Nos Quedamos' PHOENIX - February 2019

2019 has taken off like a Phoenix! And we're not just saying that because it's the name of our newsletter, as well as the back story of our community, but because we're so pumped about all the great things that are lining up as a result of the work we put in during 2018. This edition is intended as a brief overview to our community, its stakeholders, and partners. Here are a few projects, events, and initiatives we're excited about (there is also some history within): MELROSE BROADBAND INITIATIVE This past year, Nos Quedamos, in partnership with Neture, was awarded two Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grants as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's 'Bronx Civic Center' initiative, a $10 million state investment to revitalize portions of the South Bronx. One grant is for a broadband demonstration project that will provide free, although limited, internet access for the residents of El Jardín. The second DRI project anticipates working with three regional community gardens to install a set of photo-voltaic panels to provide each garden with power for lighting, utility needs, and Wi Fi access. These two projects represent Nos Quedamos' ongoing expansion of its community grounded mission. We will keep the community and our partners informed and engaged as we move forward. Read project summaries.

YOLANDA GARCIA MEMORIAL PARK (PENDING)

The modern history of Melrose Commons is one of tenacity and steadfast determination over adversity, and no other person's contributions have had more of an impact in the region than Nos Quedamos' founder, Yolanda García (1961-2005), including spearheading the legendary Melrose Urban Renewal Plan that helped transformed Melrose into a livable and sustainable community.  Now 25-years later, the NYC Department of Parks (Bronx) is finalizing its capital construction of Melrose Commons Park on the site that García always envisioned as a central public green hub in the heart of Melrose (see inset). In honor of her examples as a roll model and selfless advocate of the South Bronx, we are working to have the park (projected to be completed by September 2019) re-dedicated as the 'Yolanda García Memorial Park.'

Unsurprisingly, support for the renaming has been unanimously positive. But we want this to be a community-led victory and are asking for Letters of Support (LOS) from the extended Bronx community as a tribute to García's organizing legacy. Join us in putting an exclamation (!) on her life's work. Send your LOS to Edwin Pagán at epagan@nosquedamos.org

 

Read the impactful support letter from BBP Rubén Díaz Jr. (as an inspiring reference)

WE ARE MELROSE STREET FESTIVAL (SAVE THE DATE)

Nos Quedamos is busy working on the 3rd annual WE ARE MELROSE Street Festival that celebrates the vast diversity and broad cultures that makes up the community. Our 2019 celebration will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 12-6PM (rain date: Sunday, July 21, 2019). Please add the date to your calendars and let's make it a day of sharing and mutual community building, including cultural programming, environmental and health demonstrations, and child appropriate game-play and other family-friendly activities. For sponsorship opportunities contact at Ana Melendez.

Keep an eye out as we reveal this year's event theme and key-art on April 22, 2019 (Earth Day). Stay tuned. ;)

MELROSE COMMONS PARK DEVELOPMENT INPUT

Nos Quedamos and Asociasión Huerto Y Cultura (Harvest & Culture Association) will be hosting the NYC Parks Department (Bronx) for a community input session on the future of the pending Melrose Commons Park on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 from 6:30-7:30pm. This is an important phase in the park's development and your chance to inform the process at its earliest stage. Bring your vision.
Download the flier here.

COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN & COAT DISTRIBUTION DAY

The Bronx County Chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPAO) and 40th Precinct Community Council will be hosting a Soup Kitchen and Distribution day on February 23, 2017 from 11am-3pm at the Church of St. Anselm and St. Roch, located at 685 Tinton Avenue, Bronx. Among the items being provided to the extended community are canned foods, blankets, and coats (for people and pets!). Download the flier.

We Stay / Nos Quedamos

754 Melrose Avenue 

Bronx, NY 10451