Rally for Pedestrian Bridge Over Deegan Highway

  Saturday March 29th even as rain was coming down people gathered at the Broadway/West 242nd Street and at the Jerome/Bainbridge Avenues entrances to Van Cortlandt Park to walk the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail from both ends to the middle where the Deegan Highway cuts right through the trail. As both groups encountered the Deegan Highway as in the photo above, the highway prevented the people from connecting with one another. All that could happen were that the two groups of people could wave to each other across the highway, and hold signs which read "Give us a bridge to connect the two broken parts of the Old Croton Trail".

  As traffic passed by cars and even trucks honked their support for the pedestrian bridge over the highway as you will see in the photos below. There was a meeting finally at Schandler Field with several elected officials to sing a song about building the bridge to re-connect the broken parts of the Old Croton Aqueduct trail. The elected officials and several park activist called on the city to honor its agreement from 1999 that put the plans to build the pedestrian bridge over the Deegan Highway to re-connect the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. Click on any photo to make it larger.

 This was the group that started from Jerome/Bainbridge Avenues traveling west on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail that stops at the Deegan Highway. 

 

Left - The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail as it appears on the Jerome/Bainbridge Avenues side.

Right - The marker for the trail.

 

Left - This was the view from east side of the Deegan Highway at the point where the highway goes right through the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. 

Right - Driver of the Oreo truck honks in support of the signs for the pedestrian bridge over the highway.

 

 

Left - Even as the rain was coming down it could not dampen the spirits of those who came.

Right - Dart Westphal and Steve Murphy lead the group in a song they wrote for the building of the pedestrian bridge over the Deegan Highway.

 

Left - Councilman Andrew Cohen leads a group of people that were on the west side of the Deegan Highway as they finally arrive at Schandler Field for the second part of the rally.

Right - Father Richard Gorman Chair of the Croton Filtration Monitoring Committee & Community Board 12 tells of the problems with the DEP, and the denials by the DEP that the pedestrian bridge was a part of the deal that allowed the Water Filtration Plant to be built in Van Cortlandt Park.

Councilman Andrew Cohen, State Senator Marcos Serrano, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Christine Taylor of the Friends of VCP, Congressman Eliot Engel, Father Gorman, and Park Activist Karen Argenti show their disapproval that the pedestrian bridge over the Deegan Highway has not been built.

ABRAZO BANGLADESH by Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

  It was billed as ABRAZO BANGLADESH in Honor of Bangladesh Independence Day. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. State senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo were on the front page of the program, but Senator Klein was still up in Albany as one of the now 4 men in the room discussing and finalizing the state budget. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was on hand as was Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and a brief stop in by Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie who had his daughter with him so he could not stay. The room was filled to capacity as the program began.

  The six honorees were from the Bronx Bangladesh community based mainly around the Parkchester area. The honorees were Mr. Mohammed Shamin Miah, Mr. Abdus Shahid, Mr. Mohammed N. Mujumder, Mr. Zakir A. Khan, Ms. Farida Yeasmin, and Mr. Rezaul Salim. 

  Each of the elected officials on hand said a few words of what the occasion meant to them. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said that "You are part of the 1.4 million people of the Bronx". Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda asked for a moment of silence for the "Freedom Fighters" for the Independence of Bangladesh. Assemblyman Marcos Crespo spoke of the connection between the Bangladesh and the Hispanic community in his district. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj being the first Albanian elected to the state legislature said he knows what lies ahead for the Bangladesh community of the Bronx. 

  Several of the Freedom Fighters from the Independence war with Pakistan in 1971 were on hand and brought up for a photo with the honorees at the end of the program. Below are several photos of the event. You can click on a photo to enlarge it.

 

  

Left - Team Diaz 2014. 

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.

Right - Team Diaz with the honorees.

 

Left - The singing of the Bangladeshi National Anthem, with traditional Harmonium & Tobla Drum.

Right - The invocation by Iman Mohammed Moinul Islam.

 

Left - Senator Diaz Sr. is starting the program by asking the honorees to come up front.

Right - Bronx BP Diaz Jr. is speaking of the mosaic of the Bronx where everyone is a part of the 1.4 million people of the Bronx.

 

Left - Ms. Farida Yeasmin receives her awards from Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

Right - Mr. Mohammed N. Mujumder receives his awards from Senator Diaz Sr.

A group photo of the elected officials, honorees, and several of the 1971 Bangladesh Freedom Fighters who were on hand pose for this photo.

After the program there was a dance by the Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts.

Comptroller DiNapoli and Attorney General Schneiderman Announce Three Arrests in $200,00 Contract Fraud

  Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the arrests of three contractors for conspiring to defraud the state of over $200,000 by submitting false invoices over a two year period for HVAC equipment, supplies and labor.

“These vendors shamelessly falsified numerous invoices to inflate their bills to the state in an effort to defraud the taxpayers of over $200,000,” DiNapoli said. ”My office will continue to monitor public expenditures, investigate corruption, and partner with law enforcement to ensure those who try to rip off the state are caught and punished. I thank Attorney General Schneiderman for his continued work as part of our joint task force to root out corruption in New York.”

“These greedy contractors sought to profit by defrauding the state, and now they are being held accountable,” Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said. “Comptroller DiNapoli and I will remain vigilant to ensure that New York’s hard-working taxpayers don’t get fleeced by corrupt contractors.”

Attorney General Schneiderman charged Charles Angelillo, Jr., 40, and his wife, Carol Angelillo, 39, owner and office manager of Classic Air Conditioning and Heating of Eastport, and Anthony Cuccinello, 46, owner of AM/PM Supply Corporation of Maspeth, with falsifying business records for a series of emergency contracts with the state Office of General Services from 2010 to 2012 on state contracts for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, supplies and labor.

All three were charged with multiple felonies including grand larceny in the second degree, falsifying business records and other charges. They were arraigned in Suffolk County Criminal Court on March 25 and released on their own recognizance. They are due back in court May 28.

The investigation revealed that almost immediately after receiving their first contract, the Angelillos started submitting false bills to the state for equipment they never purchased. Later, they forged invoices to double or triple the amount the state owed them. In 2011, the Angelillos allegedly enlisted Cuccinello to join the scheme. Together, the three defendants attempted to deceive the state into paying more than $200,000 in bloated payments.

The arrests are the latest in the combined efforts of the Comptroller and Attorney General’s Joint Task Force on Public Integrity which resulted in more than 30 public corruption arrests last year alone and more than $5 million in restitution.

The charges against the defendants are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with additional information on this matter or any other suspected public corruption is encouraged to contact the State Comptroller’s office by calling the toll-free fraud hotline at 1-888-672-4555; filing a complaint online at investigations@osc.state.ny.us; or mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller Investigations Unit, 110 State Street, 14th floor, Albany, NY 12236 or the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-996-4630.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon

  With the rainy chilly weather it looked as though there might be some empty seats at the Bronx Chamber of commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon. However once the luncheon started all seats were filled, and there were a few added guests such as Assembly members Mark Gjonaj (80th A.D.) and Victor Pichardo (86th A.D.). That was not the reason this luncheon was special, it was the four female high school seniors who were receiving $1,000.00 scholarships, and the two very special women that were being honored.

  The luncheon was opened by Mistress of Ceremony Juliet Papa of 1010 Wins Radio fame, and the national anthem was sung by Ms. Joelle Encarnacion of Preston High School. Ms. Geri Sciortino the luncheon chair then welcomed everyone before she introduced the first of the two men involved in the luncheon Mr. Lenny Caro the President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Joe Kelleher the Chair of the Bronx chamber of Commerce was the second man introduced who also spoke briefly. 

  It was on to the Scholarship Award Presentation next as Ms. Lisa Sorin the founder of the Bronx Chamber Scholarship Fund introduced Ms. Evelyn Oliver of the Con Edison STEM Scholarship program called up three high school seniors to receive their $1,000.00 check for college. Jashleen Valerio pf the Collegiate Institute for math & Science, Bernice Oteng of the Bronx High School for Medical Science, and Natailai Dubrey also of the Bronx High School for Medical Science.  Mr. Joe Kelleher President & COO of the Hutchinson Metro Center presented Jocelyn Mercado with the Hutch Metro Center Scholarship. 

  After lunch Dr. Carole M. Berotte Joseph of Bronx Community College, and Deborah A. Tymon Vice President of the New York Yankees the Women of Honor were recognized for their contributions to the advancement of Women. 

Left - Scholarship winner Bernice Oteng with Evelyn Oliver of Con Edison.

Right - Scholarship winner Jocelyn Mercado with Joe Kelleher of the BCC.

 

Left - The four scholarship winners with Ms. Lisa Sorin founder of the BCC scholarship program.

Right - Honoree Dr. Carole M. Berotte Joseph, with Ms. Geri Sciortino and Lenny Caro of the BCC.

 A group shot with Mistress of Ceremony Juliet Papa back row on the left.

Another group shot of the four scholarship winners with some of the gang from the BCC. Missing is Alexandra of the BCC who was standing to the left of Michelle in the blue dress on the right.

Statement of Mayor Bill de Blasio on the Appointment of Philip Eure as NYPD Inspector General

 

March 28, 2014

"In New York City, we are fortunate to be protected by the nation's largest, best-trained and most effective police force, and with the appointment of Philip Eure as Inspector General, we are today further enhancing the NYPD's efforts. Independent police review is a critical component in the constant improvement of our public safety efforts, and will help us enhance the operations, programs and practices of the NYPD, while also strengthening the NYPD's relationship with the community - all vital elements in keeping us safe. Phil has decades of law enforcement experience and is one of the nation's premier police accountability experts, making him an excellent choice to serve as the city's first NYPD Inspector General."

 

 

Bill de Blasio

Mayor New York City.

 

 

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.