DIANE RAVITCH TO OFFER KEYNOTE ADDRESS

AT FIRST-EVER BRONX EDUCATION SUMMIT

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that Dr. Diane Ravitch, widely considered to be the preeminent education expert in the United States, will offer the keynote address at the first-ever “Bronx Education Summit: From Cradle to Career,” to be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at Lehman College.

Dr. Ravitch is Research Professor of Education at New York University and a historian of education. In addition, she is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. Her most recent book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education (2010), is a critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller.

“The goal of our education summit is to bring together the best minds in education, from all sides of the issues, to put forward a clear vision for the future of education in the Bronx. With that in mind, we are extremely grateful that none other than Diane Ravitch, one of the most important voices in the national debate on education, is coming to the Bronx to participate in this historic event,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The topic of Dr. Ravitch’s address will be "Improving Education for the Children of the Bronx." Dr. Ravitch’s complete biography and curriculum vitae can be found at dianeravitch.com/vita.html.

All educational stakeholders are invited to attend the Summit, including parents, teachers, students, and policy makers. 

The day will begin with greetings from Borough President Diaz, Dr. Pedro Noguera of New York University, and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott of the New York City Department of Education, followed by Dr. Ravitch’s keynote address.  After the morning workshop, the summit will host eight breakout sessions covering a variety of topics, such as special education, English Language Learners, and parent involvement. 

The event concludes with a VIP Policy Panel composed of some of the city’s most influential educational figures, including Ernest Logan president, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators; Monica Major, Bronx representative to the Panel for Educational Policy; James Merriman chief executive officer, New York City Charter School Center; Michael Mulgrew, president, United Federation of Teachers; Dr. Betty Rosa, New York Board of Regents, and Shael Suransky, deputy chancellor, New York City Department of Education.

 Throughout the day, participants can visit tables staffed by employees of dozens of educational and social service organizations to learn more about the resources available to parents, students, and teachers in the Bronx and citywide. 

The “Bronx Education Summit: From Cradle to Career,” is only the first step in creating a new education agenda for the Bronx.  A number of follow-up activities are being planned in conjunction with the summit to continue these important conversations about improving educational outcomes for all Bronx students. 

For more information about the Bronx Education Summit or to register, please visit www.bronxeducationsummit.org or call 718-590-6116. 

THE SHOW MUST GO ON. SENATOR JEFF KLEIN PRESENTS: TONY ORLANDO

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/Westchester), announced that singer Tony Orlando's free summer concert will still be going on as planned.

Klein said the concert, which is part of his Summertime Symphonies series, was especially important in the aftermath of Irene.

“This was a scary and stressful weekend for many in the greater Bronx and Westchester area,” Senator Klein said. “I'm proud to have Tony Orlando come to our community and I am looking forward to this free, family friendly, and lighthearted concert.”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2011

WHERE: Loreto Park (between Haight & Tomlinson Aves.)

                 Morris Park, Bronx, NY.

                 (Rain Location: P.S. 105 725 Brady Ave., Bronx)

The Bronx Council of the Arts and Arts Westchester are also co-sponsoring these Summertime Symphonies.

Tony Orlando, the winner of three American Music Awards and a People's Choice Award, is best known for his hits, “Knock Three Times,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” and “Sweet Gypsy Rose.”

Could Speaker Quinn Be Bloomberg's Choice to Replace Him in 2013

By SAM ROBERTS 

Published: August 28, 2011 

In The New York Times.

 

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, an independent, and the City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, a Democrat, on an East River ferry in June. Their spokesmen say that she has not asked for an endorsement and that the mayor has not promised one.

 

It is the worst-kept secret in City Hall. Michael R. Bloomberg has told almost everyone who asks — but only privately, so far — that he hopes the City Council speaker, Christine C. Quinn, will succeed him as mayor in 2013.

While Mr. Bloomberg brings unprecedented personal resources to his political agenda, few other New York City mayors have succeeded in anointing a successor.
Mr. Bloomberg, in fact, was the only mayoral candidate in recent memory for whom an endorsement by the incumbent proved instrumental, even if it was a begrudging, last-minute nudge from Rudolph W. Giuliani.
Mr. Bloomberg, an independent, has refrained from specifying an heir publicly, since he seems to prefer to keep Ms. Quinn, a Democrat, and other prospective candidates as compliant as possible in the two years remaining before the next mayoral election.
Jamie McShane, a spokesman for Ms. Quinn, said, “She has never asked for nor has he offered his support.”
A spokesman for Mr. Bloomberg said the same.
Still, the mayor has made it plain in private conversations with other politicians and civic leaders that he prefers the City Council speaker.
“There’s no question in my mind that of all the candidates, he sees Chris Quinn as far better for the city of New York,” said former Mayor Edward I. Koch, who has spoken to Mr. Bloomberg about the race to succeed him.
A mayor is typically well situated to place a potential successor in the spotlight. “He can arrange events, he can promote her for the next two and a half years, he can make her the ‘vice mayor’ so people will think she’s the No. 2 person in city government, which, to some extent, she is,” said Henry J. Stern, a Koch confidant and the director of New York Civic, a government watchdog.
On Saturday, he trotted out Ms. Quinn, who unlike his commissioners has no operational authority, during a Hurricane Irene update at the city’s emergency command center, introducing her as the “great” Council speaker.
How much clout would Mr. Bloomberg’s endorsement carry? According to a New York Times/CBS News poll released earlier this month, his approval rating has sunk to a six-year low, and nearly as many Democrats disapprove of his performance as approve.
And while self-financed candidates can spend whatever they want to on a mayoral campaign (Mr. Bloomberg spent a total of about $250 million in three elections), they can give no more than $4,950 to someone else in the 2013 campaign.
Mr. Bloomberg, however, could wield enormous influence as a fund-raiser (his approval ratings are highest among New Yorkers who make more than $100,000), although Ms. Quinn has already raised close to the public financing system’s spending limit for a Democratic mayoral primary.
“You cannot anoint; you can influence; you can impact,” Mr. Koch said. “It is not an overriding endorsement that assures you of success.”
Most of Mr. Bloomberg’s predecessors in the 20th century were ill situated to anoint a successor because their parties’ nominees were chosen by party leaders with their own agendas or were challenged in Democratic primaries.
In addition, many mayors were so unpopular by the end of their terms that they wielded little influence.
Legend has it that in 1945, during the era of ethnically balanced tickets, Democratic leaders supporting William O’Dwyer chose his running mate for City Council president by searching the index of the Green Book, the official city directory, for the longest Italian name they could find. Five years later, their designee, Vincent R. Impellitteri, became mayor when Mr. O’Dwyer resigned.
Nearly two decades earlier, Mayor James J. Walker succeeded in appointing his predecessor, John F. Hylan — not as mayor again, but to a judgeship, accompanied by a backhanded compliment. Naming Mr. Hylan a judge in Children’s Court, Mr. Walker declared, “The appointment of Judge Hylan means that the children can now be tried by their peer.”
In 2001, Mr. Giuliani’s belated endorsement of Mr. Bloomberg was generally considered crucial.
“When Rudy put his arm around Mike, literally, that was the campaign,” David Garth, a media consultant who brokered the deal, once recalled about their embrace on the steps of City Hall.
The television advertisement featuring the endorsement was taped in a suite at the Waldorf-Astoria that had been decorated to look like Mr. Giuliani’s old office in City Hall.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: Hurricane Irene & Its Aftermath

(Along with our comment at the end)

 

“Now that the worst of this crisis is behind us, I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, the City’s Office of Emergency Management and all City agencies for their hard work keeping my staff and all Bronxites informed about this storm, its effects and how to stay safe. This administration clearly learned from this past winter’s blizzard, and we are grateful to them for their strong response to Hurricane Irene. During the coming days my office will work with OEM and other agencies, as well as Con Edison, to help Bronxites clean up in the aftermath of this storm. I urge all Bronxites to stay safe, be mindful of their surroundings, and not to hesitate to report storm-related issues to my office or 311,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 NOTES & TIPS

·         The Office of the Bronx Borough President can be reached at (718) 590-3500.

·         911 should only be used for EMERGENCY calls. For all other issues, such as reporting fallen trees and branches, call 311

·         To report downed power lines, power outages and other electrical issues, call (800) 75-CONED. Con Edison’s power outage map can be found at http://apps.coned.com/weboutageinfo/stormcenter/default.aspx.

·         Updated, borough-specific information on the storm and its aftermath will be shared at facebook.com/bronxbp or on Twitter @rubendiazjr

·         Property damage can be reported through nyc.gov.

We however must add that we saw a huge downed tree sitting on power lines and a pole with a large transformer on it with wind gusts still going on, and called 311. We could not get through, but on our second attempt were transferred through the voice mail system to Con Ed whose voice mail after a few transfers and long wait then came on to say call back later.  We then called 911 thinking this was now an emergency, and were told to call 311. 

We can only say that you have some ******* system Mayor Bloomberg, and if anyone gets hurt we will bear witness to it.

Senator Klein Secures, Delivers, Supplies In Preparation for Hurricane Irene

 

 The supplies, which included sandbags to help hold back potential flood waters, as well as sleeping bags and water, were donated by Bronx and Westchester businesses. In preparation for Hurricane Irene, State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), secured and today delivered much needed supplies to vulnerable communities and organizations throughout his district.

“These supplies will help our communities and our first responders weather this storm and protect our friends and neighbors,” Senator Klein said. “I thank the businesses who have generously donated these much-needed supplies that will help prepare us for Hurricane Irene.”

Among the donated items:

• 75 sandbags from Van Nest Hardware and the Home Depot;
• 21 sleeping bags from Modell's Sporting Goods and Eastern Mountain Sports;
• 30 one-gallon jugs of water from the Home Depot.

Senator Klein and his staff delivered the supplies to:

• Providence Rest, a 200-bed senior care and rehabilitation facility in Country Club;
• Pilot Cove, a senior facility in City Island;
• The Pelham Manor Fire Dept. in Pelham, Westchester County;
• The Edgewater Park Volunteer Fire Department;
• The Silver Beach Co-Operative in Throggs Neck;
• The Jeanne Jugan Residence in Throggs Neck;
• The Schuyler Hill Civic Association.
  
   Senator Jeff Klein is second from left with helpers and a sandbag to be placed behind them to secure the area before Hurricane Irene hits.

Klein Praises EPA Decision to Drop Costly & Unnecessary Reservoir Project

 

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx-Westchester), hailed the federal Environmental Protection Agency's recent decision to drop its mandate that a $1.6 billion cement dome be constructed over the Hillview Reservoir in Yonkers.

In dropping the mandate for the dome's, the EPA said the situation is now under review. Senator Klein is opposed this rate-payer funded project, which, in an Aug. 19 letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, he called costly and redundant.

“This is a victory for New York City ratepayers, Yonkers residents, and for common sense,” Senator Klein said. “This project cost too much and would have placed even more strain on residents who have already had to deal with skyrocketing water bills. I look forward to working with Senator Schumer and our other federal and local representatives to find a new solution that addresses everyone's concerns.”

The project would have increased water bills by an estimated 3 percent. Senator Klein also said that the justification for the project is questionable.

The EPA had sought to build the dome over the 90-acre reservoir in order to stop pathogens from entering the water system, which serves more than 9 million residents daily. The agency pointed to data showing some 3,500 cases of cryptosporidiosis, a microbe that generally causes mild stomach pain, but can be life threatening to people with compromised immune systems.

However, the city's Department of Environmental Conservation recently released a report finding an average of only 100 cases of cryptosporidiosis per year – most of which are not related to drinking water.

The city is also in the process of building the Catskill-Delaware Water Ultraviolet Distinction Facility in Westchester County. This facility will use ultraviolet light to purify water, killing pathogens that cause cryptosporidiosis and other illnesses. This project makes the concrete dome redundant. 

Espada Wins Court Decision to Keep Medicaid Eligibility

 

Former New York State Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr. won a major round this afternoon in his effort to maintain Medicaid eligibility for the Soundview Health Care network.

A judge in State Supreme Court sided with Espada's attorney's who argued that the denial of Medicaid coverage was unfair and unconstitutional. Espada had said that former Attorney General and now Governor Andrew Cuomo had a vendetta out for him, and the poor people that patronize Soundview would be hurt if it lost its medicaid eligibility.

Councilman Koppell Calls Handling of Disclosure of Toxic Chemical at Bronx New School Egregious 

Requests Expeditious Response to Parent Concerns 

Demands Inspection of Other DOE Leased Space In District

In a letter to Chancellor Dennis Walcott, Council Member Oliver Koppell called the way in which the Department of Education handled the disclosure of the dangerous levels of trichloroethylene at the Bronx New School (PS 51) egregious and totally unacceptable. “The sixth month delay in informing parents of the hazardous level of the toxic chemical in the school, has created anger and distrust among the parents about the integrity and transparency of the DOE, as well as concerns about their children’s health,” he said.  

 

 Koppell urged the Chancellor to respond expeditiously to the parents’ medical concerns and issues with respect to the school’s relocation, including reassurance about the new school’s environmental safety.  Koppell also said the DOE must take steps to help safeguard the health of those who may have been exposed to TCE.  He advocated instituting a number of steps including making a list of past and present students and providing them with up-to-date information on a regular basis about new developments concerning the health effects of exposure to trichloroethylene, as well as providing medical screening and surveillance for those exposed to the chemical, as deemed appropriate by environmental and occupational health professionals.

 

 Koppell stressed that parents must be given clear and specific information about bus schedules and routes, and a streamlined process for those who wish to transfer to another school.   

 

   Calls for Testing Other DOE Leased Space in District

 Koppell called for immediate testing for TCE prior to the opening of school at two other schools in his district, the Bronx Dance Academy and the High School of American Studies, which are located in leased space and have not undergone environmental  testing.  He requested that the test results be shared with the parents.

 

Koppell concluded by calling on the Chancellor to, “revise the DOE’s environmental testing policy for leased space in order to prevent students and teachers from being exposed to the same dangerous environmental conditions as were found at the Bronx New School.  

NEW YORK CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SEEKS DEVELOPER FOR BROADWAY PLAZA SITE IN THE BRONX

 

Request for Proposals Issued for the Approximately 80,000-Square-Foot Site As Part of City Effort To Strengthen Existing Retail Corridor and Catalyze Job Creation and Economic Development in the Bronx

New York City, August 24, 2011 – New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced that it is seeking a developer for the purchase and redevelopment of an approximately 80,000-square-foot site in the Kingsbridge/Riverdale section of the Bronx The City-owned site which is centrally located on 230th Street between Broadway and the Major Deegan Expressway, is one of the last significantly-sized, primarily vacant and developable sites along the Broadway retail corridor, and its development will further the City’s goals of economic investment and job creation in the Bronx and across the City.

“The Broadway Plaza site possesses enormous potential for developers and its redevelopment will provide a major economic boost to an already thriving retail and commercial corridor,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky.  “We are confident that the site will attract significant private sector interest, thereby creating good jobs and strengthening the economic future of the Bronx.”

“This site has great potential, and its development will give a major boost to not only Kingsbridge, but to the neighboring communities of Riverdale and Marble Hill as well as the entire Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “I thank the New York City Economic Development Corporation for moving so quickly to issue this new RFP, and look forward to the positive redevelopment of this property.”

“I am looking forward to the further revitalization of West 230th Street and the employment opportunities that would benefit the community,” said Councilmember Oliver Koppell.

"For many years I have advocated for commercial development at this site,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. “West 230th Street and Broadway is centrally located in Kingsbridge and will draw shoppers from Marble Hill, Riverdale, Kingsbridge Heights, and beyond. I am confident that development at this location will be a major shot in the arm for the entire community."

“The Broadway Plaza project lies on a vital commercial corridor in Community Board 8 and is a prime spot for new retail development,” said Community board 8 Chair Robert Fanuzzi. “We look forward to working with EDC to bring the very best retailers to our community.”

The Broadway Plaza site is located one block from the 231st Street stop on the 1 train, near numerous bus lines, and immediately off the 231st street exit on the Major Deegan Expressway, making it easily accessible to residents of the Kingsbridge/Riverdale neighborhoods, as well as those in surrounding areas. Broadway, to the north and south of the site, already has a variety of retail uses, including restaurants, major grocery stores and national clothing stores, as well as with a mixture of smaller stores and service providers. A 5 acre parcel on Broadway between 237th and 238th Streets was recently sold, from Brynwood Partners to a venture between Metropolitan Realty Associates and Angelo, Gordon & Co., and plans are currently underway for an approximately 162,000 square foot shopping center that is anticipated to include BJ’s Wholesale Club as the anchor tenant. The area has also attracted new residential developments such as the Sycamore Court Apartments, a 12-story ground-up condo development on Corlear Avenue and 231st Street, three blocks away from the sites.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is designed to achieve number of goals to advance the City’s economic development strategy for the borough and across the City.  Goals include: generating a development that complements and enhances local neighborhood businesses; creating a financially feasible and economically viable project; generating tax revenue for the City through the sale of the property; and expanding and preserving quality jobs for local residents through participation in HireNYC, a free program that connects the City's workforce development services to economic development projects, and maximizes permanent employment opportunities for the City’s local and disadvantaged residents.

Projects that aim to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating of at least Silver will also be prioritized. LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), promotes sustainable building and development practices through a rating system that recognizes projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance.

To obtain a copy of the complete RFP, visit www.nycedc.com/rfp.  Responses are due by October 24, 2011 at 4 p.m.

About NYCEDC

New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities. Find us on Facebook to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.

800 Non Teaching Positions to be Cut by DOE at School Level

  It is reported that 800 positions such as parent coordinators, school aides, and other non teaching staff positions will be cut from the DOE at the school level. 700 of the 800 positions will come from DC  37 school staff. The other 100 will probably come from the DOE headquarters at the Tweed Courthouse. 

  DC 37 head Lillian Roberts said that she has not received any notice of the cuts, and hopes that not one of her union's school staffers will be let go. It was DC 37 in the last mayors race that endorsed Mayor Bloombergs opponent former Comptroller Bill Thompson.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER ‘QUALITY OF LIFE’ SURVEY FOR BRONX RESIDENTS

 

Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz announced that his office will conduct the borough’s first-ever “well-being and quality of life” survey, which will measure the opinions of Bronx residents and those who work in the Bronx on a variety of issues that impact their communities.

The survey, which will be conducted online, asks respondents to rate their communities in a number of areas, from crime and education to fresh food availability and civic activity. The survey will remain open until October 31, 2011. Following the completion of the survey, one individual will be chosen at random to have brunch with Borough President Diaz.

“It is important that Bronxites participate in this survey and let my office hear from them on the specific issues that face our neighborhoods. We are ‘One Bronx,’ and this survey will help us discover what problems are shared by different neighborhoods, so that we may develop common solutions to them. The goal of this survey is to build upon newly-released Census data to perform a comprehensive, inclusive, and thorough assessment of where we are as a borough and where we want to go. I hope that as many Bronxites as possible will take a few minutes to fill out this survey and join us in that effort,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The results of this survey will be compiled by the borough president’s office, and a report based on its outcome will be issued by the office at a later date.

The survey is available at the following link:

http://bronxboropres.nyc.gov/press/releases/2011-08-24.html

5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks East Coast

   An earthquake centered in Virginia was felt all along the east coast from Rhode Island to Atlanta Georgia. The quake measured 5.9 on the Richter Scale was the largest one to hit the east coast (which is not know for its earthquakes) in almost one hundred years. There was slight damage as you got further away from the epicenter, with buildings being evacuated here in New York City. Most damage was done to single family homes in Virginia, and there was minor damage to buildings in Washington D.C. 

   After schocks are expected, and there was no warnings of any possible tsunami. This all comes before this weekends category 3 "Hurricane Irene" expected to make landfall somewhere on the east coast.

Letter to Chancellor Walcott From BP Diaz Re: P.S. 51 Contamination

Dennis Walcott

Chancellor

Department of Education

Tweed Courthouse
52 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007

RE: P.S. 51 TCE Contaminations and Relocation

Dear Chancellor Walcott:

Thank you for sending representatives from the School Construction Authority, Department of Health, and Department of Education to meet with my staff on August 14, 2011, and discuss the Bronx New School – P.S. 51 TCE findings. We appreciate their efforts to make the best of what has been a difficult situation for all involved.  To that end, we are less than three weeks from the start of the new school year and the Department of Education has yet to publish the TCE test reports, sign the lease on the alternate facility, disseminate the new school location to all parents or announce new bus routes and pick-up schedules. In addition, the DOE has not set a date for the school open house, which my office requested at the August 14, 2011, and was publicly promised at the parents meeting on August 18, 2011, nor has the DOE provided a streamlined process for parents who wish to transfer to their zoned school. 

I applaud your leadership in enhancing the protocols for environmental review of city leased properties which identified the TCE.  However, we still have significant work ahead, the source of the TCE contamination at 3200 Jerome Avenue has yet to be identified. Consequently, we have no way of knowing when the contamination started, nor whether there were conditions that may have caused fluctuations in the level of TCE exposure.  Without that information, we cannot properly assess the health risks to students, teachers, administrators and other staff over the last 20 years in which the building had been in operation as a public school facility. 

Moreover, while the DOE has communicated its willingness and desire to help the parents through this transition, it has not articulated any deadlines or dates as to when these deliverables will be received.  I respectfully request the DOE execute on the following promises no later than August 26, 2011:

• Publish on your website the list and schedule of bus routes that have been drawn.

·         Release copies of all environmental testing, reports and data from both P.S. 51 and the new facility at St. Martin of Tours, located at 695 East182nd St, Bronx, NY 10457.

·         Release an inventory of the light fixtures at both the new and old facility verifying they have been tested and are free of PCBs.

·         Schedule a date for the open house at the new school facility.

• Schedule dates for separate meetings with Department of Health and State Department of Health to discuss the health concerns of both parents and staff members.
• Announce a plan for how parents will be notified of the open house and bus routes.  Mailing a letter by itself will not be sufficient, parents should receive follow up communications via email and phone to confirm they received the information and answer any questions.

• Schedule direct enrollment sessions for parent seeking information on transfer opportunities and other logistical and operational questions in regards to the start of the school year.

Lastly, our office is actively working to disseminate information on this issue to parents and impacted residents as it is released. We are fully prepared to assist in helping families through this transition and I ask that you keep my staff fully informed of developments in a timely fashion. Should you have questions or issues of concern, please feel free to contact Ray Sanchez, Director of Policy for my office, at 718-590-2645 or rsanchez@bronxbp.nyc.gov. 

Sincerely,

Ruben Diaz Jr.

Bronx Borough President

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: The Murder of Yaritza Pacheco

 

“It saddens me that, once again, an act of random violence has struck down one of our own. Yaritza Pacheco was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and for that she has needlessly lost her life and a child has lost a mother. Ms. Pacheco’s senseless death illustrates why we cannot and will not tolerate illegal guns on our streets. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Bronx go out to her family in their time of mourning,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

You can read The Daily News Story here.

 

Mayor Bloomberg Wants a Red Light Camera on Every Corner

  "I think we should have them on every corner if we could" of those red light cameras that catch motorist who go through red lights. The mayor believes that lives could be saved and the city should be able to have many more red light cameras.Currently there are 150 red light cameras in New York City and the proposal is to go to 225. The bill has passed in the State Senate, but is in the black hole in the State Assembly. Mayor Bloomberg would also like to publish the names of the offenders, but the ticket for a red light camera goes to the owner of the vehicle not the driver. 

  This brings into the city coffers over 52 million dollars in revenue, and even more when the penalties are added in for those who do not pay on time. 

P.S. 51 Public Hearing on TCE Contamination

Last Thursday night Chancellor Dennis Walcott faced his first major problem, how to handle the Trichoroethylene (TCE) crisis at P.S. 51 better known as the Bronx New School. P.S. 51 opened in 1992 under then School District 10 Superintendent Irma Zardoya. This was a new experimental school of choice open to all children of the district. A lottery was held to make sure that all ethnic groups were represented equally, and the school did very well academically. There were the usual problems of children getting sick, and everyone thought that was normal until last Thursday night. 
 

Chancellor Walcott informed current P.S. 51 parents that their children would not be attending P.S. 51 in September due to tests that were done in January, February, and in March which revealed high levels of TCE in the school building that can not be remedied by the start of the new school year. He said that the DOE has tried to air out the building, but high levels of TCE remain in the building. The level of TCE in the basement ranged from 310 to 607 micrograms per cubic meter to 1,7 to 5.3 on the first floor, and up to 4.4 on the roof of the building. The New York State Department of Health guidelines is under 5 micrograms per cubic meter. There was a fact sheet handed out that claimed 0.5 to 4.2 MG per CM is typical indoor air levels of TCE, and the handout stated “This fact sheet will be updated as new information becomes available”. 
 

TCE is widely used in products such as: metal degreasers, paint strippers, paint, varnish, glue, spot removers, adhesives, auto cleaning products, rug cleaning fluids, and in combination with other chemicals. The building that housed P.S. 51 once was a garage and factory before becoming a school building. The building next to P.S. 51 is a garage and a gas station, across the street was the old DEP chlorine storage building, MTA subway yards, and the #4 subway line runs above Jerome Avenue next to the school building. 
 

Chancellor Walcott apologized to the parents and then introduced the many people from the DOE, Department of Health, and School Construction Authority present saying that any questions that the parents have will be answered tonight. He continued that as the lease of the building has come up for renewal the DOE did some air tests, and then some more when the first and second came back with levels above acceptability. Walcott added that over the summer the DOE tried to remediate the high levels of TCE by airing out the building with high power fans, but the TCE was continuing to come in through the cracks in the building. He said that since the building could not be used for the opening of the new school year that the DOE had found another site only two miles away known as the St. Martin of Tours Catholic school that had been closed by the Archdiocese. Walcott then said that the silver lining is that this site has a gym that P.S. 51 did not have, and that there would be no other school in the building. Later in the meeting did Walcott give the exact location of the school on East 182^nd Street and Crotona Ave. at the edge of District 10. The chancellor said of the 65 leased buildings inspected by the DOE that only P.S. 51 had a problem, which drew little comfort from those present. 
 

Then the questions from the parents started. One parent complained that his child came home with headaches, and yelled at the chancellor “that the DOE didn't care, and that all the children should be checked out to make sure they do not have any illnesses”. Chancellor Walcott passed this over to Dr. Nathan Graber (a pediatrician with the DOH) who said that the city is working with the state to see if there are any long term effects. Dr. Graber advised to check with the child’s health care provider. More parents asked questions as to why the building was not closed after the first test came back high in January, and the chancellor said that it appeared to be a false reading and the DOE wanted to do more tests to be sure. There was then a call for a database of all students and staff that were in the P.S. 51 building, which got an answer from Dr. Graber and silence by the chancellor.

Parents of former P.S. 51 students then came forward to say that many of their children now have unusual health problems with no family history of such problems. One mother said that her child who attended P.S. 51 in 1995 thru 1997 who is now 27 years old has cysts on her ovaries. One person mentioned a nine year old student and her teacher at P.S. 51 who recently died of cancer. Parent after parent of current and former students of P.S. 51 spoke of health concerns their children are now having, and wanted to know why these tests were not done when the building was opened. The chancellor said That these tests are done when leases are renewed, and “we do not know about the past, but we are concerned about the current students of P.S. 51, which angered most of the hundreds in the auditorium. 
 

In the audience were State Senator Gustavo Rivera, representatives of Congressman Eliot Engel, Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s office, who all watched in amazement, and could not comment on what they had just witnessed. 
 

Parents came with questions and concerns, but got few answers, even less assurances, and after checking with their child's health care provider may want to seek legal advice. 

 

Break Fast with Your Neighbor this Ramadan

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Cordially invites you to join the Bronx’s Muslim Community and Break Fast with Your Neighbor this Ramadan

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Bronx County Courthouse

851 Grand Concourse, Veteran’s Memorial Hall

5:30 Program -Followed by Prayer and Dinner

Seating is limited. To R.S.V.P. Call 718-590-3522 or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

14th Annual Bronx Business Opportunities Expo - September 23, 2011

 

14th Annual Bronx Business Opportunities Expo to be held at Hostos Community College on Friday, September 23, 2011 (9:30am to 2:00pm). This year’s theme is “Growing Together: The Value of Partnership, Team building and Networking.”

 

SOBRO Business Expo is one of the longest running business expo in the Bronx.  Business expo is organize annually at which businesses are invited to participate and setup a table and answer questions, distribute their literature, network, generate business and serve as a resource for the business community. This year’s event will feature a blend of businesses of all sizes, across industry lines, representing financial services, insurance services, Health Care, Government Procurement Specialist , prime contractors offering sub-contracting opportunities contracting, computer technology, construction, graphic design, business services, and manufacturing, among many others.  The focus of this expo is to share business information and learn how to expand your business and to find out more information of major development projects in our community and business to business networking opportunities.

If you are interested to show case your products and services to the hundreds of potential buyers and partners who attend the event, place an ads, or interested in sponsoring our expo, please see attached information as well as registration.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 718-732-7538 or email Cedevents@sobro.org,  We look forward for your participation.  Thank you.

 

 

IDC Bill to Help Increase Distribution of NY-Grown Products Signed in Law

  Priority legislation by the Independent Democratic Conference that will help further expand the sale of New York State grown products in New York was signed into law today.

 

The measure, (S.614B/ Klein), allows the New York State Urban Development Corp./ Empire State Development Corp. to be able to extend grants and loans that will help create, or upgrade distribution networks between New York farmers and food distributors, processors, and purchasers such as supermarkets and farmer's markets.

“This will help New York farmers get their New York products to more New York families – especially in underserved communities,” Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), said. “I thank the Governor, as well as the Assembly sponsor, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, for helping make this very important legislation law.”

The lack of solid transportation networks is one of the main barriers preventing New York produce, which are primarily grown upstate, from having greater distribution in downstate markets. For instance, only half of the produce sold at the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market in the Bronx, which is the highest volume wholesale produce market in the U.S., is grown in New York.

“This new law will provide great help in getting New York Grown products to New York families' tables,” said Senator David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida). “Agriculture is a cornerstone of the New York State economy, and leveraging our locally grown produce is a win-win for everyone."

This bill was part of the Independent Democratic Conference's “Preserve, Promote & Grow” plan to improve New York's agriculture economy.

“Agriculture is one of New York’s leading industries,”  Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) said.  “It is essential that we work to actively promote our local farms and seek ways to ensure that they continue to grow and prosper.  I commend Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing this legislation, which will provide the tools needed to support our farmers, and promote locally grown agriculture products.”

The new law is Chapter 454 of the Laws of 2011.

“By strengthening these transportation networks, we are strengthening New York,” said Senator Diane J. Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn). “Every community from Staten Island to the Thousand Islands and beyond will be the benefit from this new law.”

Senator Klein Unveils Bill to Protect Community, Law Enforcement, From Dangerous Mentally Ill Individuals 

 Measure to Give Law Enforcement Info to Diffuse Violent Encounters, Prevent Tragedy

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), was joined by Morris Park community leaders to announce important new legislation to protect residents help law enforcement officers diffuse potentially dangerous situations with mentally ill individuals.

This change would give law enforcement the information they need to plan for potentially violent encounters with these patients and avoid tragedies like the March 21 incident at 1545 Rhinelander Ave. In that incident, a mentally disturbed man was fatally shot by police after he threatened his roommate and lunged at officers with a knife. The man had a history of mental health-related violence and 16 prior arrests – information that responding officers did not have at the time.

“This type of red tape is literally putting people's lives at risk,” Senator Klein said. “We need to make sure that police have the information they need to better protect themselves, as well as innocent bystanders and even the mentally ill aggressors in these dangerous situations. My common sense legislation will do just that by breaking down bureaucratic barriers, while also respecting the privacy of these individuals.”

The legislation, (S.5871), would require service providers who place mentally ill individuals in residential housing to alert law enforcement agencies if these clients have a history of violence, or are deemed likely to cause physical harm to others. Having this information beforehand will allow police to alter tactics, including employing the use mental health professionals, while responding to a call with a violent, mentally ill individual.

Currently, these providers have no such obligation and have been resistant in sharing this information.

After the Rhinelander Avenue incident, it became clear that services providers have placed multiple clients at the building, which has resulted in many dangerous encounters and complaints from other building residents. As of last week, police have been forced to respond to the building 61 times this year, and have made five arrests of emotionally disturbed people. Last year, 111 calls to 911 were made in reference to 1545 Rhinelander.

"This legislation is sorely needed as this location has been a problem in the community for some years,” said Al D'Angelo, President of the Morris Park Community Association. “The safety of our police is paramount, this will help to alleviate the unknowns they face."

This legislation applies to organizations that operate community residences, or place persons with a mental illness or a developmental disability in residential apartment buildings containing 15, or more, units. They would be required to provide written notice to local law enforcement agencies that a resident under their supervision has been certified by a mental health professional as either likely to cause physical harm to other persons, or likely to cause harm to others if he or she ceases to undergo necessary treatments, or therapies.

Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, (D-Bronx), has agreed to carry this legislation in the the Assembly.

Joe Thompson, 49th Precinct Community Council President, said: "All you need is for bad guys to win is for good guys to do nothing.' This is a case when the good guys did something. The community saw the problem, the 49th Precinct noticed a deficiency in the law and Senator Klein worked with Deputy Inspector Nicholson to introduce new legislation to act on the problem." 

Bobby Ruggerio, President of the Morris Park Merchants Alliance, said: "In order for our businesses to thrive a community must be a safe and welcoming place. This legislation will assist us in doing just that."

  

Senator Rivera Hosts Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In Focused on Physical Fitness and Exercise

   Senator Gustavo Rivera (33rd State Senate District) is hosting the second Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In focused exercise and physical fitness at St. James Park Recreation Center. The event will include a health fair with Bronx CAN Health community partners, the opportunity for Bronxites to discuss their exercise regimen with physical fitness experts as well as a free Zumba class. Participants will also be given “Green Bucks” to be used at a participating NYC Green Cart outside St. James Park Recreation Center.

   Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 2:00pm-3:00pm 

    St. James Park Recreation Center – 2530 Jerome Ave. 

State Audit Socks Port Authority On Overtime

 

  Celeste Katz of the Daily News has the story that The PA paid nearly $86 million in overtime to workers last year, according to an audit DiNapoli released today.  This all comes on the heels of a significant toll hike proposal by the Port Authority. 

  “Before the Port Authority asks for more money to fund its operations, the agency should take a long, hard look at whether its business model for managing overtime really makes sense,” DiNapoli Said. In 2009, 281 employees made more than $50,000 in overtime - and 18 raked in more than $100,000 in pay for extra hours, the report states. One employee earned a base salary of $107,878 and made an additional $153,530 in overtime, an average of 34 hours per week of overtime. 

  To see the entire Daily News article including the 32 page State Comptroller report you can go here. 

COMPTROLLER LIU CALLS FOR POSTPONEMENT OF PEP / VERIZON VOTE

  City Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement in response to questions about tonight’s Panel for Educational Policy vote:

 
“The members of the Panel for Educational Policy should act appropriately and postpone the vote to allow the DOE to pay Verizon $120 million until a resolution is reached in the company’s ongoing labor dispute. Now is not the time to fund new projects, especially as thousands of New Yorkers and their families are in danger of losing their benefits. No City agency should take sides in a disagreement between labor and management, and a ‘yes’ vote would equate to a validation of Verizon’s demands. Instead, the suitable action would be to wait until an agreement is reached. My office remains available to assist both sides in any way possible.” 

NOTE: In May, Comptroller Liu registered a contract between the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications and Telesector Resources Group, Inc. (a Verizon subsidiary) to provide citywide landline and voicemail services as part of an agency-wide consolidation effort.

The contract is valued at $175 million and specified that DoITT was the lead agency, with a number of additional city agencies able to utilize Telesector services. Today, the NYC Panel for Education Policy is set to vote to allow DOE to allocate $120 million to Telesector, while an ongoing labor dispute is taking place.