This event will be held on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 pm sharp. Event will be at Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway South.
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association June 9th Meeting
Partnerships for Parks - Tree Care Workshops and More
Willow oak on Steinway Street in Queens. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks.
Tree Guards: Protecting Street Trees Webinar and DIY Installation Workshop
Did you know tree guards can improve the health and longevity of NYC’s street trees? These physical barriers discourage people and pets from walking over tree beds, reduce waste, and prevent both root damage and soil compaction. Join a virtual workshop to understand the role tree guards play in protecting street trees and how to get them installed plus a hands-on workshop to see what it’s like to install a tree guard yourself!
Part 1: Protecting Street Trees
We’ll review DIY and professionally-installed options, the permitting process, and how to source and pay for materials, along with a Q&A with urban forest experts. Featured speakers will include James Kaechele, program manager at NYC Parks Tree Time; Maric Kusinitz, Tree Planting program coordinator at Big Reuse; and Anneliese Zausner-Mannes, Tree Team program director at Big Reuse. There will be a prize raffle for those who attend!
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Virtual
Part 2: DIY Installation Demo
Join this workshop to see what it’s like to install a tree guard yourself! Our Urban Forest team will demonstrate installation using materials from Big Reuse. We’ll review tool safety and all the steps from start to finish. Attendees will participate in tree care afterwards. We'll also have coffee, snacks, and a toolkit giveaway!
Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
East 153rd St. & Walton Ave in Franz Sigel Park
Bronx, NY 10451
Vital Parks for All
Help us build a robust community engagement map! NYC Parks is working to develop a comprehensive inventory of our park partner groups for our online Volunteer Group Directory. You'll be listed in the directory so New Yorkers seeking volunteer opportunities, elected officials, and potential funders or collaborators can know you exist.
Add your group here with your preferred contact information: Group Update Form : NYC Parks. Your group will also get included in our comprehensive map of park partner groups in the Vital Parks Explorer, which elected officials and other decision-makers use to see where there is engagement with community partners. This information will also help support the Urban Design Forum’s Public Space Partners Survey to showcase the power of civic and public realm partners across the region. Use #ParkPartnerPower on social media to help spread the word!
Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to ensure these spaces are dynamic community assets.
DEC ANNOUNCES NEW YORK'S THIRTEENTH ANNUAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK BEGINS JUNE 8
Free Public Events Scheduled Across New York State to Engage and Educate the Public About Invasive Species Issues
The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (AGM) announced that the State's 13th annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) will run from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. Free public events, including webinars, hands-on workshops, and guided hikes and paddles will be offered online and across the state to encourage New Yorkers to learn more and participate in the fight against the negative impacts of invasive species.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity to engage and mobilize the public to protect local ecosystems, agricultural, and public health from the threats of invasive species. These harmful invaders outcompete native wildlife, damage recreational spaces, and cause economic harm. Through collaboration among State and local governments, environmental organizations, researchers, industry partners, and the public, we can strengthen our efforts to detect, manage, and prevent invasive species. Whether you’re hiking, boating, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors, everyone has a role to play in safeguarding our environment for future generations.”
AGM Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Combatting the spread of harmful invasive species like the box tree moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and spotted lanternfly is critical to protecting our agricultural industry. We’re fortunate to have strong collaborations with our partners at DEC in advancing our shared mission of addressing these pests and their threat to New York agriculture and our natural resources. Together, we are working to educate farmers, plant growers and dealers, and the public about the impact of invasive species and how to preserve the health of New York’s farms, environment, and economy.”
To participate in an ISAW event, visit the NY Invasive Species Awareness Week 2026 page on the NY Invasive Species Clearinghouse website to find a complete list of offerings. Registration information and full event details can be found by clicking on the individual events.
Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that are not native to an area and cause harm to the environment, agriculture, economy, or public health. New York is particularly vulnerable to these pests due to its role as a center for international trade and travel.
DEC leads a comprehensive program to research, manage, and combat the effects of invasive species across New York State. This includes tackling aquatic invasive species like hydrilla, water chestnut, and northern snakehead and forest pests such as southern pine beetle, laurel wilt, and hemlock wooly adelgid. DEC works with numerous partners and oversees eight NYS Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs), which educate residents and visitors about how everyone can protect their lands, water, and forests from invasive species.
AGM works to control and eradicate various invasive species, such as the spotted lanternfly, European pepper moth, and European cherry fruit fly, which can harm New York’s agricultural crops, particularly grapes, hops, strawberries, peppers, and fruit trees. Staff conduct annual surveys for these pests, and inspect the state’s nearly 9,000 greenhouses, retail markets, and nursery growers and dealers for compliance with invasive plant regulations. Horticultural inspectors also monitor for invasive pests and diseases, such as Asian longhorned beetle and boxwood blight that are harmful to New York’s trees and popular landscape shrubs. Learn more about the invasive species that are a concern for New York agriculture at agriculture.ny.gov/plant-
In the recently enacted 2026-27 State Budget, Governor Hochul reaffirms New York’s commitment to environmental leadership by appropriating $425 million to the Environmental Protection Fund, using $25 million from the Sustainable Future Program to provide a record $450 million for important environmental programs. EPF funding is a critical resource for environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects. The budget includes a renewed $18.5 million in funding to manage invasive species.
ISAW educates New Yorkers to work together to spread the word, not the species. Everyone can make a difference in the fight against invasives by helping to locate and map infestations (leaves DEC's website), using only local firewood, properly cleaning watercraft before and after boating, cleaning dirt off boots after hiking, or removing invasive species from the yard. To learn more about invasive species and how to get involved, visit DEC's website.
Permits Filed for 2603 Sedgwick Avenue in University Heights, The Bronx
Permits have been filed for a six-story residential building at 2603 Sedgwick Avenue in University Heights, The Bronx. Located between West Kingsbridge Road and Bailey Avenue, the lot is closest to the Kingsbridge Road subway station, served by the 4 train. Petrit Grishaj of Peter G Construction is listed as the owner behind the applications.
The proposed 60-foot-tall development will yield 16,806 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 25 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 672 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse, cellar, and a 40-foot-long rear yard.
Badaly Engineering is listed as the architect of record.
Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Music, Fireworks & a Summer Night in the Park
Grab your blanket, pack your favorite snacks, and join us for one of New York City's most beloved summer traditions!
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks are returning to Van Cortlandt Park, bringing an unforgettable evening of music, community, and summer magic under the stars.
This year's program features Principal Cello Carter Brey performing Saint-Saëns's exhilarating Cello Concerto No. 1, alongside American and French orchestral favorites conducted by Elim Chan.
Date and Time: June 9th, concert begins at 8pm
Directions: Van Cortlandt Park
Questions: Click here for FAQs
The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky!
Whether you're a longtime classical music fan or simply looking for the perfect summer evening outdoors, this is an event you won't want to miss.
We can't wait to see you there!
P.S. Arrive early to claim a good spot on the lawn and settle in before the music begins!
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
Office of the New York State Comptroller DiNapoli - This Week: Upstate Bus Services Needs Better On-Time Performance
Upstate Bus Services Needs Better On-Time Performance
A new report from Comptroller DiNapoli found inconsistent on-time performance across upstate New York’s four major transportation authorities. While Rochester surpassed its goals, Buffalo and the Capital Region had mixed results, and Central New York does not publish an on-time performance metric. Emphasizing how important reliable bus service is, Comptroller DiNapoli stressed that tracking timeliness of bus service is the first step toward improving performance for these critical public transportation systems.
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Comptroller DiNapoli-led Bill Expanding Banking Services in Underserved Communities Passes Legislature
Legislation initiated by Comptroller DiNapoli to help expand banking services in underserved communities passed in the New York State Senate and Assembly. The proposal was developed by the State Comptroller’s office in collaboration with the legislature and the banking community.
The bill (S.8357/A.9574), developed by DiNapoli with assistance from sponsors Senator James Sanders Jr. and Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson, would help more community- and minority-owned banks access state deposits by reducing barriers to participation in the Banking Development District Program.
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Audit Highlights Improvements Needed in Community Based Reentry Programs
A new audit released by Comptroller DiNapoli found that the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) needs to strengthen its transitional services program. Recognizing the importance of the program’s mission to mitigate homelessness and support successful community reintegration, the audit outlines necessary improvements to expand program reach and effectiveness. DOCCS officials agreed with Comptroller DiNapoli’s recommendations and were taking steps to implement them.
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Four Arrested for Alleged Medicaid Fraud of Over $1.6 million
Comptroller DiNapoli, Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, and Acting Medicaid Inspector General Frank T. Walsh, Jr. announced the arrests of four defendants for allegedly using three Medicaid transportation companies to systematically defraud the program out of more than $1.6 million.
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Former Esperance Fire Chief Charged With Stealing $10,000
The former chief of the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department was arrested for allegedly stealing approximately $10,000 from the Esperance Fire and Rescue Squad and the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, Comptroller DiNapoli and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced.
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S T A T E A G E N C Y A U D I T S
- New York City Department of Small Business Services: Facilitated Programs to Assist Small Businesses
- New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and New York City Housing Development Corporation: Housing for Seniors (Follow-Up)
A L S O I N T H E N E W S
- ‘Not Doing Enough’: NY Maternal Mortality Reforms Haven’t Closed Racial Gap
- Upstate New York bus systems fall short on punctuality, state comptroller report finds
- State audit finds gaps in oversight of housing program for people leaving prison
- Ex-Esperance fire chief charged with stealing $10K from EMS, memorial fund
- Brothers accused of stealing more than $1.6M in Medicaid funds
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P O S T O F T H E W E E K
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