Construction Begins For Crosstown Bus Lane Project In The Bronx

 

An infrastructure project aimed at improving bus service and street safety near Yankee Stadium is now underway in the Bronx, city officials announced. Led by the New York City Department of Transportation and the New York City Department of Design and Construction, the initiative will upgrade key portions of East 161st Street and surrounding corridors along the Bx6 Select Bus Service route. The project introduces dedicated bus-only lanes, including converting the 161st Street underpass to exclusive bus use, alongside pedestrian safety improvements and new rider amenities.

The redesign spans East 161st Street from Ruppert Place to Morris Avenue, as well as segments of East 163rd Street and portions of the Bx6 route in Manhattan. A central feature is a fully protected, center-running bus lane along East 161st Street between Concourse Village West and River Avenue, one of the few of its kind in New York City. Construction has already begun on parts of East 163rd Street. The project also upgrades the existing bus tunnel under the Grand Concourse to allow two-way bus traffic, supported by additional westbound bus-only lanes to ease congestion.

Safety and accessibility improvements are a major component of the plan. The city will install full-length boarding islands, curb extensions, and pedestrian refuge islands to shorten crossings and improve visibility. Additional upgrades include 370 ADA-compliant ramps, expanded medians, new lighting and traffic signal poles, and extensive streetscape work featuring new trees and plantings. Crews will also reconstruct roadways and sidewalks while upgrading underground water mains and sewer infrastructure.

The corridor serves approximately 25,000 daily riders on the Bx6 SBS line and connects heavily trafficked areas between Manhattan and the Bronx. Nearby subway access includes the 161st Street–Yankee Stadium station, served by the B, D, and 4 trains, as well as nearby stops along the Grand Concourse and Jerome Avenue lines, providing additional transit connectivity for commuters and visitors.

MAYOR MAMDANI RELEASES UPDATE ON SAVINGS PLAN

 

TODAY, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani provided an update on the City of New York’s savings plan, as part of the City’s effort to drive down the budget gap inherited from the former Administration.  

  

“Government must deliver for working people — and every dollar in our budget must work as hard as they do. That’s why I directed every agency to find real savings and cut waste to close our budget gap. This is just the beginning of our work to improve service delivery and make city government the most efficient it can be,” said Mayor Mamdani.  

  

Mayor Mamdani proposed a prudent, fiscally responsible preliminary budget that identifies aggressive saving measures and operational reforms. Years of underbudgeting, unfunded mandates and fiscal mismanagement under the prior Administration left New York City facing a massive deficit, described by City Comptroller Mark Levine as “the biggest budget gap since the Great Recession.” Prior to the last Administration, actual spending tended to exceed projections by approximately 3%; through the Adams Administration, underbudgeting averaged 10%.   

  

In January, Mayor Mamdani signed Executive Order 12, establishing a Chief Savings Officer (CSO) at every City agency to review performance, eliminate waste and streamline service delivery. Agencies were required to identify savings of 1.5% for Fiscal Year 2026 and 2.5% for Fiscal Year 2027. City agencies submitted their proposals on Friday, March 20, identifying more than $1.7 billion in savings. City Hall and the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget have begun reviewing these proposals for inclusion in the Executive Budget.   

  

In this initial review, the Mamdani Administration has grouped savings into five categories: efficiencies in public services; contracting efficiencies; technology modernization; space consolidation and lease management; and financial adjustments and new revenue. The following highlights represent an initial list of approved items:  

 

•   Department of Correction: DOC will restructure and cancel certain IT and consultant contracts bringing services in house. This will save $4.3 million in FY26.     

 

•  Department of Finance: DOF will strengthen verification to ensure recipients qualify for a primary residence co-op abatement. This will save $13 million in FY27.   

  

•   Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: DOHMH will renegotiate its naloxone contract based on lower costs achieved in other states. This will save $1.15 million in FY27.   

  

•   Department of Sanitation: DSNY will vacate underutilized office space and relocate staff to space which is being upgraded to accommodate additional employees. This will save $194,000 in FY27.   

 

•   Department of Social Services: DSS will in-source nearly two-dozen IT contracts. This will save $597,000 in FY27. DSS is also maximizing revenue for WiFi provided in shelters by partnering with OTI to renegotiate contracts, which will lead to savings of $1.3 million in FY26 and $1.8 million in FY27. DSS is also terminating their contract with McKinsey, on which nearly $9 million was spent in FY26.  

  

•   Economic Development Corporation: EDC will in-source a marketing contract, saving $626,000 in FY27.    

  

•  Fire Department: FDNY has negotiated lower rates with telecommunications providers saving $700,000 in FY26 and $2.2 million in FY27. It will also begin billing Medicaid for “Treat No Transport” services following recent State and Federal approvals, saving $10.1 million in FY27.  

  

•   Health + Hospitals: H+H will negotiate contract rebates, reduce reliance on temporary staffing agencies through in-sourcing, cut overtime and improve revenue collection. This will save $14.1 million in FY26 and $25.7 million in FY27.   

  

•   Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services: MONS will eliminate a consultant contract and in-source these services, saving $400,000 in FY26.   

  

•   NYC Aging: Aging will in-source a consultant contract, saving $411,000 in FY27.   

  

•   NYC Emergency Management: NYCEM will in-source a software maintenance contract. This will save approximately $63,000 in FY27. The agency will also transition certain software programs to a more cost-effective platform. This will save approximately $70,000 in FY27.   

  

•   New York City Public Schools: NYCPS will terminate underutilized contracts and implement spending caps, generating $30.3 million in savings in FY27. In addition, NYCPS will introduce controls on central office spending across supplies, equipment, professional development and travel, resulting in $27.5 million in savings in FY26.  

  

•   Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget: OMB will reduce office lease costs, saving $90,000 in FY27.   

  

•   Office of Technology and Innovation: OTI will renegotiate its' technology contracts, eliminate duplicative hardware and software and right-size consultant agreements. These actions will save $1.3 million in FY 2026 and $1.2 million in FY 2027.  

  

•   Office of Labor Relations: OLR will conduct a full audit of dependent eligibility in employee health plans. Ineligible dependents will be removed from coverage. This is expected to save approximately $100 million in FY27.   

  

•   Taxi and Limousine Commission: TLC will cancel its Slack subscription, saving nearly $20,000 in FY27.   

  

2026 Bronx Zoo Community Day Hosted by Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.

 

Friends and Neighbors,

I am proud to invite our community to another fun-filled day of lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). That’s right—it’s our Third Annual Community Day at the Bronx Zoo!

The world-renowned Bronx Zoo is a destination for millions of visitors each year. Although it’s right here in our backyard, many members of our community are not always able to take advantage of this magical place filled with exotic animals from across the globe.

For that reason, I am especially proud to invite you to join me on April 11th for a FREE day at the Zoo! Your ticket will grant you full access to the Bronx Zoo, including special attractions and up-close animal encounters. This is a truly special opportunity to experience one of New York City’s greatest treasures.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

This year, we kindly ask that you meet us at the Parking Lot C entrance off Southern Blvd, where tickets will be distributed between 10am - 11am ONLY.

Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure yours today by using the QR code on the flyer below or by clicking here.

PLEASE NOTE:

This event is only available to residents of the 80th Assembly District, and tickets are limited to four per family.

To find out if you live in the 80th Assembly District, please click here.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

See you at the Zoo,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

ICE Works with Local Law Enforcement to Keep Depraved Guatemalan Criminal Illegal Alien Charged in Rape of 5-Year-Old Girl in Long Island, New York Off the Streets

 

Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, was charged with rape, predatory sexual assault against a child, sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) arrest of Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, who was charged with forcibly raping a 5-year-old girl on Long Island, New York.

According to reports, the horrific attack took place while Reynoso was asked to babysit the 5-year-old child. After the child’s mother returned home she discovered she was bleeding and took her to the hospital. While awaiting the rape DNA test, local authorities charged him with child endangerment and coordinated with ICE law enforcement to keep this pedophile out of American neighborhoods. ICE arrested him on February 2, 2026, and turned him over to local law enforcement on March 16, 2026.

On March 23, 2026, he was charged with predatory sex assault against a child, vaginal sexual contact with a child, sexual abuse, acting in a manner to injure a child, and resisting arrest.

Carlos Aguilar Reynoso

“Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, was charged for raping a five-year-old child in New York. While local law enforcement processed DNA evidence and built their case, they contacted ICE to arrest this pedophile so he would not be released into our communities to prey on more innocent children,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “On March 16, ICE transferred this monster to local law enforcement to face justice for his reprehensible crimes. This case shows why we need local law enforcement cooperation. When we work together, our communities are safer.”

Aguilar Reynoso entered the U.S. at an unknown place and time.

On March 16, 2026, Carlos Aguilar Reynoso was issued a final order of removal from an Immigration Judge.

ICE partnerships with local law enforcement are key to removing criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists from American communities. 7 of the 10 safest cities in the U.S. cooperate with ICE.

Indiana Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Trafficking

 

Edwardo Trevino, 43, of LaPorte, Indiana, was sentenced 100 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after a jury convicted him of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Trevino's sentencing was announced by Alfred A. Cooke, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration Merrillville, Indiana, and U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred for the Northern District of Indiana.

Trevino was sentenced to 100 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Trevino sold methamphetamine to another person. On another occasion, Trevino was the front seat passenger in a car that was pulled over by police. Officers located a backpack on the front passenger seat floorboard containing methamphetamine, clear plastic baggies used for packaging and distributing drugs, a wallet with Trevino’s ID card, and a loaded pistol. Trevino’s criminal history includes a felony conviction for residential entry, and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

“The Drug Enforcement Administration, along with its law enforcement partners, will continue to hold accountable those who choose drug trafficking, violent crime, and the poisoning of Hoosiers over civility and decency. There is no room in northern Indiana for the cruelty and evilness of drug traffickers. Mr. Trevino will be out of society for a long time, and we will be a safer and healthier northern Indiana because of it,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke.

“This case is an example of how collaboration between state, local, and federal law enforcement can achieve the most effective available response to drug and gun offenses.  We thank LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan and his office, along with the agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, the Michigan City Police Department, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division, for partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help make Hoosiers safer to live, work, and raise their families. Due to their efforts, a repeat felon who was intending to poison our community with methamphetamine while armed with a handgun will serve eight years followed by three years of community supervision,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

JACKSON HEIGHTS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO KIDNAPPING, RAPING AND ASSAULTING THREE YOUNG WOMEN

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Andres Portilla pleaded guilty to kidnapping, rape, assault and criminal sex act charges for holding captive three young women in his car where he raped and assaulted them. The defendant held one woman – a minor – in the car for two months, beat her with a wrench and forced her to use a water jug for a toilet.

District Attorney Katz said: “This defendant carried out a reign of terror against three young women, two of them minors, while holding them captive in his car and raping and assaulting them. This case truly shocks the conscience. With yesterday’s plea, he will be sentenced to 40 years in prison. No one should have to endure this kind of torture. I thank the brave survivors for coming forward and assisting with the investigation of the case. We wish the women well in their continued journey toward a full recovery.”

Portilla, 31, of Jackson Heights, pleaded guilty yesterday to three counts of kidnapping in the second degree, assault in the first degree, two counts of rape in the first degree, rape in the second degree, two counts of criminal sex act in the first degree and assault in the second degree.

The defendant pleaded guilty before jury selection was expected to begin for his upcoming trial.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant ordered Portilla to return to court April 15 when he is expected to be sentenced to 40 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of post-release supervision.

DA Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, in September 2022, Portilla invited one of his victims, a minor, to an apartment in Queens, where he held her captive and perpetrated both sexual and physical assaults against her resulting in permanent injuries.

In November 2022, Portilla hit the victim on her head with a wrench, which shattered her right orbital bone. The defendant put the teen in a duffel bag and took her to his car, a 2008 Honda. He kept her captive, parked the car in secluded locations around Queens, and threatened to kill her if she left. He locked the teen in the trunk when he left the vehicle.

The girl was forced to use a water jug as a toilet and was barely given food. He continued to both sexually and physically assault the girl for an additional two months until she was rescued by the NYPD.

While restraining the first victim inside his car, Portilla lured a second victim, also a minor, into the car, where he raped her. He released the teen the same day because she received repeated phone calls from her family.

On January 1, 2023, Portilla lured a third victim into his car under the guise of allowing her to use a phone charger. Portilla held her captive for four days while sexually and physically assaulting her. She was released only after Portilla saw news reports about the woman’s disappearance.

The victim made a report to the police and underwent treatment at a local hospital.

After an intensive investigation, police identified both the defendant and the car he was driving. A manhunt and vehicle chase ensued. Portilla was taken into custody on January 6, 2023. Portilla’s first victim was in the car and was taken to the hospital where she required months of treatment.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - You’re Invited: Family Fun Day in Van Cortlandt Park April 25th

 

Neighbors and friends are invited to celebrate spring together at Woodlawn Family Fun Day! 

 

Saturday, April 25 | Starting at 1 PM

 

Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Women of Woodlawn, and the Woodlawn Taxpayers Association for a free afternoon in the park featuring:

Face painting

Nature crafts

Games and bocce

The NYRR Mobile Van

Urban Park Rangers

Woodland family walks

…and more!

 

Bring the kids, invite a neighbor, and enjoy a fun afternoon together in Van Cortlandt Park.

RSVP to let us know you're coming!

We hope to see you there.

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US: TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY