Borough President Diaz, Assemblyman Dinowitz, and Councilman Cohen Break ground on New Library

    After each elected official spoke about the lack of adequate funding to the Bronx Public Library system, and how this new library will benefit the community, all grabbed shovels to officially break ground for the new Van Cortlandt Village public library which will be located in a much larger two story building on Cannon Place. This new library is just a few blocks away from the old out dated one story building the city has been leasing on Sedwick Avenue. The building is an already existing building that is being converted to house the new library branch, which will be one of the most up to date libraries in the New York Public Library system. The projected first day of operation is expected by July 2019.

Above - Mr. Tony Marks of the NYPL tells a little about the new features of that this library will have, as he introduced the elected officials who were on hand.

Below - Councilman Andrew Cohen says a  few words about helping to secure funding so this new public library could be built. 

Above - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was also proud to have allocated funding for this new area public library.

Below - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz the veteran elected official of the three in attendance was glad to see this new library be built,

Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr. marveled at the back of the new library with its rock outcroppings and vegetation. There is a large area behind the building that will be used for several different events and learning experiences. 

Assemblyman Dinowitz, Joined by Fellow State Lawmakers and Riders Alliance, Protests the Executive Budget Proposal to Cut MTA Budget by $65 Million.

Assemblyman Dinowitz, Joined by Fellow State Lawmakers and Riders Alliance,  Protests the Executive Budget Proposal to Cut MTA Budget by $65 Million.

   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz attended a press conference hosted  by the Riders Alliance to protest of the Executive Budget proposal to reduce the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) budget by $65 million.

This year, the Executive Budget Proposal outlined a plan to provide the MTA  $244 Million for the Payroll Mobility Tax transfer. A reduction of $65 million dollars from the anticipated $309 million. Even with this reduction, the Governor’s office argues that overall the MTA budget is being increased. However this “increase” does not account for the funds the MTA would have made if not for the Governor’s 2011 cut to the Payroll Mobility Tax transfer that helps to fund the MTA.

In 2011, the Governor Cuomo and lawmakers scaled back the Payroll Mobility Tax transfer that but promised to replace the missing funds every year “dollar for dollar”. The tax contributed around $1.5 billion to the MTA but was reduced to $1.2 billion after the scale-back.  

Every year since that time, the State has largely kept that promise, contributing approximately $309 million a year to offset the funds lost from the 2011 tax cuts.

This year the proposed $244 million falls far short of the funds the MTA would have had if the Payroll Mobility Tax had remained in place.

As the newly appointed Chairman of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, which oversees the MTA, Assemblyman Dinowitz believes this proposed cut to be untenable and has written a letter cosigned 45 other Assembly Members opposing the proposal.

“A promise is a promise. When we restructured the Payroll Mobility Tax in 2011, the Governor, the Legislature promised to make up the funds to the MTA. Each year we have kept that promise, budgeting $309 million annually on replacement funds. This year, however, the Executive Budget cuts that amount by 21%, which is $65 million dollars. That is unacceptable. The promise must be kept. The money must be restored and that is what I will fight to do as we negotiate a state budget,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

The MTA, which has been experiencing an overall decline in ridership as well as general service problems and delays needs this money badly. Now is not the time to make cuts to the organization relied upon by 9 million people.

Assemblyman Dinowitz, Montefiore Health System, Walgreens Pharmacy Sponsoring Flu Shots at Vladeck Hall on October 6th and at the Riverdale YM-YWHA on October 27th

  Assemblyman Dinowitz is pleased to announce that he will be sponsoring  two additional dates for flu shots for members of the community in the 81^st Assembly District. Flu shots will be administered on October 6^th at Vladeck Hall at 74 Van Cortlandt Park South, and on October 27^th  at the Riverdale YM-YWHA at 5625 Arlington Avenue, both events will be between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This service is also sponsored by Montefiore Health System, Walgreens Pharmacy, Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Jeff Klein, and Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Flu shots will be administered at no cost to the constituent, though participants are asked to bring their insurance card.

“I am pleased to partner with Montefiore Health System and Walgreens to offer this important service to the community,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “The flu is a serious health matter, and getting a flu shot protects not just yourself but also your friends, family, and neighbors. I strongly encourage everyone to contact my office about getting a flu shot.”

“It’s important that people get vaccinated to protect themselves and importantly, their loved ones, particularly those who are young, elderly or suffer from chronic diseases.” said Amanda Parsons, M.D., M.B.A., vice president of Community & Population Health, Montefiore Health System. “Vaccination is safe, effective, and the best way to prevent getting the flu -- yet only half of New Yorkers report getting a flu shot. Montefiore is excited to partner with Assemblyman Dinowitz and Walgreens to ensure that Riverdale residents have access to flu vaccines at no cost to them.”

“The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every adult get a flu shot, and annual flu shots from Walgreens are a quick and effective way to protect you and your family from the most common influenza viruses each year,” said Walgreens District Manager Jerry Couch.

Please note that members of the community must be 18 years of age or older to participate, and cannot be allergic to eggs. Residents MUST contact Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office at (718) 796-5345 to guarantee a flu shot.

SENATOR KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ, COUNCILMAN COHEN CELEBRATE RIVERDALE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE COMMUNITY AND TEEN CENTER GRAND OPENING

   State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Andrew Cohen, Riverdale Neighborhood House Executive Director Daniel Eudene, civic leaders and local community members celebrated the grand opening of Riverdale Neighborhood House’s (RNH) new community and teen center at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. Klein, Dinowitz and Cohen together provided more than $550,000 in state capital and municipal grants to modernize and upgrade the facility, as well as bolster social services programming in the Riverdale community.

Senator Jeff Klein said, “The Riverdale Neighborhood House has been an anchor to the families of  Riverdale since its inception more than a 100 years ago. For decades, parents have entrusted Riverdale Neighborhood House as both the first stop in their child’s education and as a great connector later for internships and job programs for teens. Riverdale Neighborhood House has offered essential social services, resources and support to countless families and I am proud to have provided these much-needed upgrades to the facility. I look forward to continuing to work together with Riverdale Neighborhood House to ensure that Riverdale’s families and children will be afforded these vital services for years to come.”

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “The Riverdale Neighborhood House has been a pillar in our community since it was founded over 140 years ago, and I am absolutely thrilled to be here for the ribbon cutting of its new facilities. For generations it has been an invaluable resource for children and families as a place to learn and grow together while also providing service to the community. I was more than pleased I could help provide funding for their new facilities along with my colleagues so that RNH can continue its long tradition of service and learning in Riverdale.”

Council Member Andrew Cohen said, “It is exciting to be here today for the ribbon-cutting of the new community and teen center at the Riverdale Neighborhood House. I was happy to be able to contribute funds for the social and recreational programming that Riverdale Neighborhood House will offer local teens through their center to help the younger people in our community better prepare for their future. Through the community and teen center, Riverdale Neighborhood House will be able to help the youth in the community build foundations for their educational and professional futures while also gaining meaningful social experiences. These social and recreational opportunities will enable these teens to understand community engagement and leadership qualities.”

Daniel Eudene, Executive Director of the Riverdale Neighborhood House said, “We are grateful for Senator Klein and Assemblyman Dinowitz's commitment to Riverdale Neighborhood House and the community we serve. They have been there since they took office and continue to look out for us every day. And Council Member Cohen has sprung into action allowing new programs and services to take off at RNH, including our expanded efforts to engage volunteers. Together they help RNH be the best we can be for the entire neighborhood.”

Senator Klein secured $250,000 in state capital funding, Assemblyman Dinowitz an additional $250,000, while Council Member Cohen added $75,000 in municipal grants. Together, this much-needed funding provided the following improvements to RNH:

• Construction of the community and teen center;
• Replaced the oil fired broiler with a high-efficiency gas fired unit;
• Installed new air conditioning units;
• Made the RNH pool accessible by providing an elevator and rail lift to ensure those with limited mobility can not only get to the pool but enjoy it;                    
• Greened the property which included making it more environmentally friendly, adding permeable asphalt and more plant life on the grounds;
• Provided new fencing and exterior lighting;
• Supported the new Telephone Reassurance Program (TRP) that includes phone calls to homebound older adults to ensure they are able to remain connected to the community and secure in their homes; and                           
• Supported social and recreational programming.

Riverdale Neighborhood House, founded in 1872, is a multi-purpose agency that helps families of all income levels and ethnicities through various social programs for children, teens and seniors, including Pre-kindergarten.

Council Member Cohen, Assemblyman Dinowitz, Council Member King, Senator Klein, Congressman Engel and Community Leaders Call for Closing of Homeless Shelter in The Bronx Following Fatal Shooting

   State Senators Jeff Klein and George Latimer, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Members Andrew Cohen and Andy King, Community Board 12 Chair Father Richard Gorman and representatives of  Congressman Eliot Engel and State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson were joined by community leaders at the Project Renewal Shelter in Wakefield to demand that the homeless shelter be closed following the fatal shooting of its director, Ana Charle, by an ex-tenant on Monday evening.

Security has been a long standing issue at the Project Renewal Shelter, with 175 calls to 911 from January 2015 to approximately the end of March 2015. Last year’s numbers are even more alarming, with 675 calls to 911 between January 2014 and November 2014. Local elected officials had repeatedly met with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) requesting additional security be added to the site, in light of the high number of emergency calls being made from inside the facility.

Approximately 60% of the tenants living in the Project Renewal Shelter are formerly incarcerated felons, with arrest records that include felonies, murder, rape, and criminal possession of a weapon. In addition, many have serious substance abuse issues. As of December 2014, there were approximately 40 registered sex offenders living in the Shelter.

The City has made Wakefield a neighborhood for cluster sites and homeless shelters, with three DHS facilities located within blocks of each other:

•                      Temporary housing facility for homeless families on E. 233rd Street and White Plains Road

•                      Project Renewal Shelter, a 108-bed shelter for single-men, 18 years and older, on 4380 Bronx Boulevard.

•                      The Sgt. Joseph E. Muller Army Reserve Center, a vacant military post on Nereid Ave., is slated to become a 200-bed men's shelter operated by The Doe Fund

There is also a 61-unit Praxis Housing facility for formerly homeless couples without children, as well as single men and women, located on 4339 White Plains Road. 100% of Praxis residents are homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS, 25% have criminal histories, 75-80% have drug or alcohol problems, and 75-80% have indications or documented histories of mental health issues.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz who ran the press conference said , “The tragic shooting that occurred near the Project Renewal Homeless Shelter on Monday highlights the major security concerns that we have repeatedly warned the Department of Homeless Services about. This shelter came into Wakefield with no input from the community and over the objections of its residents. The DHS pulled a classic bait and switch by placing at least 40 convicted sex offenders in the shelter without notifying the community. To add insult to injury, the City intends to open up another large shelter, the Muller Center, just a block away. This oversaturation of homeless men in one neighborhood is reckless and irresponsible. I call for the closing of the Project Renewal Shelter and a moratorium on any further steps to turn the Muller Center into a homeless shelter. Our community stands united on this crucial issue.”

“The horrific death of Ana Charle is tragically, the latest in a string of heinous threats, serious safety concerns and recurring criminal acts stemming from the Project Renewal Shelter on Bronx Boulevard. This neighborhood is completely inundated and oversaturated with homeless shelters and it’s clear from these latest events that something must be done. That’s why I sponsor legislation in the Senate that would prevent this type of aggressive, concentrated placement of shelters and establish a stronger community review process moving forward. I stand with my colleagues Councilman Cohen, Councilman King, and Assemblyman Dinowitz to call on this shelter to close immediately. The Bronx should not have to bear the brunt of the city’s entire homeless population,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“This tragedy highlights the neighbor’s greatest fear. If these shelters cannot make a safe environment for their own staff, than how can we be sure the communities here in the Bronx and in Yonkers will have safe environments as well? Further construction at the Mueller Center should be stopped immediately in the interest of public safety,” said Senator George Latimer.

“Project Renewal deals with an incredibly tough population with serious mental health issues, the formerly incarcerated, as well as registered sex offenders. This work cannot be done without adequate resources. I personally met with Commissioner Taylor on February 2nd to ask for more security for this facility. It was not until the intervention of the Mayor’s office yesterday that security resources and protocols were implemented. I am thankful to the Mayor’s office for responding, but as of this moment I am not convinced that this facility can be run safely,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

“I first wish to express my condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Ms. Ana Charle. I am truly sorry for your loss,” said Council Member Andy King. “United, as a community, we are horrified. It’s one thing to create a safe haven for those who are truly in need of housing and it’s another to create community aggravation. Since I came to office, constituents have approached me on the street and at events — troubled about the Project Renewal residents who have approach them on the street begging for money or other reasons. We had asked DHS and Project Renewal to work with the community. Over the past year, we've expressed our concerns and requested more staffing and security to make this a safer facility. Our requests have been ignored! Now, the tragic shooting death of this shelter’s director has prompted our urgent call to close this shelter. “

  

“Let’s be clear about who and what the problem is in this instance. The problem is the New York City Department of Homeless Services and this incredibly incompetent and disingenuous manner in which it operates. The agency has yet to honor its commitment to ne forthright and transparent with local neighborhoods in assisting the homeless and to dialogue with us in addressing this urgent need. If perhaps the Department had worked with us rather than against us and behind our backs, the tragedy that causes us to gather this afternoon may well have been avoided. May the soul of Ana Charle rest in peace and may her loved ones be comforted by the Grace of God’s Consolation,” said Father Richard Gorman, Chairman, Bronx Community Board 12.

I asked now many resident were from the neighborhood, and the borough of the Bronx were residents of the shelter, and I was told no one from the neighborhood, and only a few from the entire Bronx.

After the elected officials who had to hold their press conference in the street finished, a press conference was held by the organization Homeless Services United of about 100 people on the sidewalk in front of the homeless shelter. I asked how many of these people were from the neighborhood (which is a neighborhood of color, and you will see in the photo only a few people of color), let alone from the Bronx. A black woman came forth from a back row, and a black man at one end raised his hand. Homeless Services United is based on the 6th floor of 440 West 33rd Street. 

Finally, I went to many of the local businesses nearby to ask if there were any problems with any of the people from the shelter, and was told by all that yes there are. Either loitering, begging, harassing customers or employees only to name a few of the complaints by the merchants near the shelter.

Left - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz introduced the speakers.

Right - As you can see the press conference by the elected officials had to be held in the street, because about 100 people connected to the organization Homeless Services United were on the sidewalk in front of the homeless shelter. 

Left - Community Board 12 Chair Father Richard Gorman says a few words at the beginning of the press conference in the memory of Ana Charle, before he blasted the Department of Homeless Services, calling it the Department of Warehouse Services. Father Gorman had just checked himself out of the hospital to be here. 

Right - State Senator Jeff Klein tells that he has sponsored legislation in the State Senate that would prevent this type of aggressive, concentrated placement of shelters and establish a stronger community review process moving forward.

Left - Westchester State Senator George Latimer says that Yonkers stands with the Bronx in this matter with the Yonkers City line only a stones throw away.

Right - Councilman Andrew Cohen mentions that with his and Councilman King's intervention DHS security personal have finally been deployed to this shelter. 

Left - Councilman Andy King walks slowly to the podium as he is introduced. Councilman King is now calling for this shelter to close due to the tragic shooting of the shelters director after requests by the community and elected officials were ignored about the safety in the shelter.
Right - Two DHS security guards stand outside the shelter between the elected officials press conference, and the 100 or so supporters of the shelter from Homeless Services United.

 

A statement is read from the Board of Directors of Homeless Services United which read - 

To Concerned New Yorkers:

Our Community of Homeless Services United has experienced an unspeakable loss with the violent death of Ana Charle. We grieve for her children, her family, her colleagues at Project Renewal and the men at this shelter whom she served so well. We are united in our grief.

This is a day to support, console and be in solidarity with those who have been directly affected by this tragedy.

This is not a day for politics; it is a day to give thanks for the life of Ana Charle and for the thousands of New Yorkers who work tirelessly every day in their commitment to end homelessness.

We pledge ourselves to find new ways to effectively help the most troubled New Yorkers so that Ana's death will not be in vain.

          The Board of Directors 

        Homeless Services United

    Christy Parque, Executive Director

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 Editor's Note:

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Assemblyman Dinowitz, Montefiore Medical Center, Walgreens Pharmacy Sponsoring Flu Shots at Riverdale YM-YWHA on October 24

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is pleased to announce that he is sponsoring a second day of flu shots for members of the community in the 81^st Assembly District. Flu shots will be administered on October 24 at Riverdale YM-YWHA on 5625 Arlington Avenue between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This service is also sponsored by Montefiore Medical Center, Walgreens Pharmacy, Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Jeff Klein, and Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Flu shots will be administered at no cost to the constituent, though participants are asked to bring their insurance card.

“I am pleased to partner with Montefiore Medical Center and Walgreens to offer this important service to the community,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “The flu is a serious health matter, and getting a flu shot protects not just yourself but also your friends, family, and neighbors. I encourage everyone to contact my office about getting a flu shot.”

“Flu and pneumonia account for 2,200 to 3,000 deaths a year in New York City, the third leading cause of death. Vaccination is safe, effective, and the best way to prevent getting the flu -- yet only half of New Yorkers report getting a flu shot. Montefiore is excited to partner with Assemblyman Dinowitz and Walgreens to ensure that Riverdale residents have access to flu vaccines at no cost to them. It's a great way to take care of yourself and your family,"said Amanda Parsons, M.D., M.B.A., vice president of Community & Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center. 

“The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every adult get a flu shot, and annual flu shots from Walgreens are a quick and effective way to protect you and your family from the most common influenza viruses each year,” said Morton D. Shaw, Walgreens Pharmacy Supervisor.

Please note that members of the community must be 18 years of age or older to participate, and cannot be allergic to eggs. Residents MUST contact Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office at(718) 796-5345 to guarantee a flu shot. 

Assemblyman Dinowitz also partnered with New York Presbyterian and the Visiting Nurse Service of NY to sponsor flu shots at St. Gabriel’s Church on October 8. 

Assemblyman Dinowitz will be getting his yearly flu shot on Oct 8th at St. Gabriel's Church.