STATE PARKS REOPENS TRACK AND FIELD AT DENNY FARRELL RIVERBANK STATE PARK IN HARLEM

Renovations Include New Locker Facilities at New York City's Most Visited Park

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced the track and field at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in Harlem is up and running after a $5 million renovation. The facilities reopened after a six-month renovation project that included a complete resurfacing of the track and field and drainage improvements.

"This investment by New York State and the improvements made are so important for Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and the neighborhood,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “This project is crucial for the families in West Harlem to keep the park thriving. Thanks to the support from Governor Hochul plus state and local leaders, we point to this park as a special green space for both athletics and the arts.”

Last December, Governor Hochul announced a $26 million investment and comprehensive renovation to the Park, which is one of the most surprising waterfront properties in Manhattan. Improvements included the installation of new lighting towers to better facilitate evening competitions, activities and events, and an upgrade to the community garden to include new raised garden beds and a public learning garden, ADA accessibility enhancements, improved drainage and water supply.

This year, State Parks finished the full rehabilitation of the 30-year-old locker room facilities in the athletics complex. The full renovation of the aquatics center’s locker rooms, reception area, and staff facilities is underway. The aquatics locker room project is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park welcomes more than three million people each year. It has been West Harlem's recreational and cultural hub for over 30 years. It serves as a community resource for an area that was once isolated from the Hudson River and provides a four-season recreational resource for a traditionally underserved community.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog. 

September 27 6:30 p.m.: City of Yes Housing Information Session (NYC initiative to modernize zoning for inclusivity)

 

September 27 6:30 p.m.:     City of Yes Housing Information Session (NYC initiative to modernize zoning for inclusivity)

Governor Hochul Announces New York State Landmarks to be Illuminated Gold in Recognition of Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 13 landmarks across New York will be illuminated with gold lights on Sunday, September 24 in honor of Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day.

"It is our solemn obligation to remember and memorialize the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and nation,"Governor Hochul said. "On Sunday, we honor the strength of the families who lost loved ones and we thank them for preserving the legacy of New York's fallen heroes."

Every year, the last Sunday in September is devoted to honoring Gold Star Mothers and Families who have lost loved ones during times of conflict. The tradition of the "Gold Star" dates to World War I, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice made in service to the country. As a heartfelt tribute, state capitals across the nation illuminate buildings and landmarks in gold on this day.

Landmarks to be lit include:

• One World Trade Center
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

Recognizing the profound needs of Gold Star Parents, New York State has instituted crucial programs to ensure continuous support and care. The Gold Star Parent Annuity program and the MERIT Scholarship stand as pillars of assistance for those who have lost loved ones in service. The State's collaborative efforts with Gold Star organizations and local County Veteran Service Organizations ensure that awareness and access to these programs are widespread.

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, "Gold Star Mother's and Families exemplify the spirit of selfless service, preserving the legacy of their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for our State and Nation. It is our duty and privilege to provide them with the highest level of support, a commitment we continue to uphold with honor."

Support for Gold Star Parents

For those seeking support or information about the Gold Star Parent Annuity and the MERIT Scholarship, Veterans Benefits Advisors from the New York State Department of Veterans' Services stand ready to assist. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 888-838-7697 or visiting their website. 

BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON’S STATEMENT ON RECENT VIOLENCE IN THE BRONX

 

“The recent string of violent incidents we have seen this past week has been heartbreaking and I am devastated by the loss of so many innocent lives. I am asking the public to keep these families in your prayers at this time as we work collectively to fight for the stability of our neighborhoods to ensure our children, our mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers are safe while traveling to and from their homes. When our older adults are unsafe running errands in the mid-afternoon and an 8-year-old is an innocent victim of a crime exiting a school bus, we have problems that must be addressed. This violence is a call to action and attention.

We also must acknowledge the tragic death of a 1-year-old baby while at daycare. As a Borough and City, we cannot accept this violence as normal. We are better than this and must continue to demand better and invest in our communities. Peace is a lifestyle that we all must work towards achieving. The work continues.”

Statement from Speaker Adams on Mayor Adams’ Announcement of His Administration’s Proposed Zoning Text Amendment for Housing

 

“The housing crisis that has exacerbated homelessness and made our city less affordable demands comprehensive solutions. We welcome Mayor Adams and City Planning’s encouraging and thoughtful proposals as a starting point towards critical changes that will help us equitably produce more housing across the city to confront these challenges. Housing and zoning policies have historically furthered economic and racial segregation, deepened inequities, and locked communities out of opportunities. That’s why it is imperative that our city’s policies and zoning align to achieve housing growth through the lens of equity and access, accompanied by investments in economic opportunity, schools, transit, healthcare, and other institutions that help stabilize communities.

“The Council is committed to advancing the necessary changes through a citywide text amendment and complementary strategies, including my Fair Housing Framework and increased affordability, to confront our housing crisis. We look forward to conducting a thorough review of the proposals in these preliminary scoping documents and continuing discussions with the Administration and all stakeholders throughout this process to successfully advance the city’s housing needs. Delivering results for New Yorkers will require actions at the city level, along with essential contributions from our state and federal partners.”

Two Tax Shelter Promoters Found Guilty in Billion-Dollar Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

 

Defendants Sold Over $1.3 Billion in Fraudulent Tax Deductions

A federal jury sitting in Atlanta convicted Jack Fisher and James Sinnott of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns and subscribing to false tax returns. Fisher was also convicted of money laundering.

The convictions stem from Fisher and Sinnott’s fraudulent tax shelter scheme involving syndicated conservation easements dating back nearly two decades. A co-defendant, Clay Weibel, was acquitted. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Timothy Batten for the Northern District of Georgia remanded Fisher and Sinnott into custody pending their sentencing.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Fisher and Sinnott designed, marketed and sold to high-income clients abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters based on fraudulently inflated charitable contribution tax deductions, promising them deductions 4.5 times the amount the taxpayer clients paid.

The evidence proved that Fisher and Sinnott used the funds raised from their taxpayer clients to buy land and property holding companies and then had the tax shelters cause the companies to donate the land or a conservation easement over the land – often within days or weeks of purchase. To reach the inflated fair market value of the donations, Fisher and Sinnott primarily used appraisals of the conservation easements and fee simple land donations at valuations often more than 10 times higher than what Fisher and Sinnott actually paid to acquire the property.

The evidence further showed that Fisher and Sinnott backdated or instructed others to backdate false documents to present to the IRS, including subscription agreements, payment documents, engagement letters and other records. Fisher’s accountant, who testified at trial and previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme, prepared tax returns claiming charitable contribution tax deductions in the fraudulently inflated amounts reported in the false appraisals, resulting in fraudulent tax deductions flowing to the clients who purchased units in the abusive and illegal tax shelters. The evidence demonstrated that Fisher, Sinnott and others received more than $41 million in payments that were backdated or late for false and inflated tax deductions.

In total, the defendants sold over $1.3 billion in fraudulent tax deductions through this scheme.

The government proved that Fisher and Sinnott made millions from their scheme. Fisher used the illegal proceeds to purchase a Mercedes Benz automobile, a private jet and an RV and trailer. Fisher also used proceeds of the scheme to purchase homes in the United States and on the Caribbean island of Bonaire, which the jury found to be forfeitable.

Fisher and Sinnott face a maximum penalty ranging between three and twenty years in prison for each count of conviction. The government is also seeking the forfeiture of monetary proceeds and real properties purchased by Fisher and Sinnott in connection with their fraud scheme. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and IRS-Criminal Investigation Chief Jim Lee made the announcement, also thanking U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.

IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

Queens Physician Settles Health Care Fraud Claims for $1.3 Million and Enters into Integrity Agreement to Ensure Future Compliance

 

Government Alleges that Dr. Arun Arora Overbilled Medicare for Services Provided to Residents of Nursing Homes

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced a settlement agreement with Queens-based physician Arun Arora. The settlement agreement addresses allegations that Dr. Arora violated the federal False Claims Act by billing Medicare for critical care services to residents of nursing homes when, in fact, he provided only routine care.

“Our Medicare program, which provides health care services to the elderly, works only if its funds are expended properly,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “When health care providers overbill the program, Medicare cannot ensure that services are going to the people who need them most.”

Mr. Peace thanked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its work on this case.

Dr. Arora provided care to residents of nursing homes. That care was, for the most part, routine care, such as regular medical checkups. The Government contends that, rather than billing for his services as routine care, Dr. Arora billed Medicare for critical care services. Critical care services involve imminent life-threatening deterioration of the patient’s condition.  Medicare reimburses health care providers at a higher rate for critical care services than for routine care.  By billing for critical care services when he provided only routine care, as the Government contends, Dr. Arora received extra payment for care that he did not provide.

Under the terms of the agreement with the United States, Dr. Arora will pay $1.3 million for conduct that took place in the years 2019 to 2023. In addition to the payment to resolve the government’s fraud claims, Dr. Arora has entered into a separate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The Integrity Agreement imposes a number of obligations on Dr. Arora, all of which are meant to ensure that he complies with Medicare rules and regulations going forward.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no admission of or determination of liability.

12 ALLEGED 5ZZLY CREW MEMBERS INDICTED FOR MULTIPLE SHOOTINGS, INCLUDING FATAL SHOOTING OF INNOCENT BYSTANDER; CARJACKINGS AND VIOLENT ROBBERIES

 

Defendants Carried Out 23 Incidents; Targeted Elderly Victims in Holdups 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban announced that 12 alleged “5zzly” crew members have been indicted on murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and additional charges for multiple shootings across the Bronx, many in broad daylight, and the killing of an innocent bystander, and robberies in the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan in which cab drivers, elderly people, and a parole officer were targeted.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants, who are between the ages of 16 and 22, allegedly carried out 23 violent crimes, including the fatal shooting of an innocent bystander, attempted murders against rival gang members, and robberies of elderly victims. These defendants terrorized the people of the Bronx, carrying out these shootings and robberies in broad daylight, sending Bronxites, including mothers with children, running for cover.

 “We will not tolerate this violence that plagues our communities and threatens the everyday lives of residents. The people of the Bronx have the right to live peacefully, without the fear of getting caught in the crossfire of gang disputes or becoming a victim of a gunpoint robbery. I thank the NYPD Gun Violence Suppression Division for working with our office in this major investigation. We must all work together to keep the Bronx safe.”

 New York City Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban said, “The work of the Gun Violence Suppression Division along with its many partners, both in the NYPD and at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, is saving lives. New York City will never be a place where ongoing gang feuds can proceed unchecked. If you are willing to pick-up an illegal firearm and pull the trigger, you can expect the full weight of this Department and its partners to hold you accountable. I want to thank the many talented investigators who built a strong case and allowed justice to be delivered on behalf of the Bronx residents who were forced to endure this dangerous, criminal behavior.”

 The 110-count indictment charges second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, 24 counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, nine counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, three counts of Attempted Assault in the first degree, seven counts of second degree Assault, 11 counts of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, six counts of first-degree Reckless Endangerment, nine counts of first-degree Robbery, 15 counts of second-degree Robbery, five counts of third-degree Robbery, first-degree Gang Assault, three counts of Attempted Robbery in the second degree, six counts of third-degree Robbery, Attempted Robbery in the third degree, two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, second-degree Conspiracy, and three counts of fourth-degree Conspiracy.

 Jaquell Blackwell, Abdoul Azika and Davion Collen were arraigned and remanded; Daniel Chambers was released under supervision and curfew on September 20, 2023 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Joseph McCormack. Six other defendants are in custody for other cases and are awaiting arraignment, and two other defendants are apprehended and are awaiting arraignment.

 According to the investigation, between February 2021 and June 2023, the defendants, who are alleged members of the “5zzly” crew of the Blood Hound Brims, allegedly carried out multiple shootings against rival gang members. The incidents include the homicide of Ariel Santos, an innocent bystander, 10 non-fatal shootings, 11 robberies, and one gun possession.

 The defendants allegedly robbed people at gunpoint or knifepoint, targeting victims that were 69-72 years old, as well as an on-duty NYS parole officer and cab drivers. The defendants allegedly took the victims’ cellphones and other items. The defendants also allegedly carjacked four vehicles—two cabs, a Chevrolet Suburban and a Lexus. Two of the vehicles were used in shootings.

  Some of the Crimes alleged in the indictment: 

• On April 5, 2021, defendants Abdoul Azika, Devante Russell, Mathius Andrades and Justin Polanco allegedly fired multiple shots at rival gang members of the Doe Ave crew. The incident took place on the corner of Hoe Avenue and East 174th Street. The defendants, acting in concert with each other, allegedly fired at least three shots as a mother and two children walked nearby, in range of their weapons.

• On April 19, 2021, at about 6:00 p.m., defendants allegedly engaged in a shootout at 1825 Prospect Avenue, firing 18 shots. 

• On April 26, 2021, defendants Nathaniel Jenkins and Mathius Andrades allegedly fired shots in the vicinity of 764 East 178th Street, striking Justin Baez, an alleged “800YGZ” rival gang member, in the arm. Baez survived. 

• On May 25, 2021, at approximately 6:00 p.m., in the vicinity of 178th Street and Arthur Avenue, defendants Polanco, Russell, Andrades and Antoine Scriber, acting in concert with each other, allegedly fired multiple shots from a car at a 800YGZ gang member. The defendants struck Ariel Santos, 32, in the chest. The victim was an innocent bystander who was near his home standing on the corner when the shooting happened. He was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

• On October 18, 2021, at approximately 5:45 a.m., in the vicinity of 1449 Leland Avenue, defendants Azika, Jaquell Blackwell and Michael Outler allegedly robbed an on-duty parole officer at gunpoint. The defendants took the victim’s firearm and cellphone. On that afternoon, Azika and Outler used the officer’s gun during a shooting on 919 East 174th Street, endangering the lives of innocent bystanders. 

• In separate incidents in May 2023, defendants Azika, Outler, Blackwell, and Jassan Abrams allegedly conducted three gunpoint robberies. The victims were two 69- year-old males and a 73-year-old male. One of the victims was pistol-whipped and his head was cracked open. 

• On June 19, 2023, Azika, Blackwell and Abrams allegedly stole a wallet and cellphone from a man in Queens, N.Y., at gunpoint. The victim was severely beaten, and doctors had to perform a tracheotomy. The victim was in a coma for three days.

 District Attorney Clark thanked the NYPD Gun Violence Suppression Division, specifically Detective Patrick Nichols, Sergeant Christopher Neil, Sergeant Sandy Rodriguez, Lieutenant Rafael Tosado, Inspector Craig Edelman, Chief Jason Savino, and Police Officer Alexis Melo, and the Bronx Robbery Squad, 42nd Precinct Detective Squad, 43rd Precinct Detective Squad, 47th Precinct Detective Squad, the 48th Precinct Detective Squad, the 115th Precinct, and the Queens Robbery Squad.  

Defendants: Abdoul Azika, AKA AB, 19 Michael Outler, AKA Mike, AKA Spazz, 18 Devante Russell, AKA Dev, 20 Justin Polanco, AKA Jay, 21 Matthius Andrades, AKA Sammy, 18 Jaquell Blackwell, AKA JQ, 18 Daniel Chambers, AKA Briscoe, 18 Antione Scriber, AKA Ant, 20 Nathaniel Jenkins, AKA NDot, AKA Fiveshots, 16 Davion Collen, AKA Davi, 20 Thomas Plegnon, AKA T5, 16 Jassan Abrams, AKA Bando, 18.

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