DOB Warns Property Owners, Contractors & Crane Operators of Danger Amid High Winds

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City area may experience severe weather, including potential wind gusts over 40 mph, starting Monday, Nov. 30. Accordingly, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment. The department wrote it will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the department is expected to take immediate enforcement action, issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where it deems it necessary. Winds may reach higher speeds, and last longer than forecast

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance identifying the man who appears in the attached photos who is wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred in the 52nd precinct. On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 at 7.51 a.m., in front of 2359 Jerome Avenue in the University Heights section of the Bronx, a 26-year-old male victim was involved in a minor vehicle accident with the suspect. The suspect demanded $200 from the victim, before displaying a machete. The suspect removed the victim’s wallet and cellphone before fleeing southbound on Jerome Avenue. Anyone with information in regards to this

By MIRIAM QUINONES & SÍLE MOLONEY

A number of residents who live at and adjacent to 3440 Gates Place in Norwood are living in fear of rats which they said are frequenting the alleyway where the garbage is stored, adjacent to the building. At least one rat has entered the basement of an adjacent home, and though the residents have allegedly complained to the super at 3440 Gates Place, to the landlord, 3440 Holdings LLC, and to a number of city agencies, they have yet to receive a satisfactory response. One resident said the situation is already a health hazard. The residents, who wish to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Josmer Tena Valverde, 17, who was reported missing in the 44th precinct. Josmer was last seen on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at around noon inside her home at 1551 Sheridan Avenue in the Claremont section of the Bronx. She is described as female, Hispanic, 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, and was last seen wearing all dark clothing. Anyone with information in regards to this missing person is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Mosholu Preservation Corporation (MPC) has partnered with Columbia University to collect data, through a survey, to ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses in New York City, as well as identifying what can be done to help the business community in both the short and long-term to survive the crisis. The COVID Watcher Small Business Survey is a research, advocacy and policy tool. Its purpose is to identify and understand the challenges facing small business owners as a result of COVID-19, and learn about what they are already doing to ensure their economic viability, and the health and

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Najah Rodriguez, 15, who was reported missing in the 44th precinct. Najah was last seen Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 at 8.50 p.m., leaving her home at 3071 Park Avenue, Apt 3C, in the Concourse Village section of the Bronx. She is described as being approximately 5 feet, 1 inch tall, weighs 125 pounds, has a thin build, medium complexion, brown eyes and dark hair. No clothing description was available on the date she was last seen. Anyone with information with regard to this missing person

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Nevaeh Reid, 14, who was reported missing in the 40th precinct which covers Port Morris, Mott Haven, and Melrose. Navaeh was last seen at her home at 530 Exterior Street Apt 5H in the South Bronx on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 at 5 p.m. She is described as female, Black, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a gray sweater and a black coat. Anyone with information with regard to this missing person

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 at 8.24 a.m., an off-duty New York City employee was arrested and charged in the 45th precinct, which covers Co-op City and City Island. Rosana Martinez, 24, an NYPD police communications technician was charged with menacing behavior.

NY AG Urges Caution Against Rising Threat of ‘Revenge Porn’ in Time of Coronavirus

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to warn New Yorkers about potential invasions of privacy while they are engaged in intimate online or mobile conversations with their partners. Her office wrote that as New Yorkers practice social distancing in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, an increased number of individuals are engaging in intimate conversations with distanced partners with webcams and video chat apps, or are meeting new partners online and dating virtually. Unfortunately, some users have chosen to take screenshots or recordings of their partners without their knowledge or consent