Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for joining us for another week in review.
As April draws to a close, we are thrilled to share some exciting updates and initiatives that are shaping our borough's future. Last week, we hosted an HPD Bronx Hiring Fair in partnership with the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development that resulted in the hiring of 29 new HPD staffers. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect job seekers with promising career paths. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and we look forward to officially welcoming these 29 new staffers who will help to maintain our buildings’ and residents’ safety. Click here for more information on other job opportunities and vacancies.
We are also excited to announce that we are only a few days away before the launch of Bronx Week 2024! A celebration of the people, places, and neighborhoods that help to make our borough an amazing place to live, work, and visit. Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beloved Bronx. Your dedication and support are invaluable and we look forward to celebrating our borough with you from May 6th - May 19th. Go to ilovethebronx.com for a full list of events.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.
In partnership,
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson
"We are extremely disappointed to learn about the potential sale of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club, also known as the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse, in our Borough. Since its inception, this institution has stood as a vital lifeline for countless children and families in our community."
"A recent decision by the Board of Directors has left our children and families worried about the status of their community center. The Smilow Club created a pipeline to better outcomes for children in disadvantaged communities, offering a beacon of hope and progress. Now, as many alumni serve as leaders in government, law enforcement, healthcare, and beyond, former, and current members of the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse stand as shining examples of the profound impact of strong community programming."
"We are deeply concerned by the lack of meaningful engagement and transparency from the Boys and Girls Club and its Board of Directors, who have failed to establish a substantive dialogue with the community and its elected officials in advance of this decision. We can only hope that the Club will choose to act in the best interest of its current, young participants, because our Bronx families deserve opportunities for success. They deserve accessible after-school and summer youth programming, responsive educational institutions, modernized infrastructures, and increased economic opportunities. The pending sale of The Smilow Clubhouse will have a negative impact on community trust and ultimately our community’s success."
"As elected officials representing this community at every level of government, we are committed to ensuring the continuity of recreation and services for our youth. We are actively seeking innovative solutions to support the legacy of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club's graduates and the children they leave behind due to this decision, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive."
"I was deeply disappointed by yet another public demonstration of dysfunction at Community Board 11. I strongly believe in community board independence and have remained respectful of each Board’s internal processes, but it is clear now that Community Board 11 requires intervention. A very small, but persistent, group has for too long reliably distracted and embarrassed the greater Board. There has been an outcry from Board Members and community members alike expressing outrage and frustration. I share their sentiment and will meet their call for help to restore order and civility to Community Board 11. Moreover, even though a change in leadership was assured, some members moved forward with the removal process solely to embarrass these board officers. This is an unacceptable way to treat longtime community leaders.
Reappointments are currently before me for consideration, as are applications from new applicants. We will soon have a new Community Board 11, refreshed in membership and refocused on serving the beautiful communities that they represent. I am sincerely grateful to the selfless and dedicated Community Board 11 Members who make up the vast majority of the Board and who have endured a very difficult period in the Board’s history. You have my support. Change is coming."
IN THE COMMUNITY
Earlier this week, we were honored to tour our very own “Emerald Isle” in the Bronx with the Consul General of Ireland in New York, Helena Nolan. Woodlawn is a historic neighborhood in our borough with a rich Irish culture and history. Thank you to all of our Irish-owned businesses, local unions & community centers who welcomed us.
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The much-anticipated opening of the Fulton Community Reentry Center will result in impactful and transformative change for the Bronx.
Formerly justice-involved New Yorkers will soon have the necessary tools to successfully transition back into society and become proactive members of our community.
I want to thank the Osborne Society, NYC Department of Homeless Services, New York Empire State Development Corporation, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the New York City Council, and Trinity Church Wall Street for their support of reentry services for justice-involved New Yorkers and for reimagining this space into something beneficial for our communities.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this month’s Borough Board meeting. Today’s session provided valuable insights into the Bronx Metro North Area Study ULURP and exciting developments in economic growth. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape the future of the Bronx together.
We had the privilege of touring the brand-new Chase Community Center at 128 E Fordham Road. It was truly inspiring to witness the tangible results of public-private partnerships in action, underscoring the vital role of private investment in our borough’s growth and prosperity. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to community empowerment, we’re excited about the positive impact this center will have on the lives of Bronx residents. Thank you to JPMorgan Chase Bronx and to all partners involved in making this a reality.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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