Plans Approved for Affordable Senior Housing at 105 West Tremont Avenue in Morris Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been approved for a new ten-story affordable senior housing development at 105 West Tremont Avenue in Morris Heights, The Bronx. Designed by SB+C Architecture and developed by Crown Holdings in partnership with The Community Builders, the project will deliver 95 affordable homes for older adults and support aging in place with on-site services. Crown Architecture & Consulting is the architect of record for the Passive House-engineered development, which will prioritize energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and reduced carbon emissions with solar array on the rooftop and a fully-electric system.

Amenities include elevators, shared laundry room, bicycle storage, community and recreation rooms, outdoor recreation spaces, package room, lobby with 24-hour reception, and resident exam/consultation rooms, and a resident services office. Accessiblity features include handrails, color-defined wayfinding, and bright lighting.

Renderings show clean geometric forms with a façade of porcelain and metal materials. Most notably, a large-scale mural will span the eastern elevation.

105 West Tremont Avenue is expected to be completed in 2029.

VCJC News & Notes 9/11/2026

 

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!

Shabbos & Rosh Hashanah 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 / Erev Rosh Hashanah Candles Friday 9/11/26 @ 6:53 pm

Aft./Eve. Services – Erev Rosh Hashanah Friday 9/11/26 @ 7:00 pm

Morning Services – Shabbos / Rosh Hashanah – Day 1 9/12/26 8:15 am

Mincha/Mariv 6:45 pm

End of Shabbos / Rosh Hashanah – Day 1 - Light candles after Saturday 9/12/26 @ 7:54 pm

Rosh Hashanah – Day 2 9/13- Shacharit 8:15 am      Shofar Blowing approx. 10:45 am       Tashlich 4:30 pm Mincha/Maariv 6:55 pm  Yom Tov ends 7:53 pm

Fast of Gedaliah – Monday, 9/14 - Fast begins 5:23 am  Fast ends 7:51 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.

Our enhanced kiddush has been a popular hit.  Join us for services and stay to enjoy the kiddush and the company.

Shabbos parsha

Parashat Rosh Hashana

This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Rosh Hashana (read on 12 September 2026).

Torah Readings

The Torah (Five Books of Moses) is divided into 54 sections, or parshiyot. Each section (called a parsha, also transliterated parashah or parasha) is read during a particular week (parashat ha-shavua). The full cycle is read over the course of one Hebrew calendar year. Readings for 5787 · 6-year summary

Celebrate Sukkot with the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

- Dinner in the Sukkah on September 30

Make your reservations now! 

Enjoy a Kosher Chinese buffet dinner with your fellow community members

Weds., September 30th 6:30PM

Rain Date: Thurs., October 1st 6:30PM

In the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Sukkah

3880 Sedgwick Ave

Bronx, NY 10463

$20.00 per Person

$30.00 to be a Sponsor

RSVP: By the end of the day on September 23rd

- in person during regular office hours or call us at 718-884-6105 or send an email to socialcommittee@vcjewishcenter.org

Reminders and Announcements

• The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Jewish History Book Club

  
  

  We are excited to announce the formation of the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Jewish History Book Club. 

  Are you Interested in reading books on Jewish history and discussing them with fellow members of your community?
  For more information, or if you have already heard enough and want to join, visit the office during regular hours or call 718-884-6105 or email educationcommittee@vcjewishcenter.org

  
  

• Save the date: Kristallnacht observance and lecture, Sunday Nov. 8

  
  

  The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center will be holding its annual Kristallnacht Commemoration Program with speaker Larry Hartstein.  More info to follow. 
  
  

• 10 minutes of learning a day

  
  

  
  

  Free Online Video Classes on the Talmud: 10 Minutes a day brought to you by the Orthodox Union. Get a background lesson on the entire Talmud in 40 weeks. No Hebrew knowledge required. Click on the Link Below for more information.

  https://talmuddaily.org/?utm_source=ou&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=launch26&utm_content=full-list

  
  

• What works for you?
  Please Help Us Plan for Events
  We have created a survey, the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Community Event Planning Survey, to help us set the direction for our activities.  We’d really appreciate your taking a few minutes to fill it in. Here’s the link: SURVEY
  
  

• The VCJC Chavurah
  The VCJC Chavurah meets every Tuesday Night at 7:30 PM.  All are welcome to join us as we continue to learn together.

  No cost to attend and no prior experience is needed.

  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 speak to Stuart Harris or Matthew Hartstein after davening on Shabbat morning.
  
  

• VCJC Merch!

  We now have merchandise available with the VCJC logo and, in some cases, sayings.  We have shirts, hats, mugs, refrigerator magnets, and tote bags. These are provided through a Print On Demand (POD) model - so you pick what you like and order it.  It is then made to order and shipped directly to you.
  You can see an overview and some additional information on our VCJC Shop page.  You can go directly to the store itself to see all the things available, select sizes and colors, and get ready to flaunt your association with VCJC.

  
  

• VCJC is now active on social media - follow us!
  We have launched both a Facebook page and an Instagram page.  Both have a nice amount of content already and we are planning both regular posts and a greater variety going forward.  Please take a look and follow us! Links are below.

  
  

• 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!  

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.

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

Jamaican National Sentenced To Eight Years For Role In Sweepstakes Fraud Targeting Older Americans

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced that JORDAN TROUGHT was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti to eight years in prison for his role as a high-ranking member of an international fraud ring that stole more than $9 million from more than 200 elderly victims in the United States via sweepstakes scams.  TROUGHT was arrested in Jamaica on August 28, 2025, and subsequently extradited to the United States on October 22, 2025. In June 2026, he pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud. 

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of schemes that deliberately target elderly victims and strip them of their financial security,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald.  “Jordan Trought defrauded hundreds of elderly victims out of millions of dollars, taking advantage of their age to rob them of their hard-earned life savings.  In doing so, he and his co-conspirators imposed devastating financial consequences on their victims.”

According to the Superseding Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings: 

From at least 2015 through at least 2025, TROUGHT and others engaged in a fraud scheme perpetrated against elderly victims (the “Elder Fraud Scheme”), through which TROUGHT and his co-conspirators defrauded more than 200 elderly victims of more than $9 million.  Victims of the Elder Fraud Scheme typically received an unsolicited phone call or text from an individual using a common name—e.g., “David Miller”—claiming they had won a life-changing amount of money and a luxury car from a well-known marketing and sweepstakes company, but needed to pay taxes or fees to addresses and accounts specified by the caller before receiving the prize. The caller then remained in contact with the victims and, after the victims made their initial payments as directed, informed the victims that additional payments were required to receive their purported winnings.  Victims were instructed to send money by mailing checks, money orders, and cash, as well as by wire, Zelle, and Venmo transfer, to addresses and accounts identified by the caller.  TROUGHT and his co-conspirators also gained control of some victims’ bank accounts, which they used to transfer money out of and through those accounts.  Victims’ funds were ultimately transferred to associates of TROUGHT and his co-conspirators, as well as to an automobile business operated by TROUGHT in Jamaica.

TROUGHT, a citizen of Jamaica, operated the Elder Fraud Scheme from Jamaica, alongside co-conspirators based in both Jamaica and the United States.  TROUGHT joined the fraud ring in or around March 2021 and became one of its leaders. TROUGHT is being held responsible for more than $6 million stolen from more than 100 victims from March 2021 through TROUGHT’s arrest in August 2025.

In addition to the prison term, TROUGHT, 31, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $6,166,227.00.

Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  Mr. McDonald also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and Jamaican authorities, including the Jamaican Constabulary Force, for their assistance in securing TROUGHT’s arrest and extradition.

Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl in Southwestern Connecticut

 

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MONTEL CAPLE, also known as “Forbes,” 30, of Bridgeport, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which was investigating gang activity in the South End and West Side of Bridgeport, identified Christian Pichardo as a supplier of various narcotics to gang members and other drug distributors.  During the investigation, investigators intercepted calls and text messages over court-authorized wiretaps between Pichardo and his associates, made controlled purchases of narcotics, and seized drugs from members of the conspiracy and their drug customers.  Some of the drugs seized during the investigation had been cut with fentanyl analogues, nitazines, and xylazine. Nitazines are synthetic opioids stronger than fentanyl, and xylazine is a large animal tranquilizer.

Pichardo supplied fentanyl to Caple, which Caple sold to his own customers.  Caple also sometimes supplied narcotics to Pichardo.

Caple was arrested on August 5, 2024.  On December 11, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Caple, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 24.

Pichardo pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on July 14, 2025, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bridgeport, Stratford, and Norwalk Police Departments. 

WORST OF THE WORST: ICE Arrests Murderers, Pedophiles, and Stalkers

 

In August, ICE arrested nearly 51,000 illegal aliens as they continue to deliver on President Trump’s promise to Make America Safe Again

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more worst of the worst illegal aliens across the country, convicted for despicable crimes including manslaughter, lewd or lascivious acts with a child, and aggravated stalking.

“ICE law enforcement arrested murderers, pedophiles, stalkers, and other dangerous illegal aliens,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “Despite sanctuary politicians’ attempts to harbor them, there will be no safe haven for illegal aliens under President Trump’s leadership. We will always put America first by arresting and removing illegal aliens who should have never been in our country at all. Deporting illegal aliens saves lives.”

Arrests include:

Cong Tuan Dang, a criminal illegal alien from Vietnam, convicted for manslaughter and robbery in New York City, New York.

Mario Eguizabal-Sandoval, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, convicted for TWO counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old in Los Angeles, California.

Mohamed Dida, a criminal illegal alien from Kenya, convicted for aggravated stalking in Normal, Illinois.

Roberto Ramirez-Gallegos, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for THREE counts of dangerous drugs in Dallas, Texas.

Raphael Oludemilade-Adebowale, a criminal illegal alien from Nigeria, convicted for larceny and money laundering in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.

Convicted Felon Found Guilty of Using a Firearm During a Brooklyn Attempted Bank Robbery

 

Pierre Lee, also known as “Pierre Wilmoth,” was convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn of use of a firearm during a crime of violence.  The charge relates to Lee’s attempted robbery of a Capital One Bank branch in Brooklyn on April 26, 2026 (the Capital One Attempted Robbery).  The verdict followed a three-day trial before United States Chief District Judge Margo K. Brodie.  Prior to trial, on September 1, 2026, Lee pleaded guilty to four counts of the indictment: bank robbery, two counts of attempted bank robbery—including the Capital One Attempted Robbery—and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition (Lee had a prior robbery conviction).  The bank robbery and attempted robberies were committed over a four-day spree in Manhattan and Brooklyn.  When sentenced, Lee faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict. 

“This verdict holds the defendant accountable for bringing a firearm to a bank robbery and attempting to use the threat of violence to steal monies that did not belong to him,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Our Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who use firearms to threaten and endanger our communities.”

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for their assistance in the case.

“This verdict serves as a stark reminder that the FBI and NYPD Violent Crime Task Force will employ every available resource to aggressively investigate anyone who attempts to rob a bank in New York City. Thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the NYPD and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Lee has now been held fully accountable for his actions,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

As proven at trial, Lee knowingly used a firearm during an attempted bank robbery, which is a crime of violence.  On April 26, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Lee, carrying a red Target bag, entered a Capital One Bank branch located at 2150 86th Street in Brooklyn, New York, and handed the teller a note that stated he was armed, “dead serious,” and demanded “loose bills” in denominations of $100, $50, $20, and $10.  The teller was unable to access the cash at his station and informed Lee.  In response, Lee demanded return of the note, exited the bank, and stashed the Target bag inside a grey shopping bag.

NYPD officers canvassed the area and located Lee one block from the bank at the Bay Parkway subway station approximately 25 minutes later.  After his arrest, Lee was taken to the 62nd Precinct, where a loaded Hi-Point A .380 caliber firearm was recovered inside his Target bag, as well as the handwritten note that he had passed to the Capital One Bank teller. 

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Lahionel Ernesto Abreu Soto

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Lahionel Ernesto Abreu Soto, who died on August 17, 2025 following an encounter with an off-duty New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer in Manhattan. After a thorough investigation, which included interviews with involved officers and civilian witnesses, review of footage from nearby security cameras and an officer’s body-worn camera, 911 calls, and NYPD Crime Scene Unit reports, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s actions were justified under New York law.

At 9:47 p.m. on August 17, an off-duty NYPD officer was speaking with friends next to a double-parked car in front of 502 West 173rd Street when two mopeds drove past them, made a U-turn, and stopped next to the group. The moped drivers were dressed in black and wore black masks. One of the moped drivers, Mr. Soto, stepped off his moped, took a firearm from his waistband, and approached the officer. The officer removed his off-duty firearm from his waistband and fired at Mr. Soto. Mr. Soto retreated to the rear of the double-parked car, still pointing a gun at the officer. The officer went toward the rear of the car and fired at Mr. Soto again, striking him. Mr. Soto was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a gun at the scene.

Under New York’s justification law, a person may use deadly physical force when the person reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another, or when he reasonably believes that someone is committing or attempting to commit a robbery. In this case, the off-duty officer was aware of recent gunpoint robberies by people on mopeds in the Washington Heights neighborhood. Mr. Soto and another moped driver were dressed in all black, wearing masks, and made an immediate U-turn after passing the officer and his friends. Mr. Soto then approached the off-duty officer with a gun, and the off-duty officer thought he was about to be robbed. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s use of deadly physical force against Mr. Soto was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Announces Scheduled Sale of State of NY's First ESG GO Bonds Series 2026A Tax-Exempt and 2026B Taxable

 

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced a New York State General Obligation (GO) bond issuance totaling $317.2 million scheduled for September 17th. The bonds, which will finance transportation, education and environmental projects, will be designated as Sustainability Bonds, the first time the State’s GO bonds have received an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) distinction.

The sale will be conducted on a competitive basis and consists of tax-exempt and taxable bonds. The net proceeds of $285 million of the Series 2026A Tax-Exempt Bonds (Sustainability Bonds) will provide new money to finance projects authorized by the following voter-approved bond acts: Environmental Quality (1972), Clean Water/Clean Air (1996), Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation (2005), Smart Schools (2014), and Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs (2022). The Series 2026A Tax-Exempt Bonds are expected to mature over sixteen years, 2032 through 2047.

The net proceeds of $52.8 million of the Series 2026B Taxable Bonds (Sustainability Bonds) will provide new money to finance projects authorized by the following voter-approved bond acts: Environmental Quality (1986), Clean Water/Clean Air (1996), Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation (2005), Smart Schools (2014), and Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs (2022). The Series 2026B Taxable Bonds are expected to mature over six years, 2027 through 2032.

The bonds are expected to be awarded pursuant to electronic competitive bidding to be held via BiDCOMP/Parity on behalf of the Comptroller of the State of New York on September 17, 2026, as set forth in the Notice of Sale published in The Bond Buyer on September 10. The bonds will be dated as of the date of delivery, expected to be September 30, 2026.

The State of New York reserves its right to change, amend or cancel this scheduled sale of General Obligation Bonds.

A copy of the Preliminary Official Statement is available.