Friday, October 31, 2014

Bronx Community Board 7 November Meeting Calendar


Bronx Community Board 7

Adaline Walker-Santiago, Chairperson
Dustin Engelken, District Manager

GENERAL COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 @ 6:30 PM

 Location: Bedford Park Senior Center

243 East 204th  Street, Bronx, New York 10458

The Following November 2014, Committee Meetings Are Held At  The Community Board Office – Unless Otherwise Noted  
Monday, 3rd    ...........Executive @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 5th   :    ...Public Hearing | ULURP Application for Library Lane @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, 6th   ..........Public Safety & Quality of Life @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 12th     ...Economic Development @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 12th      ...Community Relations / LTP @ 7:30 pm
Thursday, 13th     ......Traffic & Transportation @ 6:30 pm
Monday, 17th    .........Environment & Sanitation @ 6:30 pm
Monday, 17th   .........Health & Hospitals @ 7:30 pm  
Wednesday, 19th .......Housing / Land Use & Zoning @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, 20th   ........Education / Libraries & Youth Services @ 6:30 pm
Monday, 24th       ..........Parks & Recreation @ 6:30 pm
Monday, 24th       ..........Senior Services @ 7:30 pm
TBD.....................Budget / Personnel & Ethics  
This calendar is subject to change. For the most up-to-date calendar, please contact us at: Phone: (718) 933-5650 ◊ E-mail: Info@BronxCB7.info ◊ Web: www.BronxCB7.info


Police Chief: Edward Delatorre, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished


What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District



Police Chief: Edward Delatorre, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

You should know that there is an old saying: "No good deed goes unpunished."  It is something that many of us say to ourselves when no matter how good we try to be helping another person, it backfires in our faces.  An article titled "Top cop blew a promotion by helping Garner’s mom" by Dana Sauchelli and Jamie Schram in today's New York Post tells how a good deed by a New York City Police officer for the grieving mother of Eric Garner has cost him dearly.

The Post reported: "Staten Island top cop Edward Delatorre is in the doghouse ­ after telling officers to fix a headlight for Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, so that she could beat a ticket."

I cannot imagine the pain and suffering Eric Garner's mother must endure every time she thinks about the brutal killing of her son. I commend Staten Island Chief Edward Delatorre for his act of kindness for this grieving woman.

The Post article tells about the ongoing public ridicule that Staten Island Chief Edward Delatorre is facing: "Since the fiasco, cops have circulated a phony certificate of merit for the embattled chief, praising him for his “outstanding roadside auto service and assistance for the people of da hood.”

My dear reader, I have to ask myself: What kind of a cruel and jaded world do we live in when kindness and compassion is punished?  What lessons are we teaching our children and grandchildren when we tell them to be kind and caring, and then we condemn the actions of people who help others?

Ladies and gentlemen, I pray that the Lord will bless Staten Island Chief Edward Delatorre and his family and every member of the NYPD who has gone out of his or her way to help others - and I also pray for those who mock, ridicule and scorn him and any officer of the law who helps another person so they realize the example they are setting.

This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.


Congressman Charles B. Rangel Get Out the Vote Rally w/ Gov. Andrew Cuomo



  Join Congressman Charles B. Rangel for this “Get Out the Vote” Rally to educate voters on issues important to our electoral district, local and national community and encourage everyone who is eligible to vote in these important mid-term elections on November 4th.

State and local politicians including Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have been invited to attend. Pastors and members of other local churches will be in attendance.

All are invited!

Saturday, November 1st 2014, 11:00AM - 1:00PM

Abyssinian Baptist Church
132 West 138th Street (Odell Clark Place)
Between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.
New York, NY 10030
Tel: 212-862-7474


Editors Note:
the elected officials have been invited, but that does not guarantee that they will show up.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Wave Hill Events Nov 14–Nov 21


  When all is said and done, sometimes our job is to give visitors an excuse to come—say for a guided garden walk or a session of yoga—and then get out of the way. Mother Nature tells a pretty compelling story any time of year, but fall has got to be one of the most rich and poignant.


SAT, NOVEMBER 15    BIRDING BOOT CAMP
Can you tell a catbird from a cowbird? New and experienced birders are invited to join expert birder, naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow to discover the many groups of birds that call NYC their home. Through images and a short lecture, Gabriel shares proven techniques to simplify bird identification using visual and audible clues. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $18/$10 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. For more information please call718.549.3200 x251.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 9:30AM‒1:30PM


SAT, NOVEMBER 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT: DANCES WITH LEAVES
Fashion a festive crown from fall leaves and leaf rubbings, toss leaves in the wind and walk through leaf piles. Make artful arrangements of leaves on the lawn and explore the bright colors of fall in leaf prints to carry home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM


SAT, NOVEMBER 15    TAI CHI CHUAN
Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, NOVEMBER 15    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space, Hilary Lorenz creates an immersive environment by experimenting with the arrangement of large shaped paper constructions printed with plant and animal imagery that appears to dance around the room, Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM


SUN, NOVEMBER 16    FAMILY ART PROJECT: DANCES WITH LEAVES
Fashion a festive crown from fall leaves and leaf rubbings, toss leaves in the wind and walk through leaf piles. Make artful arrangements of leaves on the lawn and explore the bright colors of fall in leaf prints to carry home. Free with admission to the grounds. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM


SUN, NOVEMBER 16    HATHA YOGA
Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM


SUN, NOVEMBER 16    MEDITATION
This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM‒12:45PM


SUN, NOVEMBER 16    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, NOVEMBER 17
Closed to the public

TUE, NOVEMBER 18    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM


TUE, NOVEMBER 18    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space, Hilary Lorenz creates an immersive environment by experimenting with the arrangement of large shaped paper constructions printed with plant and animal imagery that appears to dance around the room, Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM


A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15October 31.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

COMPTROLLER STRINGER RELEASES NEW TOOL TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO DOING BUSINESS WITH NEW YORK CITY


 

Vendor Roadmap Unveiled-Online Portal to Guide Vendors through City Contracting Process


   Expanding upon his pledge to increase opportunity and transparency for those seeking to do business with New York City, Comptroller Scott M. Stringer announced the rollout ofVendor Roadmap, a new online guide for local businesses to navigate the City’s procurement process. Vendor Roadmap is part of the Comptroller’s ongoing initiative to increase the number of businesses who compete for contracts to provide nearly $20 billion in goods and services to the City.

“The Vendor Roadmap is an innovative tool that will break down the barriers to entry for vendors going through the application process to supply New York City with goods and services,” Comptroller Stringer said. “This tool will increase transparency in what can be an intimidating and opaque process.  We want to expand opportunity here in New York and one way to do that is to make sure that everyone has a fair shot at doing business with the City.”

Vendor Roadmap organizes information previously scattered across agencies into a big picture guide aligned with the fundamental work of becoming a City contractor. Requirements, tips, and resources are mapped to those steps in the process where vendors will find them most useful and necessary.
Vendor Roadmap sections include:
1.      Getting started: How to start a business in New York City and enroll to apply for contracts with City agencies.
2.      Identifying opportunities: Resources for vendors to recognize avenues of information where contract opportunities are found.
3.      Bidding on contracts: Tips for businesses preparing their bid or proposal packages.
4.      After contract award: Guidelines for the transition from contract award to contract registration by the City Comptroller’s office.
5.      Getting paid: Information about City invoicing and payment processes.
6.      Staying current: Ongoing considerations for current and potential City contractors.
In six steps, Vendor Roadmap prepares businesses to make informed decisions about selling to the City. By describing the process from a vendor-oriented perspective, it makes City government more approachable for business owners who may be unsure about entering the public sector. For example, visitors are encouraged to consider how their business may best fit in and benefit from City contracting: as a prime vendor or part of the vibrant and crucial sub-contracting market.

For those businesses ready to begin the process, each step imparts knowledge which, until now, may have been difficult for vendors inexperienced in City procurement to obtain, such as information regarding procurement plans, vendor assistance, and opportunities for pre-qualification. Vendors that have recently won City contracts will learn about what to expect in the time between winning a contract and getting their first payment.

Vendor Roadmap also includes information dedicated to vendors seeking to qualify as minority or women owned business enterprises (M/WBE) and emerging business enterprises (EBE).  Earlier this year, Comptroller Stringer released a letter grading system for how well City agencies had met goals to encourage spending with M/WBEs.  Overall, the City received a “D” for its efforts.

“We must constantly find new and innovative ways to bring City government to New Yorkers.  Local businesses are the bedrock of our City’s neighborhoods.  With billions of dollars spent each year, we need to ensure that small business owners, and the communities in which they operate, are well-positioned for growth.  We look forward to working with vendors to improve this product as we continue to find ways to help create economic opportunity in our City,” Stringer said.

You can access the complete Vendor Roadmap here.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

CM Andrew Cohens Office Moving to 277 West 231st Street!


  Council Member Andrew Cohen’s office will be moving from
3636 Waldo Avenue to 277 West 231st Street



    This Thursday, October 30th the Office of Council Member Andrew Cohen will be moving from 3636 Waldo Avenue to 277 West 231st street.

Due to the moving process the office phones will be down from Wednesday, October 29th at 3:00 p.m. until Friday, October 31st.  The office will be closed on Thursday, October 30th to finalize the moving process.

“I am excited to be moving my office to a location that will be easily accessible for all of my constituents. Being close to many bus stops, as well as being a short walk from the number 1 train will enable residents from all the neighborhoods included in District 11 to come in and speak with members of my staff about any problems they are experiencing,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The new office, located at 277 West 231st Street will be a short walk from the number 1 train, as well as the bus stops along 231st Street for the BX7, BX 10, BX1, and the BX 20.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Astorino Comes Again to the Bronx



  State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. and Salsa legend Willie Colon are standing on the corner of East 149th Street and 3rd Avenue waiting for Republican candidate for governor Rob Astorino to arrive,

  Candidate Astorino shows up and is greeted by Senator Diaz Sr.
 Senator Diaz Sr. explains why he is supporting Rob Astorino for governor.
Salsa legend Willie Colon tells why he is supporting Rob Astorino for governor.

 Senator Diaz gives candidate Astorino the mike to talk, and as Astorino starts in spanish after less than one sentence he is back to english.
 A Cuomo supporter is told to be quiet, and is moved away from the reporters and cameras.
There was also a 'Stop Fresh Direct' banner by two members of South Bronx United.




Saturday, October 25, 2014

City Comptroller Scott Stringer Visits 161st Street BID



   City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Dr. Cary Goodman President of the 161st Street Business Improvement District are waiting for the light to change so they can continue their tour of the 161st Street BID. 

  The old bowling Alley on River Avenue opposite the old Yankee Stadium has been torn down to make way for a 17 story building. There are rumors that more high rise buildings are on the way.


  Dr. Goodman highlights the new Derek Jeter mural on the gates of one of the stores on River Avenue.


   Here the pair have just crossed the Grand Concourse on the way to the BID's meeting. The Bronx County Building is on the left.


  The 161st Street BID meeting is about to start as Comptroller Stringer is seated. The 161st Street BID is a 'Public Body', and is required to operate under the guidelines established by the New York State Open Meetings Law (OML). So why were some people asked to leave including myself. Could it be that the plans for more high rise buildings were discussed not wanting the public to know? 




Community Board 9 Graffiti Initiative




Community Board 9 Chair William Rivera, the Police Department, and a group of eager young people took care of a graffiti problem the old way - by repainting over the graffiti. 







Above - Before
Below - After.




Thanks go out to those who helped on the Community Board 9 'Graffiti Clean up.


Friday, October 24, 2014

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ TO LAUNCH TOUR DE BRONX 2014!


  On Sunday, October 26, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Transportation Alternatives, in conjunction with The Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, will host New York State’s Largest Free Bicycling Event, “Tour De Bronx.” Now in its 20th year, this special biking event attracts a record crowd of over 6,000 avid cyclists from throughout the tri-state area and beyond.

Cyclists will ride a 25-mile or 40-mile route.  The routes include attractions like the new extension to the Soundview Greenway, Starlight Park and Co-op City, plus historic districts, the waterfront and more.

Following the ride, cyclists are invited to the Tour de Bronx Festival at the New York Botanical Garden featuring live entertainment and refreshments.

                                          Sunday, October 26, 2014

WHERE:                                          REGISTRATION/LAUNCH
The Bronx County Building
       851 Grand Concourse at East 161st Street
                      

AFTER-RIDE FESTIVAL
 New York Botanical Garden
  2900 Southern Boulevard
                        Bronx

TIME:                            9:30 a.m.Cyclists arrive
                                       10:30 a.m.Tour begins
                                       2:00 p.m.Festival begins at New York Botanical Garden

WHERE:                                         REGISTRATION/LAUNCH
The Bronx County Building
  851 Grand Concourse at East 161st Street
              

AFTER-RIDE FESTIVAL
   New York Botanical Garden
   2900 Southern Boulevard
                        Bronx

TIME:                                                9:30 a.m.Cyclists arrive
                                                            10:30 a.m.Tour begins
                                                            2:00 p.m.Festival begins at New York Botanical Garden

COMPTROLLER STRINGER RELEASES CLAIMSTAT ALERT ANALYZING OVER 1,200 PEDESTRIAN INJURY CLAIMS THAT HAVE COST TAXPAYERS NEARLY $90 MILLION


  Data on City’s 28,000-Vehicle Fleet Shows More to be Done to Achieve Vision Zero Initiative
  On the eve of the City’s newly-implemented 25 mile-per-hour speed limit, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released a new ClaimStat Alert today highlighting the human and financial cost of pedestrian personal injury claims against the City of New York.
“New Yorkers know all too well the dangers faced by pedestrians on our City streets,” Comptroller Stringer said. “We need to reduce claims, not merely maintain the status quo. This ClaimStat Alert shows that City agencies must do more to improve safety on our streets and do their part to further the goals of the Mayor’s ambitious Vision Zero initiative.” 
From FY 2007-FY 2014, there were 1,213 pedestrian personal injury claims filed against the City, including 22 claims related to pedestrian fatalities. In addition to the human cost associated with these claims, taxpayers pay millions of dollars a year in settlements and judgments for personal injury claims by pedestrians—a total of $88,134,915 over the same time period. 
The report examined all City agencies, but highlights trends at the Police Department, Department of Sanitation, Department of Education and the Fire Department. Findings include: 
  • Manhattan had the highest number of claims, with 378 from FY07-FY14, but Brooklyn saw the highest amount of settlements and judgments over that time period, with $29.1 million.
  • While the total number of claims has been relatively flat over the last eight years, the number of claims at certain agencies, including the Departments of Sanitation and Education, spiked in FY 2014.
  • The highest number of claims occur in pedestrian-heavy districts, such as Midtown Manhattan. However, no neighborhood in New York City is immune from harm.
“The City should employ best practices to reduce risk to pedestrians, examine the hot spots identified by this data and determine whether additional traffic calming measures may be needed,” Stringer said.
The ClaimStat report found that pedestrian personal injury claims come from every corner of the City:   
  • Police Department claims center in the Manhattan core, but also the Melrose/Morissania neighborhoods of the Bronx;
  • There have been no Fire Department claims in Staten Island over the past eight years;
  • Sanitation Department “hot spots” include East Harlem, Inwood, Washington Heights in Manhattan and Maspeth, Glendale, Middle Village and Ridgewood Queens;
  • The largest number of claims against the Department of Education came from Community District 11 in Brooklyn and Corona, Elmhurst and Lefrak City in Queens.
In July, Comptroller Stringer launched ClaimStat, a data-driven tool designed to drive down the cost of judgments and settlements by empowering City agencies to reduce claims through changes in training or resource delivery.
To see the full ClaimStat Alert on the pedestrian personal injury claims, pleaseclick here. To explore the interactive map of pedestrian personal injury claims,click here.