Velazquez Calls for Community Input on Controversial Baychester Square Development

In unprecedented move, Bronx Community Board 10 Executive Member Marjorie Velazquez urges board's inclusion in ULURP zoning process for proposed $200 million shopping center development under consideration by neighboring Community Board 12

 

Velazquez cites potential traffic and quality of life impacts to surrounding community, opposition by local residents

Velazquez: We deserve to have a voice

Amid contentious debate over a planned shopping development at a former state-owned property in the Baychester section of the Bronx, Community Board 10 Executive Member Marjorie Velazquez is once again taking the unprecedented step of calling for her board to have a say in a zoning vote on the project in neighboring Community Board 12 in the coming months. The City Council's Land Use Committee today held a hearing on the project.

 

In announcing her request, Velazquez is pointing to potential traffic jams at the site and quality of life concerns raised by local residents critical of the project.

 

"Any potential impact from the Baychester Square development doesn't stop at the border between community boards," said Community Board 10 Executive Member Marjorie Velazquez. "This project could increase traffic for a borough already starved for transportation options, and negatively affect quality of life for our families. We deserve to have a voice."

 

At issue is a $200 million, 350,000 square-foot development proposed for a former Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) property across Interstate 95 from the Bay Plaza Shopping Center. The development, called Baychester Square, would include at least 40 stores, a senior housing building with 170 units, and parking space for some 1,200 cars.

 

Under the current proposal, the development exceeds current zoning for the site and therefore went through the city's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). After that, the project went to the local Community Board 12 for a vote, and it was approved. However, under the current ULURP procedure, it does not allow for other Community Boards - namely Community Board 10 - to have a voice in the decision, though the project will directly affect its district.

 

This has Velazquez concerned about the lack of input on the project by Community Board 10, which borders Board 12 and which she sits on as an Executive Member and Treasurer. Velazquez pointed out that the Baychester Square site sits opposite multiple commercial developments in an area with limited public transit options and borders Co-Op city, the largest cooperative housing development in the world.

 

Velazquez contends that this has the potential to greatly increase traffic both around the site and in neighboring Board 10, negatively impacting families' quality of life. These concerns are shared by local residents, who have banded together to voice their opposition to the plan.

 

In response, Velazquez is urging the city to allow Community Board 10 weigh in on the ULURP process. Velazquez also intends to highlight the issue in her campaign for the City Council's 13th District. As a candidate, Velazquez has pushed for improved public transportation for communities long considered a transit desert. For Velazquez, traffic and transportation issues are central to the longterm economic growth of the Bronx.

 

"We can't continue to develop and build without considering the transportation needs of our community. This is the key to encouraging economic growth, and this is what I will advocate for as our next city council member," concluded Velazquez.

 

NYC CHARGES QUEENS LANDLORD WITH RETALIATING AGAINST IMMIGRANT TENANTS WHO FILED DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS

NYC Commission on Human Rights continues enforcement against landlords discriminating against tenants based on immigration status, sending cease and desist letters to other landlords in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law and warning of legal consequences

  New York City announced charges today against a landlord in Ridgewood, Queens for retaliating against immigrant tenants after they reported him to the NYC Commission on Human Rights for discrimination based on immigration status. In March, the Commission served the landlord a notice of the complaint alleging discrimination after Make the Road NY brought the case to the Commission. In his response letter to the Commission, the landlord denied the allegations and indicated that he sent a copy of the letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which included tenants’ personal information, in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law’s retaliation protections.

The Commission is now charging the landlord with retaliation against his tenants and filing a complaint against him on behalf of the City. Out of concern for the tenants’ safety, the Commission is not releasing the names of the tenants in these cases. The Commission has notified the landlord of the retaliation charges and is awaiting a response.

"Our message is loud and clear: we will hold landlords accountable for discrimination in our city,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We stand with tenants, regardless of their origin, in Queens and across the five boroughs."

“The Commission will not hesitate to take action against bad actors when they retaliate against New Yorkers who have reported discrimination,” said Assistant Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Sapna V. Raj. “The NYC Human Rights Law makes it illegal to retaliate against any individual for reporting discrimination, regardless of their immigration status. Everyone in New York City deserves the right to live free from discrimination and harassment and should not fear for their safety when reporting violations of the Law.”

“This repeated harassment and retaliation against immigrant tenants is unlawful and unacceptable in New York City,” said Nisha Agarwal,Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “It is very unfortunate that certain bad actors feel emboldened to follow Washington’s lead in hostility towards immigrants. We are proud of our colleagues at the NYC Commission on Human Rights for taking action, standing with our fellow New Yorkers, and making clear that immigrants’ rights must be respected in our city.”

“While landlords have been threatening to call ICE on immigrant tenants for years, we have seen a significant increase in this form of harassment since Trump was elected,” said Senior Staff Attorney at Make the Road New York, Ryan Napoli. “The Commission on Human Rights has been an important partner and advocate for the immigrant community in combating this intimidation, and we applaud the Commission's actions in this case.”

“My landlord has been harassing and threatening me and my family for over a year. Most recently, he started threatening us with ICE unless we moved out of our apartment immediately,” said a tenant and member of Make the Road New York. “With the help of Make the Road New York and the Commission on Human Rights, I know that I have rights and I no longer feel that I have to live in fear. I am grateful for this support and I am glad that the Commission is launching these investigations. I urge other immigrant families to reach out to the Commission and stand up for their right to live with respect and dignity.”

In an effort to further crack down on landlords for discriminating against tenants based on their immigration status, the Commission recently sent a cease and desist letter to landlord Zara Realty Holding Corp (Queens) for discriminating against immigrant tenants. Last month, the Commission sent a similar letter to landlord Jaideep Reddy (Queens) after it learned he was discriminating against tenants based on their immigration status. The Commission has heard from these landlords and is exploring further enforcement actions.

When the Commission identifies housing discrimination, it may take the following actions to address the violation:

• Launch investigations against landlords based on complaints from tenants.

• Launch its own Commission-initiated investigations into landlords the Commission believes is discriminating against members of the public. The Commission may launch a Commission-initiated investigation after receiving anonymous tips, reports, or complaints from members of the public or based on evidence uncovered through its testing program.

• Send a “cease and desist” letter when it learns a landlord has engaged in discriminatory behavior to direct the landlord to immediately comply with the Law.

In this specific case, the Commission filed additional charges against the landlord after he copied ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in his response to the Commission’s initial complaint filed by tenants alleging discrimination based on their immigration status. The NYC Human Rights Law explicitly prohibits retaliation for filing discrimination claims with the Commission. It is also illegal in New York City to discriminate against or harass a tenant because of their immigration status or national origin, among other protected categories.

The Commission has the authority to fine violators with civil penalties of up to $250,000 for willful and malicious violations of the Law and can award compensatory damages to victims, including emotional distress damages and other benefits. The Commission can also order trainings on the NYC Human Rights Law, changes to policies, and other relief such as community service and mediated apologies.

Over the past two years, Commission has increased enforcement efforts to address housing discrimination based on immigration status and national origin.

• Over the last two years, the Commission has doubled the overall number of investigations into discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin, filing 376 claims in those areas in 2016/2015 compared to 155 claims in 2014/2013.

• In 2016 alone, the Commission more than doubled the number of new investigations into discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin in housing, filing 60 claims in 2016 compared to 22 in 2015. 

• The Commission is currently investigating 291 claims of discrimination based on immigration status and/or national origin, 89 claims specifically in housing.

Additionally, the Commission has held nearly 400 workshops and outreach events this year to educate tenants about their housing rights. The Commission also trains housing providers on their responsibilities under the Law with the goal of preventing future acts of discrimination and regularly engages housing advocates and vulnerable communities to address housing discrimination and inform people of their rights. Learn more about housing protections against discrimination in New York City atwww.nyc.gov/fairhousing.

If you or someone you know believes they are the victim of discrimination or harassment by their landlord, call 311 and ask for NYC Commission on Human Rights or call the Commission’s Infoline at 718-722-3131. Reports may also be filed anonymously. People may also report discrimination on the Commission’s website.

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN STRAY BULLET SHOOTING OF 5-YEAR-OLD BOY

Victim, Celebrating His Birthday, Suffered Severe Brain Damage 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on charges of Attempted Murder and Assault for firing a bullet that struck a 5-year-old boy in the head, causing severe injuries, in a shooting that was meant to target other individuals. 

   District Attorney Clark said, “This case is even more sorrowful since the little boy was celebrating his fifth birthday. On a day that should have been joyful, he was caught in the crossfire of a violent rampage and will now carry memories of pain instead. Thankfully, he is out of the hospital and now in rehab but he has a long road to recovery ahead of him. It is now our job to secure some measure of justice for him and his family as the defendant faces many years behind bars.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Michael Quiles, 27, of Washington Ave., has been indicted on three counts of second-degree Attempted Murder, first-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Assault, first-degree Reckless Endangerment and two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas and was remanded. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top charge. He is due back on October 30, 2017. 

  According to the investigation, on June 5, 2017, in the area of 167th Street and Washington Ave., Quiles fired multiple shots during an argument with two men. One of his bullets struck Jaheem Hunter, who was hospitalized with severe brain damage.

   District Attorney Clark thanked Detectives Jose Valdez of the 42nd Precinct and Keith Walker of the Bronx Homicide Squad.

  An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Two Bronx Men Sentenced In Manhattan Federal Court To 37 And 35 Years In Prison For Shooting Of Innocent Bystander

   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced that KEVIN STERLING, a/k/a “Lion,” was sentenced to 37 years in prison and ALONZO VERNON, a/k/a “Zoe,” was sentenced to 35 years in prison today for the non-fatal shooting of a young woman who was an innocent bystander to a drug-related shooting, and for related crimes. They were each sentenced today in Manhattan federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who presided over a three-week jury trial in April 2017 at which STERLING and VERNON were convicted on all counts in the controlling indictment.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “When a drug worker refused to pay a drug debt, Kevin Sterling and Alonzo Vernon hunted him down and Sterling shot at him, without any regard for his life or the lives of the innocent people nearby. One innocent bystander, a young woman in the wrong place at the wrong time, was shot and seriously injured, but thankfully lived. For their callous crimes, Sterling and Vernon will now serve lengthy prison sentences.”

According to the trial testimony and evidence as well as public court filings and statements made in connection with case:

STERLING and VERNON led a drug trafficking organization that brought crack cocaine and heroin from the Bronx to Ithaca, New York, to be sold at prices higher than the drugs would sell for in the Bronx. STERLING and VERNON recruited young men in the Bronx to sell drugs for them in Ithaca. Together with another member of the conspiracy, STERLING and VERNON provided drugs to their workers and collected their drug proceeds.

In about April or May 2015, VERNON informed one of their workers (“Victim-1”) that his money was “short” and that he owed more money. Victim-1 did not pay the claimed debt, and VERNON threatened to “f****[] him up” as a result.

On the night of May 31, 2016, STERLING saw Victim-1 on the street. VERNON and STERLING followed Victim-1 to the area of 219th Street and Willett Avenue in the Bronx in a car driven by VERNON. Victim-1 was on a porch with a group of friends. Next door, a young woman (“Victim-2”) was outside with her friends.

STERLING exited the car and pointed a gun at one of the group. Sterling shouted “where’s Melo?” – the street name used by Victim-1 – and shot once at Victim-1. He missed Victim-1 and hit Victim-2 in the elbow instead. The bullet shattered her elbow and entered her side. STERLING went back to the car, and VERNON drove him away. Victim-2 tried to run away and collapsed bleeding while her friend tied a tourniquet around her arm.

STERLING, 38, and VERNON, 39, both of the Bronx, New York, were each convicted after trial of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 280 grams and more of crack cocaine and 100 grams and more of heroin; discharging a firearm in connection with that drug trafficking crime, and aiding and abetting the same; and being felons in possession of ammunition. In addition to their prison terms, STERLING and VERNON were each sentenced to 10 years of supervised release.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the City of Ithaca Police Department, and the Cornell University Police Department for their assistance.

THE BRONX AND CHINA’S SONGJIANG DISTRICT SIGN ‘SISTER CITY’ AGREEMENT

  On July 17, 2017, the Songjiang Peoples Government delegation from China’s Songjiang District of Shanghai, led by Deputy District Mayor Long Wanli, visited The Bronx to sign a friendship, or “sister city,” agreement with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and officially begin a long-standing relationship between the two governments.

The agreement encourages bilateral investment not only on the government level but also within the private sector. After signing the agreement, the Songjiang Delegation visited several notable Bronx sites, including the Montefiore Hutchinson Campus Ambulatory Surgery Center, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the New York Botanical Garden.
“This agreement will encourage partnerships in business development, tourism, medical innovation and other areas between The Bronx and the Songjiang District,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We have seen considerable success in The Bronx in recent years, and the story of our positive transformation has made its way to China. I was happy to discuss with the Songjiang delegation what has worked for our borough, what we can learn from the government and people of Songjiang, and ways our governments can work together in the future.”

A photo of the signing of the “sister city” agreement can be downloaded at https://flic.kr/p/WMYNNb.

Following A-Train Track Fire, Assemblyman Dinowitz Urges Colleagues to Join Efforts for Comprehensive Transit Funding Reform

Assemblyman Dinowitz (Chairman of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions) has previously announced two major legislative reforms to create a dedicated revenue source for transit investment and to protect these funds from being used for non-transit related purposes.

  After another round of massive train delays from a track fire that left 9 injured on Monday morning, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz again urged fellow legislators and state leaders to support needed reforms in New York State’s transportation funding process. “With every incident like today’s, New Yorkers lose confidence in their transit systems. It is outrageous that 9 people were injured as they tried to get to work, school, tourist destination, or wherever they were trying to go. While I commend Chairman Lhota for taking an exhaustive look at the entire MTA and await his findings at the end of August, we in the Legislature need to make sure that he has the financial resources needed to make the necessary improvements.”

Over the past several weeks, Assemblyman Dinowitz has announced two major reforms to how the State funds our transit infrastructure to address both revenue sources and expenditures. His first proposal would apportion 2% of the existing state personal income tax and dedicate it specifically towards transportation funding to the counties where it originated from. His second proposal would protect any funding that has been allocated for public transportation systems from being diverted without explicit legislative approval. “Many people have great ideas on how to fix our transit system, whether it is upgrading more rapidly to Communications Based Train Control or replacing aging rails and cars. The common thread is that we need more money to be spent on transit infrastructure, and to ensure that this money is being spent appropriately. Too often, the MTA is used as a piggy bank for other state groups to pay off their debts which leaves transit users paying for debts that aren’t theirs.” The MTA currently allocates 18% of operational costs to pay debt service, and a recent NY Post article reported that $4.9 million was transferred without legislative approval directly to the Olympic Regional Development Authority.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR A $65 MILLION COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN FLUSHING

77,000 square-foot facility will bring healthcare to 25,000 underserved New Yorkers as part of the Mayor’s Caring Neighborhoods Initiative

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced plans for Healthview, a 77,000 square-foot medical facility that will be part of the Mayor’s Caring Neighborhoods Initiative in Flushing, Queens. Operated by the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, the new center will provide care to over 25,000 underserved New Yorkers and create over 140 new jobs in the first three years of operation.

“All New Yorker deserves equal access to healthcare and this state-of-the art facility means the tens of thousands of people in booming Flushing will get the primary care they need. As we work to make this city more equitable we are focused on neighborhoods that have been overlooked – and righting wrongs,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center is fully committed to providing affordable and culturally competent healthcare services to the people of Flushing and neighboring Queens,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, who leads the City’s mental health and substance misuse efforts. “Healthview is a wonderful example of how we strengthen a community by closing treatment gaps and addressing mental and physical health needs.”

Healthview will be located at 40th Road and College Point Boulevard amid Flushing’s bustling retail, transportation, and residential hub. The project will be a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facility designed to ensure primary care is available to all, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. Healthview will serve as a primary care access point with clinicians spanning the fields of internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, psychiatry, behavioral health and family dentistry.

As part of the Mayor’s Caring Neighborhoods initiative, the City is providing $1 million for the $65 million Healthview project through the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s Community Health Center Expansion Program. Other public funding comes from Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, whose office contributed $3 million, and the New York City Council, who helped secure $2 million for the project, and. A groundbreaking for the center expected this fall.

Caring Neighborhoods is a vital part of the administration’s commitment to reduce health disparities by building primary care capacity in neighborhoods where New Yorkers have faced limited options for convenient and affordable health care services. The City has committed $20 million to cover pre-development and start-up operating costs for new health centers. In total, over 100,000 new patients will be able to receive care in their own neighborhoods thanks to the community health centers expanded through Caring Neighborhoods.

“I am excited that we will be expanding our healthcare services for the Flushing community. There are many residents of Flushing who still lack access to affordable primary care services, particularly mental health and dental services,” said Jane T. Eng, President and CEO of Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. “The new site, located at College Point Boulevard and 40^th Road, will meet some of this increasing demand. The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center provides services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. We are proud to be an anchor employer, providing job opportunities for community members. We appreciate all of the support from elected officials including Mayor DeBlasio, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim, New York State Assembly Member Nily Rozic, New York City Council Member Peter Koo, New York City Council Member Margaret Chin, New York City Council Member Corey Johnson, New York City Council Member Paul Vallone and all the other government officials at the city, state, and federal level who have supported us.”

“Access to quality healthcare is an essential piece of any strong neighborhood,” saidNYCEDC President James Patchett. “That’s why we’re committed to helping the city’s health centers grow their reach through our Community Health Center Expansion Program. And with the healthcare industry employing more New Yorkers than any other sector, Healthview will not only provide much-needed care to thousands more patients, it will also bring more than a hundred new jobs to the local economy.”

“Increasing access to affordable, quality health care in neighborhoods across the city will allow communities to become healthier and reduce health disparities,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center is a well-established provider that not only engages its patients to improve their health, but it engages the community at large to create a healthier environment for all.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The comments from Queens elected officials on how wonderful this new building and the mayor are were left out.

NYC Council Member Andy King to host free mobile legal help center

  New York City Council Member Andy King is hosting a free civil legal services mobile van on Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the annual 12^thCouncil District, Fun In the Son Community Engagement Day event outside the Evander Childs Football Field, 800 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx.

The mobile legal help center is a partnership between the New York Legal Assistance Group and the New York State Court's Access to Justice Program and provides free civil legal assistance to New Yorkers in need.

Lawyers will be on hand to provide assistance in various areas, including: domestic violence/family law; orders of protection/emergency orders of protections; divorces; custody/visitation; child/spousal support, and immigration.

The van provides on-site, high-level technology allowing it to function as a full-service office. Private meeting rooms inside the van are available.

Space is limited and appointments are required. To set up an appointment, phone King’s office at 718-684-5509.

12^th District Community Engagement Day/ Fun In the Son Parade & Concert

It will all happens on Saturday, August 5, 2017, starting with a community parade that kicks off at noon at the intersection of Eastchester Road and East Gun Hill Road and culminates at Evander Childs High School football field (800 East Gun Hill Road). More than 2,000 people from community-based organizations and businesses will be marching in the parade.

Inside the football field will be over 50 community-based exhibits and vendors, games for the children, health-care activities, free food, and music. Outside the field will be mobile vans that will pro-vide free health and wellness services, such as dental screenings, legal services, flu shots and more. There will also be a NYPD Rock Wall and a “Shooting 4 Peace” 3-on-3 Basketball tournament featuring celebrity pro ballers and local streetball legends.