Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 10/1/2021

Dear Friends,

Another week has passed by and we are already in October. I hope you and your families are continuing to do well as are look forward to return to normalcy, while the City grapples with the public health and financial crises brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

October marks the beginning of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as we stand with the women and men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, we honor those who have lost their battles and we hope and pledge to continue fighting for a cure. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my office is hosting two Mammogram Events on October 2nd and October 16th in Westchester Square and City Island. Take advantage and call our office to register at 728-931-1721.

Our office has received a lot of complaints especially after Memorial Day on noise and extremely loud music being blasted during the night hours that has been affecting residents from Throggs Neck to Edgewater to Morris Park. I have been in touch with the NYPD 45th Precinct and as of this week they have issued 33 summonses, taken three cars and one motorcycle. Please call 311 to report noise and loud music and alert the local precinct.

I am glad to continue the tradition of bringing Free S.A.T. Prep Courses at the Bronx House. Families and College bound students should benefit from these courses and inquire and register with the Bronx House at (718) 792-1800.

Last week I was proud to sponsor a street co-naming in honor of Lorraine Nugent, a dedicated Northeast Bronx community leader, activist who always led by example and now her memory and her work will be a reminder of gratitude for the community.

The City of New York is offering a temporary program allowing constituents to pay a reduced amount for eligible Environmental Control Board judgments. If anyone has unpaid OATH ECB judgments that are eligible for the FAIRER Program, they may be able to save up to 75% and have the penalties and interest associated with your judgments waived. For more information, Click Here.

Please remember we are here for you, contact my office with issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj

District 13, Bronx

 

MTA Financial Outlook Precarious            

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has fended off fiscal disaster brought on by the COVID-pandemic, but it is not out of the woods yet, according to a report released by New York State Comptroller DiNapoli. The Comptroller’s annual report on the MTA’s finances details how the combination of higher spending, the winding down of federal aid, the risk of permanently lower ridership levels, the increased impact from extreme weather, potential service reductions and other factors will create escalating challenges with limited time for the authority to solve them.

Attorney General James Announces 182 Guns Turned in at Community Gun Buyback on Long Island

 

AG James Has Taken 2,500 Firearms Out of Communities Since 2019

  New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that 182 firearms were turned in to law enforcement at a gun buyback event on Long Island hosted by her office, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Acting Nassau District Attorney Joyce Smith, and the Nassau County Police Department. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) accepts — with no questions asked — working and non-working, unloaded firearms in exchange for compensation on site. To date, Attorney General James has taken 2,500 firearms out of communities through gun buyback events and other efforts since taking office in 2019.

“Every gun taken off our streets or out of our homes is one potential tragedy averted,” said Attorney General James. “Through the gun buyback events we have hosted throughout the state and our efforts taking down violent drug rings, we have successfully collected 2,500 guns and made all our communities safer. I’m proud of the work we did today to protect families across Long Island, and we will continue to do everything in our power to combat gun violence. I thank Nassau County Executive Laura Curran for her partnership and to all those who did their part today to make our state safer.”

Today’s community gun buyback resulted in the collection of 182 guns, including 100 handguns, 67 shotguns and rifles, and 15 assault weapons. Since 2013, OAG has hosted gun buyback events throughout New York state and has successfully collected nearly 4,500 firearms.

In exchange for the firearms, OAG offered monetary compensation, in the form of cash, when an unloaded gun was received and secured by an officer on site.

“Keeping residents safe is a priority for county government and we are using a wide range of tactics and tools to do that,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Buybacks are a proven tool for getting dangerous weapons off the streets and saving lives. I’m proud that Nassau has been named the Safest County in America for the second straight year. However, we must continue to do everything we can, at every level of government, to prevent gun violence — because even one gun death is one too many.”

“We have lost too many lives to preventable gun violence in our country. Buyback programs like this one, paired with smart, common sense gun laws, will go a long way towards protecting our communities and preventing future tragedies,” said Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. “We owe it to those we have lost to stay committed to the mission of ending this senseless violence once and for all. I am proud to be working with County Executive Laura Curran, Attorney General Letitia James, and the Nassau County Police Department on this important initiative to keep our communities safe.”

Gun violence is a public health crisis that is plaguing communities throughout New York, and today’s event is the latest action that Attorney General James has taken to combat this crisis and protect New Yorkers from harm. This year alone, Attorney General James has held 15 gun buybacks across the state, and has also secured dozens of dangerous firearms through takedowns of violent groups terrorizing New York. To date, Attorney General James has taken a total of 2,500 guns out of communities since 2019.

Representative Adriano Espaillat Announces Open Applications to U.S. Military Service Academies

 

Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced open applications for incoming  district high school seniors to attend the U.S. Service Academies. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors in my district to submit applications to be  considered for placement to attend any of the U.S. Service Academies to have an opportunity  to serve our country,” said Rep. Espaillat (NY-13). Members of Congress can nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five  U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY;  the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA),  Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY.  The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does  not require a congressional nomination for appointment. The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment  to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. To request a  Military Academy Nomination, please complete the form at  https://espaillat.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations for consideration. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, October 29, 2021.

TAXI MEDALLION RELIEF PROGRAM IN FULL SWING, WITH 1,000 OWNERS IN THE DEBT FORGIVENESS PIPELINE

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today shared an update on the City’s $65 million Medallion Relief Program (MRP), announcing that 57 loan restructuring deals have been approved, delivering $10.4 million in debt cancellation to financially distressed Owners. In total, the program could bring $500 million of debt forgiveness to thousands of Individual Medallion Owners. As of this week, 1,000 medallion owners have reached out and completed appointments with the TLC’s Owner/Driver Resource Center, beginning the potentially life-altering process of analyzing and renegotiating loans on an individual basis for maximum relief. The TLC anticipates that a significant portion of the renegotiations would take place by the end of the calendar year. 

“With 57 Owners having deals in place and 1,000 more in progress, the Medallion Relief Program is having a real impact, not just on paper and in ledgers, but in the lives of people who believed – and continue to believe – in New York City’s present and future,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The MRP is having a stabilizing effect on the market and preserving an institution that has given as much to our city as the women and men who are its backbone.” 

 

"The TLC is fully committed to the success of the Taxi sector and its Medallion Owners/Drivers,” said TLC Commissioner and Chair Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk. “We encourage individual Taxi Owners with high medallion-related debt to reach out to the TLC Owner/Driver Resource Center to schedule an appointment. Our offer to collaborate with the entire industry and advocates to preserve and advance Yellow Taxis remains, and we are hopeful that we can still come together to ensure that all available financial resources reach each Owner/Driver in need."

 

“Taxi drivers work tirelessly to provide essential transportation for New Yorkers and those that visit our City,” said DCWP Commissioner Peter A. Hatch. “We are pleased to partner with TLC, NYLAG, and others to provide drivers/owners with free legal assistance and financial counseling to help manage and reduce their debt, and give them the tools they need to thrive and achieve financial stability.” 

 

“NYLAG is excited to be moving this work along on behalf of yellow taxi medallion owners,” said Associate Director, Consumer Protection Unit at NYLAG Rose Marie Cantanno. “We know yellow taxicab medallion owners provide a vital function for this city, and we are pleased to be helping ensure that continues for years to come. This week alone has offered the opportunity to move forward over two dozen cases, and with many others to follow!” 

 

About the Medallion Relief Program

 

The City of New York will provide $65 million in grants to economically distressed individual medallion owners. This includes $20,000 as a down payment to restructure loan principals and set lower monthly payments, as well as up to $9,000 for monthly debt relief payments.

 

Many medallion owners will have over $200,000 in debt forgiven, and loan payments reduced to about $1,500 or less per month. Some owners will achieve total debt erasure through settlements.

 

TLC's Owner/Driver Resource Center, which offers a range of free financial counseling and legal assistance for TLC Licensees, as well as connecting them with government benefits and health and wellness resources, has already served over 1,000 licensees. TLC Licensees in need of these services can call 311 or visit nyc.gov/taxi to make an appointment.

 

91 Days and Counting

 

They shoved me to the side at the Bronx Democratic Party Dinner, as they treated current Governor David Patterson, Excuse me Kathy Hochul, as if she was going to win next year's Democratic primary. I have dumped on the Bronx just about my entire eight years in office, but this past year with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie I opened a new YMCA in Speaker Heasties, and Bronx Democratic Party Leader Jamaal Baileys districts. 

After me on the same platform Attorney General Tish James spoke, and then it was NYC Public Advocate Jumanne Williams. With the close race that Governor Hochul had with Jumanne Williams for Lieutenant  governor, it should be easy for one of the most popular people in the state to win. I should win hands down in next years Democratic primary for governor. I'll just have to wait and see who the Republicans put up against me. 

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches for 186 East 205th Street in Bedford Park, Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 186 East 205th Street, an eight-story residential building in Bedford Park, The Bronx. Designed by Badaly Architects and developed by Franco Sukaj, the 42,524-square-foot structure yields 62 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 19 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $41,143 to $167,570.

Residents will have access to a shared laundry room and outdoor green spaces. Units include name-brand appliances and finishes, air conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, and hardwood floors.

186 East 205th Street in Bedford Park, Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are five studios with a monthly rent of $1,200 for incomes ranging from $41,143 to $124,150; nine one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,600 for incomes ranging from $54,858 to $139,620; and five two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,950 for incomes ranging from $66,858 to $167,570.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than October 20, 2021.

Latin Kings Member Charged With The 2017 Murder Of Joshua Flores

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a five-count Superseding Indictment charging JONATHAN GARCIA, a/k/a “Jayo,” with racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, firearms, and narcotics offenses, in connection with GARCIA’s involvement in the 2017 murder of Joshua Flores, a/k/a “Monster,” and offenses committed by GARCIA as a member of the Latin Kings, including the Black Mob tribe of the Latin Kings.  GARCIA was arrested today and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein in Manhattan federal court.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. 

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Latin Kings, like other gangs, solve disputes with intimidation and violence, as Jonathan Garcia allegedly did when he shot and killed Joshua Flores in 2017.  Acts such as this endanger the public and wreak havoc on the neighborhoods where gangs have entrenched themselves. We will continue our partnership with the NYPD and FBI to stop the proliferation of deadly gang violence on the streets of our City.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “Violent street gang like the Latin Kings use brutal tactics in their pursuit of illegal drugs and firearms, terrorizing all those who stand in their way. Basing status within the gang on a member’s violent acts is a stark illustration of their utter lack of respect for human life. For his alleged acts of violence, Mr. Garcia now faces a possible lifetime in federal prison.”

As alleged in the Superseding Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and statements made in public filings:

GARCIA is a member of a racketeering enterprise known as the Latin Kings, and specifically, the set or “tribe” of the Latin Kings known as the Black Mob, which operates in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.  In order to enrich the enterprise, protect and expand its criminal operations, enforce discipline among its members, and retaliate against members of rival gangs, members and associates of the Black Mob committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and crack; committed robberies; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.  In December 2019 and April 2021, several members and associates of the Black Mob, including its senior-most leaders, were charged with racketeering offenses, narcotics conspiracy, and firearms offenses.

Since at least in or around 2012, GARCIA has been a member of the Latin Kings.  On or about May 18, 2017, GARCIA shot and killed Joshua Flores, a/k/a “Monster.”  The murder elevated GARCIA’s status within the Latin Kings, including the Black Mob. 

GARCIA, 27, of Queens, New York, is charged with: (1) conspiracy to commit racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1962(d) and 1963, which carries a maximum term of life in prison; (2) murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1) and 2, which carries a mandatory term of life in prison or death; (3) murder through the use of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j)(1) and 2, which carries a maximum term of life in prison or death; (4) narcotics conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 841 (b)(1)(A), which carries a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison; and (5) use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 2, which carries a maximum term of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other term of in prison.  The maximum potential sentences and the mandatory minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge. 

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD. 

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The charges in the Superseding Indictment 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 Superseding Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.