WESTCHESTER SQUARE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

TESTIMONY OF BRONX BOROUGH  PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ JR. TO THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 

THE WESTCHESTER SQUARE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

I strongly support the creation of a business improvement district (BID) for the neighborhood of Westchester Square. In addition, Bronx Community Boards #10 and #11, as well as the Bronx Borough Board have both voted unanimously to support the creation of the BID.

Westchester Square is one of the most important commercial strips in the Bronx, and each day it brings thousands of residents, students and visitors to its confines to shop, eat and converse with their neighbors. A business improvement district in this area would bring new services to the community, such as street cleaning, new marketing efforts, community events and holiday lighting that are greatly needed to insure the future vibrancy and economic vitality of this commercial district.

The merchants of Westchester Square have come together over the last few years to make this dream a reality. In addition to the organizing the BID, sponsoring Merchant Sales Days, luring the Bronx Council on the Arts to a new home on the Square and sponsoring events for community youths, they have worked closely with local elected officials to rehabilitate Owen Dolan Park, which is in the heart of the BID area. My office and Council Member James Vacca have both provided capital funds for this project, which will be a focal point for new and exciting programs for senior citizens and the youth of the community.

The addition of the Westchester Square BID to the other existing BID’s in the Bronx will make the commercial districts in the Bronx even stronger.

The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and its president, Marlene Cintron, have also expressed their support of the BID and look forward to continuing to work with the BID management as they move forward.

I am is thankful to John Bonizio, the president of the BID Steering Committee, the property owners and all of the merchants for their commitment to the Bronx in establishing this BID. I look forward to continuing to work with the BID to make Westchester Square a premier shopping district.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Scheduled Hearing on ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act

“I thank City Council Speaker Christine Quinn for scheduling a hearing for November 22 on the amended ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act, and I look forward to testifying. Supporters of this bill have been very mindful of the concerns of our opposition, and we believe that the changes to this bill show a serious effort to address the issues raised. Given that, I hope that opponents of this important bill will now sign on in support of it.

“When significant taxpayer funding is used to make private projects a reality, developers must do better by the people they employ. The ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act will ensure that happens,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The “Fair Wages for New Yorkers” Act, which was introduced into the City Council at the behest of Borough President Diaz, would require developers that receive heavy taxpayer subsidies to pay their employees a “living wage.” The bill, which was introduced by Council Members Annabel Palma and G. Oliver Koppell on behalf of the borough president, currently has 30 City Council co-sponsors.

In May, a poll by Baruch College Survey Research was released, showing that New Yorkers overwhelmingly support such “living wage” laws. The survey showed that 78 percent of New Yorkers agree with requiring employers that get taxpayer-funded city subsidies to pay $10-an-hour plus benefits, while just 15 percent do not. This includes 83 percent of all Democrats, 74 percent of independents, and 56 percent of Republicans.

Bronx Economic Financial Summit

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

“Saturday, October 15, marks the ninth annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). This nationwide effort is a call to action for Hispanics/Latinos to protect their lives and the lives of those they love by getting tested and learning about HIV/AIDS.

“This year’s theme, ‘Latinos Unite! Let’s stay Healthy! Get Tested for HIV,’ highlights the importance of reducing harm and improving health in our community. In that spirit, I urge all potentially at-risk Bronxites to do themselves and their loved ones a favor and get tested for HIV/AIDS. Testing is simple and readily available, and one’s health is far too important to leave to chance,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

Microsoft to Require Annual Sustainability Reporting by Vendors 

Program stems from conversations with New York City Comptroller John C. Liu’s office on behalf of the New York City Pension Funds.

Microsoft Corp. today announced that it will launch a new effort to enhance the information it shares about its vendors’ commitment to social and environmental policies, programs and performance in its annual Citizenship Report.

Starting in 2013, Microsoft will require a cross section of its suppliers to provide reports on their adherence to the requirements listed in the existing Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct. The code of conduct sets standards for legal compliance, business ethics, labor and human rights standards, environmental protection, and respect for intellectual property. The new reporting mechanism complements and strengthens Microsoft’s existing auditing and assurance programs, which include third-party monitoring of its contract hardware manufacturers. The reporting requirement will also drive sustainability improvements in Microsoft’s supply chain. More information on Microsoft’s current Responsible Sourcing Initiatives is available at Microsoft’s 2011 Citizenship Report. Microsoft is taking this step in response to a shareholder proposal received from New York City Comptroller John C. Liu on behalf of the New York City Pension Funds. 

“We appreciate and value the discussions we’ve had with Comptroller Liu’s office and the opportunity to continue our collaborative work with shareholders on initiatives that further demonstrate our commitment to corporate citizenship,” said Brad Smith, general counsel and executive vice president of Legal and Corporate Affairs for Microsoft. “This new reporting requirement will help shareholders, customers and others understand how Microsoft and its suppliers are meeting their expectations for social responsibility.”

Microsoft will begin informing a dozen of its key vendors about the new reporting process in the coming months. Starting in 2013, Microsoft will include a summary of information from the vendor reports in its annual Citizenship Report. Vendors also will be encouraged to make their reports public. The program will continue to be evaluated in subsequent years to identify options to expand it and provide further visibility to shareholders.

“Microsoft has taken an important step to promote sustainability and transparency among its global suppliers,” Liu said. “If more firms showed such leadership it would hold more suppliers accountable for protecting human and workers’ rights, and reduce the legal and reputational risks that companies and their shareholders face. The New York City Pension Funds are taking this proposal to other companies and expect that they will follow the prudent path Microsoft has chosen.”

As part of the reporting process, Microsoft will also encourage all its suppliers to consider use of the reporting guidelines provided by the Global Reporting Initiative, the leading framework for corporate sustainability reporting based on input from a wide range of civil society organizations, labor, businesses, academics and other experts.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Tour De Bronx press conference

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz was joined today by Transportation Alternatives, Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, Domino’s Pizza, the New York Botanical Garden and Woodlawn Cemetery to announce the 17^th Annual Tour De Bronx , New York’s State largest free cycling event.  This year’s Tour De Bronx will take place on Sunday, October 23.  To register, please visit www.tourdebronx.org

   BP Diaz Said that he will be riding in the Tour De Bronx, but due to an ankle injury he would only be riding the 25 mile loop, and not the larger 40 mile route. 

 

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Town Hall Meetings with Assemblyman Dinowitz, Congressman Engel,  Councilman G. Oliver Koppell,      

State  Senators  Rivera,  Klein, and Espaillat 

 (This came in from the local elected officials, and is not a part of Comic Con)

 

Assemblyman Dinowitz, Congressman Engel, Council Member Koppell, State Senators Rivera, Klein, and Espaillat Announce Town Hall Meetings

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Congressman Eliot Engel, Council Member Oliver Koppell, State Senators Gustavo Rivera, Jeffrey Klein, and Adriano Espaillat will host several town hall meetings to answer constituents’ questions and hear their concerns.  See schedule below.

Sunday, October 23 • 1:30pm Vladeck Hall 74 Van Cortlandt Park South Meet and Greet Your Elected Officials Sponsored by the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative With Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Congressman Eliot Engel, Council Member Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera Monday, October 24 • 7:30pm St. Barnabas High School 425 East 240th Street Town Hall Meeting Sponsored by the Woodlawn Heights Taxpayers and Community Association With Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Jeffrey Klein Tuesday, October 25 • 7:30pm    Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale 475 W. 250 St. (on Henry Hudson Pkwy. E.) Special Forum on Environmental Issues With Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Adriano Espaillat   WednesdayNovember2        7:30pm Mosholu Montefiore Community Center           3450 Dekalb Avenue                         Town Hall Meeting Sponsored by the Mosholu Montefiore  Community Center With Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera

Archaia Entertainment Unveils New York Comic Con Event Schedule

  Eisner-award winning graphic novel publisher, Archaia Entertainment, unveils its biggest event slate at this year’s New York Comic Con with several eye-opening presentations set to highlight the company’s most anticipated initiatives.

Friday offers attendees the chance to become more than fans with the panel, How to Make a Great Indie Graphic Novel, which gives fans an inside look at what it takes to become a published author and artist. Join Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy and Chief Creative Officer Mark Smylie as they host special guests for an informative panel on what goes into the production of a full-length graphic novel, including the steps from concept to writing, design to production, to self-publishing or submitting your graphic novel for publication. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it takes to make an amazing-looking book, this is the panel to attend! Guests include Michael Lapinksi (Feeding Ground), Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men) and David Petersen (Mouse Guard). The panel takes place in Room 1A23 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Also on Friday, Archaia is hosting two exciting off-site signing events attended by Chad Michael Murray, Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover.

One Tree Hill’s Chad Michael Murray will be signing copies of his highly-anticipated graphic novel, Everlast at Barnes & Noble (150 East 86th St., New York) beginning at 7:00pm. Everlast follows Derek Everlast, a mysterious man whose destiny in life is to guide mankind on the eve of the apocalypse.

Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover, creators of the gritty and groundbreaking Mr. Murder is Dead, will be signing copies at P.S. Bookshop (76 Front St, Brooklyn) from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Hearkening back to the golden age of comics, Mr. Murder is Dead is a stylistic noir that follows a burnt out detective as he uncovers the truth behind the death of his arch-nemesis. The creators will be back on Saturday when they’re joined by Zachary Quinto (Star Trek), who produced the graphic novel under his company, Before the Door Productions. All three will be available for autographs from 8:00pm to 10:00pm at St. Mark’s Place (11 Saint Mark’s Place, New York).

On Sunday, Archaia is honored to share the legacy of one of the world’s greatest creative visionaries, Jim Henson, in The Early Works of Jim Henson. Jim Henson was a creative genius responsible for some of the most iconic properties today, including The Muppets, Fraggle Rock and The Dark Crystal. But what was he like leading up to that success? Join Archaia and The Jim Henson Company as they explore his early works and creative process, complete with archival, rarely seen footage, brought to you by Henson archivist, Karen Falk. Then, get an advance look at TALE OF SAND, the new original graphic novel coming in November, based on a never-before-seen screenplay written by Jim Henson and his longtime collaborator, Jerry Juhl. Falk, Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy and Tale of Sand artist Ramón Pérez will discuss the behind-the-scenes production of the book and debut some new images! Moderated by Archaia CEO PJ Bickett, the panel will happen from 3:45pm to 4:45pm in room 1A15.

Throughout the weekend, Archaia will host dozens of writers and artists for autograph sessions at their booth, #1546. Check Archaia.com or the booth for a schedule. In addition, Relativity Media, the studio behind the upcoming Immortals film, will host a gallery on the show floor (booth #444) featuring art from the graphic novel prelude, Immortals: Gods and Heroes, including works by Rafael Kayanan, Jock and Scott Hampton.

About Archaia Entertainment

Archaia is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 50 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, Gunnerkrigg Court, Awakening, The Killer, Days Missing, Tumor, Syndrome, Artesia, Engineer, and an entire line of The Jim Henson Company graphic novels. Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds, building one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels. Archaia was named Graphic Novel Publisher of the Year according to Ain’t it Cool News, Graphic Policy, and Comic Related, and was honored with nine 2011 Eisner Awards nominations. Archaia has also successfully emerged as a prolific storyteller in all facets of the entertainment industry, extending their popular brands into film, television, gaming, and branded digital media.