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.”