Former Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

 

Dear Neighbor, It has been an honor to serve as Council District 13’s first Puerto Rican City Council representative. I’m so proud to not only have made history in this capacity, but to also serve in the first female-led, female majority body in the history of the New York City Council. It has been a great responsibility that I have not taken for granted, and my office has dedicated our time to working to improve the quality of life throughout the district. I would like to thank the incredible staff that has been part of our office, Adrienne, Alex, Amanda, Andy, Edwin, Jackie, Melissa, Mike, Nick, Stefanie, Stephenie, and Tamara. Many of us grew up in this City and did not see ourselves reflected in our representatives. Together we have shattered the glass ceiling and created a diverse coalition of legislators; mothers, nurses, teachers, lawyers, accountants, and so many unique perspectives coming together to serve our City. While we have accomplished a great deal, I know that we have a great responsibility to ensure that other women and those who haven’t had access before, are offered a seat at the table. Every day, my office addressed community concerns, providing resources and supportive services. I take great pride in the work we have done to address the ongoing housing crisis,  improve public safety, and keep our community clean. I secured incredible budget wins, including updated medical equipment at Jacobi Hospital, mental health resources, youth services, campus enhancements for our local schools, and resources for our first responders, including the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Edgewater Park Volunteer Hose Co. No. 1, and NYPD precincts. I’m so proud of what I have accomplished in office, and I am committed to continuing to serve our community. I wish you all a happy & healthy holiday season. Sincerely,

Former Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

MAYOR ADAMS MAKES NEW YEAR’S EVE PUBLIC SAFETY-RELATED ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Mayor Eric Adams: No one does it better than the New York City Police Department in bringing in a new year. Hundreds of thousands of people will be out here lined up. And no matter how often we see it, you never get used to it. The excitement remains over and over again, and we are really looking forward to ringing in 2024 here in Times Square.

I want to thank the team, the entire DOT, NYPD, FDNY, the Times Square Alliance. This is their show. This is their Super Bowl. This is their opportunity to show what they do best. When the lights are on on Broadway, the lights are on in New York City, the lights are on in America. This is America's city, and we are proud to host this major event.

Every year, thousands of people come here and they enjoy themselves. And we only have one ask: spend as much money as possible. Leave all that money right here in New York City. We want everyone to have a great time. We want everyone to follow the rules.

We want to make sure that we continue to move in the right direction. In this city, crime is down and jobs are up. We are trending in the direction that we committed and promised ourselves that we were going to do two years ago when this administration came into place. When we came into office… Don't you love New York? When we came into office every day we wanted to deliver on that promise.

Events of this size, we know how to safeguard events of this size. We have major events going on at one time in this city, and with the collaboration of all of our agencies and organizations we get it right and we do it right all the time. And this includes Patrol Service Bureau South, Transit Bureau, Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau and the Special Operations Division.

We will be out here with our canines, our horsebacks, our drones, our helicopters, our boats, the full complement of our public safety apparatus will be on display. Now, we're urging everyone, if you are here for the first time, you know you're not going to drive during this weekend. Public transportation is open. We are really encouraging everyone to use mass transit. And there's certain items you cannot bring into the safety zone, like large backpacks and alcoholic beverage are strictly prohibited, so please check before coming in so you won't be turned away.

We will find out the best routes to come in and the best time to be here. We know some folks line up early today, and remain here throughout the day. You know, more power to you. And we really love your enthusiasm and we encourage you to have a lot of fun this weekend.

So, I'm wishing everyone a healthy, safe, productive 2024. This is a great year that we've had here in the city with all the obstacles and challenges, and we are looking forward to leaning into 2024 and continue to do the things that we do, bring down crime and increase employment and know that this is the safest big city in America, New York City. Thank you very much. Thank you.

New Jersey Man Charged With Attempting To Provide Material Support To Al Shabaab

 

Karrem Nasr, a/k/a “Ghareeb Al-Muhajir,” Was Arrested in Kenya After Attempting to Travel to Somalia to Join and Train With al Shabaab

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging KARREM NASR, a/k/a “Ghareeb Al-Muhajir,” with attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization.  NASR, a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody in Nairobi, Kenya, on December 14, 2023, and was transported to the United States yesterday, December 28, 2023.  NASR was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses in Manhattan federal court. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Karrem Nasr, motivated by the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, devoted himself to waging violent jihad against America and its allies.  Nasr, a citizen of this country, traveled from Egypt to Kenya bent on joining and training with al Shabaab so that he could execute his jihadist mission of death and destruction.  Nasr was prepared to kill and be killed to support the jihadist cause, and in his own words, he described America as ‘evil’ and the ‘head of the snake.’  Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the career prosecutors in my Office and our law enforcement partners who led the investigation, Nasr’s plan to train with a terrorist organization and wage violent jihad has been disrupted.  Make no mistake: My Office is committed to investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting anyone who is inspired by Hamas’s October 7 attack and seeks to harm Americans, whether here or abroad.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Karrem Nasr traveled across the globe in an alleged attempt to join the ranks of a foreign terrorist organization – an organization that has repeatedly expressed its desire to harm Americans around the world.  This investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and our domestic and international law enforcement partners to protect the U.S. against any form of terrorism and ensuring the safety of our community.”

NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “Instead of embracing all that the United States had to offer him, Mr. Nasr allegedly moved abroad and committed himself to supporting a foreign terrorist organization. The provision of support to such a group – particularly by an American citizen – is a heinous threat to our entire country and way of life. In the face of this, NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners on the FBI-led New York Joint Terrorism Task Force will remain relentless in our efforts to identify and investigate anyone who so clearly considers our nation their sworn enemy.”

As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

NASR is a 23-year-old U.S. citizen who moved from New Jersey to Egypt in or about  July 2023.  NASR is a supporter of al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization that has attacked Americans and American allies.  Since at least in or about November 2023, NASR has repeatedly expressed his desire and plans to join al Shabaab and wage jihad, including in communications with an FBI confidential source (the “CS”), who was posing as a facilitator for terrorist organizations.[2]

In communications exchanged with the CS and postings online, NASR stated that he had been thinking about engaging in jihad for a long time, and he was particularly motivated to become a jihadi by the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel.  For example, in communications with the CS, NASR stated that the number one enemy was “evil America,” which he called the “head of the snake.”  In recent public social media posts, NASR warned that “Jihad” was “coming soon to a US location near you,” posting airplane, bomb, and fire emojis:

In further communications with the CS, NASR expressed his intent to join al Shabaab to receive military training and engage in jihad, that he was prepared to kill and be killed, and that he specifically aspired to be a martyr for the jihadist cause.  Other examples of NASR’s online posts supportive of jihad and terrorist ideology are shown below:

NASR took specific steps to join and receive military training from al Shabaab, including making flight and lodging reservations for travel to Kenya, where he planned to meet members of al Shabaab for further travel to Somalia to join and train with the group.  NASR booked a flight for December 14, 2023, from Egypt to Kenya for purposes of ultimately joining and training with al Shabaab.  In addition, approximately thze day before his flight, NASR told the CS that he planned to delete data from his cellphone and computer to ensure that if he were detained, law enforcement would not be able to recover evidence of his jihadist activities from those devices.  On December 14, 2023, NASR flew from Egypt to Kenya, where he planned to transit into Somalia and join and train with al Shabaab.  Later that day, NASR was taken into custody by Kenyan authorities.

NASR, 23, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD.  Mr. Williams also thanked the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Nairobi, Kenya, the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations, including the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and the Joint Terrorism Task Force-Kenya, for their assistance.

The charges contained in the Complaint 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 Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

[2] Communications referenced herein are described in substance and in part.

Governor Hochul Announces Enhanced Security Measures and Urges Public Safety Ahead of New Year’s Holiday Weekend

 

State Agency Staffing Increased and Security Augmented at Airports, Bridges, Tunnels and Mass Transit Systems as Precautionary Measure

Agencies Include Division of State Police, New York National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Governor Kathy Hochul announced enhanced security measures being taken this weekend by state agencies ahead of New Year's Eve. Agencies including the Division of State Police, New York National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will have increased staffing through the holiday weekend, and security will be augmented at airports, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit systems as a precautionary measure to help keep New Yorkers safe. Governor Hochul urges New Yorkers to be safe and be aware of their surroundings when attending public events to celebrate the New Year.

“As we gather to celebrate the ringing in of 2024, I want to remind New Yorkers that first responders across the state are working through the holiday weekend to keep all of us safe,” Governor Hochul said. “We can do our part by taking a little extra time to think about basic safety and be aware of our surroundings when in public. Together we can enjoy a safe and peaceful New Year’s Eve.”

New York State Agency Activities

New York State Police

New York State Police will be at maximum staffing through the New Year’s holiday weekend and there will be an increased presence of State Police Troopers at critical infrastructure, transportation facilities, and communities across the State. State Police will monitor all mass gatherings and share intelligence with other law enforcement agencies to keep New Yorkers safe. In addition, State Troopers will be assigned to a dedicated traffic detail that helps keep impaired drivers off the road.

National Guard

Troops from Joint Task Force Empire Shield, the New York National Guard security force in New York City, will be on duty over New Year’s weekend in support of law enforcement at rail and bus transportation sites, and at LaGuardia and JFK airports. The 24th Weapons of Mass Destruction – Civil Support Team, based at Fort Hamilton is on standby for New Year’s Eve near Times Square in New York City. Soldiers and Airmen are trained to identify chemical, biological, and explosive materials, and to assist civilian first responders.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is in contact with public safety officials in New York City including NYPD, Port Authority, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This year, the State Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT) conducted more than 1,100 joint counter terrorism exercises at various locations across New York State including New York City. In 2023, law enforcement teams across the state conducted exercises involving over 400 law enforcement personnel who assessed suspicious activity reporting and recognition at 860 retailers and businesses that sell chemicals, compounds, components, services, or rent space or resources that could be exploited by those with nefarious intent. These teams also assessed more than 200 infrastructure locations across the state including stadiums and arenas, malls and shopping centers, colleges and universities, airports, transit hubs, and other mass-gathering locations. OCT also worked with security teams responsible for the Moynihan Train Hall and the East Side Access/Grand Central Madison project to develop and test security procedures for those locations.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority continues to work closely with our local, state, and federal partners to enhance protective counter measures around large public events to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public. This includes but is not limited to additional police and civilian security staffing at all our facilities. Safeguarding the public and our employees is the absolute highest priority for the Port Authority.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority MTA has increased patrols and surveillance to provide heightened protection at major rail hubs. The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and plainclothes presence in Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal as well as other major stations throughout the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road network. Police canine teams and special purpose units will provide added protection. Railroad customers will also see increased train patrols, as well as random bag checks at various locations. The MTA Police Department, NYPD, and MTA Bridges and Tunnels Officers share intelligence information and coordinate their threat response providing a seamless protection throughout the region. Together with the NYPD, the MTA closely monitors large public events to provide security to our customers, employees, and facilities.

"If You See Something, Say Something”

New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to the New York State Terrorism Tips Line at 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697) or at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/form/terrorism-tips-online-submission. New Yorkers can also download the See Something, Send Something smartphone app on the Safeguard New York webpage.

Sparkler Safety

Governor Hochul also urged New Yorkers to practice safety when engaging in celebrations, including using sparklers that can cause dangerous fires and injuries when not used properly. The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) states that sparkling devices are ground-based or handheld sparking devices that produce a shower of colored sparks or colored flame, crackling or whistling noise and smoke – they do not launch into the air. Users must be 18 years or older to use sparkling devices. The following fireworks are illegal statewide: firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners, and aerial devices.

Sales of sparkling devices by certified permanent and specialty retailers can only take place during the year from June 1 to July 5 and December 26 to January 2. Sales of sparkling devices by certified temporary stands or tents can only occur from June 20 to July 5 and December 26 to January 2. A list of registered sparkling device vendors appears here. The list of counties that prohibit the sale and possession of sparkling devices is ever changing. To ensure compliance, please check with your local county sheriff’s office.

Sparkler Safety Tips

• Children and sparklers are a dangerous combination. Never allow young children to play with or ignite sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never throw or point sparkling devices toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials. Always follow packaging instructions.
• Keep a water supply or an approved fire extinguisher nearby.
• Only light one sparkling device at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Always use sparkling devices outdoors. Never light sparklers inside.
• Store sparkling devices in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• If you are impaired by alcohol, do not use sparkling devices.
• Always wear eye protection when using sparkling devices.

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control also encourages parents and guardians to provide children and teens with non-flammable alternatives to sparkling devices, which can be easily found at most retail stores, such as glow sticks, pipe cleaner “sparklers,” fairy lights and LED Items.

KRVC - Happy 2024! / Save the Date - January 4th

 

All of us at KRVC wish you a very

Happy New Year!

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, January 4th 7pm

Our next Gallery 505 Opening

Artist Noel Hefele's exhibit

DAYLIGHTING TIBBETTS EN PLEIN AIR

"The NYC City Artist Corps grant enabled me to embark on a visual and communal journey through the landscape of Tibbetts Brook. 'Daylighting Tibbetts Brook en Plein Air' is a series born from the intersection of art, environment, and dialogue. It chronicles a quest not only to capture the scenic beauty of the Bronx’s landscapes but also to engage in the narrative of urban sustainability." Noel

Stephanie Ehrlich from the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance will be here to discuss the city's plans to daylight Tibbetts Brook

Watch the video below for more info:

Look forward to seeing you!

505BX.org

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Welcome 2024 in Van Cortlandt Park!

 

Hatsuhinode (初日の出): New Year’s Day Sunrise Hike and Meditation

Monday, January 1 - Meet at 6:30am

Welcome the New Year with a serene sunrise hike in VCP on New Year's Day.

Embrace 2024 with hope and nature’s beauty.

Join us for a peaceful and reflective start to the New Year with the traditional Japanese Hatsuhinode, watching the first sunrise of the year. Led by Yoshiko Mori and Noel Hefele, this special walk embraces the beauty of new beginnings and nature’s awe-inspiring moments.

Dress for the weather. BYOHB (Bring your own hot beverage!)

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

 

Trail Work Wednesdays 

Every Wednesday in January - Meet at 10am

Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and they are in need of regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist with maintaining the cross country course and other trails throughout the park. 

Work includes waterbar and checkstep maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack.

RSVP Now 'Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

 

Multiflora Rose Removal Volunteer Days

Every Friday in January - Meet at 10am

Saturday, January 20 - Meet at 10am 

Tackle the stubborn and pervasive multiflora rose in the Northwest Woods.

Together, our efforts will focus on uprooting this invasive species, clearing the way for native wetland biodiversity to thrive.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Mulchfest 

Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 7 - 10am to 2pm

Recycle your holiday tree by bringing it to Van Cortlandt Park, where the VCP Forest Restoration Crew will chip it into mulch! 

Trees can be dropped off starting December 26, 2023. For more information about drop-off locations throughout the city, visit NYC Parks’ Mulchfest page.

No RSVP required.

Drop off at the “free lot” near the Van Cortlandt Golf Course. As you drive in from Bailey Avenue, it will be the first parking lot on your left.

 

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park 

Make a Donation 

The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU! Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today. 

Donate!  

VCPA Merch Shop!

Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance! 

Shop Now! 

Become a Member 

Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes while supporting their favorite park! 

Join Now

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Bronx Chamber of Commerce Annual Report Upcoming Events How To Do Business With FDNY- January 11th 2024 The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York 2024 March 3rd - 5th 2024

Bronx Chamber of Commerce 2023 Annual Report

The 2023 Annual Report is a snapshot of Bronx Chamber of Commerce activities, including events, programs, and membership recruitment. Interested in learning more about the Chamber, click here To become a member, email: membership@bronxchamber.org

‘TIS THE SEASON! WITH SOME HELPFUL SHOPPING TIPS FROM DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND WORKER PROTECTION Last week the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga issued annual Holiday Shopping Tips to help consumers navigate this holiday season. With these helpful multilingual tips, New Yorkers will be able to avoid seasonal scams and overspending while also learning how to create a budget and be smarter shoppers.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

NYC Funds Finder NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street announced the launch of a new platform connecting small businesses with trusted resources they need to open, grow, and maintain their business. The user-friendly platform – NYC Funds Finder is where small businesses can review funding options, including loans and grants, and request free 1-on-1 financing assistance from the SBS team.  NYC Funds Finder is a partnership between SBS and Next Street and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Next Street Scale, the platform that powers NYC Funds Finder, was created to address the hurdles that small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities, face in accessing the resources required to grow their business and build wealth.

M/WBE Certification Unlocking Opportunities The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with NYC SBS to help guide you through the application process of getting certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE). This certification program, offered by NYC Small Business Services, is a critical initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracting and procurement processes. The program seeks to create opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minority individuals and women, ensuring they have fair access to government contracts and economic opportunities, opens your business up to increased opportunities from New York City agencies, free advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Businesses, mentorship programs and workshops, networking events, and more. The City has committed to awarding $16 billion in contracts to M/WBE certified organizations over the next decade--don’t miss out! Are you eligible? (Qualification checklist below) Business is legally authorized to transact business in New York City Business has been in operation for at least one year Business is more than 51% minority and/or woman owned

LOSS PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY SURVEY Loss Prevention Technology Survey, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and our partners have issued a brief survey titled, "The Future is Here for Retail Theft Prevention." The survey seeks to understand business needs in the area of retail loss prevention. Take the Survey - Click Here

UPCOMING EVENTS

The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York 2024 March 3rd - 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Jacob Javits Center 429 11th Ave NY NY The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York is a once-a-year event that focuses on serving the food service industry in the Northeast. Vendors offer you the opportunity to see the best in the restaurant and food service industry, from the newest food trends to the best technology to fit your restaurant and everything in between. This is your opportunity to find the latest and greatest for your operation. This is a ticketed event, for pricing and more information, Click Here

How To Do Business With The NYC Fire Department Thursday, January 11th 10:30 am to 12:00 pm Vitural Learn the Following: About the FDNY Discretionary Purchases Upcoming Procurement Opportunities Subcontracting Opportunities Marketing Your Business Services/Products to the FDNY And More.... To RSVP for this webinar, Click Here

Reserve Your Spot

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!