BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK ANNOUNCES BRONX WOMAN INDICTED IN RENT SCAM THAT NETTED HER NEARLY $20,000

 

Defendant Allegedly Preyed on Hardworking People Desperate for Housing

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx woman has been indicted for stealing almost $20,000 from eight people in a scheme promising affordable apartments in city-owned buildings. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant preyed on people who entrusted her with their hard-earned money as rent and security deposits for apartments. She allegedly posed as a real estate broker or an employee of the city’s Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) or the city’s Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and took amounts from $1,620 to $3,240 for deposits, which are enormous sums for people with low incomes. Her alleged behavior is unconscionable.”

 New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Margaret Garnett said, “Affordable housing is a fundamental need — but, as charged in the indictment, this defendant used it as part of a scam that victimized unsuspecting tenants twice, first, by stealing their cash and, second, by leaving them without housing. The illegal conduct charged in this indictment is despicable, particularly during a time when New Yorkers are in such dire need of affordable housing. DOI thanks the Bronx District Attorney's Office, the NYPD, City Housing Development Corporation, City Department of Housing Preservation & Development, and the New York City Housing Authority for their partnership in stopping these crimes and holding this defendant accountable."

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jennifer Ricardo, 39, of Decatur Avenue, the Bronx, was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado on a 39-count indictment charging third-degree Grand Larceny, fourth-degree Grand Larceny, Petit Larceny, third-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, fifth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, first-degree Scheme to Defraud, second-degree Scheme to Defraud, second-degree Criminal Impersonation, second degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and third-degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. She is due back in court on October 8, 2021.

 According to the investigation, between June 2019 and September 2020, Ricardo allegedly pretended to be either a real estate broker, an HPD employee, or an HDC employee, and met with her victims at various apartment buildings in the Bronx, accepting rent payments and security deposits for apartments in the buildings. The would-be renters never received keys or got the apartments and could not get in contact with Ricardo after they paid her. She allegedly scammed eight people out of a total of $19,459.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Police Officer John Istorico of the NYPD Bronx Grand Larceny Squad, DOI Senior Inspector General Jessica Heegan and DOI Special Investigator / Forensic Auditor Lana Wong for their assistance in the investigation. District Attorney Clark also thanked New York City Housing Preservation and Development and New York City Housing Development Corporation for their assistance.

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

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.39% -- Record Low for 20 Consecutive Days, Has Declined for 73 Consecutive Days

7-Day Average Positivity in All Five NYC Boroughs Falls Below 0.50% For First Time Since Pandemic Began

Statewide Hospitalizations Fall Below 600, Patients in ICU Fall Below 150

76,160 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

5 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday - Lowest Since September 28, 2020 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19.

"While we have come so far in our fight against COVID and have been able to lift nearly all restrictions and get back to normal, our work is not yet over," Governor Cuomo said. "New Yorkers have worked hard to contain the spread of COVID throughout their communities but we all need to work together to get across the finish line. We need every single New Yorker to get vaccinated, so if you haven't already, take advantage of the state's ongoing incentive programs and get your vaccination."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 119,272 
• Total Positive - 418 
• Percent Positive - 0.35% 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.39% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 580 (-48) 
• Patients Newly Admitted - 58 
• Patients in ICU - 149 (-9) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 86 (-4) 
• Total Discharges - 183,983 (+99) 
• Deaths - 5 
• Total Deaths - 42,896 
• Total vaccine doses administered - 20,372,195 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 76,160 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 551,410 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 67.9% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 61.1%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 70.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 62.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 56.2% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 50.1%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 58.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 51.0%

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS ADRIENNE LEVER AS DIRECTOR OF THE MAYOR'S PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UNIT

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Adrienne Lever as Director of the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU). Lever has served as Acting Director of PEU since January 2021. Prior to serving as Acting Director, Lever served as PEU’s Senior Advisor for Strategic Capacity Building. 

In her role as Director of PEU, Lever will lead coordination between City Hall and various City agencies to connect New Yorkers to critical resources and services. From helping New Yorkers access healthcare ​and housing to promoting civic engagement, PEU acts as the outreach unit for the Mayor’s Office, enabling New Yorkers in every neighborhood to access New York City’s wide array of City services.

 

As a seasoned political organizer, Adrienne Lever brings years of experience leading public outreach, community organizing, ​and civic technology projects.  Leveraging her skills and experience from the private, public, nonprofit sectors, Lever will work collaboratively with agency heads and other senior officials from the de Blasio Administration to proactively engage New Yorkers, working to make it easier for New Yorkers to access important City services. 

 

Under Adrienne’s leadership, PEU has scaled its use of peer-to-peer text messaging, relational organizing, and voter registration tools, ultimately reaching millions of New Yorkers over the past year. Through the integration of this outreach technology, PEU and its agency partners have successfully supported New Yorkers facing issues with rent relief, vaccine appointments, health insurance coverage, civic engagement, and other critical benefits.

 

“The past year deepened the need for New Yorkers to have easy access to crucial City services and resources. We are lucky to have Adrienne Lever leading the City’s coordinated efforts to get New Yorkers in every neighborhood connected, informed, and empowered,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With her expertise in organizing and public outreach, Adrienne will play a pivotal role in making sure that our city’s Recovery for All of Us reaches everyone, including our most vulnerable New Yorkers.”

 

“Throughout her career, Adrienne has shown a clear dedication to serving the public with thoughtfulness and intention,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Phillip Thompson. “I congratulate her on her appointment and am excited to continue working with Adrienne to ensure equity in the City’s outreach—from COVID-19 vaccine distribution to civic engagement, more broadly.”

 

“I am honored to work alongside the exceptional team at the Public Engagement Unit, leveraging campaign style outreach tactics and innovative technology to connect New Yorkers to critical resources,” said Adrienne Lever, Director of the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit. “This proactive community outreach is redefining the role of government and its obligation to ensure equitable access to services, and I am so proud to be a part of that effort.”

 

RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO AND TASKFORCE ON RACIAL INCLUSION AND EQUITY ANNOUNCE JUNETEENTH ECONOMIC JUSTICE PLAN

 

The NYC Juneteenth Economic Justice Plan builds generational wealth and confronts the persistently growing racial wealth gap in America

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE) today announced the NYC Juneteenth Economic Justice Plan: Building Generational Wealth.  The NYC Juneteenth Economic Justice Plan seeks to build generational wealth and confront the persistently growing racial wealth gap in America. 

“Juneteenth marked the end of slavery, but not the end of systemic, structural racism in America,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “To begin to repair harms of the past, New York City is investing in the future and building generational wealth.”

 

“Juneteenth celebrates what was—and continues to be—a worldwide struggle against oppression,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson. “Our ancestors believed education would be the key to Black liberation, and that is why it is so right to invest in education today in honor of Juneteenth. It is an investment in making NYC a true symbol of freedom.”

 

“Juneteenth serves as a lesson in perseverance for all Americans. While we have made much progress, the legacy of slavery still impacts our society and is much of the reason why we still see significant gaps in wealth and opportunity for African Americans,” said Sideya Sherman, Executive Director of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity. “With today’s announcement, we are honoring Juneteenth by investing in our young people at each end of the educational spectrum. Through CUNY scholarships and 529 savings accounts, we’re ensuring that they have the financial support and assets they need to get ahead.”

 

“Juneteenth is a time to recommit ourselves to equality and the work of creating a more just New York City for all, especially our students,” said Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter. “Investing in the educational journey of our youngest learners is an apt way to mark this Juneteenth and I’m grateful to all who have come together to make this possible.”

 

"Marking Juneteenth by making meaningful investments to advance equity is appropriate and important, and our office is proud that Kids Rise and ACE, two initiatives we have funded and helped champion, are going to scale," said Matt Klein, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity.  "These initiatives are rooted in evidence and will help make our city a fairer place, where more New Yorkers are able to fulfill their full potential."

 

The NYC Juneteenth Economic Justice Plan includes:

 

Universal NYC Baby Bonds: Expand NYC Kids Rise to every public school child

New York City will directly confront the racial generational racial wealth gap by expanding savings plans to every single public school kindergarten student next school year. This initiative will both open accounts and put a minimum of $100 into every account.

 

In 2016, Mayor de Blasio launched a baby bonds 529 college savings pilot in Queens School District 30 in partnership with the non-profit, NYC Kids Rise (NYCKR). Children in this district now have over $6 million to go toward their college and career training.

 

Building on success of the pilot, the Juneteenth Economic Justice Plan expands NYCKR through public-private partnerships to all school districts, providing universal 529 savings accounts to every public-school child, starting in Kindergarten this upcoming school year. The City will invest $15 million annually through 2025. Every public dollar is estimated to leverage 20-25 times in philanthropy, family savings, community scholarships, and investment returns by the time a child graduates from high school.

 

CUNY Scholarship Fund: Over 2,800 four-year CUNY scholarships for Black and low-income students

New York City will promote the education and career success of Black and low-income students by providing over 2,800 four-year CUNY ACE model scholarships valued at $4,000 per year. This $45 million investment will help cover gaps in financial aid, books, transportation, and advising for eligible students.

 

The program will serve 1,000 students at Medgar Evers College and 1,800 low-income students in the Taskforce neighborhoods hit hardest by COVID, NYCHA housing developments, and other low-income zip codes.

 

The Brooklyn Recovery Corps at Medgar Evers College: Paid internships, work experience and career prep for over 200 students a year

Medgar Evers College will launch the Brooklyn Recovery Corps to provide over 200 students annually with the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing economic recovery of Brooklyn, focusing on experiences that integrate science, business, public health, or the green economy.

 

The $900,000 annual investments ($4.5 million over 5 years) will student fellows will gain technical skills, academic credit or paid internships, work experience, career preparation support and engagement with the community, and STEM-focused career placement opportunities.

 

The Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity brings an equity-based approach to COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in the city's hardest-hit communities. Services and supports are tailored to meet the unique challenges of New Yorkers in communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. More specifically, the Taskforce has made a series of announcements to build generational wealth including:

 

• Employee Ownership - pathway for employees to succeed their employers
• New M/WBE requirements, mentoring and matching services
• Equitable Ownership - requiring at least 25% M/WBE and/or non-profit ownership in Affordable Housing projects
• NYC Acquisition Fund – $210M loan fund for M/WBEs and non-profit developers

"On this eve of Juneteenth, we thank Mayor de Blasio for this timely investment in CUNY and Medgar Evers College that will expand access to top-quality postsecondary education to African American and other New Yorkers most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. What has made CUNY an essential New York City institution is the opportunity it has afforded to generations of low-income, underserved and immigrant communities to succeed and climb the socio-economic ladder. We are grateful for this affirmation of CUNY as an engine for social mobility, academic excellence, affordability and social justice, as well as a vital and catalyzing partner in the recovery of our city and state," said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez.

BRIDGES FOR THE PEOPLE: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION OF BROOKLYN BRIDGE PROTECTED BIKE LANES BEGINS NEXT WEEK

 

Starting at 9pm on Monday, June 21^st, motorists are advised of major changes reaching the bridge; the addition of protected bike lanes will relieve longtime congestion on the Brooklyn Bridge promenade—the first reconfiguration of the iconic bridge since trolley tracks were permanently removed in 1950

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that, starting next Monday, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will implement major bicycle and pedestrian accessibility improvements on the Brooklyn Bridge. As part of the project, the innermost Manhattan-bound vehicular lane on the Brooklyn Bridge will be removed and transformed into a two-way protected bike lane.  Promised in the Mayor’s State of the City address in January to address the surge in cycling during the pandemic, the addition of protected bike lanes this year will be the first major reconfiguration of the landmarked bridge since 1950, when trolley tracks were permanently removed.

 

Motorists who normally access the Brooklyn Bridge from downtown Brooklyn are advised that they may have to adjust their commuting patterns both during and after construction.   Beginning Monday evening, the right turn from westbound Tillary Street onto the Brooklyn Bridge will no longer be permitted.  Combined with delays expected for the planned rehabilitation in the months ahead along the triple-cantilever section of the BQE, drivers are advised to seek alternate routes to Lower Manhattan, including using the Manhattan Bridge, the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel or by opting for cycling or mass transit.  Construction of the new two-way protected bike path is expected to be completed by early fall. 

 

“Bridges for the People is a beautiful reimagining of New York City’s most iconic bridge,” said Mayor de Blasio.  “Before the Brooklyn Bridge was last reconfigured in 1950, it carried 400,000 New Yorkers every day—but completely replacing trolleys with car lanes reduced the number of daily bridge users by more than half.  By adding new protected bike lanes on the bridge, we will finally begin to re-balance that equation, supporting more sustainable transportation for decades to come.”

 

“As more New Yorkers take up biking, safe bike lanes have become even more critical to our city’s recovery” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “Adding a bike lane to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge will help ease bike traffic for tourists and commuters alike, while increasing safety for everyone.”

 

“The Brooklyn Bridge, one of the nation’s most beloved structures, will this year celebrate its 138^th birthday,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman.  “Over that long history, the bridge has changed with the times – as horse-drawn carriages were replaced with trolleys, which were then retired with the advent of car lanes.  In the coming months, we are going to transform this bridge we all love once again – this time with new bicycle lanes that invest in the bridge’s more sustainable future.  We ask New Yorkers for their patience during construction, and encourage drivers to use other crossings into Manhattan.  And of course, we look forward to the first bike ride this fall.”

 

The Brooklyn Bridge protected bike lane project was initially announced in January as part of the State of the City address, and builds on Mayor de Blasio's ambitious commitment to install a record 30 miles of protected bike lanes citywide in 2021. The creation of protected bike lanes on the roadway not only offers a safer and more seamless route along the bridge for cyclists, it will expand the dedicated space on the bridge’s promenade for pedestrians, who have numbered more than 10,000 on some days in recent years.

 

During construction, vehicular access to the bridge from downtown Brooklyn via Adams Street and Sands Street will still be permitted, and the promenade will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists. “No Turning” signs will be installed to remind motorists of the roadway changes. Diversions are expected to move traffic in Downtown Brooklyn to both bridges along Gold Street, Nassau Street and the Flatbush Avenue Extension. 

 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Now we know what Mayor de Blasio's legacy will be 'I tried to get rid of cars coming into Manhattan but failed'. 

199 Days Left and Counting

 

Time is running out, less than 200 days left for me as your mayor. what else can I do to leave my mark on New York City? I know, let me fire Police Commissioner Shea, and blame him for the rise in crime. It is going to get worse now that the governor has said we hit the 70% level. I just hope there is a city to give to the next mayor, whomever he or she may be.

Roberto Clemente State Park South Playground Reopens

The Riverbank site features new playground equipment, modern climbing structures, and adult fitness stations

 The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, New York City Council Member Vanessa Gibson, Assemblywoman dernandez and Omni New York LLC, owner of the adjacent Riverpark Towers, together announced the long-awaited reopening of the Roberto Clemente South Playground at Roberto Clemente State Park helped cut the ribbon to open the park.

“Roberto Clemente State Park is a true treasure of The Bronx and a real amenity for the residents of the surrounding community,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Throughout the pandemic, we saw how essential it was for Bronx residents to have access to parks and outdoor spaces and I am thrilled to see this park reopen better than ever. I am always happy to support this park and its continued renovation. Since taking office in 2009, I have provided this park with $2.5 million in capital funding, including $1 million for the renovation of the south playground. It is important that we invest in parks and public spaces for our borough, and I have been proud to partner with Commissioner Kulleseid, Council Member Gibson and Omni New York on the continued revitalization of this wonderful community space.”

“It has been an honor during my tenure in the New York City Council to support efforts to invest, restore and revitalize Roberto Clemente State Park for the residents of the West Bronx,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “I am thrilled that this summer our families will be able to take full advantage of the new playground equipment, adult fitness stations, community garden, enhanced athletic fields, and other amenities offered as part of the $1.35 million renovation of the park. COVID-19 has highlighted the need for open green spaces and I am incredibly grateful that Roberto Clemente State Park will offer that to New Yorkers across the borough. I want to thank Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Omni New York LLC and all the advocates that pushed for these investments to rebuild our park, and I look forward to our continued partnership.” She presented a check for $500,000.00 to finish the work on the playground.

Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner also spoke about the playground. The South Playground, originally built in 1973 as an adventure playground, has been closed for nearly 20 years due to unsafe conditions. The renovated playground features new playground equipment, playground safety surfacing, modern climbing structures, adult fitness stations, shade trees and a community garden area. The playground is situated along the park's main esplanade close to the Riverpark Towers, and its improvement will enhance the connection between the park and its largest residential neighbor.

The playground reflects the same aesthetic utilized along the newly reconstructed and adjoining esplanade – and will enhance the patron experience along the entire western edge of the park. The $1.35 million project was funded through a $1 million grant from Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz, $500,000 from Council Member Vanessa Gibson and the final $100,000 from Omni New York LLC.

Councilwoman Vanesa Gibson and Althea Stevens candidate to replace Gibson try the new Adult fitness equipment The revitalization of the South Playground builds on the $100 million transformation of Roberto Clemente State Park that began under Governor Cuomo in 2011. Other improvements across the park include replacement of the bulkhead, rehabilitation of the main esplanade, renovation of the aquatic center, new and enhanced athletic fields, installation of a floating dock for waterfront access, revitalized basketball courts, and reconstruction of the north shoreline revetment.

AOC, MOULTON, GILLIBRAND, TEAMSTERS & CLIMATE ADVOCATES RALLY FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL IN INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE

 

On Wednesday morning outside Union Station, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Seth Moulton led a coalition of labor and climate leaders in calling for increasing federal funding for high-speed rail in the upcoming infrastructure package. President Biden’s American Jobs Plan includes $124 billion more for cars than rail and transit combined - despite the fact that high-speed rail creates more jobs per billion dollars invested than highway and transit projects. Just $80 billion is included in the package for all rail investments.  More information on the benefits of high speed rail is available here. Video of today’s event is available here. 

“Rail is climate infrastructure,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez. “For every buck that we're going to put into a car and a bridge, we want to put a buck into a rail. We want equity. That's what we're here to demand. And we need your help, so go to fundhighspeedrail.org and tell your Member or Senator to support high-speed rail.”

“With the American Jobs Plan we have a choice: fix the last generation’s potholes, or invest in the next generation’s future. Investing in high-speed rail gives Americans more options for how they travel and the freedom to go further, faster on a schedule that works for them. The rest of the world is racing to build high-speed rail, because they know it is a smart investment. Building it in America will open opportunities for the rising generation to work in cities where jobs are growing and still get back for dinner in places they can afford to buy homes, all across the country. We can do this for less than we’d spend on expanding 1950’s-era highways or building more airport gates,” Representative Seth Moulton said. “This isn’t radical, it is just a radical shift from the vast subsidies Congress provides planes—which fuel climate change and are constantly delayed by weather—and roads—which will only produce more traffic—to a truly free market for transportation. Americans will chose carbon-free, high-speed rail if we invest in it now.” 

"I could not be prouder to fight for high-speed rail, for economic justice and environmental justice, and for creating jobs and ensuring clean air and clean water. We're the strongest, greatest economy in the world when it comes to entrepreneurialism and when it comes to innovation, and we should never be ceding that leadership anywhere in the world," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "High-speed rail will enable us to share the culture, the richness, and the opportunities from every corner of our state. I promise you, kids in The Bronx also deserve to go to camp in the Adirondacks, and kids in the Adirondacks also deserve to get big jobs in New York City.  This is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to do the right thing, to make the right investments--not just for our children, but our children's children, and our children's grandchildren."

A high-speed rail network will create millions of good, green, union jobs, and decarbonize the transportation sector by shifting millions of trips into an electrically powered mode of transport while reducing demand for cars, trucks, and short-haul flights. It will also slash toxic air pollution in frontline communities, reduce the need for further highway expansions into those communities, create new affordable housing opportunities,  and revitalize small towns and rural areas across the country that have been left behind. China’s high-speed rail system reduced regional disparities by an average of 25 percent.  The Cascadia project in the Pacific Northwest (Portland-Seattle-Vancouver) is also projected to add $355 billion in regional economic growth, for a 10:1 return-on-investment.

“The Teamsters Rail Conference supports high speed rail implementation that provides the same or better levels of federal protections and benefits rail workers in passenger and freight rail service currently have. The federal protections covering safety, collective bargaining, sickness and health benefits and railroad retirement are critical to guaranteeing that high speed rail is not just a first rate way to travel, but also employs the world class, highly skilled and unionized workforce that make that possible. The Teamsters Rail Conference consisting of The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees have a long history of helping rail workers attain those federal safeguards and will continue to do so for high speed rail employees who operate trains and work on the the rails.These essential workers will be moving passengers on new cutting edge equipment traveling at high speeds,” said Vincent Verna, Vice President & National Legislative Representative of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.