Rising Mantinance Costs At the Amalgamated and Park Reservoir Cooperatives

  Most of the recent mayoral candidates said they supported 'affordable housing'. Many people say NYC is losing its 'affordable housing'. But there is little explanation in the news or from the politicians what it is and why NYC and future generations need it.
        At the Amalgamated and Park Reservoir cooperatives near Van Cortlandt Park the current monthly charges are similar and comparatively reasonable, except that these charges have been rising faster than the rate of inflation. For some residents these charges are beginning to be difficult to afford. Still, Amalgamated and Park Reservoir fall into the category of 'affordable housing'. What does that mean?
        There are three categories of housing: 'subsidized', 'affordable' and 'market rate'. In this scheme, 'affordable housing' is a technical term. The three categories are not a description of the level of the monthly charges. They are a description of the income of the people for whom each category is meant to serve. Subsidized housing is for those people with no or such low income that they could not afford the rent in any building fit for human living. The Federal government's HUD housing projects are an example of 'subsidized housing'.
        'Affordable housing' is for people with low or moderate income who could not, especially in NYC, afford what commercial landlords charge so as to make a profit. If NYC were to lose its affordable housing, people with low or moderate income would be forced to leave the city.
        The third category, 'market rate housing' is for people with enough income to afford what landlords will charge them or who can afford to buy their own apartment or home. Such people are often called middle class or upper middle class or rich.
        What makes 'affordable housing' affordable is that there is government help usually with the financing of the original housing and with property tax relief called abatements. This government help makes possible monthly charges that low and moderate income people, such as low wage workers, disabled people with some compensation, families with children, and retirees on fixed pensions, can afford. Housing is only in the 'affordable' category if such people can pay the necessary cost to gain an apartment and the monthly charges. Government assistance to 'affordable housing' is necessary or the housing would become market rate housing and those people would lose the ability to stay in it. The government assistance is a service to the society, making it possible for all classes of people to live in NYC.
        There are four main threats to affordable housing. (1) The government might withdraw its assistance. (2) The housing might be privatized or commercialized. (3) The initial move-in cost may exceed that which low and moderate income people can accumulate. Or (4) the monthly charges might rise above what such people can handle.
        Amalgamated and Park Reservoir, for example, will only stay in the 'affordable' category if constant attention is paid to any government movement to end the tax abatements, if every effort is made to oppose privatization and if every proposed carrying charge increase is demonstrated to be absolutely necessary. Otherwise, many current cooperators and all future generations of low and moderate income people will not be able to live there. Then the wonderful cooperative experiment they represent will have failed.

Dinowitz Proposes Legislation Requiring Cursive Writing in Schools

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has drafted and will soon introduce legislation that would require both cursive writing and memorization of the multiplication table to be part of the basic education curriculum in New York.

With the implementation of Common Core in New York State, students are more and more often skipping once fundamental elements of their educational foundation. Currently, there is no requirement in the Common Core for students to be taught cursive writing or to memorize the multiplication table. The new Dinowitz legislation would require that these two fundamental building blocks of our children’s education are kept in schools, even if they are not required as part of any of the now numerous standardized tests students are subjected to.

“The notion that a pupil could graduate from 12 years of education without knowing how to sign his or her name in cursive is unacceptable,” Dinowitz said. “Additionally, the ability for pupils to show competency in basic multiplication through a proven method schools have used for years is of the utmost importance.”

The legislation would amend section 801 of the New York State education law, which requires certain elements of the state’s education curriculum to be maintained and implemented in order to create well rounded students that are well versed in subject matters deemed fundamental throughout the years. Cursive writing and knowledge of the multiplication table would thus be deemed “fundamental” and as a result would be required in schools.

“As schools move more and more to ‘teaching to the test’ and away from what once was considered essential parts of a child’s learning process, I am hopeful that this legislation will keep what I consider to be crucial components of one’s education part of the curriculum,” Dinowitz said. “We can adhere to the Common Core curriculum, while at the same time ensuring our children know how to read and write in cursive as well as perform basic multiplication. The two are in no way mutually exclusive.”

 

 

Upcoming Cultural and Recreational Events at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Centenal events at r in February 2014:

  On Tues. Feb. 4th, Latinos al Frente group will host guest speaker David Badillo, Associate Professor of Latin American and Puerto Rican Studies at Lehman College, who will present "The Changing Face of NYC Immigrants: Past, Present, and Future” at 1PM.

 David Badillo has written on U.S. Latino history. His teaching interests also include Mexican migration, Puerto Rican history, and Caribbean music. He has published Latinos and the New Immigrant Church (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006) as well as over fifteen journal articles and chapters in edited volumes on themes encompassing religion, urbanization, and civil rights.

  On Tues. Feb. 11th, Richard Kagan will conduct a book discussion on The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak at 1:00 PM. Richard is an avid reader since childhood. He moderated phone chats for home bound seniors as part of the Queens Library Mail-a-Book program and led book discussions with this group.

  Wed. Feb. 12th: Nutrition Talk on “Valentine's Day and Healthy Snacking” by Amelia Jalandoni, RD at 11:15 AM.

  Fri. Feb. 14th: Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Broadway and cabaret concert by soprano Carol Vinson at 1:00 PM. Ms. Vinson will perform songs by Irving Berlin, Richard Rogers, Burton Lane, Jule Styne and George Gershwin.

  Sun. Feb. 16th: Don’t miss the Dancing Crane Georgian Performing Art Company’s dazzling performance at 1:00 PM. They present dances and songs from all regions of Georgia including mountain dances with swords, elegant court dances and refined women’s dances, all in authentic costumes. A delicious meal of Chicken Chow Mein will be served at 12:15 PM. Please reserve in advance for the meal by calling the center office 718-549-4700 by Feb. 12th.

  Thurs. Feb. 20th: Sonya Mittelman, Esq. will speak about wills, trusts and health care proxies at 1:00 PM.

  Tues. Feb. 25th: Visit the Hispanic Society with Latinos al Frente group. Call the center for more information and reservations.

  Wed. Feb. 26th: Celebrate February birthdays with Gregory Press, keyboard player at 1:00 PM.

For more information about these events, please call the center office at 718-549-4700.

  A nutritious kosher lunch is served at 12:15 PM daily. Please call the center office for specific menu information. An alternate meal choice is available daily. Senior meal contribution is $2.25. Non-senior guest fee is $6.15. Please call in meal reservations 3 - 5 days in advance to the office: 718-549-4700.

  JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center offers Senior Fitness on Mon. AM, Exercise or Tai Chi on Tues. AM, Gentle Exercise on Wed. AM , Flowing Yoga on Wed. PM, Yoga on Thurs. AM and Tone & Stretch on Fri. AM. All exercise instructors are certified. Call the center at 718-549-4700 for dates and times of these classes.

  All meals at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center are catered by Mauzone (kosher) Meal Service. We offer a daily alternate choice of main dish. Refreshments are served at every cultural arts and/or celebratory event.

  We are located in the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. (on the first floor). Take the Bronx #1, 2 or 10 bus to the intersection of Sedgwick Ave. and Van Cortlandt Ave. West. For more information, please call the center office at 718-549-4700.

 JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center is funded by NYC Dept. for the Aging, UJA- Federation of NY and by special grants from City Council and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

C-Ball Febuary Edition

In New Council, Jumaane Williams, Ritchie Torres Will Fight for Affordable Housing for Low-Income NYers

  Several top groups on the left are weighing in jointly on Jumaane and Ritchie, making it clear they want the new City Council to prioritize the preservation and expansion of permanently affordable housing for low-income New Yorkers.

 

Progressive Power Coalition Says Jumaane and Ritchie Will Help Increase Availability of Permanently Affordable Housing for Low-Income City Residents

 

    The Progressive Power Coalition, which includes several of the leading C4 advocacy organizations and community groups working to preserve and expand affordable housing for low-income New York City residents, released the following statement today:

 

“We applaud Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for appointing Council Member Jumaane Williams as the Chairman of the Housing Committee and Ritchie Torres as Chairman of the Public Housing Committee. For many years, Jumaane and Ritchie have been leading advocates for affordable housing in communities of color and immigrant communities. We know they will work together to ensure that the lowest-income city residents gain greater access to permanently affordable housing. As rents continue to skyrocket and gentrification stretches deeper into the outer boroughs, city government must do everything in its power to increase the availability of permanently affordable housing for low-wage workers and their families. We are confident that Jumaane and Ritchie will be strong, principled leaders on affordable housing in their new roles, and hold real-estate developers accountable for decisions that have harmed low-income New Yorkers in recent years.”

 

The Progressive Power Coalition includes Make The Road Action Fund, Citizens Action NY, VOCAL NY Action Fund, Community Voices Heard Power, and New York Communities for Change.

Statement from Council Member Andrew Cohen On Committee Assignments

 

Named Chair of Mental Health Committee, Appointed to Parks, Land Use and Veterans Affairs Committees

“I am delighted to be named the Chair of the Mental Health Committee and appointed to seats on the Parks, Land Use and Veterans Affairs Committees.  There is a lot that we can do to improve mental health and support the developmentally disabled population throughout New York City and I am looking forward to getting to work.

“Additionally, I am pleased to be a member of the Parks, Land Use and Veterans Affairs Committees.  The 11^th Council district has the most parkland of any district in the City.  I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to oversee Parks projects and ensure they are completed within their budget and in a timely manner.

“The jurisdiction that the Land Use committee has in regards to zoning and planning is extremely important.  We must ensure that developers comply with the zoning law and work with them to ensure responsible development is occurring throughout the City.

“We also must do more to support our veterans who sacrifice their lives to protect our freedoms.  I believe my work on the Mental Health committee can intertwine with my work on the Veterans Affairs committee as many veterans unfortunately return home with mental health issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Statement from Council Member Andy King on the New Leadership of City Council

  “First, I would like to congratulate Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and my colleagues on their new assignments and leadership positions to deliver for the residents of New York City. As we start a new day in City Council my commitment to the body has not changed. I am still committed to continuing to do the work I have been doing with my colleagues; I am still committed to serving the residents of the 12th District; and most importantly, I am still committed to advocating for the children and youth of New York City. Congratulations to all of us on our new assignments as we move forward together.”

Wave Hill Events February 7–February 14

  SAT, FEBRUARY 8    FAMILY ART PROJECT: HEARTS, FLOWERS AND LOVE BIRDS

Breathe in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers, enjoy their colorful blooms and learn about cuddly winter doves. Using the wintry inspiration of Wave Hill, make your own lovely, lacy, feathery and flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 8    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. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, FEBRUARY 8    WOODWORKING: WAVE HILL CHAIR WORKSHOP—DAY ONE

Wave Hill’s inspirational landscape is complemented by the iconic Wave Hill chair. In this two-day workshop, construct your own Wave Hill Chair under the guidance of master carpenter and Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. Participants receive step-by-step instructions; no previous carpentry skills required. Attendance required at both sessions, on December 8 and 9. Space is limited! $230/$210 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.439.3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 8    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: WAVE HILL WINTER IN 3-D

Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Evie McKenna’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. The artist gives an introduction to the basics of photography, including composition, light, form and a brief history of 3-D techniques. Participants will take digital photographs of the landscape and learn how to transform these into eye-popping 3-D images. Each participant must bring their own camera or camera phone; all other materials are provided. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    BIRDING WALK

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x 245 by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    FAMILY ART PROJECT: HEARTS, FLOWERS AND LOVE BIRDS

Breathe in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers, enjoy their colorful blooms and learn about cuddly winter doves. Using the wintry inspiration of Wave Hill, make your own lovely, lacy, feathery and flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    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. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    WOODWORKING: WAVE HILL CHAIR WORKSHOP—DAY TWO

Wave Hill’s inspirational landscape is complemented by the iconic Wave Hill chair. In this two-day workshop, construct your own Wave Hill Chair under the guidance of master carpenter and  Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. Participants receive step-by-step instructions; no previous carpentry skills required. Attendance required at both sessions, on December 8 and 9. Space is limited! $230/$210 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.439.3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–NOON

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    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. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9   GARDEN LECTURE: BEATRIX FARRAND AND THE GARDEN AT BELLEFIELD

Beatrix Farrand was one of America’s most revered early landscape architects and a pioneer of innovative design during the first half of the 20th century. Very few of her gardens remain intact, but one of her existing gems is right here in the Hudson Valley. Anne Cleves Symmes, Horticulturist for the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association, describes the two-decade-long process of restoring Bellefield, Farrand’s secret garden in Hyde Park, NY. The formal garden has been fully restored to its former glory and plans are underway to recreate the surrounding Wild Garden with its informal layout of trees, shrubs and flowering bulbs. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9   GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, FEBRUARY 10

Closed to the public.

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 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day on Tuesdays in February. 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 3o 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 242^nd 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.

SPEAKER MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO AND RULES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BRAD LANDER ANNOUNCE COUNCIL LEADERSHIP AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

  Pledging a more inclusive and democratic City Council, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Rules Committee Chairman Brad Lander announced the Council committee chairpersons and leadership today.
In a joint statement, Speaker Mark-Viverito and Rules Committee Chairman Lander said: “The leadership and committee chairs appointed today show that this City Council will be reflective of New York’s diversity and values. These committees will be critical to examining and debating legislation, engaging the public and holding the administration accountable. Our commitment is to empower committees and members to make sure all voices are heard within the council and today is the start of that commitment.”

LEADERSHIP
Van Bramer
Garodnick
Gentile
Rose
Torres
Vacca
Williams
Lander
Ignizio (Minority Leader)
AGING
Chin, Chair
Arroyo
Koslowitz
Rose
Deutsch
Treyger
Vallone
CIVIL RIGHTS
Mealy, Chair
Eugene
Dromm
Rose
King

CIVIL SERVICE & LABOR
Miller, Chair
Crowley
Dromm
Constantinides
Cornegy
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Arroyo, Chair
Palma
Crowley
King
Gibson
Maisel
Rosenthal
CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Espinal, Chair
Gentile
Ferreras
Koslowitz
Lancman
CONTRACTS
Rosenthal, Chair
Koo
Wills
Constantinides
Deutsch
Johnson
Miller

CULTURAL AFFAIRS, LIBRARIES & INTERNATIONAL INTERGROUP RELATIONS
Van Bramer, Chair
Crowley
Ferreras
Koo
Levin
King
Constantinides
Cumbo
Rosenthal

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Garodnick, Chair
Gentile
Ferreras
Koslowitz
Weprin
Wills
Richards
Barron
Miller
EDUCATION
Dromm, Chair
Gentile
Garodnick
Chin
Levin
Rose
Weprin
Williams
King
Barron
Deutsch
Levine
Maisel
Reynoso
Treyger
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Richards, Chair
Levin
Constantinides
Lancman
Ulrich
FINANCE
Ferreras, Chair
Rodriguez
Van Bramer
Gibson
Cornegy
Cumbo
Johnson
Levine
Miller
Rosenthal
Ignizio
FIRE & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Crowley, Chair
Eugene
Cabrera
Lancman
Vallone
GENERAL WELFARE
Levin, Chair
Palma
Cabrera
Wills
Richards
Gibson
Johnson
Menchaca
Torres
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
Kallos, Chair
Greenfield
Levine
Torres
Matteo
HEALTH
Johnson, Chair
Arroyo
Mendez
Eugene
Koo
Van Bramer
Barron
Cornegy
Espinal
HIGHER EDUCATION
Barron, Chair
Vacca
Cabrera
Williams
Cumbo
HOUSING & BUILDINGS
Williams, Chair
Mendez
Rodriguez
Koslowitz
Cornegy
Espinal
Levine
Reynoso
Rosenthal
Torres
Ulrich
IMMIGRATION
Menchaca, Chair
Eugene
Dromm
Koo
Espinal
JUVENILE JUSTICE
Cabrera, Chair
Arroyo
Vacca
Barron
Lancman
LAND USE
Greenfield, Chair
Palma
Arroyo
Dickens
Garodnick
Mealy
Mendez
Rodriguez
Koo
Lander
Levin
Weprin
Williams
Richards
Barron
Cohen
Kallos
Reynoso
Torres
Treyger
Ignizio
MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY, ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ABUSE & DISABILITY SERVICES
Cohen, Chair
Crowley
Wills
Johnson
Vallone
OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS
Gentile, Chair
Dickens
Dromm
Constantinides
Deutsch
Lancman
Rosenthal
PARKS & RECREATION
Levine, Chair
Mealy
Cabrera
Van Bramer
Cohen
Maisel
Treyger
PUBLIC HOUSING
Torres, Chair
Mendez
Van Bramer
Richards
Cumbo
PUBLIC SAFETY
Gibson, Chair
Gentile
Vacca
Ferreras
Williams
Cornegy
Deutsch
Espinal
Lancman
Torres
Matteo
RECOVERY AND RESILIENCY
Treyger, Chair
Mendez
Chin
Richards
Menchaca
Ulrich
Matteo
RULES, PRIVILEGES, & ELECTIONS
Lander, Chair
Dickens
Garodnick
Rodriguez
Chin
Rose
Williams
Espinal
Levine
Ignizio
Mark-Viverito

SANITATION & SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Reynoso, Chair
King
Gibson
Constantinides
Matteo
SMALL BUSINESS
Cornegy, Chair
Dickens
Eugene
Koo
Koslowitz
Wills
Menchaca
Vallone
Ulrich
STANDARDS & ETHICS
Maisel, Chair
Ferreras
Lander
Menchaca
Ignizio
STATE & FEDERAL LEGISLATION
Koslowitz, Chair
Dickens
Lander
Espinal
Kallos
Maisel
Reynoso
TECHNOLOGY
Vacca, Chair
Palma
Weprin
Greenfield
Matteo
TRANSPORTATION
Rodriguez, Chair
Garodnick
Vacca
Chin
Levin
Rose
Van Bramer
Weprin
Greenfield
Constantinides
Menchaca
Miller
Reynoso
VETERANS
Ulrich, Chair
Cabrera
Cohen
Maisel
Vallone
WATERFRONTS
Rose, Chair
Garodnick
Deutsch
Johnson
Vallone
WOMEN'S ISSUES
Cumbo, Chair
Mealy
Crowley
Koslowitz
Kallos
YOUTH SERVICES
Eugene, Chair
Palma
Mealy
Chin
Greenfield
King
Cumbo
LAND USE SUB COMMITTEES
LANDMARKS, PUBLIC SITING & MARITIME USES
Koo, Chair
Palma
Arroyo
Mendez
Levin
Barron
Kallos
PLANNING, DISPOSITIONS & CONCESSIONS
Dickens, Chair
Mealy
Rodriguez
Cohen
Treyger
ZONING & FRANCHISES
Weprin, Chair
Garodnick
Williams
Richards
Reynoso
Torres
Ignizio
SUB COMMITTEES
DRUG ABUSE (MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY, ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ABUSE & DISABILITY SERVICES)
Wills
LIBRARIES (CULTURAL AFFAIRS, LIBRARIES AND INTERNATIONAL INTERGROUP RELATIONS)
Constantinides
NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS (EDUCATION)
Deutsch
SENIOR CENTERS (AGING)
Vallone

BE PART OF THE 100 YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE BRONX - FEBRUARY 26TH 2014 AT THE MARINA DEL REY

  

  

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce

and the Bronx Borough President's Office

will be celebrating the

Centennial of the Bronx

on Wednesday, February 26, 2014

at the Marina del Rey.

 

Below you will find sponsorship opportunities as well as

 both journal ads and single ticket prices.

We would love for you to take an active role

 in this memorable event!

 

With any questions, please email

Alexandra@Bronxchamber.org or call 718-828-3900.

Thanks! 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER RODRIGUEZ NAMED CHAIR OF COUNCIL'S COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

   Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez was announced the newest chair of the City Council Committee on Transportation. This important committee is vital to oversight over the MTA, DOT, NYCTA & TLC and is set to be a major forum in discussing Mayor deBlasio's VisionZero initiative. Transportation is something that affects the lives of almost every New Yorker, as well as the many millions more who travel here from out of state and country. The focus of this committee will be to ensure efficiency, affordability and equality for all major forms of transportation.

Over the past four years, Council Member Rodriguez has been a fierce advocate for street safety in his community and across the city. An active member of the Transportation Committee prior to this appointment, he will continue to advocate for safe and efficient public transportation, while looking to expand service to under-severed communities. Upon his appointment, Council Member Rodriguez had this to say:

"I am grateful to our Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, for this great opportunity to make our city's expansive transportation system more efficient, affordable and equitable for all New Yorkers. We will seek to focus this committee on accomplishing Mayor deBlasio's Vision Zero initiative, placing a premium on pedestrian safety to avoid any further avoidable loss of life. Additionally, we will look for ways to expand our great public transportation system with the help of the MTA and transportation advocates; we will seek to cut travel times for New Yorkers to increase the efficiency of our city as a whole; and strike a suitable balance between the thousands of bicyclists and motorists who use our streets."

  The previous chair of the City Council Transportation Committee was Bronx Councilman Jimmy Vacca. 

Hazardous Travel Advisory

  At 9:47 AM. The NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory for today (Tuesday) and Wednesday due to anticipated weather conditions that will result in wet, slick sidewalks. Roadways could quickly turn icy. The National Weather Service has forecasted 8 to 12 inches of snow accumulation through Wednesday. Dangerously cold temperatures expected through Friday. Residents should drive slowly, monitor weather and traffic, use major streets or highways, and keep the name and number of at least one local towing service. Pedestrians should avoid slippery surfaces, dress in layers, and maintain a heightened awareness of cars, especially when crossing intersections. Please review the complete Hazardous Travel Advisory attached for additional details about the impending storm and precautions to take.

Editor's note --

You will find conditions like those in the photos below so walk carefully, and drive even more carefully especially over those extremely slippery metal plates covering Con Edison "Oil to Gas conversion" construction. The best advice "Get a good lawyer".

Left - A street that was not salted, and could lead up to an accident happening at this and other intersections.

Right - An overpass that was not fully salted, and could lead up to an accident as overpasses freeze up quicker than regular roads.

 

Left - A very slippery Con Edison metal plate covers construction in this crosswalk and others around the Bronx. Pedestrians not only have to worry about cars, but also have to worry about falling on the very slippery surface of the metal plate, and also if a car can stop on this surface.

Right - An intersection where very slippery Con Edison metal plates are. If you look closely a car has just slid about 10 feet on this metal plate Con Edison has left in this intersection. It is an accident waiting to happen. This is the area where a snow plow moved one of these metal plates in the street that opened a very dangerous 2 foot wide section of the construction trench area. Drivers of snow plows have been told not to plow over these metal Con Edison plates in the street.

Preschoolers at Bronx Special Ed. School Compete in Annual Winter Olympics

 
Update: This event has been postponed due to weather. 

  As U.S. athletes prepare for the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, about 100 preschoolers in the Readiness Program at New York Institute for Special Education (NYISE) will participate in their own annual Winter Olympics, Thursday, January 23, from 10 AM- Noon, in the Readiness Solarium, 985 Astor Avenue, behind the main building on Pelham Parkway North, Bronx.

Developmentally-delayed three to five-year-olds will participate in fun winter-themed activities designed to improve gross motor skills such as coordination, balance, strength and agility.

Each class will select a country to represent and make a flag for display at the Olympics. Students will wear their team color as they partake in Olympics-inspired games such as hockey, winter bowling, luge, ice-skating and snow ball fights with crumbled paper. The students will also get to participate in their favorite activity, the ice breaker.

A medal ceremony will follow and the children will be invited to create a large torch on the wall using pre-made painted hand-prints. Each student will receive a medal and be crowned a winner.

The New York Institute for Special Education, founded in 1831 as The New York Institute for the Education of the Blind, is one of the oldest and most respected schools in the nation that provides specialized services for children with disabilities.

WHAT:         WINTER OLYMPICS FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS AT NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

DATE:           THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

TIME:           10 AM – NOON

PLACE:         READINESS SOLARIUM (BEHIND MAIN BUILDING AT 999 PELHAM PARKWAY NORTH)

985 ASTOR AVENUE

BRONX

*Please RSVP if interested in attending: Bill Easton at weaston@rubenstein.com*

Welcome to Johnson Avenue Con Edison

As if the merchants on Johnson Avenue aren't struggling enough with the high rents and the poor economy Con Edison wants to add to the their despair. As you see in the photo on the left Johnson Avenue between West 235th & West 236th Street is being sliced so workers can open a foot and a half wide trench to put in high pressured gas lines as part of the Con Edison "Oil to Gas conversion" of apartment buildings that surround the Johnson Avenue shopping area. 

  This is what Johnson Avenue above West 236th Street looks like as workers were in, next to, and around the open trench near the middle of the street. Yes there is no parking allowed at the curb so that the workers an do their job while the construction is ongoing. Don't forget those slippery and pointy metal plates cover the work area when no work is going on, and that is often.

  Below on the left you can see how the cut is on an angle as it is thought on how the old gas pipe is aligned under the street.

  On the right you can see the markings that go down the full length of Johnson Avenue. Note how bad the previous  covering of construction work by and under the white car has left the roadway. Don't forget there will be no parking on this side of the street for about as long as it takes for Con Edison to do the work.

ANDREW CUOMO, THE INTOLERANT GOVERNOR

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York

ANDREW CUOMO, THE INTOLERANT GOVERNOR

You should know that back in Biblical times, there were two cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, whose leaders were intolerant of anyone who would oppose their teachings and beliefs, to the point that the leaders would expel and commit physical violence against anyone who disagreed with them.   The leaders of Sodom and Gomorrah demanded that its’ citizens should be tolerant of their beliefs.

You should also know that New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has spent the past few years pushing for tolerance from people who disagree with him and his ilk.  However, we just got a very disturbing lesson of intolerance from our beloved Governor, Andrew Cuomo.

On Friday, January 17, 2014 Governor Andrew Cuomo made an outrageous statement during a radio interview, where he categorically condemned all New Yorkers who fall under his label of “extreme conservatives."

Governor Cuomo stated: “these extreme conservatives, have no place in the State of New York.”   So we should ask, who are these “extreme conservatives”?

You should know that these condemned New Yorkers include people of faith communities, and people of no faith at all, who uphold traditional marriage and oppose the legalization of marriage between a man and a man, and a woman and a woman.  The Governor’s condemned New Yorkers also include women and men who respect the inherent dignity of human life at all stages of development and who oppose the legalization of the brutal killing of unborn children in their mothers' wombs.

I wonder if the Governor had the chance to redo his interview, if he would like to include New Yorkers who oppose late-term abortions - and New Yorkers who oppose fornication or sex outside of marriage - among those who should no longer reside in New York State.

Governor Andrew Cuomo's widespread call for the banishment of all New Yorkers who don't toe his liberal line sounds like something we might hear from the mouth of a tyrant condemning those who sit on the wrong side of his throne.

Governor Andrew Cuomo's presumptuous license to banish those who he has called "extreme conservatives" is an outright attack on millions of New Yorkers.  It's also an attack on the core principles of the Bill of Rights' First Amendment freedoms:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Someone needs to send our Governor back to a remedial course of "Civics 101 - Introduction to the US Constitution.”  And if it helps, I would be delighted to lend Governor Andrew Cuomo my copy of Nat Hentoff’s book: “Free Speech for Thee, But Not For Me.”

You should know that Governor Andrew Cuomo's radio attack against millions of New Yorkers who are “extreme conservatives” amounts to a thinly disguised act of religious discrimination against those who are practicing Catholics, Jewish, Muslims, and Evangelical Christians.  Millions of New Yorkers revere the teachings of the Torah, the Holy Bible and the Koran.

My dear reader, we need to remain vigilant, because as they say: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

I have to say, while Governor Andrew Cuomo's radio attack sounded like an excommunication decree, I find comfort in knowing that I am in good company with many of New York’s religious leaders, including my Catholic friends, such as Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who shepherds New York’s Catholics with loving pro-family guidance.  This includes the belief that life is given by God, and God is the only one who should take it away.

I am also in good company with the Catholic Church’s Pope Francis who recently reminded the world of the travesty of abortion when he stated: “Unfortunately, what is thrown away is not only food and dispensable objects, but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as ‘unnecessary.’ For example, it is frightful even to think there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day.”

I must ask our beloved Governor, where are all those talks about tolerance?  Is it that our intolerant Governor wants New York State to become a tyrannical state?

I am State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.  

 

Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

   
Dear Friend,

It's important to remember that today is more than simply a day off from work or school, it is a day for all of us to remember the important work done by Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout his life.  Dr. King’s legendary heroism must be recalled each year around this time. A humanitarian, he dedicated his life to battling social injustice and was one of the most influential forces behind the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s.  In the state Assembly, I have tried to live up to his philosophy that we should act now when it comes to improving the lives of the citizens of our state.

The work of Dr. King is not over, a growing problem in New York and across the country is the ever-expanding gap between the wealthy and the middle class and poor. Combating income inequality and spurring upward mobility are defining issues of our time, and they were also central to Dr. King’s agenda.  Increasing wages for hardworking families and creating more good-paying jobs must be the goal of every elected official, and it’s an issue that I will work diligently on in Albany in 2014.

Dr. King also placed a great emphasis on education, and so do I – providing our children with a sound education has always been one of my top priorities. Dr. King once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically ... intelligence plus character –that is the goal of true education.” Unfortunately, providing a top-notch education has become more and more challenging, especially for our high-need schools. Forcing teachers to do more with less, yet expecting better outcomes, is unrealistic at best. That’s why every year I call on our leaders to increase funding for our schools and work to ensure the needs of our educators and students are being met, in the spirit of Dr. King’s vision.

I leave you with this image of Dr. King along with a quote that I find especially meaningful, I hope you will share it with others and continue to spread Dr. King's message.

87th A.D. Assemblyman,

Luis R. Sepulveda