Council Member Andrew Cohen to Cast his Participatory Budgeting Vote at the Riverdale Y

  Kicking off Participatory Budget voting week, Council Member Andrew Cohen will be casting his vote at the Riverdale Y, on Sunday April 12th. All week long, beginning on Sunday April 12th through Saturday April 18th, Council Member Cohen’s office will be hosting community expositions and voting opportunities throughout various locations in the district.

Participatory Budgeting gives residents decision-making power of $1 million towards community improvement projects in their neighborhoods. During this week, residents in the community will be able to see all the proposals on the ballot, as well as place their votes on which projects they think deserves funding the most. There are a total of 11 proposals this year, focused on renovations to schools, parks and libraries throughout different neighborhoods. Anyone who lives in the district, 16 years and older are welcome to vote; all that is needed is proof of residency.

This week is the culmination of yearlong efforts by community leaders and volunteers dedicated to the Participatory Budgeting initiative. Council Member Andrew Cohen will submit spending priorities to City Council, including the winning PB projects. A total of twenty-four council members are participating this year, giving communities all over the city decision-making power of more than $25 million.

2015 Participatory Budgeting Projects

District 11

Education

 1. P.S. 8 Auditorium Renovation  --  $450,000
Replace outdated seating in auditorium, which is almost 60 years old. Performances and community meetings are held in the auditorium throughout the year.
 3010 Briggs Ave. (Bedford Park)

 2. M.S./H.S. 141 Auditorium -- $375,000
Upgrade 55 year old auditorium used by 1,400 students and several other community organizations. Installation of new stage drapes and replacement of wooden seats in disrepair.
 660 W. 237th St. (Riverdale)

3. P.S. 7 Cafeteria Upgrade -- $200,000
Install a roof air conditioning unit to cafeteria. There is only one wall of outside windows which does not allow for cross ventilation and is not usable when the temperature is above 80 degrees.
3201 Kingsbridge Ave. (Kingsbridge)

4. P.S. 24 Technology Expansion -- $70,000
Purchase of two computer carts consisting of 36 laptop units each. Computer technology is necessary to address current curriculum and prepare students for future subject matter and college readiness. 
600 W. 236th St. (Riverdale)

Parks and Recreation

5. Wakefield Playground Renovation  -- $400,000
Reconstruct park with new spray shower, play equipment, swings, seating, fencing and planting. The current playground is outdated and cannot be enjoyed by the community.
Matlida Ave. and E 239th St. (Wakefield)

6. Spuyten Duyvil Playground Renovation -- $400,000
Reconstruct existing wading pool as an accessible spray shower and install new pavement, fencing, seating, planting and utilities.
Douglas Ave. and West 235th St. (Riverdale)

Transportation

7. Bus Countdown Clocks -- $120,000
Commuters wait for long lengths of time without knowing when the next bus will arrive.
Bus countdown clocks will alert riders as to how many stop away the next bus is.
Bx1, Bx10, Bx16, Bx26, Bx34 (throughout District 11)

Libraries 

8. New HVAC at Spuyten Duyvil Library -- $550,000

The current HVAC system is outdated and the library serves as a cooling center during the summer months. The new system would include a roof unit, compressor, air handling units and ejector pumps.
650 W. 225th St. (Riverdale)

9. Van Cortlandt Library Roof Replacement -- $300,000
The current roof is outdated and causes leaks in the library. A new roof will prevent additional water damage to the facility.
3874 Sedgwick Ave. (Van Cortlandt Village)

10. Mosholu Library Window Replacement  -- $300,000
New windows and frames for the library will help insulate the facility during the summer and winter months and protect from potential water damage.
285 E. 205th St. (Norwood)

11. Replace HVAC Unit at Riverdale Library  -- $550,000 
The current HVAC system is outdated and the library serves as a cooling center during the summer months. The new system would include a roof unit, compressor, air handling units and ejector pumps.
5540 Mosholu Ave. (Riverdale)

Where to Vote --

2015 Participatory Budgeting Expo and Voting locations

District 11

April 12, 2015 --  Riverdale Y
o 5625 Arlington Ave, Bronx, NY 10471
o 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
o Expo and Vote

April 13, 2015 --  Mosholu Public Library
o 285 E 205th St, Bronx, NY  10467
o 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
o Voting only

April 14, 2015 -- Riverdale Public Library

5540 Mosholu Avenue, Bronx,  NY, 10471
o 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
o Voting only

Rambling House
4292 Katonah Ave, Bronx, NY  10470
o 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
o Expo and Vote

April 15, 2015  --Spuyten Duyvil Public Library
o 650 W. 235th St., Bronx, NY,  10463
o 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
o Voting only

 Amalgamated Housing –- Vladeck Hall
74 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx, NY 10463

o 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
o Expo and Vote

April 16, 2015  -- Van Cortlandt Public Library
o 3874 Sedgwick Ave, Bronx, NY 10463
o 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
o Voting only

April 17, 2015 -- Woodlawn Public Library
4355 Katonah Ave, Bronx, NY  10470
o 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
o Voting only

April 18, 2015 -- Mosholu Montefiore Community Center
o 3450 Dekalb Ave, Bronx, NY  10467
o 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
o Expo and Vote

The Return OF 'ONE PUSHY BROAD"?

   Seen above at the May 2013 Ben Franklin Democratic Club Mayoral Debate, then candidate former City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is said to be eyeing a return to elected office. Just what office Quinn may run for has not been announced, but she did head Governor Andrew Cuomo's Women's Equality Party movement that resulted in the WEP receiving over 50,0000 votes statewide which made it an official state designated party. However since the November 2014 election there has been little if any movement by the WEP since gaining a ballot line. In fact when going to their website there still remains a posting to vote on the Women's Equality Line in November 2014 so it can become an officially recognized state ballot line.   

  Quinn is reported to be regretting having not played up the nickname she received during the election by some like us - "One Pushy Broad'. Quinn took the high road, and tried to win the mayors race on her record which was not enough as we have learned. Then there are some who have said that overturning the term limit law was her demise. 

  We do hope to see former Speaker Quinn take an active role in the 2017 race for mayor, be it as a candidate or some other form such as a consultant. We miss the 'Pushy Broad'.  

Consumer Affairs Hosts Tax Prep Day in Partnership with NYS Senator Rivera and Food Bank For New York City

  Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Julie Menin, New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Food Bank For New York City Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Silvia Davi hosted a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Day to promote free tax preparation services available in the Bronx. During the event, tax filers had their tax returns prepared for free and learned about refundable tax credits that will put money back in their pockets such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and NYC Child Care Tax Credit (NYC CCTC). Tax filers who earn up to $53,000 are eligible to free tax preparation. A list of the more than 200 free tax preparation sites is available onnyc.gov/taxprep. 

  New York City is spending 3 million dollars to get the word out to taxpayers who are eligible for the Earned Income Credit, (and other tax credits) through agencies like the Food Bank at 120 full service sites. Silvia Davi (Chief Marketing and Communications Officer) of the Food Bank said 'Due to recent federal and other cuts to programs the equivalent of 56 million meals have been lost". 

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera said "1 in 5 NYC people who are eligible for the Earned Income Credit do not take advantage of the tax credit, which can average $2,500 dollars and up to $10,000 dollars, even if you do not have to file taxes". 

   Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Julie Menin said that the city goal is to increase the number of families taking advantage of the EITC to 150,000 families this year. Last year 96,000 families took advantage of the EITC and the free tax preparation which generated around $160 million dollars of spendable dollars by the families. This year the goal is to increase that figure by $90 million dollars in additional spendable money by the 50,000 new families taking the EITC. 

Above - DCA Commissioner Meng explains why the EITC Credit is so important to families who are eligible, but do not take the credit.

Below - State Senator Gustavo Rivera tells the audience the average EITC credit is $2,500, and up to $10.000.00. Silvia Davi of the Food Bank of New York is on the left in both photos. This event took place at the Bronxworks location at 80 East 181st Street. 

STATE SENATOR JEFF KLEIN FUNDS FREE SPRING BREAK CAMP FOR STUDENTS AT P.S. 83

Photo Left to Right: Brandon Muccino, Principal of P.S. 83; Senator Jeff Klein; Nick Affisco, Program Developer at STS Sports; STS Sports Staff; Community Members; Students of P.S. 83. (Photo courtesy of Senator Klein's office). 

Klein, United Federation of Teachers, P.S. 83 Partner to Provide Week-Long Camp to Students and Families Through NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative

State Senator Jeff Klein visited more than 130 students, parents and administrators at P.S. 83’s Ultimate Enrichment Spring Break Camp in the Bronx on Tuesday, April 7th. The week-long camp, provided to P.S. 83 students and families at no cost, was funded by a $1.5 million state grant Senator Klein secured through the New York City Community Learning Schools Initiative last year.

“Providing our youngsters with access to essential resources, vital supports and meaningful enrichment activities ensures today’s students have the tools they need to be successful tomorrow,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Not only does this camp help local students learn and grow, it supports hard-working Bronx families who often have difficulty finding a helping hand during school breaks. I want to thank the United Federation of Teachers, P.S. 83, STS Sports and all the local parents for their continued support of the Community Learning Schools Initiative and for making this camp a huge success for our students.”

"I want to thank Senator Klein for making this Spring Break camp possible. For single and working parents, the five days children are off for spring break can really pose a problem,” said Frank Cassano, Resource Coordinator at P.S. 83 Bronx, United Federation of Teachers. “With our camp, more than 130 students receive a full day of activities. Not only sports and recreation, but science and arts lessons -- plus breakfast and lunch. It is a real partnership between parents, the school and the community."

“At Ultimate Enrichment, it is our goal to create an environment and experience that is unforgettable for all children, filled with fun activities that stimulate their mind and body, as well as  building their confidence and self-esteem,” said Nick Affisco, Program Developer at STS Sports. “Through the assistance from the Community Learning grant and Senator Klein, we were able to provide 135 children with this incredible experience for their Spring Break. Through activities such as science projects, dance, sports training, academic enrichment, arts and crafts, these students experienced an educational atmosphere that was both fun and stimulating.”

The free, week-long camp has enrolled more than 130 students and runs from Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th from 7:30 A.M to 6:00 P.M. Breakfast and lunch is provided to students at no cost. Each day, students participate in a variety of enrichment activities including arts, science, dance, sports and games. To date, students have completed a model of the solar system, a demonstration on how blood works, a diagram of the phases of the moon using oreo cookies, a bollywood dance performance and more.

Tomorrow Hundreds of Residents Rally for Mayor to Invest in NYCHA

Hundreds of NYCHA Residents and Supporters Will Urge Mayor de Blasio to Allocate $100 Million Annually in NYC Capital Funds for Major Improvements Needed in Public Housing Buildings

The rally comes a month after the historic mobilization of NYCHA tenants to Albany

WHO: Council Member Torres, NYCHA residents, advocates from Real Affordability For All (RAFA), Comptroller Scott Stringer, Borough President Gale Brewer, Council Members

WHAT:  While the State set aside $100 million for NYCHA in its 2015 budget deal, the funds are only a fraction of what’s needed to improve the deplorable conditions in its public housing developments. That’s why tenants are now counting on Mayor Bill de Blasio to continue his support for public housing by committing to a much-needed long-term investment such as a baseline minimum of $100 million annually for NYCHA in the municipal budget.

WHERE: Steps of City Hall

WHEN: Thursday, April 9, 12 noon.

Diaz Team Announces the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna

What You Should Know
By State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District 

You should know that the Diaz Team is comprised of New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake – and we are announcing that this Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 7pm there will be more than 500 people attending the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna in New York celebration at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue.

This Abrazo Garifuna is celebration of the many contributions of the Garifuna community to the City and State of New York. New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake will be honoring from distinguished members of the Garifuna community for their outstanding achievements.  They are: Marcia Gomez, for Community Leadership; Yeny Budari Placios, for Arts and Culture; Deacon Apolonio Mejia, for Religion; and Arnol Guity-Martinez for Youth Leadership.

It is important for you to know that this event for the Garifuna community is completely free - and that there are the 500 seats that will be available to the first 500 people who arrive.

Editors Note:  We call it Team Diaz rather than the Diaz Team.

STACEY DASH NAMED TO BRONX WALK OF FAME

Actress, Writer, and TV Commentator Stacey Dash To Be Inducted Into The Bronx Walk of Fame

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash will be inducted into the 2015 Bronx Walk of Fame.

“We are excited about inducting the charismatic Stacey Dash into the Bronx Walk of Fame,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Our newest member of The Bronx Walk of Fame is a multi-talented and distinguished Bronxite who represents the fearless spirit of our borough to the fullest, whether it is in movies such as the 1995 classic ‘Clueless,’ or speaking her mind as a television commentator and writer.”

“I am very grateful to have been chosen to be a part of such an important and significant event in the borough of my birth, a place that left an impact in my life and made me who I am – Bronx Strong,” said Dash. “This borough is very special to me and I truly appreciate being inducted into The Bronx Walk of Fame. I want to thank, in particular, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who has made it his mission to transform The Bronx into a better place for all residents, and for his vision in motivating all Bronxites to follow their dreams.”

Stacey knew that she wanted to act, and from an early age appeared in commercials before landing first small-screen role in the 1982 made-for-TV film Farrell for the People. She then went on to playing a recurring role on The Cosby Show, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

She made her feature film debut at 21 years old in Enemy Territory. Since then Dash has led a notable acting career that has spanned more than 20 years. She has appeared in numerous films and television series including roles in Renaissance Man, Mo' Money, and View from the Top.

Her work in Clueless earned her a nomination for a 1995 “Youth in Film Award” for “Best Young Supporting Actress in a Feature Film,” which earned her a role in the television adaptation.

In May 2014, Dash was hired as a contributor for "cultural analysis and commentary" by Fox News, where she voices her opinions and encourages discussion on topics ranging from pop culture to national news and politics across all media platforms.

Her book “There Goes My Social Life”, is scheduled for publication this summer, where Dash discusses how she became a conservative, her upbringing in the South Bronx and her Hollywood career.

Stacey Dash will be officially inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame as part of the 44^th annual Bronx Week, a program of The Bronx Tourism Council.

Bronx Week 2015 is a highly-anticipated 11-day event where the entire borough, including government, business, and the community-at-large, come together to celebrate “The Best of The Bronx” through festivals, concerts, health fairs, parades, performances and a host of other activities. It will take place from May 8-17. At the end of the 11-day celebration, our hometown heroes like Dash are honored with induction into the Bronx Walk of Fame, where their names are emblazoned on a street sign to reside on the historic Grand Concourse forever.

For more information about Bronx Week 2015, visitwww.ilovethebronx.com.

Croton FMC Meeting on April 20

The Croton FMC will meet on Monday, April 20 at 7:00pm at the DEP office, 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467.

The agenda will be posted once it is available.