michel
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.
Culver City Man Who Works for Nonprofit that Distributes Syringes to Homeless Drug Users Arrested on Federal Fentanyl Charge
A Culver City man who works for a nonprofit organization that distributes syringes to homeless drug users in Los Angeles and elsewhere was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possessing fentanyl when police pulled him over while he drove a BMW near MacArthur Park earlier this month.
Christopher Barret Johnson, 42, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Johnson works for People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), a nationwide nonprofit that offers services to homeless people including street outreach, interim and permanent housing. PATH also serves as a vendor distributing syringes, including in MacArthur Park, a sector of the city characterized by high rates of poverty with many of its residents and visitors being drug users.
Johnson is made his initial appearance in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, during the late evening of May 5, 2026, Los Angeles Police officers patrolled the MacArthur Park area, which is notorious for the use and sale illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, in open-air markets.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., the officers observed a white BMW lacking a front license plate abruptly conduct a U-turn in front of them. The officers then conducted a traffic stop on the BMW.
The vehicle’s sole occupant was Johnson, who “appeared very nervous,” the affidavit states. While speaking with Johnson, one of the officers observed in plain view on the BMW’s center console a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine. The officer also saw Johnson carrying two knives in his waistband. The officer then ordered Johnson out of the car. Johnson complied.
The officers conducted a pat-down search of Johnson and found a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine in Johnson’s left front trouser pocket. Officers also searched the BMW and located a partially opened backpack that contained more plastic baggies containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, a digital scale that had fentanyl residue on it, empty plastic baggies, and cash.
Also found inside the BMW was a dish soap container that contained additional plastic baggies containing fentanyl. The BMW’s center console also contained cash and a large amount of plastic baggies.
Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that the drugs seized from Johnson’s BMW and person included at least 142 grams of a substance that contained fentanyl and nearly 46 grams of methamphetamine.
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, Johnson would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division’s Southern California Drug Task Force (SCDTF), a DEA-led multi-agency task force within the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program, and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Office of the New York State Comptroller - This Week: State Pension Fund Closes at Record High of $295.4 Billion
State Pension Fund Closes at Record High of $295.4 Billion
Comptroller DiNapoli announced that the New York State Common Retirement Fund delivered a strong estimated investment return of 11.94% for the state fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, closing at a record-high estimated value of $295.4 billion — the highest fiscal year-end value in the Fund’s history
Comptroller DiNapoli noted that the historic results were achieved despite economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and turbulence out of Washington. By focusing on smart diversification, responsible risk management, and long-term stability, the Fund continues to successfully protect the retirement security of nearly 1.3 million New York public workers, retirees, and their families.
|
A Memorial Day Message of Gratitude
This Week in Pictures
A L S O I N T H E N E W S
Note: Some news links may require a paid subscription
P O S T O F T H E W E E K
Housing Lottery Launches for Peninsula 1221, 1225 Spofford Avenue in Hunts Point, The Bronx
The affordable housing lottery has launched for Peninsula 1221 and 1225 Spofford Avenue, a 14-story residential building in Hunts Point, The Bronx. Designed by WXY Architecture + Urban Design and Body Lawson Associates Architects & Planners, and developed by Gilbane Development Company with Hudson Companies and Mutual Housing Association of New York, the structure yields 303 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 60 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $19,235 to $158,760.
Amenities include a bike room, community room, tenant lounge, outdoor terraces, fitness rooms, shared laundry room, children’s playroom, and a garage with assigned parking spaces. Residences are equipped with dishwashers, energy-efficient appliances, and free in-unit broadband internet. Tenants are responsible for electricity.
At 30 percent of the AMI, there are eight studios with a monthly rent of $465 for incomes ranging from $19,235 to $40,710; ten one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $591 for incomes ranging from $23,966 to $45,810; eight two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $700 for incomes ranging from $28,869 to $54,960; and six three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $800 for incomes ranging from $33,463 to $63,120.
At 40 percent of the AMI, there are eight studios with a monthly rent of $665 for incomes ranging from $26,092 to $54,280; 12 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $841 for incomes ranging from $32,538 to $61,080; 11 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,000 for incomes ranging from $39,155 to $73,280; 11 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,147 for incomes ranging from $45,360 to $84,160; and one four-bedroom with a monthly rent of $1,270 for incomes ranging from $50,743 to $95,000.
At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 13 studios with a monthly rent of $1,046 for incomes ranging from $39,155 to $67,850; 15 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,318 for incomes ranging from $48,892 to $76,350; 13 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,569 for incomes ranging from $58,663 to $91,600; seven three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,801 for incomes ranging from $67,783 to $105,200; and one four-bedroom with a monthly rent of $1,996 for incomes ranging from $75,635 to $118,750.
At 60 percent of the AMI, there are 19 studios with a monthly rent of $1,289 for incomes ranging from $47,486 to $81,420; 26 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,622 for incomes ranging from $59,315 to $91,620; 21 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,933 for incomes ranging from $71,143 to $109,920; 15 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,223 for incomes ranging from $82,252 to $126,240; and two four-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,466 for incomes ranging from $91,749 to $142,500.
At 70 percent of the AMI, there are 22 studios with a monthly rent of $1,532 for incomes ranging from $55,818 to $94,990; 29 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,926 for incomes ranging from $69,738 to $106,890; 27 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,298 for incomes ranging from $83,658 to $128,240; 16 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,644 for incomes ranging from $96,686 to $147,280; and two four-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,936 for incomes ranging from $107,863 to $166,250.
Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than July 7, 2026.
Orchard Beach Pavilion Completes Restoration In Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx
Orchard Beach Pavilion has reopened at Orchard Beach in The Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park following a $114 million reconstruction project. Designed by Marvel for NYC Parks and NYCEDC, the project involved the restoration of the landmarked 140,000-square-foot building, which was originally built in 1936 with Works Progress Administration funding and had been closed since 2009.
Subway access to Orchard Beach Pavilion is limited, with the closest stations located several miles away. Visitors can reach Orchard Beach by bus, car, bicycle, or park shuttle service when available.
Concessions are expected to open later this summer, while the restaurant space is scheduled for 2027.
NYC DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION OFFICER INDICTED FOR TAKING BRIBES TO SMUGGLE CONTRABAND
Defendant Allegedly Brought Documents Purportedly Laced with Narcotics to Inmate in Rikers Island
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata announced that a NYC Department of Correction Officer has been indicted for allegedly accepting thousands of dollars in exchange for delivering documents that he believed were soaked with narcotics to an inmate.
District Attorney Clark said, “Documents soaked in dangerous narcotics such as K2 and fentanyl threaten the safety of inmates and staff. This defendant allegedly received money to bring in papers treated with drugs, ignoring the hazard of such contraband, and putting lives at risk.”
Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata said, “Correction Officers take an oath to uphold the law and have a responsibility to safeguard people in their care. Instead, as charged, this defendant betrayed that oath by allegedly accepting thousands of dollars in bribes to smuggle contraband, specifically papers purported to be soaked in narcotics, into Rikers Island facilities, endangering both persons in custody and his fellow officers. I thank the Bronx District Attorney's Office for its continued partnership and commitment to ensuring safety in the City's jails."
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Eric Rivera, 54, was arraigned on May 20, 2026, on second-degree Bribe Receiving, third-degree Bribe Receiving, Official Misconduct and second-degree Promoting Prison Contraband before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Jay Young Kim. He is due back in court on July 22, 2026.
According to the investigation, on two occasions between June 1, 2025, and September 15, 2025, Rivera accepted bribes in excess of $5,000 in exchange for bringing documents purported to be soaked in narcotics onto Rikers Island which he subsequently gave to an inmate.
District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Sandy Nunez, Daniel Angen, and Jennifer Cordero from the Bronx District Attorney’s Squad, under the supervision of Sergeant Louis Meade, for their work in the investigation.
An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.