South Bronx Unite Response to Appellate Division

  This came in from Siuth Bronx Unite.

Appellate Division Defers to Bloomberg-era Approval of FreshDirect; 
South Bronx Unite Calls Decision a Disappointing Reinforcement of the
Tale of Two Cities
 

Claim Challenging DOT Approval of Waterfront Sublease Remains Open and Subject of April 7^th Oral Argument; Group Also Considers Seeking Relief from Court of Appeals

Further Hurdles Faced by FreshDirect Before It Can Break Ground

Today, the Appellate Division ruled in favor of a Bloomberg-era Industrial Development Agency decision to provide $80 million in subsidies to Fresh Direct to move its trucking operation to a South Bronx waterfront flood zone without any living wage requirement and without any requirement to assess or address the environmental impact of an additional 1,500 daily diesel truck trips on the asthma-plagued community.

“This is a disappointing reinforcement of the tale of two cities,” said Mychal Johnson of South Bronx Unite. “Today, the courts told us that a 21 year old environmental impact statement is good enough for the people of the South Bronx, who suffer asthma hospitalization rates 21 times that of other New York City neighborhoods. We say it is not.”

“More than 50 organizations stand with us in opposing this project, and more than 1,000 people city-wide are boycotting this company because of its intentions for the South Bronx,” said Rev. Ruben Austria, also of South Bronx Unite who, along with eight others, was arrested last week when attempting to plant sunflowers on the proposed site in opposition to the project following a community parade of residents and religious leaders. Citing Dr. King, Rev. Austria explained, “One who breaks an unjust law openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.”

Gavin Kearney, lawyer for the residents and Director of the Environmental Justice Program of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, stated “we're surprised by the decision of the Appellate Division given the strength of our claims and will be giving serious consideration to seeking relief from the Court of Appeals.”

Still open is the legal claim challenging the approval by the New York State Department of Transportation of the sublease of public land to FreshDirect, yet another diesel truck intensive business on the South Bronx waterfront. Oral arguments will take place on April 7^th at the Bronx County Supreme Court.

FreshDirect faces numerous additional hurdles before it could break ground at Harlem River Yards. For example, in order for portions of an approximately a $50 million subsidy package to be awarded by the board of the Empire State Development Corporation, the state must hold a public hearing. In a sign of how difficult that approval could be, three months ago at the behest of board member and South Bronx Congressman Serrano, the Empowerment Zone board (housed at the ESDC) denied FreshDirect $3.5 million in subsidies.  In addition, zoning regulations do not allow the project to proceed as proposed, requiring a Uniform Land Use Review Procedure process to take place, along with related public hearings.

FreshDirect also faces setbacks that may impact its proposed move, including a class action lawsuit filed last week against the company by workers claiming that the company improperly withheld more than $23 million in overtime wages and tips. In addition, FreshDirect's  sole international shareholder, UK grocer Morrison’s, will sell its share in the company following an 11% drop in profits.

Van Cortlandt Park Ice Rink Taken Down

  The above photos are of the building of and skating on the Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink (Mr. Ron Kraut the director of the Van Cortlandt Park is shown from a past photo). The rink closed this year for the season at the end of February.

  It was announced at the March Community Board 8 Park's committee meeting that Mr. Ron Kraut (director of the rink) said that this year the season was only 15 weeks out of the scheduled 16 weeks. He said that attendance was down, but that could be due to several factor such as a shooting at the Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink, the hot and cold weather, and the problem of the chillers working properly the last two weeks that the rink was in operation.

  It was also mentioned that Mr. Kraut would like to return next season, but more financial backing may be needed. The photos below are the removal of the rink as it is being put into storage, for maybe the next year's season.

APPELLATE COURT DECIDES IN FAVOR OF FRESHDIRECT

This comes as the lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division has been decided. 

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is praising today’s decision of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department in the matter of South Bronx Unite!, et al v. New York City Industrial Development Agency, et al, concerning the future relocation of FreshDirect to the Harlem River Yards in Mott Haven.

The court found that the decision of the lower court to dismiss the lawsuit in May 2013 was correct, and that the City did not violate the law in its environmental review process. The full decision can be read here: http://bit.ly/1jSPMKg.

“The court’s decision is a victory not only for FreshDirect, but for The Bronx as a whole. FreshDirect will continue to be a great asset to the Bronx.  My office has, since day one, understood that this project is crucial to the future economic health and vitality of the Bronx, and I am glad to see that the continued legal efforts to stop this critical project have been thoroughly dismissed,” said Borough President Diaz.

Borough President Diaz also noted that this project will create 1,000 new jobs while also relocating 2,000 jobs to the Bronx from Queens. Already, FreshDirect has displayed their commitment to the Bronx through hiring initiatives that have led to Bronx residents getting jobs at their existing Queens facility, the impending greening of their delivery fleet, the expansion of their services to the entire borough, food donations to Bronx families during the holiday season and their efforts to expand their services to EBT users.

“FreshDirect is bringing much needed jobs to our borough, and this decision will allow for this project to move forward without delay. I look forward to continuing our work with this company to get Bronxites hired,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

 

 

Beyond The Bronx Parks Speak Up - Launching a Bigger and Better Coalition

  If you attended the Bronx Parks Speak Out held at Lehman College on Feburary 22nd the Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces (BCPGS) thanks you for attending and making this annual event such a great success!

As we look toward the future we want your input to help make BCPGS and the Speak Up be what park, garden and open space groups/volunteers/advocates in the Bronx want it to be.
 Join us on April 2nd at 7pm as we launch toward the future!

Hostos Community College, Savoy Building
120 East 149th Street (SW corner 149th and Walton)
2nd Floor Multi-purpose Room

Refreshments will be served

For more info or to RSVP please email to bxspeakup@hotmail.com

 

Wave Hill Events April 11–April 18

  Hello spring!  We usher in the new season with a special, Target Free weekend—Come admire the flowering gardens, embellished by wonderful, free programs that will inspire and delight. The opening of the spring exhibition, artwork inspired by our Conservatory and Alpine House, is a special bonus. The attached release tells that story well.

SAT, APRIL 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT: DRAWING ON NATURE
Use materials like sticks and wax to sketch nature in an innovative way. Visiting artist and current Glyndor Gallery exhibitor Linda Stillman demonstrates an easy staining technique to add touches of color to our sketches, using dirt and flowers. Watch all the pieces come together as we combine individual projects to make an outdoor, group installation. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. Target Spring Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, APRIL 12    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 as weather permits. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, APRIL 12    FAMILY WALK: SIGNS OF SPRING

Hunt for early blooming flowers, creepy crawly critters, snails, birds, and other garden creatures as they “spring” into action. Naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow reveals both lively and bashful residents of Wave Hill on a stroll through the gardens and woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. Target Spring Weekend event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM & 2PM

SAT, APRIL 12    SPRING EXHIBITIONS RECEPTION
Wave Hill's spring exhibition, Prickly, Tender and Steamy: Artists in the Hothouse, assembles artworks that were created during Wave Hill's Winter Workspace program over the last five years. During their residencies, Gabriela Albergaria, Carrie Beckmann, Susan Benarcik, Matthew Burcaw, Asuka Hishiki, Nick Lamia, Lina Puerta, Naomi Reis, Anne-Katrin Spiess, Linda Stillman, James Walsh and Marion Wilson closely examined, and were inspired by, the living collection in Wave Hill's Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory. Representing a wide variety of mediums, the works on view give visitors multiple ways to observe the plants in the Tropical, Palm, Cactus and Succulent Houses. In the Sunroom Project Space, Brandon Neubauer's installation incorporates video projection, photographs and recorded sounds to create a portrait of the Wave Hill site that engages time, optical phenomena, topography and found objects. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. Target Spring Weekend event.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1‒4PM

SUN, APRIL 13    SPRING BIRDING

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it an appealing destination for a wide variety of birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549,3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, APRIL 13    FAMILY ART PROJECT: DRAWING ON NATURE
Use materials like sticks and wax to sketch nature in an innovative way. Visiting artist and current Glyndor Gallery exhibitor Linda Stillman demonstrates an easy staining technique to add touches of color to our sketches, using dirt and flowers. Watch all the pieces come together as we combine individual projects to make an outdoor, group installation. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend. Target Spring Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, APRIL 13   HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is 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 indoors until May. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, APRIL 13    MEDITATION

This spring, 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. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, APRIL 13    COLLECTIVE ART PROJECT

Celebrate the excitement of bursting buds and blossoms with exhibiting artist Nick Lamia who leads visitors of all ages in mono-printing from observation. Set out from Wave Hill House to explore the Shade Border and the Flower Garden. Spot the first signs of spring and draw them on a piece of Plexiglas. Return to Armor Hall to fill in the composition and print on paper. Images will be photographed and put up on the web. Ages six and older with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Target Spring Weekend Event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1–4PM

SUN, APRIL 13   GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

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

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, APRIL 14

Closed to the public.

TUE, APRIL 15    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

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

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, APRIL 15    SPRING VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOP: PLASTER HAND CASTING

Spend an afternoon with artist Mariana Swick, and explore the many meanings of “hands-on.” Using a basic mold-making technique and quick-setting materials, make highly detailed, colorful and expressive plaster hand-casts. Adding natural and recycled materials, festoon your plaster cast with rings, bracelets and other bling. Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10. Workshops continue Wednesday and Thursday, April 16 and 17.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

TUE, APRIL 15    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial assistant for a tour of Wave Hill's spring exhibition, Prickly, Tender and Steamy: Artists in the Hothouse, which assembles artworks that were created during Wave Hill's Winter Workspace program over the last five years. During their residencies, Gabriela Albergaria, Carrie Beckmann, Susan Benarcik, Matthew Burcaw, Asuka Hishiki, Nick Lamia, Lina Puerta, Naomi Reis, Anne-Katrin Spiess, Linda Stillman, James Walsh and Marion Wilson closely examined, and were inspired by, the living collection in Wave Hill's Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory. Representing a wide variety of mediums, the works on view give visitors multiple ways to observe the plants in the Tropical, Palm, Cactus and Succulent Houses. In the Sunroom Project Space, Brandon Neubauer's installation incorporates video projection, photographs and recorded sounds to create a portrait of the Wave Hill site that engages time, optical phenomena, topography and found objects. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, APRIL 16    SPRING VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOP: WALL CLOCKS

Spend an afternoon with artist Mariana Swick, and explore the many meanings of “hands-on.” Design a large clock face using drawing, painting and collage materials. Use natural materials and dried, colorful leaves to create personalized hour and minute hands. We provide the mechanism that transforms your work of art into a working clock. Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10. Workshops conclude  Thursday, April 17.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

THU, APRIL 17    SPRING VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOP: MARBLE PAPER RESIST

Spend an afternoon  with artist Mariana Swick, and explore the many meanings of “hands-on.” The technique of “resist” can create beautiful shapes, swirls and areas of interest. Create a resist area by lightly tracing your hand in pencil on a heavyweight piece of paper, and then fill in the tracing with clear wax crayon. Use sticks and other natural materials to effect simple marbling techniques that resist the wax, creating a rich patterning to showcase your hand.  Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

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—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day on Tuesdays in April. 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.

 

Croton Filtration Monitoring Committee Meeting March 2014

  It was a Tuesday and not a Thursday night, but the room was still packed with people who wanted to know what the DEP was doing. Father Richard Gorman the Chair of Community Board 12 was now the chair of the CFMC once again. Father Gorman was brief in his opening statement, and went into the public comment portion of the agenda. 

   Mr. Gary Axelbank was angry that the DEP was using the anti-terrorism explanation as the for not allowing residents who live around the Jerome Park Reservoir access to the inside roadway around the reservoir. He said that there is nothing to protect since one could easily get over or through the fences. He suggested to upgrade the inside fence while opening up the outside fence for residents to enjoy the reservoir.

  I spoke next, and questioned the constant moving back of dates on almost every project listed on the DEP schedule. I also questioned again how the DEP had to remove asbestos from a building that was built after the city banned the use of asbestos in all construction. I also questioned the listing of a second entrance to the Water Filtration Construction site into Van Cortlandt Park at East 213th Street. The question of the second entrance was answered that the DEP had always had that for when they rebuilt the golf house on Jerome Avenue. It will also be used to improve vehicular access to the construction area. The use of asbestos after the ban on it question did not get an answer.

  When Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte was asked if there would be any other construction of any kind in the park the answer was that he would fight against it. His final words however were "I can't guarantee it". 

  There was a presentation of the 66 Bronx parks projects either done, being worked on, or in design from the $186 million dollars in mitigation monies. 51 are completed, 8 are in construction, and 7 are still in design.  There was also mention of the other $20 million dollars of which $10 million dollars went to Roberto Clemente State Park, and $10 million dollars to NYSERTA, making the total $206 million dollars. 

  Father Gorman held up any questions about the Jerome Park Reservoir for the next meeting which he had scheduled for some time in April. Shane Ojar the Community Outreach Director for DEP however said that the meetings were every three months. Father Gorman said that with a new DEP commissioner, new mayor, and an extension of good faith by him with shorter meetings he was hopeful that the next meeting  could take place on April 22nd or 29th. 

  This meeting lasted only 90 minutes starting at 7:35 PM and ended shortly after 9 PM. 

Upcoming Job Fair!

Upcoming Job Fair!

Hosted by Council Woman Vanessa L. Gibson & Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Bronx Borough President and  Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson are teaming up with  the Martin Luther King Jr. Resource Center for Nonviolence to host their 2nd Annual Free Job Fair on Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 10 am to 2 pm. The Job Fair will be held at Harriet Tubman Charter School, 1176 Franklin Avenue, Bronx, NY 10454. Directions Take the 21 bus to 167th Street and walk 1 block WEST. Take the 15 or 55 bus to 167th Street & walk 1 block EAST. Take the 2 or 5 train to Third Avenue. Then Follow the Steps Above Remember to bring your resume!

Queens Assemblyman William Scarborough Homw & Office Raided by the FBI

  It is being reported that the Home, District and Albany office of Queens Assemblyman William Scarborough has been raided by the FBI. Boxes marked evidence were taken from the Albany office. It is believed that the state attorney generals office along with the FBI may be looking into whether Scarborough abused his assembly travel exHome, District and Albany office of Queens Assemblyman William Scarborough has been raided by the FBI.penses called "Per Diem". In 2012 Scarborough had almost thirty-four thousand dollars in Per Diem listings. no amount was given for 2013. 

  State legislatures are given a Per Diem payment for every day they spend in Albany. That amount includes $165.00 for hotels & meals, but they also get reimbursed for mileage or tolls at the federal government standard rate. It was reported that it was the Per Diem expenses that first got Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson put under the scrutiny by federal agents. 

  Many state legislatures have been questioned about their Per Diem expenses, but according to a spokesman for State Assembly leader Sheldon Silver said they were unaware of any probe. It is now expected that there will be a federal indictment of Assemblyman Scarborough in the near future. At first Scarborough denied that, but it was later reported that he said federal agents are looking into his Per Diem expenses. Scarborough, first elected in 1995, represents the Jamaica section of Queens.