Council Candidate Andrew Cohen Speaks With Merchant Leader

   City Council candidate Andrew Cohen running to replace term limited Councilman Oliver Koppell was spotted on Riverdale Avenue talking with the head of the South Riverdale Merchants Association. Cohen who is on Community Board # 8 as the boards Aging Chair listened as Mario owner of Salvatore's of Soho and Yo Burger told candidate Cohen the problems that merchants not only on Riverdale Avenue, but in general that all merchants have with the city. The lack of help to small businesses when they try to open, the problem of over enforcement at times by the city, and when problems with the city occur such as the soon to be done water main replacement in the area the lack of concern by city agencies to the small businesses.

   Riverdale Avenue was dug up several years ago by Con Edison for placement of the M29 high voltage power line to Manhattan, and the small businesses are only now recovering from the disruption that Con Edison caused. Several stores went out of business, but with understanding landlords many of the empty stores reopened and are doing well. A new luxury building with very expensive prices has gone up across from Salvatore's and Yo Burger with another planned right next door. Other new luxury buildings have gone up in the area giving fears that this neighborhood shopping area may face the same problems as Johnson Avenue.

Left - I caught City Council candidate Andrew Cohen on Riverdale Avenue listening to the concerns of the head of the Riverdale Avenue Merchants Association who owns Yo Burger and Salvatore's of Soho where the two were talking.

Right - Candidate Cohen and Mario pose for the photo. You can see the new building in the foreground behind Cohen.

New Store opens on Johnson Avenue as Another is About to Close.

   Menchies opened up on the corner of Johnson Avenue & West 236th Street in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Pictured above are owners Jane Potter and Gabriel Feldman who think they can make the store a fixture on Johnson Avenue. Feldman said that his mother still lives in the community where he use to at one time. Menchies offers 14 different flavors of frozen yogurt, 32 different dry toppings, and 12 different fruit toppings which can and will change at different time. Menchies opens up officially on July 7th. 

  Johnson Avenue was once home to a very busy and bustling shopping area, and like many other neighborhood shopping areas has fallen on hard times with many empty stores. The major landlord in the area demands top dollar and offers only short term leases as many former stores remain empty. There is talk that the recently opened restaurant Oregono's on Johnson Avenue may soon be closing. Several merchants have moved to nearby Riverdale Avenue where the rents were cheaper and the landlords more accommodating. 

 

Wave Hill Events July 12–July 19

 

   Yoga and Tai Chi have long been cherished programs at Wave Hill, marrying the inspiration provided by Mother Nature with a need we all feel for serenity and balance. This summer, we add meditation to our wellness offerings. Pair a session in the gardens with a light meal on the Kate French Terrace, overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, for a truly nourishing visit. That should tide you over till the next Sunset Wednesday, July 14, when yoga, a curated garden walk and free music conspire to lift your summer spirits.

SAT, JULY 13    FAMILY ART PROJECT—MY GREEN HEAVEN

My Green Heaven/Mi paraíso verde

Roll down fragrant, emerald hillsides, marveling at the many tones of green. Explore a world of verdant hues in paint and collage. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JULY 13   TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, will introduce students to the internal martial arts and promote an awareness of their health benefits. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JULY 13    BRONX CALLING BIKE TOUR

Explore the Bronx via bike, traveling the Grand Concourse between the Bronx Museum and Wave Hill.

Exhibition tours will be offered at both sites. Begin at the Bronx Museum on June 29 and at Wave Hill

on July 13. The tour is free, but registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT BRONX MUSEUM OF THE ARTS, 10AM–12:30PM

SAT, JULY 13   GALLERY TOUR

Bronx Calling: The Second AIM Biennial features cutting-edge work by 73 New York-area emerging artists who participated in The Bronx Museum of the Arts’ Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) program in the last two years. Organized by Gabriel de Guzman, Wave Hill Curator of Visual Arts; Elizabeth M. Grady, guest curator; and Lia Zaaloff, Bronx Museum Curator, the exhibition is presented concurrently at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Wave Hill and 1285 Avenue of the Americas Art Gallery. Also on view in this tour, led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow, is an installation in the Sunroom Project Space, where Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao transform the space into an artificial greenhouse. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JULY 14    BIRDING WALK

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their ecology and behavior on these captivating walks among the gardens and woodlands of Wave Hill. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x 245 by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, JULY 14    FAMILY ART PROJECT— MY GREEN HEAVEN

My Green Heaven/Mi paraíso verde

Roll down fragrant, emerald hillsides, marveling at the many tones of green. Explore a world of verdant hues in paint and collage.  Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 14   HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga by The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JULY 14    MEDITATION

This summer, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple relaxation techniques followed by 20 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and instructor and long-time meditator Lea Tenneriello. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET IN WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JULY 14    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, JULY 14: HERBAL PICNIC SERIES―CHILLED HERBAL SOUPS COOKING DEMO

Join us for a summer-long garden party—free with admission to the grounds—as chefs from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances prepare delicious recipes for casual al fresco meals. Sample refreshing chilled soups featuring freshly harvested herbs and vegetables. After the program, explore the Herb Garden with a garden interpreter then purchase herb plants in The Shop at Wave Hill. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 3PM

MON, JULY 15

Closed to the public.

TUE, JULY 16    STORIES IN THE GARDEN

Join us for a delightful reading adventure as we explore a different, nature-related theme each week with beautifully illustrated storybooks, beloved classics and exciting new selections. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent.  Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companion. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

TUE, JULY 16   GALLERY TOUR

Bronx Calling: The Second AIM Biennial features cutting-edge work by 73 New York-area emerging artists who participated in The Bronx Museum of the Arts’ Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) program in the last two years. Organized by Gabriel de Guzman, Wave Hill Curator of Visual Arts; Elizabeth M. Grady, guest curator; and Lia Zaaloff, Bronx Museum Curator, the exhibition is presented concurrently at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Wave Hill and 1285 Avenue of the Americas Art Gallery. Also on view in this tour, led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow, is an installation in the Sunroom Project Space, where Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao transform the space into an artificial greenhouse. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, JULY 17    REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR LANDSCAPE OIL PAINTING: REFLECTIONS OF LIGHT, COLOR AND FORM

Explore the landscape as a form and physical body in this plein-air class with painter David Antonio Cruz. Working from direct observation, participants consider composition, light and color on reflective surfaces, paint handling and the use of a limited and full palette. All levels welcome. Limited supplies provided. This six-session series meets July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14, 21. $215 Member/$245 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

WED, JULY 17    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Experience summer at its best—an expansive landscape of rolling lawns and gorgeous formal gardens, fresh river breezes, plein-air performances of Bronx Beat Music, yoga, guided walks and cutting-edge art in Glyndor Gallery. Order dinner from exclusive caterer Great Performances, and you have the makings

of a superb summer evening. Gardens open until 8:30PM. The Café at Wave Hill open until 8PM. Glyndor Gallery, Perkins Visitor Center, The Shop at Wave Hill open until 7:30PM. Check www.wavehill.org/visit for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the #1 subway.

ON THE GROUNDS, TILL 8:30PM

WED, JULY 17   SUNSET HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. This sunset session is led by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salomone. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6–7:15PM

WED, JULY 17    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a mini tour of one of Wave Hill’s magnificent gardens. Tours vary by week―come back on another evening for a glimpse of a different garden area! Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, JULY 17    SUNSET MUSIC: LA ROKA

A high point of each Sunset Wednesday includes live music performed by Bronx musicians on the grassy expanse of the Great Lawn, overlooking the majestic Palisades. Tonight’s performers offer original, break-dance beats and Latin grooves. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 7–8PM

FRI, JULY 19    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in July. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

 

 

LHOTA: COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO VOTED FOR “COMMUNITY SAFETY ACT” PUT THE LIVES OF EVERY SINGLE NEW YORKER AT RISK

This cam e in from the Joe Lhota Camp.

Successes Combating Terrorism and Crime Will Unravel With These Bills  

Former deputy mayor and reform candidate Joe Lhota today blasted members of the City Council who voted in favor of the self-entitled “Community Safety Act”--a misnomer that in fact greatly threatens the safety of the City’s communities --for putting the lives of every single New Yorker at risk.  

 

The City Council earlier this morning passed two bills that will have a dramatic impact on the NYPD’s ability to fight crime and terrorism. The bills were brought to the floor following a controversial procedure that allowed them to bypass being approved by the Public Safety Committee, whose chairman has remained vociferously opposed to the measures.

“I can’t for the life of me imagine why the City Council would pass this reckless legislation and put the lives of every New Yorker at risk,” said Mr. Lhota. “These politicians are handcuffing law enforcement from being able to effectively fight crime. Our successes thwarting terrorism and bringing crime to record lows will unravel if these bills become law. I applaud Mayor Bloomberg for his intent to veto these bad bills and that’s where the process should end.”

The profiling bill would allow any individual who is subject to an action by a police officer to file a civil lawsuit against the city, the NYPD or the police officer. The legislation would open law enforcement to unreasonable sanctions by a judge and discourage police work out of fear of frivolous lawsuits.

The second bill would create an inspector general within the city Department of Investigation with subpoena power. It would prepare public reports on NYPD policy, including with the sensitive Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Mr. Lhota noted the potential exposure of the JTTF’s work as a particularly troublesome in that the federal government could possibly withhold information from the NYPD that would put efforts to thwart potential terrorist attacks at risk if made public. 

Speed Cameras Come to New York City

  Mayor Bloomberg came to PS 81 today with DOT Commissioner Janetts Sadik-Khan, and Senator Jeff Klein to celebrate the passage of S.4459A authorizing NYC to finally install speed cameras in school zones afflicted by persistently fast and dangerous driving. The bill passed the State Senate and Assembly, and Governor Cuomo announced that he would sign the bill. According to a DOT study, PS 81 has the highest rate of speeding of any school zone in the Bronx, and that is of concern to all. In the photos below Mayor Bloomberg, DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan, and Senator Klein all speak of the dangers of speeding in school zones. 

   Mayor Bloomberg said "20 speed cameras will be stationed around 20 different schools such as PS 81". He continued "It would be wonderful if we didn't have to ticket anybody in the future, which would mean that the cameras would have worked". DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan said "This will act as a roadblock to speeding on streets by schools". She added that NYC streets are the safest in history. Mayor Bloomberg then thanked Senator Klein for helping get this legislation passed in the state senate. Senator Klein said "This is a smart common sense law that will make people think about speeding by a school". 

   Signage is to be put up around schools to warn of the speed cameras which will be mobile so they can be moved from location to location if needed. You can go to the NYCDOT website to see the 100 schools that will be targeted for the 20 speed cameras.

  Mayor Bloomberg is flanked by DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan & State Senator Jeff Klein. Also in the photo is PS 81 principal Anne Kirrane next to Senator Klein.

Left - DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan explaing the reason to try to keep drivers from speeding as a matter of safety for the students.

Right - Senator Klein explains the reasoning for the Speed cameras adding that a police officer can not be by every school.

Town Hall Meetings By Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda

 "I think one of the most effective ways to keep our communities informed and engaged are through town hall meetings; below are a listing of our upcoming events which will be discussing crime prevention, public safety, and other pertinent issues".

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

 

Castle Hill Town Hall Meeting

 

Location: St. Anthony's Parish Center, 781 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY 

Date & Time: TODAY (6/24), 6:30PM

Notes: We will be accepting books on behalf of our book drive (pre-k to 8th grade). 

Sponsored by: Myself & City Councilwoman Annabel Palma 

Co-Sponsored by: District Leader Julia Rodriguez, State Senator Ruben Diaz, State Senator Jeff Klein, & ABC Little Angels 

 

 

Parkchester Town Hall Meeting

 

Location:St. Paul's Evangelical Luther Church, 1891 McGraw Avenue, Bronx, NY 

Date & Time: Tomorrow (6/25), 6:30PM

Notes: We will be accepting books on behalf of our book drive (pre-k to 8th grade). 

Sponsored by: Myself & our NYC Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio

Co-Sponsored by: Parkchester Community Association, Councilwoman Annabel Palma, & State Committeeman William Rivera 

 

 

West Farms Town Hall Meeting

 

Location: New Tabernacle Baptist Church, 990 East 181st., Bronx, NY 

Date & Time: Wednesday, 6/26, 6:30PM

Notes: We will be accepting books on behalf of our book drive (pre-k to 8th grade). 

Sponsored by: Myself & our NYC Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio

Co-Sponsored by: State Committeewoman Barbara Brown, Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo, & State Committeeman William Rivera 

 

 

Rosedale Town Hall Meeting

 

Location: Noble Mansion Community room, 1500 Noble Avenue, Bronx, NY 

Date & Time: 7/2, 6:30PM

Notes: We will be accepting books on behalf of our book drive (pre-k to 8th grade). 

Sponsored by: Myself & City Councilwoman Annabel Palma 

Co-Sponsored by: State Committeewoman Barbara Brown, State Senator Ruben Diaz, & State Committeeman William Rivera, Noble Mansion & Rosedale Associations, & Sustainable South Bronx

 

 

Lhota: Dems More Concerned With Supporting Political Ally Than Victims

This came in from the Joe Lhota for Mayor camp.

LHOTA: DEMOCRATS MORE CONCERNED WITH SUPPORTING POLITICAL ALLY THAN VICTIMS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT 

Blasts Decision to Authorize Tax Dollars for Silver Legal Defense

  

Former Deputy Mayor Joe Lhota today blasted his Democratic rivals in the race for mayor for their support of Speaker Silver, charging they are more concerned with supporting a political ally than standing up for victims of sexual harassment.

 

At a televised NY1 debate last week, all of the Democratic candidates for mayor, with the exception of Eric Salgado, said they continue to support the Speaker, despite his direction to repeatedly  cover-up the sexual harassment and assault of young women in state government at the hands of political colleagues.  

 

Mr. Lhota last week called on his fellow candidates to join in a unified front against the sex abuse cover-up. The Democratic candidates have so far refused to heed the call and it is expected they will all seek the endorsement of the powerful Lower East Side Democrat. An earlier report in the New York Post indicated that Mr. Silver will likely back Bill Thompson in the Democratic primary.

 

“The fact that my opponents continue to support one of New York’s most powerful leaders when he repeatedly covered up the sexual harassment and abuse of young women shows they are more concerned with supporting a political ally than protecting women’s rights to a safe workplace,” said Mr. Lhota. “What are our values if those in public service continue protecting Speaker Silver and the harm he’s caused women? Is that really the message they want to send?

 

Mr. Lhota also blasted the decision to allow the Speaker to use taxpayer dollars to fund his legal expenses in two lawsuits filed against him by women who were victimized by former Assemblyman Vito Lopez.

 

“First, he used taxpayer dollars to give a six-figure hush-money settlement to the victims and now he is using taxpayer dollars to pay his legal bills in lawsuits where he is admittedly at fault,” said Mr. Lhota. “It’s absurd and a further assault on already strapped taxpayers. Who exactly is getting justice in this whole matter? As long as he’s in power, it’s not these women or the taxpayers of New York.”

2nd Annual Unity In The Community Festival!

  It was across Kingsbridge Road from last years festival on the armory side, and there was much more room this year for the 2nd Annual Unity in The Community Day sponsored by the Kingsbridge Road Merchants Association. Reservoir Avenue was filled with many different opportunities for people in the community (and others) to enjoy. There was an inflatable Bouncy Castle and face painting for kids, many different food vendors, a wide variety of local stores participating, medical and other informative booths set up, a stage, and about 1,000 attendees to this 2nd Annual Unity in The Community Festival just outside the Kingsbridge Armory. The purpose of this event is to celebrate community unity and raise awareness on the diverse array of merchants in this district.

    As you will see in the photos below the event was hosted by Ms. Bharati Kemraj (of Bronxnet Television fame) who did a fantastic job as the MC.

Left - Ms. Bharati Kemraj warming up the crowd.
Right - one of the many performers on stage during the day.

Left - The action came down to the street in front of the stage at times.
Right - The crowd viewing what was happening on stage at the time.

Left - Ms. Evelyn Torres the2013 Bronx Puerto Rican Parade Queen (center) with friends Miriau Quinones (her right) and Eileen Marquez.

Right - CB 8 Eco Dev. Chair Sergio Villarvede standing with former Assemblyman Adam Powell.