Weprin to Run for Weiner's Vacant Congressional Seat

   Queens Assemblyman David Weprin has accepted the Democratic nomination to run in the special election for the 9th Congressional District on September 13th. It could be an unlucky 13th day though for the winner of that special election as New York State is slated to loose two congressional seats next year due to population declines statewide, and this could be one of the two districts eliminated.

   

   Weprin had served in the City Council for eight years previously as the Chair of the Finance committee. His council seat was won by his brother Mark, and their father was former Assembly Speaker Saul Weprin. While David Weprin lives a few blocks outside the 9th Congressional District, all that is required is a residence in the state. Two things in Weprin's favor is that he does not "TWEET", and does not work our in a gym like the previous congressman.

   The Conservative Party has chosen Republican Bob Turner who ran against Weiner in 2010 to run in the special election, and Turner should be the choice of the Republican Party which is also looking at Juan Reyes who worked for former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Weprin would seem to have the edge in this largely Jewish congressional district in Brooklyn and Queens that Weiner has won in the past. Weprin has nothing to lose as he would retain his state assembly seat should he not win the congressional seat.    

JETER METER UPDATE

   Derek Jeter got one hit closer to 3,000 hits last night with a lead off double, for hit number 2,998. However that was the only hit that Jeter was able to get, as he went 1 - 5 ending the game against Tampa Bay with a ground out.

   There are still three games left on this final home stand before the All Star break, and hit number 3,000 could come tonight should Jeter be able to have another multi hit game. They are baking the cakes on 161st Street for the celebration either tonight or tomorrow when hit number 3,000 comes.

Unashamed To Be A Christian
by Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz

 

On June 24th I voted my conscience and opposed Governor Andrew Cuomo's key piece of social legislation in the New York State Senate that redefines our marriage laws away from the traditional definition of one man and one woman. I was the only Democrat in the Senate to vote against this legislation, and I wear my vote as a badge of honor.

I have been congratulated by religious leaders and constituents not only from my district, but from districts all over New York State. I have received messages of encouragement and gratitude from people throughout the United States. Alberto Martinez tweeted: "Jesus said: 'Whoever is ashamed of Him and His words, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of such person at His coming.' Bravo Senator Diaz." All of these supporters know that I am unashamed to be a Christian. If we talk the talk, we must walk the walk.

Although Republican Senate Leader Dean Skelos ushered the gay marriage vote to the floor in order to make the 11:00PM news, and even though the vote passed, the hatred that has spewed in my direction before June 24th continues.

Yesterday I received a series of five emails in my Senate account from one person that read like homicidal rantings: "You eat shit. You are shit." "There is no worse person on Earth than you. God has told me so." "You worthless pile of human excrement!!!" "I hope you die! I hope you die soon! I'm waiting for you to die!" "Satan would sooner nail a stake through your heart than admit to knowing you. Your very own lover!!!"

To err on the side of caution and especially since one of the messages awaits my demise, those emails were properly reported to the FBI.

Those messages suggest that even though the gay marriage vote passed, that author did not get what he wanted which suggests to me that for some reason, I am the embodiment of his disappointment.  He may also be upset because I am unashamed of my vote.

Last Tuesday, a website posted an article titled: "Sen. Ruben Douchebag: I Made History." The tag labels that follow that online piece are as vulgar as possible. I quote them here not to amplify their vulgarity, but to let people know the ever-growing hatred freely expressed by those who claim to promote tolerance: "assholery, batshittery, bigotry, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, douchenozzles, evil, and f***weasels".

I am amazed that the author of that site continues to fixate on me as he does. I was told that he even tweeted about me just one hour after the supposed May 21 rapture: "An hour past #Rapture in New York City and this town is still infested with Sen. Ruben Diaz and his filthy ilk. #Disappointed."

For all intents and purposes I am a stranger to this person, yet for some reason I have his full attention. As a religious leader I thank the Lord that he continues to pay attention to my efforts to spread the Word of God. I hope and pray that since he seems to be a grown man, he will try to no longer promote vulgarity, indecency and hatred online or elsewhere.

After the June 24 vote, so many people who disguise themselves as victims and decry bullies hide behind their computer screens and demonstrate what is called "keyboard courage" by posting hateful and vicious comments about me.

In the great spirit of interfaith unity I will continue to work to promote what the late Pope John Paul II called the Culture of Life and continue to highlight the actions of the opposition which is still not pleased even with their declared victory in New York against traditional marriage.

For my part, I will continue to be unashamed to be a Christian.

Jeter Meter Update

   With reports that he would not play last night, Derek Jeter was in his familiar lead off position. Jeter went 1 for 3 also getting a walk and is now only three hits away from the magic number of 3,000 hits. 

   Tonight the Yankees take on division rival Tampa Bay for the first game of a four game homestand, and then there will be the All Star Break. The question now is not if he can get hit #3,000 before the All Star Break, but in which game of the four against Tampa Bay will Derek Jeter get hit #3,000. Those wanting tickets for any of the four Tampa Bay games have seen prices skyrocket, as Jeter draws nearer to hit #3,000. Many people want to be at Yankee Stadium to see it in person when Jeter gets hit #3,000. 

   Also don't forget the celebration on 161st Street when Derek Jeter does get hit #3,000.

JETER PARTY PLANNED

FREE CAKE FOR FANS

(Bronx, NY) – When Derek Jeter reaches 3,000 hits, fans and neighbors will be celebrating the milestone with FREE CAKE.
The Jeter Meter will flash out the magic number, and the 161st Street BID will join local businesses in giving out FREE CAKE to those who gather to congratulate the Yankee Captain.
“The Bronx is ready to celebrate,” said Dr. Cary Goodman, the BID’s executive director.
The 161st Street BID is sponsoring the Jeter Meter as a public service. and organizing the celebration among the businesses, the team, fans and residents.
Participating businesses include: Yankee Bar & Grill, Yankee Tavern, Billy’s and Stan’s. The first 100 fans at each location after the 3,000th hit will get a free piece of cake.
The cake is from Valencia Bakery, a Bronx institution since 1948. “I wish Derek would be able to come out and join in the party, “said Eddie Velazquez, the owner. “But, I’m willing to bake him a special cake and deliver it to the dugout if he can’t.”
The 161st Street BID is planning to make the Jeter Meter available for display at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, The Negro League Baseball Museum, The Yankee Museum and The Baseball Hall of Fame.
The 161st Street BID is one of 64 BIDs across New York City managed by the Department of Small Business Services, Commissioner Rob Walsh.

 

 

TWO-TIME WORLD SALSA CHAMPION TO OPEN

BRONX SALSAFEST

  Anya Katsevman, two-time world salsa champion (2009/2010) and award-winning dance instructor Elvis Collado will lead a dance demonstration and  free group dance lesson when Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Tourism Council kick-off Bronx SalsaFest  at Pregones Theater in the South Bronx on Thursday, July 7, 7 pm.

  Also that evening:  a screening of the critically-acclaimed documentary, "From Mambo To Hip Hop," followed by a Q&A with the film's producer, City Lore folklorist Elena Martinez and multi-Grammy nominated percussionist and salsa expert Bobby Sanabria.

  Bronx SalsaFest takes place July 7 - 11 and is the borough's tribute to the genre that gave it its nickname, "El Condado De La Salsa" (The Salsa Borough). 

  Other highlights during the week include a a musical tribute to Celia Cruz at her mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery, a concert by Jose Alberto "El Canario" celebrating his 35-year career; and the return of live music to the Orchard Beach stage with Nelson Gonzalez & The All-Star Band, hosted by Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Tourism Council at BOEDC; sponsored by Bronx Lebanon Hospital and Latino Sports.  Bronx SalsaFest is made possible  in part by a grant from the NYC & Company Foundation.

  "Warm Up Party" for first Bronx SalsaFest

   Thursday, July 7, 2011 --   7PM

   Pregones Theater, 571 Walton Avenue, 

   between 149 & 150 Streets.

 

BRONX YOUNGEST RESIDENTS INCREASE FOOD ACCESS

TEEN-RUN FARM STAND RETURNS TO MORRISANIA 

  As part of GrowNYC’s hands-on urban agriculture and nutrition program “Learn It, Grow It, Eat it,” each summer teen interns run a farm stand in Morrisania stocked with fresh produce grown by regional farmers and some the teens grew themselves in the Bronx.  While the kids are helping increase access to fresh food in a neighborhood that is lacking it, they're also teaching their communities about nutrition and healthy eating through workshops, cooking demos, healthy food location hand-outs.  The weekly market accepts EBT, WIC, Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), and Health Bucks.  Press coverage welcome. 

Learn It Grow It Eat It Youthmarket Opening Day

Cooking demos, farmers market, nutrition programming

Wednesday, July 6 from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM  

Boston Road and 169^th St, Bronx.

GrowNYC’s Youthmarket program is a network of 13 urban farm stands staffed by teens and strategically located in “food deserts,” or areas lacking access to fresh fruits and vegetables. 

GrowNYC improves New York City’s quality of life through environmental programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.  GrowNYC achieves its mission through the following projects and programs: Greenmarket; Open Space Greening; Environmental Education; and the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education.  For more information, visit us at www.grownyc.org

 

1040 Grand Concourse at 165 St  Bronx, New York 10456  718.681.6000 | www.bronxmuseum.org 

First Fridays!: FILM NIGHT

In collaboration with the African Film Festival

July 15, 2011, 7:00-10:00pm

Music 7:00-8:30pm, Iboru (Afro-Cuban, Yoruba, Rumba)

Screening: 8:30-9:15pm

Joyce Kilmer Park (outdoor event!)

Grand Concourse Bet E 161 St and E 164 St

Rain location: Bronx Museum

Free Admission

FILMS

BONGO BARBERSHOP
Charlie Ahearn, USA, 2005, 8mins
An East African MC, Balozi Dola, wanders into a Bronx barbershop on his pilgrimage to find “the real hip hop.” Stubeling upon the pioneers of the New York hip hop scene, including Grandmaster Flash’s original partner DJ Eazy Mike, Balozi enters the scene rhyming with Grandmaster Caz.

ALL I WANNA DO
Michelle Medina, Morocco, 2010, 59mins
Forty-eight year-old Simohamed, who works as a parking guard, and his 17-year-old son Ayoub, get the opportunity to pursue their dreams of being hip hop artists.

Next First Fridays! FILM NIGHT
August 15, 2011, 7:00-10:00pm

For almost twenty years, AFF has bridged the divide between post-colonial Africa and the American public through the medium of film. www.africanfilmny.org

For more information: media@bronxmuseum.org or visit www.bronxmuseum.org
Bronx Museum of the Arts × 1040 Grand Concourse at 165^th St × Bronx NY 10456

 

Jeter Meter Update

  In Cleveland last night Derek Jeter got a single and a double in six at bats. This brings his hit total to 2,996, and only four hits short of 3,000 hits with five games left before the all star break.

  The Yankees conclude a three game series in Cleveland tonight. The Tampa Bay Rays then come into Yankee Stadium for four games before the all star break.

Joel Rivera Selling Real Estate in Throggs Neck?

   Joel Rivera, the City Council's majority leader is going to work for RE/MAX Results, a Bronx real estate broker based in Throgs Neck our friends at the Bronx News Network report here.

   BNN goes on to quote Joel Rivera, who talks about his commitment to public service, but also remarks that the Council Majority Leader will be term limited out of office and not able to run for his current City Council seat in 2013. BNN then speculates that current Assemblyman Jose Rivera (Joel's father) will retire when his son is term limited out of the council, so his son could then replace him in a special election.

   We will add that we were waiting for redistricting to happen, as we thought that brother Joel and sister Naomi would be trading offices, with Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera running for the 15th City Council seat that her brother had occupied for all these years. Then there was the possibility of a new East Bronx Congressional seat after redistricting which Councilman Rivera would have nothing to loose going after since he would still be in the City Council until Jan. 2014. Also to run after redistricting or in a special election a candidate does not have to live in the district, but must move in with in thirty days after winning the election. What's your take on all of this?

 

Jeter Meter Update

   Now that Derek Jeter has returned to the starting line up of the New York Yankees after rehab for an injury that sidelined him for over two weeks hie quest for hit number 3,000 continues. The Jeter Meter has been stuck at 2,994, but was turned on again last night when Jeter lead off against the Cleveland Indians. While there were fire works in Cleveland Jeter went 0 - 4 reaching on an error that does not count as a hit. 

  There are six games left before the All Star break, two in Cleveland, and then Tampa Bay comes to Yankee Stadium for four games right before the All Star Game. Jeter will appear in the All Star game as he was voted in as the starting shortstop. Can Jeter get hit 3,000 before the All Star  break?

NYC PENSION FUNDS EARN 20 PERCENT RETURN

New York City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that preliminary numbers indicate the New York City Pension Funds recorded investment returns of more than 20 percent in Fiscal Year 2011, which ended June 30. This is the first time in 13 years the Funds have achieved this mark. The preliminary data indicates the Funds values at approximately $119 billion as of June 30, 2011, which exceeds the $115 billion pre 2008 crash peak, and the June 30, 2010 value of $97.8 billion.

The estimated returns for FY 2011, the first full fiscal year under Comptroller Liu who took office on Jan. 1, 2010, follow gains of 14 percent in FY 2010, and reflect stock and bond market recoveries, as well as new actions taken by the Comptroller’s Office and the Trustees of the Pension Boards.

“While the markets remain volatile, we have vigorously pursued a diversification strategy to enhance our returns while lowering pension costs to the City. This will protect pensioners and taxpayers alike in the long run,” said Comptroller Liu. “It has been gratifying to work closely with our dedicated Trustees to achieve these results.”

Together with the Trustees of the five Pension Boards, the Comptroller’s Bureau of Asset Management (BAM) has implemented a number of changes over the past 18 months in order to enhance the team managing the $119 billion NYC Funds.  BAM has added more than 150 years of investment experience to its ranks by hiring seasoned professionals to target asset classes such as public equities, hedge funds, fixed income, private equity and real estate.

In addition BAM, working with the Boards of Trustees, is completing asset allocation reviews of each of the Funds’ portfolios to more aggressively capitalize on market opportunities and diversify the mix of investments to mitigate against market fluctuations.

Comptroller Liu credited Deputy Comptroller for Asset Management / Chief Investment Officer Lawrence Schloss and the Bureau of Asset Management for helping the Funds attain these results.

Audited numbers for FY 2011 will be available in the coming weeks, and once compiled, a full fund by fund breakdown will be published on Comptroller Liu’s Pension NYC website
http://comptroller.nyc.gov/mymoneynyc/pensionnyc/.

 

             
           Bronx Democratic County Committee
                        Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie, Chairman

                           2011 Annual Dinner

                              To be held at Marina del Rey
                         1 Marina Drive, Bronx, NY 10465

                               Thursday, July 14, 2011
              Cocktails—6:00pm, Dinner and Program—7:00pm

 Join BDCC as they recognize these great honorees for their     commitment to the Bronx

            Stuart Appelbaum                                    April Horton
 President   Retail, Wholesale,                Director of Government &
 and Department Store Union                External  Affairs for Verizon

  Dr. Amarilis Jacobo, D.D.S.                           Stephen W. Nislick
  Executive Board Member                         Chief Executive Officer
 Bronx County Dental Society                   Edison Properties, LLC

    Jose Perez                                    Dr. Louis C. Rose, M.D.
      Founder                                Chief, Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery
  Mastermind, Ltd.                  Westchester Square Medical Center

                                          G. L. Tyler
                                         Political Director
                                       District Council 1707

  For more information, call (718) 704-7039, or email qrosa@distinctivepa.com

MULLER LRA PROCESS ABANDONED

Bloomberg Administration hosts Hearing to Solicit Public Comment, Despite Having Made a Decision on the Reuse of the Muller Facility in November

 

Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. blasted the Bloomberg Administration for its refusal to follow through on a vote of the Muller Local Redevelopment Authority regarding a proposal to locate a 200-bed men’s shelter at the Muller Army Reserve Center, located at 555 Nereid Avenue, on the border of the Wakefield and Woodlawn neighborhoods.

Instead, the Bloomberg administration is claiming that a vote was held in November 2010, despite having hosted a public hearing on June 22, 2011, to solicit public input on the reuse of the facility in advance of a vote.

“It is crystal clear that the mayor’s office had no intention of ever really listening to the Bronx community on this issue. Despite close to 350 attendees of last week’s hearing—all of whom voiced their opposition to the plan—the Bloomberg administration is ignoring the clear will of the public and pretending that a vote took place last year,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Diaz continued, “If a vote took place in November 2010, why did they bother having a public hearing last week? This bizarre decision shows an utter contempt for the people of Woodlawn, Wakefield and Kingsbridge Heights, if not the entire Bronx.”

Pursuant to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, the LRA is required to solicit community input in developing recommendations for the federal government on the reuse of surplus military facilities.

The failure of the Bloomberg administration to both consider this public input and to disregard the BRAC process has led the borough president’s office to seriously consider legal recourse.

“Everyone, with the exception of the Bloomberg administration, believes that the Muller facility should be used to house the National Guard units at the Kingsbridge Armory, freeing up their current home for public school construction. That the administration has not only ignored this recommendation, but is inventing meetings and votes to justify their position, is both an act of delusional desperation and a slap in the face to the Bronx,” said Borough President Diaz.

 

Bronx SalsaFest Set To Sizzle This Summer!

In a tribute to the musical genre that gave the borough its popular nickname, “El Condado De La Salsa,” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will host the first-ever “Bronx SalsaFest” July 7 – 10, featuring outdoor and indoor concerts, special tours, a salsa trolley, and of course, dancing.

“The Bronx helped propel salsa into an international phenomenon, and we’re welcoming visitors and native New Yorkers to experience it here this weekend in what will become a new annual celebration,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  “With the popularity of TV shows like ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ more people than ever are curious about this rich, rhythmic music.  This weekend festival is a chance to put down the remote and put on your dancing shoes.”

SalsaFest, which is produced by the Bronx Tourism Council at BOEDC and funded in part by a grant from the NYC & Company Foundation, kicks off with a Warm-Up Party on Thursday, July 7, at 7 p.m. at Pregones Theater (571 Walton Avenue).  The free evening starts with a screening of the award-winning documentary by City Lore, "From Mambo To Hip Hop, A South Bronx Tale” followed by a discussion on the history of salsa music by film co-producer Elena Martinez and multi-Grammy nominated percussionist Bobby Sanabria, who was inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame in 2006 and appears in the film.   

Afterwards, professional dancer and instructor Elvis Collado, winner of the 2010 New York/ New Jersey Salsa Open Championship, and his partner Melanie Castillo will lead a demonstration and group lesson to get salseros ready for Salsafest weekend.

On Friday, July 8, hop aboard the Bronx Salsa Trolley, departing from the New York Visitors Information Center at 11 a.m. (810 Seventh Avenue at 53^rd Street).  Enjoy live music and singing on board as you head uptown for a bilingual tour of Yankee Stadium, which will focus on the contributions of the team’s Latino players ($55).  That evening from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., there’s more dancing as Van Cortlandt Park’s Barefoot Dancing series goes Latin with salsa dancing and lessons on the grass.  Free, meet by the Van Cortlandt House Museum, Broadway at West 246^th Street, rain or shine. 

On Saturday, July 9, salsa lovers are invited to pay tribute to the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz, as part of a narrated tour that features musical greats interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, including Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton.  The tour highlight is the rare opportunity to view Ms. Cruz’s open mausoleum and take part in a musical tribute as conga and bongo players play at her gravesite.  Tours are free and begin at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., rain or shine.  Reservations recommended, 718-920-1469. 

At 8 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, July 9, the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts presents two Latin music greats, produced by Lehman Center in collaboration with Los Canarios and West Side Beat Productions, Jose Alberto “El Canario,” one of the most successful and respected artists on the salsa music scene, celebrating his 35^th  anniversary and featuring Andy Montañez, “El Godfather de la Salsa,” former lead singer of the legendary El Gran Combo. Also performing will be Master Isidro Infante, Alfredo De La Fé, Luisito Quintero, and Dance-On-2 Dance Company for one exciting evening of music.  Ticket information at lehmancenter.org.

On Sunday, July 10, there’s salsa on the sand as live music returns to Orchard Beach with Nelson Gonzalez and his All-Star Band performing at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. courtesy of Latino Sports, Bronx Lebanon Hospital and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem.   Between sets, Zumba instructor Hilda Rosario will demonstrate how Latin rhythms are great for workouts, too. 

Throughout SalsaFest, restaurants like Havana Café (3151 E. Tremont Avenue at LaSalle Avenue), PeaceLove Café (617 Melrose Avenue at 151 Street), Tosca (4038 E. Tremont Avenue at Miles Avenue) and the G-Bar (575 Grand Concourse at E. 150 Street) will offer live salsa music and great food. 

Angel Rodriguez, percussionist, educator, cultural historian and tour guide who will direct some of the musical events taking place during SalsaFest, specializes in the evolution of Latin music in New York City.  “The term salsa is an umbrella for a variety of Latin rhythms coming from the Caribbean,” he explains.  “The word originated with musicians in the South Bronx, mostly Puerto Ricans, who would tell somebody whose playing was especially hot, ‘Brother, you played with salsa tonight!’  In other words, you were cooking.”

“Tourists are anxious to have an authentic salsa experience when they visit New York City,” said Bronx Tourism Council Executive Director Doris Quinones. “Starting this summer, Bronx SalsaFest will deliver just that.”

For information on more events taking place during Bronx SalsaFest, visit the Bronx Tourism Council website, ilovethebronx.com.

 

SCORE Small Business Services Available at BOEDC

SCORE, the premier source for small business advice and mentoring in America, is now offering its services through the offices of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

SCORE offers small business counseling and other services to the Bronx business community free of charge. SCORE services are available weekly at the offices of the BOEDC by appointment, which can be made by calling (718) 590-6252.

Established October 5, 1964, SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. More than 12,400 volunteers at 364 chapters provide individual mentoring—in person and online—and business workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

SCORE has served more than nine million entrepreneurs since 1964. SCORE currently serves more than 350,000 entrepreneurs annually. Based on the findings of the Impact Study of SBA Entrepreneurial Development Resources, SCORE helped create more than 30,000 new jobs nationwide in 2009. One in seven clients created a job. SCORE also helped create 68,432 new small businesses in 2009 according to an SBA report sent to Congress.

For more information on SCORE and the services it offers, visit www.scorenyc.org.

KOPPELL OBTAINS $5,893,000 IN BUDGET FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS IN DISTRICT

Receives $507,651 For Expense Items Obtains Restorations for Mental Health Programs

Council Member Oliver Koppell is happy to announce that he has received $5,893,000 in the new $66 billion city budget for capital projects in his district.  Among the projects for which he has allocated funds are refurbishment of the Seton Park soccer field, the expansion of facilities at Riverdale Neighborhood House, rehabilitation of the Cooney Grauer field in Kingsbridge, creation of a dog run in the Williamsbridge Oval, creation of a greenstreet on West 236^th Street and Riverdale Avenue, the refurbishment of the basketball area in Ewen Park, technology at the Hebrew Home for the Aged and for a snow removal vehicle at Wave Hill.

 

Koppell allocated over $2 million to virtually every school in the district to upgrade technology for the students through the purchase of Smart boards, computers and laptop carts,  for improved electrical wiring, for surveillance cameras and for renovations.  Each school will receive approximately $75,000 for these projects.  In addition, he allocated $600,000 to the Kennedy Educational Campus towards the construction of a state-of-the- art library and media center

                                                          

 Expense Budget      

Koppell received $507,651 in expense money to support senior centers, social service agencies, arts and environmental organizations and youth programs throughout the district. These include after-school programs, enrichment activities and counseling services in schools, as well as cultural programs that contribute to the quality of life in the community. .   

 

Also, he designated $50,000 to Fordham University for its research on Familial Dysautonoma, a debilitating genetic disease.

 

Mental Health Programs

   As Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, Koppell was successful in obtaining a $2, 000,000 budget restoration for Geriatric Mental Health Services, $1,250,000 for The Children Under Five Initiatives, and $1,250 for Autism Awareness, as well as funds for a range of  mental health services for suicide prevention chemical dependency and developmental disabilities.

 

“I am pleased that, despite difficult economic times, we passed a budget that averted teacher layoffs, firehouse closings, drastic cuts to libraries and daycare services and restored vital mental health services.  Furthermore, I believe that the discretionary funds I have allocated to projects and programs in the area will enhance our educational offerings and contribute to the enjoyment of life in our community.”

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ  RE: FY2012 Budget 

“Despite the dire fiscal situation this City currently faces, I am glad to see that Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council have put forward a budget that does as little harm to our most vulnerable populations as it possibly can. I am happy that the three Bronx fire companies that were slated for closure have been spared, that our libraries and senior centers will remain open, and that we have avoided teacher layoffs.

“I am also happy to see that the City has agreed to provide new funding to speed up the removal of toxic PCBs from our public schools. This issue has been a major priority of my administration, and this funding puts us one step closer to making sure that all of our school buildings are safe for both the children and adults that use them every day.

“Given that Albany did not come through for the City with the appropriate fiscal resources we deserve, this budget makes the best of a bad situation. I thank Mayor Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and the entire City Council for their efforts to put forward the best possible budget for the City of New York,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF CITYTIME

 

City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions concerning today’s agreement with the Mayor’s Office on the operation of  the CityTime system after the expiration of the contract with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) on June 30, 2011. The agreement calls for a gradual transfer of the management of the system from outside consultants to city employees for a savings of more than $20 million per year.

“This transition is possible because of the significant progress achieved due to the new paradigm we established in September forcing the project on the right track at no further expense to taxpayers to build the system. But make no mistake, the rapid completion of the project over nine months does not make up for fraud of epic proportions that has taken place over the past decade.  As we move forward, it is my hope that the city will be able to recoup every dollar stolen from taxpayers, and that the administration will continue to cut down on the use of outside consultants.”

The agreement was formalized with the passage of a resolution today by the Board of Directors of the Financial Information Services Agency (FISA), which is overseeing the CityTime project. FISA is jointly controlled by the Mayor and Comptroller, as defined by the City Charter. The resolution contains the following:

1.      Payment of the outstanding funds owed to SAIC will not be made until the relevant agencies clear SAIC from any wrongdoing and FISA’s Board agrees that payment should be made. (*See below)

2.      The Transition Staffing Plan will result in immediate savings of approximately $20 million per year and will be as follows:
       Approximately 71 Consultants will be eliminated and 83 Consultants will be retained and be subject to extensive background checks conducted by an independent third-party.
       The 83 Consultants will be phased out and replaced by City employees at a rate of approximately 20 employees per year.
       Quality Assurance and Systems Implementation vendors will be retained as necessary to reduce risk and provide limited advisory services.

3.      A competitive Request for Information (RFI) process will be launched in January of 2012 that may identify an alternative electronic timekeeping system.

4.      There are an estimated 20,000 employees (out of approximately 163,000 users) that only have access to the DCDs (hand scanning time entry devices). FISA will work to provide these employees with alternative options by December 31, 2011.

5.      Deputy Mayor Goldsmith will continue to work on the remaining deployment and assist with operational issues that may arise.

(*A September 28th agreement stopped all payments to SAIC for the completed implementation and deployment of CityTime. Upon full and timely completion of the installation, the City was scheduled to pay SAIC up to $32 million dollars for maintenance and support costs from Sept. 30, 2010 through June 30, 2011.)

CityTime currently has approximately 163,000 employees using the system, up from 73,000 employees in September of 2010.

 

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RELEASES

‘BRONX SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE’

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has released the first-ever “Bronx Senior Resource Guide,” a comprehensive publication designed to provide a wide variety of information to both senior citizens and their service providers.

The guide includes information on numerous senior citizen services available in the Bronx—from housing and healthcare to veterans’ benefits and transportation—in a handy, easy to use format.

“This guide will help senior citizens and our borough’s numerous senior resource providers take advantage of the many benefits and programs that are available to them, often at little or no cost. Our seniors are among our most vulnerable populations, and it is my hope that this guide will help make their lives a little easier,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

We must add that after viewing the 58 page Bronx Senior Resource Guide we think that BP Diaz and his staff have put together a very helpful guide and listing of services and providers that are available, that is a must have to many senior citizens and their family members.

The link for the “Bronx Senior Resource Guide”  http://bit.ly/kVzx4r  

    

City Council Budget

   Here is the link to the FY2012 New York City Budget which runs 712 pages. The budget is $66 billion dollars, and includes each and every member item that your local council member received. This year the council trimmed its pork by $9 million dollars down to $386 million dollars. Check to see what your local council member received, and for what organization.

   Restored were $6.5 million to all borough president budgets that the mayor had proposed cutting, and over $500,000 in restorations to the Public Advocates office. The council also restored many other cuts proposed by the mayor including restorations to the fire department to stop the proposed closing of 20 fire houses. 

   While proposed member items are not listed, it has been reported that Bronx Councilman Larry Seabrook currently under indictment for alleged fraud, still requested $400,000 in member items. 

Agenda

Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting

Thursday, June 30, 2011 – 7:00 PM

DEP Community Office – 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467 - (718) 231-8470

I  Welcome                        Father Richard Gorman, Chair

II Consider, Adopt 5/24/11 Meeting Minutes    CFMC Representatives

III Jerome Park Reservoir (JPR)             Mark Lanaghan, DEP
    DEP Follow up after 6-2 Public Hearing

IV Construction Update, Schedule & Costs        Vincent Moorehead, P.E., DEP
    Regular Report - also include status of

    $18,600,000 in CRO 311 for DEP/DPR MOU
    JPR Gate House 5, 6, 7;

Installation of Cap of Low Service Shaft

at Shaft & Meter Chamber (SMC)    

JPR Walls Core Sampling

    CRO 334 – Name of Project & Construction Managers,

& Timetable & Number of Bronx Jobs

    Status of Permits:

Sewer System Discharge

Harlem River Discharge

Emergency Discharge

    Sidewalk Closure at Gate House 6;

CSO at SMC;

   

Progress of Construction in Goulden Ave

   
    Status of Force Main                 Lauren Competello, P.E., DEP

V Current Report - Croton Jobs    Mark Lanaghan, DEP       

VI CFMC Discussion, Set Next Meeting        CFMC Representatives


VII Adjourn