RELEASE--BRONX UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS TO SINGLE DIGITS

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. praised the news, announced today by the New York State Department of Labor that the Bronx County unemployment rate has dropped to single digits, down to 9.8 percent.

“When I first became borough president, I made it clear that job creation would be a top priority of my administration. Over the past five years my office, in partnership with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, city and state officials, our business community, no-profits and everyday Bronxites, we have worked hard to create thousands of new jobs in The Bronx. What we are doing is working,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The borough has had a double-digit unemployment rate since January 2009, when it stood at 10.2 percent, peaking at 13.9 in January 2010. One year ago, in August 2013, the borough’s unemployment rate stood at 12.1 percent.

Since Borough President Diaz took office in 2009, The Bronx has seen $5.768 billion in total development, the creation of more than 13,000 in new units of housing and more than 14,000 new jobs created. Much of this progress is outlined in the office’s annual development report, which can be read at http://on.nyc.gov/1pkMnYS.

With the opening of several new retail centers in recent weeks, as well as major projects such as the Kingsbridge National Ice Center and Freshdirect on the horizon, thousands of new jobs have been created in Bronx County. In addition, a new partnership announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in August between the New York State Department of Labor and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, as part of the “NY Works,” programis placing Bronx residents in these jobs, helping to ensure that new development here benefits everyone, especially Bronxites.

“This massive improvement in our unemployment numbers proves we have had the right approach.  Supporting our Bronx businesses, attracting new ones and partnering with the New York State Department of Labor to work with the new employers and our residents who are looking for work insures that everyone wins,” said Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

“This partnership between the BOEDC and the Department of Labor is already bearing fruit, and I want to thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Peter Rivera for both launching this important program right here in The Bronx and for showing a strong commitment to the future of our borough. This program can be a statewide, if not national, model for job creation and placement. ‘NY Works’ is working for The Bronx,” said Borough President Diaz.

Borough President Diaz added, “As I have said before, what we are doing is working. Positive news like today’s unemployment statistics show us that we are on the right path. We still have a great deal of work to do, but it is clear that our ‘New Bronx’ agenda is showing real progress.”

Council Member Torres Announces Unprecedented Investment in Public Housing

WHO            Council Member Torres, NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye, Parkside Resident Council, 49th Precinct, Community Board 11  

WHAT          City Council Member Torres (D-Bronx) and NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye will announce record investment in the New York City Housing Authority citywide, including $1.5 million dollars for security cameras and layered access controls at Parkside Houses.

WHERE       Parkside Houses, Bronx Park East and Arnow Avenue.

WHEN          Monday, September 29, 2014, 10:00 AM

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and Families for Excellent Schools Unveil Community Mural in the Bronx As Part of Larger Effort to End Low Academic Achievement in NYC Schools

Artists from Acclaimed Tats Cru Group Paint Mural in Sign of Growing Support for Bold, Urgent Solution to Crisis

  Thursday, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and parent advocacy group Families for Excellent Schools unveiled a community mural in the Bronx as part of a broad grassroots movement to push for a solution to the persistent failure of New York City’s schools. The mural, painted by graffiti artists from acclaimed, Bronx-based Tats Cru group, is part of a larger effort by the Coalition for Education Equality to ensure that no child is forced to attend a failing school. The unveiling of Thursday’s mural adds growing momentum ahead of a rally on the courthouse steps of Foley Square on October 2nd, expected to be attended by thousands of parents from district and charter school families.

The mural—painted on a wall in Assemblyman Crespo’s district on Simpson St. and Westchester Ave. in the Bronx—serves as a reflection of the growing urgency in the community for a bold solution to a failing schools crisis that strips more than one hundred thousand children of a high-quality education. The mural will be followed by more neighborhood art and activities across all five of the city’s boroughs and parent organizing efforts through social and digital media efforts in the run-up to the rally.

In the Bronx alone, there 82 elementary and middle schools where roughly 9 out of 10 children can't read and do math on grade level.  

“The response that this mural has already received in my district makes it clear that our parents want bold action to strengthen our schools,” said Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. “It’s a beautiful work of art that should spur us all to action to end educational injustice.”

"The folks in this community are frustrated with a failing school system that steals the promise of possibility from too many children in the Bronx. Our #DontStealPossible mural builds on the growing movement for change in this community," said the Bronx-based muralist collective Tats Cru.

"Parents from all over the Bronx are demanding a quality education from their schools. These kids are our future and we refuse to settle for less," Yvonne Guillen, Bronx parent and Families for Excellent Schools leader.

“We are going to see more and more community-centered calls for change like this mural as folks realize how deep the persistent failure of our  schools actually is,” said Jeremiah Kittredge, CEO of Families for Excellent Schools. “Parents want quality schools for their children, and they are tired of waiting.”

Pichardo Statement re: 86th Assembly Seat Recount

ASSEMBLY MEMBER VICTOR PICHARDO RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER BOARD OF ELECTIONS RECOUNT

  Yesterday, the Board of Election completed the manual recount for the primary election in the 86^th Assembly District, with preliminary results pointing to Assembly Member Victor Pichardo holding the lead. Assembly Member Victor Pichardo issues the following statement in response to the preliminary recount results:

"The voters of the 86th Assembly District deserve to have their representatives elected in a fair and honest process and I am confident that, after the manual recount concluded yesterday, my neighbors once again chose me to be their representative in the Assembly.

I am incredibly thankful for the support and encouragement my campaign and I received - from my neighbors and beyond - in our efforts to ensure that the outcome of this election was both fair and honest. I look forward to the Board of Elections certifying theses results next week."

  We have been told that Assemblyman Pichardo holds a 2 vote over challenger Hector Ramirez after the recount.

  There has been no comment from Hector Ramirez.

STATEMENTS FROM BP DIAZ and Senator Klein re: MTA Capital Plan

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: MTA Vote to Approve Proposed Capital Plan

“The MTA’s inclusion of the East Side Metro-North expansion in its capital plan is another major step forward for our borough, and I am thrilled that the MTA board has voted to support this expansion and send it to the State Legislature for final approval. I like to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his strong support of this project, as well as State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein for his tremendous advocacy on this issue. I would also like to thank our two MTA board members from The Bronx—Fernando Ferrer and Charles Moerdler—for their unwavering support of this proposal.

“As we make our final case to the State Legislature to approve the funding for this expansion, Albany will see an entire borough united in support of this revolutionary project. These four new Metro North stations—Co-op City, Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park and Hunts Point—will not only be amazing new amenities to the communities they serve, but will help transform the entire region.

“This is my highest priority, and I look forward to discussing this proposal’s merits with my friends in the State Legislature. No project is more important to the future of The Bronx than the East Side Metro-North expansion,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Statement from State Senator Jeff Klein on MTA Board approval of capital investments for new Bronx Metro North stations

"I've long championed increased Metro-North access in the east Bronx and today's MTA Board approval of a $743 million capital investment to construct four new stations along the New Haven line into Penn Station is an important first step as we move towards a victory for our borough. This will put residents in transportation deserts like Co-Op City, Morris Park, Hunts Point and Parkchester, where the stations are proposed, on track for quicker commutes and better job opportunities.  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and I, who worked to push this plan forward, found that this major transportation development will also act as an economic engine for the Bronx."

Wave Hill Events Oct 10–Oct 17

SAT, OCTOBER 11   FAMILY ART PROJECT: TEDDY BEAR CATERPILLARS

Legend has it that the sections of a woolly bear caterpillar can be used to forecast the coming winter weather. Adorn a sock puppet with fur, yarn, hair and button eyes to make your own cuddly, teddy bear caterpillar pal—and make your own weather predictions. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 11    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; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. 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. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, OCTOBER 11    NATURE PRESENTATION: WONDERFUL WOOLLY BEARS

In the early fall, woolly bear caterpillars are on the move, searching for cozy places to hibernate for the winter. Meet live woolly bear caterpillars with an environmental educator from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and find out more about the life cycle of these fuzzy, friendly creatures. Can the brown bands on their bodies really predict the severity of the winter? Join us to find out! Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 11    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Tammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillips have created installations that they started during their Winter Workspace residency. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, OCTOBER 12    FALL BIRDING

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration required, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information..

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, OCTOBER 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT: TEDDY BEAR CATERPILLARS

Legend has it that the sections of a woolly bear caterpillar can be used to forecast the coming winter weather. Adorn a sock puppet with fur, yarn, hair and button eyes to make your own cuddly, teddy bear caterpillar pal—and make your own weather predictions. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 12    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 outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. 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. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, OCTOBER 12    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. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. 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. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, OCTOBER 12    FAMILY INSECT HUNT

After joining the Family Art Project, continue exploring the theme—or take your artwork in new directions—with a naturalist on a family-friendly walk through the gardens and woodlands. Hunt for creepy crawlers and critters on a family-friendly adventure. Naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow takes you through the gardens and woodlands on a quest for nature’s smallest animals. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 12    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

MON, OCTOBER 13    COLUMBUS DAY

Wave Hill is open.

MON, OCTOBER 13    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

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

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

TUE, OCTOBER 14    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 14    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Tammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillips have created installations that they started during their Winter Workspace residency. 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–4:30PM. Closes5:30PM, March 15–October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. 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 30 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.

Yes, I Am One of New York’s Most Effective and Proficient Legislators

What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District 

You should know that through the years, I have received a lot of media attention for standing strong for my Christian beliefs – especially for my opposition to gay marriage and abortion – but the story about my record as one of New York’s most effective and proficient Democratic legislators is routinely ignored.

You should know that since I was elected to the New York State Senate in 2002, there are many, many pieces of legislation that I have sponsored.  I have worked hard with my colleagues to get my bills out of their respective committees and out to the Senate Floor for a vote.  I have to say that the walls in my Albany Office are so crowded with my bills that have been signed into law, that I might need more wall space in 2015! See the attached photo which includes my sixteen bills and other bills which I have been prime co-sponsor.

My most recent bill, S.6732-A was signed into law on August 6, 2014. This bill, sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, will protect New Yorkers from immigration assistance fraud.  This was one of many victories for the Diaz Team.

You should know that when your political party is in the minority and it does not control the Senate, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to pass any legislation. In my twelve years as a New York State Senator, being in the minority and with all my beliefs and traditional philosophies, I have introduced many pieces of legislation and sixteen, I repeat, sixteen of my bills have been signed into law, making me one of the most, if not THE most, effective Democratic Senator in the New York State Senate.

In 2005, I introduced bill number S.2234-A, which was signed into law and became Chapter 526.  This law increases state penalties for dog attacks causing serious physical injury; increases the amount fines from eight hundred dollars to fifteen hundred dollars and from one thousand to three thousand dollars respectively; permits restitution payments to offset state and NYC fines; and, permits the imposition of dog restrictions on parolees. 

In 2007, I introduced bill number S.3167, which was signed into law and became Chapter 48.  This law relates to providing companion pets for seniors and instruction in the humane treatment of animals; provides for the office for the aging to operate programs to match seniors with companion pets to improve the lives of such seniors, and for the office for the aging to work with other entities to provide such programs. 

In 2008, I introduced bill number S.7014, which was signed into law and became Chapter 501. This law authorizes certain housing preferences for police force members in cities with a population of one hundred thousand or more. 

In 2009 two of my bills became law. They are S.3163 which became Chapter 107 and provides that the city of New York may re-convey certain property taken in tax foreclosure in the borough of the Bronx to the original owner, and bill number S.6091 which became Chapter 482 and provides that a person is guilty of aggravated murder when such person causes the death of a child and acted in an especially cruel and wanton manner. 

In 2010, three of my bills became law. They are S. 5456 which became Chapter 49 and requires third-party notification prior to termination of long-term care and health insurance for persons 65 and older; bill number S.7647 which became Chapter 348 and relates to eligibility under the naturally occurring retirement community supportive service program; provides that an individual over the age of sixty need not be the head of the household to qualify under the program; and bill number S.7512-A which became Chapter 410 and allows consideration of in-kind support when determining grantees of the naturally occurring retirement communities supportive service program. 

In 2011, five of my bills became law. They are bill number S.1313-B which became Chapter 191 and establishes the offense of prostitution in a school zone and promoting prostitution in a school zone; bill number S.1753 which became Chapter 263 and requires the state office for the aging to review programs addressing the needs of the aging veteran population; bill number S.331-A which became Chapter 270 and includes assisted living residences within the definition of long term care facilities for certain purposes; requires assisted living residences to permit access to such facilities by the long term care ombudsman; bill number S.5375 which became Chapter 320 and relates to matching funds for grants under the naturally occurring retirement community supportive service program; and, bill number S.333 which became Chapter 452 and authorizes the city of New York to re-convey its interest in certain real property acquired by in rem tax foreclosure in the borough of Bronx to former owner St. Peter's Lutheran Church. 

In 2012, the two of my bills became law. They are bill number S. 502-A which became Chapter 111 and relates to the senior citizen energy packaging pilot program and bill number S.6237 which became Chapter 201 and relates to the collection of supervision fees from persons on community supervision and provides that the department of corrections may promulgate rules and regulations to establish alternative methods for payment of supervision fees. 

So far in 2014, and the year is not over yet, one of  my bills has become law. Bill number S.6732-A became Chapter 206 and relates to implementing the immigrant assistance service enforcement act. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful to my constituents who continue to place their trust in me to serve them and to represent them.  And even though my accomplishments in the Senate may not receive the same attention that my defense for traditional marriage and the protection of human life receive, I am very proud to be one of New York State’s most effective and proficient legislators. 

You should know that being able to have sixteen pieces of legislation become law in twelve years is not such a bad record for this black Puerto Rican, with kinky hair and broken English.

This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and in my humble opinion, this is what you should know.

THIS WEDNESDAY--Attention Seniors and Bronxites with Disabilities---Opportunity to Freeze Rent/Reduce Homeownership Costs--SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Cordially Invites You to an Educational Forum on Programs to

 Help Freeze Your Rent or

Reduce Your Homeownership Costs

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

New York Public Library

310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10458

Ø RENTERS, did you know that more seniors and people with disabilities will now qualify for programs that will allow them to no longer receive rent increases? As of July 2014, income eligibility for individuals to qualify for SCRIE and DRIE programs has now increased to $50,000 per year.

Ø SENIOR HOMEOWNERS, did you know that you may qualify for additional tax exemptions?

Representatives from the New York City Department of Finance

will be in attendance to discuss the following programs :

o   Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)

o   Disability Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)

o   Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption (SCHE)

o   Enhances STAR Exemption (STAR)

If you are interested in any of these services please call 718-590-6248 to confirm your attendance. Light Refreshments will be served!