KZA Realty Closes Office Lease In The Historic Poe Building In The Bronx

 

Poe Building 2432 Grand Concourse Bronx N.Y.

KZA Realty Group Inc. has recently secured the 7-year lease of a newly renovated office space in the Fordham section in the Bronx. The commercial space, which is located on the second floor of the Poe Building on Grand Concourse  will be an extension of Health Acquisition Corp’s Elara Caring Group; a leading provider of home-based care services. 

Kathy Zamechansky of KZA Realty Group represented the owner, Poe Affiliates, L.P., during January’s negotiation of the commercial space at 2432 Grand Concourse working in collaboration with the lessee’s representative, Alex Foley, VP of Swearington Realty Group, LLC, the two were able to arrange mutually beneficial terms that were accepted by both parties. In total, the space will be rented for the next 7 years, with the option to renew for an additional 5-year period, at a rate of $34 per sq. ft., or in total, 3.3 million by Health Acquisition Corp.

Sitting in the heart of Fordham Road, the 14,039 sq. ft. of space is located on the second floor of the 5-story Poe Building on Grand Concourse  It includes new upgrades to the HVAC System, a new electric panel with electric direct meter-to-space, and updates for ADA-compliant bathrooms. The building itself features a modern aesthetic with easy access to the parking garage and security in the front lobby. 

“We are very excited to bring additional medical care to the heart of the Bronx,” said Kathy Zamechansky of KZA Realty Group. “As many of our loved ones continue to age, it is essential that we provide them with accessible care – especially in their own homes. That’s why we are proud to be a part of this leasing agreement between Poe Affiliates and Health Acquisition Corp.”  

Elara Caring, overseen by Health Acquisition Corp, is a leading provider of home-based care. They offer services across 16 different states in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest, and have approximately 32,000 caregivers in more than 200 locations. Their patient-centric ideology offers a multitude of programs for at-home services that include Home Health, Palliative Care, Behavior Health, Personal Care Service, and Hospice Care. 

Originally built in 1929, the Poe Building has been a long-standing complex that was once home to small businesses in the area including gas stations, repair shops, and retail stores. However, after a facelift in 1989, much of the space was converted for office use and is currently home to other medical-based corporations such as Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Montefiore Hospital, and Rite Aid Pharmacy. Public bus lines for the BX1 and BX2 are conveniently located outside of the building, with the B, D, and #4 subway lines and BC12 bus line only a short distance away.

 

KZA Realty Group (www.kzarealty.com) is a commercial real estate brokerage and development consulting firm based in New York City. Founded in 1998 by real estate professional Kathy Zamenchansky, KZA specializes in commercial planning, project management, community and government relations, finance, marketing, and communications.

Jewish Heritage Month Celebration at Young Israel of Pelham Parkway

 

Sunday at the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway was their celebration of Jewish Heritage Month. The guest speaker was Bronx Councilman and former teacher Eric Dinowitz. Councilman Dinowitz, who said he chairs the Jewish Caucus in the council, is from a neighboring council district, that he is proud of his Jewish upbringing, and mentioned the different sects of Judaism. Orthodox, Reform (such as his parents), and Conservative which he became at age fifteen. He spoke about his experience as a teacher, and how some of his students did not know the customs of Jewish people, which he taught them. He traveled the country and the globe visiting different Jewish communities, mentioning that the Jewish people were once slaves to the leaders of Egypt.  

Councilman Dinowitz said that while it may not happen in his lifetime that Anti-Semitism must be ended, as he gave several different examples of what Anti-Semitism is. He spoke of those groups like the DSA, The Jewish Vote, and Working Families Party use words like 'Social Justice' against Jewish people. 

Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez the representative of where the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway is spoke about sponsoring a resolution that Holocaust education be taught in the public schools. She added that the largest hate crime according to the police department is Anti-Semitism. 

Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson was a surprise guest who said that she was honored to attend this Jewish Heritage Month celebration. She added that all forms of hate must end, saying when you attack one of us, you attack all of us. BP Gibson said that she is a supporter of the police department, and is trying to work with individual precincts such as the 49th precinct to make sure the community is safe, because hate has no place in any community. The event was a huge success with an overflowing attendance for the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway. Congratulations to the planning committee Marcy Gross, Steve Glosser, Helen Segal, and Rabbi Ben Keil. 

Councilman Eric Dinowitz was the keynote speaker at the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway Jewish Heritage Month celebration.

Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez is introduced by Bronx Jewish Community Council President David Edelstein with Rabbi Ben Keil at the podium, and Judge candidate Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor to the right of the councilwoman.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson was a surprise guest at the event, said she has been to Israel, and supports the Jewish communities in the Bronx and citywide.

Music was provided by Simca the Master Violinist. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Puguero, Marcy Gross and Steven Glosser of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway.

(L - R) Judge candidate Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Deputy Borough President Janet Peguero, and Ms. Marcy Gross. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson with Steve Glosser of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway, who is also the Vice-President of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association. 

Bronx Borough President pulls out a ticket for one of the raffle items, as Ms. Marcy Gross holds the bowl with the tickets. 

Bronx District Attorney Clark Visit Morris Park Community Association Meeting

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark was the guest at the last Morris Park Community Association meeting. She spoke about what she and the police can do under the new laws passed by the state legislature according to recently passed legislation on bail reform. She now has thirty days for discovery to give the defense attorney, and it is up to the judge to set bail when requested, but most judges are not setting bail when it should be set because they do not fully understand the new laws and how they have been tweaked by the state legislature. 

DA Clark took questions, and again there were questions of multi repeat offenders being let out with no bail. Da Clark said it is the judges and elected officials who make and rule on the laws. If the people do not like what is going on they have the right to vote, as judges and elected officials run for reelection. She was very careful to stay out of politics, which a District Attorney can only be involved in their own campaigns when their election time comes up. 

An interesting note was that MPCA Vice-President Yahay Obeid mentioned that he moved to the Morris Park area six years ago because of the nice safe peaceful neighborhood. He said if the current situation does not improve, that he will move his family out of the city to a safer area. 

District Attorney Clark speaks to the audience of how her hands are tied with the new laws as to what she can and can not do in trying to have repeat offenders kept behind bars. 

Here DA Clark answers Mr. Obeid's statement on the situation of crime in the Bronx, saying you have the power at the poll site on election day, because judges and lawmakers are elected.

The NCO's for the area give a rundown on what is going on in their sector, and answer why they do not chase the dirt bikes and ATVs people see on the streets. They are directed not to, because of the danger of innocent people being hurt during a chase.

Cincinnati Man Convicted of Assaulting and Brandishing Firearm at Federal Task Force Officers

 

 After a week-long trial, a federal jury sitting in Louisville, Kentucky, convicted John F. Johnson, also known as Grand Master Jay, on both counts of an indictment that charged him with assaulting a federal task force officer and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, John F. Johnson, 59, on the evening of September 4, 2020, forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federally deputized task force officer who was performing official duties, when Johnson aimed a rifle at him.  Johnson brandished an AR-15 platform rifle and tactical flashlight at two federally deputized Task Force Officers.  Both are detectives with the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department.

Based on the two counts of conviction, Johnson faces a penalty of not less than 7 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  Sentencing is scheduled on August 22, 2022, at 11:00am. 

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department  investigated the case.

NYPD Commissioner Sewell Announces New Executive Designations and Appointments

 Chief Jeffrey B. Maddrey has been appointed Chief of Patrol by Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. Chief Maddrey has served in eight precincts and been the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, the Chief of Community Affairs and the Chief of the Housing Bureau. “Chief Maddrey is one of the best-known leaders in the NYPD and he has managed to blend his talents as an effective crime-fighter with his deep passion for community policing in a way that has touched so many police officers and citizens,” said Commissioner Sewell. Chief Maddrey holds a Master of Science degree in Human Services Leadership from St. Joseph’s College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from John Jay College. He is also a 2007 graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University.

Kathleen O’Reilly, has been appointed Chief of the NYPD’s Housing Bureau. Chief O’Reilly has been the commanding officer of Manhattan North, the NYPD’s Transit Bureau and Chief of Patrol. “Kathleen has taken on every challenge that has come her way from leading the protection of Pope Francis on his 2015 visit to New York, to fighting crime in Harlem and Washington Heights and then taking on the challenge of protecting our transit system through the Pandemic and recovery. Kathy began her career as a Housing police officer in 1991 in Harlem. She knows these developments and she leads from the front. I am looking forward to her leadership in reaching out to the residents and protecting the largest public housing developments in the nation,” said Commissioner Sewell. Chief O’Reilly holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from the State University of New York. She is a 2007 graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University, and a June 2012 graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education and in 2017, a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security from the Naval Post-Graduate School in Monterey California.

In other executive moves, Assistant Chief Ruben Beltran has been appointed Commanding Officer of the NYPD’s Information Technology Bureau and Deputy Chief Kevin Williams has been named Commanding Officer of Patrol Bureau Queens South. 

New Jersey Man Found Guilty by Jury of Charges for Actions Related to Capitol Breach

 

Defendant, an Army Reservist, Used Tactical Hand Signals and Commands as He and Other Rioters Entered the Building

 An Army reservist from New Jersey was found guilty by a federal jury of felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His and others’ actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Timothy Louis Hale-Cusanelli, 32, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, was found guilty of a felony charge of obstruction of an official proceeding, and four related misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol Building. The verdict followed a trial in the District of Columbia.

According to the government’s evidence, Hale-Cusanelli drove to Washington on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021. He joined a mob of rioters that illegally breached a police line attempting to secure the Capitol grounds. He commanded other rioters to “advance” on the Capitol, a command he continued once inside. Hale-Cusanelli was among the first rioters to enter the Capitol Building, moving inside shortly after the breach that took place at 2:12 p.m. at the Senate Wing Door. He made harassing and derogatory statements toward Capitol Police officers, saying that a “revolution” was coming. He remained in the building for approximately 40 minutes. Days after the incident, Hale-Cusanelli told a friend that being in the Capitol was “exhilarating,” he was hoping for a “civil war,” and that the “tree of liberty must be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

At the time of the Capitol breach, Hale-Cusanelli was enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Hale-Cusanelli worked as a contractor at a naval weapons station, where he had a “secret” security clearance, and has since been barred from the facility.

Hale-Cusanelli was arrested on Jan. 15, 2021. He has been detained ever since. He is to be sentenced on Sept. 16, 2022. The felony obstruction charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Two of the misdemeanors each carry a statutory maximum of one year, and the other two each carry a statutory maximum of six months. The charges also carry potential financial penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being investigated by the Northeast Field Office of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service and FBI’s Newark and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police.

In the 16 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 800 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 250 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

News From Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

 

• GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED! •

What's Happening in the 81st Assembly District?

Mass Shooting in Uvalde, TX Leaves 21 People Dead, Including 19 Children End of Legislative Session Rapidly Approaching Adult Survivor's Act Passes Assembly Local Update: Use Caution at Blue USPS Mailboxes Albany Update: New Legislation to Create Climate Change Superfund in New York Around the Community: Wave Hill, Van Cortlandt Park, Riverdale Neighborhood House, PS 360, & More Poll of the Week: Gun Violence REMINDER: Virtual Town Hall on June 7 REMINDER: Shred Day in Wakefield on June 4 and Riverdale on June 12 REMINDER: MetroCard Van Services in Woodlawn and Central Riverdale Next on Tuesday, May 31 Updates from Government & Community Partners

‌  ‌  ‌

Mass Shooting in Uvalde, TX Leaves 21 People Dead, Including 19 Children

Earlier this week, on May 24, our nation was shaken to the core by another school shooting — this time, in Uvalde, Texas at an elementary school. The gunman murdered at least twenty-one people, including nineteen children and two teachers. It appears that at least seventeen people are also injured, including thirteen children, one teachers, two police officers, and the shooter's grandmother. The gunman was killed by law enforcement. A motive is unknown, although the shooter was an 18-year-old teenager who lived in Uvalde. There have also been some serious issues raised regarding the response to the Uvalde shooting. The Associated Press reports that many parents of children who were involved in the Uvalde school shooting have said that police officers refused to enter the school once they arrived on the scene. Recent reports seem to confirm that it took 78 minutes for law enforcement officers to stop the shooter once he entered the school, and that US Border Patrol agents were prepared to enter at 12:15pm, but local police prevented them from entering until 12:50pm. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement believed that everybody inside was already dead — despite numerous 911 calls from students who were still inside. It is also unclear whether or to what extent an armed school security officer engaged with the shooter before the shooter entered the school. If these reports about the slow police response are true, then there needs to be a serious investigation and consequence for this failure. This tragedy comes a mere ten days after ten people were murdered in another mass shooting in Buffalo. Although many of these incidents did not make national headlines, there were fifteen mass shooting events between the Buffalo and the Uvalde mass murders (according to the Gun Violence Archive), resulting in the deaths of twelve people and injuries to sixty-nine more people. These other mass shootings occurred in Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana, Washington, Florida, California, Louisiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Texas. This is a national problem, and it is absolutely repugnant that so many people continue to refuse to even acknowledge that we have a dire need for common sense gun reforms. Standardized background checks, waiting periods, and safety trainings are common sense and should not be even remotely controversial. Nationwide red flag laws, assault weapon restrictions, and other proposals are also good ideas. We cannot allow NRA-backers in Congress to continue to put our kids' lives, and our own lives, in jeopardy. Voters across the nation will have an opportunity to make their opinions known in November of this year.

End of Legislative Session Rapidly Approaching

There are three scheduled days left in the legislative session this year, and as usual there is a huge list of very important issues that are still left to be done. I am confident that we will get a lot done in coming days, and I know that many key issues have had extensive conversations among stakeholders to work out any concerns regarding the legislation. Here are a few of the issues that I feel strongly should get done this year, in no particular order: • Gun Violence Legislation: There are several outstanding measures that I believe could be implemented in order to help reduce the dangers of gun violence in New York. There is a bill to require microstamping of ammunition, which would help investigators identify the people responsible for shooting someone after a crime occurs. Governor Hochul has proposed, and I strongly agree, that we should raise the required age to purchase certain types of very dangerous weapons (like the AR15) from 18 to 21. We also may need to return this summer depending on a Supreme Court decision regarding New York's concealed carry laws. • Protecting Abortion Access: Over the past several weeks, my colleagues and I have been working hard to formulate a constitutional amendment which would enshrine equal rights in our state constitution. This legislation, once passed by two consecutive legislatures and ratified by statewide popular vote, would add language to the state constitution that prohibits the denial of equal rights based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or sex - notably including pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. We have also been discussing legislation to help protect abortion providers from lawsuits that arise from other states, to help people pay for abortions, and other important protections to ensure that New York remains a state where women can choose whether or not to have an abortion. • New York Health Act: This has long been one of my top priorities, and I am hopeful that we will pass it once more in the Assembly. This legislation would create a universal healthcare system which is paid for by essentially the money that employers are already paying towards employee healthcare. It would also require that workers who receive healthcare benefits as part of a collective bargaining agreement get compensation for the trade-offs that they made in lieu of salary or wage increases. • Good Cause Eviction: Throughout the pandemic, my top focus was working to pass laws (and several extensions of said laws) to prevent people from being evicted from their homes. Good Cause Eviction takes the next step to give every New Yorker the opportunity to stay in their homes - including protections against extreme rent increases or refusals to offer lease renewals. There would be exceptions for small, owner-occupied properties as well as in cases where the tenant is damaging property or disturbing neighbors. • Sexual Assault Reform: There are several bill in the Assembly that would help prosecutors win convictions against rapists. One of these bills is my own legislation, which would prohibit defendants from using the voluntary intoxication of a sexual assault survivor as part of their criminal defense. Another bill would redefine consent in our penal code, creating an affirmative consent standard as opposed to the current standard which requires that a sexual assault survivor actively say no. A third bill would establish better standards for rape kit testing, so that rape kits are not sitting in a warehouse somewhere instead of being used to catch and prosecute rapists. Additionally, the "Rape is Rape" bill passed the Assembly but is awaiting action in the State Senate. • Speed Camera Expansion: The speed camera program in New York City is a vitally important program which helps keep New Yorkers safe against dangerous driving. The data is clear that more incidents of dangerous driving occur when speed cameras are not active. We need to expand speed camera active hours to 24/7, and we should ultimately take steps to allow New York City to set its own rules about how many speed cameras should be installed and how they operate. • Build Public Renewables Act: We absolutely need to take major steps this year to combat climate change, and the Build Public Renewables Act is low-hanging fruit that I believe should get done without further delay. This legislation would eliminate a cap on how much renewable energy the New York Power Authority (NYPA) can generate, and would empower NYPA to be more proactive about developing future renewable energy projects.

Adult Survivors Act Passes Assembly

This week, I proudly co-sponsored and voted to support the Adult Survivors Act. This legislation is very similar to the Child Victims Act, and would create a window for people who were sexually assaulted as adults to file civil lawsuits against the person who assaulted them. This is a very important piece of legislation to help survivors of sexual assault and abuse seek the justice that they deserve. For many people, it can be difficult to process what happened immediately after a sexual assault or during a period of abuse. The statute of limitations for these types of lawsuits is restrictive, and I believe it is not consistent with what modern science suggests is a reasonable timeline for survivors to process their experience and trauma. I want to specifically commend my colleague, Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, as well as State Senator Brad Hoylman, for never giving up on this legislation. As the lead sponsors, they knew it would be a tough fight and they deserve kudos from all New Yorkers for getting this to the finish line for the Governor to sign into law. I also want to recognize the efforts from advocates, such as Safe Horizon, as well as Speaker Heastie for their support on this legislation as well. Justice delayed is justice denied, and justice has been delayed and denied for far too long.

Local Update: Use Caution at Blue USPS Mailboxes

My office has received several recent reports about a continuing problem that there is sticky residue on some mailboxes throughout our community. We contacted the 50th Precinct and the United States Postal Inspection Service about these reports, and they are actively investigating them. Please be aware that this residue is likely caused by mailbox fishing, which is when criminals steal mail from the box, often looking for checks that they can wash and rewrite to their own names. If you see a mailbox with sticky residue on it, please avoid using it. Additionally, please try to avoid sending checks or other sensitive materials using these mailboxes. If you must use one, please try to avoid dropping your mail in after the last collection of the day (posted on each box).

Albany Update: New Legislation to Create Climate Change Superfund in New York

This week, I introduced new legislation which would create a $30 billion fund to help pay for climate adaptive infrastructure, such as sea walls or other projects that are necessary in order to combat the anticipated impacts of climate change. This program is modeled after the Superfund program, which was created in the 90s in order to force toxic polluters to pay for the cleanup required from their operations. You can read more about this legislation in my recent news release here. On Thursday, we had a virtual press conference to announce the bill. The State Senate lead sponsor, Liz Krueger, and I hosted the press conference and we were joined by Blair Horner from New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), Peter M. Iwanowicz from Environmental Advocates NY, Lee Wasserman of the Rockefeller Family Fund, and Rachel Rothschild of the Institute for Policy Integrity at NYU School of Law. In summary, this legislation is common sense. The fossil fuel industry spent decades knowingly ignoring climate science, with full awareness of the damage that their product was causing to our climate. It's time that they paid for the damage that they've done. We all learned in grade school: if you make a mess, you clean it up. It's time we hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the mess that they created. Pictured above at a virtual press conference to announce the new Climate Change Superfund Act.

Around the Community: Wave Hill, Van Cortlandt Park, Riverdale Neighborhood House, PS 360, & More

I attended the annual gala for Wave Hill along with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Council Member Eric Dinowitz. Wave Hill is an astounding place to visit if you have not been already, and admission is free on Thursdays!

I attended the Spring Fete for the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. It was wonderful to see our new Parks Commissioner Sue Donaghue as well as our beloved former Bronx Borough Commissioner (and now First Deputy NYC Commissioner) for Parks Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. I proudly shared proclamations with the two honorees for the evening, Sonia Manzano (of Sesame Street and Alma's Way) and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. These two women have done an incredible job at promoting the Bronx and making the Bronx a great place for young people to grow up.

I was proud to present a set of proclamations at Riverdale Neighborhood Houses' 2022 Community Day Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to Good Neighbor Jen Laurie and Teen of the Year Olukanyinsola "Esther" Olojede!

I was pleased to meet with Principal Rivera at PS 360, located in Kingsbridge Heights and tour her wonderful school. It is always great to have a collaborative relationship with our schools, and I'm already working to convince DOT to install a second speed bump outside the school on Kingsbridge Terrace.

It was my privilege to speak with the Social Action Committee at Riverdale Senior Services. We talked about the need to get the traffic signal at Kappock Street and Johnson Avenue installed more quickly, and their opposition to the proposed "road diet" on northern Riverdale Avenue, and other important topics.

Poll of the Week: Gun Violence

The poll last time asked "Do you believe working from home should continue to be encouraged?" We had over 80 responses, and the results are below: Yes: 59% No: 23% Unsure: 18%

This week's poll is about your thoughts on gun violence. We have seen several mass shootings in recent weeks, including in Buffalo as well as at an elementary school in Uvalde, and there is once again a national conversation about how we should prevent gun violence. In New York, we already have very strong laws to combat gun violence, but there are still things that could be done to keep people safe.

Do you believe New York should take additional action to restrict access to firearms? Yes. Select EDITOR' NOTE: It should be noted that Assemblyman Dinowitz sent this poll out with only the Yes select button.