CASTLE HILL RESIDENTS TAKE ON PROPOSED “HOT SHEET MOTEL”

  Mr. Fernando Pinata of the Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association leads a protest rally against a proposed Days Inn motel that the organization and elected official believe will turn into a 'Hot Sheet Motel'. Over 100 local residents, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, and Community Board 9 Chair William Rivera joined the protest. 

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein talks about a new bill that he and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda have introduced for any new development of a hotel/motel in the Bronx to be required to go through a community review process before the community and local community board.

Right - Assemblyman Sepulveda adds to what Senator Klein said, and congratulates his neighbors and constituents for coming to the rally.

Left - Community activist Mr. Fernando Pinata thanks the elected officials for their help in getting a "Stop Work Order' on the site of a proposed Days Inn the community says will become a 'Hot Sheet Motel'. 

Below - Senator Klein and Assemblyman Sepulveda joined in on the march in front of the site.

Above - The Jet Set Hotel alleged to be a 'Hot Sheet Motel' was said to be owned by the developer of the Days Inn Motel on Bruckner Blvd.

Right - St. Barnabas Hospital is within two blocks of the Jet Set Hotel located on 3rd Avenue in the middle of many auto shops.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Events and Bronx Builder Awards Dinner

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce  cordially invites you to join us for our upcoming events...

For more information call: 718-828-3900 

To RSVP send an e-mail to: events@bronxchamber.org

*SEATINGS ARE LIMITED* 

What You Should Know

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District

  Governor Andrew Cuomo's Private Plane 

You should know that this week, while New York Governor Andrew Cuomo jetted off with his staff in a private plane to pander to leaders in Santo Domingo and Puerto Rico, the Dominican Hispanic elected officials were not given the same courtesy treatment as his staff and and had to travel on a commercial plane.  The same is true for the Puerto Rican Hispanic elected officials traveling to Puerto Rico from New York to support Governor Andrew Cuomo.  No private plane - they all had to fly commercial like Cuomo and is staff traveled like royalty in his private plane. 

You should know that despite his many flaws, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg never relegated any elected officials who accompanied him to travel on commercial airlines while he flew in his private plane.  Those who traveled with Bloomberg were treated like family members.  

It is disgraceful that Governor Andrew Cuomo did not welcome New York Hispanic elected officials to join him and travel with him in his private plane as they went out of their way to demonstrate support for his campaign. 

Ladies and gentlemen, if this is how Governor Andrew Cuomo treats members of his political family, what more can the rest of us expect from him? 

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

Editors Note:  Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has endorsed Republican Rob Astorino for governor over the incumbent Democrat  Andrew Cuomo.

New York City's Speed Limit is Changing to 25 MPH on November 7, 2014

Starting November 7th, the speed limit on all New York City streets will be 25 MPH unless otherwise posted.

By getting New York drivers to slow down, we will prevent crashes, protect New Yorkers from injury and save lives. Lowering the speed limit to 25MPH is one aspect of the Mayor’s comprehensive Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.

The new 25 MPH speed limit will affect all NYC streets, except those where a different speed limit is posted. The speed limit on our highways will remain the same. Some big streets, which have been designed to accommodate faster speeds will remain at 30 MPH. Other streets, particularly streets near schools, may have a lower speed limit posted. 

Questions? Please visit nyc.gov/visionzero.

New York Observer - Mayor de Blasio Only Measures his Buccess by How Many People are on Welfare

  In addition to the headline The Observer also writes that Astorino would like to see a Walmart open up in New York City in an interview with the papers editorial board. Astorino adds that Walmart is a good thing for poor neighborhoods so people have lower prices and job opportunities. 

  Astorino then is quoted as saying that Success should not be measured by how many people are on welfare, which Astorino thinks that is how Mayor Bill de Blasio sees success as. Astorino added in the interview that the goal should be to get people off welfare. 

  I don't see the New York Observer endorsing Rob Astorino for Governor, and you can find the entire article at the link in the first line of this post.

  

Walmart Targeted in Day of Protests at City Hall and Outside Home of Walmart Heiress

  26 people were arrested outside the upper East Side home of Walmart Heiress Alice Walmart The Daily News Article reports, in that two separate rallies were held against the Walmart chain. One anti Walmart rally was held at City Hall where Public Advocate Letitia James and City Comptroller Scott Stringer attended, and the other outside the upper East Side home of Walmart heiress Alice Walmart.

  At City Hall James and Stringer slammed the Walmart chain charging that the chains influence has driven down wages and other benefits at their competition to compete with Walmart. Full time hours, consistent schedules, and a living wage of $15 an hour,” were demanded by Public Advocate James of Walmart. Comptroller Stringer mentioned that small businesses are disappearing, Walmart will be hold to a higher standard, and that Walmart is not going to be let in to the city because of what they are doing. 

  Walmart has no stores in New York City after a failed attempt two years ago at opening a store in East New York. 

Raymond W. Kelly '63 Student Commons Dedication

  As you can see in the photo above today was a great day for Manhattan College as the dedication for the new Raymond W. Kelly Student Commons. On hand were Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, hundreds of Manhattan College alumni and supporters, and of course former NYPD Police Commissioner and 1963 graduate of Manhattan College Raymond W. Kelly and his wife of 50 years Veronica. 

  The photos below will show you more of the dedication of the 5 story 70,000 square foot student commons building. The building has a state of the art fitness center, Barnes and Noble College bookstore, numerous dining options with a full service Starbucks Coffee shop, a convertible 6,500 plus square foot multi purpose meeting space to accommodate gatherings of various sizes, and is Manhattan College's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) registered building on campus. 

  If you click on the photo you can see that Governor Cuomo is smiling for me, with Senator Jeff Klein in the row behind the governor, Former NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, and Veronica Kelly with her hand up. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo who came to the dedication, says a few words about his friend Ray Kelly and how Ray Kelly transformed the NYPD into the worlds largest and best counter-terrorism force in the world. 

State Senator Jeff Klein whose district Manhattan College is in, also had nothing but praise for Ray Kelly and Manhattan College.

The crowd cheers as Ray Kelly finishes his humble address, thanking those who made today possible. 

Finally, the official ribbon cutting to open the new Raymond W. Kelly Student Commons at Manhattan College.

Governor Cuomo gets a final word in with the Kelly's before he leaves. 

  While he did not speak at the dedication Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz sent the following statement. "Congratulations to former New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and to Manhattan College, on the dedication of the school's new Raymond W. Kelly '63 Student Commons building. Commissioner Kelly has been a dedicated public servant his entire life, not only for this great city, but for our country as well. Manhattan College could not have chosen a more fitting name to bestow on its new Student Commons building. Here I am pictured with my Senate colleague Jeffrey D. Klein, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and of course, Raymond W. Kelly."

Wave Hill Events Oct 31–Nov 07

SAT, NOVEMBER 1    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 1    ART AND NATURE PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Artists have the opportunity to meet with a curator, gallerist or critic for a 20-minute session providing feedback on their work or presentation materials. Guest reviewers to be announced. Review fee: $25 per artist to meet with one reviewer. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org. Call 718.549.3200 x398 with questions.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10:30AM–4:30PM

SAT, NOVEMBER 1   FAMILY ART PROJECT: PLANT JEWELRY

Collect intriguing items from the grounds of Wave Hill. Then visiting artist Jessica Lagunas shows us how to turn our found natural wonders into exciting plant jewelry. Save some to glue to a found box, along with fabric or embossed foil, and make a treasure chest to house your prized possession of the season. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 2   FAMILY ART PROJECT: PLANT JEWELRY

Collect intriguing items from the grounds of Wave Hill. Then visiting artist Jessica Lagunas shows us how to turn our found natural wonders into exciting plant jewelry. Save some to glue to a found box, along with fabric or embossed foil, and make a treasure chest to house your prized possession of the season. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 2    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 2    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 2    HARVEST BRUNCH

Presented by Wave Hill's long-time partner and exclusive caterer Great Performances, New York City’s premier catering and events company, this very special brunch in historic Wave Hill House’s Armor Hall will feature a beautiful spread of unique twists on classic brunch presentations and is perfect for honoring the harvest season. Seatings will be offered at 11:30, Noon and 12:30PM.  Wave Hill’s Harvest Brunch is $45 per person excluding tax and gratuity, $40 for Wave Hill Members, $25 for children ages three to 11. Unlimited mimosas will be provided. Reservations may be made by emailing wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com by October 30. Guests will be provided with a secured credit card payment link when reservations are requested.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11:30AM, NOON & 12:15PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 2    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 3

Closed to the public

TUE, NOVEMBER 4    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 4    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

WED, NOVEMBER 5    FALL FOLIAGE WALK

Enjoy colorful foliage at its seasonal peak. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day shares some of his favorite trees and shrubs in their vibrant fall finery. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 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 15–October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings 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 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 atwww.wavehill.org/visit/.

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