Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz calls for additional fields for youth soccer players in Van Cortlandt Park

 $15 million dollars later, soccer players are finding themselves with less field space following the renovation of the Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground according to Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

Prior to the renovation, the Parade Ground had eight soccer fields in the fall and six in the spring.  Now there are only six soccer fields year-round, and two must be closed each season to help preserve their condition, leaving only four usable soccer fields.

After the Riverdale Soccer Club, a youth soccer organization struggling to find enough field space for its games, brought the issue to his attention, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz decided to take action.  Assemblyman Dinowitz wrote to Bronx Borough Commissioner Hector Aponte requesting that the Department of Parks and Recreation provide at least the number of soccer fields that were available in the spring prior to the renovation of the Parade Ground.  As a possible solution, he suggested examining a proposal of the Riverdale Soccer Club which involves designating three additional soccer fields in the southeastern section of the Parade Ground when it opens.

“When taxpayers’ money goes to an improvement of a public facility, they expect a public benefit, not a detriment.  That’s why I was shocked to learn that youth soccer players found themselves worse off after the renovation of the Parade Ground,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.  “I urge the Parks Department to make changes in the use of the fields in Van Cortlandt Park.  The first priority must be to provide space for young people.  Soccer continues to grow in popularity among kids, yet Parks has reduced the number of soccer fields.  This is unacceptable and must be changed.  Van Cortlandt Park is for all New Yorkers, but first and foremost it should be for the children of our community.”

Former Bronx BP Ferrer Named to MTA Board
                             

      Governor Cuomo nominated former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s board Monday. Though the State Senate must confirm the nomination, Ferrer is set to succeed Doreen Frasca, whose term ended last June. Ferrer was the Bronx Borough President from 1987-2001. He also ran for mayor in 2001 and 2005. In addition, he was a member of the New York City Council from 1982 thru 1987.

Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. had this to say,

“I am thrilled that my predecessor, Fernando Ferrer, has been nominated by Governor Andrew Cuomo to serve as a member of the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. We could not ask for a better choice. I consider Freddy to be both a close mentor and a dear friend, and I know that he will serve not only the Bronx but the entire city well in this endeavor.

“Governor Cuomo has made an excellent choice in Fernando Ferrer, who will undoubtedly be a strong advocate for the millions who use our public transportation system on a daily basis, just as he has been throughout his career in public service. I look forward to celebrating his confirmation to the board of the MTA in the very near future,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Senator Gustave Rivera said,

“I would like to congratulate former Bronx Borough President Freddy Ferrer on his nomination to become a member of the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and applaud Governor Cuomo for his selection of such a well-suited and accomplished public servant to take on this task. I am thrilled that Governor Cuomo has made this selection and will be working to make sure that each and every legislator is aware of Freddy’s lifetime of public service that make him an excellent choice to serve on the board of the MTA.

As Bronx Borough President and as a member of the New York City Council, Freddy represented working families in the Bronx who not only use, but depend on, public transportation to get to and from work everyday. I had the honor of working for Freddy in 2005 on his Mayoral race and have been fortunate to have his friendship and guidance throughout my career. I am excited for Freddy, but I am especially excited for the state of New York, that we will have Freddy Ferrer advocating for the millions of us, who as New Yorkers, utilize the services of the MTA.”

Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr and the Business Initiative Corporation of New York Hosted the 13th Annual Bronx Bankers Breakfast “Financing our Future”

On Friday, May 13, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Business Initiative Corporation of New York (BIC) hosted the 13th Annual Bronx Bankers Breakfast. This year’s theme, “Financing Our Future” responded directly to the credit environment faced by many entrepreneurs trying to obtain capital to expand or start their own businesses.  As a result of new legislation passed by Congress, BIC is now able to lend more and for the first time refinance debt.

“Our businesses are recovering in day to day operations, but are not yet growing and expanding and that is the challenge we all face in this economy.  Through BIC and BOEDC my office is trying to help in this process and until the end of April, overall SBA lending in The Bronx increased by 80% to $37.8 million over last year’s $21 million,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The Annual Bronx Bankers Breakfast is the largest networking event of its kind in The Bronx, where 400 bankers, entrepreneurs, and elected officials get together to talk about the business future of the borough.

 From left, Madeline Marquez, BIC Director; Carlina Ferrer, Capital One Bank; Jeffrey Dygert, TD Bank; Ed Odom and Raul Hiraldo, Citibank; and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

Bronx Borough President diaz KICKS OFF THE 1^ST BRONX WEEK FILM FESTIVAL

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will be cutting the ribbon to kick off the 1st Ever Bronx Week Film Festival at the Bruckner Bar and Grill.

Olympia Film Locations Inc., in cooperation with Bronx film makers and the Bronx Overall Development Corporation organized the film festival as part of an aggressive policy initiated by the Bronx Borough President to stimulate economic growth in the Bronx by developing and attracting television and cinema related opportunities to our borough. 

The Film Festival runs through Thursday, May 19th. It concludes with an industry only “Red Carpet” gala night at the Bronx Museum of the Arts from 7pm to 10pm. For a quick review of the film schedule please go to info@olympiafilmlocations.com.

  

Monday, May 16  --- 6:00 pm  

Bruckner Bar & Grill, located at 1 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10451.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ JR. CELEBRATES THE 9th ANNUAL DiVA SPA

Free haircuts, manicures, facials, massages and more will be available for women and men

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will celebrate Bronx Week 2011 by transforming the Veterans’ Memorial Hall of the Bronx County Supreme Courthouse into a fully operational salon offering free manicures, facials, makeovers and massages during the 9^th Annual DiVA Spa, an event that serves as a platform to distribute information regarding domestic violence awareness, prevention and services available.

During this award-winning annual project residents will learn what domestic violence is, how to identify a potentially abusive or violent relationship, what a healthy and respectful relationship is, where to get more information in the Bronx about domestic violence, how to support a friend or family member who is being abused, and where to go for help. They will meet with experts and learn about opportunities to volunteer and intern in the field of domestic violence.

MONDAY, MAY 16 --- 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

BRONX COURT BUILDING- 851 GRAND CONCOURSE - ROTUNDA 

For more information on Bronx week events, visit www.ilovethebronx.com.