Thursday, August 7, 2014

State Senator Jeffrey Klein and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz demand improved MTA service for Bx7 and Bx10 bus lines



Standing near the all-too-often overcrowded bus stop on West 231st Street and Broadway, State Senator Jeffrey Klein and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz called on the MTA to resolve the severe shortage of buses on the Bx7 and Bx10 lines, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours. Massive crowds regularly form at the 231st Street stop and others along the Bx7 and Bx10 lines between 5:30 and 8:00 PM as commuters wait to board a bus that will take them back home to their families. Oftentimes, commuters are left waiting as multiple buses pass by that are too crowded to take additional passengers.

“The severe overcrowding of the Bx7 and Bx10 bus lines and intolerably long waits are completely unacceptable,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “These buses are integral parts of this community’s transportation infrastructure, carrying commuters to and from work each day, yet they consistently fail to provide adequate service for the communities of Kingsbridge, Norwood, Riverdale, and Van Cortlandt Village. I urge the MTA to allocate funding for additional Bx7 and Bx10 buses so that commuters are not forced to wait for lengthy periods of time to board a crowded bus.”

Senator Klein said, "Day after day I hear from local residents that the BX 7 and BX 10 buses don't come on time, don't come frequently enough and don't have the capacity to serve the people who need it. Put simply, BX 7 and BX 10 bus service does not properly serve our community. That's why Assemblyman Dinowitz and I are standing with the daily commuters and Riverdale residents who depend on this vital service each and every day and are calling on the MTA to institute more buses, more often."

I was able to find a MTA supervisor a block away who agreed that at times the BX7 buses do bunch up especially on Friday afternoons by the George Washington bridge. The BX7 bus runs from The Yonkers city line to 168th Street in Manhattan and back. I was also told that due to construction on Sedwick Avenue the BX 10 schedule has been thrown out of whack due to detours this week. 




Senator Klein Announces $150,000 Capital Grant for Wave Hill Funding will Renovate Historic Glyndor House




  State Senator Jeff Klein announced a $150,000 capital grant he secured this year that will go towards completing the exterior renovation of historic Glyndor House and to installing permanent lighting on the grounds. Built in 1927, Glyndor Houses contains Wave Hill’s contemporary art galleries and serves as an educational venue for students and visitors participating in guided programs. Permanent lighting will allow Wave Hill to make their grounds safer for evening visitors and will allow Wave Hill to expand their educational programs into the evening.

Joined by Wave Hill Staff and Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz (D-Bronx), Senator Klein made the announcement at a ‘Sunset Wednesday’ event, which featured a musical performance by Los Monstritos, a garden walk and tour of contemporary art in the Glyndor House..

Senator Jeff Klein said, “Wave Hill is a great place to find peace of mind in the heart of New York. With its picturesque vistas, serene grounds and world-class educational programming, Wave Hill is a destination for both local residents and visitors from across New York. That’s why I am so proud to announce this capital funding grant that will help keep Wave Hill well-lit and well-maintained for many years to come.”







Wave Hill Events Aug 22–Aug 29: Summer at its best!



SAT, AUGUST 23    FAMILY ART PROJECT: T’S OF SUMMER
Make a sketch outdoors of your favorite scene at Wave Hill, then bring the image indoors and use fabric markers and special crayons to decorate a summer T-shirt with your tribute to nature and summer. Use a T-shirt we provide or bring your own. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, AUGUST 23    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 outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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, AUGUST 23    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety; Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures.  In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material.

Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, AUGUST 24    EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK
Join naturalist Gabriel Willow on a special early morning bird walk. You’ll be amazed by the diversity of birds that are active on the grounds before the gates open to the public. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $18/$10 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. 
MEET AT THE FRONT GATE, 8AM


SUN, AUGUST 24    FAMILY ART PROJECT: T’S OF SUMMER
Make a sketch outdoors of your favorite scene at Wave Hill, then bring the image indoors and use fabric markers and special crayons to decorate a summer T-shirt with your tribute to nature and summer. Use a T-shirt we provide or bring your own. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, AUGUST 24    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 outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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, AUGUST 24    MEDITATION
This summer, 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: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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, 11:30AM‒12:45PM


SUN, AUGUST 24    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, AUGUST 25
Closed to the public

THU, AUGUST 28    STORIES IN THE GARDEN: ANIMAL FAMILY MATTERS
Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories––classics and more––will come to life through interactive readings, sing-alongs and puppets. Programs are held outdoors in good weather; in inclement weather we will meet in Wave Hill House. Like human beings, animals ––from the biggest blue whale to the littlest earth worm––have families.  This week, meet some of the cutest and silliest animal families. For the final week of story time we will read Rabbits & Raindrops by Jim Arnosky, Tweedle Dee Dee by Charlotte Voake and Are You My Mother? By P.D. Eastman. Ideal for children ages 3 to 6 with their adult companions. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 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 mornings until noonFree all day on Tuesdays in August. 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 atwww.wavehill.org/visit/.

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

The Cove's 25th Birthday


Help celebrate The COVE’s 25th birthday!

Join the 

Knox Gates Neighborhood Association / The COVE,

CTM DREAMS, and your neighbors

in a

Block Party & Harmony Day

Saturday, August 9, 2014

(Rain Date: Sunday, August 10)

12 noon to 6:00pm

Gates Place

(between Gunhill & Mosholu Parkway)

FUN for all ages - DJ & music - Bounce House - Film screenings

Food available on first come, first serve basis

Family Friendly Alcohol-Free & Smoke-Free Event

Children 6 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

www.COVEbx.org for more info.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Is Fernando Cabrera off the Ballot in the 33rd State Senate District Race?




  Word that has come in to this blog is that sometime tomorrow the decision will come down in the court challenge to the petition of Fernando Cabrera for the 33rd State Senate race. Already one candidate Jose Padilla Jr. was knocked off the ballot in the hearings before the Board of Elections hearings that took place July 30th. Cabrera was left on the ballot by the Board of Elections with 1272 valid signatures, but the BOE did not rule on the charges of 152 signature forgeries, and similar handwriting in 501 signatures. The commissioners said that they do not rule on those two item, and the matter would have to go to a Court of law, then election lawyer 'King" Stanley Schlein slapped the BOE with a subpoena to appear in court.

  Odds are now that State Senator Gustavo Rivera will not face a primary challenge when Cabrera is dropped from the ballot by the courts. Senator Rivera said last night that he was still going 100 percent as if he has a primary, that is until the announcement that his challenger Fernando Cabrera has been removed from the 33rd state senate race comes on Thursday.



  

GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT NEW YORKERS FROM IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE FRAUD


New law strengthens penalties for those who take advantage of immigrants and codifies the Office for New Americans, launched last year


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to better protect immigrants living in New York from potential fraud or wrongdoing as they seek immigration-related assistance. These new New Yorkers will now benefit from stricter assistance-provider requirements, including the addition of a new crime to discourage this type of fraud. This bill also designates the New York State Office for New Americans – which Governor Cuomo launched last year – as a permanent executive office of State government, whose primary purpose is to offer support to the immigrant population. Complementing the legislation signed today, a statewide multilingual public service campaign is in progress to warn newcomers against fraud and encourage them to seek assistance if they feel they are a victim of an immigration-related scam.

“New York has a long history of welcoming immigrants from around the world, and today we are continuing that heritage with a new law that protects new New Yorkers and solidifies the services we provide,” Governor Cuomo said. “This bill will support those who come seeking a better future for their families, and I am proud to sign it into law today.”

The legislation will strengthen protections by enhancing translation requirements, increasing civil penalties for violations of the law, and barring the use of job titles that aim to mislead an assistance-seeker into believing that a service provider is an attorney or otherwise specialized professional when the provider has no such credential. It creates two new crimes, felony and misdemeanor immigration assistance fraud.

Additionally, the bill codifies the Office for New Americans, launched by the Governor in March 2013, which provides a range of services to New York’s recent immigration population. Just last year, the office helped over 34,000 peoplethrough neighborhood-based opportunity centers and a toll-free multi-lingual hotline (800-566-7636) offering a variety of services. The Opportunity Centers teach New Americans English, assist them in the process of becoming naturalized U.S. citizens, provide free legal advice so they can start and grow businesses, as well as offer training to community based organizations so that they may offer immigration services. The Office for New Americans is the first state-level immigrant office created by statute in the country.

Senator Rubén Díaz said, "When immigrants seek assistance on their path to becoming citizens, they need to be assured that the organizations that are providing the help will not take advantage of them. This new law sets clear standards for providers of immigration assistance services and establishes strict penalties for those who violate the law. Immigrants who call New York State home finally will receive the protection they deserve as they seek to become citizens of our great country.”

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Task Force on New Americans and author the Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act, said, "Thanks to dedicated support of our Governor, it is no longer open season on immigrants in our State. This new law will help prevent immigrants from becoming victims of fraud, increases penalties on those that try to scam immigrants out of their life's savings, gives immigrants an opportunity to recover their stolen fees and for damages, meets federal criteria that allows recourse when the fraud has interfered with immigration matters, and permanently establishes the Office for New Americans with a clear mandate on the work it is to perform for years to come. Thanks to the support of Governor Cuomo, this is a major change in public policy that will positively impact over 4.3 million New Yorkers who are of recent foreign decent. Today, because of his commitment to improving the lives of all New Yorkers, countless hardships and crimes will be prevented for decades to come and even more opportunities to help immigrants integrate into our society will be created."

New York Secretary of State Cesar Perales said, “By empowering our communities through legitimate services, we not only provide needed assistance to a vulnerable population, we also create economic opportunities across the State that will eventually benefit every New Yorker. I congratulate the Governor for combatting immigration scams affecting our state’s newcomers.”

Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said, "The New York Immigration Coalition applauds Governor Cuomo for signing into law the Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act, a critical piece of legislation that empowers New York’s immigrant communities. We are proud to have worked closely with the Governor’s office and Assemblymember Crespo in crafting a bill that provides new protections against immigration fraud, punishes those who seek to take advantage of immigrant communities, and lays a foundation to expand reliable immigration services across the State. We look forward to working with the Governor and the Office for New Americans to build on this legislation and ensure that New York is invested in immigrant communities that will pay off in benefits for our entire State.”

This law passed both houses of the legislature as S.6732-A and A.8947B, respectively.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

National Night Out in the 50th Precinct


  National Night out in the 50th Precinct may not of had the local elected officials that came out last year, but hundreds of people (mostly children) came out to enjoy the night out that took place on Marble Hill Avenue Between West 225th and West 230th Streets. On hand was State Senator Guistavo Rivera who is still expecting a tough primary as he said, but he also said we will know Thursday if the challenge against his opponent Councilman Fernando Cabrera has been successful in getting Cabrera knocked off the ballot. Senator Rivera mentioned that several dead bodies were believed to be on the Cabrera petition, and that with other questionable items may allow him not to have a primary, but he said we will have to wait until Thursday to find out. Senator Rivera also mentioned that a planned debate on Bronxtalk would be cancelled if he has no primary.  

  Staffers from Councilman Andrew Cohen, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, Congressman Eliot Engel, and also on hand was former Councilman and candidate for the 34th State Senate Oliver Koppell as you will see in the photos below.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera with Tony Edwards of Councilman Rodriguez's office.

50th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Rasa and 50 PCT. Community Council President Paulette Schlomo.


Left - Staffers from Councilman Andrew Cohen and Congressman Eliot Engel were on hand.
Right - 34th State Senate candidate Oliver Koppell is stumping for votes.

Cuomo’s Anti-Corruption Panel Nixed 15 Probes:


  That was the headline of an article that ran in yesterday's New York Post, about the disbanded Mooreland Commission. The Post goes into detail on two of the 15 probes that were sent federal prosecutors before Governor Cuomo disbanded the commission. One involved Assemblyman Dov Hikind that was sent to Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Lorreta Lynch involving Maimonides Hospital and tens of thousands dollars spent on ads on Hikind's radio show that the Post said was not reported until Crain's New York raised the issue last year. 

  The second involved State Senator George Maziarz and $137,000 in unitemized 'Cash' Checks of which the Post writes $60,000 were never reported to the state Board of Elections, payments to his campaign manager's daughter, and $125,000 spent at Target, BJ's, and other retailers, again the Post says that half of which were not reported. 

  These were the only two cases in the New York Post article . 

 


Assemblyman Crespo launches his Quality of Life Initiative on August 6, 2014


  Assemblymember Marcos A. Crespo (D-Bronx) announced that on August 6, 2014 he will be hosting a district-wide quality of life initiative titled, “Take pride in where you reside”  with a group of volunteers who will walk around the 85th Assembly District (consisting of: Bronx River, Soundview, Clason’s Point, Shorehaven, part of Castle Hill and part of Hunts Point) posting “Curb/clean up after your pet” signs, changing trash receptacles and registering business owners for New York City’s Graffiti-Free program.
     
“I feel with these signs being posted in various locations within my Assembly District will make pet owners more conscious about the law to lease and clean up after your pet. Also, cleaning up after your pet goes a long way with not just the appearance of the community but also health and respiratory concerns,”stated Assemblyman Crespo.

Visibility is very important when it comes to placement of these signs, which is why these signs will be placed locations where I may see dog waste and/or on the main street(s) which are most used by pedestrians with the consent of the property owner.

If you would like to know some of the locations where signs will be placed please call my District office at 718-893-0202 and speak to Matthew Shuffler who can give you some sites. 

New Speed Limit Enforcement on Broadway 59th - 220th Street


  This comes from City Council Transportation committee Chair Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez.


 
Office of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Yesterday, I joined Senator Espaillat, Council Member Rosenthal and
 NYPD Traffic Division Chief Chan to announce the NYPD's enforcement
 of the new 25 MPH speed limit on Broadway's "Arterial Slow Zone." 
This zone, announced in May of this year, will stretch from 220th Street to
59th Street.

Police officers will now ticket drivers found speeding over 25 as
opposed to 30 in this area. Since 2008, 22 people have been killed
by cars in this stretch, a statistic we would like to limit to 0 for the future.
Please help us save lives by driving at lower speeds and remaining
conscious of all others who use our streets including cyclists and
pedestrians. With your help, we can achieve Vision Zero. Thank you. 

Sincerely,

Ydanis Rodriguez,

Council Member Cohen and Department of Education to Hold Office Hours About Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment


  Council Member Andrew Cohen and the New York City Department of Education are holding office hours at the Council Member’s district office, 3636 Waldo Avenue, to inform parents about pre-K enrollment.  Parents will be able to meet with DOE representatives and the Council Member’s staff to learn more about the pre-Kindergarten options that are available for their families.

Who: Council Member Andrew Cohen, the Department of Education and members of the public.

What: Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment for Bronx families

Where: Council Member Cohen’s district office, 3636 Waldo Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463

When: Wednesday, August 6, 2014, 4:00-7:00pm

Monday, August 4, 2014

NY State Board of Elections Candidates



  Here is the listing of candidates for the Democratic Primary Tuesday September 9 2014 from the New York State Board of elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, 34th State Senate District, and the 36th State Senate District. This is not a complete listing of all districts, just the two state senate districts that cover the Bronx and Westchester. The New York City Board of Elections listing should be made public as soon as all the court cases are finished. 
There is no primary for State Comptroller or Attorney General. 

Governor -
Zephyr R. Teachout
Andrew M. Cuomo
Randy A. Credico


Lieutenant Governor -
Kathy Hochul
Timothy Wu

34th State Senate-
G. Oliver Koppell
Jeffrey D. Klein

36th State Senate-
Crystal Collins
Ruth H. Thompson







Senator Rev Ruben Diaz and Fellow Ministers to Welcome Republican Lieutenant Governor Candidate to the Bronx


  On Thursday August 7th 2014 at 9 AM  Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) and the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization will welcome Lieutenant Governor Candidate Christopher Moss to the Christian Community Neighborhood Church, located at 1437 Longfellow Avenue, between Jennings and Freeman Streets, in the Bronx.

  Senator Rev. Diaz stated: “We are honored that Chemung County Sheriff Chris Moss - who has been selected as Gubernatorial Candidate Rob Astorino’s choice for Lieutenant Governor - will join us this week so the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization can share the various concerns that face our community with him.  These issues include help for senior citizens, affordable housing, job opportunities, education, and family values.  In our rich tradition, my fellow pastors and I will continue to welcome candidates to the Bronx to hear how they intend to serve us when they are elected to public office.”

  Senator Rev. Diaz serves as President of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization.

Friday, August 1, 2014

PSC Finds 70 Percent of Con Ed Gas Worker Non Compliant


 This story comes from Capital New York where the first sentence reads as follows. 'Nearly 70 percent of Con Edison workers responsible for the utility's sprawling natural gas network were found to be be out of compliance with state safety regulations because they had not taken an annual qualification test, according to papers filed with the Public Service Commission.'

  It seems that it took a natural gas explosion in May for state regulators at the PSC to take a closer look at just who was installing the new high pressure gas lines in city streets. Capital reports that In its latest filing with the P.S.C., Con Edison reported 186 employees and 115 contractors—301 out of 443 in all, or just under 68 percent—were found to have not taken an annual test required by the state for recertification in gas-pipe fitting, according to documents filed with the commission Monday. On subsequent testing, 62 workers failed one or more qualification tests

  “We are confident that these requalification lapses did not compromise the integrity of our gas system," a Con Edison Spokesperson told Capital N.Y.  In a recent filing, Con Ed said it identified 12 leaks related to the plastic pipe fusions since 2003 that could be attributed to workmanship. 

  Here is the link to the entire Capitol N.Y. article most-con-ed-workers-found-out-compliance-state-regs.


Universal Pre-K Representative


This comes from Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

  
 
TOGETHER.
SHAPING THE FUTURE.
On Wednesday August 6, from 10am to 1pm a representative from the Department of Education's Universal Pre-K program will be stationed in our Assembly Office located at 1126 Pelham Parkway South. The representative will be here to answer any questions parents or guardians have about enrolling their child in Universal Pre-K. Please be sure to utilize this visit and have your questions addressed. 
If you have any questions please contact our office at (718) 409-0109.