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Vol. 61 No. 8
February 21, 2026
$1.25
Teens Arrested for Role in Join A Bronx Community Board Bay Plaza Mall “Takeover” Application Deadline Extended to March 1 By ROZAAN BOONE
A planned “takeover” of the Mall at Bay Plaza on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16, resulted in the arrest of at least 17 teens and one adult who were charged with unlawful assembly or rioting, and investigations continue into the full scope of charges and possible damages, according to police. Observers reported that between 100-200 youths swarmed the mall on Monday afternoon after responding to a planned “takeover” that was advertised on social media platforms that included Facebook, Instagram and X. Inside the mall, the disorderly and rowdy group caused chaos as they ran through the mall and attempted to enter several stores but, for the most part, employees barred doors and kept them out. NYPD responded to 911 calls for crowd control shortly after the takeover began at 2 p.m. Once on the scene, officers gave several orders to the group to disperse before they began taking youth into custody when they refused and remained disorderly. The rowdy group then spilled outside of the mall running in different directions. A window at McDonald’s was shattered. Chief Andre Waring of the Co-op City Public Safety Department (CCPD) said that CCPD assisted the NYPD and held the line around Co-op City to prevent the group from coming on property, although a few made it into Mall #2 where they knocked condiments off of the counter at the pizzeria. CCPD officers quickly responded and escorted the youths out of the mall. Chief Waring said that CCPD became aware of the takeover plan on Sunday and coordinated with the 45th Precinct. “This was the anniversary of last year’s takeover which took place during Spring Break at the Mall at Bay Plaza,” said Chief Waring. “This year, they decided to plan for Winter recess.” Chief Waring reported that there was no proper(Continued on page 2)
2025 Electronic Income Affidavit Going Live Soon! Dear Shareholders, Riverbay Corporation is pleased to announce that the 2025 Electronic Income Affidavit process will officially go live on March 30, 2026. The system has been upgraded to make registration and submission faster, easier, and more convenient for all residents. Below are the key dates and important details to help you prepare. Online FAQ and Training Availability: March 16, 2026 To support a smooth transition, we will provide: 1. An online “how to” video that walks you through the entire process, from registration to submitting your completed 2025 Income Affidavit 2. Online FAQs. Go-Live Date: March 30, 2026 The new registration link will be available on the Riverbay portal. What You Need to Use the Electronic Income Affidavit process To ensure you can complete your registration without delay, please have the following ready: 1. Your account number (also known as your TCODE) 2. A copy of the first page of your current insurance policy and NYS tax return if applicable 3. First Name, Last Name, and email address for each household member 18 or older.
By DANIELLE CRUZ
The deadline to apply to join a Bronx community board has been extended to March 1. “Our 12 Community Boards in the Bronx give those with a vested interest in their community the opportunity to help shape neighborhood priorities and local decision-making” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “If you’re ready to be part of the change you wish to see in your community and to help build the Bronx’s future, we encourage eligible residents to apply!” To apply visit https://bit.ly/4rvOHzF, or scan the QR Code here. Anyone 16 years and older is encouraged to apply. To be eligible, applicants must be a New York City resident who lives, works in, or has a professional or other significant interest within that board’s district. According to the Bronx Borough President’s Office, a professional or other significant interest may include: • Being an employee of an organization located in the district and serving district residents. • Being a member of the board of directors of an organization based in the district. • Being a student attending a school located in the district. After applications are submitted, the Community Board Unit will review submissions and contact applicants to conduct a virtual interview. Appointments are expected to be announced in late spring. For document-related questions, applicants can contact cbapplications@ bronxbp.nyc.gov.
2025 Income Affidavit Notice
The annual income affidavit process will commence in March. Shareholders once again can submit their income affidavits electronically or through the traditional paper form. Access to the electronic income affidavits will begin in Mid-March and the paper forms will be mailed out to shareholders and received by late March. All cooperators, excluding new residents who moved into Co-op City after March 31, 2026, and Section 8 recipients, are required to complete the income affidavit. You must retain the pink copy for your records. The Income Affidavit process will require shareholders to submit supporting documentation, including a list of all members of your household, and their income as reported on their NY State tax return. Below are some important reminders about the filing process: Failure to submit income affidavits on time will result in a 50% surcharge of the basic carrying charges. Shareholders will have to pay the surcharge for each month until it is finally filed. In no event will credit be given for excess surcharges already assessed because of failure, neglect or refusal of the cooperator to file the Income Affidavit on a timely basis. Credit will not be given for late submission of income affidavits. The deadline for filing the 2025 Income Affidavit is April 30, 2026. General Married Occupants Who Filed a Joint NYS Income Tax Return: • The “Joint Return” column must be checked for both joint filers. • The sum of the gross income reported for each joint filer must equal the amount reported on line 19 of form IT- 201, or line 19 of form IT-203. • If a joint filer is not listed on line A 1 as “Head of Household” and is gainfully employed, his/her wages should be listed separately so the secondary wage earner’s deduction can be calculated Medical and Dental Deductions: • If Medical and Dental Expenses (line B4) or Taxable Social Security Benefits (line B5) are claimed, they must be substantiated by a copy of a filed NYS tax form. If a tax return is not submitted, the shareholder will not receive the deduction. (Continued on page 4)