SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, CONGRESSMAN ELIOT ENGEL, ASSEMBLYMAN JEFFREY DINOWITZ, COUNCILMAN ANDREW COHEN, LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS CELEBRATE & HONOR LIFE OF BESS MYERSON

  Dedication Ceremony at Sholem Aleichem Houses Honors Legendary Bronxite

State Senator Jeff Klein , joined by Congressman Eliot Engel, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Andrew Cohen, Community Board 8 Chair (and resident of the Sholem Aleichem Houses) Esther Nelson, and a bevy of local community members, friends and neighbors, celebrated and honored the life of legendary Bronxite Bess Myerson at the Sholem Aleichem Houses in Kingsbridge on Sunday, April 19th. Myerson, a historic figure in the Bronx, was named Miss America in 1945, served as New York City’s first commissioner of consumer affairs, and later as an adviser to presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Gerald R. Ford and Jimmy Carter.

The dedication ceremony was held in the courtyard at the Sholem Aleichem houses where Senator Klein unveiled a Senate resolution commemorating Myerson’s life and work. Guests gathered together to both reflect on and pay tribute to Myerson’s legacy and leadership.

“Bess Myerson paved the way for countless women in New York and across the country, breaking down barriers and transcending government, politics, and pageantry by serving as not only the first Jewish Miss America, but the city’s first commissioner of consumer affairs.  Her life was a shining example of what one person can do to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and she is sorely missed,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Today, we celebrate Bess’ life and work -- acknowledging the immense contributions she has made to the Bronx and New York City.”

“Bess Myerson was a true trailblazer in everything she did.  From humble beginnings in the Bronx, Bess rose to incredible heights, and became among other things, a Miss America pageant winner and a political icon,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “Bess’ life was a true Bronx success story, and she is most deserving of this honor and recognition.”   

Bess Myerson was born in 1924 in the Bronx. She grew up in the historic Sholem Aleichem Housing Cooperative, a working-class development in the northwest Bronx known for its Jewish roots and heavy population of artists, poets and musicians. Myerson attended the High School of Music and Art and then went on to study music at Hunter College, graduating with honors in 1945.

That same year, Myerson was named the first Jewish Miss America. Throughout her reign, she used her platform to combat anti-semitism and speak out against discrimination and prejudice. In 1969, Myerson was name New York City’s first commissioner of consumer affairs under Mayor John Lindsay. She later went on to serve as commissioner of cultural affairs, advise three presidents, and ran for U.S. Senate in 1980.

“Bess was a true friend and confidant. Her shining spirit, beauty, talent and intelligence  were an inspiration to us all and a constant reminder of how we could do better and make a difference in this world,” said Esther Nelson, long-time friend and neighbor of Bess Myerson. “Her grand presence, fiery spirit and authenticity are sorely missed.”

“I am proud to have grown up in the same apartment complex as Bess Myerson and her achievements offer inspiration to all from our community,” said Dan Padernacht, Chair of Community Board 8. “The close knit community in which Bess Myerson was raised still exists today.”

Above - Congressman Eliot Engel; Esther Nelson, Friend and Neighbor of Bess Myerson; Senator Jeff Klein; Councilman Andrew Cohen; Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz; Dan Padernacht, Chair of Community Board 8. (and resident of the Sholem Aleichem Houses).
Below - A close-up of the Bess Myerson plaque.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Bronx Science Alum, testifies in support of SHSAT at NYC Council Hearing

Dinowitz defends fair, objective admissions process for Specialized High Schools, calls for expanded tutoring, test-taking opportunities for all NYC students

   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) testified at a New York City Council hearing on diversity in New York City schools. In his remarks, Assemblyman Dinowitz expressed his strong support for the current admissions processes of New York City’s Specialized High Schools but called for expanded tutoring and test-taking opportunities. Currently, the city’s eight Specialized High Schools base their admissions decisions solely on students’ scores on the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT).

Assemblyman Dinowitz began, “I am a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. Both of my children were accepted to the Specialized High Schools, and like everyone else who was accepted, they had the opportunity to attend not because their father is an elected official, and not because he is an alumnus or was able to donate money to the school, but because they passed this objective test on their merits alone ... What makes the Specialized High Schools special is the fact that political influence, athletic prowess, and family legacies play no role in their decision-making process."

Assemblyman Dinowitz continued, “Those advocating for additional criteria to determine admission to these specialized high schools want to use standards that are prone to manipulation and subjectivity such as grades or attendance … A more complex admissions process would do a disservice to the students it is meant to help, and would undermine the premise of objectivity upon which these specialized schools were founded.”

Stating that the non-representative demographics of these Specialized High Schools is “beyond troubling,” Assemblyman Dinowitz proposed several improvements to the application process that he believes would be steps in the right direction. First, he expressed his belief that every student should have access to free tutoring and preparatory classes prior to taking the SHSAT. And second, he advocated that the SHSAT be given to all eligible students, unless the student’s family chooses to opt out, a change that would greatly increase the number of students taking the test, particularly in Latino and African-American communities. Above all, Assemblyman Dinowitz affirmed that we must work hard to improve public schools at every stage in a student’s education, from Pre-K onward.

Assemblyman Dinowitz concluded, “Adjusting the application process to include factors beyond the SHSAT would simply introduce bias and subjectivity to an objective, and fair, process. Free preparatory classes and an opt-out, rather than opt-in, test format would be big steps forward. Yet these measures are only part of the solution: together, we must continue to work on fixing our educational system so that every child from day one has an equal opportunity for a top-notch education.”

A video of the full hearing can be seen on the New York City Council website. Assemblyman Dinowitz begins his remarks around the 2:21:20 mark.

http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=6903&GUID=5D939F6A-A26A-456C-BF68-2FE3903139C8

Editor's Note -- This press release will appear on the front page of the Riverdale Review most likely.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, other elected officials insist that permanent changes must be made to improve service on Bx7 and Bx10 bus lines

 After hearing from MTA NYC Transit officials, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Jeffrey Klein, Council Member Andrew Cohen, and Bronx Community Board 8 Traffic & Transportation Committee Chair Michael Heller declared the MTA’s recent efforts to improve service on the Bx7 and Bx10 bus lines to be promising first steps but insisted that more permanent measures must be implemented to address serious overcrowding issues on the two routes.

For several years, service on the Bx7 and Bx10 bus lines has been plagued by delays, overcrowding, and long waits, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours. In August, Assemblyman Dinowitz and State Senator Klein held a press conference at the West 231^st Street stop, demanding that the MTA take steps to improve service. While, over the past several months, the MTA has made a number of short-term changes that have reduced some overcrowding along the Bx7 line, the authority has not yet changed bus schedules or permanently added buses to either line. Assemblyman Dinowitz and his colleagues in government are adamant that lasting changes must be undertaken to truly fix the problem.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “Delays and overcrowding on the Bx7 and Bx10 bus lines will never be truly resolved without permanent changes. While I credit the MTA for listening to the concerns of myself and others in the community and searching for solutions to this problem, I urge the MTA to add additional buses to both routes, as well as investigate the possibility of extending nearby bus lines into the Northwest Bronx to accommodate the thousands of commuters who rely on these public services every week.”

Assemblyman Dinowitz’s recommendations include:

• Permanently add buses to the Bx7 and Bx10 routes.
• Extend the Bx3 up Broadway into Riverdale.
• Extend the M100 from Manhattan into the Bronx or increase service to the Bx20 route.

Senator Jeff Klein  said: “The measures taken by the MTA and transit officials to fix the Bx10 and Bx7 bus lines are great first steps, but they are just that – first steps. More needs to be done to ease congestion and improve the daily commute of countless of Bronx residents. We need these buses to run on time and make the right stops for commuters. After months of trying to solve this, it’s simply unacceptable that on these lines, buses are still too crowded and people are still waiting too long.” 

“While the current efforts to improve service on the Bx7 and Bx10 bus lines have had a positive response, I believe our request to permanently add buses to these routes, as well as extend the Bx3 and M100 routes farther north into The Bronx will drastically improve the severe overcrowding conditions commuters are currently experiencing. These improvements, along with the bus countdown clock that will be installed at the West 231st Street bus stop from capital funds I allocated at the beginning of my term will also help relieve the long wait times now that the harsh winter months are approaching,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Michael Heller, Chair of the Traffic & Transportation Committee of Bronx Community Board 8 said, “We were very pleased that the MTA sent senior managers to our Traffic and Transportation Committee, and we hope that spirit of cooperation extends to concrete improvements in services to our community.’

At the invitation of the Bronx Community Board 8 Traffic and Transportation Committee, MTA NYC Transit officials attended the committee meeting in November to explain the steps they have taken in recent months to improve bus service. The MTA officials announced several changes, including: temporarily adding three articulated buses to the Bx7 route between West 231^st and West 263^rd during weekday rush hours; improving communication systems between MTA drivers on each line to minimize bus bunch-ups; and eliminating the practice of having several 1 trains turn around before reaching the Bronx during rush hours, which led to doubly-full trains arriving at the West 231^st Street station. At the meeting, the MTA officials agreed to study the recommendations made by Assemblyman Dinowitz and members of the community. Bus schedules are reviewed by the MTA four times annually, with the next change coming this spring.

Dinowitz Proposes Legislation to Classify Nicotine Filled E-Cigarette Cartridges as Tobacco Products

 

Common sense proposal would amend tax and public health laws to make e-cig cartridges a taxable tobacco product

   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has announced that he is sponsoring new legislation in the Assembly, A.8594, which would classify e-cigarette cartridges, which are filled with nicotine and other unknown chemicals, as tobacco products under New York state law and tax them accordingly. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

“It’s about time we start acknowledging the reality of these nicotine filled products and the unregulated nature of this potentially hazardous industry,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

In recent years New York lawmakers have begun tackling the litany of health issues associated with electronic cigarettes, which have grown in popularity as an alternative to regular cigarettes, by prohibiting their sale to minors and banning them from public indoor use in New York City. Legislation calling for a similar ban of indoor use statewide is also being pursued.

Although New York is taking a proactive approach to regulating e-cigarette products, a national standard for their regulation has yet to be determined. In December 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued a decision stating e-cigarettes and other products “made or derived from tobacco” should be regulated as tobacco products by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Tobacco Control Act. In spite of the court’s decision, the FDA has yet to rule on the regulation of these products on a national level. If passed, New York will join Minnesota in classifying cartridges that contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals as tobacco products.

“E-cigarettes aren’t the safe alternative the industry makes them out to be,” Dinowitz said. “It’s a product that contains nicotine as well as other unknown chemicals and therefore should fall into the same category as other tobacco products, including being taxed as a tobacco product. These devices are marketed as smoking cessation tools, when in actuality they are anything but. New York has always been a leader among states and this is no exception. We will not wait around for the federal government to act.”

Tobacco control organizations are also concerned about the noticeable similarities between e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes, especially as it pertains to their shared appearance. E-cigarettes are designed to look just like regular cigarettes, creating the potential to lure young teens in with the false promise that they can smoke without the normally associated health risks. Acting as something of a nicotine gateway, these e-cigarettes may lead to an increase in nicotine addiction among younger users, which could in turn also result in an increase in regular cigarette smoking. 

 

 

Dinowitz Proposes Legislation Requiring Cursive Writing in Schools

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has drafted and will soon introduce legislation that would require both cursive writing and memorization of the multiplication table to be part of the basic education curriculum in New York.

With the implementation of Common Core in New York State, students are more and more often skipping once fundamental elements of their educational foundation. Currently, there is no requirement in the Common Core for students to be taught cursive writing or to memorize the multiplication table. The new Dinowitz legislation would require that these two fundamental building blocks of our children’s education are kept in schools, even if they are not required as part of any of the now numerous standardized tests students are subjected to.

“The notion that a pupil could graduate from 12 years of education without knowing how to sign his or her name in cursive is unacceptable,” Dinowitz said. “Additionally, the ability for pupils to show competency in basic multiplication through a proven method schools have used for years is of the utmost importance.”

The legislation would amend section 801 of the New York State education law, which requires certain elements of the state’s education curriculum to be maintained and implemented in order to create well rounded students that are well versed in subject matters deemed fundamental throughout the years. Cursive writing and knowledge of the multiplication table would thus be deemed “fundamental” and as a result would be required in schools.

“As schools move more and more to ‘teaching to the test’ and away from what once was considered essential parts of a child’s learning process, I am hopeful that this legislation will keep what I consider to be crucial components of one’s education part of the curriculum,” Dinowitz said. “We can adhere to the Common Core curriculum, while at the same time ensuring our children know how to read and write in cursive as well as perform basic multiplication. The two are in no way mutually exclusive.”

 

 

DINOWITZ AND SPEAKER SILVER CO-SPONSOR LEGISLATION RESTRICTING STATE AID TO DISCRIMINATORY COLLEGES

  New York State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz joined with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver in co-sponsoring legislation that would prohibit the use of state aid to fund academic entities that engage in discrimination.

The legislation follows a decision by the American Studies Association (ASA), a conglomerate of individuals, universities, libraries and other academic institutions, to boycott Israeli universities in protest of Israel’s policy towards Palestinians. Their stance has created a firestorm of controversy that is generating substantial public backlash. The newly proposed legislation would prohibit organizations that pass resolutions or undertake official actions boycotting certain countries or their higher education institutions, like the ASA, from receiving tax dollars.

“This legislation is an appropriate response to the outrageous decision by the ASA to boycott Israeli universities and cultural institutions,” Dinowitz said. “Their boycott is out-and-out discrimination based on national origin and, yes, religion. New York State taxpayers should not have to fund discrimination and anti-Semitism.”

The law would only apply to schools in countries that host a higher education institution chartered by the Board of Regents, which as of 2005 included six institutions located in Lebanon, Israel, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Colleges violating this ban would not be eligible for state aid during the academic year in which the violation occurs.

An employee of a college may still attend any event of an academic entity engaging in a boycott, and attendance at any such event shall not be used by the college with regard to employment decisions. However, colleges would be prohibited from using state aid to pay membership dues to a boycotting academic entity, or reimburse travel or lodging for an employee attending any meeting of such academic entity.

 

Assemblyman Dinowitz Calls on Sanitation to Change Holiday Recycling Collection

 

  For some New Yorkers recycling during the holiday season can be a hassle.  One New York State Assemblyman wants to change that.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) is calling on the New York City Sanitation Department to change their recycling collection schedule for the end of December and beginning of January.  He points to the fact that Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, both federally recognized holidays, annually fall on the same day of the week which causes recycling collection to be suspended on those days.  This means that collection does not exist for some New York City residents between December 18^th and January 8^th.

“This is simply too long for recycling collection to be suspended, a significant inconvenience for too many,” stated Mr. Dinowitz.  “Three weeks in-between recycling collection is too lengthy, particularly during the holiday season when families gather for numerous celebrations,” he added.

This time frame of suspended collection overlaps with Sanitation’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program which takes place from December 30^th through January 15^th.

Assemblyman Dinowitz also has a suggestion which would ease the burden on both City residents and the Sanitation Department.  He recommends that recycling collection can be picked up on the next active collection date after one of the two suspended dates.  For example, Sanitation could pick up collection that would have occurred on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day on December 26^th or January 2^nd.

“This seems like a common sense solution that will benefit both the City and its residents,” explained Mr. Dinowitz.  “Residents would not have to hold onto collectibles for almost a month while Sanitation would not have to pick up a heavy collection once service resumes after three weeks.”

DINOWITZ CALLS ON CABRERA, COUNCIL TO APPROVE ICE CENTER AT KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

                                                                3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

                                         Bronx, New York 10463

                                                (718) 796-5345

                                                dinowitzj@assembly.state.ny.us

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has called upon the New York City Council to approve the Kingsbridge National Ice Center proposed for the Kingsbridge Armory and urged Councilman Fernando Cabrera to vote for it.

“We have a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to bring an amazing and positive project into our community,” Dinowitz said. “KNIC will be a unique facility that will provide recreational and educational opportunities for thousands and thousands of people from the Bronx and beyond. It can spawn new businesses along Kingsbridge Road. It will provide hundreds of living wage jobs. And the community benefits agreement is a major plus as well.

‘While the armory is actually across the street from my district, the people who are most directly affected by the facility are in the Kingsbridge Heights section of my district. I look forward to this project becoming a reality and to the positive impact it will have on the surrounding community.” 

 

 

Assemblyman Dinowitz Calls on MTA to Reconsider Ending Access-A-Ride Reimbursements

 

   In a letter dated October 31, 2013 to MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz called on the MTA to reconsider the newly instituted policy change that will end reimbursement for eligible riders who utilize taxi or car services for intra-borough transit. The move continues the practice of slashing the Access-A-Ride budget, hurting many disabled seniors by making their travel more arduous. A copy of the official letter to Chairman Prendergast is attached, and the text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Chairman Prendergast:

It has recently been brought to my attention by several constituents that there has been a policy change that will affect Access-A-Ride service throughout the city for those who take advantage of the taxi/car service authorization and reimbursement. It appears that Access-A-Ride will no longer reimburse cab users for intra-borough rides, but will continue to honor reimbursements for inter-borough cab rides for authorized riders. I believe this is a change that will have a tangible and lasting negative impact on many senior citizens throughout the city.

I understand that Access-A-Ride will continue to service eligible seniors with their regular paratransit fleet, although recent cuts to that program have already made travel a major chore for many seniors. But it’s also worth noting that there are inherent advantages for seniors to the taxi reimbursement service, including a less ridged travel schedule and no threat of losing service if their appointments run late and they miss pick-up. It’s interesting to me that a senior can lose Access-A-Ride membership for being late a couple of times, yet Access-A-Ride is constantly late to their scheduled pick-ups, sometimes missing the mark by hours, in many cases leaving seniors stranded outside. In those situations, seniors who are stranded have little recourse, and this new policy change will only make that situation worse for them.  

  Cuts to Access-A-Ride services have become the norm in New York City. The program, which helps thousands of disabled seniors attend crucial doctor’s appointments and maintain normal lives, has proven to be an invaluable resource for so many, and yet it always seems to be this most vulnerable population that bears the brunt of budget cuts. Ending taxi reimbursement for intra-borough cab rides is no exception. Considering intra-borough rides would theoretically be shorter and thus cost less than inter-borough rides, on its face this plan seems to not only make lives difficult for disabled seniors, it also doesn’t seem to make as much economic sense as it otherwise could. Regardless of the economic impact, maintaining this service for certain seniors is the right thing to do, and I think we owe it to them to reconsider this change.

 Jeffrey Dinowitz.

 

DINOWITZ AND GJONAJ ANNOUNCE NEW SLOW ZONE IN NORWOOD

  The newly designated Norwood Slow Zone is located in the Community Board 7 area, and was selected due to strong community support, the presence of 2 schools, 5 pre-k and head start daycare centers, and the amount of crashes in the area. On average, the area now designated as a Slow Zone had 11.8 injuries per year and 4 severe injuries or fatalities per road mile. 

  BACKGROUND: Neighborhood Slow Zones is an application-based program that creates defined areas where the speed limit is reduced from 30mph to 20mph and safety measures are added in order to adjust driver behavior on local streets. The goal of Neighborhood Slow Zones is to lower the incidence and severity of crashes and to enhance the quality of life by reducing cut-through traffic and traffic noise in residential neighborhoods. NYCDOT uses signs, markings and speed bumps to calm traffic within the Zone. 

  When asked why it two assemblymen to get this slow zone approved both answered that the slow zone area covers a part of both assembly districts. Assemblyman Dinowitz said "two is better than one". Assemblyman Gjonaj said when asked about the dividing line of the two assembly districts "there is no dividing line just one big joint district, referring to the joint effort by himself and Dinowitz.

  Others on hand in the photo below were Community Board 7 Traffic & Transportation Chair Lowell Green, CB 7 District Manager Socrates A. Caba, Mr. Roberto Garcia (representing Montifore Hospital, Community Activist Ms. Liz von Uhl, and others.

Dinowitz Kicks Off Annual Canned Food Drive

  

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz kicks off annual holiday canned food drive

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has kicked off his annual canned food and turkey drive with local students from area schools and the Knolls Co-op Sections 1 and 2.

The Assemblyman’s office will be accepting donations until December 13th with a pick-up for Thanksgiving scheduled for November 15th. Food will be donated to the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and the food pantry at Saint Francis of Rome Church in Wakefield for families in need during the Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas holiday seasons.  The following canned and non-perishable food items are accepted: canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, coffee, teas, canned juices, powdered milk, jell-o, and soups.  No glass jars are acceptable except for baby food.

Some of the schools are also collecting one-dollar donations for the purchase of turkeys for needy families on Thanksgiving.

“Our annual food drive is always such a wonderful event, and I know this year’s edition will be our biggest and best yet,” Assemblyman Dinowitz said. “I am always impressed by the selfless nature of our residents and school kids, who year after year up the ante by donating more and more food for those in need. I look forward to another great year of giving, and thank in advance everyone who participates through their donations.”   

Residents may donate their canned goods to Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office located at 3107 Kingsbridge Avenue; one block west of Broadway, just off of West 231st Street.  For more information, call (718) 796-5345.

Van Cortlandt Senior Center to Get Head Start Program

  In what Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz called a "win, win, win for everybody" The Mosholu Montifiore Community Center will open up the Van Cortlandt Child Development center in the two floors of the Van Cortlandt Senior Center that the Department of Education leased for over 10 years, but did not renew after building the new Ampark school one block away. A total of 130 two, three, and four year old children will be attending the Universal Pre-K, Head Start or Child care programs to be offered by the MMCC. In addition to the ten classrooms available an enclosed play area will be built on a currently unused roof of the structure. Dinowitz said that he had secured $345,000.00 for the renovations needed, and thanked city council candidate Andrew Cohen for bringing the MMCC and the VCSC together to find a use for the unused space in the building. Cohen in what is typical of him was very breif by saying that he was glad to have brought much needed services to the area, and to help two great organizations get together to do so. 

  Don Bluestone the Executive Director of MMCC said that his organization is one of 13 groups that is part of the Head Start program, and there are 400 children on the wait list at his center. Robert Gillman President of the VCSC thanked Mr. Cohen, Assemblyman Dinowitz, and MMCC Executive Director Don Bluestone for working out a deal for the empty space in the center that was left when the DOE pulled out. Gillman said however that the center will have to still make up a small shortfall in revenue that will be done with fundraising by the center.

Left - Andrew Cohen candidate for city council, Robert Gillman President VCSC, Don Bluestone MMCC, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

Right - A view of where the enclosed play area is to be placed.

 

Left - One of the rooms as was left by the DOE.

Right - A close up view of one corner shows some of the minor work that needs to be done.

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Free $10 Target Card with Purchase of Shark Steam Pocket Mop

DOT to Create "Neighborhood Slow Zone" proposed by Assemblyman Dinowitz for Independence Avenue

     The NYC Department of Transportation announced tod, ay that it will implement a “Neighborhood Slow Zone” that was proposed by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz for Independence Avenue and several surrounding streets.  Assemblyman Dinowitz submitted an application for the Neighborhood Slow Zone last November with the support of Council Member Oliver Koppell, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, the captain of the 50^th Police Precinct, members of the community board, and the parents associations of several schools.

    The Neighborhood Slow Zone will include many important traffic safety modifications for the area, including a 20 miles-per-hour speed limit, speed bumps, markings, and signs and gateways indicating the presence of the Slow Zone.  The Slow Zone will help remedy the dangerous traffic situation on Independence Avenue, which is home to several schools, houses of worship, a library, and a public park.

     “I am delighted that the City has agreed to my proposal for a Neighborhood Slow Zone.  The safety of all people in our community must come first.  This is possible because we put together a coalition of leaders in our community to support this proposal, including Council Member Koppell, Senator Espaillat, Captain Burke of the 50th Precinct, and members of the community board and parents associations.  I am confident that the slower speed limit combined with additional signage and speed bumps will result in fewer accidents and make our community safer,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

 

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Congressman Engel and Assemblyman Dinowitz March in " Celebrate Isreal Parade"

 On Sunday June 3rd, Congressman Eliot Engel and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz marched down Fifth Avenue with Students from the Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz in the "Celebrate Israel Parade".

Congressman Engel, Assemblyman Dinowitz, and students from the Kinneret Day School marching in the Celebrate Israel Parade.

 

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K.A.L.E.A.C Honors 50th Pct. Officers

  The Korean-American Law Enforcement Advisory Council came to the 50th Precinct to bestow honors upon the police officers and Captain Kevin J. Burke for the swift apprehension of the two individuals that killed 26 year old Hang Yang on his way home for his I Phone. Mr. Yang was shot at the corner of Cambridge Avenue and West 232nd Street, and died a short time later.
  

  Mr. Joo Tae Yoo President and Mr. Yeon S, Hong Vice-President of K.A.L.E.A.C. said that their organization tries to bridge the gap between citizens and the police department. The organization also raises money for fallen hero's and provides scholarships to their children. Both thanked the officers of the 50^th Precinct for the swift apprehension of Mr. Yang's killers. Also  on hand were Mr. Yang's mother and sister who conveyed the same message. 

   

  Captain Kevin J. Burke, Lieutenant John Gogarty, Sergeant Lucas Miller, Detective James Campbell, and Detective Joseph K. Oneil all received awards from. K.A.L.E.A.C. Captain Burke in speaking about the case said “it was the fine police work that his detectives and officers did to crack the case, and the arrest of the two killers”. The two men identified as Dominick Davis and Alejandro Campos (when they were arrested) tried to sell the I Phone on Craigslist. “Have 2 I Phones 4 sale Inwood/Washington Heights” the ad read, and the detectives took it from there. 

 

  Local Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Councilman G. Oliver Koppell also presented awards to the police officers. Assemblyman Dinowitz commented "that there had never been an incident such as this in Riverdale, and the community was outraged. Dinowitz added that these two men must be tried and sent away to jail for a long time. Mr. Adam Sandler of Councilman Koppell's office said that crimes like this will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods and that Councilman Koppell hopes that the swift apprehension of these killers will deter any similar events in the future. 

Left - Captain Kevin Burke explaining the details of the crime, and how officers apprehanded the two men responsible for the crime. Next to Captain Burke are Mr. Joo Tae Yoo President and Mr. Yeon S, Hong Vice-President of K.A.L.E.A.C. Right- Assemblyman Dinowitz presenting award to one of the officers as Captain Burke looks on.

Left - Assemblyman Dinowitz is between Mr. Yoo and Mr Hong from K.A.A.E.A.C., with Mr. Sandler of behind the officers and Captain Burke (Sergeant Miller was not at the ceremony, and is not in the photo).  Right - Community Affairs officer Mindy Ramos stands in for Sergeant Miller in this photo.

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Assemblyman Dinowitz Slams Bloomberg for Insensitive iPhone Remarks

 

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz blasted Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his insensitive remarks regarding iPhone thefts at his budget announcement on Thursday.

  Asked about the 44 percent increase in iPhone thefts this year, Bloomberg replied, “If the worst problem we have is iPhone stealing...”  He then turned to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and sarcastically said, “Ray, you’d better get on this iPhone right away.  This is serious!”  He continued to suggest that victims should not treat their iPhones “cavalierly.”

  “Mayor Bloomberg’s remarks are insensitive, hurtful, and wrongheaded.  A member of our community was shot and killed for his iPhone last month.  I don’t think the Mayor appreciates how serious this problem is.  Instead of blaming the victims, we must do more to improve law enforcement’s ability to fight and deter this type of crime.  That’s why I support Senator Chuck Schumer’s push to permanently disable stolen phones.  I call on Mayor Bloomberg to apologize for his insensitive remarks, particularly to the family of Hwang Yang, who are constituents of mine,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

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Riverdale Festival of the Arts

  The 2012 edition of the Riverdale Festival of the Arts took place on Sunday with hundreds of people enjoying the event. Ms. Lisa Cooper (owner, Elisa Contemporary Art), Ms. Linda Manning (Linda Manning Productions), and Ms. Tracy Shelton (Executive Director KRVDC) were the driving force behind putting this years event together on Johnson Avenue in the Riverdale Section of the Bronx. In all Ms. Shelton said that between the merchants of Johnson Avenue, local service providers, and others there were around 70 different tables set up on Johnson Avenue. We are going to let the photos that we took show you some of the action that occurred. Click on any photo to enlarge it.   

Left is Johnson Avenue at 10 AM one hour before the start of the Festival of the Arts 2012.  Right is the stage area at the corner of Johnson Avenue and West 236th Street.

Left is Ms. Lisa Cooper with some of her art displayed in front of the Capital One Bank on Johnson Avenue.   Right is Adam Auslander Street Performer who grew up a few blocks from Johnson Avenue.

 

Left is Chef Claude Solliard of the New Restaurant Oregano's located at 3522 Johnson Avenue handing out samples of the fine food available at Oregano's.  Right is food that was for sale at Nam Thai Restaurant across the street from Oregano's.

Left is a demonstration of a new solar panel skylight made by New York City Daylight.   Right are Congressman Eliot Engel and State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is speaking to the crowd as Congressman Eliot Engel, and State Senators Gustavo Rivera and Jeff Klein look on as the band takes a break while the elected officials talk.

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Ben Franklin 52nd Annual Dinner

  On Wednesday May 2nd the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club held its 52nd Annual Dinner. Club President Ellen Feld welcomed everybody, and Ms. Delores Dixon sang "God Bless America". The elected officials then came up beginning with Former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson. See the photos below for the  elected officials in attendance.

  The Honorees were Ms. Marcia Allina (former State Committeewoman) receiving the "Jonathan B. Bingham Award" presented by 81st A.D. District Leader Bruce Feld. Ms. Lillian Roberts (Executive Director of DC37) receiving the "Labor Leadership Award" presented by 81st A.D. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Mr. Dirk McCall (Director GMHC) receiving the "Timothy R. Sullivan Community Service Award" presented by Congressman Eliot Engel. Ms. Sarah Gund (Riverdale Neighborhood House) receiving the "Lee Heimlich Community Service Award" presented by Councilman G. Oliver Koppell.

  During the evening comments ranged from Congressman Charlie Rangel's "The way the state legislature drew the district lines it did not allow for input by the people", to Rangel's opponent Current State Senator Adriano Espaillat who thanked the Ben Franklin Club for helping elect him as a state senator, and hoping that they can help him be elected to congress. The best line of the night had to belong to Manhattan Borough President (and mayoral candidate in 2013) Scott Stringer, who said that he stayed for the entire press conference that City Council Speaker Christine Quinn walked out of last week. Below are photos of the dinner. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Left- Ms. Marcia Allina receives the Jonathan B. Bingham Award from District Leader Bruce Feld.   Right- Ms. Lillian Roberts receives the Labor Leadership Award from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

 Left Mr. Dirk McCall receives the Timothy R. Sullivan Award from Congressman Eliot Engel.  Right Councilman G. Oliver Koppell between his wife Lorraine Coyle Koppell (left) and CB 8 member Rita Pochter Lowe (right).

Left- Congressman Eliot Engel speaking to Congressman Charlie Rangel before the dinner started.  Right- State Senator (and Congressman Rangel's opponent)  Adriano Espaillat sitting with fellow State Senator Gustavo Rivera and staff members.

Left- Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.  Right- Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz with CB 8 Traffic & Transportation Chair (and possible City Council candidate in 2013) Mr. Dan Padernacht.

Left Congressman Eliot Engel greets Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, as former District Leader Mr. Michael Heller looks on.   Right State Senator Jeff Klein poses for the photo with Manhattan Borough President Stringer, both are former colleagues in the State Assembly.

New York City Comptroller John Liu and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer (Both probable 2013 candidates for mayor) pose for photo.

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BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ  HOSTS ANNUAL ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

  On Thursday, April 26, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in partnership with the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, Health Plus and the Bronx Tourism Council, hosted the annual Bronx Israel Independence Day Festival, “Exploring Israel—You Don’t Have to Leave the Bronx to Experience Israel for a Day!” The fun-filled event offered games, food, rides and fun activities for the whole family. It  also featured a performance by Dafna & Shir Fun All Stars, a popular Israeli-American Hebrew music recording artist. In the picture with Borough President Diaz are Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senators Jeffrey Klein and Gustavo Rivera. The event took place at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.

Here are just a few photos of the event.

Rabbi Weiss greets Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

BP Diaz signs condolence card to be given to the family of Hwang Yang.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Jeff Klein (who will represent all of Riverdale) join BP Diaz for a brief discussion.

A group shot of the elected officials with Rabbi Weiss and Rabba Sara Hurowitz the first woman ordained as an orthodox rabbi.

 

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