Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

As April draws to a close, we are thrilled to share some exciting updates and initiatives that are shaping our borough's future. Last week, we hosted an HPD Bronx Hiring Fair in partnership with the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development that resulted in the hiring of 29 new HPD staffers. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect job seekers with promising career paths. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and we look forward to officially welcoming these 29 new staffers who will help to maintain our buildings’ and residents’ safety. Click here for more information on other job opportunities and vacancies.

We are also excited to announce that we are only a few days away before the launch of Bronx Week 2024! A celebration of the people, places, and neighborhoods that help to make our borough an amazing place to live, work, and visit. Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beloved Bronx. Your dedication and support are invaluable and we look forward to celebrating our borough with you from May 6th - May 19th. Go to ilovethebronx.com for a full list of events.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

"We are extremely disappointed to learn about the potential sale of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club, also known as the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse, in our Borough. Since its inception, this institution has stood as a vital lifeline for countless children and families in our community."

 

"A recent decision by the Board of Directors has left our children and families worried about the status of their community center. The Smilow Club created a pipeline to better outcomes for children in disadvantaged communities, offering a beacon of hope and progress. Now, as many alumni serve as leaders in government, law enforcement, healthcare, and beyond, former, and current members of the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse stand as shining examples of the profound impact of strong community programming."

 

"We are deeply concerned by the lack of meaningful engagement and transparency from the Boys and Girls Club and its Board of Directors, who have failed to establish a substantive dialogue with the community and its elected officials in advance of this decision. We can only hope that the Club will choose to act in the best interest of its current, young participants, because our Bronx families deserve opportunities for success. They deserve accessible after-school and summer youth programming, responsive educational institutions, modernized infrastructures, and increased economic opportunities. The pending sale of The Smilow Clubhouse will have a negative impact on community trust and ultimately our community’s success."

 

"As elected officials representing this community at every level of government, we are committed to ensuring the continuity of recreation and services for our youth. We are actively seeking innovative solutions to support the legacy of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club's graduates and the children they leave behind due to this decision, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive."

"I was deeply disappointed by yet another public demonstration of dysfunction at Community Board 11. I strongly believe in community board independence and have remained respectful of each Board’s internal processes, but it is clear now that Community Board 11 requires intervention. A very small, but persistent, group has for too long reliably distracted and embarrassed the greater Board. There has been an outcry from Board Members and community members alike expressing outrage and frustration. I share their sentiment and will meet their call for help to restore order and civility to Community Board 11. Moreover, even though a change in leadership was assured, some members moved forward with the removal process solely to embarrass these board officers. This is an unacceptable way to treat longtime community leaders.

Reappointments are currently before me for consideration, as are applications from new applicants. We will soon have a new Community Board 11, refreshed in membership and refocused on serving the beautiful communities that they represent. I am sincerely grateful to the selfless and dedicated Community Board 11 Members who make up the vast majority of the Board and who have endured a very difficult period in the Board’s history. You have my support. Change is coming."

IN THE COMMUNITY

Earlier this week, we were honored to tour our very own “Emerald Isle” in the Bronx with the Consul General of Ireland in New York, Helena Nolan. Woodlawn is a historic neighborhood in our borough with a rich Irish culture and history. Thank you to all of our Irish-owned businesses, local unions & community centers who welcomed us.

The much-anticipated opening of the Fulton Community Reentry Center will result in impactful and transformative change for the Bronx.

Formerly justice-involved New Yorkers will soon have the necessary tools to successfully transition back into society and become proactive members of our community.

 I want to thank the Osborne Society, NYC Department of Homeless Services, New York Empire State Development Corporation, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the New York City Council, and Trinity Church Wall Street for their support of reentry services for justice-involved New Yorkers and for reimagining this space into something beneficial for our communities.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this month’s Borough Board meeting. Today’s session provided valuable insights into the Bronx Metro North Area Study ULURP and exciting developments in economic growth. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape the future of the Bronx together.

 

We had the privilege of touring the brand-new Chase Community Center at 128 E Fordham Road. It was truly inspiring to witness the tangible results of public-private partnerships in action, underscoring the vital role of private investment in our borough’s growth and prosperity. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to community empowerment, we’re excited about the positive impact this center will have on the lives of Bronx residents. Thank you to JPMorgan Chase Bronx and to all partners involved in making this a reality.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAYOR ADAMS TAKES MAJOR STEPS TOWARDS TRANSFORMING NEW YORK CITY INTO SKATE CAPITAL OF EAST COAST

 

Adams Administration Launches Design and Public Engagement Phase for Four Major Skateparks, Part of $24.8 Million Initiative Announced in Mayor’s State of the City 

 

New Yorkers Invited to Join Community Input Meetings, Can Register Online 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue today took a major step towards transforming New York City into the skate capital of the East Coast. In partnership with local elected officials and The Skatepark Project — a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help underserved communities create safe and inclusive public skateparks for youth — the city has launched its design and public engagement process for four new and enhanced skateparks in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Mayor Adams announced a $24.8 million investment to build these skate parks as part of his State of the City address in January.  

 

“New York City is on a roll — jobs are up, crime is down, and these four new skateparks we’re building will help make this city a more livable place for New Yorkers, young and old, to get outside and get active,” said Mayor Adams. “We’re grateful to our partners — from local elected officials to community advocates to Tony Hawk and The Skatepark Project — and we’re excited to hear from community members from across the city so we can make sure that these skateparks deliver for our city.” 

 

“We're in a New York skate of mind,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “High-quality, safe public space is not a luxury, it's a right.  Public scoping is a critical part of the process to ensure that we deliver spaces that reflect the needs and wants of our city. So please, get involved, make your voice heard, and help us create the best possible projects that include safe infrastructure and green space in equal measure." 

  

“As more and more New Yorkers pick up skateboards and discover the thrill and community that come with this Olympic sport, it's vital that they have safe and accessible spaces to practice,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “By bringing four new skateparks to the Bronx and Brooklyn, we're ensuring New Yorkers of all ages have access to safe spaces to perfect their ollies and kickflips, free from the distraction of car traffic and enhanced with new greenery that the entire community can enjoy. As with all of our projects, our design of these skateparks will be guided by extensive community input, so please get involved and let us know what you want to see in your local skatepark!” 

  

“Let’s rock and roll, New York,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “These four skateparks will give New Yorkers of all ages and abilities new, beautiful outdoor spaces to build community and develop their skills. It’s a part of our broader mission to transform what it feels like outside in New York City, and we’ll continue adding high-quality public space wherever we can, in all five boroughs.” 

 

Skateboarding and other action sports are rapidly growing in New York City, even though there are not enough dedicated public spaces to safely accommodate them. These four new skateparks will provide anchor spaces for youth and adults to participate in all wheel sports, engage in community activities, and improve their mental and physical health, while delivering revitalized public spaces for all New Yorkers.   

 

The design and public engagement phase will begin with a series of four community input meetings — one for each skatepark. The meetings will take place over the course of the month of May and will give New Yorkers the opportunity to share their vision for the skate parks with the city. The meetings are open to the public. 

 

Brooklyn Skate Garden 

 

The Brooklyn Skate Garden will deliver a revitalized Mount Prospect Park, with new trees and native plantings surrounding and elevating contextual skate infrastructure seated in the middle of the cultural hub of Brooklyn, including near the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and farmer's market, as well as close to multiple bus and subway lines. The skate garden will ensure that Mount Prospect Park can be used in all the ways it is today — for picnicking, dog walking, and more, as well as be utilized as a cultural home for wheeled sports in Brooklyn. It will deliver more and better seating, wayfinding, and public space for all New Yorkers. The first community input meeting for the Brooklyn Skate Garden will take place online tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1st at 6:00 PM. 

 

Brower Park 

 

In Brower Park, the city will construct a brand-new 9,000-square-foot custom concrete skatepark, replacing the outdated modular skatepark currently there with new and exciting features for skateboard enthusiasts of different abilities and interests. This project will also enhance the surrounding park landscape with new pavements and seating for spectators and parkgoers alike. The first community input meeting for the Brower Park skatepark will take place online on Wednesday, May 8th at 6:00 PM. 

 

Bronx Park 

 

In Bronx Park, the city will reimagine and construct a brand-new, 6,000-square-foot custom concrete skatepark. The city will replace the outdated existing steel ramp currently present with new and exciting features for skateboard enthusiasts of different abilities and interests. The first community input meeting for the Bronx Park skatepark will take place online on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:00 PM. 

 

Soundview Park 

 

In Soundview Park, the city will construct a brand-new, 15,000-square-foot custom concrete skatepark, replacing an underutilized and worn-out sports court with new and exciting features for skateboard enthusiasts of different abilities and interests. This project will also enhance the surrounding park landscape with new security lighting, pavements, and seating for spectators and parkgoers alike. The first community input meeting for the Soundview Park skatepark will take place in person at PS 107 on Wednesday, May 29 at 6:00 PM. 

 

"I am excited to be working with Mayor Adams, NYC Parks, NYCEDC, and the Skatepark Project to bring a state-of-the-art skatepark to the Soundview community!” said New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias. “As a student who skateboarded to and from school and who is native to Soundview, I am incredibly proud to be supporting this investment in our backyard with $1.5 million through my local budget. This project is a huge investment in the future of the Bronx and our Bronx youth. Skateparks help to build and sustain healthy communities while also giving our young people the opportunity to practice a sport that provides exercise, time outside in our community, and a sense of self-esteem. After the COVID-19 pandemic, our young New Yorkers deserve safe spaces to meet and share experiences- and that is what we are building for them with this project.”