LIU ON RISE IN STUDENT LOAN RATES

   Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following today on the rise in federally-subsidized student loan rates and the impact on New York City:

“Our City needs Congress to get back together right away and craft a fix that will cancel the doubling of federally subsidized student-loan rates. The rise in rates on new loans will hurt many struggling young New Yorkers. Our analysis, based on federal data, shows that about 912,000 New York City residents owe an average of $29,800 in student loans. Assuming a third of new student loans are federally subsidized, a permanent rise in interest rates could cost City borrowers roughly $40 million in the first year.

“With higher rates, that amount will rise rapidly – further constricting disposable incomes in a City that is a magnet for the country’s college graduates.”

 

Notes:

 

Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York show that, even at the lower interest rate, many New Yorkers are struggling to keep up with their student loan payments:

 

For additional economic analysis, visit our new blog 1 Centre Street: http://1centrestreet.com/

 

DeBlasio Returns to Parkchester

  On  Sunday April 21st current Public Advocate  and candidate for mayor in the upcoming Democratic primary Bill DeBlasio came to Parkchester to receive an endorsement for mayor. That was the first endorsement of a mayoral candidate by a Bronx elected official, and it was made by 87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. Since then Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. endorsed Bill Thompson as did the Bronx Democratic County organization. State Senator Gustavo Rivera endorsed Christine Quinn, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. endorsed Erick Salgado, and the powerful Ben Franklin Democratic Club of the Northwest Bronx led by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has not endorsed any candidate for mayor as of yet.

   When he came to Parkchester to receive Assemblyman Sepulveda's endorsement DeBlasio said that this would not be the only time the voters of Parkchester would see him. DeBlasio returned this past Saturday to Parkchester, and his first stop was the Roselyn Johnson Democratic Club of the 87th A.D located on Castle Hill Avenue. He went inside to discuss the walking tour from Castle Hill Avenue to the heart of Parkchester, telling State Committeeman and Community Board #9 member William Rivera that he wanted to meet as many people that he could.

   The walking tour started across Castle Hill Avenue onto Starling Avenue. On Starling Avenue DeBlasio stopped for every person to introduce himself and ask a question of the concerns of the person he was talking to. Before he left Deblasio kindly asked for the persons vote in the upcoming Democratic primary. He went into several stores to talk to the owners and patrons again asking questions and listening to the answers. The walking tour then went onto Unionport Road to the heart of Parkchester. Again as he was doing Deblasio wanted to speak to as many people as he could. He would stop to hear the concerns of newly registered voters, parents, senior citizens, and anybody who had anything to say to him. Some of what was said can not be printed as it was not aimed at DeBlasio, but the current mayor. 

   Parkchester has a lot of union people living in its vast development. While DeBlasio was happy to hear 1199 union people tell him they were voting for him because their union had supported DeBlasio, that was not always the case when it came to other union members. He ran into several members of the United Federation of Teachers who said their union had endorsed another candidate and that was who they were voting for. The same happened when he ran into some members of the union DC 37 who had endorsed a different opponent of DeBlasio.

   The walking tour finally reached its destination in front of Macy's where there was a table set up and dozens of volunteers collecting signatures of registered Democrats to put DeBlasio on the ballot to run for mayor. Below are a few photos of candidate DeBlasio and his return to Parkchester.

 

Left - Mayor candidate Bill DeBlasio stands in front of the Roselyn Jackson Democratic Club on Castle Hill Avenue in the 87th A.D.

Right - DeBlasio goes over the walking tour with State Committeeman and CB 9 member William Rivera.

 

Left - DeBlasio poses with some newly registered voters on Starling Avenue.

Right - Inside Parkchester DeBlasio listens to a fathers concerns, and tells of his education plan.

Left - DeBlasio listens to the concerns of Margret Walsh former head of Parkchester South.

Right - DeBlasio poses with many of the volunteers who were gathering signatures for him outside Macy's. Julian Sepulveda (on DeBlasio's left) stands in for his father Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who was out of town.

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