PRESS POINTS

Biden calls out anti-Semitic attacks

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Although he didn’t specifically reference the vandal attacks against four synagogues in Riverdale, President Joe Biden last week did speak out on the rise of anti-Semitic attacks, calling them “despicable, unconscionable, un-American, and they must stop.”

“I will not allow our fellow Americans to be intimidated or attacked because of who they are or the faith they practice,” Biden said, according to a White House statement.

“We cannot allow the toxic combination of hatred, dangerous lies and conspiracy theories to put our fellow Americans at risk.”

Biden has directed U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to ramp up efforts to combat hate crime.

“We must all stand together to silence these terrible and terrifying echoes of the worst chapters in world history, and pledge to give hate no safe harbor.”

 

HSBC Bank set to become Citizens Bank

There are two things that could happen to the HSBC Bank branch on West 235th Street near Netherland Avenue — either it could be closed come this time next year, or it will have a new name.

At least for now, it's looking like a new name after Citizens Bank agreed to buy 80 branches of HSBC along the east coast.

That likely includes the branch at 569 W. 235th, one of more than 65 in New York City alone.

Citizens didn't say how much it was paying for the branches, but told investors the move will add $9 billion in deposits and another $2 billion in loans to its books when the deal closes early next year.

When the sale is finalized, those locations that remain will be rebranded Citizens Banks, joining 1,000 other branches in 11 states.

 

Another year for Spalter leading CB8

Community Board 8 is expected to approve a leadership slate next week that will give Laura Spalter a second year as chair of the board, and a return of her team that includes Bob Bender as vice chair, Lisa Daub as secretary, and Diomarys Escaño-Bell as treasurer.

A nominating committee led by Julie Reyes also selected a slate of committee chairs, which remain unchanged from last year — for the most part.

The most significant shift is the traffic and transportation committee, which will now be led by Deb Travis. She replaces Dan Padernacht, who decided to step down from leadership after more than a decade. However, he’s not done quite yet, agreeing to take over the aging committee, previously chaired by now-Councilman Eric Dinowitz.

The full board is set to meet Tuesday, June 8 through the Zoom online videoconferencing app.

Joe Biden, Merrick Garland, Michael Hinman, Laura Spalter, Bob Bender, Lisa Daub, Diomarys Escano-Bell, Julie Reyes, Community Board 8, CB8, Deb Travis, Dan Padernacht, Eric Dinowitz, HSBC Bank, Citizens Bank,

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