Statement from New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Brad Hoylman

  “Thursday's vote by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to enact so-called “Best Interest” regulation relating to the responsibility investment brokers and advisors owe to their clients will put New York City’s retirees, consumers and their hard-earned savings at risk. In voting to adopt its final rule the SEC has squandered a historic opportunity to protect the retirement and personal savings of New York families and all retail investors. With this backwards regulation, the SEC is serving the best interest of only bankers and brokers who will use these regulations to profit at the expense of their clients.

“Those who invest their hard-earned money with investment professionals deserve to know those professionals will provide objective advice that benefits their bottom line. However, investment professionals are often permitted to push investments that line their pockets with high fees or commissions. This rule allows brokers to ‘explain away’ any conflicts of interest and squeeze their clients for fees. This will only serve to mislead investors, potentially weaken existing protections, and allow reckless financiers to cash in. It’s another give away to those who gambled away our economy a decade ago. Turning back the clock now makes no sense at all.

“Hardworking New Yorkers deserve honest and responsible investment advice. That is why we will champion State legislation to be introduced in the next session which would require all investment professionals operating within New York State to place the interests and well-being of their customers above their own by abiding by the fiduciary standard, a strict set of requirements that protect consumers and their savings. We won’t let New Yorkers get rolled or allow the rules to be rigged against them. We will stand up for working people and ensure New Yorkers don’t give their hard-earned dollars to dishonest brokers.”

Leader Of Bronx Drug Distribution Organization Sentenced To 188 Months In Prison

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that HECTOR PALERMO was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gregory H. Woods to 188 months in prison for leading a drug trafficking conspiracy that operated in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx.  PALERMO pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman on November 19, 2018.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Today’s sentence sends a message that destructive drug trafficking in our communities will not be tolerated.  We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep the streets free of dangerous narcotics.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment, and statements made in court filings and during court proceedings:

Between approximately 2014 and 2017, PALERMO was one of the leaders of a violent drug trafficking organization that controlled the distribution of large amounts of crack cocaine in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx.  PALERMO managed all aspects of the organization, from the preparation of narcotics to the supervision of individuals who conducted hand-to-hand sales of narcotics. 

In addition to his prison sentence, PALERMO, 37, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Berman praised the excellent work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Berman also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.    

Recording Artist Kintea McKenzie Pleads Guilty In Connection With 2018 Shooting In Times Square

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KINTEA MCKENZIE, a/k/a “Kooda B,” pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court in connection with a shooting outside a hotel in Times Square on June 2, 2018, in furtherance of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods (“Nine Trey”) criminal enterprise.  U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Today, Kintea McKenzie admitted his responsibility for a brazen shooting in bustling Times Square.  In coordination with Tekashi 6ix 9ine and other Nine Trey gang members, McKenzie arranged to have another individual shoot at a rival gang member.  We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and to vigorously investigate acts of violence committed by gang members.”

As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in open court:

Nine Trey was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business.  On or about June 2, 2018, MCKENZIE agreed to accept money from Daniel Hernandez, a/k/a “Tekashi 6ix 9ine,” to shoot at a rival gang member and rapper who was staying at a hotel in Times Square.   MCKENZIE helped to organize the shooting in order to scare that rival gang member. 

MCKENZIE, 21, of Brooklyn, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by Judge Engelmayer.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  He also thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.

Attorney General James Announces $65,000 Settlement With Online Retailer Bombas LLC Over Consumer Data Breach

   Attorney General Letitia James today announced that Bombas LLC has agreed to pay $65,000 in penalties and implement a number of data security policies to resolve an investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office into the breach of customer payment cards where the company failed to provide notice of the breach to 39,561 consumers for over three years. 

“New Yorkers deserve to shop with confidence and have faith that their personal information will be protected,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “This agreement will ensure better protection of New Yorkers’ personal information and notice of a breach in a timely manner. My office will continue our commitment to combat inadequate data security in New York.” 

On September 27, 2014, an unauthorized intruder(s) inserted malicious software code designed to steal payment card information into the Magento ecommerce platform code supporting Bombas’ website. While Bombas discovered the code on November 29, 2014, it did not remediate it until January 15, 2015. Additionally, the code was mistakenly reintroduced into the website by Bombas a few weeks later. The code was  permanently deleted on February 8, 2015. It was determined that the intruders  accessed customer information including names, addresses, and credit card information of 39,561 payment card holders– roughly 2,971 of whom were New Yorkers. 

Bombas LLC began notifying affected consumers in May 2018, more than three years after the company learned of the breach. Because Bombas did not notify the affected consumers and relevant New York agencies in an expedient time-period, and without unreasonable delay, it violated General Business Law §§ 899-aa. Bombas offered the potentially affected customers two years of free credit monitoring, fraud consultation, and identity theft restoration services through Kroll Inc., which is not required by law. 

In addition to the monetary settlement, Bombas LLC has agreed to a number of injunctive provisions aimed at preventing similar breaches in the future, including conducting thorough and expeditious investigations of any future data security breaches involving private information and conducting trainings for all appropriate officers, managers, and employees of their roles and responsibilities in ensuring that Bombas LLC investigates suspected data breaches and complies with GBL § 899-aa. 

Wave Hill events June 20‒27: Sunset Wednesday begins!

Thu, June 20

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Fri, June 21

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Sat, June 22

Family Art Project: Waves and Ripples with Ink and Paper

Learn about watersheds and waterways while you reflect on the importance of water as a human right. Use the Japanese art of suminagashi and orizome to explore techniques in marbling and dyeing. Lightly touch the water’s surface with a brush for a floating-ink effect, or fold ink-absorbent paper to emulate ripples and waves. Think about how you’d like to make waves and ripples in your own life and community. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, June 22

Gallery Tour

Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. The exhibition Here We Land features three former Winter Workspace artists, Camille Hoffman, Maria Hupfield and Sara Jimenez, who return to explore narratives about contested space that draw on personal and cultural touch points in their immersive installations. In the Sunroom, Amir Hariri creates sculptural installations constructed of wood, brick and other building materials—along with a wall drawing—that connect to his architectural research to the Bronx and Wave Hill. In the Sun Porch, Geoffrey Owen Miller suspends transparent, upside down sculptures of flora and fauna—inspired by Wave Hill—from the ceiling over sheets of black-mirrored glass. Visitors see prismatic reflections of the hanging plants and animals in upright positions in the glass. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Sun, June 23

Yoga in the Garden

On Sundays through July, enjoy the gardens as the setting for your yoga practice as your find your breath and become connected to the landscape. Classes are led by certified Yoga Haven instructors. All levels welcome. Please bring a mat and be on time. This class is rain or shine; the rain location is Glyndor Gallery. $25; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration suggested, online atwavehill.org.

On the Grounds, 9:30‒10:30AM

Sun, June 23

Family Art Project: Waves and Ripples with Ink and Paper

Learn about watersheds and waterways while you reflect on the importance of water as a human right. Use the Japanese art of suminagashi and orizome to explore techniques in marbling and dyeing. Lightly touch the water’s surface with a brush for a floating-ink effect, or fold ink-absorbent paper to emulate ripples and waves. Think about how you’d like to make waves and ripples in your own life and community. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, June 23

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Sun, June 23

Meet the Artists: Jia Sung and Christina Yuna Ko

Join us for a conversation with Wave Hill House exhibiting artists Christina Yuna Ko and Jia Sung and Curatorial Fellow Emily Alesandrini. Ko exhibits pastel-colored, wooden panels of East Asian feminine icons. Sung’s paintings depict astrological animals, tarot card creatures and Buddhist motifs. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 3PM

Tue, June 25

Gallery Tour

Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. The exhibition Here We Land features three former Winter Workspace artists, Camille Hoffman, Maria Hupfield and Sara Jimenez, who return to explore narratives about contested space that draw on personal and cultural touch points in their immersive installations. In the Sunroom, Amir Hariri creates sculptural installations constructed of wood, brick and other building materials—along with a wall drawing—that connect to his architectural research to the Bronx and Wave Hill. In the Sun Porch, Geoffrey Owen Miller suspends transparent, upside down sculptures of flora and fauna—inspired by Wave Hill—from the ceiling over sheets of black-mirrored glass. Visitors see prismatic reflections of the hanging plants and animals in upright positions in the glass. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Wed, June 26

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Wed, June 26

Sunset Wednesday: Bombay Rickey

Praised as "a true treat for the adventurous ear" (Time Out New York), Bombay Rickey might be the soundtrack to a Bollywood Noir from the 1960s or a Spaghetti Western that never existed. The five-piece band defies easy categorization, with a unique sound evocative of cinematic soundscapes. Performing covers and original music that borrow equally from the worlds of Surf Rock, Cumbia, Spaghetti Western and Bollywood, and balanced out with a coloratura homage to Yma Sumac, Bombay Ricky’s music is complex but playful, danceable and intellectual―and unlike anything you’ve ever heard. Free with admission to the grounds. Special evening admission starts at 4PM. $12 general adult admission; $8 student and seniors 65+; $6 children ages six+. Purchase admission online by 4pm day of event and save $2. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under age six. No guest passes or reciprocal admission accepted.

On the Grounds, 7PM

Thu, June 27

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS – Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES – Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

  

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Presentation on JPR Contracts By the DEP

Please note DEP will be presenting on the Jerome Park Reservoir contracts at the next Bronx CB 8 Environmental Committee --

June 17^th at 7:30pm at Amalgamated Houses, Vladeck Hall, 74 Van Cortlandt Park South.

Thank you,

Effie

Effie Ardizzone | Bronx Borough Coordinator | NYC Environmental Protection

Bureau of Public Affairs & Communications

(O) 718-595-3493 | (M) 646-438-0773

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND SPEAKER JOHNSON ANNOUNCE MORE THAN 50,000 NEW YORKERS NOW ENROLLED IN FAIR FARES PROGRAM

Online enrollment option through City’s ACCESS HRA app exponentially increased participation

  Mayor de Blasio and City Council Speaker Johnson announced that more than 50,000 New Yorkers have enrolled in the City’s Fair Fares program- an unprecedented effort to address poverty through the development of a half-priced MetroCard program for low-income New Yorkers. Following the launch of the online platform in April, which introduced the option to sign up for Fair Fares through the City’s Access HRA application, participation increased dramatically, with more than 70 percent of current enrollees opting in digitally, including through the mobile and web applications.

“Using mass transit to get around is central to the lives of New Yorkers – struggling to afford it shouldn’t be. 50,000 New Yorkers now have access to a half-priced Metrocard thanks to this innovative partnership with the Council and I look forward to growing the program even further,” said Mayor de Blasio.

“Working New Yorkers living in poverty need help. Fair Fares is an unprecedented program designed to ease their burden. The Council, which fought hard to enact Fair Fares, is proud that 50,000 New Yorkers have enrolled. We look forward to serving and assisting more low-income families in the months to come because we understand that for some people, the cost of a swipe is unmanageable,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

The Department of Social Services continues to conduct outreach to eligible New Yorkers who are receiving cash assistance and/or SNAP benefits to inform them of their eligibility, including sending notifications, making telephone calls, implementing a targeted awareness campaign, and alerting HRA clients via their digital Access HRA accounts. To provide eligible New Yorkers with even more options, the City launched the pay-per-ride option in March, enabling those in need to obtain single fares.

Starting this fall, the City will expand the program to eligible New Yorkers in NYCHA, enrolled students at CUNY and student veterans at or below 100 percent of poverty line.

“As a national leader addressing poverty, our City continues to find innovative ways to empower working and low-income families and individuals,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “In New York, we’re making important progress leveling the playing field by connecting eligible New Yorkers to more affordable transportation, helping access opportunity and making it easier to meet essential needs—all part of our comprehensive efforts to make New York the fairest big city in the nation.”

"Fair Fares was a good idea for working adults and single mothers especially that are working! As you know, the MTA prices keep increasing, so this program was right on time. This program is saving me half the price of bus and train rides! It’s a good program. It's about time," said Tamika Velez, Fair Fares recipient.

“The program is wonderful. I’ve already purchased two weekly cards and will purchase a monthly card next week. It’s especially good because I only have to pay $63.50,” said Joshua Sabeter, Fair Fares recipient.

“After years of fighting for Fair Fares and a mass transit system that is more affordable and accessible for the city’s lowest income residents, it’s good to see real progress being made extending half-priced bus and subway fares to more eligible New Yorkers,” said David R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society.  “We applaud Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Johnson for their efforts to advance the program and look forward to marking future milestones in the implementation of this important anti-poverty initiative as it is fully rolled out to the hundreds of thousands in need.”

John Raskin, Executive Director of the Riders Alliance, said, "Just a few months after the launch of the program, Fair Fares is already changing thousands of people's lives, and it's making New York a more just and equitable city. Public transit means access to jobs and education and opportunity, and Fair Fares is helping make that promise a meaningful reality for thousands of people who have been left behind. Speaker Johnson and Mayor de Blasio deserve credit for getting this program on track and for doing the hard work required to make sure thousands of people are able to take advantage of it. We look forward to working with the City on the next important phase, which is to guarantee that everyone living below poverty can sign up for Fair Fares."

In January 2020, the City plans to launch an open enrollment process for all eligible New Yorkers at or below the Federal Poverty line who don’t have discounted transportation from the MTA or the City. Those who were previously enrolled in the program and are still eligible will be able to recertify and receive the benefit again. All other eligible applicants will be able to apply through an online platform.

Eligible New Yorkers can opt-in via the Access HRA mobile or web application, visit the nearest Fair Fares NYC location, or sign up by mail to receive their half-priced MetroCard. Eligible recipients can also call 311 for assistance receiving their card.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES CITY WILL OPEN OFFICE FOR THE PREVENTION OF HATE CRIMES MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The office will be embedded in the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and opens months ahead of the November effective date established by City legislation

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) will open this summer and be embedded in the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. The opening will occur months ahead of the November effective date established by the City Council law that originally created the office. The new office will coordinate responses to hate crimes across City agencies, including the NYPD, City Commission on Human Rights, Department of Education, Department of Probation, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and District Attorney’s Offices, taking a holistic approach to preventing hate crimes, developing and coordinating community-driven prevention strategies to address biases fueling crimes, and fostering reconciliation and healing for victims.

The Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes will also support NYPD training, launch support programs for victims, improve coordination on hate crime reporting and work with affected groups to make sure victims come forward.

“In New York City, we celebrate and uphold our differences and reject any attempt to hate or divide,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes will work to root out hate and make our streets safer, which is why we’re moving up the timeline and opening the office months ahead of schedule. We will never stand idly by while our fellow New Yorkers are targeted because of their race, religion, sexual orientation or any other quality that makes them who they are.”

“Celebrating our differences is not only what makes our city vibrant, but also what makes our city safe. By bringing together expertise from City agencies that work every day to promote the wellbeing of New Yorkers, the new Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes will bolster our commitment to keeping New York City the safest and fairest big city for all residents and visitors,” said Elizabeth Glazer, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.

“The New York City Commission on Human Rights is proud to enforce one of the strongest human rights laws in the nation which prohibits discrimination and harassment in nearly all areas of city living,” said Carmelyn P. Malalis, Commissioner and Chair of the NYC Commission on Human Rights. “The Commission’s bias response team is on the ground across the city working to combat discrimination, respond to bias incidents, and provide support, resources, and education to impacted communities. The creation of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes will allow the Commission to coordinate closely with our agency partners, share information efficiently, and confront bias incidents, discrimination, and hate crimes as one city united.”

Most recent data from NYPD shows that hate crime incidents in the City have increased by 64 percent since last year. 60 percent of those incidents were anti-Semitic hate crimes. Arrests for hate crimes have also increased this year.

The new Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes will be strategic in using non-law enforcement deterrence, including investing in public education campaigns, outreach and community safety models and preventative best practices. It will also develop responses for when hate crimes occur, including developing diversion programs and other strategies so that the NYPD, District Attorney’s Offices, defenders and judges have options beyond arrest and prosecution to deal with hate crime perpetrators.

The new OPHC will also support NYPD training and other responses that address the concerns of LGBTQ, immigrant and other groups to help improve the reporting of hate crimes; develop support programs for victims and reconciliation programs; enhance data collection and sharing with the NYPD, District Attorney’s Offices’ hate crimes units, and other partners; and strengthen relationships among victims and law enforcement to enhance criminal justice outcomes and processes for victims.

The new OPHC will issue annual public reports on hate crime prevention once the Steering Council for the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes is launched this summer.