City Planning Hearing - Testimony of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Re - Armory Proposal

 

Testimony of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

at the City Planning Commission RE: Kingsbridge Armory

October 9, 2013

Good day, Chairperson Burden and your fellow commissioners.  I am here today to offer my enthusiastic support for the Kingsbridge Armory National Ice Center and the four ULURP applications, which when approved will facilitate construction of one of the most outstanding ice arenas in the world.  This project will transform an iconic landmark into a destination for thousands, all while revitalizing an entire community and offering permanent, “living wage” jobs for Bronx residents. 

This project represents the culmination of a comprehensive participatory process that included all those who have an interest in the future of the Kingsbridge Armory.  These parties include representatives of the surrounding community, the borough’s elected officials, the Mayor’s Office and the city’s Economic Development Corporation, as well as those associated with the Kingsbridge National Ice Center’s development team.   

There are numerous statistics and figures that can back up my strong support. This project will bring $300 million in  investment to restore and preserve this historic Bronx landmark, including the reconstruction of the entire drill hall floor.

170 full-time positions will be created at the Kingsbridge Armory. And the jobs created at this project will pay a living wage. In addition, this project will create 885 construction related jobs on site, plus a total of 2,700 off-site jobs as a consequence of its development;

At least 580,000 annual visits to the Kingsbridge Armory are anticipated, which will generate new economic activity approximating $42 million annually.

My enthusiasm for this proposal and what it will offer the Bronx and our city is only surpassed by my support for the Community Benefit Agreement that has been achieved.  This agreement is historic, as it sets to paper benefits I believe establish a gold standard for all future projects that rely on the disposition and use of public sector assets. 

Key components of this agreement include that 51 percent of those working at the Armory will be Bronx residents, and that employers shall award 25 percent of the funds spent on employees performing construction, to minority and women/owned Bronx businesses.

Beyond these stipulations, the developer has also pledged to provide an initial monetary contribution of $8 million towards developing and building out the 50,000 square feet of community facility space, for an annual rent of $1. In addition, the developer will provide $1 million in annual ice time for local schools and community organizations, as well as $250,000 for capital improvements to neighboring properties and local businesses. The developer has also entered into a historic profit-sharing agreement with the local community, and will contribute one percent of profit realized up to $25 million, or two percent of profit realized for more than $25 million, to these local organizations.

I am also especially proud to note that this entire project will be environmentally sound, as a LEED Silver designation is being sought.

My administration is very proud of what the entire proposal represents.  It is a project that broadens the profile of the Bronx as a place where new ideas can become reality, where new approaches can bring about better results.  I therefore recommend approval of these applications and by so doing continue to endorse the development of the Kingsbridge Armory by the Kingsbridge National Ice Center.          

 

 

Public Hearing, Application of Charter High School for Law and Social Justice

 

Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 7 PM

Public Hearing, Application of Charter High School for Law and Social Justice

Learning through law, striving for justice

WHAT:           A second public hearing to discuss the application to open the Charter High School for Law and Social Justice in the South Bronx (school district 7, 8, 9 or 12) made to the New York State Education Department.  The proposed school -- a unique partnership of New York Law School, Mount St. Vincent College and  Legal Outreach, a not-for-profit that provides educational opportunities to NYC high school students -- will provide students from traditionally underserved communities with a high-quality education focused on creating pathways to college, graduate school, and careers in the legal profession. Students will be exposed to a rigorous curriculum that uses law and social justice issues to help students develop the crucial skills of critical thinking and analysis, literacy, and effective communication.

WHEN:           Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 7 PM

WHERE:        Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Center, 955 Tinton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456

INFO:             charterschool@nyls.edu or www.chslawandsocialjustice.org

 

Wave Hill Events October 25–November 1

  It’s true that Wave Hill is pretty well enchanting all the time, but we do reserve a weekend each fall to celebrate just how magical it is. And we make it admission-free, thanks to the generous support of Target; the only challenge is to figure out whether to come Saturday or Sunday. Whichever day you come, don’t forget to stop by The Shop to meet Pamela Richardson and peruse her company’s collection of charming tutus, wings, wands and other magical accessories for the children in your life.

SAT, SUN, OCTOBER 26, OCTOBER 27    ENCHANTED WAVE HILL WEEKEND

There’s magic in the Bronx! Bring your little fairies and gnomes to Enchanted Wave Hill to create your own tiny woodland dwelling using sticks and other fallen materials. Listen to enchanted fairy tales and enjoy mysterious music as you traipse through the woods and enjoy the autumn colors. Admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target.

SAT, OCTOBER 26    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, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its 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: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, OCTOBER 26    FAMILY ART PROJECT: FAIRY WANDS AND TINY HOUSES

Put some of nature’s magic into your own magical wand. Listen to fairy stories and then venture into Wave Hill’s enchanted woodlands. Fashion sticks, leaves and bark into a tiny fairy-sized dwelling as part of a charmed forest metropolis. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 26    PERFORMANCE: FAIRY HARP CIRCLE

Brandee Younger, Mia Theodoratus and the NYC Harp Orchestra offer an interactive soundscape as a band of folk harpists emerge from the forest and surround the garden with ethereal tones entrancing the audience. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.

ON THE GROUNDS, NOON–1:30PM

SAT, OCTOBER 26    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, which celebrates the interests of former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean. Dean was Curator of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Curator of Fish at the American Museum of Natural History. The intersection of his interest in both fish and armor provides the opportunity to bring together a remarkable group of contemporary art that explores concepts of adaptation, pattern, and protection. The tour also includes Alan Ruiz’s Sunroom Project Space installation, an architectural intervention that complicates the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend thanks to the generous support of Target.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, OCTOBER 27    FAMILY ART PROJECT: FAIRY WANDS AND TINY HOUSES

Put some of nature’s magic into your own magical wand. Listen to fairy stories and then venture into Wave Hill’s enchanted woodlands. Fashion sticks, leaves and bark into a tiny fairy-sized dwelling as part of a charmed forest metropolis. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend, thanks to the generous support of Target. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 27    HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, your breath and your mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, 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: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

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

SUN, OCTOBER 27    MEDITATION

This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. All levels welcome. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, OCTOBER 27    PERFORMANCE: FAIRY HARP CIRCLE

Brandee Younger, Mia Theodoratus and the NYC Harp Orchestra offer an interactive soundscape as a band of folk harpists emerge from the forest and surround the garden with ethereal tones entrancing the audience. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.

ON THE GROUNDS, NOON–1:30PM

SUN, OCTOBER 27    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend thanks to the generous support of Target.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, OCTOBER 28

Closed to the public.

TUE, OCTOBER 29    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, OCTOBER 29    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, which celebrates the interests of former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean. Dean was Curator of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Curator of Fish at the American Museum of Natural History. The intersection of his interest in both fish and armor provides the opportunity to bring together a remarkable group of contemporary art that explores concepts of adaptation, pattern, and protection. The tour also includes Alan Ruiz’s Sunroom Project Space installation, an architectural intervention that complicates the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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 until noon on Tuesdays in October. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs 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.

Amazon Publishing at NY Comic Con

 

47North, Jet City Comics, Skyscape at New York Comic Con!

Join Amazon Publishing’s 47North, Jet City Comics, & Skyscape imprints (booth #2022) at New York Comic Con!  Meet our authors, take a sneak peak at the first titles out from Jet City Comics, and check out the best in new and upcoming fantasy, horror, SF and comics.  

Each day the booth will host author signings including comics’ stars Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti; YA fan favorites Susan Ee and Sarah Fine; SF bestsellers Evan Currie and Christian Cantrell; Urban Fantasy newcomers Dana Cameron and Jack Horn; and 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award winner Rysa Walker.  Complete schedule below:

IN-BOOTH SIGNINGS

Friday, October 11

12:00-1:00pm                     Evan Currie signing SEAL TEAM 13

3:00-4:00pm                    Dana Cameron signing SEVEN KINDS OF HELL

5:00-6:00pm                       Sarah Fine signing SANCTUM

Saturday, October 12

12:00-1:00pm                     Jack Horn signing THE LINE                          

2:00-3:00pm                       Susan Ee signing ANGELFALL

3:30-4:30pm                       Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti signing prints of WOOL graphic novel        

5:00-6:00pm                       Christian Cantrell signing KINGMAKER

Sunday, October 13

12:00-1:00pm                     Rysa Walker signing TIMEBOUND

*There will also be giveaways throughout each day at the booth. (booth #2022).

Lhota calls on City Council to support Staten Island ferry service increase

  This came in from the Joe Lhota for mayor campaign. 
You may ask why am I putting up an item on Staten Island from Republican Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota in the Bronx. The answer is that in today's Daily News there is an article that Joe Lhota has been to Staten Island 7 times since the primary, while Bill deBlasio has only been there once. Obviously Bill deBlasio knows where to spend his time, and that is not in Republican rich Staten Island where he will receive the lowest number of votes. I have been told that deBlasio will soon be visiting the Bronx several times, and I will soon be getting that schedule. As for Joe Lhota visiting the Bronx, with less than 4,000 total Bronx Republican votes cast on primary day Thursday's headline of my column in the Bronx News and Parkchester News is titled "Will Joe Lhota come to the Bronx"?
Also - Note the date of the vote listed as September 9.

  Mayoral candidate Joe Lhota today called on the City Council to vote in favor of expanding Staten Island ferry service to half hour increments during nights and weekends.  The vote will take place today, Wednesday, September 9.  

The Staten Island Ferry remains one of the only means of public transportation to and from Staten Island.  Current law forces residents who take the ferry during off-hours to wait an hour after 1 or 2 a.m. during the week and after 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It’s unfair, outrageous and wrong that Staten Island residents are forced to wait an hour in between ferry rides during the off hours, especially when residents in other boroughs have access for more frequent subway service,” said Mr. Lhota, who implemented free Staten Island Ferry service as the City’s budget director.  “I call on the City Council to end this borough inequity by voting to increase the frequency of Staten Island ferry service.”

Mr. Lhota has been a vocal advocate of increasing ferry service for Staten Islanders. In June, Mr. Lhota submitted testimony to the City Council urging half-hour service on nights and weekends.

"This legislation is about more than an extra boat an hour," Councilman James Oddo said. "This is about telling Staten Island residents and commuters that help is on the way and it should be a clear signal to those looking to invest in the revitalization of the North Shore that Staten Island is open  for business."

 

Former Bronx Charity Head Busted By NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

This is from today's Daily News blog by Celeste Katz.

  Yolanda Gonzalez, the daughter of the late founder of Nos Quedamos (We Stay) in the South Bronx, was booked Wednesday morning at the 44th police precinct in the Bronx. The arrest was the end of an investigation that N.Y. State Attorney General Eric Schniderman began in 2011. 
   
  Gonzalez is the daughter of Yolanda Garcia, who founded the the non-profit housing and social services group in 1992. Gonzalez became executive director in 2005 after her mother died. Since the problems arose in 2011, several board members have been replaced. The organization is now run by executive director Jessica Clemente.
  
  The link to the full Daily News Story is  here .


 

LIU ON ‘TAXI OF TOMORROW’ RULING

  City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following after a judge voided the City’s “Taxi of Tomorrow” plan on the grounds that the TLC exceeded its authority when it mandated that all taxis be replaced the Nissan NV200:

 

“City Hall’s ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ plan, ill-conceived from the very start, should now be scrapped completely in light of the judge’s ruling. New York’s iconic yellow cabs should offer choices for taxi owners and – most importantly – full wheelchair-accessibility. My ‘Taxi for All New Yorkers’ plan would offer both, plus save the City money over time.”

 

Background:

 

In September, Comptroller Liu proposed his “Taxi for All New Yorkers” plan: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-unveils-taxi-for-all-new-yorkers/

 

In May 2012, Comptroller Liu called on Mayor Bloomberg to modify the proposed “Taxi of Tomorrow” to make all new taxis wheelchair-accessible: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-puts-brakes-on-taxi-of-tomorrow-until-vehicles-are-wheelchair-accessible/

 

In December 2012, Liu rejected the “Taxi of Tomorrow” contract on the grounds that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and would expose the City to costly lawsuits: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-grounds-taxi-of-tomorrow/

 

In April 2013, Liu testified before the City Council in favor of Intro 433-A, a bill that would mandate that the entire City taxi fleet be wheelchair-accessible: http://comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom/liu-testimony-on-city-council-taxi-bill/

The Bronx Marks the Spot With Tour de Bronx The Largest Free Bicycling Event in New York State

 

The Bronx Marks the Spot
With Tour de Bronx
The Largest Free Bicycling Event in New York State

-          Thousands come from around the country and around the world
to Xercise, Xplore and Xperience The Bronx

     Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives announced the 19^th Annual “Tour de Bronx,” the largest free bicycling event in New York State which will take place on Sunday, October 27^th.

Sponsored by the Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and the Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, the “Tour de Bronx” traditionally brings together nearly 6,000 bicyclists from around the world.

“The ‘Tour de Bronx’ is a wonderful event, and each year I am always excited to join my fellow Bronxites and thousands of visitors from around the city, nation and the world to ride and see all the great things The Bronx has to offer. Riding a bike around our borough is the healthiest way to see the best of the Bronx, and I am delighted to hear the positive feedback from visitors each year when they participate in the ‘Tour de Bronx.’ I invite everyone to join me again this year to tour our beautiful borough,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"This great event shows Bronx residents that biking is not only a fun and healthy way to get around the borough. It's a viable transport option," says Transportation Alternatives’ Executive Director Paul Steely White.

To further prove that The Bronx is fast becoming a destination, last year’s event welcomed registrants from all over the United States, as well as Europe, South America and even Asia. “Given the amount of positive coverage we’ve been enjoying in national and international media, we expect to see an increase in visitors participating in this event,” stated Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism Council. “We are anxious to show off our borough to the rest of the world.”

“The New York Botanical Garden looks forward to welcoming the Tour de Bronx cyclists to nature’s showplace, dressed in its finest fall colors” said Aaron Bouska, Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the New York Botanical Garden. “Not only do cyclists get to see the best of the Bronx on October 27, but they do so in a healthy and sustainable manner – values we share and promote every day at the Garden.  Congratulations to Bronx Borough President for his leadership in this endeavor.”

“For the past five years, Montefiore has supported Tour de Bronx as a way to promote healthy living and wellness in our community while celebrating the historic neighborhoods and beautiful greenways of the Bronx," said Steven M. Safyer, president and CEO, Montefiore Medical Center.  "Montefiore is committed to improving the health of the community we serve and we are proud to sponsor this borough-wide biking event."

It couldn’t be easier to participate in the “Tour de Bronx,” as numerous City agencies and corporate sponsors are rolling out the red carpet for cycling enthusiasts. Metro North Railroad will waive their bicycle permit requirements and quantity limits for the day, allowing for groups of riders to participate. The Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets beginning at 8 a.m. while supplies last. The rider must be present and sign a waiver. For children under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and will also need to sign a waiver. Coca Cola will distribute Dasani water, Powerade sports drinks and Fuze. Pizza will be provided after the ride courtesy of Domino’s.

The event offers both a 25- and 40-mile course, each of which winds through dozens of beautiful Bronx neighborhoods, historic districts, parks, waterfront, Greenway paths and more. Both routes culminate at the New York Botanical Garden for end-of-ride pizza, refreshments and a music festival.

Log onto www.ilovethebronx.com to register.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left - BP Diaz speaking about the Tour De Bronx.

Right Roberto Garcia of Montifore Hospital has two employees who take part in the Tour De Bronx.

Below - Several sponsors and bike riders who will take part in this year's Tour De Bronx.