Team Biaggi - Update: the state of OUR race and why we need YOU!

 

Hi friends —

We wanted to provide a quick update on the state of our race.

As a reminder, the New York State Congressional maps were recently thrown out, completely changing the course of this primary. Here’s some new information for you:

• The primary date is now scheduled for August 23rd.
• On May 16th, the newly drawn maps will be made available to the public.
• They won’t be finalized until May 20th, at which time we’ll know exactly what the new NY-3 looks like. We’ll also learn what period of time we have to petition.

We’ll be honest – there’s a lot of uncertainty in our race right now. But despite that, Alessandra is still the strongest and most experienced candidate.

And the reasons Alessandra decided to run for Congress couldn’t be more important given the infuriating news out of Washington. Our country desperately needs stronger Democrats who actually embody the core values of our own party and agenda. Leaders who will fight relentlessly to protect abortion and voting rights, to combat the climate crisis, to expand access to affordable health care, to raise the minimum wage, and so much more.

These issues are supported by a majority of Americans, but we need members of Congress who will actually fight like hell to deliver. This is the type of Representative Alessandra will be, because it’s who she’s been in the State Senate.

We’ll be in touch soon,

– Team Biaggi

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Alessandra Biaggi has said she will continue to run for congress, and will only have to give the Board of Election a letter of intent to continue running for congress. Thus she would not have to collect petitions again for congress. 

Should Ms. Biaggi decide that she does not want to run for congress but her old State Senate seat after seeing the new district maps, she would have to go through the petition route for that decision. 

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence

 

Legislation(S.8417B/A.9601B) Prohibits Discrimination Against Victims of Domestic Violence 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation protecting victims of domestic violence from discrimination. Legislation (S.8417B/A.9601B) expands protections for victims of domestic violence to areas of discrimination where they were not previously guaranteed, such as housing and public accommodations. By signing this legislation, Governor Hochul has accomplished a key legislative priority she proposed in her 2022 State of the State.

"The pandemic has led to a heartbreaking increase in domestic and gender-based violence, and New York must stand strong to protect survivors," Governor Hochul said. "Ever since I helped my mother open a home for survivors of domestic violence, I've made it a personal priority to do everything in my power to stand with and support survivors. I'm proud to sign this legislation, a critically important step to ensure survivors can safely access the services they need without fear of discrimination or retaliation."

This bill will expand coverage under the Human Rights Law and improve access to the Division of Human Rights complaint process for victims of domestic violence by prohibiting discrimination against victims of domestic violence in every context covered by New York's anti-discrimination law, including housing, education, and public accommodations.

Prior to this, victims of domestic violence were only covered as a protected class under the employment provisions of the Human Rights Law. However, employment is not the only context in which a victim might face discrimination, making this expansion to other areas such as housing and public accommodations necessary, and further instituting a survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive lens to New York State's response to survivors.

New York's Human Rights Law is the oldest anti-discrimination law in the country, and New York was also the first state to create a permanent agency enforcing anti-discrimination laws. The bill signed by the Governor today reflects New York State's ongoing commitment to expanding the Human Rights Law's protections and ensuring that all New Yorkers can live free from discrimination.

Domestic violence is a serious issue facing hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, primarily women. In 2020, there were 165,577 domestic violence orders of protection issued in New York State, according to the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the problems were exacerbated, with calls to the New York State hotline increasing by nearly 45 percent.

This legislation builds on the Governor's accomplishments from this year's enacted Fiscal Year 2023 budget, including nearly $90 million in funding for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs and aid for survivors and their families. The Governor also allocated $14.4 million to the Office of Victim Services to support victim service providers and allow the programs they offer to continue operating without interruption - despite significant loss in federal Victims of Crime Act funding.

Man Charged With December 2021 Broad Daylight Murder In Bronx Park

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that RICARDO FERGUSON, a/k/a “Mayback,” was charged with the December 5, 2021 murder of Robert Brown, Sr., in the Aqueduct Walk park in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. FERGUSON was arrested today and will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Richard M. Berman.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Ferguson allegedly murdered Robert Brown, Sr., in broad daylight in a Bronx park. We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of comfort to the family of Robert Brown, Sr. and make clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who takes another person’s life.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said:  “Aqueduct Walk is a tree lined stretch lined with park benches where New Yorkers can take a walk or find a moment’s peace from the bustle of Fordham Road. When gunfire broke that peace on December 5th and a man was shot dead on that tree lined stretch, NYPD detectives went to work to gather evidence and bring justice. I want to thank US Attorney Damian Williams and the Criminal Investigators of the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their efforts that resulted in this federal indictment. These federal charges should remind those willing to carry guns or commit murder associated with drug-trafficking: You may face many years or even life in prison.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

On or about December 5, 2021, in the Aqueduct Walk park, near Aqueduct Avenue and West Fordham Road in the Bronx, FERGUSON shot and killed Robert Brown, Sr. while FERGUSON and another attempted to rob Brown.

FERGUSON, 36, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, which caries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; one count of using violence in furtherance of a plan to commit Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; and using a firearm to commit murder during a drug-trafficking crime and crime of violence, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison.

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

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office.

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

Governor Hochul Announces $234 Million in Additional Food Assistance for May

 

All SNAP Households to Receive the Maximum Level of Food Benefits This Month 

Nearly $1 Billion in Supplemental Benefits Distributed Since January  

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for May. All households participating in SNAP – including those already at the maximum level of benefits – will receive a supplemental allotment this month, resulting in a roughly $234 million infusion of federal funding into the New York State economy. 

"While New York continues to build back stronger than before, there are far too many households struggling with food insecurity,” Governor Hochul said. "By providing the maximum level of food benefits to those in need, we can help struggling households make ends meet and keep food on the table. This funding will help ensure countless families can avoid the heart-wrenching prospect of food insecurity as we collectively work toward a more prosperous future for all New Yorkers.”  

The emergency assistance supplement is provided to all households, including those that ordinarily receive the maximum allowable benefit per month on SNAP – a federally funded program overseen by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Those households already near or at the maximum benefit level – $835 for a household of four – will receive a supplemental payment of at least $95. These funds can also be used to purchase baby food and formula.  

SNAP households in all counties outside of New York City should see these extra benefits post by May 21. Those SNAP households in the five-county New York City region should see their benefits post by May 28.   

OTDA began issuing the emergency supplemental benefits in April 2020 to those SNAP households receiving less than the maximum monthly benefit amount. When New York State's emergency declaration expired in June 2021, the agency successfully worked with the federal government to secure the maximum allotment for all SNAP households until the expiration of the federal declaration, which is now expected to be extended into July.   

New Yorkers continue to rely heavily on SNAP, with more than 1.6 million households throughout the state enrolled in the program in February, a 1 percent increase over the previous month. More than 2.8 million New Yorkers received benefits in February, the most since June 2021.   

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, “No individual or family should be left wondering whether they have the resources to put healthy, nutritious food on the table each month. The additional food benefits provided throughout the public health crisis have played an integral role in helping to allay this uncertainty, while simultaneously helping local businesses and retailers recover throughout our state.”  

MAYOR ADAMS OPENS OVER 250 AFFORDABLE HOMES AT CATON FLATS, REVITALIZED FLATBUSH CENTRAL CARIBBEAN MARKETPLACE

 

Project Includes 100 Percent Affordable Housing and 20,000 Square Feet of Community Space

 

New Business Accelerator Will Offer Special Support for BIPOC Entrepreneurs

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today kicked off a weekend-long grand opening celebration for Caton Flats, a new mixed-use development with 255 affordable homes, a revitalized and expanded Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, and 20,000 square feet of community space. The project was developed by Urbane and BRP Companies.

 

“This project is such a fitting celebration of our city’s vibrant Caribbean community and our strong, inclusive economic recovery,” said Mayor Adams. “We are building a more equitable economy that will help lift up all New Yorkers, in every neighborhood and every borough. This project is a model for community-based development across the city, which is why I was proud to fight for it as borough president and even prouder to see it completed today as the mayor.”

 

“We are thrilled to share the new and improved Flatbush Central with the public and to continue the legacy of the market as a vital hub for Caribbean commerce as well as a unique and inviting gathering space for the community,” said James Johnson-Piett, CEO and principal, Urbane. “Urbane is proud to usher in a new era of the market with upgraded and enhanced facilities serving the community at large. We’re looking forward to watching the market grow and evolve as a first-rate retail and cultural destination in this new space.”

 

“This project in its entirety exemplified a true partnership and alignment between real estate, community groups, local leaders, and construction entities, all equally dedicated in their commitment to serving the Flatbush community,” said Meredith Marshall, cofounder and managing partner, BRP Companies. “In addition to the 255 units of new affordable housing developed at Caton Flats, Flatbush Central serves as a vital staple within the Flatbush community that supports small businesses and community entrepreneurs, while celebrating and preserving Caribbean culture in New York City, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating its grand opening.”

 

A $136 million project, Caton Flats rents are capped to be affordable to households considered between very low- and moderate-income, between 40 and 130 percent of the area median income. The Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace occupies the lower level of the building, with upgraded amenities, including expanded space for food vendors, a shared commercial test kitchen, a bar, and a lounge.

 

The market will also host a Mangrove business accelerator — an economic mobility platform and incubator program that will focus on offering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color entrepreneurs state-of-the-arty facilities for food and culinary needs, as well as facilities to produce natural body care and cosmetics, new media, and textiles. From industry-specific technical assistance to access to capital to business classes, the accelerator at the market will help facilitate necessary partnerships to help small businesses grow.

 

In 2015, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) selected BRP Companies — a minority-owned business — and Urbane Development through a competitive bidding process and following an extensive community engagement process with local stakeholders and community members to create a mixed-use development that served local businesses, improved community quality of life, and allowed the neighborhood to grow and thrive. The completion of this project represents the culmination of a years long visioning process with NYCEDC, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) — in partnership with former New York City Councilmember Dr. Una Clarke, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry founder Dr. Roy Hastick, local elected officials, and community members — to deliver affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and support for local small businesses.

 

Throughout the weekend, there will be several live musical performances and activities for families and community members — including cooking demonstrations, dance classes, and more — to celebrate the official grand opening of Caton Flats. New Yorkers can find more information online.

 

Images and video of Caton Flats can be found online (credit: Marino). A video overview of the Flatbush Central community can also be found online (credit: Marino).

 

“Investing in strong communities and entrepreneurs is key to our city’s recovery,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The affordable housing coming to hundreds of New Yorkers and the renovated space for dozens of small businesses at the Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace will further strengthen the vibrant Flatbush community.”

 

“Congratulations to EDC, BRP, Urbane, the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, and partners on bringing this great market back to life alongside much-needed affordable housing,” said New York City Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “We have a lot of work to do to tackle our city’s housing needs, but Caton Flats — as a mixed-used, mixed-income project — is exactly the type of project that will get us there, while supporting thriving neighborhoods. I am honored to stand with the Flatbush community in celebration of this new project and especially with the 255 families that we are welcoming to their new homes.”

 

“Caton Flats and the new Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace will strengthen the Flatbush and Caribbean communities for years to come,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “NYCEDC is proud to deliver on a project that offers affordable housing, supports local small businesses — which are so important to this community — and enriches our city. We thank the mayor, our city partners, elected officials, community members, developers, and all who worked with NYCEDC on this transformational project.”

 

“Building new affordable housing is a top priority for the city of New York, so today we celebrate the grand opening of 255 new affordable homes at Caton Flats,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “The Flatbush Central Caribbean Market, now reopened on the ground floor, has been essential to the social fabric of this community for decades. Including the market in this project enhances a longtime anchor of this community and provides opportunities for culturally significant commerce and affordable housing for years to come. Welcome home to the new residents of Caton Flats and the entrepreneurs and small businesses who bring this market to life. And thank you to Urbane and BRP Companies on a job well done. Bravo!”

 

“Caton Flats provides new space for the revitalized Flatbush Caton Market, in addition to 255 affordable homes — 76 of which will be permanently affordable,” said HDC President Eric Enderlin. “Congratulations to the residents and local entrepreneurs that will contribute to the success of this dynamic community, and many thanks to all our valued partners and elected officials for their dedication to fostering greater economic opportunity for New Yorkers through projects like Caton Flats.”

 

“Investing in opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs is what SBS’s partnership with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry is all about,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “The expanded and improved Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace is a bridge to economic opportunity for BIPOC entrepreneurs, a hub of culture, and a pillar for our five-borough economic recovery plan. The future is bright for Caton Flats and the new Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, and we’re excited to continue our partnership.”

 

DEC REMINDS NEW YORKERS TO USE CAUTION WHEN OUTDOOR BURNING ONCE STATE’S RESIDENTIAL BRUSH BURNING PROHIBITION ENDS

 

Wildfire Risk Still High During Late Spring and Summer Months

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded New Yorkers that despite the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning coming to an end on May 14, caution is still required, and fires can still easily and quickly escape and spread.

“The risk of wildfires remains high this spring across New York State, so it’s absolutely essential New Yorkers are mindful of the risk when doing any kind of residential outdoor brush burning,” Commissioner Seggos said. “To protect our communities and natural resources, we’re encouraging people to put safety first, don’t leave fires unattended, and ensure all fires are fully extinguished.”

Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC’s Fire Danger Map for the 2022 fire season is now posted. The map gets posted once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York and this week, conditions statewide were designated as high fire risk.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring through May 14 when most wildfires occur.

Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed. Small cooking fires are allowed. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32060.html.

Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce laws related to open burning. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report a wildfire, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264). To report illegal burning on private lands, call 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267) or report online on DEC's website.

CEO Of Private Equity Fund Sentenced To 97 Months For $133 Million Bank And Securities Fraud Scheme

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that defendant ELLIOT SMERLING was sentenced to 97 months in prison for a multi-year bank and securities fraud scheme that caused the issuance of approximately $133 million in collateralized loans on the basis of forged documents, including subscription agreements from purported limited partners, audit letters attesting to his private equity firm’s finances, and falsified bank account statements.  SMERLING previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote, who imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Elliot Smerling previously admitted to securing funding for his private equity fund by submitting a constellation of fraudulent documents and assurances to lenders. Smerling’s misrepresentations ultimately resulted in massive losses to banks, as he received over $133 million in ill-gotten loans. Smerling has now fittingly been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for his bank and securities fraud scheme.”

According to the allegations contained in public court filings and statements made in court:

From at least in or about January 2019 through at least in or about March 2021, ELLIOT SMERLING was the mastermind of a scheme to secure financing for a series of private equity funds (the “Funds”) through fraud and deceit.  SMERLING solicited and obtained loans totaling approximately $133 million on behalf of the Funds, which were secured by purported capital commitments made by limited partners in the Funds.  SMERLING obtained the loans on the basis of falsified documents and material misrepresentations, including:  (1) a forged audit letter, purportedly prepared by an international network of accounting, audit, tax, and professional services firms, attesting to audited financial statements; (2) forged subscription agreements that falsely represented, among other things, that the investment fund of a private university based in New York, New York had committed $45 million to the Funds, and that the investment management division of a banking and financial services firm headquartered in New York, New York had committed $40 million to the Funds; and (3) falsified bank records showing wire transfers from purported limited partners to the Funds.  

In connection with his bank fraud scheme, from at least in or about January 2013 through at least in or about March 2021, SMERLING also solicited investments in his Funds through materially false and misleading statements concerning the Funds’ audited financial statements, limited partners, capital commitments, and holdings.

In addition to his prison term, SMERLING, 52, of Lake Worth, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised released.  The Court deferred its decision on the amount of restitution.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE AND BRONX FASHION WEEK TO HOST ‘PROM SHOP’ FOR BRONX HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

 

Free Formal Dresses and Men’s Suits Will Be Given to Promgoers; Attire Was Donated by BXDA Staff, Bronx Community

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that Bronx Fashion Week will hold a “Prom Shop” tomorrow for Bronx high school seniors to select a free dress or suit and accessories to wear on their special night.

 District Attorney Clark said “This prom dress and suit giveaway would not have been possible without the tremendous contribution of staff at the Bronx DA’s Office, as well as our Bronx community who donated formal wear. Some 400 dresses and dozens of suits, as well as fancy shoes and handbags were donated. Thanks to their generosity, many Bronx high school seniors are going to be able to celebrate their big night in style, without the worry of purchasing an outfit.”

 Bronx Fashion Week Founder Flora Montes said, “We want to thank all the organizations and those who generously donated items or their time. It indeed was a mission of love and unity in its purest form. Thank you to my sister partner Dawn Jones of ‘Who Am I.’ Thank you to the Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and her entire staff; they truly moved mountains to make this happen for Bronx youth. Thank you to Boulevard Menswear, Promised Land Covenant Church, MUD Make-up Designory School, JoJo's Fabulous Corner, Mello Tymes, Empire Blue Cross, NYPD Foundation, and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office Community Affairs team.”

 The Prom Shop will take place at the Promised Land Covenant Church, 3589 Third Avenue, on Friday, May 13, 2022 between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. It is open to all Bronx high school seniors who show school ID. First come first served.

 NOTE—DA Clark and Ms. Montes will be available on-site between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.