Council Member Ritchie Torres - Summer 2015 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

As we kick off Summer, we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for: sunshine, picnics in the park, and outings with the family, to name a few. Summer is definitely one of the best times to explore our great borough and city, and I hope you are able spend some time out in the sun. In the City Council, I have been working on important issues that impact all residents of the District and across New York City, from advocating for investments in public housing to cleaning up our streets. Please read below for updates on my work and events that may interest you. As always, please reach out to my District Office if I can ever be of assistance: 718-842-8100. It is an honor to serve as your Council Member for the 15th District in the Central Bronx.   -Ritchie Torres   Celebrate LGBT Pride Month Across the world, June is recognized as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Pride month in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Riots and our continued fight for equal rights. Although our city and state has made tremendous progress in advancing rights for the LGBT community, there is still much work to do. The Council’s LGBT Caucus recently held its annual Pride Celebration and honored extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to the city’s LGBT community and advance social justice in their daily lives. I was honored to recognize Kim Watson, Co-Founder of Community-Kinship Life, for her dedication to bringing quality healthcare services to transgender New Yorkers. Her life story and work are an inspiration to us all. Using Art to Empower Youth In partnership with Groundswell and Kappa III Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy, I unveiled a new mural on Mapes Ave. The mural, entitled “Domino Effect,” was painted by Kappa III students and illustrates the impact violence has on the community and how an act of creativity can make a difference. The students used art as a tool to call for a more peaceful and just community, and I’m confident that the creation of this mural inspired them to develop their roles as artists and activists. Cleaning Up District 15 Clean streets improve the quality of life for our communities and help local businesses grow. In partnership with the Doe Fund, I funded street cleaning crews along East 180th St. and Morris Park Avenue. I’m also partnering with FedCap to rehabilitate vacant lots, such as Oliver Place and Decatur Avenue in Bedford Park. Are there lots that need cleaning and walls with graffiti that needs to be removed? Please contact my District Office and we’ll work to get them cleaned: 718-842-8100.    Advocating for Public Housing Residents  In my role as Chair of the City Council Committee on Public Housing, I am responsible for oversight of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). NYCHA has suffered from decades of city, state and federal disinvestment, which has magnified the security, maintenance and infrastructure problems at public housing developments. In coalition with my colleagues in the Council and NYCHA residents,  I advocated for a significant increase in the City and State’s support for public housing. The Mayor recently announced $300 million in funding over three years for roof replacements, waived NYCHA’s payments to the NYPD, which totaled $70 million a year, and will waive the $30 million NYCHA pays each year to the city in lieu of taxes on certain properties. These savings and investment will make a real difference in the quality of life for tens of thousands of NYCHA residents.   UCHC is IMPACT-ing the Health of Bronx Residents  Up to 10% of Bronx residents report experiencing serious psychological distress, compared to 5.5% of NYC residents overall. Ignoring mental health issues, such as depression, has a direct and negative effect on an individual’s physical health and the wellness of a community. Union Community Health  Center’s (UCHC) integrated model of primary and behavioral healthcare, dubbed IMPACT, is now offering all patients mental health services along with access to their internists, family medicine practitioners, OB/GYNs, and pediatricians as one unified care team. Health professionals at UCHC are trained to diagnose mental health issues like depression and anxiety as they occur, and support services at UCHC are available as individual or group therapy. A Spanish-language women’s support group began this Spring and other groups, including one for parents whose children have been diagnosed with ADHD, will launch soon. To make an appointment at Union Community Health Center call 718-220-2020 or for more information visit: http://www.uchcbronx.org/ Health Bucks, Farmers’ Markets & Access to Nutritious Food Access to nutritious food is essential to improving health outcomes for residents of the Central Bronx. Once again, I’m using discretionary funds to distribute Health Bucks- $2 coupons redeemable at local farmers’ markets. These coupons make fruits and vegetables affordable to all shoppers. If you are interested in receiving Health Bucks please contact my District office at718-842 -8100. Below are some of the farmers’ markets in and around Council District 15 where you can redeem Health Bucks:  Harvest Home Mt. Eden Farmers Market: Mt. Eden &  Morris Aves., at Bronx Lebanon Hospital – Tuesdays &  Thursdays, 8am-4pm. Harvest Home Echo Park Farmers Market: Ryer St. &  Burnside Ave. – Opens July 7 - November 17- Wednesdays,  8am-4pm. Inside MetroNorth Parking Lot – Saturdays, 8am-4pm La Familia Verde Farmers Market: East Tremont &  LaFontaine Aves. – Opens in July – Tuesdays, 8am-2pm. Poe Park Greenmarket: Grand Concourse & 192nd St. –  opens June 30th - Tuesdays 8am-3pm. West Farms Farmers Market: Boston Rd. & East Tremont  Ave., in Drew Gardens – Wednesdays, 10am– 3pm. New York Botanical Garden Greenmarket: Mosholu Pkwy.  at Kazimiroff Blvd. – Opens June 17th - Wednesdays, 9am-6pm.  The Botanical Garden’s popular Greenmarket returns for its  13th season. Come to the Library Allee by the Moshulu Gate  at the Garden to purchase some of the best and freshest  homegrown produce and treats from across the State.   Participatory Budgeting: Putting City Money to Work for Our  Community This Spring, my office completed the first cycle of the Participatory Budgeting (PB) process. This process places residents in charge of how $1 million City capital dollars are spent in their neighborhoods. During the Fall, residents submitted proposals for projects they wanted to see done in the District and considered for PB funding. Working with my office, Budget Delegates organized a PB Vote Week from April 11th-18th and more than 2,300 residents casted votes for projects that will bring much needed improvements to our schools, parks and public transit. The top 3 winning proposals are: 1st Place:  Security Cameras for Public Schools ($80,000)  - 1,352 Votes. Security camera systems will be installed on  the exteriors of Kappa III and M.S. 391/TAPCO. This will  allow staff to monitor the exterior of each school. 2nd Place: Bronx Park Improvements ($450,000) –  1,323 Votes. Renovations and enhancements will be made  throughout Bronx Park north of Pelham Parkway (known as  Bronx Park East). 3rd Place: NYPD Security Cameras ($315,000) – 1,288 Votes.  9 NYPD Security Cameras will be installed throughout District  15. The cameras will provide video feeds directly to local  police precincts. 4th Place: Air Conditioning for Public Schools ($145,000) –  1,236 Votes. Air conditioning units will be installed at PS 28,  PS 32, and PS 9. These units will keep classrooms cool in  warmer months. 5th Place: Bus Countdown Clocks ($80,000) – 935 Votes.  Digital displays will be installed at four bus stops, showing the  times buses will arrive. If you are interested in submitting project proposals for PB funding, contact my District Office at718-842-8100.   IDNYC at The New York Botanical Garden          The New York Botanical Garden is honored to participate in IDNYC’s inaugural year by providing a complimentary Community Grounds Membership to current IDNYC cardholders.  Benefits include year-round admission to the Garden grounds for an ndividual or family (2 adults and 2 children under age 16).  To join, you must present your valid IDNYC before December 31, 2015 at any ticketing window at The New York Botanical Garden, Tuesday- Sunday, 10 am-5pm.  Please note this membership offer is not available for current or recently lapsed (January 2012 – Present) Garden members. For a full explanation of this benefit at NYBG for IDNYC holders, please visit:  http://www.nybg.org/support_the_garden/membership/idnyc.php For more information about obtaining an IDNYC, please  call 311 or visit:http://www1.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/index.page My Legislative Work in City Hall CLEAN Act: Cleaning Up Industrial Laundries in the Bronx  and Outer Boroughs New York City’s industrial laundries clean the textiles, linens, tablecloths and gowns used by millions of people in the City’s hotels, hospitals and restaurants. These facilities employ more than 5,000 immigrant, low-wage workers and are concentrated in the Bronx and outer boroughs. I was shocked to learn that industrial laundries- unlike your neighborhood laundromat- currently go unregulated by the City’s Department of Consumer Affairs and are not required to meet health and safety protocols. Without regulations and oversight, industrial laundry workers are routinely exploited and work in unsanitary conditions that create serious public health risks for consumers. They are forced to sacrifice cleanliness in order to meet production quotas, which can lead to contaminated linens being used by the public. To help fix this problem, I introduced the City Laundry Equity and Accountability Act (CLEAN Act). If passed, the CLEAN Act would require industrial laundries to undergo inspections and obtain a license. By regulating industrial laundries, we can help protect the city from potential public health risks and safeguard a vulnerable and exploited work force.  The bill will be heard in the Council’s Consumer Affairs Committee on June 18th. In collaboration with Workers United, my office released a report on the unsanitary work conditions at industrial laundries. Read the report at: www.cleannyc.org and watch the Fox 5 segment here: Report: Dirty hotel, restaurant linens   Making School Diversity a Priority The Council recently passed my resolution calling on the City’s Department of Education to establish school diversity as a priority in admissions, zoning and other decision-making processes. The resolution passed as a part of the School Diversity Accountability Act, designed to confront segregation and increase diversity in NYC public schools. Read about the impact this will have on schools  here: Observer: “City Education Department Will  Be Required to Report on Diversity”  Upcoming Events Friday, June 5: Teens Take the Met! 5-8pm: Free Art Making,  Performances, Gallery Activities, and More, free for teens 13+.   Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 81st St. More info: www.metmuseum.org/teennight Friday June 12: Parkside Clean-Up Day: 12pm. Residents  of Parkside Houses and the Bronx Park East neighborhood will  hold a cleanup day in the development. Residents will meet at  644 Adee Ave. Tuesday, June 23: Department of Transportation Helmet  Giveaway: 3:30-7pm. In collaboration with DOT, I will be  holding a bike helmet give away at PS 32. On a first come,  first serve basis, you can be fit for a free bike helmet.  690 E. 183rd St., Bronx. Friday, June 26: Fordham Road Film Festival: 8:30pm:  The Fordham Road BID will kick off their free summer film  screenings with “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good,  Very Bad Day”. For the full Film Festival list visit:   http://www.fordhamroadbid.org/ Tuesday, June 30: Centerlight Senior Prom: 2-5pm.  The 5th Annual Beth Abraham/Centerlight Senior Task Force  Senior Prom will have dancing, giveaways and refreshments.  Free admissions. For more information and to RSVP,  please call Carmen Cruz Lee, 718-519-4072,  ccruz-lee@centerlight.org or Jacqueline Kennedy-Saddler, 718-636-1000 x437, jkennedy-saddler@centerlight.org.  RSVP by June 10.    Folow me on Twitter: @RitchieTorres Find me on Facebook: Hon. Ritchie Torres CITY HALL OFFICE 250 Broadway, Suite 1759   New York, NY 10007 (212) 788-6966

DISTRICT OFFICE

573 East Fordham Road  

(Entrance on Hoffman Street) 

Bronx, NY 10458

(718) 842-8100

Fax: (347) 597-8570

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.

Summer Sizzles in The Bronx - June Events

The official eNewsletter of The Bronx Tourism Council  JUNE 05, 2015 A concert celebrating 10 years since the inauguration of Pregones Theater on Walton Avenue in The Bronx Pregones Theater 571-575 Walton Avenue 718.585.1202  or click here  ____________________________________________ presents PUERTO RICAN MASTERS Los Grandes Maestros de La Salsa SAT  |  JUN 6  |  8pm Box Office: 718.960.8833 or Click here  June Events in The Boogie Down Bronx click to read 10 Things I bet you didn't know about The Bronx click to read 10 Notable African Americans Inducted in The Bronx Walk of Fame click to read  10 Famous Women Inducted into The Bronx Walk of Fame click to read Seeking volunteers to  help provide Bronx Tours!  The non-profit organization founded in 1992, has served to enhance New York City's worldwide image by connecting visitors with knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers passionate and proud of their favorite neighborhoods. To become a volunteer, or for more information, click here check out our SUMMER FUN GUIDE   what to see and do in The Bronx all year-round     Click here see MARK YOUR CALENDAR    SAVE THE DATES June 25 New York Salutes America Fireworks Extravaganza August  Bronx SalsaFest October Fall for The Bronx October 25th  Tour de Bronx November Savor The Bronx Restaurant Week ON VIEW IN THE BRONX ACCOMPLISHED WOMEN: SCHOOLGIRL ART FROM FEMALE ACADEMICS IN THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY BARTOW-PELL MANSION MUSEUM 895 Shore Road Until June 21 click for more info  DOUG BRIN: JOURNALS AND SURREALIST IMPULSE: WORKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION Opening reception: Apr 19, 3:30 - 5pm DERFNER JUDAICA MUSEUM + THE ART COLLECTION Hebrew Home @ Riverdale 5901 Palisade Avenue RSVP art@hebrewhome.org until July 31 click for more info  FRIDA KAHLO: Art. Garden. Life until November 21 New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Boulevard Click for more info   The Ultimate Book to experience The Ultimate Bronx! Available now on Amazon Click here  Also available on Amazon Arlene Alda's book! Click here

Like us on           Follow us on    Established in 1991, The Bronx Tourism Council is a subsidiary of  the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC),  creating a cohesive and symbiotic relationship between arts and  culture and economic development. The role of The Bronx  Tourism Council is to promote the borough's rich history,its  institutions, and cultural diversity on a local, national, and  global level.  Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director Brendaliz Candelaria, Deputy Director  Annette Carrion Pastoriza, Tourism and Administration Coordinator Visit www.ilovethebronx.com or  call 718.590.3518 for more information.