Saturday, November 1, 2025

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

GOVERNMENT HEADER

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES THE APPROVAL OF THE KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY REDEVELOPMENT

This week, The Bronx celebrated a historic win, after the New York City Council unanimously voted in favor of the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory. The first phase of the project is expected to begin in 2026 and is scheduled for completion in 2030.


Senator Rivera is incredibly thankful to Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, community members, and the Northwest Bronx Community Clergy Coalition for working for years to ensure that what’s built in the Armory belongs to The Bronx and Bronxites.


The new developer has a mandate: real economic growth, sustainability, and community benefits. All community stakeholders need to make sure to hold them accountable because this is an opportunity of a lifetime for The Bronx and its success is now paramount.

Happy Halloween! Since last Saturday, Senator Rivera has made multiple stops in his district to celebrate the spookiest day of the year!


Last Saturday, he stopped by the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation Boo! on Mosholu, and today, he joined his neighbors at the 13th Annual Miss Abbie's Halloween Health Fair and Block Event and at the Bean-o-ween Harvest Fest. Have a very safe and candy filled afternoon!

This week, Senator Rivera held his second blood drive of the year at Fordham University. After seeing how successful the one held in June was, Senator Rivera and his team decided to partner up with the American Red Cross again to hold a second blood drive that will optimize the lives of many. Did you know that a single donation can save up to three lives? Find your nearest blood donation center here.


A big thank you to the American Red Cross, to Fordham University's President Tania Tetlow, and Vice President for External Affairs Travis Proulx, and to

Dr. Keisha Shay, Co-Director of the Bronx Research Institute for Community Solutions, for helping us make this event happen.

This week, Senator Rivera joined Bronx Community Board 6 at their October General Monthly Board meeting. During his visit, the Senator discussed community and legislative updates including his auto shop bill (S.2329), a bill championed by Community Board 6, that will allow community boards to weigh in on renewal of auto shop licenses to operate. Check this reel to learn more about it. 


In addition, Senator Rivera spoke once again about the 'Know Your Rights' cards distributed by his office. If you would like to place an order of these cards to distribute in the community, we encourage you to call our office, and we will walk you through the order process to get them shipped to you.

This week, Senator Rivera hosted a civics class to 12th graders at the Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy International High School, where they spent an hour engaged in the civic presentation prepared by him, followed by an engaging class discussion. There were approximately 20 seniors in the classroom asking thought provoking questions. In this presentation, Senator Rivera discussed state government, civic engagement, advocacy work, and provided an overview of the state budget process. Thank you all for welcoming us to your class!

This week, Senator Rivera called in to the Brian Lehrer Show to share his support for Overdose Prevention Centers. He carries the Safer Consumption Services Act, a bill to authorize and regulate them statewide in communities that need them, including The Bronx. Criminalization hasn't worked so Senator Rivera strongly believes that it is time to shift our approach and offer harm reduction services to drug users to get them off the streets and into caring healthcare settings. Listen to the interview here.

DON'T FORGET TO FALL BACK: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS THIS SUNDAY!

This Thanksgiving holiday, the Senate is proud to sponsor a Thanksgiving Day Student Showcase across the state.


The year's theme is “What are you thankful for?” Students are invited to submit an original poem, short essay, or artwork that expresses what they are thankful for.


Showcase submissions must be uploaded electronically in JPEG or PDF format to be featured on Senator Rivera’s website. Participants will receive a personalized certificate from their Senator in recognition of their contribution.


The submission period will remain open until November 21, 2025, to ensure student work can be published online in time for Thanksgiving Day.

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